Health Education

Childbirth and Baby Basics Class

Whether you're expecting your first child or your next, this class will help you and your support person know what to expect on delivery day.
Our Childbirth and Baby Basics Class will help you and your support person prepare for your baby’s birth and know what to expect – both physically and emotionally – on delivery day. This class uses lectures, discussion, videos, posters and hands-on practice to increase your knowledge and decrease anxiety that you may be feeling about the birthing process. Topics include the warning signs to watch for during pregnancy, signs and stages of labor, relaxation and coping techniques, medical interventions, cesarean birth and the care of your newborn during the first two weeks of life, from infant safety and sleep to diapering and swaddling. Both natural birth and pain-management options will be discussed, and a member of our anesthesiology team will attend classes as available to provide greater detail about epidurals. Our support-team section of the class will cover a partner's role in both the labor process and the care of your baby. A tour of the Family Birth Place will be available after class pending availability of a room on the unit.

This class meets in the Family Birth Place classroom.  Enter through the Women's Hospital entrance, on the second floor next to the waiting area is the classroom.   Please wear clothing comfortable for light activity. Please note, due to COVID-19 each participant will be required to wear a mask (provided) and practice social distancing.  Snacks and drinks are welcome. A one-hour lunch break will be given. Lunch is not provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own lunch, eat in the cafeteria or try one of our nearby restaurants. We request that you take this course DURING YOUR THIRD TRIMESTER, between weeks 28 and 36 of pregnancy. If you are going to be less than 28 weeks at the time of class, you may be asked to change class dates. For questions about classes, please call 850-278-3995.