The POD: Women & Children's Education Center
Are you experiencing challenges related to the infant formula shortage? We've compiled a list of resources below, which can help families
access safe, healthy feeding options for their infants.
UPDATE:COVID-compliant classes are being reopened. Check our calendar for
when those are offered.
You may also enjoy taking a Virtual Tour of our Birthing Center (below)
and learning about
Online Childbirth eClasses.
If you have specific breastfeeding questions or concerns, we will continue
to have the Lactation Support Helpline which is
828-326-2086.
The following events will be affected:
- Lamaze Classes
- Baby Basics
- Birthing Center Tours
- Infant CPR
- Breastfeeding Class
- Mommy & Me Breastfeeding Group
- Sibling Class
- Grandparent Class
- Infant Car Seat Class
Please contact The POD
(828) 326-3062 with any questions or concerns.
Conveniently located at the Entry Level of the Center for Women & Children,
our Education Center (The POD) offers a variety of classes, tours, and
programs to assist every family through the childbirth experience. We
are honored to be a part of this very special time. Our educators encourage
completion of all classes no later than 30 days prior to the due date.
Lactation Supplies – CVMC is ready to help moms-to-be with a full line of maternity
and nursing bras, breast pumps for purchase or rental, and breastfeeding
accessories and supplies by Medela. We stock many hard to find sizes and
styles in Bravado and Medela maternity bras and tanks ranging from 32
to 44. We offer professional bra fittings for our nursing moms and moms
to be. We also carry a line of award winning BG & Co birthing gowns.
Registration for all classes, tours, and programs for expectant parents
offered at The POD & Birthing Center should be done at the earliest
convenience using our
online calendar. For assistance or to learn more, email our Education Center at thepod@cvmc.us
or call (828) 326-3062.
Classes & Programs Offered at The POD:
Our classroom space is limited. Please only reserve spaces if you are committed
to attend.
-
Lamaze Classes – A class series to prepare mother and support person for labor,
birth and postpartum. The birthing process, relaxation, breathing techniques
and medication options for birth are discussed.
-
“Great Start” Breastfeeding Class – This class covers prenatal breastfeeding basics to get you and
your baby off to a great start! This class is taught by a certified Lactation
Consultant.
-
Infant CPR – This class teaches the American Heart Association's Family
& Friends CPR program specifically for infants. Participants will
receive individual instruction in a small class setting. This is not a
certification class. Recommended for expectant parents and grandparents
or other infant care providers.
-
Baby Basics – This class provides basic baby care education, eases the transition
into parenthood, and fosters a healthy start for your child. Recommended
for all first time parents and other infant care givers or as a refresher course.
-
Baby Weigh Thursdays – Each Thursday morning, from 10am to 12pm, we invite nursing mothers
to come to The POD and use our baby scale to get an accurate weight for
their child. This is purely for convenience and no medical supervision
or Lactation services will be offered. Weigh only or if desired, obtain
pre/post nursing weights. The POD will be open to the public during this time.
-
Birthing Center Tours – Our informative tours last approximately 1 hour and will include
a visit to a Labor & Delivery Suite in the Birthing Center. Each registration
is good for the expectant mother and one adult support person. Recommended
for all prospective patients.
-
Infant Car Seat Class – Car seats save lives, but only when used correctly. Parents learn
how to choose and install a rear-facing infant car seat and safely secure
their newborn.
- For an appointment to have your car seat inspected call CVMC Health First
Center (828) 485-2300 x6206, Hickory Fire Department (828) 323-7420, Early
Childhood Resource Center (828) 695-6595, Catawba County EMS (828) 464-1575
or Claremont Fire Department (828) 459-9296.
-
Sibling Class - Big brother or big sister will learn what to expect when the new baby
is born and will enjoy interactive activities. Goodie bags will be given
to each child attending the class. When registering, please reserve the
number of spaces for each adult and child attending. Recommended for children
ages 3-10 years.
-
"Grand" Grandparenting Class - This class introduces them to the joys of grandparenting. Infant CPR is
also taught during this class. Recommended for all new grandparents-to-be.
-
Mommy and Me Breastfeeding Group – A certified lactation consultant will be available to answer your
breastfeeding questions. An infant scale will be available to weigh your
baby. This is a casual group intended to support your efforts to nurse
your baby and meet other nursing moms with whom you can share your experiences.
This is a floating group and no registration is required. Recommended
for nursing mothers, their babies and female support persons only please.
Car Seat Safety Information
Please take a few minutes to watch these informative videos on how to safely
install your baby's car seat and how to properly secure your baby
in the seat. Videos produced and provided by the Children's Hospital
of Philadelphia. Used by permission.
Infant car seat installation
CHOP: Rear-Facing Car Seats