Get Ready to Be a "MOMM"
Classes Help You Prepare for Parenthood

Staff members Courtney Littlefield, G.N. and Stephanie Eslinger, R.N. from the Family BirthPlace.

At Manatee Memorial Hospital, we offer help for new moms at the MOMM's (Mothers of Manatee Memorial) Place. Located in a bright, open suite on the third floor of the Outpatient Services building, MOMM's Place offers a variety of classes, support groups and other services. Whether you're preparing to be a parent or already caring for young children, we have resources that can help you.

Our classes include the following:

Debbie Mann, RN, Director of Women's Services at Manatee Memorial 941-745-7204

• Prepared Childbirth Class -- This six-week class teaches mothers and their partners ways to manage pregnancy and prepare for childbirth. It includes a tour of the Family BirthPlace.
• Your Amazing Newborn -- Learn how to care for your infant and meet the challenges of being a new parent.
• Introduction to Breastfeeding -- Discover the benefits of breastfeeding and get tips on how to breastfeed successfully.
• Keeping Baby Safe -- An introduction to infant CPR, car seat safety and a primer on what to do in common emergencies is provided.
• Lowdown on Labor -- A brief overview of the labor process is provided. We also will discuss when to come to the hospital and what to expect when you arrive, and provide information on birth certificates, visitation hours and recovery advice. You'll also learn how to care for yourself and your infant in the weeks following birth, including diapering and feeding your baby, and get recovery advice.
• Pregnancy Matters -- Information is provided to help you have a happy and healthy pregnancy and understand the changes you and your baby are going through.
• Mommy Yollet -- An exercise class that combines elements of yoga and ballet to help strengthen and relax the body and mind.

Monthly Support Groups
MOMM's Place also offers monthly support groups where you can meet other parents and babies and share experiences. One-on-one breastfeeding consultations with a lactation specialist, car seat inspections and gestational diabetes education also are available.

Katie Powers, RN, Coordinator of MOMM's Place at Manatee Memorial 941-745-6925

Katie Powers, RN, IBCLC (International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners), Coordinator of MOMM's Place, says the classes and support groups offer benefits beyond education. "At first, people come for the information, but the friendships and welcoming environment keep them coming back for years," she says. "Even the babies begin to recognize each other and make friends!"

Powers, a mother of five, has been teaching childbirth classes for more than 30 years and has been with MOMM's Place since 1995. She now teaches mothers who were the babies in some of her first classes. Powers leads a staff of five registered nurses, each of whom has a particular specialization and professional certification in prenatal care, breastfeeding or infant care.

Most classes last two to three hours and are offered on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings. Support groups meet on weekdays. Prices range from $15 to $70. We also offer free valet parking!

Are you a new Mom? Join a Class
To learn more about MOMM's Place, or to register for classes, please call 941-745-6925.

206 Second Street East, Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-5111 FAX: 941-745-6862