"I have always been a huge supporter of breastfeeding. So when I got pregnant with my first daughter I was set on nursing her. She was born early and wouldn’t latch correctly when it came time to eat. I was so disappointed and thought there was nothing I could do, so I gave up.
When I got pregnant with my second child I was even more determined to breastfeed her. She came out and went straight to the breast. I thought all was going well until 3 weeks later. She had lost almost 10 oz. I was told to supplement with formula and I cried the whole weekend thinking I wasn’t going to be able to nurse her either.
I made an appointment with a lactation nurse at the paradise house. I found out she wasn’t sucking correctly, and she wasn’t getting milk out. At that point she weighed 4 lbs. 14 oz. The Lactation Consultant told me we could try suck training with her to see how she does. The first week was very frustration and I almost quit. A week later, she had gained 10 oz. It was working! After 2 weeks though I was almost ready to throw in the towel, but decided I wasn’t giving up without a fight. I learned at my next appointment that she gained another 10 oz and was starting to pull milk out on her own. I was so happy it was working. When I asked my nurse how long it usually takes for babies to breastfeed on their own after the suck training, she said she didn’t know, because most moms give up. Well I wasn’t going to be one of those moms, and let me tell you. It paid off!! My daughter is now 8 lbs. and nursing on her own. It’s been a long and at times frustrating road, but I could not have done it without the encouragement, and support from the staff at the Paradise House. I wanted to give up so many times but they kept encouraging me to push forward.
Breastfeeding is the best gift you can give your baby. If anyone has issues with breastfeeding or even just questions. I would highly recommend the staff at the Paradise House. They gave me the tools I needed that made it possible to give my baby the best gift I could. "
Kristal McGee
Fees are charged for each class below. For class information (on-line registration coming soon) visit http://www.kaweahdelta.org/education/, www.paradisehouse.org for more information please call 1-877-KAWEAH-1.
Kaweah Delta Health Care District employees receive 25% off for all classes.
You may attend the Prepared Childbirth, Breastfeeding Basics and Healthy Baby classes at a reduced rate when you schedule all three classes as a series. Series fee $100.00 for all three classes.
Classes are held at the Mother/Baby classroom on one night per week for four weeks and are taken during the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy. This class will help you to know what to expect and how to prepare for a more relaxed labor and delivery experience. A tour will be given on the last day of the class. A support person is urged to attend class with the expectant mother. Session Fee $65.00
Weekend Class is held on one Saturday 9 AM - 5 PM at the Mother/Baby classroomonce a month only. If you are too busy for a traditional childbirth class, experience our unique, interactive, and educational childbirth preparation classes offered on the weekend for your convenience. Fathers are also encouraged to attend at no extra charge. Session Fee $65.00
Tuesday 6 - 8 PM held every other month at the Mother/Baby classroom. This class is a one-session class for experienced moms and their support person. This class reviews the physiology of labor and birth, relaxation and breathing techniques. Class Fee $25.00
Tuesday 7 PM - 9 PM at the Paradise House. Held only in Jan, April, July and Oct. This class is offered for expectant grandparents. If your children are having babies nearby or across the country, come and learn what's new in infant care. Topics include why breastfeeding is best, putting babies to sleep on their back and not their tummy, cleaning the cord, how to give baby a bath, importance of immunizations and infant CPR. Also learn how the role of grandparent differs from role of the parent, and how to relate to your child who is now a parent. Class Fee $15.00
Tuesday 7 PM - 9 PM at the Paradise House held only once per month. This class is offered for families to learn life saving skills for the infant up to 1 year of age. You will learn what to do in those first few minutes of an emergency if your infant is choking or stops breathing. The class includes a short video, hands on practice and a reminder card to take home. The class is suitable for parents, grandparents, older siblings, junior high age and older. This class does not offer a certification in CPR. This class is free for parents with an infant in the NICU and $15.00 per person or $25.00 per couple for the public. A Family Class for up to 7 family members is offered for a fee of $50.00.
Tuesday 6 PM - 7 PM at the Mother/Baby classroom held every other month. A fun class for "expecting" brother and sisters to help them prepare for the new baby, mom's stay in the hospital, basic newborn care and safety and changes expected with a newborn at home. For children 3 years of age and older. Class fee is $15.00 for up to 2 siblings; additional siblings may attend for a fee of $5.00 each.
Tuesday 6 PM - 8 PM at the Mother/Baby classroom held only once per month. This class taken during late pregnancy will help prepare you for caring for your new baby by offering information on swaddling, bathing, feeding and what to expect after bringing baby home from the hospital. Class fee $25.00
Tuesday 6 PM - 8 PM at the Mother/Baby classroom. Scheduled monthly. This program gives expectant mothers the information and support to achieve a fulfilling breastfeeding experience. Fathers are also encouraged to attend. Class fee $25.00
Monday 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM at the Paradise House. Each series includes 4 sessions. Research shows that there are many benefits of infant massage for your baby.
They include:
A RN who is certified by the International Association of Infant Massage will teach each class. Class fee $50.00. (massage oil, book and other materials included).
First Thursday of each month 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM at the Paradise House. Facilitated by a male instructor, this class will answer basic questions such as holding and diapering the new baby, to concerns of how the new arrival will affect the family dynamics. Taken in early pregnancy, it covers healthy habits, finances, intimacy, labor and delivery, bonding with and playing with their baby, and assuming the awesome role of father! Men are encouraged to attend prior to baby’s arrival, however, may find the class helpful if they already have a child. Class fee $10.00
By appointment only please call 559-624-6012. This class tours the C-section suite and lets parents know what to expect with cesarean birth and recovery. Class fee $15.00
No appointment is necessary. Get acquainted with the Family Birth Center before the big day! The tour meets in the Family Birth Center lobby, 2nd Floor on 2 East at 2:00 p.m. Tours are every other Wednesday (2nd and 4th Wednesday) of the month at 2:00 p.m.
For Sunday dates and Spanish tours, call 559-624-6012.
Call The Paradise House for more information 559-624-6012
Breastfeeding Support Groupis a place where pregnant woman, mothers and other women who get together to ask questions share breastfeeding information, support each other through their own experiences, difficulties, doubts, fears, concerns and joys. It is also a place to get to know other moms and learn from those shared experiences and receive support from our lactation consultant. Babies are welcome!
Club Mom, is a place to bring your baby and share the joys and frustrations of new motherhood. We meet regularly to discuss a different topic each week with a registered nurse.
Working Mom's Support Group,Newborn to one year of age 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the Month 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Postpartum Support Group, an after birth support for women who think they may be experiencing more than baby blues, are anxious, tearful, not enjoying life and not sure why. One in 6 women experiences a postpartum mood and anxiety disorder and suffers in silence. Come and learn that you are not alone, you will get better, and treatment is available. Call 559.624.6012