Penn nurses teach classes at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania to enhance your birth experience and help you prepare for the new addition to your family.

To register for your class, please visit our online registration page, or email childbirthclass@uphs.upenn.edu for more information.. 

We offer the following courses:

Breastfeeding Classes

Breastfeeding Support Group

Come share your breastfeeding experiences in a non-judgemental enviroment with other moms from noon to 2 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of every month. Support groups are held in the Family Caregiver Center, Ravdin 1.  A board certified lactation consultant will provide you with information on troubleshooting breastfeeding difficulties or discuss returning to work and pumping. We will also provide a scale to check your baby's weight. Registration is not needed. 

Making It Work with Breastfeeding

Our lactation team is often asked, “I’m returning to work or school and have been breastfeeding and want to continue to give my baby breastmilk, what do I do?” This class will cover feeding concerns such as how to choose a breast pump, pumping and storing milk, building a breast milk stash, and paced bottle feeding. Also how to pave the way for a smooth transition back to work, questions to discuss with management or HR, and how to partner with employers to ensure balance. Childcare options and creative solutions are discussed, as well as self-care. Partners and babies are welcome! 

This class is free of charge, but you must register to attend.

Breastfeeding Clinic

Any mother will tell you that the first few days home with a new baby can be the most challenging. To continue the support after discharge, we’ve established a Breastfeeding Clinic every second and fourth Friday at Penn Family Care primary practice. This is a collaborative effort to provide comprehensive lactation support after being discharged.

This class is by appointment only.

Breastfeeding Al La Carte Class

This is a FREE class for expectant mothers and their birth partners who would like to learn more about breastfeeding techniques. It is ideal for a new mother or as a refresher course. This class is taught by a Board Certified Lactation Consultant. If you are considering breastfeeding or have chosen to breastfed your baby, this class will provide information, encouragement, and support for successful breastfeeding.

Childbirth Classes

Early Pregnancy Class

Expectant parents are encouraged to take this class in the first trimester. Topics include proper nutrition, exercise, tests and screenings, fetal growth and development, and your changing body.

Preparation for Childbirth

Topics include labor and delivery, anesthesia, cesarean sections, breastfeeding, newborn and pediatric care, breathing and relaxation techniques, and tours of the labor, delivery and maternity floors. Guest speakers include obstetrical anesthesiologists and pediatricians. This course is offered as six evening sessions OR one Saturday or one Sunday and three evening sessions.

Comfort with Contractions

This interactive class is designed for the expectant mother (and their support person) who have already completed the Preparation for Childbirth class. This class will focus on the mind-body connection, proper breathing and relaxation and comfort techniques. This class is taught by a certified birth Doula and Childbirth Educator. This class is hands-on, so students need to dress comfortably and bring a pillow for floor exercises.

Maternity Unit Tour

Our maternity tours offer parents an opportunity to visit the Hospital of The University of Pennsylvania Labor & Delivery Unit & Postpartum Unit. This hour long tour will provide time to answer questions regarding our policies and procedures. Tours are FREE. Grandparents and siblings over 7 years of age may attend. (Note: this tour is included with the Preparation for Childbirth Class four-week and six-week series.)

Preparing for Multiples

This class is designed for parents that are expecting multiple babies. You will receive useful information about caring for multiples and receive a tour of the Intensive Care Nursery.

Baby Safety Classes

Safety Class

A representative from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation demonstrates and reviews infant car seat installation and provides locations where parents can get their seat inspected. In addition, topics such as home safety, poison control, medication safety and tips for childproofing your home are given by a Children’s Hospital (CHOP) educator from the Poison Control Department.

Sibling Class

Both parents and children (ages 3-10) can enjoy this special class. This class focuses on the child’s role as the new big brother or sister. Class activities include making a craft for the new baby, learning about safety around a newborn, proper hand washing techniques, and discussion around the changes that occur within a family. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Family and Friends CPR

This course teaches the lifesaving skills of infant CPR and relief of choking. Skills are taught in a dynamic group environment by using AHA’s research-proven practice-while-watching technique, which provides students with the most hands on CPR practice time possible.

Family and Friends CPR is designed for individuals who want to learn CPR but do not need a course completion card. This course is ideal for new parents, grandparents, babysitters and others interested in saving a life.