Parenting With Providence
Parenting With Providence
Whether you’re a new parent or an experienced one, a little advice and assistance can be a big help. Every parent has different concerns and experiences. At Providence, we meet you where you’re at and lend a hand to make the challenging work of parenthood a little easier.
Our team consists of experienced nurses and educators who offer classes, support groups, in-home nurse visits for new parents and more. They know the difficulties and joys of raising children and will guide you through the tumultuous but rewarding journey of parenthood.
We offer a variety of classes on topics ranging from what to expect during childbirth to baby basics, breastfeeding, toddler discipline and infant and child CPR. For your convenience, we provide a self-paced online class on childbirth. We also offer classes and groups for siblings and grandparents.
To register for a class, please do one of the following:
- Register online
- Call Parenting With Providence at 907-212-5886
- Stop by the Women’s Boutique and Clinics at Providence Hospital, suite C1-051 in the C Tower and register in person.
Scholarships are available for all classes, thanks to a generous grant from the Children’s Miracle Network. For more information, please call 907-212-5886.
If you’re unable to attend a course, please call 907-212-5886 at least one working day before your scheduled class to obtain a refund. We are unable to issue refunds if you fail to call and cancel in advance or if you only partially attend a course. Occasionally we must cancel classes due to low enrollment. If your course is canceled, we will refer you to another course or refund your fee.
Feelings of depression and anxiety and other mood disorders are common during pregnancy and the year after giving birth. Often these feelings are related to the changes your body, mind and spirit undergo during pregnancy and early motherhood. Changes to your sleep schedule and lifestyle may come into play as well, as can expectations you have for yourself, your baby and your partner and expectations others may have for you.
It takes time to determine how to best cope with the changes. But if your feelings are causing you distress or last more than two weeks, you should speak with your doctor.
There are many treatment options that may help you if you’re dealing with a mood disorder, from acupuncture and yoga to psychotherapy and antidepressants. You and your doctor will work together to determine which are best for you.
If you’re in crisis or are having thoughts of suicide, call the crisis line at 907-563-3200 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Reading to children at an early age helps prepare them for school and promotes family bonding. That’s why we give all babies born at Providence the opportunity to enroll in the Imagination Library program for free. Imagination Library is a program of Best Beginnings, an Alaska-based public-private partnership. The program will deliver a new, high-quality book to your child each month from birth to age 5.
During your hospital stay for the birth of your baby, a Providence volunteer will visit your room to enroll your family in the program. You may also ask your nurse for a registration form. If you didn’t get a chance to sign up for the program while in our care, please call Volunteer Services at 907-212-8415.
The Providence Nurse-Family Partnership is a program that connects eligible pregnant women with a nurse who will visit you in your home every week or two to talk with you about topics like having a healthy baby and pregnancy, building a strong support network for yourself and your baby, setting goals for your family’s future and more.
The program is free to women who:
- Are eligible for WIC (you don’t have to be enrolled in WIC)
- Live in a targeted area (Big Lake to Girdwood)
- Are a first-time mother or have given birth before but did not parent for more than 30 days due to neonatal death, loss of custody or relinquishment
- Are no more than 28 weeks and 6 days pregnant