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—$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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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