Parent and Childbirth Education Classes

We offer three personalized e-newsletters – one on pregnancy, one on breastfeeding and one on infancy. Each is timed to your week of pregnancy and your baby's first year. You can read your weekly e-newsletter on your smart phone, tablet or computer. The e-newsletters are available in multiple languages. Your partner, family members and friends can also subscribe to this free service and share this exciting time with you. You may stop your subscription at any time by selecting the unsubscribe button at the top of your e-newsletter. Subscribe here.

Attending our educational classes and our maternity tour can provide you with the knowledge, confidence and support you need during your pregnancy and after the birth of your baby.

Please click on the titles below to visit the Eventbrite page for more information including schedule and registration.

Early registration is encouraged as classes fill quickly.

For any questions, concerns or financial assistance, please email smcnamara1@bwh.harvard.edu or call (617) 275-1738. For parking rates, please visit BWH Parking.

Beginner-friendly classes; all levels are welcome. Classes will focus on breath work and gentle exercises intended to increase mind-body awareness, improve flexibility, and support muscle tone during pregnancy. Mats and props will be supplied. The class is free, although registration is required.

Register for Prenatal Yoga.

Taught by certified childbirth instructors, our labor and birth class will cover the following:

• Signs and symptoms of labor
• When to come to the hospital
• Breathing and relaxation exercises to promote comfort and coping during labor
• Comfort measures
• Cesarean birth
• Epidural anesthesia
• Partner/labor support

We offer two options for our Labor and Delivery class. A single 6 hour class or a class divided into two parts for those who prefer shorter class sessions. Both classes cover the same content and include a maternity tour.

Option #1: Labor and Delivery Class (Single 6 hour session)

Option #2: Labor and Delivery Class (Two 3 hour sessions). Class takes place on two consecutive Mondays.

Taught by certified breastfeeding instructors, our breastfeeding class covers the following topics:

• Function and structure of the breast
• Positioning your baby during breastfeeding
• Nutrition for breastfeeding mothers
• Infant feeding patterns and growth spurts
• Recommendations on pumping and storage of breast milk.

Register for Breastfeeding Class.

In this class, you will learn about caring for your baby including:

• Feeding, bathing and dressing your baby
• Interacting with your baby
• Understanding your baby’s sleep patterns
• Recognizing the signs of illness
• When to call a physician
• Learning how to take your baby’s temperature
• Adjusting to your new family

Register for Infant Care Class.

For couples for whom a Cesarean is a possibility, the class will cover:

• Preparation for Surgery
• The Role of Partner
• Cesarean Birth Choices
• Breastfeeding Tips After Cesarean Birth
• Basic Newborn Expectation
• What to Expect Physically and Emotionally
• Anesthesia
• Recovery from Surgery and Postpartum
• Breastfeeding Tips After Cesarean Birth
• Basic Newborn Expectation
• Maternity Tour

Register for Cesarean Class.

Take a tour of the Mary Horrigan Connors Center for Women's Health and learn what to expect during your hospital stay. You can also view an online tour to learn about your hospital stay.

Register for Maternity Tours.