about your health? A visit to the Nurses' Practice will place you in good stead. In hopes of getting women mentally and physically fit to conceive, registered nurses Liz Boden and Rita Stevens offer both education, and support.

"Life is stressful,'' said Mrs. Boden, a paediatric nurse and asthma educator. "So often the only help comes from the horror stories in the lunchroom, the neighbour, the mother-in-law or the well-meaning friend.

"By the 32nd week of pregnancy (when most mothers start childbirth classes), babies are able to survive in this world should they arrive early. All vital organs are formed, so why are we learning about diet now? Lamaze relaxation and breathing techniques are invaluable for the safe delivery of a healthy baby, but please, let's educate women to start preparing long before the baby arrives.'' Her group began offering the service last year, Mrs. Boden said. Since then, it has aided over 1,000 persons, whether parents, babysitters, nannies or grandparents -- anyone involved in raising a child.

"It's a completely new concept in healthcare,'' she said. "Having a baby is the most important event in any of our lives. Why do we..call the doctor to confirm it, only to find he is fully booked for three weeks and doesn't want to see you anyway until you are three Education does help months pregnant? You phone your girlfriends and they exclaim and are delighted, but what next? "The Nurses' Practice is trying very hard to change all this for mothers and as such, (we) recommend you come for a consultation.'' Discussed is health, fitness, drug or alcohol addiction -- everything imaginable to get women ready to conceive.

"Mothers...say the best part was to feel that someone cared; to know the support was there for them,'' she added. "To be able to look forward to a healthy, happy pregnancy knowing that there was education and support available and that they were not alone with the book, What to Expect .'' For more information, visit the Nurses' Practice at 8 South Road, Smiths, or call 232-0264.

Healthy babies, thanks to the Nurses' Practice Statisfied parents and healthy babies thanks to advice and support from the Nurses' Practice.

HEALTH HTH