Childbirth and Parenting Classes at Pennsylvania Hospital

Free Expectant Parents Orientation

Pennsylvania Hospital is pleased to offer an Expectant Parents Orientation. This free session will include a virtual tour of our Labor and Delivery and Birthing Suites, as well as an opportunity to ask all the questions you have about giving birth at Pennsylvania Hospital. We will introduce you to our Baby-Friendly hospital practices and let you know how we will help you to meet your infant feeding goals. We will also cover the nitty gritty details about where to park, what entrance to use, etc.

Watch the orientation video to learn what to expect and take a virtual tour of Pennsylvania Hospital's Labor and Delivery and Birthing Suites. If you have any questions, please email michelle.rodriguez@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.

Labor Lab

Currently available as an interactive online class

Perfect to refresh your relaxation skills for a second or third birth or enhance your childbirth education class for baby number one. This "lab" class focuses exclusively on comfort measures for labor. Taught by certified childbirth educators and birth doulas, this will be time well spent for expectant women and their partners. Two hours of class time and homework that you will love!

Fee: $40 per expectant mother and one support person.

For best date options, please register for class when entering the third trimester and select a class that ends approximately 3-5 weeks before your due date.

Childbirth Prep 101, 4-Week Virtual Class

Expectant parents will learn the value of working as a team during the childbirth process. This virtual class is taught by a certified childbirth educator and covers breathing and relaxation techniques, stages of labor, medication options, and cesarean birth. The four-week series provides the opportunity to connect online with other expectant parents.

Fee: $150

For best date options, please register for class when entering the third trimester and select a class that ends approximately 3-5 weeks before your due date.

Childbirth Prep 101, In-Person Class

This in-person class is taught in a large auditorium with a small number of participants to allow ample room for social distancing. Masks must be worn by class participants throughout the class. Participants will go through a screening process before entering the auditorium. Please do not come to the class if you are feeling sick.

During this one-day class, expectant parents will learn the value of working as a team during the childbirth process. This class is taught by a certified childbirth educator and covers breathing and relaxation techniques, stages of labor, medication options, and cesarean birth.

Fee: $150 per couple, including parking

For best date options, please register for class when entering the third trimester and select a class that ends approximately 3-5 weeks before your due date.

LGBTQ+ Birth Prep 101

In this class we will cover the stages of labor, comfort measures, common medical interventions, and the first days after birth in gender-affirming language and with content specific to LGBTQ+ families. This course includes lots of tips for birth partners and is made to help you and your support people feel knowledgeable and confident going into birth! All those who identify as LGBTQ+ and their partners are welcome to attend.

Fee: $150

For best date options, please register for class when entering the third trimester and select a class that ends approximately 3-5 weeks before your due date. 

Prepared Childbirth PLUS

Currently available as an interactive, 4-week online series

For those considering a low-intervention birth, this three-class series focuses on tuning in to the maternal body and emphasizes non-pharmacologic relaxation techniques, birthing imagery and physiologic positions for labor. The class series encourages optimal communication among expectant parents and their health care providers.

Fee: $160 per couple

For best date options, please register for class when entering the third trimester and select a class that ends approximately 3-5 weeks before your due date.

Understanding Birth e-Learning

This evidence-based, engaging online program is available for you and a partner to enjoy from the safety and convenience of your own home. Includes narration from a professional educator, engaging videos, 3D animations, learning activities and more.  Includes downloadable PDFs and a Parents' Toolbox. Registration provides access to the course content for 60 days, so it is recommended to launch the program 2.5 to 3 months before your due date.

Fee: $120

For best date options, please register for class when entering the third trimester and select a class that ends approximately 3-5 weeks before your due date.

How to Have a Safe and Active Pregnancy

Currently available as an interactive, online course

Penn Therapy & Fitness offers an interactive, virtual class on exercise and fitness during and after pregnancy. This monthly program offers guidelines for exercise during pregnancy, including specific exercises and ways to move to avoid injury. This course, delivered through the BlueJeans videoconferencing platform, also highlights activities to avoid and warning signs to stop exercise, as well as postural changes and their effect on your overall well-being.

The instructor will also discuss:

• Common discomforts during pregnancy and how exercise can help
• Proper positioning during feeding
• Proper lifting and carrying techniques
• General stretching and strengthening exercises important during and after pregnancy

Upcoming classes are July 7, Aug. 4, Sept. 1, Oct. 6, Nov. 3, and Dec. 1.

Fee: $10 per class. Register at pennpartners.org/pregnancy or email ActivePregnancy@uphs.upenn.edu.

Instructions for accessing BlueJeans and a link to the meeting will be provided before class.

Baby Care Basics

Currently available as an interactive online class

Boost your confidence as a new parent by learning safe and comfortable ways to care for, swaddle, diaper and bathe your baby. We will also discuss normal newborn appearance and characteristics.

We offer this class both virtually and in-person. Please check carefully when registering to make sure that you select the option you prefer. In-person classes are taught in a large auditorium with a small number of participants to allow ample room for social distancing. Masks must be worn by class participants throughout the class. Participants will go through a screening process before entering the auditorium. Please do not come to class if you are feeling sick.

Fee: $40 per couple

For best date options, please register for class when entering the third trimester and select a class that ends approximately 3-5 weeks before your due date.

Infant/Child Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

This CPR class is taught by instructors certified by the American Heart Association. This "friends and family" non-certifying course focuses on rescue procedures for infants and children up to eight years of age. Instruction covers emergencies such as choking, respiratory arrest and cardiac arrest. Parents, grandparents, and child care providers are encouraged to attend.

Fee: $55 per person

For best date options, please register for class when entering the third trimester and select a class that ends approximately 3-5 weeks before your due date.

Pediatric First Aid

This class is taught by an American Heart Association certified instructor who will help expectant and new parents learn how to handle many emergencies that can occur with babies and young children. There is a focus on child safety and prevention, as well as specific action plans for when mishaps do happen and how to stock a first-aid kit.

Fee: $55 per person

For best date options, please register for class when entering the third trimester and select a class that ends approximately 3-5 weeks before your due date.

Beginning Breastfeeding

Currently available as an interactive online class

Taught by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), this class will help get you off to a good start with breastfeeding. Partners and your support team are welcome to come at no additional cost.

We offer this class both virtually and in-person. Please check carefully when registering to make sure that you select the option you prefer. In-person classes are taught in a large auditorium with a small number of participants to allow ample room for social distancing. Masks must be worn by class participants throughout the class. Participants will go through a screening process before entering the auditorium. Please do not come to class if you are feeling sick.

Fee: $35

For best date options, please register for class when entering the third trimester and select a class that ends approximately 3-5 weeks before your due date.

Becoming Grand

Currently available as an interactive online class

This one-evening course helps grandparents-to-be and new grands tap into the wisdom they have acquired through experience while learning ways to help and support the new parents. Come learn what's new and evidence-based in the world of infant safety and parenting and share with other grands.

Fee: $25 per person/$40 per couple

Baby Whisperer Workshop

Currently available as an interactive online class

This two-hour workshop is packed with magic. Learn to understand your baby's unique language, pick up on the nuances of behavior, and adopt strategies to soothe your little one. Perfect for partners wanting pointers just for them! Baby Whisperer is a complement to, rather than a replacement for, Baby Care Basics.

We offer this class both virtually and in-person. Please check carefully when registering to make sure that you select the option you prefer. In-person classes are taught in a large auditorium with a small number of participants to allow ample room for social distancing. Masks must be worn by class participants throughout the class. Participants will go through a screening process before entering the auditorium. Please do not come to class if you are feeling sick.

Fee: $40 per couple

For best date options, please register for class when entering the third trimester and select a class that ends approximately 3-5 weeks before your due date.

Junior College: Just for Siblings

Geared for soon-to-be big brothers and sisters between 2 1/2 and 5 years of age, this 75-minute session includes age appropriate discussion about baby behavior including crying, feelings, becoming a "big", and how to "help". A parent will attend with the child.

Fee: $20 per child and parent, $30 for a second child in the same family

For best date options, please register for class when entering the third trimester and select a class that ends approximately 3-5 weeks before your due date.

Baby Talk!

Do you want to unlock communication with your new baby? Here is a key!

Join us for a 60-minute workshop designed to help you communicate with your newborn. We will focus on language development, comprehension, expression, basic sign language and identifying your baby's non-verbal communication signals. Led by a Speech Language Pathologist with a specialty in child development, this group is designed for parents and caregivers of children 6 months old or younger. 
 
Fee: $20

Beyond Birth

After months of anticipation and excitement, your baby is here. Often, life after baby is not how you imagined it. You may be anxious, having trouble sleeping, afraid to take your eyes off your sleeping infant. You may feel down, emotional, and unsure of yourself. There is often a sense of guilt, as you ask yourself, "Why aren't I happy during this happy time?" You are not alone. We invite you to participate in an online support group led by a licensed professional counselor who specializes in this time of life. There is no cost, and we hope you will join. You will be able to hear from other parents of infants 0-12 weeks of age and learn some skills and resources as you navigate the transition to parenthood. This group meets virtually.

Breastfeeding and Returning to Work

You've got the basics down and even feel like a pro, but now it's time to start planning for your return to work. What are your options? How can you make work work? Taught by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), you need this 90-minute class. BYOB: Bring Your Own Baby.

Fee: $30

Exploring Parenthood I (3 weeks to 3 months)

The Hall-Mercer Child and Parent Center offers this 6-week, 90-minute virtual discussion group for first-time parents of infants between 3 weeks and 3 months old. The group is led by experts in newborn care and infant development and can help you adjust to new parenthood. You'll be able to ask questions, share experiences, and learn how to parent with confidence. Baby games, stories, and songs also will be shared. In this class, you will meet parents whose infants are the same age as yours.

Topics may include:

• Establishing a sleep and feeding routine
• Returning to work
• Finding great childcare
• Learning through play
• Physical, social and emotional milestones
• Life changes of new parenthood
• Parenting during a global pandemic

Fee: $180 for a 6-week series.

Exploring Parenthood II (4 to 7 months)

The Hall-Mercer Child and Parent Center offers this 6-week, 90-minute virtual discussion group for first-time parents of infants between 4 months and 7 months old. The group is led by experts in newborn care and infant development and can help you adjust to new parenthood. You'll be able to ask questions, share experiences, and learn how to parent with confidence. Baby games, stories, and songs also will be shared. In this class, you will meet parents whose infants are the same age as yours.

Topics may include:

• Establishing a sleep and feeding routine
• Returning to work
• Finding great childcare
• Learning through play
• Physical, social and emotional milestones
• Life changes of new parenthood
• Parenting during a global pandemic

Fee: $180 for a 6-week series.

1:1 Parenting Coaching Sessions

These 1:1 parenting sessions allow time for the Child Development Specialist to learn about your unique family and your specific parenting issues. 

Typical topics may include, but are not limited to tantrums, potty learning, aggression, picky eating, socialization, sleep, limit-setting, and language development.

With a wealth of experience at Pennsylvania Hospital's Child and Parent Center, your Child Development Specialist will help you understand what to expect developmentally for your child's age.  Sessions are designed to help parents connect with their child or children in positive ways, to develop skills and strategies to address identified issues, and to more effectively parent. 
 
Fee: $100 for the first session if participants are new to the Child and Parent Center; $60 per hour-long session for subsequent sessions and for current and past participants of Child and Parent Center programs.

Navigating the Fourth Trimester: Your Postpartum Body and Health

Learn about the most common causes of musculoskeletal and pelvic floor dysfunction following pregnancy and delivery. This course will offers tips and advice to women in the postpartum phase on management of these conditions, as well as some helpful guidance on returning to physical activity.  

Instructors will also cover: 

• General discussion of the benefits of exercise postpartum
• Scar management strategies
• Demonstrations of core strengthening and other exercises 
• Common, safe modes of exercise postpartum and when to return to sport 

Fee: $10 per class.

Register online or email ActivePregnancy@uphs.upenn.edu.

Parenting Your 2 & 3-Year-Old

In our Two/Three-Year Old playgroup, children will enjoy exploring our developmentally stimulating roof play-space to climb and slide in the playhouse, ride in push cars and tricycles, play with balls, trucks, cars, dolls and other toys that inspire imaginative play. Our classes include a thematic curriculum and there will also be time for more structured activities like art projects, sensory activities, puzzles, story-time, musical instruments, books, songs, games and movement activities to delight your child and provide you with inspiration for at-home ideas.

In this group, you will become more self-confident as a parent. Guided by an expert in early childhood development and education, the group will provide support as you share your experiences and ask questions so you can parent your 2 and 3-year-old with confidence and best support your toddler's physical, social and emotional milestones. We will also include creative ways to support your toddler's development during unprecedented times at home. Instructors will present different parenting topics each week based on group interest, including: language development, handling tantrums, separation anxiety, sharing, social skills, potty training, positive discipline, getting ready for preschool and parenting during a pandemic.

This class is a great way to find other parents who are in the same stage of parenting and get lots of information about how to enrich your child's development. Parents will enjoy getting to know new friends from their community and discussing their questions and concerns with their group members and instructor. And the children love to spend time socializing as they make their "first friends" at playgroup!

Sweet Sleep Seminar

Currently available as an interactive online class

This 90-minute class will help you develop an understanding of infant sleep and maybe help you get some sleep yourself! There is so much advice about sleep — and much of it is contradictory. What is normal? What is safe? And how can I foster healthy sleep patterns in my baby?

This session is geared for parents of infants 4 weeks to 4 months old. However, expectant parents, grandparents, and caregivers will also benefit from attending. Babes in arms are welcome!

Free Support Group for Breastfeeding Mothers

Mondays from 12:30 to 2 pm. Come share questions, trials, and triumphs with other parents. This is mother-to-mother support facilitated by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Every Monday except for holidays at Solutions for Women.