This class will help children prepare for the special occasion of becoming a big brother or sister. Big brothers and sisters will watch an age-appropriate video and learn to diaper their doll or teddy bear. Siblings will also learn what to expect during parents and baby's hospital stay, what newborn babies look like and act like, and how they can help parents with the new baby.

We recommend attending this class between the 32nd and 36th week of pregnancy.

Classes are held at the Dana Center Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland. All class participants should enter through the main entrance and be issued a Visitors badge.  You will be directed to the Charles Dana Education Center where the class instructor will be downstairs to meet you. 

Parking: Parking is available in the visitors Parking Garage on Congress Street.  Parking near the hospital is limited and parking for more than 1 hour may result in a fine.

Registration fee covers the cost of registrant and one support person. Please register only ONE participant for a class so that you will not be charged twice. If you cannot afford the registration fee due to financial hardship, please contact childbirth education at childbirtheducation@mainehealth.org.

Rescheduling or canceling your class registration can be done by contacting childbirtheducation@mainehealth.org. Refunds for class cancelations include a 10% processing fee. No refunds will be given after class begins.

Things have really changed since you became a parent! This class will cover communication between grandparents and the new parents; how grandparents can help during pregnancy, birth and after baby is born; current guidelines for infant care and infant safety; and ways to bond with your new grandchild.

We recommend attending this class between the 32nd and 36th week of pregnancy.

We are offering this class online. After you are registered, shortly before the class starts you will receive an email with information as to how to participate in the class. Thank you for understanding.

The registration fee includes costs for the registrant and one support person. To avoid duplicate charges, please register only ONE participant per class. A receipt will be provided for insurance reimbursement purposes. Reimbursement is subject to individual insurance plans, refer to your plan for additional information.

 A receipt will be issued which can be utilized to submit to your insurance company. Reimbursement is dependent upon individual plans, refer to your plan for additional information.

If you cannot afford the registration fee due to financial hardship, please contact childbirth education at childbirtheducation@mainehealth.org .

Rescheduling or canceling your class registration can be done by contacting childbirtheducation@mainehealth.org . Refunds for class cancelations include a 10% processing fee. No refunds will be given after class begins.

We are offering this class online. After you are registered, a few days before the class starts you will receive an email with the link to participate in the class. 

Expectant first time parents can learn about common newborn needs and behaviors and how to prepare for bringing baby home. This class includes information about how to care for and comfort a newborn, feeding, safe sleep and other ways to keep your baby safe, and tips on how to make this newborn period an easier transition for you.

We recommend attending this class between the 32nd and 36th week of pregnancy.

The registration fee includes costs for the registrant and one support person. To avoid duplicate charges, please register only ONE participant per class. A receipt will be provided for insurance reimbursement purposes. Reimbursement is subject to individual insurance plans, refer to your plan for additional information.

If you cannot afford the registration fee due to financial hardship, please contact childbirth education at childbirtheducation@mainehealth.org 

Rescheduling or canceling your class registration can be done by contacting childbirtheducation@mainehealth.org. Refunds for class cancelations include a 10% processing fee. No refunds will be given after class begins.

These comprehensive classes are designed to provide you and your labor partner with the information, skills, and resources to prepare you for the birth of your baby.  Recommended for all first-time pregnant parents and their birth partners.

This class covers the same content as our other Childbirth Ed classes, but in slightly longer classes over two weeks instead of three.

• Class#1: Introduction to Labor & Delivery
  • This class covers the third trimester of pregnancy, the stages of labor and begins to explore coping techniques during labor.  The class discusess pregnancy and labor concerns (such as pre- eclampsia and preterm labor) and we will watch lots of birth videos.  These videos are not graphic.  We will talk about inductions and medications that are made available to you during labor such as nausea medication, epidural and nitrous gas.
• Class#2:Practical Skills and Comfort Measures
  
  • This class discusses medical interventions that may be offered during your hospital stay, second stage interventions and complications that may arise during your labor. 
  • Cesarean sections
  • Post partum
  • Basic Newborn Information

We recommend attending this class between the 28th and 32nd week of pregnancy.

We are offering this class online. After you are registered you will receive an email with information as to how to participate in the class. 

* To schedule a class please email your contact information to the instructor, lena.strange@mainehealth.org and the instructor will get back to you.

The registration fee includes costs for the registrant and one support person. To avoid duplicate charges, please register only ONE participant per class. A receipt will be provided for insurance reimbursement purposes. Reimbursement is subject to individual insurance plans, refer to your plan for additional information.

If you cannot afford the registration fee due to financial hardship, please contact childbirth education at childbirtheducation@mainehealth.org .

Rescheduling or canceling your class registration can be done by contacting lena.strange@mainehealth.org. Refunds for class cancelations include a 10% processing fee.  No refunds will be given after class begins.

This is a one hour, private online class with a Labor & Delivery nurse to discuss options after a previous cesarean delivery.  Designed for individuals and their partners who are considering a Trial of Labor After a Cesarean (TOLAC), please talk with your provider before registering this class to see if a TOLAC is an option for you.

We will take time to discuss your previous birth experience, define what is most important to you as you consider options for this pregnancy, and what you can do to increase your chances of a vaginal delivery if you choose to labor this time. 

You will learn how to prepare for a TOLAC at MMC, and understand strategies to prepare for both a vaginal and repeat caesarean birth if needed.

We recommend attending this class during the second trimester of pregnancy.

We are offering this class online. After you are registered, shortly before the class starts you will receive an email with information as to how to participate in the class. Thank you for understanding.

Proper car seat use saves lives! Many parents are shocked to find out that car seats are usually used incorrectly.

This class will teach you how to install and use your car seat correctly.

After this course, parents will be confident and prepared to use infant car seats.

We will talk about safety in and around cars and the do’s and don’ts for infant safety in regards to the car seat. 

You will also learn when to transition your child to another seat and how to keep your child safe as he or she grows.

Registrants are asked to bring their car seats with to the class, including the car seat base for hands-on practice.

We recommend attending this class anytime before the 37th week of pregnancy.

 This class will be held virtually. You will receive an email with the link to join the class the day before class is held.  If you have any questions please contact Jami Gilbert at Jami.Gilbert@mainehealth.org or (207) 662 1572.

Registration fee covers the cost of registrant and one support person. Please register only ONE participant for a class so that you will not be charged twice. A receipt will be issued which can be utilized to submit to your insurance company. Reimbursement is dependent upon individual plans, refer to your plan for additional information.

If you cannot afford the registration fee due to financial hardship, please contact childbirth education at childbirtheducation@mainehealth.org .

Rescheduling or canceling your class registration can be done by contacting childbirtheducation@mainehealth.org. Refunds for class cancelations include a 10% processing fee. No refunds will be given after class begins.

This newborn sleep shaping class is for pregnant persons at any gestation and new parents with babies up to 12 weeks. During this class parents will learn how to set the foundations in the newborn period for healthy infant sleep. Topics discussed will include what to expect in the fourth trimester, newborn soothing strategies, the science behind sleep, developmental milestones, how to create a sleep conducive environment, how to encourage independent sleep, how and when to stop swaddling and realistic expectations regarding night wakings and feedings.  We will also discuss planning for going back to work and transitioning to daycare.

Non-birthing partners are encouraged to attend.

This class is currently offered virtually via Zoom.  After you are regisitered, you will receive an email with information as to how to participate in class.

You will also receive FREE ACCESS to a recorded version of Infant Sleep 101: Surviving the 4-Month Sleep Regression & Beyond.

If you have any questions please contact Jenna Marion directly at jenna.marion@mainehealth.org.

Registration fee covers the cost of registrant and one support person. Please register only ONE participant for a class so that you will not be charged twice. A receipt will be issued which can be utilized to submit to your insurance company. Reimbursement is dependent upon individual plans, refer to your plan for additional information.

If you cannot afford the registration fee due to financial hardship, please contact childbirth education at childbirtheducation@mainehealth.org. 

Rescheduling or canceling your class registration can be done by contacting childbirtheducation@mainehealth.org. Refunds for class cancelations include a 10% processing fee. No refunds will be given after class begins.

We are offering this class in person. Classes are held at the Dana Center Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland. You will receive directions to parking and the classroom once you have registered.

This class covers the benefits of breastfeeding, different breastfeeding techniques and positions, how to make enough milk, and local community and professional resources. Attending this class before your baby’s birth will help you meet your breastfeeding goals. 

We recommend attending this class between the 32nd and 36th week of pregnancy.