Hospital offers birth preparation classes

Sonoma Valley Hospital will be offering the first in a series of Childbirth Preparation classes which will provide an overview of labor, childbirth and post care.

The first class is scheduled to begin Tuesday, Feb. 2. Among the topics to be covered will be: relaxation and movement; pregnancy wellness; lactation and breast feeding; how your partner can help you and techniques for coping with pain.

The class, which consists of four weekly sessions held on Tuesdays, will be lead by an experienced perinatal nurse from the hospital’s birthing center, the Birthplace. These classes are intended for women in their second or third trimester and their partners. Classes will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sonoma Valley Hospital, and there is a fee of $100. To register, call 935-5084.

Sonoma Valley Hospital has been recognized as one of 33 “High-Performing Hospitals” in California for the quality of its maternity care services, according to a recent report issued by The California Hospital Assessment and Reporting Taskforce.

The Birthplace at Sonoma Valley Hospital has three private suites for labor, birthing and recovery, and five postpartum rooms, staffed by an experienced team of skilled obstetric nurses who provide personalized attention. A pediatrician and anesthesiologist are available 24 hours a day. Anyone interested in scheduling a tour can call 935-5301.