Pregnancy Pathways Pre-registration
As the time approaches for your baby's arrival, you'll want to start planning for your hospital stay. Your doctor or midwife can give you information about St. Mary's Pregnancy Pathways Pre-registration program. Or you can call 970-244-BABY or 970-244-2200 to learn more and to make your appointment. We suggest you complete this pre-registration process one or two months before your baby is due.
During a one-hour visit with one of our nurses, you will:
- Fill out pre-admission paperwork and prenatal history
- Ask questions about your hospital stay
- Learn about our prenatal education classes
- Get information about caring for your baby
- Learn about important immunizations
- Tour Labor & Delivery and the Mother-Baby Unit
Fetal Monitoring and Prenatal Testing Services
St. Mary's Labor & Delivery provides fetal monitoring and prenatal testing as outpatient services. Your doctor or midwife may refer you for these services or make an appointment for you.
High-Risk OB Clinic
If for any reason your doctor or midwife considers your pregnancy "high risk," you may be referred to our High-Risk OB clinic. There you will meet with a board-certified perinatologist, a specialist in pregnancy and childbirth, and discuss your specific situation. These visits may include genetic counseling, a detailed ultrasound, or special procedures, such as an amniocentesis. You'll learn how to avoid complications and protect your baby. For more information, please call 970-244-2200 or 970-244-2275.
Classes to Help You Prepare for Your Baby
St. Mary's offers a variety of classes to help you prepare for and take care of your baby. Classes are taught by certified childbirth educators from the Mesa County Childbirth Education Association. Classes are free unless otherwise noted.
Breastfeeding
Moms and partners learn skills and techniques for starting and continuing breastfeeding. This free 2½-hour class is offered once a month. Attend any class during your pregnancy or after your baby is born.
Birth Refresher Series
This refresher class is for women and partners who have had a baby within the last five years. The class reviews the stages of labor and timing contractions, and gives moms a chance to renew their breathing and relaxation skills. Ideas on how best to bring the new baby into your family are also discussed. A brief tour of the Labor and Delivery is included. There is a registration fee for this series that meets two consecutive Thursday evenings.
Cesarean Section
This two-hour class explains the reasons for having a C-section and the process itself. You'll learn how to take care of yourself after a C-section. This class is recommended for partners who want to attend a C-section delivery. Note: the Childbirth Series and Young Adult Class also include information on Cesarean births. This class is held monthly.
Childbirth Express
In this one-day, eight-hour class, expectant moms and partners learn about changes in anatomy and physiology during pregnancy and birth, the birth process, using breathing and relaxation as coping tools, and the role of the support person. A hospital tour is also available. This class is scheduled one Saturday each month. There is a registration fee.
Childbirth Series
This class for expectant moms and their partners covers the anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, the birth process, birth planning, the role of the support person, Cesarean births, and postpartum care. You'll learn and practice breathing and relaxation techniques, and tour the Labor and Delivery. Classes are small so everyone gets the individualized attention they need. And we hold reunions to celebrate the new babies! There is a registration fee for this comprehensive childbirth preparation series that meets once a week for six weeks.
Sibling Preparation Class
A new baby in the family can be confusing for young children. This hour-and-a-half Saturday session will help children ages three to eight look forward to and accept their new brother or sister. You and your child will discuss the birth process, how Mom feels, what the new baby will be like, etc. in a manner appropriate to your child's age. A music video, newborn doll, and tour of the Mother-Baby Unit give your child a hands-on learning experience. Children receive a T-shirt, coloring book, and refreshments. Registration fee is $12 for the first child and $6 for each additional child.
Young Adult Class
This class is designed especially for young moms through age 19. Moms and a support person learn about nutrition, labor and delivery, breathing and relaxation techniques, Cesarean-section births, and how to care for yourself and your new baby. A tour of the Labor and Delivery is included. Class meets four consecutive Thursday evenings.
To help you and your family prepare for your new baby, see the complete list of St. Mary's classes, convenient schedules, and register online.