Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Tomorrow's reunion is a birthday party of sorts as parents who attended Kosciusko Community Hospital's fall birthing class will meet again with their babies.
"It's something we did in New Jersey all the time," said Becky Vogt, RNC, the Prepared Childbirth instructor. "Everyone becomes very close to one another during the class."
The reunion is Saturday at 2 p.m. at KCH.
Vogt, in addition to being a registered nurse, is certified in obstetrical medicine and is a lactation consultant.
The October-November class had 11 expectant mothers and their coaches. The January-February class had 26 members.
The class focuses on what to expect and what to do during each phase of labor, whether their delivery is natural, medicated or by Caesarean section.
The group meets Thursday nights for five weeks. A bonus class about breast-feeding is provided for people who pay the $40 fee.
Vogt said the former classmates really look forward to seeing each other and they're all proud of their babies.
"They'll decide who had the worst labor, who lost the most weight and enjoy each other's company again," she said.
There are little gifts, too, like a gift certificate for whoever came the closest to guessing their baby's birth weight.
"Some women come in with very specific birth plans and we explain what is reasonable and realistic," she said, describing aromatherapy, special blankets, music and other items women want close to them as the delivery time draws near.
"The classes help to prepare the gals and couples. It empowers them to make the delivery a good experience."
The hospital has four delivery rooms and 10 postpartum rooms. The facilities were heavily used last year, with 806 births in 2002.
