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Pregnancy Note Book

Family Birth Center
The Medical Center of Central Georgia

The philosophy of the Family Birth Center includes the belief that child birth is one of life’s most celebrated events. The Family Birth Center recognizes each woman’s individuality regarding her right to make choices for her childbirth experience and to include her family in this process. The Family Birth Center staff is dedicated to providing families with a supportive and personalized childbirth experience. The Center is located at 777 Hemlock Street. 478/633-1337.

Services start with the Beginnings program, months before the baby’s due date. Moms on the Move exercise classes at the Wellness Center help women maintain their fitness level during pregnancy. There are several educational choices for families related to childbirth and newborn care. Beginnings offers childbirth education classes along with breastfeeding classes, sibling classes, baby care basics classes, and back to work classes. The new Anderson Health Education Center Library also has up to date maternity information available to the public and health care consumer.

The model of care for the Family Birth Center is the LDR concept. The mother and family are in one room for the labor, delivery, and recovery process. After recovery the mother is moved to a postpartum room and the baby can be with the mother and family as much as possible. The nurse that takes care of mom is the same nurse that takes care of baby. With a 2-3 day hospital stay, this gives the new mom and family an opportunity to get comfortable caring for their newborn under the watchful eye of the nurse. The Beginnings lactation nurse will also assist any mother who has decided to breast feed her baby. Ongoing support is also provided after the mom goes home from the hospital. All newborns born in the Family Birth Center receive a hearing screening prior to their dismissal. The First Steps program will also make a follow-up phone call to first time Moms. For your convenience, The Family Birth Center provides information packets to your obstetric healthcare provider’s office. Please ask your physician or midwife for this information or call 478-633-1008 to have one mailed to you.

Central Georgia Fertility Institute will assist couples in family building using advanced medical and surgical technology, provide support through education and counseling, and assist them in the exploration for alternative treatments such as third party reproductive and adoption needs. The CGFI is located at 4035 Elnora Drive, Macon. 478/757-7888.

Family Ties Birthing Center

Coliseum Medical Centers

The birth of a child can be one of life’s most amazing moments. During this special time, Coliseum Medical Centers is there to provide the best possible care for you and your baby in a safe, caring environment. For over 30 years, Coliseum Medical Centers has provided quality obstetrics and nursery services, and to date over 30,000 babies have started their lives in the Family Ties Birthing Center. The center boasts the title of "Best Place to Have a Baby" as awarded by local readers of the local parenting magazine and newspaper. Middle Georgia is also fortunate to have one of the state’s neonatal intensive care units located at Coliseum Medical Centers. This 13-bed unit is specially designed and staffed with neonatal physicians and nurses to treat premature or high-risk infants directly from the delivery room.

Family Ties Birthing Center is there for you every step of the way, offering classes to educate expectant mothers, and guidance for big brothers and big sisters on how to accept their new sibling into their lives. The Childbirth Preparation class covers prenatal nutrition, exercise, breathing, and relaxation techniques, comfort measures during labor, the birth process, preparation for baby, and practical tips for successful parenting. In addition, breastfeeding classes are offered to help you feel more comfortable about breastfeeding, and to help future moms understand the process of lactation, as well as practical tips for successful breastfeeding. The Center is located at 350 Hospital Drive, Macon. Call 765-7000 for more information.

Houston Healthcare Maternity Centers
Houston Medical Center
The Women’s Center

1601 Watson Blvd., Warner Robins
478/542-7790
www.hhc.org

The Women’s Center offers spacious birthing suites with many home comforts such as television and private phone lines, the gentle effect of Skytron lighting and the reassurance of an in-room sonogram. The Center features an operating suite for C-sections, as well as a Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery.

Perry Hospital
1120 Morningside Dr., Perry
478/988-1770
www.hhc.org

Family Beginnings Maternity Center offers personalized care in the comfort of spacious, private birthing suites. An innovative, computerized fetal monitoring system and an operating suite for C-sections are also included within the facility. Mothers and babies are able to stay in the birthing suite from admission through discharge to home.

Childbirth/Prenatal Education

The Women’s Center and Family Beginnings Maternity Center offer informative classes for mothers-to-be and their partners. Early pregnancy, prepared childbirth, breastfeeding, newborn care, infant CPR & safety and self-care classes are taught by registered nurses certified in childbirth education. Classes are available days, evenings and weekends. A special "Big Brother/Big Sister" class is also available for siblings ages 3 to 10. For more information or to register, please call 923-9771 or visit www.hhc.org/educare.

Breastfeeding Services

Certified lactation consultants are available to assist mothers in breastfeeding their infants at both The Women’s Center (542-7948) and Family Beginnings Maternity Center (988-1770). In addition to breastfeeding classes, a Breastfeeding Support Group is also available. For more information, please call 923-9771 or visit www.hhc.org/educare.

Home Visits

Both The Women’s Center and Family Beginnings Maternity Center offer a unique service to new mothers. Registered nurses visit new mothers within a few days of arriving home from the hospital to assess mom and baby, as well as answer questions about infant care and the challenges of motherhood.

Announcing Your New Arrival

The Women’s Center and Family Beginnings Maternity Center are proud to help you announce your newborn’s arrival. We offer "First Tune Lullaby," providing parents and siblings with an opportunity to announce their special event with a soft 10-second lullaby played over the hospital’s public address system. New parents also receive Maxwell’s Lullabies, an eight-song CD collection of original lullabies commemorating your child’s birth. New parents may also choose to include their baby’s photo and birth information on our online nursery at www.hhc.org.

Paul G. Firth, M.D.
440 Charter Blvd., Ste. 2204, Macon
478-477-9020

Dr. Firth and his staff offer professional and personalized medical treatment specializing in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Infertility. On site sonograms are performed by Dr. Firth. The friendly staff knows you by name and face and makes sure that urgent appointments are scheduled within 24 hours and routine appointments within a week. Dr. Firth will make sure that he personally sees you at each and every visit as well as thoroughly addressing any questions which you may have.

W. Wilson Gray, Jr., M.D., Ph.D., P.C.
840 Pine St., Ste. 910, Macon
478-742-0059

Specializing in high risk obstetrics, infertility, electrocautery surgery, laser surgery, ultra sonography, and electric fetal monitoring. New patients are welcome.

James Logan, M.D.
The Asthma and Pediatric Lung Center

800 First St., Suite 320, Macon
478-755-0036

Dr. James Logan and Victoria Spinks, NP congratulate you on the newest addition to your family. We offer comprehensive pediatric medical care for newborns to adolescence. Dr. Logan has extensive training for special needs including prematurity and lung disorders such as asthma or cystic fibrosis.

Kathleen Mont-Louis, M.D.
Empower Women’s Health Center

420 Charter Blvd., Ste. 405. Macon
478-474-9093

Dr. Mont-Louis specializes in high risk obstetrics, infertility, adolescent gynecology, menopause, colposcopy, and laparoscopy.

F. Marshall Parker M.D.
Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.A.

105 Briarcliff Rd., Warner Robins
478-922-3191

Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.A., is expecting.... That’s right! Our office is expecting, too. Yes, we are expecting a new physician, Dr. Victoria A. Shirley, who will be joining our practice on August 1. She will be working with Dr. Marshall Parker and Midwife Jeri Willeby, CNM. Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.A., a progressive healthcare practice for women, has been in our community since 1970. We offer full obstetrical care, dietetic counseling, ultrasound, and manipulation therapy. New patients are always welcome.

Doula Services by Jennifer Varner
Academy of Healing Arts
486 New Street, Macon
478/746-0025
e-mail: ahamassage@aol.com
www.TherapeuticMassage.com

A doula is trained to provide the highest quality emotional, physical and educational support to women and their families during childbirth and postpartum. The best time for you and your labor doula to begin planning is in your second trimester. In meeting with the doula you will discuss your previous birthing history and your ideal birth plan. During labor, the doula guides in beneficial comfort measures and makes certain the birth plan is followed. This allows the partner time to emotionally support the mother and remain with her throughout the birth.

Pregnancy massage helps to ease the muscle tension and promotes mental wellness from the first trimester throughout the pregnancy. If anything ever feels uncomfortable, needs more attention, or if there are any areas that you would rather not have massaged, simply make your therapist aware of your needs. By reducing the mother’s stress, the overall health and comfort of the pregnancy is enhanced.

Infant massage is a great way to begin the touch and nurturing of a child. Touch is as important as food for healthy mental and physical development. Bonding is a unique and close attachment between you and your child that is strengthened by infant massage. This bonding can be experienced by mothers, fathers and other caregivers and creates a closeness akin to that of breastfeeding. Research shows infants that receive massage have improved sleeping patterns, reduced anxiety, and increased performance in developmental tasks. Classes can start as early as six weeks and may be private or group sessions. Jennifer Varner is a LPN-Licensed practical nurse, CMT-Certified massage therapist at Therapeutic Massage, Assistant Director of the Academy of Healing Arts, a local massage school. She is a CIMI-Certified infant massage instructor, labor doula, childbirth educator, member of CAPPA and IAIM (International Association of Infanct Massage).

Macon-Bibb County Health Department
171 Emery Highway, Macon
478/745-0411 (information)
478/749-0103 (appointments)

The Health Department offers a variety of services for prenatal and postnatal clients up to 3 months after birth, including pregnancy tests. Medicaid, Peachcare for Kids or cash based on a sliding scale fee are accepted as a form of payment. Most services provided for pregnant women require appointments.

The Women’s Health prenatal clinic provides complete health assessments, perinatal related services after birth, lab test, and will assist in obtaining right from the start Medicaid, WIC, and other family related services.

WIC provides basic nutritional services including nutritional assessments, counseling, and foods to eligible expecting mothers and children from birth to 5 years of age. 478/745-0411, extension 207.

Many biological changes occur during pregnancy leaving one’s teeth and gums at risk. The Dental Health Clinic provides dental exams and oral health education.

Health Education includes car seats, child safety seat education, and proper installation instructions are available through the Baby Buckle-Up Program. The cost of a car seat is $40.00 by cash and appointment only.

Vital Records can provide birth and death certificates for individuals who were born or died in Bibb County for a cash fee of $10.

The Child Health Clinic provides physical assessments and makes appropriate referrals to healthcare providers for all under the age of 21. The Immunization Clinic provides all childhood immunizations.

Baby Products

Blooms N’ Vines
1005 Watson Blvd., Warner Robins

478/922-0906

Blooms ‘N Vines offers beautiful baby clothing for boys and girls such as booties, caps, jumper sets, and accessories such as socks, hair bows, and panties.

Cherub’s Closet
478/922-4090
www.cherubs-closet.com

Find great values in infant clothing, furniture, and toys at the semi-annual sale October 15-20. Location to be announced in the August advertisement. Outgrown infant items will also be accepted on consignment.

Cranial Technologies, Inc.
975 Johnson Ferry Rd., Ste.220, Atlanta
1-866-636-3007

Babies sleep on their backs, to prevent SIDS. Because an infant’s head is soft, back-sleeping can cause it to become flat or lop-sided. Abnormal head shapes in infants are corrected with use of the DOC Band. Call for free consultations.

Cream of the Crop
Vineville Market,
3256 Vineville Avenue, Macon
478/477-7045

Cream of the Crop offers numerous exquisite infant clothing lines, keepsake sterling gifts, and accessories. Find unique gifts for Mom such as adorable diaper bags and keepsakes. Gift registry available.

Discovery Toys
Representative: Pam Chanin 
www.chaninp@bellsouth.net

770/973-6409

Discovery Toy’s baby toys and products offer tools for learning that expand the child’s knowledge, skills, and encourage development with each new play experience. Smarter children aren’t a matter of chance, rather a matter of choice!

Dreamscape Illustrations
2370 Ingleside Ave., Macon
478-750-8588

Offering a variety of services with the expectant parent in mind. Portraits, hand-painted furniture and customized murals. Let them design something special for your nursery.

First Photo Fetal Imaging
540 Charter Blvd., Ste. 300, Macon
866/485-7797

First Photo offers a 30 minute sonogram videotape, black & white pictures, a computer disc, and when possible, a 3D photo at 28-34 weeks for only $100. All images are taken by a registered Sonographer with 100% accuracy in determining a baby’s sex.

Goodwill Emporium
3177 Macon Tech Dr., Macon
478-785-0699
Offering new and used infants’ wear.

Over the Moon
4524 Forsyth Rd., Macon
478/471-7553

Over the Moon features baby and children’s bedding, furniture, clothing and gifts. Now find Britax car seats, Peg Pérego and Martinelli travel systems, strollers and high chairs. Other lines include Bratt Decor, Susan Turner Baby and Wendy Bellessimo as well as Mustella products.

Signs of Arrival
478/474-3692

Rent a wooden five-foot, colorful stork sign to announce the arrival of that special baby. Can be ordered with or without a balloon bouquet which can be attached to the sign or enjoyed inside by the mother. Makes an excellent gift for new parents.

Sugarplum Tree
917 Carroll St., Perry
478/987-0970

Specializing in come home from the hospital outfits, receiving blankets, booties, bibs, hats, and exclusive children’s apparel such as Le Top, House of Hatten, Rosalina, Auraluz, and Feltman. Some have matching hats, receiving blankets, booties, and bibs

Sweet Beginnings
3051 Vineville Ave., Macon
478/742-7490.

Sweet Beginnings at Chi-ches-Ters on Vineville offers a beautiful selection of items for that special new arrival. Items such as day gowns by Feltman Brothers, assorted diaper covers, receiving blankets, crocheted baby booties, bibs, sterling silver keepsakes, baby books and albums, and decorative items for the nursery make wonderful gifts for that special new addition.

Tina’s Shoes
3259 Vineville Avenue
478/476-8333

For baby we offer baby crib sheets, baby shoes, and infant clothing for girls and boys.

The Watermelon Seed
3258 Vineville Avenue

Offering maternity and gift lines such as Olian, Duet, and Belly Basics. You can also find here sleepwear, belly creams, and "Mommy Bracelets" and much more.

Womb With a View
6351 Zebulon Rd., Ste. D, Macon
478/471-1121

From the womb to the room, your baby’s second home should be as perfect as the first. We have everything you need to meet your furnishing needs for your baby.