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Our Services

Maternal Child



When you find out you're pregnant


Prenatal Yoga Class
Sign up for this Yoga class to learn postures and breathing techniques which will help you through a healthy, relaxing pregnancy and birthing experience. Classes are offered every Monday evening. For more information and to register, please call (308) 398-5888 or (308) 227-9911. Each class is $5.

Doula Support
Call Stacy Gonifas at “Doula Services of Grand Island” at (308) 381-0330 or stacyann817@yahoo.com. Fee charged.

BY YOUR SIXTH MONTH (24 WEEKS)


Special Beginnings/Pre-Registration
We are now doing pre-registration by mail. This is for all women planning to give birth at Saint Francis Medical Center. Please call in your sixth month and we will gather some basic information in order to start your chart.
Then we will mail a questionnaire for you to complete and return to us. This paperwork will also include a birth plan so you can let us know what we can do to assist you with the birth your baby. Women need to call in their sixth month (24th week) or sooner. There is no fee for this service.
Please call Special Beginnings at (308) 398-5888.

In Your Fifth or Sixth Month (about 18-24 WEEKS)


Prepared Childbirth Four-Week Class Series
This Childbirth Class Series is taught privately by childbirth educators, but the classes are held here at the hospital. Please call Sue at (308) 382-7326 during your sixth month. The instructors will notify you of dates and location. There is a $50 fee.

HypnoBirthing
Please call Lana at (308) 384-5793 for more information on the HypnoBirthing five-week course, ideally before your sixth month (24th week). Plan early as this class is only offered 3-4 times per year.
For more information on HypnoBirthing go to www.hypnobirthing.com or www.believeinbirth.org.

In Your Sixth, Seventh or Eighth Month (24-32 weeks)


Birthing Center Tours
Free Tours of the Birthing Center are offered as follows:
  • Second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m.
  • One Saturday each month at 11:30 a.m. (call for dates)
  • Fourth Wednesday each month at 12:30 p.m.
  • Please call (308) 398-5888 and check first if the weather is getting bad. Meet in the lobby of the main entrance to the hospital.

Preparing for Breastfeeding Class
This class is for any woman considering whether to breastfeed 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, pumps, etc. Classes are the second Monday of each month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in a conference room at Saint Francis Medical Center. There is a $15 fee to cover the cost of materials. For more information on actual dates or register, please call (308) 398-5888.

BabyCare Basics
Learn the basics of caring for your newborn baby. Expectant parents should register to take this class whenever they feel it is convenient before the birth of the baby. Classes are held the fourth Monday of each month, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in a conference room at Saint Francis Medical Center. There is a $15 fee to cover the cost of materials for each couple. For more information on actual dates or to register, please call (308) 398-5888.

Infant CPR
New in 2010, Infant CPR will be taught from 8:30-9 p.m. right after BabyCare Basics class (no additional charge).

'Sharing Love' Sibling Education Class
This one-time class is intended for children from about 3-10 years of age who are expecting a new baby in their family. It includes a short video, a tour of the Birthing Center, viewing a new baby, discussions about mother’s hospitalization and refreshments. Parents need to accompany their children to this class to help promote bonding and acceptance. The class is offered once a month at 10 a.m. on a Saturday. There is a $10 fee per family. For more information on actual dates or to register, please call (308) 398-5888.

Carseat Check-Up Events with 'Safe Kids'
Please call (308) 398-6584 now to set up an appointment to get your carseat checked before your baby is born. There are different locations and dates to choose from in the Tri-Cities area. You will be expected to know how to use and install your own carseat properly once your baby is born.

Interested in donating your baby’s cord blood?
Call Babies for Life Foundation at (678) 937-1706 or enroll on their website at www.babiesforlife.org Must register before your 34th week of pregnancy. No cost to you and your donation will be listed on the National Marrow Donor Registry and if not used for donation it will be used for stem cell research.

After the Baby Arrives


Lactation Consultant
We have an RN is who a Lactation Consultant. If you have any questions about breastfeeding you may call her at (308) 398-6595 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. Please leave a message on her voicemail if she doesn’t answer.

'Eat at Mom’s' Weekly Breastfeeding Support Group
Having problems with breastfeeding, or just want to get out of the house and meet other new mothers? Come to the support group called “Eat at Mom’s” between 10 a.m.-noon every Tuesday for help from a Lactation Specialist. The group meets in the club room at HyVee. For more information, please call (308) 398-5888. There is no fee for this group.

Infant Massage Class
Please call R & R Therapeutic Massage at (308) 389-9177 if you are interested in learning infant massage. Ideally, this class series should be taken when the newborn is between the ages of 2-6 weeks. A fee is charged.

Other Resources Available


Free Counseling
If you feel you would like help with difficult decisions on parenting a child, 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. Among the things they can do: help you identify and sort through your emotions, help you talk to your family, discuss your options and your rights, discuss the role of your baby’s father, including his rights and responsibilities (as well as your own), explore adoption and parenting options, provide you with information about other resources in the community.
Just want to talk? Call Nebraska Children’s Home at (308) 381-0568.

WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program at Central Nebraska Health District
Supplemental food program. Call (308) 385-5188 for breastfeeding support. Peer counselors available for free in-home visits.