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Classes
Water Babies at Good Samaritan
This class meets Tuesday and Thursday mornings, August 5, 2008 through September 9, 2008, from 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM
Good Samaritan is pleased to offer a truly unique program designed to provide an opportunity for new mothers and their babies, from 3 months to 12 months, to participate together in a water fitness class. The Water Babies class enables new mothers to improve their fitness levels while providing a stimulating environment for babies to experience water play and develop pre-swimming skills.
The class includes exercises designed with a new mother's postpartum needs in mind, as well as games, songs, splashing, kicking and fun for the babies. The class is also a wonderful opportunity for participants to meet and interact with other new mothers, and for the babies to meet some new friends as well.
A certified pre-/postnatal exercise instructor, with 5 years of experience teaching swimming lessons to young children, teaches the class.
FAQ
1. What kind of exercises will we do in class?
Each class will include cardiovascular exercise such as walking, resistance exercises to increase muscle strength, and stretching/relaxation exercises. The classes will also include exercises to improve symptoms of low back pain, neck pain, urinary incontinence and pelvic pain.
2. Is the pool safe for my baby?
The pool water is tested several times daily to ensure that it is clean and safe for all participants. Because young babies have a difficult time with temperature regulation, we keep the water temperature at a constant 94-96 degrees to ensure that the babies are comfortable. Babies are never forcefully submerged in class, so there is no concern for the babies swallowing too much water, even though small amounts is not harmful.
3. Do I need a swimsuit for my baby?
Swim diapers are required, but swimsuits are optional. Swim diapers can be found at most grocery and drug stores in the diaper aisle. Changing facilities are available.
4. Will my baby be able to swim after completing the class?
At this age, babies are not truly developmentally able to learn to swim on their own. In fact, it is very important that parents continue to maintain constant supervision of their older children around water, even after they have learned to swim, as drownings can happen in an instant. In the Water Babies class we will be introducing pre-swimming activities, such as kicking, splashing, paddling and floating. The class is designed to introduce the babies to the water and to use the water as a gross motor learning and play opportunity, not to teach them how to swim.
5. Where are the classes held?
The classes are held in the physical therapy department pool, which is in the North Wing of Good Samaritan Hospital on floor A. Free parking is available in the parking garage on the corner of 3rd Street and 14th Ave SE. Directions to the hospital are available on the www.multicare.org/goodsam site. Simply click on "Maps & directions" in the lower left hand corner of the screen.
6. How do I sign up?
You can register over the phone by calling 253-697-2775, or stop by the physical therapy department in the hospital. Your spot will be reserved once we have received your payment. There are no refunds. The cost is $72. for a 6 week session. The mailing address for payments is:
Good Samaritan Physical Therapy Dept.
Attn: Water Babies Program
407 14th Ave SE
Puyallup, WA 98372
Class size is limited, so it is important that you call ahead and send in your payment as soon as possible. We look forward to having you join us!
Cost: Free
8/5/2008 (9:30am - 10:15am)
Location
Good Samaritan Physical Therapy Dept.
Attn: Water Babies Program
407 14th Ave SE
Puyallup, WA 98372
Contact Info
Glenda Gardner
253-697-2775
glenda.gardner@goodsamhealth.org