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HEALTHY BIRTH PROGRAM
Adolescent Pregnancy
A pregnant adolescent, and those close to her, are faced with complex decisions, changes and opportunities to grow. Whether scared, excited, or confused she now has new responsibilities.
The Healthy Birth Program of Saint Joseph's Hospital offers an individualized approach to the special medical, educational, and emotional needs of the pregnant adolescent. Our primary concern is helping pregnant teens stay healthy and to deliver healthy babies.
Our services are available to those choosing parenthood, adoption, or those still undecided. The Healthy Birth Program staff can provide information to better understand adoption as a choice for pregnant adolescents. We will work with those who choose to raise their babies as they learn to be parents. We also support and assist them in pursuing their educational and employment goals.
"It was important having people treat me like they did before I became pregnant. The staff talked to me as a young adult."
"When I found out I was pregnant I was really scared, because I didn't know anything about raising a baby, but everyone in the Healthy Birth Program was helpful."
Healthy Birth Program Services
Medical care may be provided by a physician in the adolescent's community or through the Marshfield Clinic. It has been our experience that teens do best with consistent, nurturing care providers. The Healthy Birth Program has nurses, dietitians, social workers, educators...all who are available to pregnant adolescents and their families.
The following services are available to persons 19 or younger at the time of pregnancy, single or married:
- Decision Counseling
- Adoption Referral
- Prenatal Childbirth Preparation
- Adolescent Parenting Education and Support Program
- Parenting Newsletter
- Prenatal Care/Pediatric Care
- Social Services and Counseling
- Nutrition Counseling
- Referral Assistance to Community Resources
- Access to affordable, quality childcare through Kiddie Kaboose Daycare
- Lending library of books, pamphlets and videotapes
- Teen Healthline: Call (715) 387-7080 or 1-800-221-3733, ext. 7-7080
Prenatal classes are also offered quarterly. The all-in-one class is designed for the teen parent. There is no charge for the classes.
If you or someone you know would like more information, please feel free to contact us.
The Grand Finale
Does it seem like you've been pregnant forever? This class will discuss your hospital stay and what to expect during labor and delivery. A tour of the Birth Center will be available following your class, so please plan to stay!
The Emotional Roller Coaster
You've experienced the emotional ups and downs of pregnancy-now comes delivery and those first few days at home! This class will discuss the "normal" changes in emotions and relationships that occur around the time of delivery and offers strategies for coping with the new challenges of parenthood.
New Beginnings
The baby is here-are you ready? This class will offer information on how to get ready for and care for your new born.
Taking Care of your Baby
Up until now, you've only had yourself to worry about-but now it's a different story! Your baby is depending on you to stay healthy. This class will offer ideas and suggestions about how to take care of yourself, so you can take care of your baby. Daycare? In-home sitter? Grandma? Money? School? Diapers? Formula? Which way to turn? This class will give you information about the community resources that are available to assist you as you begin your new role as a parent, and to help you to navigate childcare dilemmas.
Now What...?
You're a mom...but you're also a young person with a whole lot of life ahead of you! Beyond physically caring for your new baby, what kinds of life plans do you have for you and the baby? What kinds of choices are you going to make? This class will discuss a wide variety of options and decisions that you will have, and how to decide what's best for you and your new family.
Parent Share
This is the class you won't want to miss! There will be lots of fun stories and helpful hints from other young parents who have "been in your shoes." This class will have a panel of parents from the Healthy Birth Program who have recently gone through the labor and delivery process and have begun the parenting experiences. Come, share their fun and listen to their stories! |