Classes and Parenting Groups
In-Person or Virtual Classes to Support You
At Baystate Health, we provide a wealth of education and support for expectant parents and families. We can help through every stage of pregnancy, childbirth, delivery, and beyond.
Childbirth and parent classes cover a range of topics, from breastfeeding to childbirth, parenting and more. We also offer support groups for new parents and families.
We offer virtual classes and groups out of Springfield and Greenfield.
Baystate Medical Center Classes
Please note, the same curriculum is reviewed in all Childbirth Education Bundles. They are offered in varying lengths to accommodate individual preference of learning style and availability.
4-Day Class Childbirth Education Bundle
Cost: $175
Duration: Four 2-hour classes per bundle
Format: In-Person
Max class size: 8
About This Class
A comprehensive series to prepare you for labor, delivery, postpartum, and life with your newborn. This interactive course covers everything expectant parents need to feel confident as they prepare to welcome their baby. Taught by certified Baystate Health Childbirth Educators, this series combines expert guidance, hands-on learning, and a hospital tour to help you prepare for birth and early parenthood.
If attending an in-person Childbirth Education Bundle, a hospital tour is included. If attending a virtual Childbirth Education Bundle, we invite you to register for a free hospital tour on our website at your convenience.
Upcoming Dates
February Course:
Feb 1, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
Feb 2, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
Feb 22, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
Feb 23, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
April Course:
April 12, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
April 13, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
April 19, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
April 20, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
June Course:
June 7, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
June 8, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
June 14, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
June 15, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
4-Day Class Virtual Childbirth Education Bundle
Cost: $175
Duration: Four 2-hour classes per bundle
Format: Virtual
Max class size: n/a
About This Class
The 4-Day Class Virtual Childbirth Education bundle follows the same curriculum of the in-person bundle. You’ll receive the same expert instruction, educational materials, and interactive guidance whether you attend in person or online.
Upcoming Dates
March Course:
March 1, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
March 2, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
March 8, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
March 9, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
May Course:
May 3, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
May 4, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
May 17, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
May 18, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
2-Day Class Childbirth Education Bundle Express
Cost: $175
Duration: Two 6-hour days per bundle
Format: In-Person
Max class size: 8
About This Class
The 2-Day Childbirth Education Bundle Express covers the same curriculum as our 4-Day bundle, condensed into a convenient two-day format.
Upcoming Dates
February course:
Feb 21, 2026 9 am-3 pm
Feb 28, 2026 9 am-3 pm
April course:
April 19, 2026 9 am-3 pm
April 26, 2026 9 am-3 pm
June course:
June 13, 2026 9 am-3 pm
June 20, 2026 9 am-3 pm
All-in-1-Day Class Childbirth Education Bundle Express
Cost: $175
Duration: 8 hours
Format: In-Person
Max class size: 8
About This Class
The All-in-1-Day Childbirth Education Bundle Express follows the same curriculum of the 4-Day bundle but in an accelerated full-day comprehensive class to prepare you for labor, birth, breastfeeding, postpartum recovery, and caring for your newborn.
Upcoming Dates
January 17, 2026 9 am-5 pm
February 8, 2026 9 am-5 pm
March 21, 2026 9 am-5 pm
Personalized One-Hour Childbirth Education Session
Cost: $40 nonrefundable
Duration: 1 hour
Format: Virtual
Max class size: n/a
About This Class
This private virtual class is tailored to your needs and schedule. Whether you want a focused refresher, have specific questions, or simply prefer individualized support, this session provides expert guidance in a condensed, personalized format.
Upcoming Dates
By request
Cesarean Birth Preparation Class
Cost: $40
Duration: 2 hours
Format: In-Person
Max class size: 8
About This Class
This supportive, informative session is designed for expectant parents who know or suspect that a Cesarean birth may be part of their delivery journey. Led by certified Baystate Health Childbirth Educators, this class helps you and your support person feel informed, calm, and confident about what to expect before, during, and after a Cesarean birth. The class includes a guided tour of Baystate Medical Center’s Labor & Delivery and Postpartum Units, helping you become familiar with where your Cesarean birth and recovery will take place. We recommend taking this class anytime after 30 weeks of pregnancy.
Upcoming Dates
February 28, 2026 4 pm-6 pm
April 25, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
June 20, 2026 5:50pm-7:30pm
Basic Breathing and Positioning for Labor and Birth
Cost: $40
Duration: 2 hours
Format: In-Person
Max class size: 8
About This Class
This interactive, hands-on workshop is designed to help expectant parents learn helpful breathing patterns, massage, relaxation techniques, and comfort positions for labor and birth. Perfect for those with busy schedules or looking for a refresher course before their next baby, this class provides practical, evidence-based coping strategies that support all birth preferences — whether you plan to use medical pain relief or not. Couples will work together to explore partner-based practices that ease tension, encourage progress, and promote connection throughout the birthing journey. Be ready to move, breathe, and participate!
Upcoming Dates
February 22, 2026 12 pm-2:30 pm
April 25, 2026 1:30 pm-3:30 pm
April 26, 2026 1:30 pm-3:30 pm
June 6, 2026 4 pm-6 pm
Childbirth Q & A
Cost: Free
Duration: 1 hour
Format: Virtual
Max class size: n/a
About This Class
Join us for a free virtual drop-in Q&A session with our Certified Parent Educators. This informal session is designed to help you navigate and plan for childbirth and early parenting. There’s no set curriculum — simply join anytime during the hour to ask your questions. Whether you’re just starting your parent education journey or looking for clarification before registering, this is the perfect place to start!
Upcoming Dates
February 22, 2026 6 pm-7 pm
April 12, 2026 6 pm-7 pm
June 14, 2026 6 pm-7 pm
Baby’s Home, Now What?
Cost: Free for Baystate patients and employees
Duration: 2 hours
Format: Virtual
Max class size: n/a
About this Class
This is a postpartum class for new parents after your baby is born. This virtual class offers postpartum support and education for new parents, focusing on the emotional and physical adjustments that come with bringing your baby home. Join a Baystate Health Parent Educator for a practical and reassuring session designed to help you understand your baby’s early behaviors, support your recovery, and confidently navigate the first three months—often called the “fourth trimester.”
Upcoming Dates
January 13, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
February 10, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
March 10, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
April 14, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
May 12, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
June 9, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
Infant Care Class
Cost: $40
Duration: 2 hours
Format: In Person
Max class size: 8
About This Class
Learn the essentials of caring for your newborn. This hands-on prenatal class teaches practical skills and helpful tips to support your baby during the first few months. Ideal for expectant parents, adoptive parents, grandparents, and caregivers.
If you are registered for the Childbirth Class Bundle, this class is already included.
Upcoming Dates
January 24, 2026 9 am-12 pm
March 28, 2026 9 am-12 pm
May 17, 2026 9 am-12 pm
Virtual Infant Care Class
Cost: $40 per ticket (one ticket covers two people)
Duration: 2 hours
Format: Virtual (live on Zoom)
Max class size: n/a
About This Class
This course covers the same curriculum as the In-Person Infant Care Class (see above for full description), just in a virtual classroom setting.
Upcoming Dates
January 11, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
March 8, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
May 17, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
Prenatal Breastfeeding Class
Cost: $40
Duration: 2 hours
Format: In-person
Max class size: 8
About This Class
Our Prenatal Breastfeeding Class is designed to help you get breastfeeding off to a confident start. Although a natural process, breastfeeding is a learned experience for both parent and baby. This class helps you define your goals, prepare for what to expect, and establish the right support for your breastfeeding journey. This class is for the pregnant person and a partner or support person.
If you are registered for the Childbirth Class Bundle, your Prenatal Breastfeeding Class is already included — you do not need to register separately.
Upcoming Dates
Jan 24, 2026 12 pm-3 pm
March 28, 2026 12 pm-3 pm
May 17, 2026 12 pm-3 pm
Virtual Prenatal Breastfeeding Class
Cost: $40
Duration: 2 hours
Format: Virtual
Max class size: n/a
About This Class
Our virtual and in-person classes use the same curriculum, taught by the same certified educators. You’ll receive identical expert instruction, materials, and interactive guidance — just choose the format that best fits your comfort and schedule. This class is held live via Zoom and includes opportunities for questions and discussion. You will receive your meeting link by email prior to the session.
Upcoming Dates
January 12, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
March 9, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
May 18, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
Keeping Baby Safe
Cost: $40
Duration:
Format: Virtual
Max class size: n/a
About This Class
This is a Baby Safety Course for New & Expecting Parents. An important step in preparing for your newborn is understanding how to keep them safe. Join Baystate Health expert for an engaging and practical class designed to help new and expecting parents (or grandparents) feel confident about safety at home, in the car, and beyond. From choking prevention to water safety, this class provides up-to-date safety education and practical resources to give your family a little more peace of mind.
Upcoming Dates
January 1, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
February 4, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
March 4, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
April 1, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
May 6, 2026 6 pm-8 pm
Baystate Babysitter’s Academy
Cost: $75
Duration: 6 hours
Format: In-Person
Max class size: 8
Ages: 11–14
About This Class
Learn, Lead, and Care with Confidence. This interactive, in-person course is designed for students ages 11 and up who want to learn how to safely and responsibly care for children — whether babysitting siblings, family members, or neighborhood kids. Participants will gain the confidence and skills to handle real-life babysitting situations, including how to care for infants and young children, keep them safe, and respond in emergencies. Upon completion of the course, each participant will receive a Baystate Babysitter’s Academy Certificate of Completion. Recommended for ages 11-14.
Upcoming Dates
February 15, 2026 9 am-3 pm
April 18, 2026 9 am-3 pm
Available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Arabic, Japanese, and Chinese. Haitian Creole, Russian, Nepali, Pashto, Swahili, Hmong, Somali, French, Vietnamese, Korean, Polish, Hindi, and Italian.
Baystate Online Childbirth Preparation Class
Cost: $80 nonrefundable
Duration: Self-paced, approximately 3-6 hours
Format: Virtual
Max class size: n/a
About This Class
Learn at your own pace from the comfort of your home! This comprehensive online class uses engaging videos, 3D animations, and interactive activities to help you understand pregnancy, labor, birth, and beyond. Our eight-chapter program provides essential, evidence-based education to help you feel informed and confident for your birth experience.
Baystate Online Sibling Preparation Class
Cost: $40 nonrefundable
Duration: Self-paced, approximately 3-4 hours
Format: Virtual
Max class size: n/a
About This Class
Help your child get ready to become a Super Sibling! This engaging, self-paced online class provides a wonderful opportunity for you and your child to bond while preparing for your family’s newest addition. Through interactive videos, stories, and activities, children learn what to expect when the baby arrives and how to be loving, safe, and helpful big brothers or sisters. Recommended for parents and children ages 3-10.
Baystate Online Multiples Preparation Class
Cost: $80 nonrefundable
Duration: Self-paced, approximately 3-5 hours
Format: Virtual
Max class size: n/a
About This Class
Expecting twins or more? This comprehensive, self-paced online class is designed specifically for families preparing to welcome multiples. With engaging videos, interactive activities, and evidence-based information, you’ll gain confidence for pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and life at home with two (or more!) babies.
Register For BMC Tours
Baystate Medical Center Maternity Tour (In-Person)
Cost: FreeDuration: 1 hour
Format: In-Person
Max class size: 8
About This Tour
Are you planning to give birth at Baystate Medical Center? Join us for a guided tour of our Labor & Delivery Unit to get familiar with our spaces, care team, and what to expect when you arrive for your baby’s birth. This free tour is led by a Baystate Parent Education team member and includes a brief informational overview followed by a walk-through of key maternity areas. Your tour begins with a short informational session in the Lundy Boardroom on the ground floor of the Wesson Women’s Building, followed by a guided visit to:
- Women’s Evaluation and Treatment Unit (WETU)
- Labor, Delivery, and Postpartum Units
- NICU / Continuing Care Nursery (viewed from outside nurseries)
If you are registered for an In-Person Childbirth Class Bundle or Cesarean Birth Class, a hospital tour is already included as part of your class.
Upcoming Dates
January 11, 2026 4 pm-5 pm
January 24, 2026 3:30 pm-4:30 pm
February 21, 2026 5 pm-6 pm
February 22, 2026 10 am-11 am
March 8, 2026 4:30 pm-5:30 pm
March 28, 2026 3:30 pm-4:30 pm
April 12, 2026 4:30 pm-5:30 pm
April 25, 2026 10 am-11 am
May 3, 2026 4 pm-5 pm
May 17, 2026 4 pm-5 pm
June 7, 2026 4 pm-5 pm
June 14, 2026 4:30pm-5:30pm
Baystate Medical Center Maternity Tour (Virtual)
Cost: Free
Duration: 1 hour
Format: Virtual
Max class size: n/a
About This Tour
Planning to give birth at Baystate Medical Center? Join us online for a virtual tour of our Labor & Delivery Unit and learn what to expect when you arrive to welcome your baby. This free, live Zoom session is led by a Baystate Parent Education team member and includes photos, video clips, and detailed explanations of your birthing experience—from arrival to postpartum recovery.
If you are registered for an In-Person Childbirth Class Bundle or Cesarean Birth Class, a hospital tour is already included as part of your class.
Upcoming Dates
February 1, 2026 6:30 pm-7:30 pm
April 26, 2026 6:30 pm-7:30 pm
June 6, 2026 6:30 pm-7:30 pm
BMC Classes & Tours: Frequently Asked Questions
How long are classes?
Most class times are approximate, timing may vary slightly based on discussion and participation.
When should I log in or arrive?
Please arrive or log in on time. Classes begin promptly to ensure full participation and learning.
How will I receive my class link or details?
Your confirmation email will include your class link (if virtual) and important class information.
Additional handouts and helpful resources will be included in your confirmation or reminder email.
Who are these classes for?
Classes are designed for expectant parents who will be at least 32 weeks pregnant by the first class.
Adoptive parents, grandparents, and caregivers are also welcome.
When should I register?
We recommend registering around 24 weeks of pregnancy to ensure availability before your due date.
Where are in-person classes held?
All in-person parent education classes are held at:
Baystate Medical Center – Lundy Boardroom (Ground Floor)
759 Chestnut Street, Wesson Women’s Building
Springfield, MA 01199
Free visitor parking is available across from the Wesson entrance and in the adjacent Chestnut Lot.
Is there food available at in-person classes?
You can buy food at our cafeterias:
- Full-Service Cafeteria: 2nd floor (Springfield/Daly buildings)
- Atwater’s Café: 1st floor near the pharmacy/gift shop (Daly entrance, limited weekday hours)
Baystate Health is a cashless campus (credit/debit only). A kiosk is available to convert cash to card if needed.
What should I bring to class?
In-Person Classes:
- Comfortable clothing
- Water bottle
- Notebook and pen
- Any questions you’d like to ask
Virtual Classes:
- Comfortable place to sit
- Notebook and pen
- Your device and Zoom link (provided in your confirmation email)
- Any questions you’d like to ask
Can I update my registration information?
Yes. Please contact us at 413-794-5515 if your contact details or class information changes.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you cancel:
Cancellations are accepted up to 7 days prior to the class.
Please call 413-794-5515 for assistance.
If Baystate Health cancels:
Classes may be canceled or rescheduled due to low enrollment or inclement weather.
- Participants will be notified 5–7 business days in advance
- You may choose a full refund or transfer to another session
- In cases of inclement weather, classes may move to Zoom to ensure safety and continuity
Are classes covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by provider. Please check with your insurance company.
If you are covered by MassHealth or a Massachusetts state health insurance plan, you may qualify for no-cost or reduced-cost childbirth classes. Please contact the Parent Education team before registering so we can confirm coverage.
What if I have accessibility & interpreter needs?
If you require accessibility accommodations or an interpreter, please let us know in advance so we can assist.
Parenting Resources
Who says children don’t come with a handbook? Contact us to request detailed booklets from Baystate for help with breastfeeding, pregnancy, and childbirth:
Becoming a Family: Your Pregnancy & Hospital Services
- Becoming a Family (English)
- Convirtiéndose en Una Familia (español)
Baystate’s Babies: Getting to Know Your Baby – A Parent’s Guide
- Baystate’s Babies Guide (English)
- Baystate’s Bebés (Español)
Parenting Info & Tips
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