How childbirth classes prepared one Kansas mom

When Jonnie VanKleeck learned she was expecting her second baby, she surprised some of her friends.

She signed up for childbirth education classes all over again.

For Jonnie, a 33-year-old mom from El Dorado, Kansas, the decision was easy. Her first experience with Via Christi St. Joseph's NewLife Center gave her knowledge, support and confidence when she needed it most. Now, as she prepares to welcome a baby girl this August, she wanted a refresher.

Learning about labor, birth and breastfeeding

During her first pregnancy, Jonnie wanted to learn everything she could.

"I really wanted to give birth naturally, and I had no idea if I wanted to breastfeed," she said. She and her husband, A.J., signed up for all of the childbirth education classes offered through Via Christi St. Joseph.

The classes helped them understand labor, delivery, breastfeeding and newborn care before their son, Elias, was born in January 2023.

Even though Jonnie's delivery did not go as planned, she says the classes still made a difference.

"I was prepared to know what I wanted to ask for and to know what I wanted when I went in," she said.

Understanding VBAC and birth options

Jonnie hoped for a vaginal birth with her first baby. Instead, after laboring for several hours, she needed an emergency C-section when her baby's heart rate dropped.

While the experience was not what she expected, she felt prepared to ask questions and make informed decisions.

Today, she is planning for a vaginal birth after Cesarean (VBAC) while staying open to whatever is safest for her and her baby. She feels reassured in having Jonathon Scrafford, MD, as her Via Christi OB-GYN again for this pregnancy.

 “He delivered my son and performed a flawless C-section even though I was absolutely terrified," she said.

One lesson from her current online childbirth preparation class stands out: Advocating for yourself.

Jonnie says her instructor has encouraged parents to share their wishes clearly and speak up about what matters most to them during labor and delivery.

"Remembering all the birthing options that I have again" has been one of the most valuable parts of taking the class a second time, she said.

Breastfeeding support for new moms

After Elias was born, Jonnie faced unexpected breastfeeding challenges.

Her son was sleepy and difficult to wake for feedings. To help him get enough milk, she learned to pump breast milk and use a supplemental nursing system while continuing to breastfeed for the first 12 weeks.

"It was hard," she said.

What helped most was knowing she wasn't alone.

Jonnie attended Via Christi’s breastfeeding support group and visited the Breastfeeding Clinic at St. Joseph. There, she connected with lactation specialists and other moms who understood what she was going through.

"The support group helped out with having a community and other people relating to your struggles," she said.

Even after going home, Jonnie stayed connected through follow-up care, breastfeeding support and visits back to the hospital.

"It almost felt like coming home," she said.

Despite the early challenges and with ongoing support at Via Christi, Jonnie successfully breastfed Elias for two years and six months.  

Why she chose Via Christi again

Jonnie says the care she received at Via Christi St. Joseph's NewLife Center is one reason she is returning for baby No. 2.

She remembers feeling heard by her care team and appreciated how staff took time to answer questions.

She also appreciated taking a tour of the NewLife Center before delivery. Seeing the family-centered rooms, queen-size postpartum beds and newborn rooming-in setup helped her feel comfortable and prepared.

"The beds sold me when I saw that they were queen size,” she said. “Knowing that I get to be with my family and keep my baby next to me," she said, was important to her.

Childbirth education builds confidence

Jonnie encourages every expecting parent to consider childbirth education classes, even if they have had a baby before.

"You would be surprised how much you don't remember," she said.

She believes the classes help parents learn the latest recommendations, understand their options and build confidence before delivery.

As Jonnie and her family prepare to welcome a daughter this August, she said she feels ready for the journey ahead.

Like many moms, she still has some nerves. But she also has something else: Knowledge, support and confidence built through education provided by Via Christi’s experienced caregivers.

Ascension Via Christi offers free childbirth and breastfeeding education, car seat safety, infant CPR and other classes designed to help growing families prepare for pregnancy, birth and life with a new baby. 

Ready to prepare for your growing family? Register forchildbirth classes, breastfeeding education and maternity toursat Via Christi St. Joseph's NewLife Center in Wichita.

This blog is intended for general informational use. Any health-related information shared is not meant to provide or replace professional medical advice and does not establish a patient-provider relationship. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.