A Great Start

The Gibson Area Hospital Obstetrics Department offers a wide range of family education programs that are offered to help you and your family prepare for your baby’s arrival, including:

Childbirth Education and Breastfeeding Class

This interactive class will assist expectant mothers and their support person in preparing for the birth of their children. Topics covered, but not limited to, include what to expect during your hospital stay, caring for your new baby, care of the mother before, during, and after delivery, the need for increased communication between mother and coach, explaining the different pain control options, and nutrition options for your infant. You will also go on a tour of the OB department dependent upon Covid/Influenza Restrictions at that time so you become familiar with the surroundings before you come to deliver. The class is offered every other month beginning in January and meets at Gibson Area Hospital in the evenings. The hours are from 5:30 pm-7:30 pm. There is no fee for mothers who will be delivering at G.A.H. The cost for mothers not delivering at G.A.H is $50.00. Our Certified Childbirth Educator instructs the class. Contact our OB department at 217-784-2510 to register. Once registered, you will receive confirmation from our Instructor.  Class schedules are updated in January and June.

Upcoming Schedule for childbirth classes in 2024:

Breastfeeding/Car Seat/Postpartum Education Classes

This interactive class will assist expectant mothers and their support person with Breastfeeding, Car Seat, and Postpartum Education on what to expect including Self-care and Newborn Care after delivery. This class is offered every other month beginning in January at Gibson Area Hospital in the evening. The hours are from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.  There is no fee for this class.  A Certified Lactation Counselor and Child Passenger Safety Technician instructs the class. Contact our OB Department at 217-784-2510 to register.  Once registered, you will receive confirmation from our Instructor.  Class schedules are updated in January and June.

Upcoming Schedule for Breastfeeding Classes in 2024:

Certified Lactation Counselors Assistance

The OB Dept currently has five Certified Lactation Counselors and one Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant. The CLCs will visit you while you are in the hospital and assist you with any breastfeeding needs you may have. Once you go home, you may call the OB department at 217-784-2510, anytime night or day with questions or set up a time to meet with a CLC if problems or questions arise.

Contact the OB department at 217-784-2510.

Women, Infants, and Children's Services

To learn more about W.I.C. Services and Family Case Management click here. 

Safe Sitter Classes

Safe Sitter® teaches adolescent babysitters how to handle emergent situations, how to keep their charges secure, and how to nurture and guide a young child. In short, Safe Sitter® babysitters help children stay safe and sound while their parents are away. In the process, these 11-14-year-olds emerge as more confident, responsible, and compassionate teens and adults. Their instructors thrive on making a difference in the lives of these adolescents and the children in their care. Their sponsoring Safe Sitter® site enjoys the benefits of developing a positive relationship with its community's youth and families. The cost of the course is $35.  For more information or to sign up contact the OB department at 217-784-2510.

Safe Sitter Classes will meet from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Gibson Area Hospital in the East Boardroom, located in the hospital basement.

2024 Safe Sitter Class Dates: 

To Be Announced