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Family Birth Center MH MMC Portland



Our Classes

Bring Your Own Car Seat (2026)

Free

with Jami Gilbert

Calendar Next available session starts Nov 19, 2026 at 6 pm
1 additional session on Dec 17, 2026

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.

 

Baby Basics In Person (2026)

$40

with Certified Educator

Calendar Next available session starts Nov 21, 2026 at 9:30 am
1 additional session on Dec 20, 2026

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

To avoid duplicate charges, please register only ONE participant per class.  Adding a 2nd person’s name to the cart when registering will automatically generate a duplicate charge. The registration fee includes the registrant and one support person. 

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.

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.

 

*Please note for our Winter classes: If the weather forecasts unsafe driving conditions, the class will be cancelled. Be sure to check your email and/or voicemail! We will do our best to reschedule or transfer you into another class. If where you are coming from has bad weather, please contact us to reschedule!

 

Grandparents (2026)

$20

with Ellen Kunkle

Calendar Next available session starts Nov 21, 2026 at 1 pm
1 additional session on Dec 20, 2026

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.

Childbirth Education 3-week Series Online (2026)

$150

with Certified Educator

Calendar Next available session starts Dec 8, 2026 at 6 pm, runs for 3 weeks

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.

  • Class#1: Introduction to Labor & Delivery
    • This class covers the stages and phases of labor, what to expect physically and emotionally, the importance of labor support, and more. You will also see birth videos. 
  • Class#2:Practical Skills and Comfort Measures
    • This class will cover comfort measures such as relaxation, breathing, and positions that you can use both at home and while at the hospital. Whether you are planning to use pain medications, or just want to understand the available options, this class will provide you with the information needed to make informed decisions regarding pain relief. 
  • Class#3: Medications and Interventions
    • Be an active participant in the decisions that affect you and your baby. Learn about induction of labor, unplanned cesareans, vacuum, fetal monitoring and more.  This class series also includes opportunities for Q&A.

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. 

Boot Camp for New Dads Resource
Online Registration Unavailable

Boot Camp for New Dads Resource

Price not
available

with Maine Boys to Men

Boot Camp for New Dads is a half-day workshop offered for new or expectant dads and people who identify as fathers. You will explore societal messages we receive about the role of dads and how you and your partner can move beyond these messages to become a team in parenting your baby. You will also have an opportunity to ask veteran dads questions about fussy babies, diapering, etc.

Please contact Maine Boys to Men for more information, dates and registration: 

https://maineboystomen.org/boot-camp-for-new-dads/

(207) 774-9994

 

Cesarean Birth Nurse Consult - Contact for Dates

$30

with Lena Strange

This is a private class intended for patients who have a scheduled Cesarean. To schedule a class email: Lena.Strange@MaineHealth.org

This class is offered for Free if you have already taken the MMC Childbirth Education Class with this pregnancy. Registration fee covers the cost of registrant and one support person. 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.

You and your support person will meet via Zoom with a Maine Medical Center Labor and Delivery RN for a 1 hour 15 minute discussion of what a Cesarean Birth may mean for you personally. This class offers more information on what your scheduled cesarean section will be like. Come learn why and how cesarean births are done, what medication is used, medical equipment that is involved, and the recovery process after your birth. You'll learn how Maine Medical Center does "family centered" births, making your experience as natural and comfortable as possible for you.

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

Giving Birth after a Previous Cesarean - Contact for Dates (2026)

$30

with Lena Strange

Calendar Next session starts Nov 3, 2026 at 7 pm, runs for 1 week
1 additional session

* 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.

 

 

Grieving Still

Free

Remembering and loving babies lost during pregnancy. A support group for parents who have experienced a spontaneous pregnancy loss at any gestation. A place to remember, share, grieve, and heal. Third Thursday of every month; 6 - 7:30p.

Our perinatal loss and bereavement support groups meet virtually via Zoom. These support groups are a safe and supportive space to share your thoughts and emotions. To join, please email Kelly Chicoine at Kelly.Chicoine@mainehealth.org. She will send you the login information. Please email her by 3:00 pm on the day of the support group.





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