Houston Medical Center - The Women's Center
This state-of-the-art facility, opened in September 1997, offers family-centered, quality care for women and infants.
Equipped with Skytron lights and a comprehensive fetal monitoring system, the birthing suites allow new moms to labor, deliver and recover in the same room. The Women's Center's Special Delivery staff practices "mother-baby nursing," where one nurse cares for both mom and baby throughout their stay. Other features of The Women's Center include a special operating suite for C-sections, a neonatal intensive care nursery, outpatient testing rooms and a classroom for educational programs and breast feeding consultation.
Education is an integral part of our Special Delivery family-centered maternity care. We want to include parents, brothers, sisters, special partners and others significant to the family group. In addition to the classes described below, in-hospital education includes:
- One-on-one parenting and baby care instruction from your nurse
- A lactation consultant specially trained to assist with breastfeeding, both in the hospital and after you go home
- Audio-visual aids about baby care for viewing in your room
- Printed educational material to read during your stay and to take home.
For more information or to register for any of the following classes, please call 923-9771.
To locate a gynecologist or obstetrician, visit us online at http://www.hhc.org/Physician-Directory. Special Delivery Education Programs:
Early Pregnancy Class
Designed to foster a positive and healthy approach to pregnancy,this class educates newly expectant mothers about nutritional needs,danger signs and premature labor; pelvic exercises and relaxation techniques; what to expect and what to do to reduce the minor discomforts of pregnancy,as well as information about diagnostic testing for you and your baby.
Great Expectations Prepared Childbirth Series
These classes help the expectant family make informed decisions about their birth experience. We cover anatomy of the reproductive system,stages of labor,birth,cesarean sections,epidurals and basic baby care. You will learn and practice breathing and relaxation techniques,along with a variety of coping skills for labor.
Breastfeeding Class
This special class,taught by our certified lactation consultants,is designed for the mother (and her partner) who has chosen to breastfeed her baby. We focus on breastfeeding techniques,helpful hints and answers to questions to help get you off to the best possible start.
Infant,Child and Adult CPR Safety
Expectant and experienced parents learn infant CPR,assessing the newborn and making your home a safe environment. In addition to skills and information,you will gain the confidence to act promptly in critical situations. Learn how to recognize a heart attack and how to perform CPR and the Heimlich maneuver. All participants will receive the American Heart Course C certificate.
Big Brother/Big Sister Class
An exciting way for children to prepare for a new baby's arrival,this class is organized for a child's short attention span with activities that are fast-paced,well-planned,and,above all,fun! The class includes a video,tour of The Women's Center,discussion,storytelling and refreshments. Children receive a certificate,a T-Shirt,and a bag of goodies. We also take each child's photograph,to be placed on the newborn's bassinet.
American Red Cross Babysitting Course
This is "Babysitting 101," helping young people aged 11 and older become safe,effective babysitters. The certified ARC instructor provides information on first aid,child development,recreation,and parent and babysitter responsibilities.