Parent and Childbirth Education Classes

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.

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)

Register for the Multiples Labor and Birth virtual class.

Taught by certified childbirth instructors, our labor and birth class for Multiples focuses on the unique needs of parents expecting twins, triplets, or more. The 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
• NICU and post partum
• Partner/labor support

The class is offered in two parts.

Register for the Multiples Breastfeeding virtual class.

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

• Feeding multiple babies
• When to Supplement
• Positioning your babies during breastfeeding
• Nutrition for breastfeeding mothers
• Infant feeding patterns and growth spurt
  Pumping and storage of breast milk

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.

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.

Newborn Care

Newborn Care Class

This two and a half hour class will provide expectant parents with guidance, tips and support as they prepare for the birth of their child. In this class you will learn about infant bathing and dressing, feeding, infant communication, crying, sleep patterns, signs of illness, how to take a baby’s temperature, when to call a physician and the needs and adjustments of becoming a family.

Cost: $45 * ticket price includes your partner/support person

Eventbrite Link

This is a series of three classes, held on three consecutive Monday evenings. Each three hour class will be a different topic, including Childbirth Preparation, Breastfeeding, and Infant Care. Brigham and Women's Adolescent classes are open to all Brigham and Women patients who are 21 years of age or younger. You are encouraged to bring your partner or support person with you to the classes.

More information about registration for this 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.