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Teddy Bear University at Fort Sanders Regional

mom holding baby while laying down

Congratulations!

The anticipation of a baby can be an exciting and challenging time in your life. Teddy Bear University wants to assist you in obtaining the knowledge, skills and confidence necessary to meet these challenges. Attending any or all of the following classes will help you prepare for the birth of your child.

Teddy Bear University Childbirth Education Classes are held in classroom 2 on the lobby level of Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, unless otherwise noted. Virtual tours are included in the Tuesday series and Super Saturday classes. (Note: Hospital tours not currently offered.)

Registration

  • You may phone the Covenant Call Center 865-673-FORT (3678) to reserve a class. 
  • Classes are subject to cancellation if there is an insufficient number of registered participants.
  • Please note: We are unable to offer hospital tours at this time.
  • COVID-19 Precautions Information

Inclement Weather Policy

  • Weekday classes will follow the Knox County schools inclement weather schedule.
  • Super Saturday classes will be held as determined by local weather/travel advisories. All registered participants will be notified by 6 a.m. on Saturday if class will be cancelled.

Pregnancy & Childbirth Class

Begin this series during your 6th or 7th month. This five-week series covers topics including variations of labor and birth, breathing and relaxation, tips for your support person, pain relief, and care for the new mom and baby. Recommended for first-time parents. Includes a virtual tour of the facility. 

(6 to 8 p.m. – $65 fee)

2023

  • January 5, January 10, January 17, January 24, January 31
  • February 7, February 21, February 28, March 7, March 14
  • March 21, March 28, April 4, April 11, April 18
  • May 2, May 9, May 16, May 23, May 30
  • June 6, June 13, June 20, June 27, July 11
  • July 18, July 25, August 1, August 8, August 15
  • August 22, September 5, September 12, September 19, September 26
  • October 3, October 10, October 17, October 24, November 7
  • November 14, November 28, December 5, December 12, December 19

Breastfeeding

Take this class in your 7th or early 8th month. Learn breastfeeding basics such as how to get started, correct positioning and technique, tips for returning to work and an overview of breast pumps. A support person is encouraged to attend. 

(4 to 6 p.m. – $25 fee)

2023

  • January 22
  • February 26
  • March 26
  • April 30
  • May 21
  • June 25
  • July 16
  • August 27
  • September 17
  • October 22
  • November 5
  • December 13

Super Saturday

Take this in your 7th or early 8th month. This class combines the information from the Pregnancy and Childbirth series into an all-day Saturday class, except breathing and relaxation which is not included. This session is a good option as a refresher course or for those who would have difficulty attending five weekly sessions. Includes a virtual tour of the facility. 

(9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – $65 fee – Lunch is on your own)

2023

  • January 14
  • February 11
  • March 11
  • April 15
  • May 13
  • June 17
  • July 22
  • August 19
  • September 9
  • October 14
  • November 11
  • December 9

Infant CPR and Basic Safety Skills

The curriculum is provided by the American Heart Association. Participants will not receive certification but the class is taught by a registered nurse with BLS (Basic Life Support) instructor status. A support person is encouraged to attend.

(1:30 to 3:30 p.m. – $50 fee- Infant mannequin and learning DVD included.)

2023

  • February 26
  • March 26
  • March 11
  • April 30
  • May 21
  • June 25
  • July 16
  • August 27
  • September 17
  • October 22
  • November 5

Disclaimer

  • Call (865) 673-FORT (3678) to register for class or pay class fees with a credit card.
  • Classroom space is automatically reserved for two.       
  • Classes fill up 2-3 months in advance, so please register early.
  • Some insurance providers may reimburse you for some of your class fees. Please check with them to see what your benefits are. If you receive TennCare or are financially challenged, we can help with the fees for the classes. Please ask for this assistance if needed.
  • Please dress in comfortable clothes when attending classes and bring your support person with you when possible.
  • Class dates are subject to change. Please check with the Call Center to confirm dates before making special arrangements to schedule/attend a class and to check for cancellation in the event of inclement weather.
I just would like to say thank you to everyone who cared for me, who fought for me and who ultimately saved my life. I am just seriously so, so, grateful, I can’t say it enough.

Selene McCuin, Covenant Health Labor and Delivery Patient

They made it a wonderful experience. I could not have asked for better people to have been taking care of us. They were wonderful.

Codie Crawford, Covenant Health Labor and Delivery Patient

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