CLEBURNE, Texas - Expectant moms now have more options for childbirth education with a new online class offered by Texas Health Resources.

Parents-to-be can learn about labor, pregnancy, breathing techniques, and more at their own pace and convenience. Texas Health began offering the online class on May 1.

Today's new moms often turn to the Internet for answers and sort through an abundance of conflicting information, according to the spring 2008 edition of the Journal of Perinatal Education. The online class helps moms get the right information about childbirth at the click of a button.

'The goal of this online class is to offer another option for moms who have busy schedules, are on bed rest or live far away from their hospital,' said Kathleen Harlow, R.N., director for nursing for women and children services at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Cleburne. 'It's so important for new moms to feel comfortable with the birth process and understand their options.'

For $75, participants will receive a code that allows 10 weeks of access to the interactive, web-based program. The program includes animated illustrations, videos, interactive games, and downloadable documents with helpful information. Users can expect to learn:

• Common discomforts of pregnancy
• Relaxation techniques to use during labor
• Items to bring to the hospital
• Options for pain medication
• Tips for self-care postpartum

Participants can e-mail Texas Health educators with questions. Free hospital tours also will be available for individuals who want to see the facilities.

Interested moms can browse through a free demo of the program at TexasHealth.org/elearning. To register for the class or for more information, visit the Web site or call 1-877-THR-WELL (1-877-847-9355).

About Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Cleburne
Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Cleburne is a 137-bed acute-care, full-service hospital that has served Cleburne and the Johnson County area since 1986. The hospital's services include surgery, women's services, urology, orthopedics and ear, nose and throat care. Texas Health Cleburne, an affiliate of the faith-based, nonprofit Texas Health Resources system, has been recognized with the 2007 Premier/Carescience Select Practice National Quality Award. For more information, call 1-877-THR-WELL, or visit TexasHealth.org/Cleburne.

About Texas Health Resources
Texas Health Resources is one of the largest faith-based, nonprofit health care delivery systems in the United States and the largest in North Texas in terms of patients served. Texas Health's system of 14 hospitals includes Texas Health Harris Methodist, Texas Health Arlington Memorial, and Texas Health Presbyterian, and an organization for medical research and education. Texas Health Organization for Physicians and Texas Health Physicians Group provide a variety of models for engagement with physicians. Texas Health Partners is a joint venture development and management company owned by Texas Health Resources. Texas Health MedSynergies is a joint venture that offers physicians a range of office management and other business services to support their practices. Texas Health is a corporate member or partner in six additional hospitals and surgery centers. For more information, call 1-877-THR-WELL, or visit TexasHealth.org.