Parent Education

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We know where you plan on delivering is just as important as your physician. Expecting parents can view our online maternity virtual tour.

Baby Care Class ($60/couple)

Our baby care class is for expectant parents and adopting parents. Class topics include: the appearance and behavior of the newborn at birth; feeding the baby (breast or bottle); care of the newborn; adjustments to parenthood; car seat safety; and practical tips on clothing furniture and equipment. Demonstrations and information on giving baby a bath, diapering, dressing, infant feeding, and safety are included. This class should be taken around the seventh month of pregnancy. This class is provided by a certified childbirth educator.

Birth Center Orientation Class ($40/couple)

If giving birth in the Mary V. O'Shea Birth Center:
You must be a patient of the Saint Peter's University Hospital Midwifery Practice.

You must complete the required 1-Day Birth Center Orientation Class by week 32 of your pregnancy to deliver at the Mary V. O'Shea Birth Center (You are welcome to attend earlier if desired). Birth Center Orientation Class will review the philosophy of the midwifery model of care, birth center criteria and birth center exclusion criteria. We will also discuss the support system, available comfort measures, birthing tools, your birth plan, and additional classes. We will review early discharge from the Mary V. O’Shea Birth Center and the immediate post-partum period for both mom and baby, the importance of choosing a pediatrician, early discharge and follow up care.

Bump Up Your Comfort Class (A Road Map for Physiological Birth) ($100/couple)

NOTE: This class is located at the Physical Rehabilitation Services Building (562 Easton Ave. Somerset, NJ 08873)

This interactive class introduces practical coping and comfort techniques to support you through each stage of labor. You'll learn about the labor process, explore effective breathing techniques, and practice movement and positioning strategies that promote comfort and help labor progress naturally. Special emphasis is placed on partner involvement—giving your support person tools to confidently assist you throughout labor.

Taught by a pelvic floor physical therapist, certified childbirth educator, and registered nurse, this class provides evidence-based guidance for a more empowered birth experience. Recommended timing: 7 to 8 months into pregnancy

Childbirth Education Class (English and Spanish) ($150/couple)

Childbirth classes cover all aspects of the later part of pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the postpartum period. Instruction includes: the general principles of relaxation; the support person’s role as a coach; focusing and breathing techniques; medications and anesthesia; and comfort measures to be used during labor. This class is offered both in-person or virtually. In-person class includes a tour of the labor & delivery and postpartum units.

Grandparents Class ($45/couple $30/single)

This class is designed to provide grandparents with helpful guidelines about the latest childbirth practices, safety measures, and feeding methods. While a newborn’s basic needs have not changed dramatically, the accessories, products, and health practices for caring for babies have evolved. This class will review important tips to help keep babies safe and secure. (To register one person for the class, use discount code GRANDPARENT-ONE)

HypnoBirthing Class ($250/couple)

The techniques that are taught in this five-week series of classes and the power of positive thinking can be used to enhance your body’s ability to give birth naturally. HypnoBirthing classes are an excellent choice for the expectant woman who is looking for a natural approach to birthing and prefers not to use medication or anesthesia during labor. This series of classes is taught by a registered nurse who is a certified hypnoBirthing instructor. Space is limited so please register by your sixth month of pregnancy.

Meet the Midwife (Complimentary)

In-Person Program - Location Mary V. O'Shea Birth Center

This is a complimentary in-person class for women who are interested in giving birth with our midwives in the Mary V. O'Shea Birth Center or in Labor and Delivery. During this informal session, you will have the opportunity to meet one of our certified nurse midwives, learn about the midwifery model of care and how birth plans can differ based on the planned location for birth. A tour of the Birth Center will be included.

New Daddy Class ($40 This class is for expectant father only)

Expectant dads learn how to keep their baby safe and how to care for a healthy or sick child. Fathers will learn about the importance and impact of being actively involved in their child’s life, as well as ways to stay engaged and support their partner from the prenatal stage through postpartum and beyond.

Prenatal Breastfeeding Class (English and Spanish)

(Complimentary for Mothers delivering at Saint Peter’s University Hospital)

This class is designed for expectant parents who are planning to breastfeed. You will learn the benefits of breastfeeding for the baby and for the mother; how the lactating breast functions; positioning techniques that are most helpful; proper latch; and signs of adequate hydration. Also included is information on breast pumps and the proper storage of breast milk. The prenatal breastfeeding class is taught by a Board-Certified lactation consultant.

Prenatal Yoga and Exercise Class ($65/for expectant mom only)

Please register for our prenatal yoga class early in your pregnancy. This class is held once a week for four consecutive weeks. During this class expectant moms will explore breathing techniques, basic postures, meditation, and deep relaxation specifically designed for expectant mothers. Come prepared to stretch and strengthen your muscles. No previous yoga experience necessary.

Sibling Class ($25/first child, $15/each additional child)

This class is designed for children ages 3 through 8, to prepare brothers and sisters for the new baby. The importance of siblings in the growing family, their self-worth, and their role in the new baby’s life is stressed. A tour of the Mother/Baby units is provided. *Additional information will be provided to those children preparing to be present at their sibling’s birth in the Mary V. O’Shea Birth Center.

Support Groups (Complimentary)

New Mom Support Group “Life Will Never be the Same”

Please join our New Mom's Support Group. Moms and babies are invited to attend. The focus of our group is to allow the opportunity for new moms to share their experience and feelings as they adjust to motherhood. Come meet other new moms! A social worker and a registered nurse facilitate the group and are available to answer your questions. Registration is required. Recommended for moms with babies under the age of one.

Breastfeeding Support Group (Complimentary)

Breastfeeding Support Group is offered the first Tuesday of every month from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. If you are currently breastfeeding, you and your baby are invited to attend our breastfeeding support group and share your experience with other new moms. The group is facilitated by a board-certified lactation consultant. No registration is required. For more information, please call the Lactation Department at 732.745.8600, ext. 8820

For more details download our Parent Education brochure (pdf).

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