Childbirth and Family Education Classes

Getting ready for a new baby is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming time. UMass Memorial Health is here for you with online and in-person childbirth education classes. We’ll walk you through every step with guidance and support.

Supporting Families in Central Massachusetts and Beyond

When you're preparing to welcome a baby, understanding what to expect can help you feel confident, informed and ready for this new stage of life. At UMass Memorial, our comprehensive childbirth education programs support you throughout the birth of your child.

Childbirth Education Classes: Virtual and In-Person 

We offer multiple flexible options for childbirth education to meet the needs of every family. You can choose the option that is right for you, whether you prefer the convenience of virtual classes or the connection of in-person classes. At UMass Memorial Health - Milford Regional Medical Center we offer a in-person four-week and weekend intensive class for expectant parents. Learn more about Milford Regional's classes.

Online Education Program With New England Prenatal and Family Education

In partnership with New England Prenatal and Family Education, we offer an expert-developed curriculum that you can attend from the comfort of your home. These online, on-demand courses cover a range of topics, from pregnancy to postpartum:

  • Childbirth preparation: Learn about labor, delivery and pain management techniques.
  • Breastfeeding support: Get guidance from lactation experts to help you get started.
  • Newborn care basics: We cover it all, from diapering to soothing techniques.
  • Infant CPR and safety: Learn life-saving skills and essential safety tips.

Benefits of virtual classes include:

  • Flexibility: Take your class anytime, from anywhere, at your own pace.
  • Interactive learning: Engage with videos, 3D animations, quizzes and activities.
  • Quality content: Access current, evidence-based information.

To get more information or register, visit New England Prenatal and Family Education. 

In-Person Classes 

We offer a free, four-week series of in-person childbirth education classes through our Doula Program. These interactive group sessions are facilitated by experienced educators from our partner agency, For Babies’ Best, and are open to all families.

We offer four sessions each month. Choose what sessions best meet your needs:

  • Session 1: What to Expect in the Third Trimester
  • Session 2: Comfort and Coping Strategies During Labor
  • Session 3: Different Ways of Giving Birth
  • Session 4: Finding Your New Normal After Birth

Benefits of in-person classes include:

  • Free and open to all families
  • Hands-on learning in a supportive group setting
  • Led by compassionate childbirth educators
  • Great opportunity to connect with other expectant families

More Info About In-person Childbirth Education Classes

Find out what you need to know and how to register.

Class information:

  • Day: First, second, third and fourth Mondays of the month
  • Time: 6 - 8 pm
  • Where: Central Community YMCA in Worcester
  • How to register: Fill out the registration form 

For more information, contact the Doula Program project coordinator:

Childbirth Education Classes at Milford Regional

UMass Memorial Health - Milford Regional Medical Center provides two different childbirth education class sessions depending on parental needs.

Four-Week Childbirth Education Class

This four-week childbirth education session will offer parents-to-be information on the final stages of their pregnancies discussing everything from pregnancy discomforts to exercise and nutrition. The session will also focus on birth plan options, stages of labor, comfort measures during labor, cesarean births, immediate postpartum, newborn care and much more. Each session also offers a tour of The Maternity Center.

Classes are available throughout the year and the cost of each four-week session is $200. Register for a four-week session.

Weekend Intensive Childbirth Education Class

This two-day in person session condenses our four week session into two days for busy parents-to-be and will take parents through the final stages of their pregnancies discussing everything from pregnancy discomforts to exercise and nutrition. The two-day session also focuses on birth plan options, stages of labor, comfort measures during labor, cesarean births, immediate postpartum, newborn care and much more. Each session also offers a tour of The Maternity Center.

Classes are available throughout the year and the cost of each weekend session is $200. Register for a weekend session.

Why Choose Us for Childbirth and Family Education Classes?

Flexibility

Choose the course structure that works for you, either in-person or virtual classes. We make it easy to fit these sessions into your busy life.

Expertise

Experienced, skilled childbirth educators lead our in-person and virtual sessions. You receive the latest, research-backed information from our compassionate, knowledgeable team. These classes help you feel prepared and confident for childbirth.

Comprehensive Curriculum

You learn about a range of topics, covering everything from what to expect during the last few months of pregnancy to how to handle your new postpartum life.

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