Prenatal & Parenthood Classes and Resources
Having your baby is a wondrous experience and we want you to feel comfortable, safe and at ease. Our Welcome to Life class series is provided to help ensure a healthy pregnancy and to gain knowledge about what is happening to your body, your emotions and your baby.
To register or for more information on Breastfeeding Support Group, Understanding Natural Childbirth Techniques, or Birth Ball Basics Class, please call (209) 461-5213.
Breastfeeding Support Group
Wednesdays at 1pm
St. Joseph’s Medical Center - Patient Pavilion
Our Breastfeeding Support Group meets in person every Wednesday at 1:00pm in the Maternity Department. This group’s purpose is to support mothers through breastfeeding education and information. Breastfeeding is difficult and takes practice and knowledge to be successful. In this group, you can work one-on-one with our board-certified lactation consultant and at the same time learn from and encourage other mothers. If you have questions or concerns, we are here to help! We want you to be successful. Registration is not mandatory for Breastfeeding Support Group.
Understanding Natural Childbirth Techniques Online Class
Having your baby is a wondrous experience and we want you to feel comfortable, safe, and at ease. Our Understanding Natural Childbirth Techniques Class is provided for those mothers who are planning to have a birth with limited medical interventions. This course covers the philosophy behind natural childbirth while providing comfort measure practices for labor.
Topics include positioning, breathing, massage, visualization, acupressure, and mindfulness.
Birth Ball Basics Class
Explore movement and wellness strategies to support your journey through motherhood. This class introduces birthing ball basics to help you find comfortable positions and relaxation techniques for labor, support your postpartum recovery through gentle exercises and education on core engagement, and improve your overall fitness and well-being.
*This class is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult with your health care provider before starting any new exercise program during pregnancy or after childbirth.
Infant CPR Kit
Parents can now learn the lifesaving skill of infant CPR and relief of choking from the comfort of their own home. Those caring for the new baby can learn these lifesaving skills and be prepared to respond during the first few minutes of a life threatening emergency. Please call St. Joseph’s Education Department at (209) 467-6331 to request your take-home training kit.
Parking
Parking is available in the underground parking garage on Maple Street from 5am to 9pm. The cost for parking is $5 per vehicle, per day.
Parking is also available on the corner of Maple and Cemetery Lane across from the Emergency Room and is open 24 hours. The cost for parking is $3.00 per vehicle, per day. Anyone with a handicapped placard can access our parking lots at no charge.
*The Emergency Department parking lot on Maple Street is reserved only for patients seeking emergency medical assistance. Parking is free once your baby is born. Be sure to let the parking attendant know.