Education & Support

Avita’s Education Department is responsible for staff, patient and community education. We offer community educational events and coordinate support groups in cancer, stroke, and diabetes. We put a large focus on educating healthcare professionals within our health system as well. Providers, nurses, and other professionals benefit from required certification courses and mandatory course offerings.

Breastfeeding Classes

Classes now available in Galion and Ontario!

Pregnant mothers and support people are welcome. We also ask you watch “Breastfeeding 101” video on tinyhood.com prior to coming to class. A virtual meeting option via Zoom is available.

Topics will include:

  • Good attachment and positioning techniques
  • Common breastfeeding difficulties
  • How support people can help
  • Your career and breastfeeding, and much more

Galion Classes

Meeting time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Classes will be held the first Thursday of every month in the Galion Hospital Lobby Conference Room.

2025 Dates

  • November 6
  • December 4

2026 Dates

  • January 8*
  • February 5
  • March 5
  • April 2
  • May 7
  • June 4
  • July 2
  • August 13*
  • September 3
  • October 1
  • November 5
  • December 3

Ontario Classes

Meeting time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm

Classes will be held the second Thursday of every month in the Ontario South Campus Conference Room.

2025 Dates

  • November 13
  • December 11

2026 Dates

  • January 8
  • February 12
  • March 12
  • April 9
  • May 14
  • June 11
  • July 9
  • August 13
  • September 10
  • October 8
  • November 12
  • December 10

* denotes date change due to scheduling conflict

Find more helpful information on our New Baby Resource Guide!

Register for Classes

Child Birthing Classes

6:00pm – 9:00pm

There is currently a limit of 4 couples per class.

Galion Hospital Lobby Conference Room, 269 Portland Way S, Galion.

Avita Health System Child Birthing Classes, led by the OB Department, are held one Thursday a month in Galion Hospital’s Lobby Conference Room. It is most beneficial to attend a class during your final trimester (after 28 weeks). Please bring your coach, a pillow, and wear comfortable clothing. Light snacks will be provided.

All of your questions answered with topics such as:

  • The Importance of Labor Support
  • Relaxation Techniques that work
  • Common Obstetrical/Newborn Procedures and Terminology
  • Understanding Labor and Birth
  • Caring for Your Newborn
  • Hospital Safety
  • Postpartum Care for Mom
  • Class concludes with a tour of The Birth Place at Galion Hospital!

Class fee is $45.00. If you are an Avita patient, the class fee will be billed to your insurance. Any uncovered amount will be added to your office statement.

Instructors: Labor and delivery nurses from Avita Health System.

To register or if you have questions: 419-468-0910

2025 Dates

  • January 12
  • February 10
  • March 10
  • April 14
  • May 12
  • June 9
  • July 14
  • August 11
  • September 8
  • October 13
  • November 10
  • December 8

Sprouts Pregnant and Nursing Mom’s Support & Learning Group

Breastfeeding Support Group for pregnant and nursing moms. Babies and support people are welcome! Galion group is virtual via zoom and Ontario group is in-person at Ontario South Campus Conference Room, 600 Richland Mall.

Get questions answered and meet other moms and babies! Many new and soon-to-be new moms have questions about breastfeeding. Our group discussion includes support and advice on all aspects of breastmilk feeding.

Join Deanna Grube, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in Galion by calling 419-468-0910, Sarra Flickinger, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in Ontario by calling 567-247-0820, or complete the form below.

Find more helpful information on our New Baby Resource Guide!

Galion

Meeting Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Virtual Meetings: Join us via Zoom on the 1st Friday of each month for our breastfeeding support group.
In-Person Meetings: Meet us on the 3rd Monday of each month at the Crawford County Health Department (1520 Isaac Beal Rd, Bucyrus, OH 44820) for breastfeeding support and baby weight checks.

2025 Dates

  • November 7
  • November 17
  • December 5
  • December 15

2026 Dates

  • January 2
  • January 26*
  • February 20*
  • February 23*
  • March 6
  • March 16
  • April 3
  • April 20
  • May 1
  • May 18
  • June 5
  • June 15
  • July 10*
  • July 20
  • August 7
  • August 17
  • September 11*
  • September 21
  • October 2
  • October 19
  • November 6
  • November 16
  • December 4
  • December 21

Ontario

Meeting Time: 10:00am – 11:00am

Classes will be held the third Tuesday of every month in-person in the Avita Ontario South Campus Conference Room.

2025 Dates

  • November 18
  • December 16

2026 Dates

  • January 20
  • February 17
  • March 17
  • April 21
  • May 19
  • June 16
  • July 21
  • August 11*
  • September 15
  • October 20
  • November 18
  • December 15

*denotes change in schedule

Register for Classes

Bariatric Support Group

Free to anyone at any stage in the medical or surgical weight loss process, including pre-surgery and post-surgery patients.

Discussion topics include nutrition tips and recipes, cosmetic changes after surgery, exercise tips and resources, adapting to your new life after surgery, and navigating surgical complications.

Meetings

Time: First Tuesday of every January, March, May, July, September, and November @ 5:30PM

Location: Avita South Campus Conference Room (Use East Entrance), 600 Richland Mall, Ontario, OH