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.  

We are excited to be transitioning back to some in person classes. In order to do this safely we will keep the class sizes small and participants will be asked 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 we continue to offer.

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.  

Women & Children's Center Tour 

Take a virtual tour with us here.

A single registration is good for two people. *Children are not allowed on tours at this time.*

For In-Person tours register here

If you are attending an in-person 5 Week Prepared Childbirth Class, Kriya-Mind, Body, Birth Class OR an in-person Weekend Prepared Childbirth Class, a tour is included with these classes. 

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. Class meets one night a week for five weeks for about two hours. Class includes a tour of our Women & Children's unit. Cost is $50/couple.

Upcoming in-person class dates:

March 7th - April 4th @6:00pm

April 18th - May16th @6:00pm

May 4th - June 1st @6:00pm

June 8th - July 6th @6:00pm

June 12th - July 10th @6:00pm

The virtual 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/couple.

Upcoming virtual dates:

March 20th - April 17th @6:00pm

Prepared Childbirth Series (Weekend)

This class has been designed as an alternative to the evening 5 week series classes. The same information is taught in a shorter amount of time. This is an intensive class. In-person classes will meet 9:00am - 1:00pm both Saturday and Sunday. Cost is $50/couple.

For 2023 upcoming in-person class dates (which meet from 9:00am - 1:00pm both Saturday & Sunday) click here

Couples enrolled in the virtual class will be given online modules to complete at their own pace followed by virtual instruction with one of our educators. The virtual class meets online both Saturday and Sunday.  Virtual class will last between 90 minutes and two hours based on class size and needs. This is an intensive class. Cost is $50/couple.

For 2023 virtual class dates (which meet via Zoom starting at 10:00am both Saturday & Sunday) click here

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.

This class is offered as a hybrid. We will meet in person the first night of class then on line the following weeks.  A tour is included as a part of this class. Cost is $40 per couple.

Upcoming dates:

Wednesdays, March 8th - 29th

Tuesdays, April 4th - 25th

 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 online 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.

2023 online class dates: 

February 27th @6:00pm

May 15th @6:00pm

August 21st @6:00pm

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.

For 2023 virtual dates click here

      *We are trialing a 2-part Breastfeeding class. This class will meet virtually two nights in a row. We understand that there is a lot of information in the classes and are seeing if it helps to break up the class.

For 2023 in-person dates click here

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. 

For 2023 virtual dates click here

For 2023 in-person dates click here

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. Cost is $10 per ticket

For all 2023 dates, click here

Infant Massage Class

In this introductory workshop you will learn to communicate love and respect through the nurturing touch of infant massage. Some of the benefits of infant massage include: ~Increased connection/bonding~Increased relaxation for both baby and caregiver~Better sleep ~Improved circulation and Increased body awareness as babies develop.

Cost is $15 per family. This class is intended for moms, dads, or caretakers. Class can be taken prenatally or it can be taken with infants up to 3 months.  One ticket covers attendence for up to two caregivers.

For all 2023 dates, click here

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 or click on the links below to see our scheduled dates. We hold scheduled events every-other month

2023 Winter appointments

2023 Spring, Summer & Fall appointments

Appointments are required. Please contact (603) 740-2496 for questions and additional dates.

Sibling Class  
During this special time we have prepared a class for you 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 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.

2023 class dates are: January 4th, March 1st, May 3rd, July 5th, September 6th & November 1st

To register for our 2023 dates click here

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. Both grandparents are encouraged to attend. All Grandparents Classes are in-person, $10/couple

For 2023 class dates click here

 Support Groups

New Parents Support Group: In-Person

Come and meet other new parents and discuss topics of concern to you. This group is facilitated by lactation consultants and child life specialists. We meet in-person every Wednesday from 1:30 - 2:30pm. Please register in advance.

For 2023 dates, register here

While we are excited to begin to meet in-person again, we must follow strict guidelines to make sure our meetings 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

Milk Break

A virtual group for parents with babies up to the age of 2 years. This group is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy lunch with other working parents to chat, vent, and ask questions. You will have the support of a lactation consultant and child life specialist to answer questions related to pumping, bottle feeding, introducing foods, development, sleep and so many other hot topics. The transition from being home with baby to then returning to work is not an easy one. The goal of this group is to validate the struggles you experience and emotions you may be feeling as a parent juggling a whole lot. Through monthly support we want to help you find a balance that helps you thrive in your role as parent and employee

This group meets on the first Wednesday of the month from 12:30 - 1:00pm. Please register in advance to have access to the Zoom link. 

For 2023 dates, register here

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

Finding Yourself in Motherhood

***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.  If you are interested in attending this group please call Marisa at (603) 740-2431 

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