Childbirth and Parenting Classes at UPMC Harrisburg

This virtual two-week series is recommended for expectant parents in the second trimester. Parents will learn how to care for a newborn and navigate early parenting. Discussion, demonstration, and class participation are used to teach basic information about baby’s bath, cord care, diapering, safety, and feeding. Other topics include the importance of skin-to-skin and rooming-in, normal newborn behaviors, symptoms of illness, and how to stimulate learning. CPR will not be covered in this class.

Registration fee: $40 (includes partner)

Register here for the Baby Care Basics Class

This virtual tour provides the expectant mother and father/support person an opportunity to visit Labor and Delivery, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and the Maternity Center. This will allow you to become familiar with UPMC Hospitals.

UPMC Carlisle

UPMC Hanover

UPMC Lititz

UPMC Harrisburg

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.

This virtual three-week series focuses on preparation for childbirth, emphasizing the experience of labor and birth and the important role of the dad/partner. A variety of comfort measures are taught and practiced in class, including relaxation and breathing techniques. Medical interventions and options are discussed, as well as a brief overview of cesarean birth, postpartum, and newborn. Taught by certified childbirth educators, these classes will provide valuable information to help you prepare for your birth experience. 

Registration fee: $40 (includes partner)

Register here for the Prepared Childbirth 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 virtual class is for UPMC Harrisburg patients.  
The Ready and Waiting class is recommended around the 34 – 36 weeks of your pregnancy. The virtual class is taught by a Certified Childbirth Educator and will take you on a virtual tour of the new Women and Babies Center at Hollinger Tower at UPMC Harrisburg. The class will review parking, what to pack, overview of each unit, and other resources available. 

Registration fee: None (registration is required)

Register here for the Ready and Waiting Class.