The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Childbirth Education Classes

Childbirth and Family Preparation Classes

The Women’s Health Education Program encompasses all prenatal childbirth preparation classes. In addition, seminars on women’s health issues are offered through this department. The department, has an extensive array of services and programs to meet community needs. The following courses and services are currently offered. To register for any of the classes, complete and follow  the directions on the registration form located in your Pre-Admission Packet (obtained at your doctor’s office).

The registration form can also be printed out below. Please call 973-322-5360 for more information.

2013 Class Schedule (click to view PDF)

Birth Talk – This free one-on-one consultation with the Director of Women’s Health/Parent Education and one of our childbirth educators is available by phone or in-person. For couples that are planning a pregnancy at Saint Barnabas Medical Center or are in the early weeks of pregnancy, Birth Talk offers an opportunity to discuss their personalized birth preferences and get assistance in making decisions that fit their individual needs or birth plan. To learn more or schedule a consultation, please call 973-322-5360.

Breastfeeding Basics Class - This workshop helps you achieve the confidence and information you need for a satisfying nursing experience. Topics include: establishing and maintaining milk supply; newborn’s feeding patterns; practical feeding techniques and other feeding concerns; and returning to work.

Prepared Childbirth - All first-time expectant parents should take this series.

For your convenience, choose either a weeknight series or a condensed weekend class. In addition to a labor room visit, the series will provide you with information about:

• Preparation (helpful breathing patterns, labor coping skills, pushing positions, relaxation techniques)
• Medication and anesthesia
• Cesarean birth
• Postpartum recovery
• Newborn baby care

At Home Learning - Sometimes busy schedules or long commutes make it difficult to attend Prepared Childbirth classes. For those couples, plus women confined to bed rest, we offer an at home learning package. The package includes: a Childbirth Preparation DVD, a Newborn Baby Care DVD, Prepared Childbirth Class handouts and information, telephone consultation time with a childbirth educator if desired, and hospital Maternity Services Information or in-hospital orientation. Call the Women’s Health Education Office to arrange payment and delivery of package.

Relaxing Birth Class - This mini-workshop is designed specifically for those who plan to use the Natural Birthing Process.  Non-pharmacological coping skills, birthing ball, water therapy and other holistic modalities will be covered. A previous Childbirth Preparation class and approval from your obstetrician to use the Natural Birthing Process are required to take this class.

Sibling Class - The Siblings Class is offered once each month and designed to promote a good feeling about the hospital and provide children with realistic expectations of newborn babies. Families, especially those expecting their second child, are encouraged to attend a Siblings Class a month or two before the birth of their new baby. For class dates and online reservations, please visit www.barnabashealthcalendar.org/sbmc

Marvelous Multiples - This course curriculum is designed to educate parents expecting multiples on all aspects of their unique pregnancies, birthing experiences and parenting more than one child. Discussion topics include: prenatal care; labor and delivery; cesarean section information; emotional aspects of multiple pregnancy; orientation of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Labor and Delivery Unit; adjustment to home life; and baby care basics.

Grandparenting - Grandparents-to-be can discuss their concerns and receive current information on: Importance of grandparenting; Advancements in childbirth; Trends and changes in infant care; and Family communication.

Adoptive Parents Baby Care Consultations - This service is available for parents who want one-on-one demonstrations and discussion of baby care techniques.

Cord Blood Banking Program - These days, many parents-to-be are choosing to save their baby’s cord blood for the valuable and therapeutic stem cells it contains. Saint Barnabas offers access to the most complete cord blood banking service available, to help best prepare families for the future. Included are options to bank either cord blood alone or to maximize the number of stem cells banked by collecting placental stem cells as well. For more information, please call LifebankUSA at 1-877-LIFEBANKUSA (1-877-543-3226).

Infant and Child CPR - An overview of infant CPR and guidelines. This program is under the direction of the CPR Training Center. For more information, please call the Training Center at (973) 926-7407.

Lamaze Refresher – This class provides a review on breathing and relaxation skills for couples who previously attended a prepared childbirth series during a prior pregnancy.

Pets and Babies Class – An informative seminar which includes tips on introducing the family pet to the new baby. Ways to reduce pet jealousy, pet proofing the baby’s room and disease precautions are also addressed.

Maternity Orientation and Tour - Women interested in or planning to deliver at Saint Barnabas are invited to this free, informative program and tour. The hour-long session consists of a brief presentation highlighting our award-winning maternity services and amenities, including skin-to-skin introductions, rooming in and breastfeeding support services. A group tour of our Perinatal Evaluation and Treatment Unit, newly renovated Labor and Delivery Unit, Nursery and a private post-partum room follows. To provide a personalized experience, class size is limited. For class dates and online reservations, now required, please visit www.barnabashealthcalendar.org/sbmc. For additional information, please call 973-322-5360.