Patients & Visitors
Services: The Birthplace
Expecting a new addition to your family?
Holy Spirit is equipped to meet your needs during and after the baby arrives.
We offer a variety of services in a comfortable and warm environment tailored
to meet your specific needs. We also offer comprehensive childbirth education
for the entire family. All our rooms are private with accommodations for Dad
(or birth partner) to stay overnight with the new mom. These birthing suites
feature a whirlpool and shower. Our Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is
staffed by expert nurses and neonatologists around the clock. We even celebrate
each baby’s birth with the playing of Brahms Lullaby throughout the hospital.
There’s no better place in Central Pennsylvania to make your birthing experience as pleasant as possible. Call 717-763-BABY to make Holy Spirit your Childbirth Home.
Tour Information
Tours are available from your childbirth instructor as part of your Part 2 class series. This thirty-minute tour provides the expectant mother and her supporters an opportunity to visit the maternity center. You can also schedule a tour by calling 763-BABY. Due to the areas being toured, we are not able to accommodate children on this tour. (A tour especially suited for children is provided in our Children’s Hour Class.)
Education Programs for Parents and Siblings
- What will the mom and dad need most from the new big brother or sister?
- What if you’ve never changed a diaper before?
- Are you wondering how to handle your labor?
Holy Spirit Health System includes your family in the birth process by offering educational programs to teach parents and siblings the dos and don’ts of having a new addition to the family.
Download your registration form here
Birthplace Bear Essentials Class
Our free, one-hour pre-admission class allows you to complete your mandatory paperwork before going into labor. Qualified educators teach every mother-to-be what she needs to know when choosing to deliver at Holy Spirit Health System. This free class includes:
- Vital pre-admission information
- Instruction on how and when to come to the hospital, as well as what to pack
- Teaching you how to know when you are really in labor
- Demonstration of how to correctly install your new baby’s car seat
- A packet full of valuable Birthplace information for use in the hospital
All Classes are at 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the hosptial auditorium. There is also a noon class offered where indicated with an asterisk *. (Choose one):
| January *17, 2008 | May *15, 2008 | September *18, 2008 |
| February 21, 2008 | June 19, 2008 | October 16, 2008 |
| March *20, 2008 | July *17, 2008 | November *20, 2008 |
| April 17, 2008 | August 21, 2008 | December 11, 2008 |
Childbirth Preparation Series
This course covers everything from nutrition during pregnancy to labor and delivery information, medication options, and comfort measures. Infant feeding is also covered in this course. The course is split into two parts. The fee* is $65.00 and includes both Part One and Part Two. *Combine this series with the Baby Boot Camp: Basics and More class for a total of $85 for both series.
Childbirth Preparation Series, Part 1
Part One is a one-evening class that provides a foundation for the series and should be taken as early as possible in pregnancy (preferably before 22 weeks) for maximum benefit. Topics include fetal development, nutrition, exercise and beginning Lamaze techniques.
Class is held in the hospital auditorium on Thursday evenings from 7:00-9:00 p.m. on the following dates:
| January 3, 2008 | May 1, 2008 | September 4, 2008 |
| February 7, 2008 | June 5, 2008 | October 2, 2008 |
| March 6, 2008 | July 10, 2008 | November 6, 2008 |
| April 3, 2008 | August 7, 2008 | December 4, 2008 |
Childbirth Preparation Series, Part 2
Part Two is meant to be taken during the last four months of your pregnancy. Topics include more in-depth information about labor and birth, breathing and relaxation techniques, the post-partum period, and infant feeding. It is offered as a 5-week evening series or in a condensed weekend format on Friday and Saturday.
Evening classes are held from 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Weekend classes: Friday 7-9:30 pm and Saturday 9:00 a.m. -4 p.m.
All classes are held in the hospital auditorium.
Please choose a Tuesday, Wednesday or weekend series.
| 2008 Dates | ||
| Tuesday | January 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12 | |
| Wednesday | January 16, 23, 30, February 6, 13 | |
| Weekend | January 25 & January 26 | |
| Tuesday | March 11, 18, 25, April 1, 8 | |
| Wednesday | March 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9 | |
| Weekend | February 29 & March 1 | |
| Weekend | April 25 & April 26 | |
| Tuesday | May 13, 20, 27, June 3, 10 | |
| Wednesday | May 14, 21, 28, June 4, 11 | |
| Weekend | June 27 & June 28 | |
| Tuesday | July 15, 22, 29, August 5, 12 | |
| Wednesday | July 16, 23, 30, August 6, 13 | |
| Tuesday | September 9, 16, 23, 30, October 7 | |
| Wednesday | September 10, 17, 24, October 1, 8 | |
| Weekend | September 12 & September 13 | |
| Tuesday | October 28, November 4, 11, 18, 25 | |
| Wednesday | October 29, November 5, 12, 19, 26 | |
| Weekend | November 14 & November 15 |
Baby Boot Camp: Basics and More
Join expert educators during this exciting and interactive two-evening class. Designed for expectant parents and parents of children up to one year of age, the evenings will provide you with up-to-date information on topics specific to parenting your child from birth to 12 months.
Topics include:
Techniques for comforting and soothing
Preparing for emergencies
The "how-tos" of bathing and dressing
Age appropriate play and discipline
How to understand your baby’s sleep patterns
Providing a safe and secure world for baby...And much, much more!
The fee* is $35 and the class series is held in the hospital auditorium from 7:00-9:00 pm on the following Tuesday evenings:
February 19, 26, 2008
April 15, 22, 2008
June 17, 24, 2008
August 19, 26, 2008
October 14, 21, 2008
December 2, 9, 2008
*Combine this series with the Childbirth Preparation Series for a total of $85 for both series
Refresher Class
This one-evening class is for families who have had a previous childbirth preparation course and would like a review. The fee is $20 and class is held in the hospital auditorium from 7:00-9:30 p.m. on the following dates:
| January 17, 2008 | July 17, 2008 | |
| March 20, 2008 | September 18, 2008 | |
| May 13, 2008 | November 20, 2008 |
Children's Hour
Designed for expectant brothers and sisters beween three and ten years of age, this class familiarizes children with newborns and the hosptial environment. It includes a Birthplace tour and big brother or big sister “practice.” It will give parents tips on how to make the arrival of a new baby a positive experience for their children. The fee is $10.00 per family and classes are held in the hospital auditorium from 6:30- 8:15 p.m. on the following dates:
| January 10, 2008 | May 1, 2008 | September 11, 2008 |
| February 7, 2008 | June 12, 2008 | October 9, 2008 |
| March 13, 2008 | July, no class | November 6, 2008 |
| April 10, 2008 | August 14, 2008 | December 4, 2008 |
Breastfeeding Class
This one-night class provides an opportunity to learn more about all aspects of breastfeeding. This class is included in your Part 2 Series so there is no need to register for it. However, if you are not registering for Part 2 you are still welcome to register for this component only. Classes are held in the hospital auditorium at 7:00 p.m. on the dates listed below. There is no charge to Birthplace families.
| February 5, 6, 2008 | August 5, 6, 2008 |
| April 1, 2, 2008 | September 30, October 1, 2008 |
| June 3, 4, 2008 | November 18, 19, 2008 |
Download your registration form here
Mom's Place
A pregnancy and new mom's support group offering understanding, information and sharing for pregnant women and new mothers with babies less than one year of age. The pupose of the group is to prevent perinatal depression and anxiety by providing support. It is a drop-in, free support group run by the Womens Behavioral Health staff each Tuesday from 6PM- 7:30 PM with light refreshmants served. The group is located at 20 Erford Road, suite 11 in Lemoyne and free parking is available. The phone number for the support line for pregnant and new mothers, as well as information regarding the group is 763-2200.
Additional Program Information
CPR for Family and Friends
In this one evening course, you will learn how to perform CPR and relieve choking for an infant and child up to 8 years of age. You will also learn about injury prevention for the infant and child as this is the leading cause of death in these age groups. You will have adequate time to practice these skills and be coached by a trained CPR instructor. Please note that this is not a “certification” course as there is no examination. The fee is $15 per person and you can register by calling 972-4262. Class is held in the hospital auditorium from 7 – 9:30 p.m. on the following dates:
| January 10, 2008 | May 8, 2008 | September 11, 2008 |
| February 14, 2008 | June 12, 2008 | October 9, 2008 |
| March 13, 2008 | July 10, 2008 | November 13, 2008 |
| April 10, 2008 | August 14, 2008 | December 11, 2008 |
High-Risk Pregnancy Bedrest Basket
Occasionally the unexpected happens during pregnancy. If you are unable to attend childbirth classes due to a high-risk pregnancy please call us. We have a basket full of videos, audios and literature which you can borrow. The fee is $30 for a two week rental. We request a separate security deposit of $100 which will be returned to you when the basket and all of its contents are returned intact.
Fertility Awareness
Creighton Model FertilityCare™ System
Free Introductory Sessions of the Creighton Model FertilityCare™ System and NaProTECHNOLOGY®, a means of monitoring one's reproductive and gynecologic health held monthly. Applicable to all reproductive categories including breastfeeding and pre-menopause. In addition to achieving or avoiding pregnancy, this system can help in evaluation and treatment of infertility, repetitive miscarriage, abnormal bleeding, ovarian cysts, pelvic pain, PMS, and perimenopausal symptoms. Registration required. Information for follow-up sessions and fee schedules available upon request.
For more information, or to register for this class, contact:
Dorice Millar, RN, Coordinator of FertilityCare™ Services, 763-9880 or dmillar@hsh.org.
The Symto-Thermal Method of Natural Family Planning
Private classes are available by appointment during the day or evening. The $75 fee includes two hours of instruction and continued consultations with our certified Natural Family Planning instructor. Call 763-2970 for details. Scholarships may be available based on financial need for these sessions.
Addiction Assistance for Pregnant Women
The Capital Region Maternal Assistance Program (MAP) is designed especially for pregnant women who have a substance abuse problem, including nicotine. The program:
- Assures you access to medial care
- Coordinates community agency services
- Provides transportation to and from the program.
Cost: FREE to women in Dauphin, Cumberland, Lebanon, and Perry counties.
Call 717-763-3008 or 1-800-773-0280 for more information.
