Childbirth and Parenting Classes at UPMC Hanover

This free virtual two-week series is taught by an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), focuses on the joys and common concerns of breastfeeding. Discussion includes the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and babies, the importance of skin-to-skin and rooming-in, identifying baby’s feeding cues, maintaining a milk supply and other practical information. Additional topics include combining breastfeeding and working, expression and storage of breast milk, and use of breast pumps. Expectant fathers are encouraged to attend.

Saturday sessions meet for one 4-hour class.

Register here for a Saturday Class.

Register here for the two week series

Register here for the Breastfeeding Multiples Class (Breastfeeding Basics is a prerequisite for registration)

This single virtual class is designed for expectant parents who are anticipating a cesarean birth. Focus is on the physical and emotional aspects of a cesarean birth experience and touches on relaxation as a coping skill. Class includes information about the reasons for cesarean birth, medications and anesthesia, postpartum recovery and newborn appearance and procedures. The important role of the dad/partner before, during, and after birth will be discussed. 

Registration fee: $20 (includes partner)

Register here for Virtual Cesarean Birth class.

Preparation makes all the difference in the world when it comes to safety and harmony between a new baby and family dog. This 2 hour Dogs and Storks ^TM program provides consistent and current information, offering solutions and addressing common challenges that expectant or new parents may experience. Topics covered include your pregnancy and your dog, concerns about jealousy and acceptance of the baby, setting up your home environment for safety, introducing your dog to your baby, the subtle body language of dogs, and fun ways to include your dog in daily activities from the start.

Registration fee: $25 (includes partner)

Register here for the Dogs and Storks Class

Women and their partners are encouraged to attend this free one-night class during the first half of their pregnancy. An experienced member of the UPMC Parent/Child Education team will discuss these pregnancy related topics; common physical and emotional changes, wellness, the importance of prenatal care, how to navigate UPMC services in central Pa., and so much more!

Registration fee: None (registration required)

Register here for the Early Pregnancy Class

This single evening virtual class focuses on the experience of the grandparent. New trends in medical practices and current recommendations for infant care and safety will be discussed. Suggestions on how grandparents can support the new family and play a valuable role in the lives of their grandchildren will be shared. 

Registration fee: $10/person

Register here for the Grandparents Class

Having a baby is a life-changing experience that can seem overwhelming at times. Even if you have older children, you may find that you have questions or concerns about parenting or need a place where you can talk with other parents who are having similar experiences. 

New Mom Network is for new mothers and their babies aged zero to eighteen months, meets virtually from 1:00 PM-2:30 PM every Monday and Thursday. To register contact Betsy Newman at newmane2@upmc.edu

This one hour class is designed for new siblings ages 3-9 and their families to prepare for the birth of a new baby. It will help siblings with what to expect with the coming birth, understand the needs of a newborn, to navigate the challenges of a new baby, and find the joy in their growing family. This class will be offered virtually via Microsoft Teams. 

Here are some important guidelines for this virtual program:

• You may opt out of sharing your name, image, video, and/or audio during the class.
• The same confidentiality rules apply in a virtual class as would in an in-person class. Recording or screenshots of the virtual class are prohibited. 
• Registration will close three business days prior to the class start date to ensure the Microsoft Teams invitation and eBook can be sent via email.

NOTE: Price listed is per family. Please be sure your email address is entered correctly at registration.

Registration fee is $10

Register here for the Siblings Class

Preparing for Childbirth covers the labor and birth process, breathing and relaxation techniques, anesthesia choices, cesarean delivery, recovery and post-partum, and baby care. A virtual tour of the Maternity Department is also included. It is designed for women who are in their seventh month of pregnancy.

Register here for this class at UPMC Hanover.

This class includes discussion of policies and procedures pertaining to your baby's birth, including admission and visitation policies and safety and security procedures. A virtual tour of the maternity department at UPMC Hanover is also included along with a question-and-answer period.

We recommend attending this session around weeks 34-36 of your pregnancy. This is not a replacement for Childbirth Classes.

Register here for this class at UPMC Hanover.

Breastfeeding can be very challenging, especially during the first few weeks following childbirth. Our lactation department is available if you have any questions or concerns about breastfeeding after going home from the hospital with your baby. If your concern cannot be addressed over the phone, we can arrange a virtual appointment with one of our lactation consultants or counselors at no charge.

Phone: 717-316-2262