Having a Baby is One of Life’s Greatest Experiences. We at Saint Mary’s have special courses to help you prepare for this exciting event. Taught by experienced Women and Infants’ Center nurses certified in childbirth education, our classes will provide you with the information you need while giving you the opportunity to meet and interact with members of our staff.

Click here to register for a class.

Expectant Parents Program:
Fee: $175

Our expectant parents program, designed to prepare you and your partner for labor, childbirth, and the postpartum period, is offered in two formats. The first is a one-time, 7-hour class; the second is a four-week series of classes. Topics for both include labor and delivery preparation, as well as comfort measures, relaxation and breathing techniques and early newborn care. Tours of the unit are included. Optional classes on breastfeeding and car seat safety as well as the Healthy Start class for early pregnancy are offered at no extra charge when enrolled in the Expectant Parents Program. Click here to register, or for more information, please call the Women and Infants' Center at (203) 709-3105.

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS 4-week Expectant Parents'
Childbirth Preparation Series:
6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (four-week series)

MARCH SERIES
March 10, 17, 24 and 31

MAY SERIES
May 5, 12, 19 and 26

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER SERIES
September 22 and 29, October 6 and 13

SATURDAY CLASSES
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (one-time class)

January 23 (snow date: February 13)
April 10, June 12, August 14, November 20

Healthy Start Class
Fee: $35
Free with Expectant Parents’ Childbirth Preparation Program

An early pregnant class that offers important information to guide expectant moms through a healthy happy pregnancy. Typically this class is taken between 14 & 25 weeks of pregnancy--- the earlier the better for mom & baby. Get the latest information from certified OB nurses, concerning bodily changes, nutritional tips & exercises that safely prepare you for Labor and Birth. Other topics include sexuality during pregnancy, warning signs to be aware of, things to avoid, breastfeeding information, & common discomforts with remedies that can help you feel your best during this exciting time. Give your baby a Healthy Start.

Tuesday Evenings
6:30pm - 8:30pm

January 12, 2010 (snow date - January 19, 2010)
February 16, 2010 (snow date - February 23, 2010)

Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Tuesday June 8, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Infant Car Seat
Safety Class
Fee: $35 (Free with Expectant Parents Program)

Did you know that highway safety statistics show that 4 out of 5 car seats are installed incorrectly? This specialtwo-hour class taught by certified Child Passenger Safety Seat Technicians will review basic car seat safety. Topics
include a review of the car seat law in Connecticut, how to correctly secure your infant in his/her car seat, how to install your infant’s car seat and where to go in the community to have your car seat installation inspected. If you have already received or purchased a car seat, please bring your seat to class with you so that you can learn how to use your seat correctly. Also, if you have one, please bring a doll or stuffed animal to class with you so that you can practice how to secure your infant in the car seat. Click here to register, or for more information, please call Saint Mary’s Hospital Women and Infants’ Center at (203) 709-3105.

THURSDAY CLASSES
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

February 11 (snow date: February 18), April 22,
June 24, August 19, October 21, December 2

Breastfeeding Class
Fee: $35 (Free with Expectant Parents Program)

This is a special two-hour and 15 minute class taught by a certified lactation consultant to prepare you for  breastfeeding. Topics include getting breastfeeding off to a good start, maintaining a good milk supply, and how to know if breastfeeding is going well. Dads are encouraged to attend too! Click here to register, or for more information, please call Saint Mary’s Hospital Women and Infants’ Center at (203) 709-3105.

WEDNESDAY CLASSES
6:45 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

February 24 (snow date: Thursday, February 25)
April 21, June 23, August 18,
October 20, December 1

Sibling Preparation Class
Fee: $20 per Family

Our sibling class, best taken during the last 2 months of your pregnancy, is designed to help prepare your children for the new arrival. To be enrolled, children must be between 3 and 8 years old, be accompanied by at least one parent, and bring a doll or stuffed animal to the class to practice holding, wrapping, and diapering the baby. This class includes a discussion about babies, a short story and movie, and a tour of the unit. Children receive a “Prepared Sibling” award for completing this class. Minimum class size is 3 children. Click here to register, or for more information, please call Saint Mary’s Hospital Women and Infants’ Center at (203) 709-3105.

SATURDAY CLASSES
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

February 20 (snow date: February 27)
April 24, June 26, August 21,
October 23, December 4

ALTERNATIVES IN CHILDBIRTH
This is an educational program in partnership with Birth Partners, LLC geared toward those who want or are considering a “lower-tech” or unmedicated birth experience.

Please call (203) 734-9963 for more information, class dates, or to register. 

TOTAL PREGNANCY FITNESS™
DANCING THRU PREGNANCY®
FEE: $45 FOR MONTH [1 FREE CLASS]
OR $8 DROP-IN
INCLUDED IS A FREE TRIAL CLASS

This program includes enjoyable exercises from pregnancy-based yoga, birth preparation and cardio/strength activities. Research shows that the program helps relieve pregnancy discomforts, keeps moms-to-be healthy, and prepares you for labor and a speedy recovery following birth. It also provides social support and is provided by an expert pre/postnatal fitness instructor Kathleen Christiano.

MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY CLASSES
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Beginning March 1

PARENT-INFANT MASSAGE CLASS
FEE: $49

Infant massage is a beautiful way to begin a lifelong relationship with your baby. It provides a special time of communication that fosters compassion, love and respect. This class is taught by a certified infant massage
instructor, a member of The International Loving Touch Foundation, founded by Diana Moore, MS, LMT, CIMI.®

Quarterly classes beginning March 22
10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.