Expectant, wannabe parents invited to learn what's ahead

Expectant parents needing advice can find help Saturday.

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Doctors Hospital will hold a community event for expectant parents from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Earth Fare on Furys Ferry Road in Martinez.

The event, dubbed "Nine Months and Counting," is intended to answer questions posed by those considering starting a family.

"This is the first time we've hosted this event," said Anne Cordeiro, the community relations manager at Doctors Hospital. "However, Doctors Hospital has been offering several different pregnancy classes for years through its Cradle Club.

"Parents-to-be, whether they are people trying to get pregnant or people who have recently been told they have a baby on the way, have questions about the pregnancy process, particularly first-time parents," said Cordeiro. "They have questions about what changes to expect in their bodies, what food to eat, what activities are safe, etc."

An extension of Doctors Hospital's Family-Centered Maternity Care program, "Nine Months and Counting" is meant to help expectant moms and dads feel confident and less anxious.

"We hope that people have a fun, enjoyable day, and that they learn more about how to have a healthy pregnancy," said Cordeiro. "This is an excellent opportunity for moms-and-dads-to-be to talk with local OB/GYNs and other experts who can answer their questions about how to get pregnant and what to expect during pregnancy."

Drs. Donna Adams-Pickett, Kathyrn Knodel and Radhika Subramanian will hold a general question-and-answer session, along with Drs. Cristian Thomae and Rafael Jordan. An expert from the Doctors Hospital Sports Medicine staff will discuss exercise, and a registered dietician will discuss nutrition.

"In addition, we will have Annette Repko, the director of our Women's Center; Deneen Griffin, the clinical manager for Women's Services; and Sally Wood, our lactation counselor, at the event to answer questions, too," added Cordeiro. "We've pulled together experts to create an informative, fun event."

The event also promises to provide parents-to-be samples of some healthy lunch and snack items. A Diaper Dad contest will be among the day's activities.

"This gives all guys a prime opportunity to prove if they're the fastest Diaper Dad in town," said Cordeiro. "And we have some other games as well -- Guess the Safety Pins and a game to test memory skills."

There is no cost to attend the event, but registration is encouraged. In addition to registering, participants can submit a question for the OB/GYN and be entered into a $300 Earth Fare gift card drawing. To register, call (706) 651-4343.