March 10 - 17, 2000 -- Don't Wait To Prepare for Birth

Eight months through a pregnancy is too late to begin a Lamaze course. A typical class lasts six weeks, says UAB Director of Women's and Infants Services Madonna Nichols, R.N. She adds that a woman should speak with her physician early on to find out what classes are appropriate and when to take them. That way, there's plenty of time for planning. UAB offers many classes to ready women for pregnancy, childbirth and parenting -- including New Life Education classes that cover the anatomy of pregnancy, stages of labor, analgesia and anesthesia, vaginal and operative delivery, postpartum and infant care and breathing and relaxation techniques. Nichols also recommends classes on breast-feeding, infant CPR and preparing the baby's siblings for her arrival.

Contact Tracy Bischoff, Media Relations, 205-934-8935 or [email protected].

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