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

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, 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 Class

To give 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 Birth Center Class by week 32 of your pregnancy (You are welcome to attend earlier if desired).

This ONE DAY class is broken up into 2 parts.

Part 1 - Orientation to the Birth Center
Part 2 - Early Discharge from the Birth Center.

In Orientation to the Birth Center, we 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.

In the Early Discharge from the Birth Center, we will review the immediate post-partum period for both mom and baby, the importance of choosing a pediatrician, early discharge and follow up care.

Breastfeeding Support Group

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).

Visit our Events calendar.

Childbirth Education Class

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

This class has been designed to give grandparents helpful guidelines and the latest information on childbirth practices, child rearing and feeding practices.

Hypnobirthing Class

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 nurse who is a certified hypnobirthing instructor. Space is limited so please register by your sixth month of pregnancy.

Meet the Midwife

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, and each session will end with a Q&A.

New Daddy Class

As an expectant dad, you will learn effective ways to be involved in your babies and partner’s life. Learn to keep your child safe and well from prenatal to postpartum and beyond.

Prenatal Breastfeeding Class

Our breastfeeding class is for expectant parents who are considering breastfeeding their newborns. The prenatal breastfeeding class is taught by a board-certified lactation consultant.

Prenatal Yoga and Exercise Class

In this class you will explore breathing techniques, basic postures, meditation and deep relaxation techniques specifically designed for expectant mothers.

Sibling Class

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.

Spinning Babies Birth Preparation

During labor, the baby needs to pass through the three levels of the pelvis. This class will help you learn techniques to help your pelvis and its muscles that support or restrict your pelvic levels. Together, you and your birth partner can use these techniques before and during labor to help "make room” for baby! Spinning Babies reveals how the baby can find optimal positions for labor and birth.

Support Groups

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.