Memorial announces next prenatal classes

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[CHESTER - The next scheduled prenatal class at Memorial Hospital in Chester will be Saturday, March 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the hospital conference room. Instructors for the classes are Jill Arbeiter, R.N., and Julie Hartman, LPN. Arbeiter worked in Memorial's OB department for 25 years and holds an inpatient certification in obstetrics. She has also worked in the OB units at Red Bud Regional Hospital and currently works in the OB department at Perryville, MO. Hartman also worked for many years in Memorial's OB department.

"Since epidural anesthesia is available to most laboring moms, many may feel that prenatal education is not necessary," said Jill Arbeiter, R.N., and Julie Hartman, L.P.N., co-instructors of the class. Both Arbeiter and Hartman disagree with that line of thinking.

Included in the class curriculum are such subjects as maternal nutrition, pregnancy complications, infant feeding, child safety, growth and development of the newborn, discipline and child rearing. Cesarean sections and anesthesia options are discussed and films are shown that educate the expectant family about many aspects of childbirth. Lamaze breathing and relaxation techniques are introduced and practiced.

These parenthood preparation classes at Memorial Hospital in Chester are given free of charge to the public. Pre-registration is, however, preferred.

Anyone interested in registered or wishing to obtain more information, may call Memorial's nursing office, 618/826-4581, Ext. 1223.