Childbirth Education
Women & Children's Center
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
Pregnancy Circle
Join THE PREGNANCY CIRCLE at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital. This weekly meeting is designed for women to gather together in support of one another and begin to grow your circle of support now - before your baby arrives! This open format is designed so you can discuss anything on your mind. Build your tribe and grow friendships as you travel this incredible journey! Each meeting will be hosted by one of our affiliated Birth Doulas or by our Childbirth Educators. These gatherings are free, but we ask that you register in advance.
Register here for these upcoming dates
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:
Monday February 11th - March 11th , Wednesday April 3rd - May 1st and Thursday May 30th - June 27th
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:
February 9th & 10th , March 9th & 10th and April 13th & 14th
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:
March 16th , April 7th and May 5th
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.
Upcoming dates:
Thursday February 21st - March 21st , April 11th - May 9th and July 11th - August 8th
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. You and your instructor will spend some time in a class room to discuss the benefits of certain positions and motion during labor. Afterwards, 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. 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.
Wednesday February 13th , Monday March 25th
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 6-8:30pm several times a year. The investment is $35.00 per couple.
2019 Dates: February 19th
This 6-week series is offered to you at any stage of your pregnancy and at any level of practice. Come and experience a deeper connection to your baby and a sense of well-being. Yoga will help you prepare to give birth in an active and intuitive way, stretch and tone your body for an easier delivery and faster recovery. Learn to use the whole breath to relax and release fears for a gentler transition into motherhood. Taught by our Women & Children's Center nurses trained at Kirpalu i30prenatal yoga. Wear comfortable clothing. Each series is offered one day a week for 6 weeks from 6:30 - 7:00p.m. Cost is $60/per mom-to-be.
Upcoming dates: Tuesdays March 5th - April 9th
This class is intended for women who are planning on breastfeeding or who are considering breastfeeding. Lactation consultants 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 10:00am - 12:30pm. Cost is $10.
Upcoming dates: Tuesdays: February 12th , March 12th , April 9th and May 14th
Saturdays: May 4th
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 6pm-8:30pm and Saturdays from 9am-11:30am.
Upcoming dates: Saturdays: February 16th and May 18th
Tuesdays: March 5th and April 16th
Infant Massage
Infant Massage classes are offered in two different formats. One is a two hour workshop covering the basics of infant massage, and the other is a three week series with a bit deeper exploration of massage for infants. Both of these options are 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.
Check back for upcoming Dates:
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 Upcoming Dates: Wednesdays: April 17th
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
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 7pm, Saturdays are at 1:30pm and Wednesdays meet at 5:30pm. There is no charge for this, however registration is required.
Register for a Saturday Tour
Register for a Tuesday Tour
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.
2019 Dates: April 15th, July 15th, & October 21st
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 20th , March 20th & April 17th . 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: February 20th ,March 13th and April 17th
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.
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.
2019 Dates: March 9th , May 18th and July 13th
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. For 2019, we will NOT MEET the following dates March 8th, April 5th & 12th, May 3rd, July 5th & 19th, Aug. 30th, Sept. 6th & 20th, Oct. 18th, Nov. 29th, Dec. 27th. *Starting in 2019, this group will be meeting on Fridays 1:30 - 3:30pm
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 is encouraged. Click here to register.
Fitness Classes at The Works Family Health and Fitness Center
Contact Us
For more information, please contact the Childbirth Education at (603) 740-2867 or childbirtheducation@wdhospital.org.