A woman’s health and medical needs vary depending upon the phase of life she is in. To meet those needs, Grove City Medical Center’s physician group of OB/GYN specialists offer a wide range of experience and expertise in their practice of women’s health care.

Even though general practitioners or family practitioners can perform basic women’s health services, such as yearly PAP tests, many women opt for an OB/GYN, who specializes in these services. These physicians are specially trained to provide the full spectrum of basic and advanced gynecological and obstetric services for women in any stage of her life cycle and can serve as her primary care physician.

Drs. Rand Himes, Tonia Skakalski and Frank Bassani bring a combined total of 77 years of experience. Each of the physicians specializes in the medical and surgical care of women, with particular expertise in pregnancy, childbirth and disorders of the female reproductive system. Along with providing preventive care, they look for sexually transmitted diseases, perform Pap tests, manage breast health and assist with family planning. Among the specialized surgical services provided by the group is minimally invasive laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy, which results in a significantly shorter recovery time for patients over traditional hysterectomy.

When it comes to making informed decisions about her health and medical needs, a woman’s OB/GYN is her best resource!

Childbirth Education: In this 5-week course, you and your coach will learn about nutrition, relaxation techniques, stages and phases of labor and comfort measures. Basic newborn care, car seat safety and newborn CPR are also key topics of learning. Participants will also have the opportunity to tour the labor OB unit. The class meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. A one-day intensive class on Saturday is also available. Participants are encouraged to attend in the seventh month of pregnancy. Cost for the course is $60. Pre-registration is required by calling 724-450-7191.

Breastfeeding Class: This class will introduce you to the many benefits of breastfeeding. You will learn how to position, latch on and breastfeed your baby. Solutions to the most common nursing obstacles will also be discussed. This class meets bi-monthly from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and the cost is $25. Pre-registration is required by calling 724-450-7191.

Infant Massage: You and your baby, up to age 6 months, may benefit from this class which offers instruction and information on the many physical and emotional rewards of massage. You will learn how it may improve your baby's sleep pattern, stimulate circulation and improve muscle tone and coordination. The class will provide you with the tools to better tune in to your baby's cues for communication while promoting bonding between the two of you. This class meets every other month on Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and the cost is $15. Pre-registration is required by calling 724-450-7191.

Breastfeeding Support: Join other new mothers who are breastfeeding their babies at this monthly get together. The group is facilitated by our certified lactation specialist who can provide support, education and problem solving. This is a great opportunity to make new friendships based on common experiences. It is free of charge and offered on an as-needed basis. Talk with your nurse when you deliver for specific class information.

Baby and Me: This sibling class is for children ages 3 through 10 years who are about to become big brothers and sisters. The children will have the opportunity to see a real newborn, while learning what to expect in the next few weeks. They will also have a tour of the OB unit. Class fee is $15 per family. Pre-registration is required by calling 724-450-7191.