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. 

UPMC Harrisburg is offering a variety of ways for expectant families to tour our facility.  A virtual tour of the UPMC Harrisburg location is available online for viewing at your convenience and can be accessed below. UPMC Harrisburg also offers Ready and Waiting, a virtual class that reviews preparation, registration, a tour of each unit including labor and delivery, maternity and the NICU as well as a chance to ask questions of a childbirth educator. We are also offering a limited number of in-person tours of our labor and delivery and maternity units. Our in-person tours will be limited to 3 couples per tour and masking will be required All tours are free of charge.

UPMC Harrisburg Virtual Tour

Register here for the Ready and Waiting Class. 

Register here for the in-person UPMC Harrisburg Maternity Tour. 

This free class 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 virtual Saturday class. 

Register here for the virtual two week class. 

Register here for the in-person two week class. 

Register here for the virtual Breastfeeding-Twins, Triplets and More 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.

Our Childbirth Class is offered in-person Saturday from 9am-4pm (lunch provided) or as a 3 week or one Saturday virtual class.  In both classes expectant parents will have an opportunity to receive answers to their questions about giving birth and reviews what typically happens when mom comes to the hospital in labor.

Through these classes, parents will learn the signs of labor and basic comfort measures and breathing, as well as medical options. Moms-to-be and their support persons rehearse for labor to help ease anxiety surrounding the birthing experience. This comprehensive course also addresses newborn appearance and postpartum changes and emotions. All instructors are nationally certified childbirth educators.

Our in-person Childbirth supplement is a 2-hour class offered to build upon what is taught in the virtual class. It focuses on the hands-on portion of childbirth education. Participants will learn breathing techniques and comfort strategies like massage, use of heat and cool and positioning for labor and birth. This class will also review use of the birth ball, rebozo and birthing tubs to ease the labor process, Students will get that hands on touch and opportunity to ask questions of a certified Childbirth Educator.

 

Register Here for the Childbirth Class Online/Virtual.

Register Here for the Saturday Childbirth Class Online/Virtual.

Register Here for the Childbirth Class In-Person Supplement. (online childbirth class is a prerequisite for registration)

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. 

This 3 hour one on one class gives families an opportunity to customize their childbirth instruction experience. The time, place and content is determined in coordination with a certified childbirth educator to meet the needs of an individual family. Topics could include, pregnancy, labor, comfort techniques and breathing, medical interventions and pain management, cesarean birth, newborn appearance/care and postpartum recovery. After registration you should hear from us within 3 business days, if you have questions or have not received a call please contact us at 717-231-8916.

This class can be offered in person or virtual per family preference.

Register here for the Individualized Childbirth/Baby Care Class

The Perinatal Wellness Program at UPMC is committed to women’s health and wellness. We guide women through their pregnancy and postpartum journey, as well as their child’s early development. Learn more about Perinatal Wellness Classes.

 

Registration Fee: None (registration required)

Register here for the Budgeting for Baby and Beyond Course

Register here for the 4th Trimester and Pelvic Floor Recovery: Physical Therapy 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.

The New Parent Network is for new mothers and their babies aged zero to eighteen months The group meets virtually from 1:00 PM-2:00 PM every Monday and at 1pm Thursdays at the Camp Hill Giant, 3301 Trindle Road Camp Hill.

Working Parents is for parents of babies 0-18 months who work during the week. This group meets the 2nd Saturday of the month at 10:30 AM.

For more information and to receive links and updates please email parentchildeducation@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. 

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

This in-person 2 1/2 hour class was developed exclusively for families expecting multiples. Class covers topics from the anatomy of twin and higher order multiple pregnancies, to the management of pregnancy, labor and birth, and early parenting. All classes are taught by a nationally certified childbirth educator. Class numbers will be limited to 4 families for a personalized class experience.

Registration Fee: $25

Register here for the Twins, Triplets, and More Class