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.