Every woman from 16 to 106 can find a program or class to improve her health at Catawba Valley Medical Center's Health First Center at Valley Hills Mall! Please check out our class descriptions below and refer to our Current Class Schedule to see when they are offered.

Participation in our classes, programs and special events is open to all. If you have questions about a particular class or want to request a class topic you do not find below, please call the Health First Center at 828/485-2300.

Pregnancy & Parenting Programs
Catawba Valley Medical Center is honored to be a part of your childbirth experience. The Women's Health Education Center at CVMC's Health First Center (HFC) at Valley Hills Mall recognizes that this is a very special time for you and your family. We are proud to offer a variety of high quality programs to assist the whole family through the childbirth experience. To participate in all our classes and programs, we recommend that you contact us at the end of your first trimester. Please contact Marie Wimmer at 828/485-2300, ext. 6205 with questions or to register for any of our classes.

Lactation Station
We offer Medela® breast pumps (for rent or purchase) and supplies at our Lactation Station.  Visit us at the Health First Center for all your breastfeeding needs, or add us to your gift registry.Breastpumps and Supplies at HFC!

Breastfeeding Support Group
Offered the 4th Friday of each month at the Health First Center.  Groups meet from 10am-12pm and 5pm -7pm.  Moms can bring their baby to be weighed and spend time with other moms who are experiencing the same things they may be going through.

Lamaze Classes
This is a series of classes designed to prepare mother and her support person for labor, birth and postpartum. The birthing process, relaxation breathing techniques and options for birth are discussed. A physician/midwife lecture and tour of the Birthing Center are included. CVMC offers the only Lamaze-certified program in the area.

Weekend Lamaze Class
This class is for parents-to-be whose schedules will not permit a seven-class series. This class focuses on the labor and birth process. Tour included.

Refresher Lamaze Classes
Reviews relaxation, breathing techniques and the birthing process for parents who have already received Lamaze training.

Sibling Class/Tour
This special program is designed for children as they anticipate the arrival of their new brother or sister. The class is held at CVMC and includes a tour of the Birthing Center.

"Grand" Grandparenting Class
This class reacquaints grandparents with the childbirth experience. The class held at CVMC and includes a tour of Birthing Center.

"Great Start" Breastfeeding Class
This class covers prenatal breastfeeding basics to get you and your baby off to a great start! Taught by a certified Lactation Consultant.

Infant CPR
Small classes allow individual instruction.

Baby Basics
CVMC's basic baby care class eases the transition into parenthood and fosters a healthy start for your child.

Infant Massage
Massage helps strengthen and regulate baby's respiratory, circulatory and gastrointestinal functions. Parents benefit by establishing a loving communication with their child.

Birth of a Father
Fathers and fathers-to-be gain insight into the female psyche and the physiological and emotional changes women go through before, during and after pregnancy.

Child Passenger Safety Seat Inspections
Child passenger safety seat inspections are available by appointment. Please check our monthly calendar for scheduled check points in the community.

Maternal Support Referrals
If you need help coping during pregnancy and/or after baby’s arrival, please call 828/485-2300 or 828/326-3200 for assistance.

Women’s Health & Wellness Classes

Sultry Days & Sleepless Nights
Menopause is a natural event and the physical changes that occur should not prevent you from enjoying this time of your life. Included in the program will be information on what to expect, how to help relieve symptoms and how to stay healthy during menopause.

Osteoporosis: A Bad Break
Women of all ages need to take steps to keep their bones strong. Unfortunately, millions of women already have or are at risk for osteoporosis. Because there are no symptoms, you might not know your bones are getting weak until you break a bone. This class will teach ways to help keep your bones strong.

Bone Health: Truth & Myth
Think popping a calcium supplement is all you need to ward off osteoporosis? Take a closer look at what's fact, what's fiction and what you can do to protect your bones.

Menopause and Aging: A Threshold Seminar
The term menopause conjures up a wide variety of images for women. Generation after generation, women have made assumptions about the nature of menopause and the changes it causes. This class should help women take an active part in making healthcare decisions that lay ahead. Taught by Sharon Smith, RN, MSN and Certified Menopause Educator.

The Heart of the Matter
Heart disease is the number one killer of women over the age of 50. In recent years, more women than men died of heart attacks. Early signs of heart attack can include palpitations, cold sweats, nausea or dizziness. This program, designed to help attendees evaluate their heart health, will include suggested heart-healthy activities for your daily routine.

When Sleep Won’t Come
According to the National Sleep Foundation, 47 million American adults don’t get enough sleep to ensure good health, safety and optimum performance. The resulting sleepiness is often the cause in accidents and can negatively affect home and work life. Many menopausal women have sleep disturbances. If lack of quality sleep is a concern, this program will include tips and remedies for getting a good night’s rest.

Call 828/485-2300 for more information or to register.