Many insurance companies reimburse for prenatal classes, so check with your provider before class begins.
All classes are held in Conference Room 2 at UPMC Horizon's Shenango Valley campus. For more information or to register for classes, call 724-983-8730.
Please visit the Classes and Events page for dates and times of upcoming classes.
View our 2018 class schedule
Prepared Childbirth Education
Prepared Childbirth Education is a four-week course that offers expectant parents insight into labor, delivery, post-partum, and newborn care. Classes provide an informal and relaxed atmosphere encouraging the exchange of questions and answers about birth and what typically happens during the hospital stay. Classes are designed to inform parents about:
- Signs of labor
- Relaxation skills
- Comfort measures
- Pain management through epidurals
- Breathing techniques
- Newborn care
The mother-to-be and her support person have hands-on practice with various comfort measures and rehearse for labor, which helps to decrease anxiety and uncertainty regarding the upcoming birth. Instructors are Lamaze-certified.
Prepared Childbirth Education Weekend Class
These are two-day courses offered on Thursday evenings and for eight hours on Saturdays, offering expectant parents insight into labor, delivery, post-partum, and newborn care. Classes are designed to inform parents about:
- Signs of labor
- Relaxation skills
- Comfort measures
- Pain management through epidurals
- Breathing techniques
- Newborn care
The mother-to-be and her support person will have hands-on practice with various comfort measures and rehearse for labor, which helps to decrease anxiety and uncertainty regarding the upcoming birth. Instructors are Lamaze-certified.
The Breastfeeding Class
This is a two-hour educational session for expectant parents to help moms-to-be feel confident about the choice to breastfeed. Topics include getting started with positioning baby and latching-on, recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and continuing breastfeeding whether at home or at work. Lactation consultants will answer questions and address concerns regarding the benefits of breastfeeding. Support people (including spouses) are encouraged to attend.
The Sibling Class
This class introduces children to the role of big brother or sister. Some activities include making a "Welcome Home" poster for the newborn, t-shirt painting, a tour of the obstetrics department, and snack time. Children ages 3 to 12 are welcome.
The Family and Friends Pediatric CPR Course
This CPR course focuses on basic one-person rescue CPR and relief of foreign body obstruction (choking) for conscious children and infants. An instruction booklet is included with the cost of the course.
Baby Care Basics
New parents learn basic skills including care and feeding, as well as insight into infant behaviors with an emphasis on safety and health. This three-hour class includes a tour of Birth Place and a car seat safety check by a certified technician.
