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:
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 by 28 weeks to ensure there is a spot for you in class.
Getting Ready for Childbirth
The path from pregnancy to parenthood is childbirth. Classes will help
you and your birth partner prepare to give birth. Childbirth classes include
information on the labor process, relaxation, and breathing, role of the
partner, medical interventions, Cesarean delivery, and the post partum
period. Prepared childbirth encourages a woman to use relaxation and breathing
techniques to work together with her body, her partner, and her caregivers
to give birth to her baby.
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
This course is for expectant parents who cannot attend a full Getting Ready
for Childbirth series. The class covers basic process of labor and delivery,
breathing, and relaxation, what to expect in the hospital, and Cesarean delivery.
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
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. Arrangements will be made for class book and materials to be picked up
prior to the class date.
Going Home with Baby
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. Arrangements will be made for class book and materials to be picked up
prior to the class date.
Infant CPR
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!
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this class is temporarily suspended until
in-person events resume at a later date.
This class is for big brothers and sisters (to be) who are two through
six years of age. At least one parent must attend the class with the child.
This one-hour class includes a tour, video and practicing (big brother/sister
skills). Note: the class must have a minimum of 5 registrants to be held.
Register as soon as possible. Classes fill very quickly!
Free
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.
Support for parents recovering from miscarriage, stillbirth, or the loss
of a newborn. This group meets the 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.
PediatricsView Profile
.jpg)
