There are approximately 100 babies born yearly at Temple View Apartments on the BYU-Hawaii campus, according to senior missionary and Nurse Kathy Edgar. She works with pregnant BYU–Hawaii students and their spouses. She explained the university is trying to expand its resources so they can support these new families with the right help and education.
With the help of Edgar and two BYUH students, the BYUH Health Center has started new series of birth classes for expecting parents.
According to Edgar, “I worked many years as a labor, delivery nurse, and lactation consultant before. I really enjoy my calling where I have lots of opportunities to help young parents and their babies.
“I personally visit the mothers at least four times throughout their prenatal and postpartum period and help them prepare for birth and motherhood. I am grateful for the new birth classes as these give a more extensive training on labor, delivery, and the postpartum period.”
Sarah Coles, a senior from Utah majoring in peacebuilding who was an initiator of the birth class idea on campus, explained, “I [have] met many mothers on campus who had negative birth experiences. I had a really good birth experience. This is what inspired me to help other mothers to have a joyful experience too. It is so crucial to know what happens when someone goes into labor.
“Knowledge empowers mothers and fathers when they go to the delivery room. They know what they can expect... They are in control because they know what`s going on around them. This is very important in order to have a great birth experience.”
In the birth class, expecting parents learn about the process of labor and delivery, postpartum depression, and newborn care.
Megan Call, a junior majoring in exercise and sports science from California, said, “I took part of the birth classes in the summer, gave birth two weeks ago, and I had an amazing experience. I knew what is happening, and I was able to stay calm throughout the whole labor.
“I practiced the meditation and breathing techniques I learned from Sarah, and I don’t think I could have had such a great experience without it. The best part of the classes was my husband could come as well. This way he didn’t freak out when it was time and was absolutely helpful throughout the whole birth process. I encourage all dads to take part of these classes with their wives.”
The new session of birth classes started on Jan. 8 and will be held every Tuesday night from 7-to-9 p.m. for six weeks. On Tuesdays, Edgar and Hannah Biesinger, a midwife from England, will teach about the anatomy and process of labor. On Saturdays, parents can practice relaxation techniques, yoga, meditation, partner support and hypnobirthing with Coles.
For more information or to sign up, e-mail birthclass@byuh.edu.
Writer: Reka Bordas