Staff report

Parents-to-be can get useful information and tour the Birthing Center at Western Baptist Hospital’s annual free Childbirth Fair from 10 a.m. to noon Aug.13 in the atrium of Doctor’s Office Building 2.

Expectant parents will have an opportunity to ask the hospital’s experts about pregnancy and childbirth. In addition, neonatologist Dr. Edward O’Neill will answer questions about the region’s first Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

“The clearest benefit for families and their babies, who once had to be transferred out of the region, is they now can stay close to home,” O’Neill said. “As the father of four, I know how important a child’s life is, so working in the NICU is an exciting and rewarding experience.”

The fair also features vendors with giveaways and door prizes.

Expectant parents also can register for the hospital’s free maternity program, StorkCentral, which includes a free copy of the Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy; an invitation to StorkSmart, an educational program with hospital staff, and free classes; a StorkCentral coupon book filled with discounts from participating merchants, and access to StorkCentral’s Baby Steps, an online pregnancy information center and the Stork’s Nest, the hospital’s online photo nursery.

Phone 270-575-BABY (2229) for more information.