Teen Parents

Early Pregnancy Class

These classes cover topics such as alcohol, nutrition and how the baby's growth can be affected, as well as, how the baby's growth affects the mother to be. These classes are designed for those in their first trimester of pregnancy.

Childbirth Education Classes

Without charge, the Catskill Regional Medical Center offers classes for expectant mothers regardless of where they plan to deliver. It is recommended that women attend the class two months before their due date. Expectant mothers and fathers will be offered the opportunity to have all of their questions about having a baby answered. Planned topics include: lifestyle choices, nutrition, fetal development, signs of labor, childbirth stages, breathing and relaxation techniques, pain relief strategies, birth plan, coach's role, mom's physical and emotional changes, post partum, sexuality, and infant care.

Infant Car Safety

Instruction on the use of car seats and auto safety will be given at discharge. New York State Law requires that all infants leaving the hospital must be transported in a car seat.

24-Hour Help by Phone

CRMC staff members are available to help even after you and your baby go home. Our 24-hour telephone answer line, (845) 794-3300, extension BABY (2229), is open for any questions you may have.

All new mothers are called within 1 week of delivery to determine if they need any other assistance.

Managed Access Program

Our managed access program can assist with WIC, PCAP, Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus, and Medicaid applications. The managed access program staff can be reached at ext. 2712.

CRMC Case Management Department

Case Managers are available to provide supportive counseling and discharge planning services. Referrals can be made to community agencies to assist teen parents when they return home with their newborn. Such agencies include the Teen Parenting Program, Public Health Nursing, Healthy Beginnings, WIC, the Department of Family Services and St. Peter's Children's Shop. The CRMC Case Management Department can be reached at ext. 2130.

Changes & Challenges of Being a Teen Parent

Physical Health

* Complications during pregnancy are more likely among teenager girls.

* Baby's health may be affected, too.

* Pregnancy results in changes to the body.

Emotional Health

* It can be stressful adjusting to the demands of child care.

* School and/or job responsibilities make additional demands on time.

Social Life

* Since infants and young children need 24 hour care, it makes dating, visiting with friends, etc., difficult.

* Baby sitters are expensive.

* Some teenage parents find that old friends treat them differently.

Financial Matters

* Many teenagers lack the education and experience necessary to get a good job.

* Human service agencies and family members cannot provide enough financial support for teenage parents and their children to live without financial strain.

Some Early Signs of Pregnancy

* Missed period {the most obvious first sign}

* Nausea

* Unusual tiredness

* Full, tender breasts

* Frequent urination

* Change in appetite

Teen Pregnancy Rate Per 1000 Women Ages 15-19

* Sullivan County 115.9

* NY State (excluding NYC) 57.3

For further information regarding these services or to register for any of the classes please call: (845) 794-3300 ext. 2358