Education & Resources

Shore Memorial's Family Life Services is staffed by registered nurses trained to educate and support families as you prepare for your birth experience.

Childbirth Classes

Through our Preparation for Childbirth and Early Parenting series, prospective parents are provided the information to make labor, birth and parenting choices that are based on intellect rather than emotion. As a woman goes through her third trimester, fears and concerns about what is normal often prevail. In a comfortable and relaxed setting, your concerns are addressed and your questions answered in a comfortable setting over a seven-week program. You are taught labor management/relaxation skills with many opportunities to fine-tune those skills. You will hear from experienced labor nurses, variations and interventions that can occur beyond the routine vaginal delivery. Information on Caesarean section, induction of labor, epidural anesthesia and narcotic pain management are included. One class session will focus on the feeding and nurturing of your newborn. This session includes what you need to know about breast- and bottle-feeding and will help you to get off to the best start. Our lactation consultants can support and assist you while you are with us in the hospital and even after you go home. Additionally, you and your support team will be invited to join us for a tour of our family-friendly unit. We want you to feel at home with us, even before that very first contraction! Basic baby care and early parenting are also included. We firmly believe that a strong family unit is key to a strong society. Readying yourself for the task of parenthood is a sound investment in your future as well as your child's. The Family Life Services staff are all certified childbirth educators and internationally board certified lactation consultants (IBCLCs).

Sibling Preparation Class

If your family is preparing for the arrival of a subsequent child, our Sibling Preparation Class is a wonderful opportunity for you to help acquaint your older child or children for the change in their role. Through puppetry, games, crafts, discussion and even a visit to a "growing family's room," we reinforce the teaching you are already doing. This class is ideal for children ages three to eight, but if you feel your child would benefit and can participate, they are welcome regardless of their age. This 90-minute session ends with a "birthday party" for the new baby. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to celebrate as your child prepares to become a "super sibling."

Loss Support

Sadly, not all pregnancy and birth experiences have happy endings. Currently, one in three pregnancies end in miscarriage. Along with SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), miscarriage can result in overwhelming grief and loss. RTS (Resolve Through Sharing) is a national support group created to help families honor the life lost while walking by your side as you travel this painful and confusing road. Our RTS support team is available to you, not only during the immediate hours, days and weeks of your loss, but throughout the time needed to restore normalcy and peace to your family. Call Family Life Services with your questions or concerns at 609-653-3238. We are here to support your growing family.

Mom to Mom

Mom to Mom is a support group for new mothers. New parenting can be overwhelming, frustrating, scary and isolating...so may questions and concerns...and so little sleep!

If you have a concern, chances are that someone else shares those same concerns. Bring your baby and spend an hour with other new moms like yourself. Refreshments served.

No charge
Mondays 1-2pm
2nd Floor Jenkins Room
Valet parking available

Breastfeeding Support

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sole breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life for all infants in whom breastfeeding is not specifically contraindicated. Particularly if you do not come from a breastfeeding family, this may seem foreign and even scary to you.

Most experienced breastfeeding moms will tell you it takes 3-4 weeks to iron out all the "wrinkles" in breastfeeding. Teaching your baby (and yourself) how to obtain a good latch, telling your body exactly how much milk to make, and then gaining the confidence to settle in and enjoy the experience all take time. Although most women experience few problems with breastfeeding, when it is YOU that has a problem, it can be huge. And without a quick resolution, a small problem can quickly grow and prematurely end breastfeeding completely.

Shore Memorial Hospital's board certified lactation consultants are eager to provide you with the assistance and support you need to achieve the feeding goals you have set for yourself and your newborn. Not only through consultations here in the hospital while you are a patient, but all throughout your nursing experience, we are here for you. Call 653-3238 with your questions, concerns or to request an outpatient consultation.