Colleen provides education in childbirth classes and ongoing education, support, and follow-up for breastfeeding after delivery.

She contacts mothers at regular intervals and encourages them to contact her if they have any questions or concerns.

She is also available for one to one consultations in the Obstetrics Department by appointment.

She can provide the latest information on breastfeeding supplies and rental information.

There is a charge for these services, however, most insurance companies will cover lactation services.

• Car seat voucher program
• Car seat installation and education program
• Special Needs Seats for Children with Casts or Special Handicaps Short term use also available for visiting grandchildren, etc.
• This program is coordinated by Jacqulyn Laffin, RN

CHILD BIRTH CLASSES

This is a series of seven classes to prepare expectant parents for the birth of their baby. These classes are most effective if taken during the pregnant couple's last trimester, and should be completed prior to your delivery month. Casual dress is recommended, and couples are encouraged to bring pillows, blankets and snacks for break-time.

Single women are welcome to attend and encouraged to bring a family member or close friend with them to participate in the breathing and relaxation exercises offered.

Class instructors are Colleen J. Robbins RN, IBCLC, CCE, who is a Lactation Consultant and Certified Childbirth Educator, and Joan Lunn RN, CCE, who is a Certified Childbirth Educator.

Class One
Introduction and Registration

• What can you expect?
• Physical and Hormonal changes
• Made for Babies/Made for Labor
• Nutrition for the growing baby
• The "Coach" -- Important part of Labor Team
• Introducing the "Goodie Bag"

Class Two
Labor- What is it? How will I know that D-day is here?

• Is it True Labor or False Labor?
• Your bag of tricks
• Coping tools
• How do you like to be comforted?
• Movie: Knowing your Unborn

Class Three
Getting Started - Early Labor

• Signs that Labor is starting
• Write your own Labor story
• How long will it last?
• Warning signs
• Non-stress tests and other procedures
• Slow deep breathing
• Relaxation techniques for early labor
• Movie: Comfort measures for childbirth

Class Four
The big day. . .Active Labor at last

• Dealing with the discomforts of Labor
• Medications used in Labor
• Movie: Coping with the Pain of Labor
• What if Labor doesn't start on its own?
• Induction -- What is it and how is it done?
• Patterned Breathing
• Visualization

Class Five
OB Department Tour

• Stage 2 - Delivery of the baby
• Pushing at last
• Movie on Pushing techniques and 3 births
• Reasons for Cesarean Birth and what happens if you are one of the 19% of pregnant women in Maine who deliver by Cesarean section
• Movie: Cesarean Childbirth
• Reinforcement of breathing and relaxation exercises covered in class

Class Six
You're a family now

• Mock Labor
• Apgar Scores
• Newborn characteristics
• The first six weeks: what to expect for mom and baby
• Circumcision: what is it and when does it happen?
• Movie: Begin With Love

Class Seven (bring doll or stuffed animal)
Class Breastfeeding: Best for baby and best for mom

• The first feedings
• Latch on and Positioning
• Supply and Demand
• Encouraging signs
• Problems can be avoided
• Sore nipples
• Returning to work and school
• Breast pumps
• Combining breast feeding with bottle feeding
• Infant formulas
• Movie: The why to, how to of Breastfeeding