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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Obstetrics/GynecologyView Profile
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