Educational Opportunities

The Birthplace of the Shoals

Helping you and your newborn get the best possible start in life is important to us and we offer a variety of classes to help prepare the whole family for the arrival of the new baby. Call to register (256) 768-BABY or click the "register here" button located under each class description, to sign-up online.

- LLL Enrichment Meetings
- Lamaze/Labor Learning and Baby Basics
- Breastfeeding
- Sibling Class
- ECM Safe Kids
- New Born Care
- Postpartum Care

LLL Enrichment Meetings
(register here or call (256) 768-BABY)

LLL Enrichment Meetings will be offered the 3rd Saturday of each month (except in July) by the La Leche League of the Shoals. These meetings offer a mom to mom support group, education and information for pregnant mothers-to-be and breastfeeding moms. The class will be held in the 4th floor classroom located in the Women’s Pavilion at ECM Hospital from 2:00 pm until 3:30 pm. For additional information please call 768-9611.

Date & Time: Saturday - 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Lamaze/Labor Learning and Baby Basics
(register here or call (256) 768-BABY)

Our childbirth preparation courses are presented by experienced labor & delivery and nursery nurses. Class instruction includes information about: the stages of labor and birth; the different types of anesthesia, breathing and relaxation techniques; newborn care; and tours of our Women's Pavilion. This class can be taken one night a week for five weeks or taken once on a Saturday from 9am – 3pm. (* Fee $45)

Cost: $45
Date & Time: Weekday Classes - 6:00pm-8:00pm
Saturday Classes - 9:00am to 4:00pm

Breastfeeding
(register here or call (256) 768-BABY)

This class is taught by nurses experienced in helping our moms learn how to breastfeed successfully. Instruction includes information about: prenatal preparation; nutrition; breast care; nursing positions; nursing bras; milk storage; and breast pumping. (* Fee $10)

Cost: $10
Date & Time: 10:00am - 2:30pm
Location: Family classroom.

 New Born Care
(Inpatient Class)

Our Newborn Care class offers a wonderful opportunity for all of our new moms to get information about basic newborn care during their hospital stay. This 30 minute-long class includes instruction about: diapering; feeding; bathing; cord care; and circumcision care.

Cost: FREE
Date: Monday - Friday
If you deliver on a Friday afternoon and are due to go home on Sunday, then your nurse will provide you with the same information.
Location: Family classroom.
Call for appointment times

Sibling Class
(register here or call (256) 768-BABY)

This is a special class for children ages 2-10 who are expecting a new baby in their family. This class includes instructions about: holding; diaper-changing; and other "big helper ideas". Each child will receive a Big Brother/Big Sister T-shirt. The Sibling's Class is offered monthly. (* Fee $10 for one child; $5 for each additional child, includes T-shirt)

Those who register after a class becomes full will be scheduled during the 11:00 hour, of the same day, and will receive letter notifying them of the change.

Cost: $10 for the first child & $5 per child after that.
Date & Time: 1st Saturday of very month from 10am - 11am or 11am - 12pm
Location: Family classroom.

ECM Safe Kids
(register here or call (256) 768-BABY)

All children should be cared for in a safe environment, especially in vehicles. We offer a free monthly Safe Kids Car Seat Check. Our certified staff will teach you the correct way to install your car seat too! Call (256) 768-BABY to find out when the next Care Seat Check will be or to schedule an appointment. (Free)

In addition, we offer the following classes to all of our new mothers, Monday through Friday, free in the Family Learning Center.

Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Cost: Free service for the community

Certified Fitting Station www.cpsalabama.org

Postpartum Care
(Inpatient Class)

While learning how to properly care for your newborn is very important, it is also essential to remember that new moms need to be taken care of too! This 30 minute-long class will give you and your support person tips about what you need when you get home.

Cost: FREE
Date: Monday - Friday
If you deliver on a Friday afternoon and are due to go home on Sunday, then your nurse will provide you with the same information.
Location: Family classroom