Childbirth and Family Education
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 Childbirth & Parenting Class in Fall River and
New Bedford, MA
Look through our childbirth classes in southeastern MA below, then contact us 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 your 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.
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 to any patient delivering at a Southcoast Health Hospital.
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.
Infant and Child CPR
This course teaches adult, child and infant CPR. Families and friends are welcome to join. 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.
