Services Provided
Routine prenatal care:
High-risk pregnancies:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Infectious diseases
- Amniocentesis for chromosomal (genetic) studies
- Post-term pregnancy
- Fetal growth restriction
- Management of miscarriages
- Complicated vaginal delivery
Routine intrapartum and postpartum care:
Obstetrical Questions
- Will I get stretch marks when I am pregnant?
Stretch marks occur in over half of pregnant
women. They generally begin in the later months of pregnancy as a
result of the growing uterus and the stretching of normal skin.
Stretch marks often start as reddish-colored, pink or purple streaks
that turn to silver or white lines after the pregnancy is over.
Massages and ointments may help stretch marks, but they generally do
not prevent them from happening.
- Is it safe to drink coffee and other beverages
containing caffeine during pregnancy?
There is no proof that small amounts of caffeine
(for instance, 1 or 2 cups of coffee daily) cause problems during
pregnancy.
- Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy?
Yes, sexual activity during pregnancy is safe for
most women right up until labor, unless a woman’s ob-gyn has advised
against it. Couples may need to try different positions as the
woman’s stomach grows. Women may be advised to limit or avoid sex if
they have had preterm labor or birth, more than one miscarriage,
placenta previa, infection, bleeding and/or breaking of the amniotic
sac or leaking amniotic fluid.
- Is it safe to dye your hair during pregnancy?
It is believed that hair dyes are most likely
safe to use during pregnancy since very little is absorbed through the
skin. Women should realize, though, that because pregnancy causes
change in hormone levels, the hair color may not come out as expected.
- Should I have a baby after 35?
No! 35 children are enough. But seriously, the
reason that we talk to people about having babies after the age of 35
has to do with the risks of chromosomal abnormalities. Women can have
babies born with chromosomal problems (the most common of which is
Down’s Syndrome) at any age, but it becomes more likely as they get
older. Once women reach age 35, the risks of chromosomal
abnormalities is high enough that it is worth taking some extra steps
to get additional information. Additional steps that can be taken
include a level III ultrasound and amniocentesis. If you are over 35
and have specific questions about the risks associated with pregnancy,
it would be a good idea to talk to your provider about this.
Dickinson County Hospital Classes Offered
Prenatal Education Series
Breastfeeding Class
This class is for anyone considering
breastfeeding and is suggested for women in their 7th to 9th month of
pregnancy. All aspects of breastfeeding are covered; from breast and
nipple preparation to weaning. Also provides a network of support and
follow-up for families after the birth of the baby/hospital discharge.
Time: Second Thursday of each month
7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
No class will be held in July
Location: The home of Sue Bjorkman,
RN
368 Cass Avenue, Kingsford
Cost: $20.00*
Caring for Baby & You
This is a class for the pregnant woman
and her partner at 32-36 weeks of pregnancy. Topics covered include:
- Pre-registration/admission
- OB department tour
- Infant care
- Postpartum care
- Hospital routine
Time: Wednesdays as scheduled
6:00 to 8:00
p.m.
Location: Lower Level Conference Room
Dickinson Memorial
Hospital
Cost: No Charge
Childbirth Education Class
This series of classes is designed to
better prepare the pregnant woman and her partner for each phase of
the childbirth process.
Topics covered include:
- Pre-registration/admission
- OB department tour
- Pregnancy overview and care in the later months
- Labor and delivery process
- Role of the labor partner
- Breathing and relaxation techniques
- Childbirth issues, options and concerns
- Pain control techniques
- Coping and management skills
- Care and feeding of the newborn
Time: Four consecutive Tuesdays
7:00 to 9:00
p.m.
or one
Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
*Call Central
Scheduling for start dates or
one
Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
February 5th,
May 7th, September 10th, and November 5th.
*Saturday
class is designed for those who cannot
attend the weekly
classes.
Location: Lower Level Conference Room
Dickinson Memorial Hospital
Cost: $60.00*
Sibling Class
This is a class designed
for upcoming brothers and sisters over the age of three.
Topics covered include:
- OB department tours
- Handling babies
- Ways to help mom and dad
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
March
12th, May 14th, July 9th, September 10th,
and
November 12th.
Location: Lower Level Conference Room
Dickinson Memorial Hospital
Cost: $20.00 per family*
Boot Camp for New Dads
Sponsored by The Family Center of Florence
County, Boot Camp for New Dads is a program in which veteran dads
(those fathers and their two to three month old babies) orient rookie
dads (fathers-to-be) on the realities of fatherhood. The class is
designed to offer a relaxed atmosphere where men can freely discuss
the stresses and joys involved with becoming a father.
Topics covered include:
- Caring for babies, particularly when they are
crying
- Caring for new moms, particularly when they are
crying
- Working your regular 60-hour work week on no
sleep
- Building baby into your budget
- Following a constant barrage of conflicting
advice
- Protecting your family’s “turf”
Time: Boot Camp is presented during the fourth
and
final class of the Childbirth
Education Series
(not available with the Saturday class). You
DO NOT have to participate in the
entire
Series to take part in the Boot Camp
class.
Location: Lower Level Conference Room
Dickinson Memorial Hospital
Cost: $10.00** - Scholarships Available
**There is no cost if you are
participating in the
Childbirth Education
Class Series.
*Cost for classes subject to change. Please
confirm cost upon registration.
To register for any of these classes call:
Dickinson Memorial Hospital
Central Scheduling
906-776-5383
.gif){kind=spacer}
