Childbirth / Parenting Education

Educational programs at South Shore Hospital are designed to fully inform you about all aspects of labor, birth, and infant parenting. All of our educators are certified instructors. Early registration is important. Call 781-624-8332.

Classes offered include:

Preparation for Labor and Birth: Available in the following class formats: 5-week series, condensed weekend, or one-day intensive class. We also offer labor and birth preparation classes with a yoga component.
Understanding Preterm Labor: Recommended for high-risk mothers and their partners. Participants learn to recognize and respond promptly to the earliest signs of problems that could lead to a premature birth. It is best to attend this class near the 20th week of pregnancy. Partners are encouraged to attend this one-time session.
Preparing for Twins, Triplets, and More: For parents expecting more than one baby. This class focuses on special considerations and available resources during pregnancy, birth, and the early months. One-session class offered every other month.
Childbirth Refresher Class: This one-session class provides a review and update of labor and birth, coping techniques, and supporting skills. Designed to inspire confidence, decrease anxiety, and promote communication, our class is an ideal way to welcome your next child.
Healthy Expectations: For women who cannot attend childbirth classes due to bedrest requirements. The Healthy Expectations basket includes educational materials, audio and video tapes.
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC): Participants review the newest information regarding vaginal birth after Cesarean. A discussion of your previous birth, VBAC advantages, risks, and hospital procedures is included, as well as a VBAC film and tour of the maternity center. One session.
Boot Camp for New Dads: Veteran dads share survival skills and answer questions from “rookie” dads. One session.
New Mom Group: Participants meet other new moms and babies as they transition through this exciting, yet challenging, first year. Group led by experienced educators and pediatric nurse practitioners.
Sibling Preparation: Our one-time, one-hour class introduces your children to the hospital to enhance feelings of comfort during your maternity stay. This day includes a discussion of newborn characteristics, behavior and appearance, diapering, and suggestions for helping mom and dad. A tour of the maternity center and nursery is included for children three and older.
Newborn Care and Safety: Participants learn how to bathe, feed, diaper, soothe, and nurture their babies. This one session class also offers guidelines in “baby-proofing” your home. Learn how to avoid emergencies and how to respond should a crisis occur. Grandparents are welcome.
Breastfeeding Class: This one-session class will help assure a smooth start. Participants learn good breastfeeding techniques and ways to avoid commonly encountered problems. Topics include proper positioning, feeding frequency, pumping/storing milk, and returning to work.
Epidural Update: Participants discuss pain relief options for labor and birth with an anesthesiologist. One session.
Infant Massage: Participants join other parents and babies in our support class, where participants learn how to decrease parental stress, soothe inconsolable babies, and promote restful nights through infant massage.
Post-Partum Depression Support: A referral phone line is available at 781-624-3704. Voice messages are monitored daily.
Child passenger safety: Participants discuss automobile safety concerns for infants and young children.
Prenatal and postnatal exercise classes: Classes are offered through our Outpatient Rehabilitation Center. Please call 781-624-8177 for more information or to request registration.
Pediatric CPR: Offered through our education and training department. Please call 781-624-8349 for more information or to register for a class.

To receive a Childbirth and Parenting Education program brochure, for more information, or to register for classes, please call 781-624-8332.