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:

Thursdays September 5th - October 3rd , Mondays October 21st - November 18th & Tuesdays, November 19th - December 17th

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: 
September 14th & 15th , October 19th & 20th, November 16th & 17th, & December 14th & 15th

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:
 September 8th & October 6th , November 10th & December 7th

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 $125 per couple

Upcoming dates:
 September 9th - October 7th & November 14th - December 19th *skipping 11/28

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. 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.

 Tuesday October 29th & Saturday December 21st
 

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: Tuesday, September 24th

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:  October 13th 

 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:  September 10th, October 8th, November 12th & December 10th
Saturdays: September 28th & October 26th

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: Saturdays:  October 5th & November 23rd
  Tuesdays:  September 17th  & December 17th

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:  August 20th 

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: September 18th & December 11th   

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

Join Us Wednesday August 7th 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

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

Birth 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 5:30 pm. There is no charge for this, however registration is required.
Register for a Saturday Tour
Register for a Tuesday Tour

Register of a Wednesday 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: July 15th, & October 21st

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: September 18th. October 16th, November 20th & December 18th   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:  September 11th , October 9th, November 13th & December 11th

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.

2019 Dates:  September 14th & November 16th 

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:  Aug. 30th, Sept. 6th & 20th, Oct. 18th, Nov. 29th, Dec. 27th.

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

Healthy Mom to Be

Healthy New Mom Program