About Our Childbirth Classes
Our childbirth classes can help you and your partner prepare for the birth, help prepare siblings for the new arrival, give you information about breastfeeding, teach family members how to care for the newborn, teach emergency care skills, or just refresh moms and partners who are already experienced. Class descriptions are below.
How to Register for Classes
Preparation for Labor & Delivery
This class prepares you and your partner to be active participants in the birth of your baby. Start this class with your partner during your sixth or seventh month of pregnancy. An exercise mat or blanket and two pillows brought with you to class (except the first one) will make you more comfortable as you learn about:
- Breathing and relaxation techniques
- Methods of delivery
- Choices in analgesia and anesthesia
- Emotional aspects of parenthood
- Admission and hospital policies
- Cesarean childbirth
- Postpartum care
- Infant Care
| Program: |
Four weekly classes |
| Time: |
6:30 to 9 p.m. |
| Cost: |
$60 ($75 if not delivering at Martin Memorial) |
Preparation for Labor & Delivery (Condensed Course)
This is a one-day class covering all aspects of the four-week series.
| Program: |
One Saturday |
| Time: |
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Cost: |
$100 ($115 if not delivering at Martin Memorial) |
Refresher Class
Not your first baby? You've already had the basics? This four-week class will reacquaint you and your coach with the subjects from the Labor & Delivery Class and give you an opportunity to have your questions answered. Take this class during the sixth or seventh month of your pregnancy. The class includes:
- Review of the Labor & Delivery class subjects
- Breathing and relaxation techniques
- Methods of delivery
- Choices in analgesia and anesthesia
- Emotional aspects of parenthood
- Admission and hospital policies
- Cesarean childbirth
- Post-partum care
- Infant care
- Includes Baby & Me class (the last session of this 4-session class)
| Program: |
One (three session) class offered every other month |
| Time: |
6:30 to 9:30 p.m. |
| Cost: |
$45 ($60 if not delivering at Martin Memorial, $5 for each additional child) |
Breastfeeding Class
Our breast-feeding class is designed for women who have not made a feeding choice, or for those who plan to breastfeed their babies. Partners are welcome to attend the class. Topics covered include:
- Benefits for breast-feeding
- Prenatal preparation for breast-feeding
- Nutrition
- Dad's role
| Program: |
One session offered each month |
| Time: |
4 to 6 p.m. |
| Cost: |
$20 |
Infant CPR
This class teaches parents how to take care of their baby in an emergency. This course is recommended for all prospective parents and anyone not experienced in CPR. Registration is limited to the expectant mother and one other person.
| Program: |
Offered twice a month |
| Time: |
4 to 6:30 p.m. or 6 to 8:30 p.m. |
| Cost: |
$25 for the first person, plus $20 for the second person |
Baby & Me (Sibling Education)
This class is a special program for future big brothers and sisters and is recommended for children ages 3 and older. We will answer questions about the baby, and talk about birth and family relationships. A parent must accompany the child to this class. The child must be free from infection and illness. Please bring a baby picture of the child who is attending the class. This class covers:
- Tour of the Maternal Child Department
- Exploring feelings about the new arrival
- Baby development
- Film and discussion
- Certificate
- Special gift
| Program: |
Offered every other month |
| Time: |
3:30 to 5 p.m., or 5:30 to 7 p.m. |
| Cost: |
$15 (Plus $5 for each additional child) |
A Family Affair (Infant Care Class)
This two-session class focuses on the special needs of the newborn. It is designed for expectant parents, grandparents and prospective caregivers. The topics covered in this class are:
- Infant feeding
- Infant care and bathing
- Infant stimulation
- Home, car and pool safety
- Grandparent/caregiver's role
| Program: |
Two (2-session) classes offered every other month |
| Time: |
7 to 9 p.m. |
| Cost: |
$25 |
Our Policies
Please register prior to your sixth month of pregnancy.
Once you register for classes, you will receive a postcard to confirm your registration and give you the class date(s).
If you must cancel your class registration, we ask that you give us at least 24 hours notice. Your registration fee will be refunded, less a $10 administrative fee.