There is a new but familiar face teaching classes for the Texas County Memorial Hospital obstetrics department.  Jennifer Terrill, a longtime registered nurse in obstetrics, is the new instructor for childbirth education and breastfeeding support at TCMH.

Terrill has worked for the past 10 years as a nurse helping moms-to-be through the labor and delivery of their newborns.  She's spent countless hours caring for newborns in the hospital nursery, and when she's not working at the hospital, she's taking care of her eight-month old daughter, Danni.

"I believe the mothers delivering at TCMH will appreciate getting to know Jennifer in the classes prior to their delivery, and she may labor with them when they come in to deliver," Belynda Boyd, obstetrics department nurse manager, said.

Terrill works part-time in the obstetrics department in addition to teaching the classes.  She hopes that more expectant mothers will come to the classes prior to giving birth.

"There are many fears of the unknown that women have prior to childbirth," Terrill said.  "If I can do these classes with a woman prior to her giving birth, she will be more relaxed with less fear."

Terrill explained that she is also looking forward to seeing some of the parents from the classes come into the hospital where she may be able to take care of them during their labor and help them care for their newborn.

"In my 10 years at TCMH, I have seen a lot of deliveries," Terrill said.  "I'm looking forward to teaching about the labor and birth process before the patient comes in."

Terrill explained that she has also breastfed her baby, personally experiencing the frustrations and joys of breastfeeding.

"As a new mom herself, I know Jennifer can relate to our patients and what they are going through before, during and after childbirth," Boyd explained.

The hospital has a monthly schedule for the childbirth education and breastfeeding support group.  The childbirth education classes are on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the education room at the hospital. 

Childbirth education classes are free to expectant mothers that deliver at TCMH, or there is a $25 charge for those not delivering at the hospital.  Pre-registration for childbirth classes is required.

The childbirth classes include a book and other materials for the expectant mother.  The classes and the book provide information on the labor process, delivery of the baby, care of the newborn and include a tour of the hospital's obstetrics department.

The breastfeeding support group meets the fourth Thursday of each month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the education room at the hospital. 

The group is open to mothers that are currently breastfeeding or expectant mothers that are planning to breastfeed after the birth of their child.  Mothers may bring their breastfeeding child to the meeting.

The support group is free, but the obstetrics department asks those that plan to attend to sign up with the department. 

For more information about the classes or the support group or to sign up, contact the TCMH obstetrics department at 417-967-1260 or 1-866-967-3311, extension 260.