Childbirth and Parenting Classes

This popular, two-hour class, taught by a LMT, allows your husband, partner or friend to learn how to be actively involved in easing discomforts as you go through the challenges of pregnancy and birthing. Birth partner massage covers relevant anatomy, contraindications, relief of common pregnancy muscular discomforts, and massage ergonomics. You'll learn great pain relief techniques for labor, where and when to use them, and many other comfort measures. Register online by searching for the class by name or call 203-688-2000 or toll-free 1-888-700-6543.

Our Breastfeeding Basics Class is taught by International Board of Lactation Consultants and is for expectant and new parents. Learn the basics of breastfeeding, including proper latch-on, infant feeding cues, positioning and how to establish a good milk supply. Enrollees are encouraged to bring a support person to class. Register online by searching for the class by name or call 203-688-2000 or toll-free 1-888-700-6543.

In this workshop, you and will learn several “tools” for labor, including positions, movements, relaxation, affirmations, visualization and breath work for labor. You and your partner will also practice hands-on techniques including some basic skills using the Rebozo, a special Mexican woven cloth used for generations during the birthing time. Learn which supplies to pack and what is available at the hospital for you to use.  

You’ll be moving around so be sure to wear comfortable clothes and bring a water bottle.

This is an ideal class for those who would like a refresher and for first time moms who have already taken the Childbirth Education in-person class or Understanding Birth e-Class and are looking for more in-depth strategies for comfort and support in labor.

To register, search for tool kit on our Classes and Events page or call 203-688-2000, toll free 1-888-700-6543.

This class teaches parents about medically-necessary cesarean birth in a way that's interactive, easy to understand and relatable.

Topics covered:

• Types & Reasons for Cesareans
• Family-Centered Cesarean Birth Options
• Signs of Labor
• Preparing for Surgery
• Anesthesia & Surgical Procedure
• Breastfeeding & Recovery

This class takes 2 to 3 hours to complete and can be viewed on your PC, phone or tablet. You will have nine months of access to your class once you log in. Register online by searching for the class by name or call 203-688-2000, toll-free 1-888-700-6543.

Full day course. Lead by a certified childbirth professional, you and your partner will learn the anatomy of labor and birth, comfort measures, types of birth including vaginal and Cesarean; the role of the support person, pain relief options and much more. 

Maternity tour is not included in childbirth classes; please register for your free tour separately.

We recommend that Childbirth Education be taken two months prior to your due date. Our childbirth classes are recommended for first time parents, experienced parents, parents expecting multiples as well as parents preparing for VBAC (vaginal birth after cesearan). Register online by searching for the class by name or call 203-688-2000 or toll-free 1-888-700-6543.

This class is taught by a Family Paws Parent Educator and is a must for new and expectant families with dogs. Dogs & Storks was created to provide families and professionals with the resource to successfully include the dog as the family grows. Topics covered include: getting to know your dog, obedience and training, changes in routine, managing kid and dog zones, preparing for baby, coming home and meeting baby, and ages and stages: what to look out for. Register online by searching for the class by name or call 203-688-2000 or toll-free 1-888-700-6543.

This is a 4-hour, friend and family, infant/child CPR class offered by the American Heart Association. The class teaches the basics of infant/child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as well as safety including prevention of common childhood accidents and injuries. This class is recommended for parents, grandparents and babysitters. Register online by searching for the class by name or call 203-688-2000, toll-free 1-888-700-6543.

We will take you on a one-hour guided tour which will include admission, labor and birth, postpartum and discharge. Schedule the tour at least two to three months before the due date. The tour is free and designed for expectant moms and their partners only. Before you register, please check with your provider to check which campus they deliver on. 

Register online by searching for the class by name or call 203-688-2000 or toll-free 1-888-700-6543.

Children can get familiar with the hospital in our Sibling Class.

The purpose of this class is to answer questions about the midwifery model of care at Yale New Haven Hospital's Saint Raphael Campus. It's specifically designed for Yale Health Plan expectant couples; however, anyone is welcome. Discussion will focus on prenatal care and labor support options. A tour of the labor and birth unit at the Saint Raphael Campus will also be included. Register online by searching for the class by name or call 203-688-2000 or toll-free 1-888-700-6543.

This course covers the essentials of newborn care including bathing, diapering, swaddling, typical newborn appearance and methods of soothing a fussy baby. It also features a question-and-answer forum with a local pediatrician. This is a 3-hour course. Register online by searching for the class by name or call 203-688-2000 or toll-free 1-888-700-6543.

Getting your child ready to be the "Big Brother" or "Big Sister" isn't always easy. This unique, popular class is for children ages 3-10. It also includes an introduction to the hospital. Reserve your child's spot two months before your baby's due date.

This class is designed for parents who can’t make it to an on-site class, or those who simply prefer the convenience of online learning. Our curriculum provides comprehensive childbirth education that prepares expectant parents to have healthier and more satisfying birth experiences. Engaging video, life-like 3D animation and personal birth stories give parents the knowledge and confidence they need to make informed decisions about labor and birth. It takes 4 to 6 hours to complete and can be viewed on your PC, phone or tablet. You will have 90 days of access to your class once enrolled. 

Register online by searching for the class by name or call 203-688-2000, toll-free 1-888-700-6543.

Our Understanding Breastfeeding curriculum helps improve a mother's success with breastfeeding. Through step-by-step instructions and 3D animation, moms learn how to achieve a deep latch, breastfeeding holds and positions, and how to maintain healthy milk production. This course takes 2-3 hours to compete and follows International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) recommendations and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines.

You will have nine months of access once you log in. Register online by searching for the class by name on our Classes and Events page.

This online class is designed for parents expecting multiples.

The content includes: Pregnancy, labor and delivery, breastfeeding, postpartum recovery and the first few weeks at home. Engaging videos, 3D animation and personal birth stories will help give parents the knowledge and confidence they need to make informed decisions about their labor and birth. The class takes 3-5 hours to complete and can be viewed on your PC, phone or tablet. You will have 9 months of access to your class once you log in.  

Register online by searching for the class by name on our Classes and Events page.