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!
2025: 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.
New for 2026!
Labor Essentials (virtual)
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.
Labor Essentials is a two-night class for moms and birth partners covering
labor, comfort techniques, pain management, cesarean delivery, and postpartum care.
Moms are encouraged to sign up for classes during their second trimester.
Classes fill quickly.
$65 per couple, $10 per couple for Medicaid patients
Register below
Package Offer: Enroll in both Labor Essentials and Home With Baby classes
and receive a $10 discount.
Regular price: $90 per couple
Package price: $80 per couple
Caring for Your Baby
Breastfeeding Essentials—FREE (virtual)
This 2.5-hour
free class is for mom and her support partner to help provide a great start
and the confidence to begin her breastfeeding journey. Discussion is held
on how milk production works, what normal newborn behavior is and how
that behavior impacts feeding.
Learn how to position and latch your newborn and become aware of potential
issues that can occur with every new mother. We will discuss pumping briefly
with regards to introducing breast milk in a bottle and when to pump for
return to work.
Classes are taught by an international board-certified lactation consultant
and are generally on the first Sunday of the month, unless impacted by
holiday weekends.
This is a virtual class held on
Microsoft Teams. An e-book will be sent prior to the start date.
2025: 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.
New for 2026!
Home With Baby (virtual)
This 3-hour class helps new parents prepare for hospital procedures and
infant care – diapering, bathing, soothing, dressing, and safety
at home and in the car.
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.
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
Register below
Support Group
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!
Obstetrics/GynecologyView Profile
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