Free Pre-Natal Classes

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ Since the closing of the obstetrics department at Marshall Browning Hospital in 2003, families have often been forced to travel out of the area of parental education and related services for mother and baby. While the nearest delivery sites for moms-to-be are Carbondale, Mt. Vernon, Marion or Sparta, REA CLINIC-Du Quoin and the Perry County Health Department have teamed up to provide prenatal care and education closer to home.

On a quarterly basis, prenatal classes conducted by Barb Taylor, RN of the Perry County Health Department are held at REA CLINIC-Du Quoin. The classes are held on Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on a quarterly basis; they cover nutrition and prenatal care for mom, childbirth and pain control options, and newborn care after delivery.

Classes are free of charge to any/all citizens of Perry County who wish to attend. Those participants who attend all 4 classes also become eligible for a free car seat. These car seats have been obtained by the Perry County Health Department through two separate grants awarded by the IDOT. In addition the Perry County Health Department's Certified Passenger Safety Technicians will be conducting group sessions on the third Wednesday of every month to instruct on car seat requirements and proper car seat installation.

To register for prenatal classes, you may do so by contacting Linda Quillman, Mgr. REA CLINIC-Du Quoin at 618-542-8702 or Barb Taylor, RN at the Perry County Health Department. Anyone interested in attending a car seat session, having your car seat checked or need assistance in obtaining a car seat may contact Barb at 618-357-5371.