Catawba Valley Medical Center
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Women and Children

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.

If you have specific breastfeeding questions or concerns, we will continue to have the Lactation Support Helpline which is 828-326-2086.

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.

Available events:

  • Lamaze Classes
  • Baby Basics
  • Birthing Center Tours
  • Infant CPR
  • Breastfeeding Class
  • Mommy & Me Breastfeeding Group
  • 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.

Rear-facing Car Seats for Babies: Safety Tips

Did you know children under 1 year of age must ride in a rear facing car seat? Always buckling children in age- and size-appropriate car seats reduces serious injuries and death by up to 80%. This video contains excellent infant car seat information.

2022 American Academy of Pediatrics Safe Sleep Guidelines

Did you know all babies should sleep on their back until age 1 year? Please visit https://www.cribsforkids.org or watch the video below for important information on providing a safe sleep environment for your baby.