Catawba Valley Medical Center
828.326.3000
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Women and Children

The POD: Women & Children's Education Center

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 9am to 11am, 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. CVMC and SAFE Kids Catawba County hold FREE car seat safety inspections the 1st Tuesday each month from 1:30pm-3:30pm in Catawba County Public Health's parking lot located at 3070 11th Ave Dr SE in Hickory.
    • OR, For an appointment to have your car seat inspected at other times call CVMC Health First Center 828.485.2300, 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.