Preparing for Childbirth
Our childbirth classes help parents-to-be prepare for their baby’s birth by hearing about what to expect during labor and during their hospital stay. Topics in all of our childbirth classes include pre-labor information, signs of labor, stages of labor, comfort techniques for use at home and in the hospital including breathing & relaxation, informed decision-making, what to expect on admission, pain relief including epidurals, vaginal birth and Cesarean Section delivery, recovery & postpartum issues. It is recommended that you also sign up for a virtual tour of the hospital where you will be giving birth—preferably prior to taking the childbirth class.
- Childbirth Weeknight Series - This class meets on 2 or 3 consecutive weeks on the same weeknight (e.g. 2 or 3 Tuesdays from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.). Please see class description when you register to determine the day of the week and if it is a 2 or 3 session class (depends on instructor’s preference). Classes are available at Edward Hospital or at Elmhurst Hospital or virtually.
- Childbirth Weekend Series - This is a weekend childbirth series that meets on a Saturday and Sunday of the same weekend (from 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.). This class is currently only available virtually.
- Childbirth Express – This is a one-day class on either Saturday or Sunday from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Classes are available at Edward Hospital or at Elmhurst Hospital or virtually.
- Natural Childbirth - This program is designed to prepare families for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with an emphasis on natural pain relief techniques. The same topics are covered as in the other childbirth classes with additional information about exercise, anatomy, physiology, comfort measures and labor positions. Classes are taught on 3 consecutive Tuesday evenings from 6:30-9 p.m. and are available at Elmhurst Hospital or virtually. (You do not have to deliver at Elmhurst Hospital in order to take this class.)
Childbirth Refresher - If you have previously taken a childbirth class or had a baby and would like a refresher on specific topics, please contact Susan.Bard@EEHealth.org for more information and to have your questions answered.
Cesarean Birth - This free e-learning class is for those who are anticipating having a scheduled Cesarean delivery. It includes a video and photos to familiarize you with what to expect before and after delivery. Recovery and postpartum issues are also covered. Register online for the class during the current month. You will receive an email with the link to the class which can be completed at your leisure (there is not a live instructor for this class).
Multiples - Now a free e-learning class. Register online for the class during the current month. You will receive an email with the link to the class which can be completed at your leisure (there is not a live instructor for this class). This class covers information about having multiples at Edward Hospital and how pregnancy and birth of multiples differs from that of a single baby. We recommend that you also take a Prepared Childbirth class if this is your first pregnancy. If you have any questions about this class, please contact Susan.Bard@EEHealth.org.
Register for a childbirth class
Babycare PLUS - Topics include basic baby care skills such as holding a newborn, swaddling, bathing & diapering a newborn, cord care, circumcision care, jaundice, and special techniques for comforting a fussy baby. Car seat safety for your newborn will be taught, and if you have already purchased a car seat, you are encouraged to bring the carrier portion to class for practice buckling in a baby correctly. Infant CPR will also be practiced (This is not a certification class and due to Infection Control restrictions, we will not be practicing rescue breathing with the manikins). (Babycare class is also available as a virtual class. It does not include the Infant CPR portion of the class. You can register for a separate “CPR for Family & Friends” class below.)
Breastfeeding - This class is taught by an international board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) or a certified lactation counselor. Learn the basics of breastfeeding to help you and your baby get off to a good start! Topics include how breastfeeding works, correct latch-on and positioning, when to feed your baby, how to tell if baby is getting enough, breast care, common problems and tips, and pumping. Dads or partners are encouraged to attend! (also available as a virtual class)
Grandparenting - For new grandparents and grandparents-to-be to learn what's new and what's changed recently in baby care, while also learning new grandparenting skills. You will also learn the correct way to buckle up an infant in a car seat. (also available as a virtual class)
Infant and Child Safety - This is a free e-learning class which provides information on "baby-proofing" your home. Car seat safety for toddlers and older children is also covered. (CPR and First Aid are not covered in this class.) This class consists of a PowerPoint file which you can access at any time. It does not have a live instructor.
CPR for Family and Friends - This American Heart Association's Family & Friends CPR Course is a video-based classroom course which teaches adult Hands-Only™ CPR, Child CPR, Infant CPR and how to relieve choking in an adult, child or infant. Skills are taught using the AHA's research-proven Practice-While-Watching technique, which allows participants to practice skills while watching consistent, accurate modeling of skills performance on the DVD. Adult, child and infant skills are presented in three separate modules for added flexibility. (THIS IS NOT A CERTIFICATION COURSE) The Family & Friends CPR Course is for members of the general public who want to learn CPR and prefer to learn in an instructor-led or facilitated group environment. This course is for people who do NOT need a course completion card for a job or other requirements.
Register for a parenting or infant care class