Gettysburg Hospital Prenatal and Family Development Classes

Gettysburg Hospital offers a variety of classes to help prepare parents and family members for the arrival of a new baby. We are committed to getting families off to a healthy start.

Pregnancy Planning Class

Maybe a Baby: Preparing for Pregnancy - This workshop is designed for couples planning a pregnancy. Topics discussed include getting your body ready for pregnancy, becoming pregnant, the transition from couplehood to parenthood, financial planning and the baby's normal growth and development. The cost is $10 per couple.  

Baby on the Way . . . Early Pregnancy: A Time of Change and Good Health - Designed for expectant moms (and their families) in their first trimester, this program offers information about staying healthy during pregnancy and appropriate care routines. Information about WellSpan services will also be offered. Free.

The Importance of Prenatal Care (Program offered in Spanish)
Every last Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon and repeated from 2 to 4 p.m. What is prenatal care?  Why is prenatal care important?  Answers to these and other questions will be reviewed during this free two hour presentation.  Additional information including media and health literature resources in Spanish will be available.

Speaker: Yeimi K. Gagliardi, WellSpan Community Health Improvement
Location:  WellSpan South Washington Street Health Center, Women's Resource Room, 2nd Floor
For information or to register call Yeimi Gagliardi (717) 337-4264, ext. 6 (Hablo Español). 

Childbirth Preparation Class Offerings

Childbirth Preparation Program - This six-week course is for first-time mothers and their coaches. Topics covered include: adapting to physiological changes in pregnancy, fetal development, labor and delivery, Cesarean childbirth, infant feeding, infant safety, and more. A new program begins every other month. Cost is $65.

Becoming a Big Brother/Big Sister - This one-hour class will help children of all ages prepare for a newborn. It also helps children prepare for and cope with the stresses of a growing family while reinforcing their own very important place in the family. Cost is $10.

Planned Cesarean Birth - The goal of this class is to achieve a positive childbirth experience by preparing for a planned Cesarean birth. The cost is $10.00 per couple.

The Second Time Around - This refresher course is helpful for parents who have already had a child. It reviews labor and delivery and provides suggestions for preparing the house and siblings for the arrival of a new baby. The cost is $30 per couple.

The First Year of Parenting - A free seven week program developed to provide parents with the important skills needed during an infant's first year of life.

Obstetrical Tours
Tours of the Maternity Unit are offered twice a month - the first Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. and the third Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Private tours may be scheduled at other times by calling (717) 337-4184.

Grandparents Class 
A two hour class for expectant grandparents that includes a tour of the maternity center.  $8 per person.

Support Group

MommyTalk
New motherhood and the pressures of daily life often bring about many challenges.  Not only are you learning your new role as a parent, but you are also adjusting to your changing body, relationship with your partner, daily schedule and more. 

Mommy Talk is a monthly group designed to connect new moms with useful information in an environment that allows for social interaction and sharing.  Each month, the group focuses on a topic geared towards new moms and allows time for open discussion.  All new moms are welcome.  Feel free to hold your baby in your arms if you don't have childcare.  

For more information, please contact Wendy McDowell at (717) 851-4305 or via email at wmcdowell@wellspan.org .

Class Schedules
For more information on class schedules, call Gettysburg Hospital's Public Relations and Communications Office at (717) 337-4272.