Amy Guest Center for Women

Guidance for Every Stage of Parenthood

Do children come with owners' manuals?  Well, not quite.  But, Mary Washington Hospital's Amy Guest Center for Women will give you all the guidance you'll need for every stage of parenthood.

The birth of a child is one of life's most special moments.  What happens before and after a child is born holds wonder and some bewilderment, too.  The Amy Guest Center for Women is a special place for moms and dads.  And it's more than a place; it's a complete program that encompasses all aspects of health and development for the family.

The Amy Guest Center offers a wide variety of classes and support groups to help you and your new family.  Our classes are taught by professional educators who are clinically trained and certified to teach their speciality.  All classes are conveniently located in the Learning Center in the Lower Lobby of Mary Washington Hospital.

Classes and Support Groups:  From Childbirth to Adolescence

Early Pregnancy

A two-part class offered every other month.  Classes cover lifestyle changes, growth and development of the fetus, and "Eating for Two."  This is highly recommended for first-time parents.

Preparation for Parenthood with Lamaze

This series, taught by registered nurses who are Certified Childbirth Educators, covers what to expect from labor and delivery:  stages of labor, exercises, medications available, etc.  Choose the series whick best fits your schedule.

  • A series which meets one night a week for seven weeks.  Choose your night (S-F) and meet from 7 to 9 P.M.
  • A five-week series which meets every Saturday from 9 A.M. to 12 noon.
  • Weekend Lamaze meets on Saturday and Sunday every two months.
Lamaze Refresher

For the parents who have previously completed a childbirth class.  This class meets once for three hours and is offered once a month.

Bradley Method

A ten-week series in partner-coached childbirth education.  Teaches you to read your body cues.  Classes are taught by a registered nurse who is a certified Bradley instructor.

Caesarean Birth Class

This class must be taken if your partner plans to be present at a planned caesarean birth.

Tours of Maternity Areas

Held the first and third Sundays of the month at 2 P.M.  Visit the birthing rooms and other areas of interest.  Meet on the Hospital's third floor between the towers.  No charge, no registration.

Beginning Breastfeeding

A two-hour class providing basic information for the early weeks of breastfeeding.  Choose a Sunday or weekday evening.  A must for first-time parents.

Working and Breastfeeding

After you have taken Beginning Breastfeeding, if you plan to return to work, this class offers help in learning how to pump and store breast milk, getting your child on a schedule, and weaning your child.

Sibling Class

Big brothers and sisters-to-be are an important part of the new family.  For siblings of two years and older, this one hour class includes a tour of the Maternity area and meets Sunday afternoons, once a month.

Infant and Child CPR

Whether you're a parent or not, knowing this can save a child's life.  This course uses mannequins for hands-on training to help you learn how to do CPR on infants and children.

Infant Development

For brighter, healthier babies.  Learn how and what to do to enhance your child's learning abilities.  One two-hour class offered at each level:

  • 0 - 6 months (Includes book: How to Have a Smarter Baby)
  • 6 - 12 months
  • 12 - 18 months
  • 18 - 24 months
  • 24 - 36 months
Infant and Toddler Nutrition

A registered dietitian provides guidance and information on selecting appropriate foods to enhance optimal growth and development for your child.

HOME

A class which addresses the care and needs of the infant and the mother in the first two weeks after delivery.

Mothers and Babies

A postpartum support group which meets Wednesday mornings from 10 to 11:30 A.M.  This is for mother and baby.  There's no fee and no registration.  Siblings are welcome.  Bring a snack for your toddler.

STEP Parenting Class

Systemized Training for Parenting (STEP).  A six-week series to help understand and connect to your child's behavior using positive parenting techniques to boost your child's self-esteem.  For parents of children from infancy to five years or from six to twelve years of age.

Parenting Classes | Healthy Families Rappahannock Area