Childbirth education classes scheduled in April

BEMIDJI, Minn. - Sanford Bemidji's "Understanding Birth" childbirth education course offers expectant mothers two choices for learning: in the classroom or online. Registration for childbirth education is recommended approximately eight weeks before the expected due date.

Classroom Option 1: Over the course of three evenings, experienced labor and delivery nurses provide information about what to expect during childbirth. The next session of classroom childbirth education will be held April 6, 13, and 20, 2015. All classes meet from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the hospital's east lobby.

Classroom Option 2: A one-day class option is also available. The all-day Saturday class is scheduled for March 28, 2015. The one-day Saturday class runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and meets in the east lobby of the hospital.

Online: "Understanding Birth" online class offers 24/7 access to learn more about the childbirth experience when and where convenient. Upon registration, a unique login and password are provided. The online version includes videos and interactive activities.

In the classroom or online, both options cover:

* Stages of labor and birth

* Coaching the mom through labor and delivery

* Coping with contractions and use of relaxation techniques

* Options for controlling pain during labor

* Cesarean birth

* What to expect once home

In the classroom or online, the cost for "Understanding Birth"childbirth education is $10 and includes a hospital tour. For a complete schedule, to register or for more information, contact Sanford Bemidji's Center for Learning Department at (218) 333-5578 or by email at education-BEM@sanfordhealth.org.

About Sanford Health

Sanford Health is an integrated health system headquartered in the Dakotas and is now the largest, rural, not-for-profit health care system in the nation with locations in 126 communities in nine states. In addition, Sanford Health is in the process of developing international clinics in Ghana, Mexico and China.

Sanford Health includes 43 hospitals, 140 clinic locations and 1,360 physicians in 81 specialty areas of medicine. With more than 26,000 employees, Sanford Health is the largest employer in North Dakota and South Dakota. The system is experiencing dynamic growth and development in conjunction with nearly $1 billion in gifts from philanthropist Denny Sanford. These gifts are making possible the implementation of several initiatives, including global children's clinics, multiple research centers and finding cures for type 1 diabetes and breast cancer. For more information, visit sanfordhealth.org.