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Preparing for Parenthood: Join Our Parenting Classes

Embarking on the journey from pregnancy to parenthood involves the remarkable experience of childbirth. For expectant mothers, the process of labor and birth can be a blend of emotions, ranging from overwhelming to joyful. Enrolling in a childbirth education class can help alleviate anxiety for both new moms and their partners. At Mary Washington Healthcare, we wholeheartedly encourage you to take part in one of our comprehensive childbirth classes, thoughtfully led by certified childbirth educators.

Key details to keep in mind:

  • Secure your spot Early: Our classes fill up rapidly! Ensure you sign up during your second trimester to secure your spot.
  • Payment will be collected when you call to register for the class.
  • For all virtual classes besides breastfeeding essentials, participants will need to make arrangements to pick up the class book and materials prior to the class date. Books will not be mailed.
  • Affordable Option for Medicaid/VA Premier Patients: For Medicaid/VA Premier Patients, the class fee is a nominal $10. For those requiring financial assistance, please contact us at 540.741.4486. Finances should not hinder your access to these important classes.

To register for all classes, call Mary Washington Healthcare Health Link at 540.741.1404 or 800.722.2788.

Birthing Classes

Please register in your second trimester to ensure there is a spot for you in class. Classes fill quickly!

Getting Ready for Childbirth—$95 per couple (virtual)

This 3-session course will help you and your birth partner prepare to give birth. Childbirth classes include information on the labor process, comfort techniques, role of the partner, medical interventions including pain management options, cesarean delivery, the post-partum period, and initial newborn procedures in the hospital. This class includes the Going Home with Baby class at no extra charge for full-priced registrations. Medicaid patients can still register for $10. Payment will be collected when you call to register for the class.

Upcoming dates

$95 per couple, $10 for Medicaid patients

This is a virtual class held on Microsoft Teams. Participants will need to make arrangements to pick up the class book and materials prior to the class date. Books will not be mailed.


Childbirth Essentials—$15 per couple (virtual)

This condensed course is for expectant parents who cannot attend a full Getting Ready for Childbirth series. Class covers the process of labor and delivery, comfort techniques, medical interventions , cesarean section and the postpartum period.

Upcoming dates

$15 per couple, $10 for Medicaid patients

This is a virtual class held on Microsoft Teams. Participants will need to make arrangements to pick up the class book and materials prior to the class date. Books will not be mailed. Payment will be collected when you call to register for the class.



Caring for Your Baby

Breastfeeding Essentials—FREE (virtual)

This 2.5-hour free class is for mom and her support partner and focuses on the basics of breastfeeding your newborn. Preparation and education will help you feel more confident as you start this journey. We will also discuss pumps, when to start pumping, milk storage, and returning to work. Classes are taught by Certified Lactation Consultants. Plan to attend this class prior to your delivery so you will feel more confident breastfeeding your baby right from the start.

Upcoming dates

Free

This is a virtual class held on Microsoft Teams. An e-book will be sent prior to the start date.


Going Home with Baby—$15 per couple (virtual)

This class teaches first-time parents to learn what to expect in the first two weeks at home with your new baby. Learn the basics of infant care; receive answers to your questions.

Upcoming dates

$15 per couple, $10 for Medicaid patients

This is a virtual class held on Microsoft Teams. Participants will need to make arrangements to pick up the class book and materials prior to the class date. Books will not be mailed. Payment will be collected when you call to register for the class.


Infant CPR—$25 per couple (in person)

Learn the ABC’s of infant CPR (birth to 1 year of age). This is a must for ALL parents who do not already know CPR. This course is non-certifiable. Register as soon as possible. Classes fill very quickly! Payment will be collected when you call to register for the class.

Upcoming dates
$25 per couple, $10 for Medicaid patients



Support Groups

Moms & Babies Support Groups

These free postpartum support groups are sponsored by Mary Washington and Stafford Hospitals. Meet other moms and share experiences, learn about baby care topics from a certified lactation consultant, get breastfeeding questions answered. You don't have to have delivered your baby at our hospitals to join the group!

Mary Washington Hospital Moms & Babies: Wednesdays 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Stafford Hospital Moms & Babies: Currently on a break

Free


Healing through Support

Support for parents recovering from miscarriage, stillbirth, or the loss of a newborn. This group meets the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the John F. Fick III Conference Center. The group is free and registration is not required. For questions, please email PerinatalBereavementGroup@mwhc.com or call 540.741.3268.

Upcoming dates

Free

Visit our Perinatal Bereavement page for more information.

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