Online Childbirth Preparation

This course can be taken at any time, but it’s helpful to finish it a few weeks before baby’s arrival.

This 12-hour course helps expectant parents prepare for birth and early parenting.  It is offered in two formats: 

• A six-session weekly course, Monday evenings, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Or a two-session weekend course on Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Due to COVID-19 and until further notice all class sessions will be held online. Also, the instructor is a birth doula and may have to postpone some classes on account of births. Parents will be informed and missed classes will be made up. 

Parents can expect to learn about comfort measures for pregnancy, labor and birth and the postpartum period. The overall goals of the course are to normalize the birth experience and increase parents’ confidence. It’s possible to perceive birth in a positive way, rise to the occasion, and adjust to whatever presents!

Birth Preparation

This course includes information about:

• Anatomy and physiology.
• The mind-body connection.
• Signs and stages of labor.
• Patterns associated with normal and more complicated labors.
• Medicated and non-medicated comfort measures.
• Baby positioning strategies.
• Medical interventions associated with complications.
• Strategies for informed decision-making.

Additionally, partners are offered tips on how to support the birthing person. The roles of doulas and medical staff are described, and hospital facilities and procedures are reviewed. 

Postpartum Preparation

This course includes detailed information on: 

• Care of the birthing parent and infant during the first hours, days, and weeks postpartum.
• Hospital procedures related to infant care.
• Breastfeeding.
• Behavior of the infant as it relates to feeding, calming and sleeping.
• Car seat safety.
• Jaundice, SIDS, ‘purple crying’ and Post Partum Depression. 

Parents will be given information on local resources, books, videos and websites.

These classes are supported by the Center of Women and Families at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center and the Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation.

Complementary subjects to consider:

• Consider taking the breastfeeding classes and the anesthesiology class through Good Samaritan, and other childbirth preparation classes available locally.
• Also consider learning about car seats before purchasing one.
• Maternity Coordinator Mary Jackson can guide you towards these offerings.