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Parenting Classes

The path from pregnancy to parenthood is childbirth. For most pregnant women, the labor and birth process can be both overwhelming and joyful. Attending a childbirth education class can lessen the anxiety for new moms and their partners. At Mary Washington Healthcare, we strongly encourage you to participate in one of our many childbirth classes taught by certified childbirth educators.

Things to know:

  • Classes fill quickly! Sign up in your second trimester.
  • Pre-registration for classes closes two business days before class.
  • Classes for Medicaid /VA Premier Patients are an automatic $10. All others needing financial assistance, please call 540.741.4486. Please do not allow finances be a deterrent to taking 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—$90 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.

Upcoming dates

$90 per couple

This is a virtual class held on Microsoft Teams. Arrangements will be made for class book and materials to be picked up prior to the class date.

This class includes the Going Home with Baby class at no extra charge.


Childbirth Essentials—$10 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

$10 per couple

This is a virtual class held on Microsoft Teams. Arrangements will be made for class book and materials to be picked up prior to the class date.



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. Arrangements will be made for class book and materials to be picked up prior to the class date.


Going Home with Baby—$10 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

$10 per couple

This is a virtual class held on Microsoft Teams. Arrangements will be made for class book and materials to be picked up prior to the class date.


Infant CPR—$20 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!

Upcoming dates

$20 per couple



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. Click the name of the group for upcoming dates and locations.

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

Free


Healing through Support

Support for parents recovering from miscarriage, stillbirth, or the loss of a newborn. This group meets the third or fourth 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. Contact our perinatal bereavement coordinator, Tammy Ruiz Ziegler at 540.741.3268, or tammara.ziegler@mwhc.com.

Upcoming dates

Free

Visit our Perinatal Bereavement page for more information.

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