Parent and Childbirth Education Classes

Congratulations! Pregnancy is an exciting time and a very special experience in the life of every family. At Brigham and Women's Hospital, we provide many resources to help you have the healthiest pregnancy possible.

**All upcoming childbirth classes will be offered virtually. There are no in-person classes or maternity tours at this time.**

Parent and Childbirth Resources

Educational 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 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.

Labor and Delivery Class

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.

Please visit Eventbrite.com to register for this class.

Ask the Anesthesiologist: Medical Pain Management Options for Labor

This one-hour class will be taught by a Brigham and Women's Hospital OB anesthesiologist, and will focus on the epidural and other anesthesia options for labor and birth. There will be time for questions and discussion.

Please visit Eventbrite.com to register for this class.

Multiples

Please visit Eventbrite.com to register for this 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.

Multiples Breastfeeding

Please visit Eventbrite.com to register for this 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
Breastfeeding Class

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.

Please visit Eventbrite.com to register for this class.

Breastfeeding and Returning to Work

This class will cover pumping and the transition of breastfeeding and returning-to-work. We will talk about maintaining milk supply, pumping while at work, pumping strategies, milk storage and more! It is recommended that this class be taken after the arrival of your baby. If you would like to take the class before your baby is born, please take the Breastfeeding class first.

Please visit Eventbrite.com to register for this class.

Cesarean 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

Please visit Eventbrite.com to register for this class.

Newborn Care

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.

Please visit Eventbrite.com to register for this class.

Young Parents Prenatal Classes

This is a series of three classes which will help you prepare for the arrival of your baby. Each two hour class will be a different topic, including Childbirth Preparation, Breastfeeding, and Newborn Care. Brigham and Women's Young Parents classes are open to all Brigham and Women patients who are 22 years of age or younger. You are encouraged to bring your partner or support person with you to the classes.

Please visit Eventbrite.com to register for this class.

Maternity Tours

Take an online tour of the Mary Horrigan Connors Center for Women's Health and learn what to expect during your hospital stay. There are no in-person tours at this time.

Post Partum Support Group

Virtual Postpartum Support Group for BWH parents. Weekly sessions are free and open to all mothers and their partners. Open forum for discussion and support, facilitated by a Perinatal Educator.

Please visit Eventbrite.com to register for this class.

Multiples Postpartum Support Group

This free, virtual postpartum support group meets weekly and provides connection and support in a safe, confidential space for parents experiencing the unique challenges of parenting twins or more.

Please visit Eventbrite.com to register for this class.

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