Skip to main content
Find a DoctorGet Care Now
Skip to main content
Search

Contrast

Contact

Share

Donate

MyChart

Help

Childbirth Education Programs

Lawrence + Memorial Hospital offers a variety of educational and support programs designed to help prepare families for pregnancy, labor, delivery, breast feeding and newborn care.

Classes are offered online and in-person (when available). Courses for mothers, fathers/partners, siblings and grandparents are taught by experienced certified childbirth educators.

Class details and registration information are listed below. You can also call 1-800-562-2537 to register or for updated class information.

Baby care and breast feeding

Breastfeeding Support Group

A bi-monthly support group for nursing mothers led by Kathy Mason, RNC, IBCLC. Moms meet to share experiences and support each other through the breastfeeding process.

Register Online

Breastfeeding Your Baby

This one-evening class is taught by a certified lactation consultant. This class will cover breastfeeding basics including proper latch-on, infant feeding cues, positioning and how to establish a good milk supply. It is suggested that moms bring their partner or a support person to class with them.

Register Online

Caring for Your Baby

This popular one-evening class covers routine hospital tests and procedures, normal appearance and behaviors, and how to care for your baby at home. Topics also include: safe sleep, swaddling, bathing, feeding, car seat safety and guidelines for when to call the doctor.

Register Online

Caring for the New Mom

This one-evening class will cover recovery from childbirth, postpartum depression, family role adjustments, and available resources to help you as new parents.

Register Online

Grandparents: A Special Role

This one-evening class discusses the changes in responsibilities from parenting to grandparenting, as well as ways to support the new family. Recent changes in baby care guidelines, as well as parenting and birth trends will be covered. A tour of the maternity unit is included.

Register Online

I'm Going to Be a Big Brother/Big Sister

This sibling education program is intended for children ages three and older and their parents who are anticipating the birth of another child. The informal class includes a film for children, a visit to the maternity unit, discussion with parents on how to integrate a new baby into the family and tips on dealing with sibling rivalry. Children will leave with a certificate as a Big Brother/Sister.

Register Online

Infant CPR

This class is taught by a certified CPR instructor who will cover CPR and skills that will help you and your family members turn a life-threatening situation into a life-saving one. Class also covers injury prevention and safety tips.

Register Online

Childbirth preparation

Preparing for Birth

This class covers what to expect in the last trimester of pregnancy, the labor and delivery process, relaxation techniques, pain relief options, tips for the support person, hospital policies, interventions and cesarean section. A tour of the maternity unit is included with this class. Please bring a pillow to class.

This is class is currently being offered as a Live Webinar so you will be able to interact with the instructor. Attendees will need a high speed web-connection as well as camera with microphone to participate interactively in the class. Registration is required.

Register Online

Preparing for Birth, a Refresher

This one-evening class is offered for parents who have previously taken a childbirth class. It covers information about changes in the delivery process, available options, review of relaxation techniques and a tour of the maternity unit. Please bring a pillow to class.

Register Online

Tour of the Maternity Unit

Online video tours are available and includes a guided tour of our birthing rooms, labor and delivery and post-partum units.

Register Online

Live Webinars

Breastfeeding Basics Class

Our Breastfeeding Basics Class is taught by International Board of Lactation Consultants and is for expectant and new parents. Learn the basics of breastfeeding, including proper latch-on, infant feeding cues, positioning and how to establish a good milk supply. Enrollees are encouraged to bring a support person to class.

This is class is currently being offered as a Live Webinar so you will be able to interact with the instructor. Attendees will need a high speed web-connection as well as camera with microphone to participate interactively in the class. Register online or call toll-free 1-800-562-2537.

Childbirth Education

Half day course. Lead by a certified childbirth professional, you and your partner will learn the anatomy of labor and birth, comfort measures, types of birth including vaginal and Cesarean; the role of the support person, pain relief options and much more. You will receive the Companion Understanding Birth Web App which will enhance your learning experience by providing videos and reinforce the information you learned in class.

Maternity tour is not included in childbirth classes; please register for your free tour separately. We recommend that Childbirth Education be taken two months prior to your due date. Our childbirth classes are recommended for first time parents, experienced parents, parents expecting multiples as well as parents preparing for VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean).

This is class is currently being offered as a Live Webinar so you will be able to interact with the instructor. Attendees will need a high speed web-connection as well as camera with microphone to participate interactively in the class. Register online or call toll-free 1-800-562-2537.

Dogs & Storks

This class is taught by a Family Paws Parent Educator and is a must for new and expectant families with dogs. Dogs & Storks was created to provide families and professionals with the resource to successfully include the dog as the family grows. Topics covered include: getting to know your dog, obedience and training, changes in routine, managing kid and dog zones, preparing for baby, coming home and meeting baby, and ages and stages: what to look out for.

This is class is currently being offered as a Live Webinar so you will be able to interact with the instructor. Attendees will need a high speed web-connection as well as camera with microphone to participate interactively in the class. Register online or call toll-free 1-800-562-2537.

Hypnobirthing and Mindset Basics

During this webinar, pregnant individuals and their birth partners will learn skills and techniques to increase calm and comfort during pregnancy and birth. There is a one hour per day commitment to practice between interactive webinar sessions.

Register online or call toll-free 1-800-562-2537.

Online eClasses

Understanding Birth

In this class you and your partner will learn the anatomy of labor and birth, comfort measures, types of birth including vaginal and Cesarean; the role of the support person, pain relief options and much more. Our curriculum provides comprehensive childbirth education that prepares expectant parents to have healthier and more satisfying birth experiences. Engaging video, life-like 3D animation and personal birth stories give parents the knowledge and confidence they need to make informed decisions about labor and birth.

We recommend that Childbirth Education be taken two months prior to your due date. Our childbirth classes are recommended for first time parents, experienced parents, as well as parents preparing for VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). It takes 4 to 6 hours to complete and can be viewed on your PC, phone or tablet. You will have 9 months of access to your class once enrolled.

You will have nine months of access once you log in.

Register Online

Understanding Breastfeeding

Our Understanding Breastfeeding curriculum helps improve a mother's success with breastfeeding. Through step-by-step instructions and 3D animation, moms learn how to achieve a deep latch, breastfeeding holds and positions, and how to maintain healthy milk production. This course takes 2-3 hours to compete and follows International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) recommendations and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines.

You will have nine months of access once you log in.

Register Online

Understanding Cesarean Birth

This class teaches parents about medically-necessary cesarean birth in a way that's interactive, easy to understand and relatable.

Topics covered:

  • Types & Reasons for Cesareans
  • Family-Centered Cesarean Birth Options
  • Signs of Labor
  • Preparing for Surgery
  • Anesthesia & Surgical Procedure
  • Breastfeeding & Recovery

You will have nine months of access once you log in.

Register Online

Understanding Fatherhood

This class is about the joys of fatherhood and the important role that dads have in their children’s lives. The class begins with pregnancy, helping you understand your feelings about having a baby and how you can be involved during pregnancy. Next, it includes packing for the hospital, labor and birth basics, how to be a supportive partner during labor and making the most of your postpartum hospital stay. You’ll also learn about breastfeeding basics and support, how to create a safe sleep environment, along with why babies cry, soothing techniques and bonding. It concludes with your relationship after the baby, importance of good communication, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and paternal postpartum depression as well as understanding developmental milestones and positive discipline.

You will have nine months of access once you log in.

Register Online

Understanding Grandparenting

This is a fun, self-guided class that covers evidence-based changes in birth, breastfeeding, baby care and infant safety. It also provides ways for new grandparents to offer support and assistance to their growing family. 

Register online

Understanding Infant & Child Safety

This Infant & Child Safety eClass provides life-saving education for parents and caregivers. Accidents are the leading cause of death in infants and children. This class provides current information about prevention from a variety of safety organizations. Content includes: car safety, safe baby care, safety products, home safety, poisons, and emergency preparedness including infant CPR and first aid.

You will have nine months of access once you log in.

Register Online

Understanding Natural Childbirth

This online class is designed to build on the information and skills learned in a standard childbirth preparation class. It is intended for those planning a birth with few to no medical interventions. It highlights the philosophy behind natural childbirth and provides a more in-depth practice of comfort measures for labor. Techniques including positioning, massage, breathing, and alternative therapies, such as acupressure, visualization, and mindfulness will be reviewed. Several inspiring birth stories will be shared, and participants will come away with a practice checklist.

Register online

Understanding Pregnancy

This class includes an overview of trimesters along with 3D animation of fetal development, first trimester screening, glucose tolerance test, Group B strep test, nutrition and guidelines for exercise during pregnancy. It also covers how to manage the discomforts of pregnancy, as well as general pregnancy warning signs and signs of preterm labor. Common pregnancy stressors, stress-relief tips, intimate partner violence, support, body image, relationship tips and partner emotions are also covered.

You will have nine months of access once you log in.

Register Online

Understanding Sibling Preparation

This sibling preparation class teaches parents how to support their child in becoming a big brother or sister, answer tough questions and reduce jealousy. To encourage the sibling-to-be, there are also fun lessons to do together, complete with kid-friendly video clips, coloring pages and other activities.

Register Online

Understanding Your Multiples

This online class is designed for parents expecting multiples.

The content includes: Pregnancy, labor and delivery, breastfeeding, postpartum recovery and the first few weeks at home. Engaging videos, 3D animation and personal birth stories will help give parents the knowledge and confidence they need to make informed decisions about their labor and birth. The class takes 3-5 hours to complete and can be viewed on your PC, phone or tablet. You will have 9 months of access to your class once you log in.

You will have nine months of access once you log in.

Register Online

Understanding Your Newborn

This eClass provides comprehensive, evidence-based education about baby care in the first six weeks and beyond. It features real-life stories and provides the latest guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics and other trusted organizations, along with the importance of baby cues, early brain growth and bonding. Content includes: newborn traits, newborn behaviors, crying and comforting, feeding, diapering, bathing, newborn health and safety.

You will have nine months of access once you log in.

Register Online

For more information

For more information about any of our programs or to schedule a tour, please call our Childbirth Education Coordinator at 860-442-0711, ext. 2300 or email [email protected].