The Tender Beginnings program at Greenwich Hospital is a wonderful way for couples and families to prepare for labor, delivery and baby care. Courses are offered for moms, dads, siblings and grandparents and are taught by registered nurses from Greenwich Hospital's Maternal/Child Unit, many of whom are certified as educators and consultants on the topics they teach. New courses are constantly being added to meet the needs of our community.

All Tender Beginnings classes require pre-registration. To register, call 203-863-3655. Questions? Weekdays, call 203-863-3655, 8am-3pm, or email Vera.Licursi@greenwichhospital.org. Please note, rooms and times are subject to change.

Greenwich Hospital’s Maternity Services involve a wide range of specialists – obstetricians, perinatologists, anesthesiologists, neonatologists and pediatricians. Dieticians, social workers and other healthcare professionals complete the team. Together, we provide comprehensive care for women and babies before, during and after pregnancy. Take an online maternity tour. See labor and delivery rooms, postpartum unit and more.

Visit our Women's Resource Center for information on all kind of women's health concerns. It's in the Medical Library in our beautiful Watson Pavilion. Open 8:30am-4:30pm, Monday through Friday.

Before Pregnancy Anesthesia Pain Management in Labor and Delivery—What Are My Options? Fertility and IVF Services Genetic Counseling & Prenatal Testing Orientation to Pregnancy Pediatrician Night During Pregnancy Grandparenting Class Massage During Labor Adult Maternity Tours Prenatal Massage Prenatal Yoga Safe and Sound Childbirth Preparation Four-Week Course Two-Day Course One-Day Course Refresher Class Cesarean Section Class CPR Friends & Family

Baby Care and Feeding Baby Care Class for Parents Starting Baby on Solid Foods Breastfeeding Class Just for Kids Pediatric Orientation Safe Sitter Babysitting Course Sibling Class Sibling Tours After the Baby is Born Mommy and Me Yoga Postpartum Massage Postpartum Visit Parenting Programs/Support Groups Parents Exchange (parents of children ages 4 months-high school) Parents’ Exchange Infant/Toddler Group Newborn Mothers Group - mothers with babies under 4 months of age “Tender Bridges” for NICU parents Perinatal Bereavement Support Group

CH @ GH signifies a program sponsored by Community Health at Greenwich Hospital.

Before Pregnancy

Anesthesia Pain Management in Labor and Delivery—What Are My Options?
Get essential information about pain control options for labor and delivery at Greenwich Hospital, with a focus on medication. This 1-hour class, including a question-and-answer period, will be taught by a board certified anesthesiologist and pain management consultant, along with a labor/delivery nurse. Held quarterly. To register, or for more information call 203-863-3655. Fee.

Fertility and IVF Services
Full range of state-of-the-art clinical treatments and assisted reproductive laboratory technologies (ART) in a supportive, personalized and private setting at 55 Holly Hill Lane, Greenwich. Affiliated with NYU Fertility Center. Visit the Greenwich Fertility & IVF Center web site at greenwichivf.com. For an appointment, please call 203-863-2990. Fee. (Most managed care plans accepted.)

Genetic Counseling & Prenatal Testing
For anyone concerned about a possible increased risk to pregnancy due to maternal age or family history. By appointment. Call 203-863-3674. Fee.

Orientation to Pregnancy
If you’re thinking about becoming pregnant or in the first few months of pregnancy, this 2-hour class offers information on having a healthy pregnancy. Topics include the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy, nutrition, relaxation and exercise techniques, things to avoid during pregnancy, expectations of the hospital stay and more. Taught by a registered maternity nurse. Call 203-863-3655. Fee.

Pediatrician Night
Learn about the newborn in this one-hour class taught by a pediatrician in the community along with a registered maternity nurse. Topics include developmental stages during the first year, immunizations and circumcision, plus information on how to choose a pediatrician, when to contact one, and the pediatrician’s role in your baby’s care. Both instructors will be available for a question and answer period following the talk. Held quarterly. To register, call 203-863-3655. Fee.

During Pregnancy

Tours
Adult Maternity Tours: See the labor and delivery suite, nursery and postpartum unit. Offered periodically on Saturdays and on weekday evenings. Call 203-863-3655 for tour dates and times. FREE. (For health and safety reasons, children are not permitted on adult tours.)

Sibling Tours: Familiarize children with the nursery and postpartum unit. Tours given on Tuesdays, once a month. Call 203-863-3655. FREE.

Prenatal Massage
Massage during pregnancy focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be by providing therapeutic bodywork and nurturing touch to help her feel more at home in her changing body. Helps reduce stress and promote relaxation, improves circulation and general body tone, and lessens neck, back and joint pain. Physician clearance required. Sponsored by Greenwich Hospital's Center for Integrative Medicine Program. Call 203-863-3615. Fee.

Massage During Labor
This specialized massage supports the childbirth process by reducing anxiety and stress, and relaxing muscles involved in labor and birth. Massage during labor helps the mother keep calm and focused throughout labor and delivery. Physician referral required. Sponsored by Greenwich Hospital's Center for Integrative Medicine Program. Call 203-863-3615. Fee.

Prenatal Yoga
Prepare your mind, body and spirit for labor and childbirth. Gentle, safe yoga postures tone and strengthen muscles, and help you gain or maintain flexibility. Breathing and relaxation techniques aid concentration and relieve tension. Taught by a registered nurse, certified in prenatal and hatha yoga. Series of four 1-1/2 hour classes. To register, call 203-863-3655. Fee.

Grandparenting Class
This 1-1/2-hour discussion and informational session introduces grandparents to their changing role and relationship as parents and grandparents. They'll also learn about prenatal and infant care in today's world, plus car seats and essential infant safety and baby care are addressed. For current and expecting grandparents. Call 203-863-3655. Fee.

Safe and Sound
This 2 - hour class is especially designed for expectant or new parents and grandparents. Learn to prepare your home and car for your new baby. Hear lifesaving information related to car seats, cribs and toys, as well as water, poisoning and choking. Held every other month. Call 203-863-3655. Fee.

Childbirth Preparation
These classes offer total preparation for childbirth and include the Lamaze Method plus a tour of the labor and delivery suite, nursery and postpartum units. Taught by registered nurses certified in childbirth education.

Four-Week Course
Meets weekly on Tuesday evenings. Prospective parents should start six to eight weeks before due date. Please register early. Call 203-863-3655. Fee.

Two-Day Course
Designed for those who have time restrictions. Held twice a month on Saturdays from 10am-1pm. Prospective parents should start four to six weeks before due date. Please register early. Call 203-863-3655. Fee.

One-Day Course
Designed for those who have time restrictions. Held monthly on Saturdays or Sundays from 9am-4pm. Prospective parents should start four to six weeks before due date. Please register early. Call 203-863-3655. Fee.

Refresher Class
Review of labor process, and breathing and relaxation techniques. Ideal for parents who have already delivered a baby or have had a long interval between pregnancies. This two-hour class is held every other month. Call 203-863-3655. Fee.

Cesarean Section Class
This childbirth class prepares expectant parents who are scheduled for their first cesarean delivery. Topics include preparing for delivery, relaxation techniques, cesarean section room procedures, pain management, postpartum recovery, and the role of the partner/support person.

Call 203-863-3655. Fee.

Baby Care and Feeding

Breastfeeding Class
A 2-1/2 hour class for expectant parents focusing on all aspects of breastfeeding from delivery room to postpartum. Explore breastfeeding issues such as establishing good milk supply, nutrition and pumping. Taught by Greenwich Hospital RNs certified in lactation consulting. Held on Saturday, once a month. Call 203-863-3655. Fee.

Baby Care Class for Parents
Essential learning for expectant parents including feeding, bathing, cord care, sleep patterns and proper car seat use. A 2-hour class held twice a month. Call 203-863-3655. Fee.

Starting Baby on Solid Foods
This one-hour class guides you through introducing solid food to your infant. Information on appropriate foods, food allergies, and recipes provided. Taught by a registered dietitian. Call 203-863-3655. FREE.

Just For Kids

Sibling Class
A one-hour class that helps big brothers and sisters adjust to a new baby in the family. Includes a video about siblings and a tour of the nursery and postpartum unit. For children ages 3-8 and their parents. Call 203-863-3655. FREE.

Pediatric Orientation
Tour of the hospital's pediatric unit for school or community groups or anyone anticipating the hospitalization of a child. Short video included. Monday through Friday, by appointment. Call 203-863-3553. FREE.

Safe Sitters Babysitting Course
A babysitting course designed to teach 11-14 year olds everything they need to know to safely care for children. Certification awarded to participants after successful completion of class. Taught by RNs certified by SafeSitter.org. Call 203-863-3655. Fee.

Sibling Tours

After the Baby is Born

Mommy and Me Yoga
This postnatal class is for new moms and their babies, ages 6 weeks to 6 months. Through yoga, you will gently tone and strengthen muscles, improve circulation, reduce fatigue and increase relaxation. You will also find a supportive environment to bond with your baby and meet other new moms. This series of four 1 1/2-hour classes is taught by a registered nurse certified in prenatal and hatha yoga.

To register, call 203-863-3655. Fee.

Postpartum Massage
Postpartum massage eases recovery from labor and birth by alleviating muscle strain and soreness and promoting healing. Nurturing touch and support to mothers during the early postpartum period offers emotional relief, too. Sponsored by Greenwich Hospital's Center for Integrative Medicine Program. Physician clearance required. Call 203-863-3615. Fee.

Postpartum Visit
Mothers who deliver at Greenwich Hospital may return for a mother/baby assessment with a maternity RN certified in lactation consulting 48-72 hours after discharge. Call 203-863-3569. FREE.

Parenting Programs/Support Groups

Newborn Mothers Group
A 6-week course addressing the needs of the newborn (under 4 months of age), and the physical and emotional adjustments of parenthood. Designed for mothers who recently have given birth. Topics include: Recovering from Birth; How Do We Learn to Become Parents?; Who Was I Before I Became a Mother?; Developmental Stages; Sex, Love and Babies; and Self-Esteem—Mom and Babies. Led by a member of our maternity nursing staff. Call 203-863-3655. Fee.

“Tender Bridges” for NICU parents
A newborn's stay in a neonatal intensive care unit can be a stressful experience for families. Through our “Tender Bridges” program, parents of babies in Greenwich Hospital's NICU can reach out to other parents who have been in similar situations and can offer support. If you would like to participate, either during or after your baby's stay, please call 203-863-3655. FREE.

Parents Exchange (parents of children ages 4 months-high school) - CH @ GH
Parents Exchange offers a variety of parenting classes and support groups that are divided according to the age of your child, from 4 months through high school. Led by qualified child development specialists. Preregistration required. Space limited. Groups run in 14-week semesters: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Riverside. Infant/Toddler classes are at the Presbyterian Church of Old Greenwich. Call 203-863-3794 for information, plus schedule. Print and mail the completed Parent's Exchange 2nd - 12th Grade Spring 2010 Registration form to: Community Health at Greenwich Hospital - Attn: Lyn Linz, 5 Perryridge Road, Greenwich, CT 06830. Fee.

Parents’ Exchange Infant/Toddler Group
This education and support group is for parents of infants between the ages of 4-36months. Facilitated by a child development professional, you'll build on your strengths and develop new insights from other moms and dads facing similar experiences. This safe, nurturing and reassuring environment will help you grow as a parent and develop lifelong friendships. Parents and their babies meet weekly for 1-1/2 hours during each 14-week semester. Call 203-863-3794 for more information, plus schedule. Print and mail the completed Parent's Exchange Infant/Toddler Fall 2010 Registration form to: Community Health at Greenwich Hospital - Attn: Lyn Linz, 5 Perryridge Road, Greenwich, CT 06830. Fee.

Topics and Speakers: Your group will decide on the topics to discuss and speakers to invite. To help you get started, we will provide a list of experts that include physicians, child psychologists, dietitians and community agencies. Popular subjects have included:

• Sleep Patterns
• Motherhood & Managing Careers
• Postpartum Blues
• Evaluating and Hiring Nannies and Babysitters
• Infant Development and Milestones
• Nutrition
• Separation Anxiety
• Learning Through Play

Your Facilitator: Cathy Malley is a human development specialist from the University of Connecticut who has been involved with Parents’ Exchange for more than 20 years. She has done extensive work in the area of parent education and published extensively on the topic.