Childbirth & Parenting Classes

Please Note

Classes are offered virtually and in-person. Virtual classes are offered live via Zoom. You will need to be able to log on with your computer to participate in virtual classes. Once registered, the link to join the class will be emailed to you the week of your scheduled class. Virtual childbirth classes will have the same content as in-person classes.

The Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology offers childbirth education classes and other educational resources to help new and expectant parents prepare for childbirth and early parenthood.

Please note: New classes for upcoming months are added at the end of each month. This website is not updated daily, please contact the organizer for available class openings.

Childbirth Education Class

Our childbirth education class is designed to help expectant parents prepare for childbirth and early parenthood and includes a virtual hospital tour. The class is taught by registered labor and delivery nurses and certified childbirth educators and covers:

• The stages of labor, birth and postpartum
• The signs of labor
• When to come to the hospital
• Breathing and relaxation exercises
• Strategies to help cope with labor
• Medical interventions including anesthesia, Cesarean birth and induction of labor
• Immediate postpartum care
• Immediate newborn care during the hospital stay

Childbirth Education Class is open to all Mass General obstetrical patients who are at least 32 weeks pregnant at the time of the class, along with their partner or support person. Classes fill up quickly, so you should plan to register for a class around week 24 of your pregnancy to ensure space is available before your due date.

All classes are held at Mass General on Saturdays and Sundays. They include a virtual hospital tour and a lunch break.

Please note: In the case of severe weather, class may be cancelled on short notice. Please check this website or call 617-726-2000 pager #28533 for the latest update. If class is cancelled, we will try to reschedule you into another class if there are available openings. Otherwise, we will refund your registration fee.

Registration

The registration fee is $180 per couple. One registration is for two people.

Classes are held at Mass General and are open to all Mass General obstetrical patients who are at least 32 weeks pregnant or postpartum at the time of class, along with their partner or support person.

Class Dates

To register for a childbirth education class, see directions below:

 If the class you would like to attend is sold out, please email the organizer to be placed on the wait list.

Childbirth Education Class Cancellation Policy

A minimum of six couples is required to run the class. If this minimum is not met, we will cancel that class at least one week before the date. If your class is canceled, you may re-register for another class of your choice. If you need to cancel, you must do so by one week before your scheduled class or you will be charged a $80.00 cancellation fee. If you need to cancel due to a medical issue requiring hospitalization that precludes you from attending or because you have delivered your baby already, we will provide a full refund once you contact the organizer.

Cesarean Section Education Class

If you are having a scheduled Cesarean section, please contact the organizer to schedule a virtual C-section class that covers all the information needed for this type of delivery. The class covers C-section–specific information, a virtual hospital tour, and the immediate postpartum care of the mom and newborn while in the hospital. The registration fee is $100.

Breastfeeding Classes

Breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial way to feed your baby, but it is also a learned experience. Our breastfeeding classes cover the function and structure of the breast, latching and positioning, nutrition, feeding patterns, growth spurts, and recommendations on pumping and storage of breast milk. Taught by lactation consultants and specially trained nurses, the classes also include:

• Realistic expectations of breastfeeding
• Current breastfeeding guidelines and recommendations
• The benefits of breastfeeding for the patient and baby, of skin-to-skin contact between the patient and baby immediately after birth and of rooming in
• Hunger and feeding cues
• Ways to assist and support the patient with successful breastfeeding

Classes are held at Mass General and open to all Mass General obstetrical patients who are at least 32 weeks pregnant at the time of the class, along with their partner or support person.

Registration

The registration fee is $80 per couple. One registration is for two people.

Classes are held at Mass General and are open to all Mass General obstetrical patients who are at least 32 weeks pregnant or postpartum at the time of class, along with their partner or support person.

Class Dates

To register, please see the directions below:

If the class you would like to attend is sold out, please email the organizer to be placed on the wait list.

Breastfeeding Class Cancellation Policy

A minimum of five couples is required to run the class. If this minimum is not met, we will cancel that class at least one week before the date. If your class is canceled, you may re-register for another class of your choice. If you need to cancel, you must do so by one week before your scheduled class or you will be charged a $40.00 cancellation fee. If you need to cancel due to a medical issue requiring hospitalization that precludes you from attending or because you have delivered your baby already, we will provide a full refund once you contact the organizer.

Infant CPR & Safety Classes

The American Heart Association Friends and Family Infant CPR course prepares you to keep your newborn safe during the first year of life and respond in the event of an emergency with your infant. You will practice each step of infant CPR with an experienced, certified instructor who will help you learn the proper techniques to handle life-threatening emergencies, for example, if an infant is choking or stops moving or breathing. You will also learn accident prevention and childproofing measures.

This two-hour class includes:

• Discussion of infant CPR techniques and choking skills
• Instructor demonstrations
• Hands-on skills practice with an infant mannequin
• An American Heart Association information booklet
• All classes are taught by a certified American Heart Association instructor.

This class is perfect for all family members who will be caring for your newborn and will teach vital skills that turn a life-threatening situation into a lifesaving one.

Registration

The registration fee is $85 per couple. One registration is for two people.

Classes are held at Mass General and are open to all Mass General obstetrical patients who are at least 32 weeks pregnant or postpartum at the time of class, along with their partner or support person.

Class Dates

To register, please see the directions below:

If the class you would like to attend is sold out, please email the organizer to be placed on the wait list.

Infant CPR Cancellation Policy

A minimum of four couples are required to run the class. If this minimum is not met, we will cancel that class at least one week before the date. If your class is canceled, you may re-register for another class of your choice.

If you need to cancel, you must do so by one week before your scheduled class or you will be charged a $40.00 cancellation fee. If you need to cancel due to a medical issue requiring hospitalization that precludes you from attending or because you have delivered your baby already, we will provide a full refund.

Newborn Care Class

The Newborn Care Class will provide expectant parents with comprehensive, evidenced-based education and recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics to help you care for your newborn. This class will also prepare you as parents on what to be expect and how to feel confident in caring for your newborn. You'll get hands-on skill training in sponge bathing, holding, burping, swaddling and changing a diaper.

Class covers the following topics:

• Newborn Traits - appearance, reflexes and senses
• Newborn Behaviors - states of alertness and how to interact, newborn sleep and breathing patterns
• Crying & Comforting - newborn crying patterns and why babies cry, comfort techniques and coping with crying
• Feeding and Diapering - cues, supplies, stool and urine patterns, when to call your healthcare provider
• Bathing, Nail Care, & Dressing - tub bathing and water safety
• Newborn Health - cord care, circumcision care, well baby visits, jaundice, vaccines, hand washing and visitors, taking a temperature, when to call your healthcare provider

Registration

The registration fee for this class is $65 per couple. One registration is for two people.

Classes are held at Mass General and are open to all Mass General obstetrical patients who are at least 32 weeks pregnant or more (at time of class), along with their partner or support person.

Class Dates

To register, please choose a date:

If the class you would like to attend is sold out, please email the organizer to be placed on the wait list.

Newborn Care Class Cancellation Policy

A minimum of four couples are required to run the class. If this minimum is not met, we will cancel that class at least one week before the date. If your class is canceled, you may re-register for another class of your choice.

If you need to cancel, you must do so by one week before your class is scheduled or you will be charged a $30.00 cancellation fee. If you need to cancel due to a medical issue requiring hospitalization that precludes you from attending or because you have delivered your baby already, we will provide a full refund.

Infant Massage

Infant massage has numerous benefits for you and your infant. It is a special way to spend time and bond with your new baby, and it is designed to promote the healthy development of your infant. This is a 2-hour, hands-on class for parents/caretakers. The class will give you to the opportunity to bond with your baby while you learn how to relax and enjoy the benefits of infant massage.

Registration

The registration fee is $65 and includes registration for two people, plus your baby.

This class is ideal for babies that are between three weeks and one year old. Please bring a towel or blanket to class with you for added comfort.

Class Dates

To register, please see the directions below:

Infant Massage Cancellation Policy

A minimum of four couples is required to run the class. If the minimum number do not pre-register, we will cancel that class at least one week before the class. If you are notified that your class was canceled, you may re-register for another class of your choice.

If you need to cancel, you must do so by one week before your class is scheduled or you will be charged a $30.00 cancellation fee. If you need to cancel due to a medical issue requiring hospitalization that precludes you from attending or because you have delivered your baby already, we will provide a full refund.

Prepare for your stay at Mass General

• Read about how to pack for delivery
• Learn what to expect during your stay