Knowing that each individual will have different learning needs as well as scheduling needs, we offer several options for classes to prepare you for childbirth:
Prepared Childbirth (4 week series)—meets on a weeknight (Tues, Wed, or Thurs) 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm for 4 consecutive weeks. This is the most comprehensive childbirth class, allowing more time for hands-on practice and discussion with instructor and other classmates. Participants benefit from interaction with other couples in similar circumstances, hearing other perspectives and questions, more practice time, and shorter individual class sessions for the tired mom-to-be.
Prepared Childbirth (3 week series)—meets on Sunday afternoons from 1-4:30 pm for 3 consecutive Sundays. This class has a smaller amount of time devoted to hands-on practice and interaction than the 4-week series, but is a great option for those whose schedule will not allow the weeknight classes. [NOTE: Starting in January 2012, this class will meet on Sunday afternoon from 1-6 pm x 2 weeks]
Prepared Childbirth Marathon—meets on a weekend, Saturday 9 am-4 pm and Sunday 9 am-12 noon. The basic information from the Prepared Childbirth class is covered, but in a fast-paced format. The time frame of this class does not allow for as much hands-on practice or interaction as the series, and the all-day session can be tiring for the mom-to-be, but it is an option for those with time constraints.
Prepared Childbirth Express - This class combines an e-learning childbirth class which can be completed at home on your own time and a 6 hour in-person class where you will practice comfort measures, ask questions of a certified childbirth educator, and take a tour of the OB department and birthing suites. This Express class will familiarize parents-to-be with what to expect during labor and birth. Topics include labor, comfort measures, epidurals & pain relief, postpartum issues and more. The six-hour in-person class meets on a Saturday morning, with a lunch break provided.
Prepared Childbirth Refresher
This refresher class is a review for parents who have previously attended a Prepared Childbirth class. It is a brief review of labor and delivery, comfort techniques (including breathing and relaxation), with an optional tour of the OB unit at the end of class.
Marvelous Multiples
Designed for the family expecting twins or more, this ten-session series, which meets twice a week, focuses on nutrition, prenatal care, labor and delivery of multiples, post-partum issues, and more. Also included is a Babycare PLUS class and Breastfeeding class with information about caring for multiples. Please register EARLY in your pregnancy for attendance during the beginning of your second trimester (week 18-22). Class meets on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 6:30 pm for 5 weeks.
Refresher for Multiples {NEW}
This refresher class is for parents who have previously attended a Prepared Childbirth class or have given birth previously, but are expecting multiples with this pregnancy. Participants can select the sessions of the Multiples Childbirth class series which they would like to attend (Labor & Delivery of Multiples, Babycare, Breastfeeding and more). Please register EARLY in your pregnancy for attendance during the beginning of your second trimester (week 18-22).
Cesarean Birth
This FREE one-session class is for those who are anticipating having a Cesarean delivery, to familiarize you with what to expect before and after delivery. Recovery and Post-partum issues are also covered. A tour of the Obstetrics Unit is included.
Classes fill quickly, so register as soon as possible so that you can get the class option of your choice. You can find our classes listed in the Expectant Families brochure or use our online classes and events calendar. To register for these classes, please call (630) 527-6363 unless otherwise noted in the class description.
