For years, the pediatricians at Carolina Kids Pediatrics in Raleigh, NC have taught free prenatal education classes at Babies R Us locally. This week, we were saddened to hear that Babies R Us stores will be closing nationally. We will continue to look for ways to reach out to our community to provide prenatal education classes and resources for future parents. 

What can you expect from a Prenatal Education Class?
We cover a range of topics, including what to expect as you initiate feeding (breast or formula), what to have at home, and what to expect in a newborn’s first few weeks of life. For a list of more prenatal education topics, check out the page:
https://www.healthychildren.org/english/ages-stages/prenatal/Pages/default.aspx

Our lactation consultant, Jerrianne Webb, also joins our prenatal education class periodically to provide additional guidance on preparing for breastfeeding. Our prenatal education classes are held every 2 weeks at Carolina Kids Pediatrics in Raleigh, NC. A few other reminders about your prenatal care:

• Take a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 mcg folic acid as soon as possible in pregnancy. Early supplementation is critical for decreasing your baby’s risk for a number of birth defects, including spina bifida
• Avoid cat litter, pet rodents, lizards and turtles during pregnancy: all can pose a risk for infections that are particularly concerning during pregnancy
• Let your obstetrician know if you are traveling to the Caribbean, Latin America, or other areas where Zika virus is transmitted
• Talk to your obstetrician about prenatal vaccination, especially against pertussis and influenza
• Avoid undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy, and certain fish with potentially high mercury levels (including swordfish, shark, tuna, tilefish, orange roughy and mackerel)

Take advantage of Prenatal Education opportunities and prenatal classes not just at Carolina Kids Pediatrics, but throughout the Raleigh area – remember that local hospitals also provide prenatal classes on various topics. If you are part of an organization which provides resources for new parents, we are always happy to provide community outreach education for parents!

Dr. Nechyba
Carolina Kids Pediatrics
Raleigh, N