Mercy program helps moms-to-be
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Kelly Fisher is a participant in the prenatal exercise class at the Family Life Center for Maternity at Mercy Medical Center.
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By Lori O'Brien
Correspondent
SPRINGFIELD - "It's like having a personal trainer."
That's the sentiment of Maureen Lang and other new moms who are currently participating in exercise classes at the Family Life Center for Maternity at Mercy Medical Center.
Mercy contracts with Mo Orlovsky, owner of Kur Inc. of Sunderland, to provide the preventative therapeutic exercise classes for expectant moms and new mothers.
"The small class sizes offer a unique opportunity for very intimate conversations of women without feeling like they are exposing themselves," said Alice Hodge, R.N., B.S.N., Parenting Education Coordinator, Family Life Center for Maternity. "As the prenatal moms exercise, topics start to arise and as the weeks go by, the women share their hopes, their questions, their ultrasounds and the class forms into a unique class for that group."
Hodge emphasized that many of the women stay in touch for many years to follow.
"We cover many topics and the topics covered each time are as unique as the group of women that the class is made of," added Hodge. "The exercises are to balance the prenatal bodies whose center of gravity is rapidly changing."
Each exercise also uses breathing techniques during a specific 20-minute routine that can be done in a chair so women can exercise all week and return with questions or at a point of advancement.
"The program is tailored to the mom's physical needs," said Hodge, adding "breathing techniques and positions are reviewed that they may possibly use during birthing. We cover so much together that when one delivers it is imperative that we (the class) be on the list of calls with all the delivery news."
Hodge explained that the "Before Baby" exercise class focuses on stretching and strengthening the areas of the body most affected by pregnancy. Classes are offered Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the hospital campus. Exercises are tailored to prevent and/or alleviate upper and lower back pain, upper arm tingling sensations or numbness, varicose veins and swelling.
"It's a natural transition into the postnatal class," said Hodge, adding "and moms know pretty much when each will be added to the class and it's a great reunion each time. Moms bring their infants and toddlers to the postnatal class."
Hodge also noted that many of the new moms have formed a "play group" outside the class.
"We presently have four pregnant mothers expecting their second child and taking the prenatal class again," said Hodge. "It's very exciting."
The "After Baby" exercise class helps new mothers regain their pre-pregnancy shape, and babies are always welcome, according to Hodge. After Baby classes are offered on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at HealthTrax in West Springfield, as well as on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Mercy Medical Center.
Prenatal sessions are ongoing as moms-to-be are ready to start at different points, however, they must have completed their first trimester. New moms must sign up for postnatal classes.
Hodge said what sets Mercy's classes apart from others is the "individualized" attention to each woman.
"The mom's ab muscles are closely watched and properly worked as is all core muscles," said Hodge, adding "the moms bring their children whenever they like. It is not a walk in, follow the teacher and leave. The moms are a part of the workout. It is about them."
Hodge also noted that the women have an opportunity to be tracked with measurements if they choose.
"They can come in with that week's ache or new pain and know it will be addressed," said Hodge. "They will also walk out with a personal prescribed program for that week."
Best of all, Hodge said the overall experience provides a "friendship-building atmosphere."
Hodge noted that above all, the classes at Mercy offer a place where women can have their questions about parenting answered and walk away feeling confident and relieved.
"Everyone cares," said Hodge, adding "they learn about their bodies, and why and how to alleviate aches and pains that may arise from carrying the baby. This class is about information, education and appropriate exercises one step at a time."
Hodge also announced that the New Breastfeeding Center at the Family Life Center is now offering free lactation consultations by appointment, as well as a walk-in clinic on Tuesdays and Thursdays that features information on Medela and Ameda breastpumps, breastfeeding supplies for purchase, and hospital-grade breastpump rentals. In addition, a new Mothers' Group Drop-In is now conducted Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m. Lastly, a new program titled "The Happiest Baby," based on Dr. Harvey Karp's "The Happiest Baby on the Block," is now being offered.
The Family Life Center for Maternity is a 25,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art obstetrical unit at Mercy that features 16 LDRP (labor, delivery, recovery, postpartum) rooms with all the latest amenities. Tours of the facility are also available.
For more information about these programs or for a complete list of expectant and new parent programs and services, call the Parenting Education Department at (413) 748-7295 or log on to www.mercycares.com.
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