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.
Classes & Programs Offered at The POD:
Our classroom space is limited. Please only reserve spaces if you are committed to attend.
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.
- Child Birth Education 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.
- Safe Kids – The POD is also home to the Safe Kids Coalition of Catawba County. Safe Kids is a nonprofit organization working to help families and communities keep kids safe from preventable injuries. We work with community partners to keep kids safe at home, at play, and on the road. The Safe Kids partnership allows The POD to offer a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician to inspect and install car seats throughout the week by appointment. For more information on the Safe Kids Coalition contact coordinator, Jessi Kirby, at 828.732.6206 or email jekirby@cvmc.us.
- 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.
