For the latest COVID-19 updates including our current visitor policies, safety precautions and county vaccine updates , visit our COVID-19 information center.
We have begun to offer in-person classes again. Tours are also available again. We continue to offer an on-line option for education if you are not comfortable attending in person.
You want to be as prepared as possible for the arrival of your little one—our classes will give you the skills and information you need to create a happy, healthy future for baby and yourself.
CHI Health offers a variety of childbirth and parenting classes, including topics such as birthing techniques, breastfeeding, caring for your baby and newborn parenting classes. It's easy to find exactly what you need. Take a look to see what is offered near you. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes as most classes have activities on the floor. You may want to bring a pillow to sit on during classroom time.
Our locations have opened up one on one tours for expecting parents. Please call the number below for the campus you'd like to tour to schedule a time.
CUMC - Bergan Mercy - (402) 398-6550
Lakeside - (402) 717-8200
Mercy Council Bluffs - (712) 328-5252
Immanuel - (402) 572-2580
St. Francis - (308) 398-5888
St. Elizabeth - (402) 219-7465
Good Sam - (308) 865-7137
St. Mary’s - (402) 873-3321
Schuyler - (402) 352-2441
This series includes Childbirth Education: Labor, Delivery & Postpartum and Breastfeeding Basics.
CHI Health St. Francis and the Grand Island community offer a variety of educational classes to enhance your pregnancy, create a positive birth experience, and help you learn to care for your newborn as he or she grows. For your convenience, we have listed classes in a timeline.
For expectant parents, 7:00 p.m. Thursdays. Four-week session. For dates and fees call Sylvia at (308) 485-4627.
HypnoBirthing ® classes focus on using relaxation techniques and self-hypnosis to prepare you for a peaceful, calm delivery. Alternative to traditional childbirth classes. Plan early as these classes are only offered 2-3 times per year. Five-week session. For dates and fees call Lana at (308) 390-0968.
As a patient of CHI Health St. Francis, we want you to have the information you need to care for your newest addition to your family. Our goal is to educate our patients, families and caregivers to promote overall wellness and recovery during your stay with us and at home.
Our patient education library provides easy-to-understand programming on a variety of topics including newborn care, breastfeeding, baby development, shaken baby syndrome, circumcisions, immunizations, pregnancy, postpartum care and more. This video library is available 24 hours a day and on any device with a wi-fi connection.
Click here for English version and Spanish version.
Currently, we are not conducting tours of the Maternity Center. Visitation restrictions are currently in place to decrease possible exposure to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Normally, tours of the Maternity Center are offered on the Fourth Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. No registration is needed. In the case of bad weather, please call (308) 398-5888 to see if tours are still scheduled. Tours meet in the lobby of the main entrance to the hospital.
This class is for any woman considering breastfeeding her baby. Discussions cover why you should consider breastfeeding; physical and emotional preparation; needs of the newborn, mother and family; working while breastfeeding; support and resources; pacifiers; and breast pumps. Fathers or other support people are welcome to attend. One-night class for expectant parents, third Wednesday of February, April, June, August, October and December from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at CHI Health St. Francis. For fees, dates and to register, call (308) 398-6595.
A one-time class for expectant parents to learn about caring for their newborn, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. fourth Monday of January, March, May, July, September, and November in the CHI Health St. Francis conference room. There is a fee for materials. For Information/registration: (308) 398-5888
It’s very important to learn to install your car seat properly before your baby is born. Please call (308) 398-6584 in your sixth month of pregnancy to set up an appointment to get your car seat checked. You will be expected to know how to use and install your own car seat properly once your baby is born.
To support breastfeeding mothers, St. Francis provides a registered nurse who is a certified lactation consultant. This person can help mothers start breastfeeding during their hospital stay and can offer support after mom and baby go home. She is available for consultations by calling (308) 398-6595. Please leave a message on her voicemail if she doesn’t answer.
Having problems with breastfeeding or just want to get out of the house and meet other new mothers? This support group for breastfeeding mothers and babies, facilitated by breastfeeding counselors meets every Tuesday between 10 a.m. - Noon at Hy-Vee Club Room, 115 Wilmar Ave. No registration or fees. For more information, call (308) 398-6595.
Learn about the benefits massage can have for your newborn. One-time class for new parents and newborn, ideally between 2-6 weeks of age. Taught by licensed massage therapists at R&R Therapeutic Massage Clinic, 2343 Webb Rd. For fees and to register call (308) 389-9177.
If you feel you would like help with difficult decisions associated with an unintended pregnancy, there are caseworkers and counselors available to help you sort through your options and make a choice that is best for your baby and you. Call Nebraska Children’s Home at (308) 381-0568.
For more information about professional labor support, please call any of the following doulas for an appointment:
A fee is charged for using doula labor support.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a supplement food and nutrition education program for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or up to six-month post-partum as well as infants and children up to age of five. It is a short-term intervention program designed to encourage positive nutrition and health behaviors in a targeted, high-risk population. WIC services include peer counselors as well as breastfeeding support. Call (308) 385-5188 for more information.
Saturdays, every 5 weeks | 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Is your time limited? Are you a second time parent? This one-day labor preparation class includes information and practical skills regarding labor and delivery, coping techniques and cesareans.
Expectant dads…don’t know which end of the baby is up? Learn from some “veterans” at boot camp. By the time you’re discharged you’ll be prepared to handle everything from postpartum blues, to finances, to your in-laws.
Cost $65. Lunch is on your own.
1st Thursdays, every month | 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
A new baby is exciting, but for big brother or sister this addition may cause some fearful moments. Our FREE class prepares older children for baby’s arrival making them feel included and special.
4th Thursday (October 18th, November 15th and December 20th classes meet the 3rd Thursday), 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., GSH, West Tower Classrooms
lease note there will not be a July 25th session for the monthly prenatal Steps to Better Breastfeeding class.
Prepare for a wonderful breastfeeding experience at our Steps to Better Breastfeeding class intended for expectant mothers in their second or third trimester and their partners. This class is taught by our certified lactation team with the goal of providing a relaxed, comfortable and fun atmosphere where questions are welcomed. You'll leave feeling better prepared to breastfeed and a solid knowledge of where to find help when needed.
Every Monday, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., GSH, West Tower Classrooms
Our FREE group meets in a relaxed open-house environment that nurtures new friendships, lends support and provides a place for postpartum breastfeeding Moms and their babies to make connections for life. Facilitated by our certified lactation consultant, this group will share hints, education and provide an opportunity to weigh your baby tracking his/her progress.
For more information, contact our Certified Lactation Specialists at (308) 865-7689.
