You are about to enter the most significant time in your life – parenthood. To help prepare you for childbirth and parenting before, during and after your pregnancy, DeKalb Medical offers a variety of educational classes. Additional classes for women’s health issues also are listed below.
For more information, call 404.501.WELL.
Baby Sign Language Introduction
Women's & Surgery Center
2701 N. Decatur Rd., Room 4055
Decatur , GA 30033
Baby Sign, What's all the Hype? Learn the Basics of Baby Sign Language Prenatal & Up...All Parents Welcome This one-time introductory class will teach the basics of baby sign language. Reasons why parents will LOVE this class: Baby signs may 1. help your baby talk sooner 2. empower baby to initiate conversation through signing 3. reduce baby's frustration (less tantrums!) by learning this communication technique 4. build a foundation for early literacy skills 5. stimulate your child's intellectual development Your instructor is Lauren Zimet, CCC/SLP, a Certified Speech Therapist. Where: The Women's Center, classroom 4055 When: Saturday August 25 or September 15, 10 - 11 am Fee: $25 To register call 404.501.WELL
Baby Sign Language 1
Women's & Surgery Center
2701 N. Decatur Rd., Room 4055
Decatur , GA 30033
Baby Sign For parents and babies age newborn to 12 months. Join in the fun with your baby for two sessions of hands-on learning. Baby signs are simple and easy-to-use gestures. Babies are able to "talk" about things they see and feel but don't yet have words using baby signs. Research studies from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development show that children who sign outperform non-signing children in many areas of cognitive and language development. Learn about the benefits of signing for preverbal children. Empower your baby now with Baby Signs! Your instructor is Lauren Zimet, CCC/SLP, a Certified Speech Therapist. Where: The July/September sessions will meet in The Women's Center, classroom 4055; the August session will meet in The Wellness Center When: (two sessions) Wednesdays, July 18 and 25 or August 15 and 29 or September 5 and 12, 10 - 11 am or 11-12pm Fee: $65 To register call 404.501.WELL
Baby Talk
Women's Center: 2200 Classroom
2701 North Decatur Rd.
Decatur , GA 30030
This weekly support group brings moms together with a lactation consultant for breastfeeding support. Baby weight checks are available. When: Thursdays, 11 a.m. - noon for breastfeeding moms. Free.
Big Brother/Big Sister
DMC: Women's Center
2701 North Decatur Road
Decatur , GA 30033
Sibling Class for ages 3 to 7 years of age. Siblings will learn about being a big brother or big sister; learn about safety, holding, helping with diapering of the new baby. A brief tour of the Mother/ Baby unit is included to help the sibling know what to expect when they come to see mommy and the new baby in the hospital. A parent must stay with the sibling. Registration is per child. Cost: $15.00
Breastfeeding Class
DMC: Women's Center
2701 North Decatur Road
Decatur , GA 30033
Taught by DMC's Lactation Specialists, this class provides instruction and support for the soon-to-be breastfeeding mother. It includes information on getting the best start possible with your breastfeeding experience, breastfeeding in the hospital, common challenges & solutions, and Dad's/VIP's role on the breastfeeding team. 3 hours. $35.00/couple.
Childbirth Preparation Class
DMC: Women's Center
2701 North Decatur Road
Decatur , GA 30033
Our Prepared Childbirth classes are interactive and incorporate a variety of teaching methods: lecture, instructor led discussions, videos, activities (how to relax and work with your body; patterned breathing; comfort measures & positioning; massage and medication options). Practice at class and home is essential in gaining proficiency. Learning how to relax as well as the other comfort activities can be used throughout your lifetime.
Make the right choice for you. We offer a traditional 4 week series or a condensed weekend course. By popular request we will offer an accelerated one-day Saturday class beginning in July.
The traditional series meets once a week for 4 consecutive weeks from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. The traditional series allows you the opportunity to practice techniques taught the previous week and gain new techniques each week. Dress for confort. Feel free to bring dinner, snacks or drinks to class. You may visit the Bistro before class, visit the hospital cafeteria or bring food from home.
The One-Day Saturday accelerated class is fast-paced, intense, and designed for those who have time constraints that prevent them from taking a traditional series, who thrive in a concentrated environment and are motivated to practice techniques at home. The class meets Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. There is a 30 minute break for lunch and it is best to plan to bring lunch. Neither the on-site Bistro nor Chick-Fil-A are open on weekends.
Ideally, it is best to have your primary support person attend all classes with you so that they can learn how best to support you. However, if he/she is unable to attend one class, feel free to bring an alternate support person with you. Children are not allowed to attend. Please bring 4 pillows and a mat/blanket with you to class. Dress for comfort. Feel free to bring dinner, snacks or drink to class. Important note for the Weekend Childbirth class series: There will be a 30-minute lunch break on Saturday. You may visit the hospital cafeteria or bring lunch from home. Feel free to bring snacks as well.
Compassionate Parents
DeKalb Medical
2701 North Decatur Road
Decatur , GA 30033
Provides support and understanding to parents whose infants have died.
Contact: Medical Management 404.501.5400 for more information.
Gestational Diabetes
DMC Diabetes Education, Rm 421
2701 North Decatur Rd.
Decatur , GA 30033
Pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes learn various aspects of diabetes management. Requires a physician's referral.
Call 404.501.1790 for more information.
How to Raise a Smart Baby
Women's & Surgery Center
2701 N. Decatur Rd., Room 4055
Decatur , GA 30033
How to Raise a Smart and Emotionally Healthy Baby Parents will learn how developing a secure attachment during infancy can result in a mutual respect and understanding between parent and child as both grow and change. The workshop sessions will focus on helping parents implement strategies that will provide a secure environment for children to thrive intellectually and psychologically. Parents will learn how their own childhood experiences contribute to the adults they become, and how to maintain and/or change any necessary behaviors. Parents will learn tips on developmentally appropriate discipline, distraction, and negotiation tactics so that both parent and child can feel like winners. Your instructor is Jeri Green, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor. Where: The Women's Center, classroom 4040 When: (four sessions) Mondays, July 2 - 23, 7 - 8:30 pm Fee: $75 per couple, $65 per individual
Infant CPR for Parents
DMC: Women's Center
2701 North Decatur Road
Decatur , GA 30033
Infant CPR course for expectant or new parents. Class designed to prepare for potential child emergencies and will cover infant CPR and choking. NOTE: this in not a CPR certification course. Limited to mom and one partner. $25 per couple $25 per couple
Mom & Baby Fitness
The Wellness Center
2665 North Decatur Road
Decatur , GA 30033
You need to be strong to be a Mom! This class will help you stretch and strengthen overused body parts. Cardio, toning and a strong focus on abdominal work included in the workout. Throughout the class you'll have the option of involving your baby in the movements. Babies 6 weeks to crawling are welcome. What to bring: mat, front carrier (baby bjorn or similar), towel, water. Medical Consent form required if less than 12 weeks postpartum. (4 weeks) Saturday, April 14 - May 12 (skip May 5) and June 9 - June 30 and July 14 - Aug. 11 (skip Aug. 4) and Aug. 25 - Sept. 22 (skip Sept. 1) and Oct. 13 - Nov. 10 (skip Nov. 3) Fee: $50 or $15 per class drop-in
Mom and Baby Pilates
The Wellness Center
2665 North Decatur Road
Decatur , GA 30033
Mom and Baby Pilates - Abdominal Recovery Get your tummy back in shape and build core strength. Throughout the class you'll have the option of involving your baby in the movements. Babies should be ages 6 weeks to pre-crawling. Please bring a mat, towel and water. Brought to you in partnership with Oh Baby! Fitness. Medical Consent form required if less than 12 weeks postpartum. When: (six weeks) Thursdays April 19 - May 24, June 7 - July 12, July 26 - Aug. 30, Sept. 13 - Oct. 18, and Nov. 1 - Dec. 13 (Skip 11/22) 11:15 a.m.- 12:15 p.m. Fee: $80 per session or $15 per class drop in Call 404.501.WELL to register.
New Parents Support Group
Women's & Surgery Center
2701 N. Decatur Rd., Room 4055
Decatur , GA 30033
This support group for parents and babies covers topics pertinent to the new parent. Held at The Women's Center. When: Thursdays, 10-11 a.m., parents of newborns and infants up to 6 months old; 11 a.m. - noon, parents with infants ages 6 months to 1 year. Meet in the Women's Center 4th floor classroom. Fee: free. No registration required.
Newborn Baby Care
DMC: Women's Center
2701 North Decatur Road
Decatur , GA 30033
Anticipating the birth of your baby and the joys of impending parenthood, soon-to-be parents have many questions and concerns about caring for their infant both physically and emotionally. What about bathing, diapering; what about when the baby is fussy and crying; and a host of other questions.
OB Tour
DMC: Women's Center
2701 North Decatur Road
Decatur , GA 30033
This information packed tour will answer your questions about DMC's Tender Care Maternity Center, including the Labor and Delivery unit, our five nurseries, and the Mother-Baby unit. In addition, you will receive information concerning infant safety, parking, visitors, photographs, pediatricians, and anticipated length-of-stay. You will also have an opportunity to complete your preregistration with the Business Office of the Hospital.
Pregnancy Aqua Class
The Wellness Center
2665 North Decatur Road
Decatur , GA 30033
The pool is where a pregnant woman wants to be! This fun aqua workout will tone your body by using the water for resistance training. Additional benefits: your body will feel lighter, cooler, and water can help reduce swelling. A medical consent form is required for this class. Brought to you in partnership with Oh Baby! Fitness. Please bring aqua socks or shoes and water. When: (6 weeks) Fridays, April 20 - May 25 and June 8 - July 20 (skip 6/29) and July 27 - Aug. 31 and Sept. 14 - Oct. 26 (Skip 10/5) and Nov. 2 - Dec. 14 (skip 11/23), 7:00pm - 8:00 pm Fee: $80 or $15 per class drop-in Call: 404-501-WELL to register
Pregnacy Yoga
The Wellness Center
2665 North Decatur Road
Decatur , GA 30033
Take the time to center, connect and focus on yourself and your baby. Stretch and soothe your sore back, shoulders and legs. Learn to relax, breathe and meditate in preparation for the big day. No yoga experience is necessary, but if you practice yoga regularly, you'll love our challenging modified poses. Please bring a mat, towel, bed pillow and water (no open containers please). Medical consent form required. When: (6 weeks) Sundays, April 29 - June 10 (skip May 27) and June 24 - July 29 and August 12 - September 23 (skip September 2) and October 7 - November 11, 12:15 - 1:30 pm Fee: $80 or $15 per class drop-in Call: 404-501-WELL to register $15 per class drop-o
Prenatal Body Toning
The Wellness Center
2665 North Decatur Road
Decatur , GA 30033
Prepare for a healthy and speedy delivery by participating in this low-impact aerobic workout that focuses on strengthening your abs and lower back muscles as well as conditioning your pelvic floor. Through gentle resistance training, you also will increase your strength for lifting and carrying your baby after delivery. Please bring a towel and water. A medical consent form is required for this class. Brought to you in partnership with Oh Baby! Fitness. When: Saturdays, April 14 - May 12 or June 2 - June 30 (skip June 16) or July 14 - August 11 (skip July 21) or August 25 - September 29 (skip Sept. 1 and Sept. 22) or October 13 - November 10 (skip Oct. 20) 11:30am - 12:30pm Fee: $50 or $12 per class drop-in Call: 404-501-WELL to register.