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.

All of the following classes are held at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital. Registration is required for most courses. Register on-line or contact us for more information. Many insurance companies will reimburse for the cost of these classes.
At Wentworth-Douglass Hospital we believe in the value of preparing for the changes ahead. If you are unable to attend a class due to financial concerns please call Lyndi Sargent at 609-6964 to discuss options.

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. A tour of the Women & Children's Center is included in this class. Classes meet one night a week for 5 weeks from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Cost is $110/per couple.

Upcoming dates:

 Tuesdays, February 25th - March 24th

Wednesdays, April 15th - May 13th

Mondays, June 1st - 29th

Prepared Childbirth Series (Weekend)

This 2-day class has been designed as an alternative to the 5-week series. The same information is taught. A tour of the Women & Children's Center is included. Class is held Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Cost is $145/per couple.

Upcoming dates: March 7th & 8th, April 4th & 5th , May 16th & 17th

Prepared Childbirth Class (One Day)

This intense, one day class provides you with the same information you would receive in the two-day weekend class (listed above). A tour of the Women & Children's Center is included. Cost is $145. This class is offered on either a Saturday or Sunday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Upcoming dates: February 15th & March 15th & April 19th & May 9th

Kriya Birth - Mind Body Birth Education

This 5 week series is designed for women or couples 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 bodies 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 bodies 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. A tour of the Women & Children's Center is included in this class. Classes are offered one night a week for 5 weeks from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Cost is $110 per couple

Upcoming dates:
Mondays: March 23rd - April 20th

Beyond the Classroom

This hour and a half class is designed to help expecting couples navigate the tools available to them in their labor and delivery rooms at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital. Couples will have a chance to “try out” the available tools in an actual labor and delivery room. This hands-on class is intended to help you feel more comfortable using the tools available to you. Investment in this class is $35.00. Weekday classes run 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, weekend classes run 10:00 am - 11:30 am.  Participants who are registered for or have attended a previous Childbirth Class with us can save 50% on this class. A code will be provided in an email.

2020 Dates:

Monday, March 16th

Thursday, June 4th
 

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 take home some great skills and be better prepared to balance your own needs within your new roles as parents. This 2.5 hour workshop runs in the evening from 6-8:30 pm several times a year. The investment is $35.00 per couple.

Join Us: Wednesday, February 5th

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

Cost of class is $25  Time of Class: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Upcoming Dates:

 Breastfeeding Class

This class is intended for women who are planning on breastfeeding or who are considering breastfeeding. 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 one Tuesday each month from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. and occasional Saturdays 10:00 am - 12:30 pm. Cost is $10.

Upcoming dates: Tuesdays: March 10th , April 14th & May 12th
Saturdays: May 2nd & June 13th

Great Beginnings

This is a fun, hands-on class where expectant parents or caregivers will learn about 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 sooth fussy babies. Cost is $30 per family and is offered monthly. Weekday classes run from 6:00 pm-8:30 pm and Saturdays from 9:00 am-11:30 am.

Upcoming dates:
March 21st

Infant Massage

This is a 90 minute workshop intended for moms, dads, or caretakers, interested in learning how to communicate love and respect through the nurturing touch of infant massage. Benefits of infant massage include: Increased bonding, relaxation, better sleep, improved circulation, aids with digestion and assists with body awareness as babies develop. Cost is $15 Time: 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Upcoming Dates: TBD

Intro to Foods

Introducing new foods to infants can be both exciting and intimidating. In this one hour workshop you'll learn; the best foods to start with, how to introduce foods safely, how to chose the most nourishing store bought foods and how to make cost effective nutritious homemade foods and the best approaches to encourage a healthy relationship with foods as they grow.  We'll also offer a baby food cooking demo as a part of this class. Classes run from 6:00pm to 7:00pm.
Cost per couple: $15.00   

2020 Dates: March 6th & June 5th

Healthy Homes for Healthy Kids

The LIFE Families ‘Healthy Homes for Healthy Kids’ program will help parents develop an understanding of potentially harmful chemicals found in everyday household products, learn practical strategies to reduce exposure to those chemicals, and provide them with ideas for safer alternatives. Participants in this two-hour program will leave with numerous resources for making their home environments as healthy as possible for their families, including where to source safer items locally.  This class is designed for expectant families and families with small children. Infants under 3 months are welcome.  Cost: $20 per couple

More Dates to Come Soon

Babysitting Course

The Education/Organizational Development Department offers a babysitting course for 11 - 14 year olds to review various babysitting responsibilities and basic first aid. Class is offered one Saturday per month from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Cost is $30. Visit wdhospital.org/events or call (603) 740-2858 to register.

No Fee Childbirth Education - Registration is required

Women & Children's Center Tour

This is an opportunity for expecting women and families to see the Women and Children's Center and ask questions regarding what to expect while here. Please note that a tour of the Women & Children's Center is given during all childbirth classes. Tours are offered one Tuesday, one Saturday and one Wednesday each month. Tuesday tours are at 7:00 pm, Saturdays are at 1:30 pm and Wednesdays meet at 6:00 pm. There is no charge for this, however registration is required.
Register for a Tuesday Tour

Register for a Wednesday Tour

Register for a Saturday Tour

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. A tour of the Birth Center is included. This class is offered on Mondays from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. There is no charge for this course.

Upcoming Dates: 

Car Seat Safety Checks

We offer families an opportunity to see that their car seats are installed safely. Our certified car seat safety technicians will work with you one on one. Car seat safety checks are offered on the following dates:

Wednesdays: February 19th, March 18th & April 15th

Appointments are necessary. Please click on the date to make an appointment.

Please contact 740-2496 for questions and additional dates.

Sibling Class

Brothers- and sisters-to-be will learn how the new baby will be born and talk about what it will be like to be a big brother or sister. This free class is intended for children ages 3 and older. Please bring a photo of your child as an infant. Classes are 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Upcoming Dates:  March 4th, April 1st & May 6th

Siblings at Birth

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 offered Saturdays ever other month from 10:00 a.m. - noon.

Upcoming Dates:  March 7th, May 16th, July 11th, September 12th & November 14th

New Parent 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. It meets most Fridays from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. No registration is necessary for this class. In 2020 we will not meet on February 14th, April 17th, May 1st, July 3rd, July 17th, September 4th, November 13th, November 27th and December 25th.

Finding Yourself in Motherhood

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. Pre-registration for childcare is required.

This group meets weekly on Thursdays 11am - Noon
There will be an occasional week missed due to scheduling and holidays. Registration for child care is required.  *Only three child care spots  are available weekly. Click here to register.

Fitness Classes at The Works Family Health and Fitness Center

Healthy Mom to Be

Healthy New Mom Program