What Our Patients are Saying

When it comes to recognizing the kind of work we do and how we do it, our customers are the best sources. These comments have been taken from our class evaluations. Customer names have been removed to protect their privacy.

Sibling Preparation Classes
Class for families expecting more siblings-to-be and focused for children between the ages of three and ten. Sessions are designed to help young children and their parents all adjust to the arrival of a new baby.

"Everything about the class was great! My 9 year old thought it was "cool" and not at all boring."

"I thought the teaching was great!"

"Instructors relate well with children."

"My children really enjoyed the class."

Prepared Childbirth & Early Parenting Preparation & The Weekender Classes
This six-class or two day series covers childbirth preparation, expectations of labor, breathing and relaxation techniques, pain relief and the labor support role, along with a tour of the Birthing Center. Additionally, physical and emotional postpartum recovery, care of the newborn, and parenting is discussed.

"Very informative... we got a lot out of it!"

"She did well and was very down to earth. It was a good opportunity for bonding with my husband."

"I have heard other stories of these classes not being useful. After attending the classes I was really impressed in how well the class was structured and even more impressed on how well the instructor taught the class. The instructor really made a difference for this class"

"I feel calmer and a little more prepared about what to expect."

"This class was very well taught. I especially appreciated the instructor's discussion of postpartum, sex after childbirth and the natural fear of having a baby. The discussions were realistic and honest which was a great benefit. Also I appreciate that there was no judgment passed during the discussion of IV pain meds and epidurals."

"I am a nurse and I got a lot out of the class. The instructor didn't just present the facts. She applied it to my parental experience. I am much more confident now that I can handle this!" 

Breastfeeding Your Baby & Working Women & Breastfeeding Classes
This class reviews the benefits of breastfeeding for both mom and baby. It will help you decide if breastfeeding is right for you and provide the appropriate information to get both mom and baby off to a good start... and continued success.

"I wasn't sure if I would be comfortable with breastfeeding, but the atmosphere of the teaching helped a lot."

"The instructor did well teaching and I think I've learned as much as I can in class... until the little one arrives."

"The instructor was great — made us feel comfortable to ask questions."

"Very helpful! This was an interesting class. I liked how she addressed our questions up front instead of as an afterthought."

"Exceeded my expectations."
 

Infant Massage Classes
Taught by a certified infant massage instructor, this 2-class series offers instruction and demonstration of infant massage techniques for babies three-weeks to one year of age.

"The teacher was very flexible given that babies don't always cooperate at class."

"The instructor was very knowledgeable of the material."

"Very knowledgeable. Presented info in a very relaxed atmosphere. Gave excellent suggestions. Very good experience."

A Fit Birth Classes
An evening of information relating to exercise techniques, comfortable positioning methods and safe ways to complete household tasks during your pregnancy. The class provides demonstration, appropriate handouts and an opportunity to practice with a physical therapist.

"Very good speaker."

"Instructor was very open to answering questions."

"You could ask any questions and get a good response."

New Parents Network
Newborns to Crawlers & Toddlers meetings— Join with other parents and babies to discuss the many life situations surrounding the birth of a newborn. It's a great opportunity to share ideas, learn from each other and talk about coping techniques. Parents and babies meet once a week.

Walking Wednesdays — A morning of walking and talking while we push our strollers through Lake Park.

"I've had my 2nd baby and I would like to tell other expecting mothers what a great service Columbia St. Mary's has to offer. The new mom's group that you facilitate, as well as the toddlers group, has influenced my life in many positive ways. Most importantly, these groups provide new mothers a place to bring problems, concerns, and questions, AS WELL AS make new friends. I am very thankful to you for being there to answer our questions and give us much needed support over the last couple of years."