Childbirth Education & New Parent Support

We want you to be confident and comfortable as you prepare to welcome your new baby into your life. The Women & Children's Center offers parents, grandparents - even new siblings - many opportunities to learn more about labor and delivery, as well as valuable skills for when you bring baby home.

While we are transitioning to some in-person classes, we are keeping class sizes small to give you a safe, more comfortable experience.  Some classes include self paced education you can do in your own time followed by a live virtual class with one of our instructors. 

We are so excited to welcome families in person again. We will be following some health guidlines to make sure class is safe and comfortable for all participants. Participants can expect to wear a mask for the entire time they are indoors. If you are unable to wear a mask for this time frame, we encourage you to register for one of the many virtual classes offered.

Most insurance companies reimburse for childbirth classes. If your company does not and cost prohibits you from signing up for class, please contact us at (603) 609-6964 or lyndi.sargent@wdhospital.org. We are happy to help.  

Childbirth Education Classes

Prepared Childbirth Series (5 Classes)

This class covers traditional childbirth education, including an overview of labor, birth, medications, potential complications and postpartum care. This class involves weekly online modules you complete at your own pace followed by a virtual class with one of our instructors. Class meets for five weeks for 90 minutes to review online materials and connect with one of our instructors.  Cost is $50/per couple.

Upcoming virtual dates:

May 17th - June 14th @6:00pm

May 19th - June 16th @6:00pm

July 5th - August 2nd @6:00pm

August 11th - September 8th @6:00pm

In-Person Class dates:

July 11th - August 8th @6:00pm

August 9th - September 6th @6:00pm

Prepared Childbirth Series (Weekend)

This class has been designed as an alternative to the evening classes. The same information is taught. Couples enrolled in this class will be given online modules to complete at their own pace followed by virtual instruction with one of our educators. The virtual class is offered one weekend a month and meets online both Saturday and Sunday.  Virtual class will last between 90 minutes and two hours based on class size and needs. Cost is $50/per couple.

2022 Dates: Saturday and Sundays at 10am: 

May 14th & 15th or May 21st & 22nd

June 4th & 5th or June 25th & 26th

July 9th & 10th 

August 6th & 7th 

In-Person Class dates: In-person sessions will meet from 9:00am - 1:00pm both Saturday & Sunday

July 30th & 31st

August 27th & 28th 

Kriya Birth - Mind Body Birth Education

This four-week series is designed for birthing persons looking for a deeper exploration of the mind/body connection through pregnancy and birth. You will learn techniques to minimize fear and pain, and leave with increased courage in your body's ability to birth. In this class you will learn how to:

~ Access deep relaxation allowing the body to move through labor with ease. ~ Engage the mind to work with any discomfort you may experience. ~ Communicate your needs with support people and providers. ~ Use positioning and other techniques to encourage a gentle birth. ~ Increase confidence in your body's innate wisdom to birth and your ability to cope with any stress that may arise.

Partners and support people will leave this class with the confidence to take an active role in the birth experience. Classes are offered (virtually) one night a week for four weeks from 6:00 - 7:00 pm. Cost is $40 per couple.

Upcoming dates:  Wendesday June 15th - July 6th; Wednesday July 20th - August 10th

What to Expect

This FREE one hour meeting is meant for people in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. We'll answer common questions like; Where do I go?, How long is the hospital stay?, What do I need to bring?, and so much more! 

Upcoming Dates:  

June 12th @10:00am or 20th @6:00pm

July 5th @6:00pm or 16th @10:00am

August 3rd @6:00pm or 21st @10:00am

Adjusting with Ease - A Workshop for Expecting Parents

The transition from couple to parenting can be both wonderful and challenging. If you're looking for ways to prepare for the changes ahead, this is a great way to start! This class will help you set realistic expectations about life after baby and help you plan for the journey ahead. Through this informative and interactive workshop you'll gain some great skills and be better prepared to balance your own needs within your new roles as parents. We limit attendance in this 2 hour virtual workshop so there's plenty of opportunity for interaction. Cost is $25 per couple. Upcoming Dates include:

 VBAC

Once a cesarean always a cesarean? It’s not that simple. Join us to learn about VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). We will share evidence based information about VBAC and repeat cesareans.  In this class you will:

• Gain the skills and confidence required to help you build your birth team and communicate your preferences to them.
• Examine your previous birth experience(s) in relation to their impact on your future birth experiences.
• Identify ways that you can plan for the birth experience you would like:
• Information
• Skills for coping with labor
• Things you can do during pregnancy.
• Work on coping skills to help you find peace with what your birth experience may bring.
• Have a better understanding of what a VBAC looks like at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital.
•   Upcoming Dates: please email Lyndi Sargent at lyndi.sargent@wdhospital.org for further information

Breastfeeding Class

This class is intended for people who are planning on breastfeeding, who are considering breastfeeding or just want to know more about it. Lactation consultants/counselors will discuss the advantages of breastfeeding, how to get started and stay breastfeeding, how to continue breastfeeding once returning to work and much more! Partners are encouraged to attend as well. Classes are offered in person and online.   Cost is $15 per couple.

Upcoming virtual dates: 

May 12th @6:00pm or May 28th @10:00am

June 8th @6:00pm

July 17th @10:00am

In-Person Class dates:

June 22nd @6:00pm

June 27th @6:00pm

July 7th @6:00pm

Great Beginnings

Unsure of what to expect bringing a new baby home? This class will provide expectant parents or caregivers great information on newborn development, and what to expect in the early weeks of parenting. Topics include diapering, bathing, sleep cycles, general wellness and safety. Parents/caregivers will also learn some simple techniques to help soothe fussy babies. The virtual class involves self-paced online modules you complete prior to a virtual class with one of our instructors. Cost is $30 per family. 

Upcoming virtual dates: 

May 7th @10:00am or May 16th @6:00pm

June 21st @6:00pm

July 2nd @10:00am or July 13th @6:00pm

August 22nd @6:00pm

In-Person dates: 

June 11th @10:00am

August 13th @10:00am

Women & Children's Center Tour 

Take a virtual tour with us here.

In-Person tours: 

May dates include: May 9th @6:00pm, May 19th @6:00pm, May 22nd @10:00am, May 25th @6:00pm, May 27th @6:00pm

June dates include: June 3rd @5:00pm, June 7th @6:00pm, June 18th @10:00am, June 25th @1:00pm, June 28th @6:00pm

July dates include: July 2nd @11:00am, July 12th @6:00pm, July 23rd @10:00am, July 26th @6:00pm

Cesarean Delivery Class

This class is intended for those expecting to have a Cesarean birth (C-section). We will discuss what to expect when you arrive at the Women & Children's Center and the process of preparing you for your birth. This class is offered on Mondays from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. There is no charge for this course.

Upcoming Dates:

June 6th

September 12th

December 5th

Car Seat Safety Checks

We offer families an opportunity to see that their car seats are installed safely prior to the birth of their new baby. Our certified car seat safety technicians will work with you one on one. Please contact us at (603) 740-2496 to make an appointment.

Appointments are required. Please contact 740-2496 for questions and additional dates.

Sibling Class  *At this time siblings under 18 are not allowed to visit.
During this time we have prepared a virtual class for your and your family. Once you register you will receive a confirmation email containing a video you can watch with your child. On the day and time of class you will meet virtually with one of our Certified Child Life Specialists where brothers- and sisters-to-be will participate in an engaging activity together. This free class is intended for children ages 3 and older. 

*One registration is good for each family regardless of the number of children attending

Upcoming Dates: 

May 4th; July 6th; September 7th & 

November 2nd

Siblings at Birth  
*At this time siblings under 18 are not allowed to visit. Updated 9/28/2021

This class is for big brothers and sisters who will be present during the birth of their new baby sibling! Children will learn about the hospital equipment they will see, the stages of labor, how they can help and what the new baby will look like during the delivery. Families will watch a movie and tour the Women & Children's Center. We work with each family to share this information in the way they are most comfortable. To schedule, call Child Life Services at (603) 740-2496.

Grandparents Class

This class is designed to help grandparents understand recent changes in childbirth and early infant care. In addition to this we discuss creative ways to support the new parents. A tour of the Women & Children's Center is included. *This class is paused until further notice. (Updated 3/3/2022)

 Support Groups

New Parents Support Group

Come and meet other new parents and discuss topics of concern to you. This group is facilitated by lactation consultants and child life specialists.

Click here to sign up for the Virtual New Parents Support Group. This group meets every-other Wednesday from 1:30 - 2:30 pm.

For In-Person New Parents Support Group:

This group is also facilitated by lactation consultants/couselors and Child Life Specialists. We meet in-person every other Wednesday from 1:30 - 2:30pm. Please register in advance.

While we are excited to begin to meetin in-person again, we must follow strict guidelines to make sure our meeting are safe and comfortable for all participants. Please note the following: 

• People attending the in-person meetings, who are eligible, must be vaccinated. *Infants, are of course, excluded from this
• Older siblings are not able to attend at this time. We will continue to update changes 
• Masks will be required indoors
• Group sizes will be limited to allow for social distancing. Please be sure to register. If space is full we will have to turn away anyone who is not registered

If you are unvaccinated or unable to wear a mask for the hour long meeting, we encourage you to register for our virtual support group offered on alternating weeks.

 

Please reach out if you have any questions, and we look forward to seeing you!

New Mothers Wellness Group

***This group is not meeting in person currently but we are meeting on line, please contact Marisa 740-2431 for information***

Becoming a mother, again or for the first time, can be joyful and challenging. If you're not feeling quite yourself or it's not what you expected, you're not alone. Many women feel overwhelmed, isolated or scared at times. Talking with other moms who are experiencing the same feelings can help. Join us for our free mothers support group where you can be real, valued and understood. Babies are welcome and childcare is available. If you are interested in attending this group please call Marisa at (603) 740-2431 or Lyndi at (603) 609-6964. 

Prenatal/Postpartum Fitness at The Works Family Health and Fitness Center

Exercising during pregnancy and after is one of the best things you can do for you and your baby. These specialized programs were designed for the unique needs of pregnant and postpartum women to help you achieve or continue your fitness goals through a balance of strength and cardio training and therapeutic exercise.

Visit The Works to learn more