This course covers all the basics of breastfeeding. It is intended for the first-time mom or as a refresher for a mom who has already experienced breastfeeding. The course will the benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby as well as the essentials of starting and maintaining breastfeeding, pumping and storing milk and how to know your baby is getting enough breastmilk. Parents who have taken the childbirth education series are welcome to take the class if they want to explore the topic more thoroughly or want a refresher. Moms are welcome to bring their partners or come alone, nursing babies are welcome.

This course goes over the essentials of caring for a newborn baby. The class is intended for both parents or any caregivers of an infant to learn essential information. Important topics like what to expect after delivery and in the first few weeks are covered, breastfeeding and feeding basics, diapering basics, infant health and safety and much more.

This class focuses on the basics of what happens to the human body, both male and female, during puberty. This time represents the changes that take place as the body changes from a child’s body and prepares to become an adult body, capable of reproduction. This class is intended for tweens ages 10-13 years of age. Parents are welcome to attend or to bring their child to class and come back for them once class has ended. The class will provide the same information to boys and girls but will be offered separately to promote comfort with asking questions and open dialogue. The class will cover the topics of basic anatomy and physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty. Physical changes include changes in body shape and size, body hair, acne, physical changes to the reproductive system including menstruation. Emotional changes will include mood swings, increased sensitivity and interest in the opposite sex. A basic explanation of sexual reproduction will be discussed as it pertains to the changes brought about by puberty. Each person taking this class needs to register individually. Parents are welcome to email the instructor, Kathy Coleman at kcoleman@sjrmc.net with questions or for more information.