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: $150

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 are offered at no extra charge when enrolled in the Expectant Parents Program (see January, 2009 dates). Click here to register, or for more information, please call the Women and Infants' Center at (203) 709-3105.

Wednesday evenings 4-week series:
6:30pm - 9pm

Wed. - 04/08/09, 04/15/09, 04/22/09, 04/29/09
Wed. - 10/07/09, 10/14/09, 10/21/09, 10/28/09

Saturday classes - 10am - 5pm

Saturday Jan 10, 2009
(snow date=Saturday, January 24, 2009 same time)

Saturday, March 14, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009

Infant Car Seat
Safety Program
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 special two-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 (see January, 2009 dates). Click here to register, or for more information, please call Saint Mary’s Hospital Women and Infants’ Center at (203) 709-3105.

Thursday evenings 7pm to 9pm     

Thursday January 22, 2009
(snow date= Thursday, Jan 29, 2009 same time)
           
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Thursday, July, 23, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009

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 (see January, 2009 dates)! Click here to register, or for more information, please call Saint Mary’s Hospital Women and Infants’ Center at (203) 709-3105.

Wednesday evenings from 6:45pm - 9pm

Wednesday, January 21, 2009
(snow date=Wed January 28, 2009 same time)

Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009

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 (see January, 2009 dates). Click here to register, or for more information, please call Saint Mary’s Hospital Women and Infants’ Center at (203) 709-3105.

Saturdays - 10am - 11am

Saturday, Jan 31, 2009
(snow date=Sat February 7, 2009 same time)

Saturday, March 28, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Saturday, July 31, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009