Reproductive Health Education

First Class Delivery

As a teen you have individual and unique concerns about your pregnancy. First Class Delivery is the prenatal class for you. You'll learn about what to expect during your pregnancy and delivery in a “teen only” atmosphere. You can feel better knowing that your classmates are expectant teens, just like you. Our caring, professional staff treat you with respect and assist you in finding other resources you might need. And guess what…you might even make a few new friends! (Your support person is also welcome to attend.)

PS...You also get a copy to keep of the best-seller "What to Expect in the First Year" by Eisenberg, Murkoff and Hathaway. (The follow-up to their initial best-seller "What to Expect When You're Expecting")

A five week course is offered four times a year. Classes are held on Monday evenings, 7-9pm, beginning the second Monday of each of the following months: January, April, July and October. Four classes are held at the Ottawa County Health Department in Holland and one class is held at each hospital. The hospital classes include an opportunity to tour the birthing facilities.

For questions and registration information call 616-837-8171 x107 or 616-393-5731 or email Rhonda.

Download a Registration Form

Download a yearly class schedule

Class 1	Learn about female anatomy, changes typical of the last trimester of pregnancy, fetal development, healthy choices, nutrition, medical testing, relaxation and breathing techniques, concerns adolescents may have in pregnancy.
Class 2	Learn about the process of childbirth, the signs of labor, how to time contractions, comfort measures for labor, the stress response and labor, practice relaxation and breathing techniques.
Class 3	Learn about signs of labor, going to the hospital, medical procedures, medication choices, the birth and care of your baby, Cesarean childbirth, hospital tour.
Class 4	Learn about breastfeeding, your health and nutrition during breast-feeding, equipment needs, getting off to a good start with feedings, feeding cues, common breast-feeding problems, returning to work or school.
Class 5	Learn about the physical and emotional changes that may be experienced post-partum, caring for and ways to comfort your baby, birth control methods, and community resources.

Ottawa County Health Department 12251 James Street Holland, MI 49424 (Map)		Holland Hospital 602 Michigan Avenue Holland MI 49423 (Map)
Zeeland Community Hospital 8333 Felch Street Zeeland, MI 49464 (Map)

Reducing the Risk

This 16 lesson, research-based curriculum is designed to reduce the risk of teen pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) among 9th and 10th grade students. Schools implementing Reducing the Risk will receive free facilitation of the program, including pre and post testing, along with follow-up. Lessons include activities which focus on building skills to prevent pregnancy, STI and HIV by teaching refusal skills, communication and risks of sexual activity. For more information please contact Brian Highstreet at 616.393.5773.

Ottawa County Youth Sexual Health Coalition (OCYSHC)

Our Mission: We collaborate with each other and the community to reduce the consequences of youth sexual activity by promoting healthy sexuality.

Our Vision: Develop a model that integrated/coordinates the resources of our coalition to empower youth to make positive choices that promote healthy sexuality and avoid negative consequences of sexual behavior.

The Ottawa County Health Department (OCHD) is working in collaboration with the Greater Ottawa County United Way, Lakeshore Pregnancy Center, Michigan Works and Teen Moms to address the issue of teen sexual health in Ottawa County. In 2003 the Greater Ottawa County United Way’s Ottawa County Community Assessment reported teen pregnancy as the number 2 top issue among community members. In response, the OCHD and the Greater Ottawa County United Way are working together to form a youth sexual health coalition in OC.

Currently data is being collected to determine what community members would like to see change or happen to address the issue of teen sexual health in Ottawa County.

View the collected data results from the parent survey: Ottawa County 2005 Community School District Education Survey.

For more information or if you are interested in joining the coalition please contact Brian Highstreet at 616.393.5773.

Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections prevention presentations

Health Educators are available for classroom presentations on risks associated with sexual activity, sexually transmitted infections, prevention methods including abstinence and contraceptives. Information regarding health department clinic services, family planning and STI clinics will also be given to students. For more information please contact Heather Alberda at 616.393.5774.

Ottawa County Teen Pregnancy Resource (OCTPR)

Our Mission: To serve as a clearing house of information and projects, a coordinator of resources and services, and an advocacy council of community organizations to address teen pregnancy, parenting, and prevention.

The Health Department is working along with various agencies within Ottawa County to design and offer resources throughout the county to teens regarding teen pregnancy. The OCTPR sponsors an annual free teen parenting conference held during October, which is National Family Sexuality Education Month (NFSEM). The conference provides pregnant and parenting teens a chance to network with other teen parents and learn about resources in the community.

Information for parents: Parent Packs – Talking to youth about sexual health. For more information or to request a parent packet, contact Heather Alberda at 616.393.5774.

Resources & Links to Family Planning/STD Clinics

www.myspace.com/ottawacountyhealth
www.teenpregnancy.org
www.advocatesforyouth.org
www.seicus.org
www.plaintalk.org