Note: All programs are free unless otherwise noted.
Childbirth & Breastfeeding Education
Preparation for Childbirth Series
Are you worried about childbirth? Need help preparing? This comprehensive set of classes covers:
- Understanding labor
- Active coach participation
- Breathing and relaxation techniques
- Positive labor and pushing positions
- Pain relief in labor
- Hospital routines
- Mock labor experience
- A tour of the hospital
- Baby care
- Preparation for breastfeeding
- Infant safety/CPR
It is best to begin the program when you are 27 to 28 weeks along in your pregnancy. This series of classes is free for couples delivering at The Medical Center of Plano, for all classes except Infant Safety/CPR ($30 charge for mannequin and DVD kit, which you will take home with you to use as a refresher for infant CPR). Request more information, and select the "Pre-Natal Childbirth Classes" box after your contact information.
If you would rather take the Childbirth & Breastfeeding Education classes separately, choose from this list:
Hospital Orientation Class & Tour
Get to know the place where you'll give birth, tour the maternity facilities and receive answers to your questions. Request more information, and select "Prenatal Orientation Tour" from the list of classes.
Refresher Course
Designed for women who have given birth before, this three-hour class updates moms on the latest relaxation techniques and other trends in labor and delivery. Request more information, and select "Refresher Childbirth" from the list of classes.
Baby Care Class for New Parents
For all first-time parents who are delivering at The Medical Center of Plano (grandparents are also welcome), you'll receive instruction on newborn care, including the following topics: bathing, circumcision care, feeding, crying and much more. Request more information, and select "Baby Care Class During Pregnancy" from the list of classes.
Infant Safety & CPR
You never know when you may need it. So get educated now on infant safety, the choke-save technique for infants, and infant CPR. Cost is $30, which covers the mannequin and DVD kit to take home with you and use as a refresher for infant CPR. Request more information, and select "Infant Safety & CPR" from the list of classes. If you have a child between the ages of 1 and 8, you may also be interested in the Child CPR & First Aid class below.
Child CPR & First Aid
Continue your learning from the Infant Safety & CPR class, and learn first aid and safety techniques that could save the life of your 1- to 8-year old.
Time: 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Date: Fourth Saturday of every month
Place: Building III, Suite 315
Cost is $30, which covers the mannequin and DVD kit to take home with you and use as a refresher for child CPR. To sign up, call (972) 519-1209 or e-mail
Preparation for Breastfeeding
This two-hour class educates moms-to-be on the benefits and techniques of breastfeeding. Request more information, and select "Breastfeeding Classes - Preparation for Breastfeeding" from the list of classes.
Breastfeeding & Returning to Work
Attention, all working mommies - you don't want to miss this one. Learn about various types of pumps, as well as techniques for pumping and storing breast milk. You'll be ready to return to the office while continuing to breastfeed. Request more information, and select "Breastfeeding Classes - Breastfeeding/Pumping" from the list of classes.
Outpatient Lactation Clinic
Feeling frustrated by the challenges of breastfeeding? Don't despair - our Outpatient Lactation Clinic (Medical Office Building I, Suite 204) will help you find the techniques and equipment that work best for you. Schedule an appointment (for a fee) with an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant for support, information and guidance. Supplies are also available, including breast pump rentals and sales. For details, call the Breastfeeding Hotline at (972) 519-1450.
Pre- & Post-Natal Yoga
Pre-Natal Yoga
Pregnancy is an incredibly special time, requiring a unique awareness of your body. Yoga keeps you safely fit through gentle toning. A registered yoga teacher (and mom) will teach you breathing exercises and body movement tools to help with labor and relaxation. You'll also learn how yoga can help nurture yourself and your new baby.
Time: 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Date: Every Monday
Place: Community Classroom
Cost is $10 per class, or six classes for $50. Request more information, and select "Prenatal Yoga" from the list of classes.
Post-Natal "Mommy & Me" Yoga
After childbirth, you need to focus on strengthening your core muscles again, as well as soothing stretches and relaxation. Many of the poses in this class are interactive with your baby, and there will also be other fun activities to entertain your little one. To attend, infants should be at least 5 weeks old with some neck control. Class is instructed by a registered yoga teacher (and mom). Request more information, and select "Mommy & Me Yoga" from the list of classes.
New Baby Training
(for siblings & dads)
Teddy Bear Camp
Designed for expectant siblings who are 2 to 3 years old, this class helps your children prepare for a new little brother or sister. Siblings bring their teddy bear with them and listen to a story, hear about what new babies are able to do, and learn how to hold them (with parent's assistance). They'll also make a door hanger for the baby's nursery at home. Parents are welcome to attend.
Time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Date: Held on select Saturdays
Place: Second floor of the main hospital, classrooms 1 and 2
Cost is $10 per child, and registration is required. Request more information, and select "Siblings Class - 2-3 years old" from the list of classes. Or, call (972) 519-1209 for more information and reservations.
New Baby Day Camp
This fun-filled day at camp helps expectant siblings ages 4+ prepare for the arrival of a new baby. The hospital is transformed into a camping and hiking area for kids to explore as they learn about becoming a big brother or sister.
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Date: Held on select Saturdays
Place: Second floor of the main hospital, classrooms 1 and 2
Cost is $15 per child, and registration is required. Request more information, and select "Siblings Class - 4 years and older" from the list of classes. Or, call (972) 519-1209 for more information and reservations.
Boot Camp for New Dads
A seminar designed for first-time fathers, topics include: our own fathers as role models, care of new moms and babies, returning to intimacy, forming a family, "Dad the Protector," and Dad and baby on the go. Request more information, and select "New Dad's Boot Camp" from the list of classes.
Grandparent Classes
Grandparenting 101: Caring for Kids Today
All you new grandmas and grandpas, this one's for you. Learn about: adjusting to your new role, new ways of caring for your grandbaby, new products available, and baby-proofing techniques. You'll also learn about the important bond between grandparents and grandchildren and about infant brain development, so you can make the most of all your special times together. Request more information, and select "Grandparenting 101" from the list of classes.
Grandparent Adventures: A Visit to the Hospital
If you have grandchildren ages 4 to 10, why not spend one of your afternoons with them sharing and learning? "A Visit to the Hospital" includes tours of our emergency department, newborn nursery, kitchen, pediatric rooms and the radiology department - all of which help acquaint children with a hospital environment. Kids will remember their special visit with a collection of mementos they receive on the tour. After this informative event, both grandparents and grandchildren will be prepared for any unexpected trips to the hospital. For more information or to reserve your spot, call (972) 519-1209.
Spirit of Women®
From hauling kids to soccer practice to cooking dinner after a long day at work, women are masters of putting others first. Now it's time to put your own health back in the spotlight.
Spirit of Women is a national network of hospitals, physicians, nurses, therapists and corporate partners in nearly 100 U.S. cities. As a Spirit of Women hospital, The Medical Center of Plano gives local ladies like you access to seminars and special events that foster your health.
There are programs for women of all ages, including Spirited Women, Spirit Girls for moms and their tween daughters, Spirit Moms and New Mom Tea and Social Hour for new mothers, and more.
Spirited Women
Most of us know the basics of living a healthy life - eat right, stay active, get enough sleep. They may sound easy, but with today's hectic schedules, those tasks can seem impossible to accomplish. At Spirited Women, we'll show you how. Offering different health and lifestyle topics every month, we address the unique needs of ladies at every stage of life. So you walk away equipped, empowered, and ready to become your healthiest yet.
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Date: Second Monday of each month
Place: Auditorium (Building III, Suite 315)
For more information, call (214) 473-7317. Check the calendar for topics and location.
Spirit Girls
(for moms and their tween daughters)
Puberty, peer pressure and preparing for the teenage years are enough to stress out any parent of a middle-school-age girl. But forget your worries, because The Medical Center of Plano offers a group especially for 6th- to 8th-grade girls and their moms. You'll learn more about the specific health issues your daughter faces and open up the lines of communication - which will lead to a healthier life for both of you. Topics include skin care, fashions, safety, body changes, hair care, nutrition and body image.
Time: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Date: Third Sunday of each month
Place: Auditorium (Building III, Suite 315)
For more information, call (214) 473-7317. Check the calendar for upcoming topics and location.
Spirit Moms
(for new moms and their babies)
Join other new mommies and their little ones at this weekly program designed to help you lead your newly expanded family to a healthy and happy lifestyle. You'll learn to adapt to your changing life and responsibilities as a mom - and enjoy a lot of laughs along the way. Each meeting includes health advice, a stroller walk around the mall, and consumer tips from participating merchants.
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Every Friday morning
Place: The Shops at Willow Bend, Dillard's courtyard
For more information, call (972) 519-1251.
New Mom Tea & Social Hour (for pregnant women and new moms)
Get together with a friendly group of expectant and new moms and their babies for a celebration of motherhood! Discussion topics include healthy newborns, women's health, fitness and nutrition. This social program offers opportunities to connect, support and form friendships with other moms.
Time: 2 p.m.
Date: Fourth Sunday of each month
Place: Auditorium (Building III, Suite 315)
Reservations are required. For more information or to reserve your spot, call (972) 519-1209.
2nd Cup of Coffee
Sip on some Starbucks while listening to a medical update presented by physicians on staff at The Medical Center of Plano. No registration required. For more information on upcoming topics, visit www.ShopWillowBend.com/events.
Time: 9 a.m.
Date: Second Saturday of each month
Place: The Shops at Willow Bend in the Connection Court, located on the Lower Level near Saks Fifth Avenue
Tween & Teen Classes
Beginning the Cycle: Menstruation
The better you prepare your daughter for upcoming biological changes, the easier her transition to womanhood will be. In this free seminar, mothers and daughters together will learn about the biological, medical and practical lifestyle aspects of menstruation from an OB/GYN at The Medical Center of Plano. The seminar is offered several times a year. Check the calendar for more information, or call (972) 519-1209 to reserve your spot.
Safe Sitter®
Designed for girls and boys ages 11 to 13, this class prepares tweens and teens to be responsible babysitters. Trained Safe Sitter instructors teach safe and nurturing child care techniques, appropriate responses to medical emergencies, behavior management skills, and instruction in infant and child CPR. The all-day class costs $55 and is offered several Saturdays per year. Check the calendar for more information, or call (972) 519-1209 to reserve your spot.
Spirit Girls
Puberty, peer pressure and preparing for the teenage years are enough to stress out any parent of a middle-school-age girl. But forget your worries, because The Medical Center of Plano offers a group especially for 6th- to 8th-grade girls and their moms. You'll learn more about the specific health issues your daughter faces and open up the lines of communication - which will lead to a healthier life for both of you. Topics include skin care, fashions, safety, body changes, hair care, nutrition and body image.
Time: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Date: Third Sunday of each month
Place: Auditorium (Building III, Suite 315)
For more information, call (214) 473-7317. Check the calendar for upcoming topics and location.
Hysterectomy Preparation
Learn all about your upcoming hysterectomy surgery, so you can feel fully prepared. Topics include: types of surgeries, anesthesia, pain control, your recovery and getting back to your routine. Request more information, and select "Hysterectomy Preparation" from the list of classes.
Sweet Success
(for pregnant women with pre-existing or gestational diabetes)
If you are diabetic and want to have a baby - or if you are already pregnant and have developed gestational diabetes - Women'sLink can help. We partner with the Center for Lifestyle Enhancement (CLE), the Wellness and Preventive Medicine Department at The Medical Center of Plano. Together, we offer Sweet Success, part of a nationally recognized, comprehensive support program for women in your situation.
Through Sweet Success, you'll be cared for by an experienced team of physicians, nurses, dieticians, social workers and other healthcare professionals, all working side by side to ensure you have a successful pregnancy.
Sweet Success establishes higher standards of care in the treatment of pre-existing and gestational diabetes, and follows American Diabetes Association standards to decrease perinatal complications.
If you have pre-existing diabetes, you'll receive pre-pregnancy counseling from an OB/GYN, who will explain the benefits of maintaining tight glycemic control before and during pregnancy. In addition, you'll get personalized help on diet, exercise, blood sugar monitoring and reducing risks during pregnancy for both you and your baby. Women with gestational diabetes will learn how to avoid Type 2 diabetes, which they are at greater risk of developing later in life.
If hospitalized during your pregnancy, you and your baby will be monitored by highly qualified antepartum nurses to prevent complications. While hospitalized for delivery, mothers with pre-existing or gestational diabetes will be cared for by labor and delivery nurses, postpartum and nursery nurses, lactation consultants, physicians and dieticians who have all received specialized Sweet Success training.
After delivery, postpartum nurses will instruct you on the importance of follow-up care for diabetes. Since babies who breastfeed are much less likely to develop diabetes during their lifetime, lactation consultants also contribute to the Sweet Success team and help new moms acclimate to breastfeeding.
For more information, contact The Medical Center of Plano's Center for Lifestyle Enhancement at (972) 519-1207. Admission to the Sweet Success program is by physician referral only.
Support Groups
Caring and Sharing
For Breast Cancer
One of the smartest pieces of advice any breast cancer survivor will give you: "Don't try to do this alone." At Women'sLink, we encourage breast cancer patients to lean on their close friends and family, as well as join a support group of women who are battling the same disease. There is strength in numbers, and you will find a new measure of courage among these fighters.
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Third Monday of each month
Place: Building 2, outpatient surgery waiting room
For more information, call (214) 473-7777.
Resolve
For Infertility
If you're having trouble conceiving, life can feel bleak. It may seem that everyone else is getting pregnant, and you're left wondering why you can't. You may be pursuing medical options to overcome infertility, but don't forget to care for your emotional well-being too. Unload your feelings, and learn healthy ways to cope with this struggle through the Resolve Infertility Support Group.
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: First Monday of every month
Place: Second floor of the main hospital, classrooms 1 and 2
For more information, e-mail
TLC (Together Lets Cope)
For Parents With Baby in NICU
As a new mom, you can't wait to take your little one home and begin your life together as a family. But, if your infant is receiving care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, that dream is put on hold. During such an emotional time, you must have the support of other families experiencing the same period of watching and waiting. At the TLC (Together Let's Cope) Support Group, you'll talk about your feelings, participate in bonding activities like scrapbooking, and share with other parents in your situation.
Time: 6:15 p.m.
Date: First and third Monday of each month
Place: Second floor of the main hospital, classrooms 1 and 2
For more information, call (972) 519-1260.
Healing Matters I
For Perinatal Loss
Words cannot begin to describe the grief a mother and father feel upon losing a child. If you've lost a baby due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, newborn death or SIDS, please know that there are other women going through the same pain. Through the Healing Matters I Grief Support Group, you can join them on the journey of finding strength and healing.
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Date: Fourth Monday of every month
Place: Second floor of the main hospital, classrooms 1 and 2
For more information, call (972) 519-1588.
Healing Matters II
For General Bereavement
When you lose someone you love, your world stops. But the rest of the world keeps on turning. At the Healing Matters II Grief Support Group, you can feel free to grieve honestly and fully -- because you're among people who are walking in the same shoes you are. Sharing with people who understand will bring you one step closer to healing.
Support Group
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Second and fourth Tuesdays of every month (fourth Tuesday is for widows/widowers only)
Place: The Medical Center of Plano Administrative Conference Room 2
Social & Game Night for Widows/Widowers
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Date: Every Friday night
Place: Second floor of the main hospital, classrooms 1 and 2
For more information, call (972) 519-1588.
