Adventist Health - Expecting? Childbirth and Parenting Classes to Help You Prepare

Obstetricians, nurses and certified nurse-midwives spend years learning about childbirth. But parents-to-be usually only have a few months to prepare for their baby's arrival — and everything that comes with it.

You may be worried about labor and birth — not to mention parenthood. Our virtual childbirth and parenting classes give you education and resources to help put your mind at ease.

Preparing for the big day

Our online classes can help expectant parents build confidence in their ability to give birth and help birth partners learn how to be active members of the birthing team during labor and birth. You and your partner will learn what to expect during labor, which often helps reduce anxiety about childbirth.

Topics covered in our virtual Understanding Birth class include:

What to expect during pregnancy.
Signs of labor.
Birth stories.
Comfort techniques including massage, relaxation, breathing and medications.
Common medical procedures used during labor and delivery.
Cesarean birth.
Newborn hospital care, including skin-to-skin contact.
Care after birth.

We also offer a virtual Understanding Natural Childbirth Techniques class for patients planning a low-intervention or unmedicated birth with one of our certified nurse-midwives. This provides a more in-depth look at comfort measures during labor using video clips, birth stories and follow-along exercises. It does not cover other aspects of birth and is intended to be taken in addition to the Understanding Birth class. That’s why we offer a reduced rate when you register for both.

Preparing for all the days to come

Although no parenting classes can completely prepare you for becoming a parent, they do offer a solid foundation of knowledge that can set your — and your partner’s — mind at ease. We offer two additional virtual classes on breastfeeding and newborn care.

Understanding Your Newborn provides eight chapters covering every essential topic to help you enter parenthood with confidence. Topics include:

Newborn traits and behaviors.
Crying and comforting.
Feeding.
Diapering.
Newborn health and safety.

Understanding Breastfeeding is a unique online learning experience that includes comprehensive information you can trust about breastfeeding. In this class, you'll learn all about breastfeeding through instructive video clips, animations, and interactive games. You'll also get a sense of what it's really like to breastfeed as you hear from moms about their personal experiences.

Take it at your own pace

With busy schedules and overwhelming to-do lists, classes don't have to add stress to your week. Ours are virtual, self-paced classes you can complete when and where you please. You’ll get access to class content for nine months from the date of registration, so you have plenty of time to watch, study and learn.