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Be Ready for the Big Day with Our Childbirth Classes at Southcoast Health
Southcoast Health is proud to offer a variety of childbirth classes to suit every new family’s needs. Whether you want to learn more about how to prepare for birth or what happens afterward, we can help guide you to the best answers. Attending a childbirth class is also a great way to learn how best to interact with your partner and health care team during childbirth.
Register for a Childbirth & Parenting Class in Fall River and New Bedford, MA
Look through our childbirth classes in southeastern MA below, then contact one of the educators below for more information or to register. Registration is required for all classes at Southcoast Health. To secure a space in any class, payment must be made at the time of registration. Contact you insurance provider to see if they offer reimbursements.
Please call during the 18th to 20th week (10 to 12 weeks for multiples) of pregnancy to assure placement in the class you need. Classes are most beneficial to you in your third trimester, around 28 to 32 weeks. Many health insurance companies offer reimbursement to help cover the cost of classes, so be sure to contact your provider to ask about coverage.
Charlton Memorial and St Luke’s Hospitals
Charlton: 508-973-MILK and 508-997-MILK
familyeducation@southcoast.org or vandenberghepa@southcoast.org
Available Classes
Prepared Childbirth Series
This four-week series will cover the changes occurring in the third trimester, such as the normal/unexpected processes of labor and birth, comfort measures and labor support. Instruction on infant care and car seat safety are included. Evenings 6 to 8:30 p.m., $125 per couple.
Birthing Boot Camp
For parents who prefer a faster pace, this is a brief overview of what is covered in our Prepared Childbirth Series. This is a condensed all-day class which provides information on infant care and car-seat safety. Limited space available. $125/mother and companion.
Breastfeeding Basics
This free class is designed for families that are planning to breastfeed or are exploring their options regarding infant feeding choices. Topics include the benefits of breastfeeding, techniques and positions. Expectant mothers and their partners are encouraged to attend before the birth of the baby. This class is offered for free for any patient delivering at a Southcoast Hospital.
Baby Café/Breastfeeding Support Group
Call 508-973-7308 for dates & times!
| Baby Café – Center for Women’s Health | Baby Café – Virtual via Zoom |
| Tuesdays, 10:30am to 12:30pm 300B Faunce Corner Rd. Dartmouth, MA | Thursdays, 4pm to 5pm Email or call to register and receive a Zoom link. |
| Wednesday at People Incorporated 4 S Main St. Fall River, MA Wednesday 9:30am-10:30am Enter at 21 Bedford St. and park at 60 Bedford St. prior to mechanics bank. Ring buzzer for Group room 2. |
A friendly and comfortable drop-in session for breastfeeding mothers to learn more about breastfeeding. Peer support and one-on-one help from specially trained health professionals is available, including professional lactation support.
Infant & Child CPR for Families & Friends
This course teaches adult, child and infant CPR for families/friends. Pre-registration required. Please note that this does not provide a CPR certification. Classes are usually held at the Center for Women’s Health in Dartmouth. $40/person, $60/two people.
Safe Sitter
This is a nationally recognized program designed to prepare adolescents ages 11 to 14 to babysit. Topics include babysitting as a business, safety of the sitter, developmental stages of children, behavior management, preventing problem behavior, injury prevention, basic first aid, choking infant and child rescue, and CPR for infants and children. Class runs six times a year in the summer, spring and fall between the St. Luke’s and Charlton campuses. $65/student in advance to hold spot. Download the Safe Sitter registration form.
*Not all classes are offered at all locations. If you have specific needs or are a young parent age 12 to 16, please contact us for class options.
Southcoast Health offers expectant parents many resources, including a variety of childbirth classes offered in Fall River, Dartmouth and New Bedford, MA