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Childbirth Education Classes
 Newton-Wellesley Hospital offers programs and classes during pregnancy and throughout the early parenting period. Our childbirth classes follow the content and time guidelines recommended by Lamaze International and the Boston Association of Childbirth Educators and all of our instructors are certified in their area.
To register for classes or for more information, please contact Childbirth Education at 617-243-6649. We are here to assist you and help to meet your childbirth education needs. If you are interested in childbirth services at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, visit our obstetrics and gynecology page.
*Inclement Weather Recording/Class Cancellation Line: 617-243-6900
Insurance Reimbursement: Some insurance plans reimburse the cost of childbirth preparation programs. If so, you will receive a certificate of completion to submit to your insurance company. Ask your insurance provider about coverage.
Class Locations
View All Classes
Breastfeeding
Childbirth Preparation
CPR and Safety
Early Pregnancy Class
Exercise
Expectant Parents
Experienced Parents
New Parents
Sibling Preparation
Tours
To view class dates please click on the name of the class listed below.
| Early Pregnancy Class |
Positively Pregnant!
An early pregnancy class, learn what to expect during your pregnancy. Topics include: physical and emotional changes of pregnancy, fetal development, tips for a healthy pregnancy, nutrition and exercise recommendations, sleep and work, making choices, and recommended reading. No charge for this class taught by an RN/Certified Childbirth Educator. Meets once. |
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Breastfeeding
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Breastfeeding Success
This class to be taken before the birth of your baby and is designed to help you get breastfeeding off to a good start! The class will cover the structure and function of the breast, proper latch-on and positioning, nutrition, feeding patterns, growth spurts and the pumping and storage of breast milk. Although a natural process, breastfeeding is a learned experience for both mother and baby and prenatal classes contribute to breastfeeding success. Meets once. |
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FREE Breastfeeding Support Group - Meet with Newton-Wellesley's Lactation Consultants
For: Breastfeeding Mothers AFTER Hospital Discharge
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:00 to 2:00 pm
Where: Allen-Riddle Building, Childbirth Education Classroom
Questions: Please call 617-243-6314
Directions |
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| Childbirth Preparation |
HypnoBirthing
The HypnoBirthing® method, developed by Marie Mongan, is a comprehensive childbirth education class that emphasizes effective birthing techniques to enable you to work with the natural rhythms of your body, facilitating a more comfortable birthing experience and minimizing the need for interventions. The content focuses on relaxation and self-hypnosis techniques to release the fear that causes tension and pain and to enhance the release of the body’s own natural anesthesia. This class covers the birthing process and emphasizes preparation for childbirth, inlcuding working collaboratively with your medical provider and meaningfully involving your birthing partner. Cost includes text book and CDs. |
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Natural Childbirth
This class is for expectant parents who are considering and would like to prepare for an unmedicated birth. Medication and epidurals are covered but participants in this class would prefer to try other options first. The class emphasizes actively coping with labor, and includes time to practice and discuss ways of working with your body to manage your labor. The same material from the Prepared Childbirth class will be covered, including medication options, medical interventions such as induction and Cesarean delivery, postpartum changes, the newborn and a hospital tour. Cost of class is for the expectant mom and her partner or labor support person. |
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Planned Cesarean Birth Class
For expectant parents who are scheduled for a Cesarean delivery. Topics include: what to expect both physically and emotionally, preparation, anesthesia, recovery, postpartum, the newborn after delivery and the partner’s role. A tour of the maternity unit is included. Cost of class is for the expectant mom and her partner or labor support person. |
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Prepared Childbirth-Weekly & Prepared Childbirth Class-Weekend
This is a truly comprehensive class, from start to finish, which will help expectant parents through the stages of late pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum.Instructors discuss signs of labor, when to come to the hospital or birthing center, role of the support person and comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, positions, massage, visualization, hydrotherapy, and anesthesia and analgesia. In addition, birth plans, what to expect if medical interventions are necessary, including induction of labor and cesarean delivery will be discussed. Other topics are postpartum changes and a pediatrician will do a presentation on the newborn after delivery. A tour of the maternity unit is included. Always a complete 12 hour childbirth class giving you the opportunity and time to explore all you need to know about labor and birth, discuss choices and concerns and meet others sharing this special time. Cost of class is for the expectant mom and her partner or labor support person. |
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| CPR and Safety |
Child & Infant CPR & Safety
American Heart Association course. CPR for Family & Friends (Infant & Child). This class will cover CPR for the infant from birth to 1 year, CPR for child up to 8 yrs of age. Choke-saving skills for both the Infant and Child, as well as the following injury prevention topics:
• Childproofing your home • How to choose & properly use a car seat
• Home safety supplies • Product, fire and water safety • Poison prevention
This course provides you with the vital skills that can turn a life-threatening situation
into a lifesaving one. You will receive the American Heart Association CPR booklet and a class packet. Cost is per person. |
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| Exercise |
Prenatal Yoga
Designed for pregnant women. Emphasis on relaxation, breathing, meditation and gentle exercise. |
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| Expectant Parents |
Infant Care
Life with a new baby is exciting. This class will provide expectant parents with guidance, tips and support as they prepare for the birth of their child. Using doll models you will learn about infant bathing and dressing, feeding, infant communication, crying, sleep patterns, signs of illness, how to take a baby's temperature, when to call a physician and the needs and adjustments of becoming a family. Meets once. Cost is for expectant woman and her support person/partner. |
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Experienced Parents
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Refresher Workshop
The class gives experienced parents an opportunity to focus on this pregnancy and the birth of an additional child. Topics include a review of the signs and stages of labor, comfort strategies, medication options, as well as a comparison of first and subsequent pregnancies and labors. Additional topics include current birth technology and a review of breathing and relaxation techniques. Sibling preparation and adjustment is also discussed. Cost of class is for the expectant mom and her partner or labor support person.
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| New Parents |
Pediatric (Infant/Child) First Aid
A great class for when your child is moving and exploring the world! Covers topics such as heart attack, stroke, shock, head injury, wounds, nosebleeds, fractures, muscle injury, poisons, drowning, insect bites, bandages and dressings. Reviews skills in CPR and Heimlich maneuver. Includes National Safety First Aid Manual. |
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FREE Groups for First-Time Parents (Freedman Center at MSPP)
The three programs below take place at Freedman Center (formerly WarmLines), 225 Nevada Street, Newtonville. For more information or to register, visit http://freedman.mspp.edu/ or call 617-244-INFO. |
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New Babies/New Parents
8-Session | 90 minute, Evening Series
This professionally-facilitated group provides information and support to first-time mothers and fathers as they experience the joys and challenges of their new roles. Discussions involve developmental issues, expectations as new parents, child care options, changing relationships, childproofing, and much more. Babies are always welcome. A light supper is provided; stipends are available if needed for transportation and/or child care.
FREE for up to 16 first-time moms/dads with babies up to 6 mos.
Pre-registration is required.
Freedman Center New Babies/New Parents groups are free of charge thanks to a generous grant from The MA Children's Trust Fund. |
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New Babies/New Moms
6-Session | 90 minute, Daytime Series
First-time mothers - with their infants - meet with a professional facilitator and have a wonderful opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, make new friends, and get some support. Topics include stages of development, sleep and feeding issues, expectations of oneself as a new mom, relationships with family members, child care options, and much more.
FREE for up to 16 first-time moms with babies up to 6 mos.
Pre-registration is required. |
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Music Stay-and-Play
Year-round or Summer Only, Weekdays or Weekends, Daytime Series
This weekly multi-age program enhances musical and social experiences for young children (from 3 months to 3.5 years) and their adult partners. Popular music educator, Ronni Olitsky, begins with a structured 45-minute music class; she introduces songs, finger plays, chants and movements using a variety of rhythm instruments and play materials incorporating elements of traditional and contemporary children's music. Class is followed by an informal playtime with age-appropriate toys. Ronni facilitates the play activities and leads a closing circle time. |
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| Sibling Preparation |
Sibling Preparation: Preparation for Children 4 Years and Older
For children 4 years or older accompanied by a parent. Through stories and a slide show, this program will present a realistic view of an infant’s appearance, needs and abilities. The special role of the big brother/big sister will be emphasized. A brief tour of the maternity unit will be provided. Each child will receive a “graduation certificate.” |
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The Youngest Siblings: Preparation for Two and Three Year Olds
Children are given a brief tour highlighting the nursery and the new babies, and are shown the postpartum rooms where their mothers will be staying. They are also shown how to safely hold a new baby, and told an age-appropriate story about becoming a big brother or sister. Each child will receive a "graduation certificate." |
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Tours of Newton-Wellesley Hospital
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Tours of the Maternity Unit
Tours are held twice a week on week nights at 5:30pm and are for adults only. Please call 617-243-6221 or 617-243-6649 for available tour dates. Registration is required to ensure groups are small and all questions can be answered. No charge. |
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For additional information about the classes listed please call the Childbirth Education Office at 617-243-6649 or the Wellness Center at 617-243-6221.
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Community Health Resources 
