Baystate Health now offers virtual classes for pregnant women and families. These courses provide a safe alternative to in person classes in the age of COVID-19.
Topics covered include:
- Preparing for birth
- Stages of labor
- Basics of breathing and massage for labor
- Baby safety
- Breastfeeding
- Bonding with baby
Cost per course range from $12 - $165.
Available Classes
Among the classes currently offered are:
Virtual (WebEx) Childbirth Education Bundle
Learn in a virtual classroom while having your questions answered in real time.
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Class 1 – Stages of labor and delivery/basic comfort techniques
- Class 2 – Medications/medical interventions/Cesarean sections
- Class 3 – Postpartum care/newborn care
- Class 4 – Prenatal breastfeeding
Basics: Breathing, Massage and Positions for Labor Virtual Class
Learn helpful breathing patterns, massage and relaxation techniques and a variety of comfort positions useful during labor in this unique virtual class.
Online Preparation for Childbirth
This class is ideal for those who enjoy learning at their own pace.
The eight-chapter program will help participants to:
- Understand what is happening to your body
- Prepare for birth
- Identify pre-labor signs and the onset of labor.
You will also watch amazing real-life birth stories, discover helpful comfort techniques (breathing, relaxation, massage, visualization, etc.), and get advice for partners.
Keeping Baby Safe
Parents learn how to keep their baby safe including infant CPR, first aid for choking, poison prevention, baby-proofing your home, and car seat safety.
Virtual Prenatal Yoga
Learn postures, breathing techniques and meditation to help ease pregnancy aches, prepare your body for delivery, and improve your chances for a smoother recovery.
Virtual (WebEx) Infant Care
Topics include:
-
Creating and maintaining a loving bond
- Diapering and bathing
- Taking baby's temperature
- Comforting techniques
- Infant feeding cues
- Sleep patterns
- Normal infant appearance and behavior
- When to call the physician
Virtual Postnatal Newborn Behavior and Feeding
Taken after you deliver, this class provides support for new parents and information on newborn behavior in the first few weeks of your infant’s life.
Participants learn about:
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Feeding cues for breast and bottle feeding
- Infant sleep patterns
- Comforting a crying infant
- Returning to work
- Support for breastfeeding moms
- Pumping techniques
- Storage of breast milk
For More Information
Learn more about the virtual parent education classes and breastfeeding classes. You can also call the Parent Education Department at 413-794-5515.