Prenatal Classes

Edward Hospital offers many prenatal classes to help you prepare for this big event.  You can find our classes listed in the "Waiting For Baby" brochure or use our online classes and events calendar. Please register early in your pregnancy because space is limited and classes fill quickly. Plan to take your classes early in your 3rd trimester (unless otherwise indicated), as it can be uncomfortable sitting in class toward the end of your pregnancy!  Pleae click on the links below for class descriptions and more information.  

• Childbirth Classes
• Parenting & Infant Care Classes
• Pre/postnatal Exercise Classes
• Postpartum Support Groups

If you have questions about our prenatal classes, please contact Susan Bard, Perinatal Education Coordinator, at (630) 527-7685 or by email at sbard@edward.org.

Please call (630) 527-6363 to register for classes unless otherwise noted in description. For more information about classes, go to www.edward.org/classes to search by class title or category (Pregnancy & Childbirth), or call class registration at (630) 527-6363.

 Want to know what couples are saying about our prenatal classes?

Childbirth Classes 

We have several types of classes to better prepare you and your family for childbirth. To help you decide which childbirth class is right for you, see our Frequently Asked Questions regarding prenatal classes, including why to take childbrith classes, which prenatal classes to take and when you should attend so you are best prepared. 

Prepared Childbirth - topics include pregnancy discomforts, what to expect during labor and delivery, comfort measures to help you through each stage, admission to the hospital, epidurals & pain medications, vaginal and C/S birth, postpartum issues and much more. A tour of the maternity unit is included unless otherwise noted.  Fee $90/couple.

• 4 wk (weeknight) series: meets T, W, or Th evening  x  4 wks  from 6:30-9:30 pm
• 2 wk (Sunday afternoon) series:  meets 2 weeks from 1-6 pm
• Marathon weekend: meets Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. & Sunday 9 a.m. - noon
• Prepared Childbirth Express (e-learning class combined with a 6 1/2 hour Saturday class)

Prepared Childbirth Refresher - for parents who have given birth previously or have already taken a Prepared Childbirth class, but would like a review. A tour of the Maternity Unit is optional at the end of class.  Class meets on a Saturday from 9-3:30 pm (lunch break provided).  Fee $45/couple

Multiples Class series "package" - includes a series of 3 Multiples classes specific to the needs of couples expecting twins or more, plus you will be registered for a Prepared Childbirth class, a Babycare PLUS class, and a Breastfeeding class all for one fee of $150/couple! Please call early in your pregnancy to register.  Participants are encouraged to attend in their 1st or 2nd trimester.  Fee $150/couple.

Multiples Refresher - for parents who have previously attended a childbirth class or have already given birth before but are now expecting multiples with this pregnancy. You may select the sessions of the Multiples class (above) which you would like to attend.  Fee based on number of sessions attended.

Cesarean Birth - now a free on-line class for those who are anticipating having a planned Cesarean delivery.  Learn what to expect (admission, procedure, recovery, postpartum issues).  You are also recommended to sign up for a tour of our Family Birth Center.

Sibling at Birth class - for those who desire to have their child(ren) attend the birth of their sibling, this 1-2 hour individualized class is required, as well as a note from your OB doctor giving permission for your child to attend the birth of his/her sibling.  Instructor will set up a class time with the family.  Fee $30/family.

Tour of our Family Birth Center - free tours of Edward Hospital's Family Birth Center, including the birthing suites and Mother/Baby rooms, are available on some Sunday afternoons or Tuesday or Wednesday evenings.  Registration is required.  Free.

Click here for class dates.

Parenting and Infant Care Classes 

Babycare PLUS  - Topics include cord care, circumcision care, jaundice, basic babycare skills such as holding a newborn, bathing & diapering a newborn, and special techniques for comforting a fussy baby. Car seat safety for your newborn will be taught, and if you have already purchased a carseat, you are encouraged to bring the carrier portion to class for practice.  Infant CPR will also be covered, and you will receive a take-home instructional DVD and kit (this is not a certification class).  Dads are encouraged to attend.  Class meets on a weeknight x 2 wks or on a Saturday 9 am - 4:00 pm (lunch break provided).  Fee $75/couple.

Breastfeeding - taught by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or a Certified Lactation Counselor.  Learn the basics of breastfeeding to help you get off to a good start! Topics include correct positioning, correct latch, how to tell if baby is getting enough, common problems and tips to help, and pumping.  Dads are encouraged to attend! This 3 hour class meets on a weeknight or Saturday morning.  Fee $10/couple or FREE if also registering for Babycare.

Sibling Classes - children ages 3-7 years can learn what to expect when a new little sister or brother arrives and will practice how to hold baby (with parent's help), diapering, and swaddling a baby.  One parent is required to attend with child-- both parents are welcome. A video tour of the Maternity Suites will be shown, which includes "what a newborn looks like".  Class is for one hour on a Saturday morning.  Fee $15/family.

Sibling Video Tour - You and your young children can see our maternity unit and what a newborn looks like by watching our on-line Sibling Video Tour.  Click on "While You Are Pregnant" on the left column to locate the video.

Grandparenting - for new grandparents and grandparents-to-be to learn what's new and what's changed recently in babycare, while also learning new grandparenting skills.  You will also learn the correct way to buckle up an infant in a carseat.  A brief tour of the Family Birth Center will be given to show grandparents where to come when visiting their new grandbaby.  This 3 hour class meets on a Sunday afternoon.  Fee $5/person.

Infant Massage - for parents and infants 3 wks - 9 months old. This two-hour session, taught by a certified massage therapist, is designed to bolster the parent-infant relationship through bonding, positive touch, and respect. Fee $30.

Infant & Child Safety - a free E-learning class which provides information on "baby-proofing" your home. Car seat safety for toddlers and older children is also covered. (CPR and First Aid are not covered in this class.)  Registration is on-line.  Free.

CPR for Family & Friends - this American Heart Association class will cover choking, rescue breathing and CPR for infants, children, and adults.  Attendees will receive a participation card. (This is not a certification class.)  Fee $30/person or $50/couple.

CPR and Pediatric First Aid - this American Heart Association class will cover choking, rescue breathing and CPR for infants, children, and adults and pediatric first aid basics to help manage illness & injuries for the first few minutes until help arrives.  Attendees will receive a participation card. (This is not a certification class.) Fee $40/person or $60/couple.

Click here for class dates

Pre/Postnatal Exercise Classes  

Prenatal exercise water and land classes, including yoga, are offered for the expectant mother. Or, get back into an exercise program and bring your baby to one of our postnatal offerings. Refer to the Edward Health & Fitness Center pre/postnatal schedule for the times and dates of classes. To learn more contact the Naperville facility at (630) 646-5917 or our Seven Bridges facility (Woodridge) at (630) 646-7913.

*Your doctor's written permission will be required prior to your participation in these classes.

Prenatal Aqua* -- Workout in the buoyancy and comfort of water.  This class offers increased energy, enduance, body balance and awareness, without the stresses of gravity. This a safe aerobic workout is in the lap pool (81-82°F). 

Pre/Postnatal Land Aerobics* -  This safe and effective class helps you maintain muscle tone and feel good about yourself while your body goes through changes.  You can also tone up and lose weight as you get back into shape after childbirth.  You can attend this class with your child for up to one year after your child's birth.  

Baby & Me Yoga - Bond with your baby through touch and eye contact.  This class will relax you and your baby, and may help your baby (ages 3 months to 2 years) achieve deeper sleep. 

Pre/Postnatal Yoga* - This class focuses on specially tailored poses that meet the needs and concerns of pre/postnatal participants.  Infants up to 6 months are welcome with postnatal participants.

Stroll-n-Sculpt Club (Seasonal) - Bring your stroller and baby (or toddler) out for a stroll on local paths.  Includes walking, lunging, and resistance training. 

Pre/Postnatal Pilates/Yoga Fusion - combines the stability, energy, balance, flexibility and relaxation of yoga and the low impact exercise of Pilates. 

Pre/Post Mommy's Muscle - This total body toning class for mommies and mommies-to-be will give you more energy, help you feel great about your special workouts, and is filled with variety, fun, and safety.  Bring your infant(s) not yet crawling (in their car seat) to the sessions. 

Postpartum Support Groups 

Cradle Talk - This free support group is designed for new first-time parents and infants,  newborn to 6 months old. Facilitated by an Edward Hospital nurse and featuring guest speakers, it meets weekly on Wednesdays from 10:00-11:30 a.m.   For directions or for more information on guest speakers, please call (630) 527-3957 or see our webpage at www.edward.org/CradleTalk.  No registration required. Free. 

Managing Multiples - This free support group is designed for new parents of multiples (and babies less than a year old).  Learn how to adjust to that important first year through questions and discussions with other parents of multiples.  Group meets on a Saturday morning about every 2 months. For dates and more information, contact Susan Bard at (630) 527-7685 or sbard@edward.org.

Breastfeeding Support - This free support group, led by a certified Lactation Counselor, will meet on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month immediately following Cradle Talk,  around 11:45 a.m.  Join other breastfeeding moms and their babies for support and to have questions answered.  No registration required. Free. For more information, call 630-527-7685.

Nurturing Mom - a support group for new moms or moms-to-be who are experiencing emotional lows, depression, anxiety, fearful thoughts, difficulty sleeping, or other troubling behavior. This group is led by a licensed clinical psychologist and a therapist with extensive backgrounds in women's services and postpartum depression.  This group meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, immediately following Cradle Talk, around 11:45 a.m. Babies are welcome.  No registration necessary. For more information and directions, please call (630) 527-6363.  Free.

Family Time - a support group for new moms and new dads who are feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed following the birth of their baby.  It is helpful for the entire family to be involved in the education and recovery process when Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders occur. For dates and more information about this family support group, call (630) 849-5155 or click here.

Mom's Line (630) 527-7294 -- Linden Oaks provides a phone line dedicated to women, or anyone concerned about a woman, who may be experiencing signs or symptoms of post-partum depression.  Messages on this line are checked daily and all calls will be returned by a registered nurse within 24 hours.

Please call (630) 527-6363 to register for classes unless otherwise noted in description.  Click here for class dates