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University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center (UM St. Joseph) offers certified, expert-led childbirth and family education classes, virtually and in person, to help you and your family prepare for a healthy childbirth and "new family" experience. These classes use evidence-based, best-practice information in order to give you and your growing family the very best start possible. 

All classes are held at the Wellness & Support Center. All members of the community are welcome to register for our classes, which incorporate evidence-based, best-practice information that supports healthy pregnancies, deliveries and growing families. We recommend taking your general childbirth education classes starting around 27 or 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Learn more and view our current calendar of classes (online registration is available; class fees apply unless otherwise noted). Remember: We're here for you! If you have any questions, please contact the Childbirth and Family Education team at 410-337-1880 or SJMChildbirthEd@umm.edu..

Childbirth Education Class

Led by experienced labor and delivery registered nurses certified in childbirth education, this class covers basic coping and relaxation techniques, the important role of a support person, the stages of labor and pain relief options (medications, helpful labor positions, etc.), and other important topics related to the birthing experience. We will also review what you can generally expect during your hospital stay, either at UM St. Joseph or in another hospital setting. A guided tour of our Mother-Baby unit is also provided.

Customized Individual Childbirth Education Sessions

We're flexible! If you are unable to attend our scheduled in-person classes or would prefer individualized instruction, one-on-one customized telephone or video-call consultations with a childbirth educator can be arranged for your convenience. We will provide you with all the information you need for these personal sessions. A virtual tour is also provided.

  • Sessions will be scheduled at mutually convenient times for the participants and instructor
  • Program may include two or three sessions (depending on the topics being covered and session length)
  • PLEASE NOTE: This program offers one-to-one instruction for couples who need a flexible childbirth education schedule.

For more about customized childbirth education, call us at 410-337-1880 or email us at SJMChildbirthEd@umm.edu.

Preparing for Your C-Section

Knowing what to expect can help you effectively prepare for childbirth via Cesarean (or C-Section) and recover more quickly--which is best for mother and baby! Join us for this monthly online class specifically for patients who are anticipating a scheduled Cesarean delivery.

  • Register for our C-Section Prep Class
  • When you register, you'll receive a link to join the class online. If you have not received this link by the Monday before your class, please call our office at 410-337-1880.
  • Don't forget: Please be sure to check your junk/spam folder as a double-check before calling.

Breastfeeding Class

Led by a certified lactation consultant, this class helps expectant parents learn the benefits of breastfeeding and offers helpful techniques and tips for breastfeeding success. Virtual and in-person options are available each month.

Baby Care Class

Led by our expert childbirth nurse educators, this class helps prepare expectant moms to bring their newborn home and care for their little one through their first year of life. We'll review calming and soothing techniques, when to call your pediatrician, childproofing, infant CPR and choking prevention, general safety practices and more!

A Postpartum Virtual Class: Beginning with Baby (Virtual)

We want to help you have a happy and fulfilling beginning with your new baby! These free classes, hosted by a certified childbirth nurse educator, will help you learn about what to expect during your first weeks after childbirth. You can join any class at any time, whether you're nearing the end of pregnancy and want to prepare for what's next, or if you've recently had your baby and want to learn more.

  • A free, ongoing online post-partum support and discussion series
  • Classes held twice per month
  • Register for a Beginning with Baby class

Breathing and Relaxation for Childbirth

Designed for expectant parents planning a low-intervention or natural childbirth, this class dives deep into important relaxation and breathing techniques for a smoother labor and delivery experience, be it at home or in a hospital setting.

Among other multiple sensory comfort strategies, you will learn about birth positions that can help you manage labor pain naturally.

Grandparents' Update

This course helps new grandparents get up to speed on modern approaches to newborn care to support new parents. You will learn about the latest health and safety concerns as they pertain to infants, including CPR tips and more.

  • For grandparents only
  • If two grandparents want to attend the same class together, please register as individuals and then indicate that you will be sitting with each other.
  • Register for Grandparents Update class

Understanding Your Pregnancy: A Prenatal Virtual Lunch and Learn

Before your first obstetrician (OB) appointment, join us for a virtual session to find out what to expect during your pregnancy. We'll help you understand the basics of early pregnancy and give answers to expectant parents' most frequently asked questions. We will also offer tips on how to approach your first OB appointment so you can make the most of your visit with your provider.

  • This session is FREE.

To register, please call us at 410-337-1880 or email us at SJMChildbirthEd@umm.edu. 

Car Seat Safety Checks

We offer FREE car seat safety checks by certified child passenger safety technicians to help parents ensure their little one's safety during each car ride. Our safety checks take place at Long Green Volunteer Fire Department in Glen Arm, MD.

  • Please register online or call us at 410-337-1880 for an appointment or more information.

Spinning Babies® Birth Preparation Class

Spinning Babies Birth Preparation Class highlights your baby's active role to rotate down and out of the pelvis during birth. Learn techniques to help muscles in your pelvis support and relax for an easier birth. During labor, the baby turns through three levels of the pelvis. Together, you and your birth partner can use these techniques before and during labor to help "make room for baby!" Spinning Babies reveals how the baby can find optimal positions for labor and allows birth to be more comfortable. Bring your birth partner to learn how to help you in pregnancy, labor, and birth.

Baby's job in labor is to rotate, or "spin," for a healthy and safe delivery. In class, you will learn about:

  • Spinning Babies techniques
  • Daily essential activities
  • The Three Balances℠ to help birth muscles relax, increase comfort and ease birth later
  • Birth positions that open the pelvis that let the baby come through more easily
  • Solutions for when labor doesn't move forward in a typical pattern

Who should take this class?

  • Anyone seeking to increase their chances of an easier pregnancy and birth. These classes offer great hands-on training and will assist you during any type of birth you choose: an unmedicated birth, epidural, planned cesarean section, or vaginal birth after a cesarean section
  • This class is most appropriate for women beginning at 23 weeks gestation through the end of pregnancy.
  • If your baby is in a breech or sideways position after 34 weeks, please call to schedule a private class
  • This class is for expectant parents and their birth partners only.

Register for Spinning Babies Birth Preparation Class

Contact Us

If you have questions or would like to speak with one of our childbirth educators, call us at 410-337-1880 or email us at SJMChildbirthEd@umm.edu.

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