You have a lot to learn and plan for with a baby on the way, which is why Washington Health System offers prenatal and childbirth classes to help you get ready to welcome the newest member of your family.
Our Certified Childbirth Educator and lactation consultant offer a full range of childbirth education classes for expectant parents, whether you’re preparing for your first baby or wanting to brush up on labor and delivery before welcoming another child.
Here’s a closer look at what to expect from each of your prenatal and childbirth classes.
Prepared Childbirth Class
This four-week class is designed for expectant parents in their last few months of pregnancy. Led by Certified Childbirth Educator or registered nurse, the Prepared Childbirth Class will teach you what to expect from the birth experience. You will also learn important information to help you prepare for the birth of your child, including:
- breathing and relaxation techniques
- options for pain relief
- signs of labor
- the role of the partner
- types of deliveries
- what to expect from the delivery process and how to navigate postpartum care
This class includes a tour of our Birth Center, the CARE Center for Family Birth and Women’s Health. These classes are typically on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Baby Care Class
Taught by a Certified Childbirth Educator or registered nurse, this three-hour class is offered on a Monday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Baby Care Class teaches expectant parents important, evidence-based information about newborn care. A pediatrician is available to answer questions during most classes, and expectant parents may also have the opportunity to talk with a police officer about car seat safety.
Breastfeeding Class
Our certified lactation consultant will teach you everything you need to know about how to successfully breastfeed your newborn. We encourage partners to attend so they can discover the many ways they can support and bond with their breastfed newborns. This three-hour class is offered on a Monday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Maternity Department Tours
We invite you to visit our birth center and see what makes it a special place to welcome a baby to the world. We offer a convenient online tour of the new unit as well as in-person tours. To view our online tour – click here. If you are not planning to take the Prepared Childbirth Class but would like to tour the birth center in-person, please call (724) 223-3220 to check for availability. We advise calling on the day you would like to visit, as staff availability fluctuates daily and we cannot guarantee a specific date and time.
At Washington Health System, our top priorities are the health, safety, and well-being of our patients, our staff, our students, and our community. We are strictly adhering to the CDC’s guidelines for everyone’s safety. Please call (724) 223-3173 for additional information.
There is a fee for the prenatal and childbirth classes, but many insurance plans will reimburse you for some or all of the cost. Check with your plan to verify coverage. You can register for these classes online or call (724) 223-3173. If you register online, you will receive a call within 2 weeks to inform you of the dates and times of the classes and finalize your registration.