PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Northern Light AR Gould Hospital is pleased to announce that once again it is going to be offering free in-person childbirth classes for expectant mothers in the region.
Michelle Medvedoff, CNM, a certified nurse midwife in the hospital’s OB/GYN practice, is partnering with Jayme Hovey, RN, BSN, CCE, a certified childbirth educator from Houlton, to offer a one-day class quarterly throughout the year.
“Birthing classes help parents prepare not only with knowledge, but with courage, presence, and trust in the process,” says Medvedoff. “They remind us that we are not walking into birth alone – we are carrying generations of wisdom, the support of partners and community, and the strength we didn’t know we had. In this way, classes are not just preparation for labor, but preparation for the profound becoming that birth always brings.”
Expectant mothers and their support person will learn more about their pregnancy, childbirth, labor support, newborn care and breastfeeding. They will also have a chance to tour the hospital’s Women & Children’s inpatient unit.
According to Hovey, the class is just as important for the person who will be supporting the mom during labor as it is for the expectant mother.
“Your support person in the labor room plays a huge part in your delivery experience. We want to help prepare them as well so they can be a great source of support for you during this special time,” she says.
The class is intended for those who are at least 24 weeks along in their pregnancy and is limited to 10 couples. The first class will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at AR Gould Hospital.
For questions or to reserve a spot in the class, please call Northern Light OB/GYN in Presque Isle at 207-768-5944.
