Childbirth Education
For Patients
Expect something wonderful.
Childbirth can be one of the most meaningful times in life, not only for parents, but for extended family and friends as well. To help prepare for this experience, we offer a variety of childbirth classes designed to educate and enlighten those waiting to welcome new life into the world.
Contact Us:
For questions or more information about classes, tours or support groups at IU Health North Hospital, please contact our childbirth educator, Diana Garino, at 317.688.2465.
Childbirth Education Classes:
The following classes are offered at IU Health North Hospital. Please click the link below to register or contact the Childbirth Education Office if you have questions.
View or register for upcoming class opportunities.
-
Birth Options
IU Health North Hospital provides an exceptional team to make sure your birthing experience is the one you always imagined. Our services are designed to make sure your pregnancy is as comfortable as it is memorable.
Join one of our professional labor educators to discuss pregnancy & birth options – yoga, hydrotherapy, massage, supportive care, and more! Whether you are expecting now or planning a pregnancy, join us in this free class to discuss the many options for birth that are available at IU Health North Hospital. A tour of the maternity areas is included. Class is offered once per month.
-
Childbirth Preparation 7-week Series with Lamaze: $125
Class meets from 6:30 pm – 9 pm for seven consecutive weeks.
The goal of Lamaze classes is to increase women’s confidence in their ability to give birth. Women and their support persons will learn simple coping strategies for labor, including focused breathing, movement and positioning, labor support, massage and relaxation. Also included is a tour along with information on epidurals, C-section birth, postpartum, newborn basics and breastfeeding. Bring pillows and a blanket to class.
Note: The tour, Newborn Basics, and Breastfeeding with Ease classes are included in this series and do not require separate registration.
-
Happiest Baby on the Block: $30
Learn the Happiest Baby on the Block techniques for soothing a fussy baby. Happiest Baby on the Block is a research-based program designed to provide parents the necessary knowledge and skills to calm baby. Each participant will receive a parent’s kit that includes a DVD and a CD of soothing sounds.
-
Childbirth Preparation Fast Track Class (1 day or 2 half-day sessions): $75
This class offers an opportunity to learn more about childbirth in a two-session format or one daylong format designed for busy parents-to-be. Information provided on breathing, relaxation, epidurals, C-section birth, postpartum, and the immediate recovery period for mom and baby. Material is covered at a quicker pace. Bring pillows and blanket to class. A tour is included with this class.
-
Newborn Basics: $25
This class will give you the opportunity to learn about caring for your baby in the first month of life. Baby care topics such as bathing, holding, feeding, comforting a crying baby and more will be taught. If you are attending class after your delivery, you are welcome to bring your baby to class with you.
Note: Included in the 7-Week Lamaze Series.
-
Breastfeeding with Ease: $25
Take this class along with your childbirth preparation class to learn how to make breastfeeding a positive experience for you and your baby. We give you practical information about positioning and latch-on, and also discuss common concerns and problems related to breastfeeding. Attend this class with your partner.
Note: Included in the 7-Week Lamaze Series.
-
Cesarean Birth: $25
This class is for women who are scheduled for a cesarean section or whose physician indicates a risk for a C-section. This class will answer your questions and help make you more comfortable with the surgery by discussing the procedure, delivery, immediate recovery and postpartum care for your hospital stay and return home.
-
Welcome to Fatherhood: Delivery and Beyond: $25
Learn how to be an awesome dad in this male-focused class led by a veteran father of three. In discussion, cover the tough topics of creating a work/family balance, ways to recognize and adapt to newborn developmental milestones, fun ways to play with baby, and how to maintain a strong relationship with your partner during this new adventure.
-
Marvelous Multiples: $50
IU Health offers this extensive class with a curriculum written by a national expert on multiples. Come meet other couples expecting multiples and learn together how to deal with the challenges of a multiple pregnancy. A tour of the Newborn Intensive Care Unit is included. Learn coping strategies to use in caring for multiple babies. Take this class early in your pregnancy, at least by the sixth month. We also recommend you sign up to take Newborn Basics for additional information on baby care.
-
Next Time Around Prenatal Refresher: $25
Designed for couples who have taken a childbirth class with a previous baby and would like a review of childbirth techniques. The class reviews labor and delivery topics, such as breathing, relaxation, labor support techniques, anesthesia and C-section.
-
Advanced Labor Support: $25
Do you want to go “natural”—without drugs? Have you chosen to get an epidural and want to be on your feet and active in your labor as long as possible? This class is for you. This class provides more extensive information about breathing and relaxation in labor, massage, and other coping techniques. We recommend you schedule your childbirth preparation class prior to this class.
-
CPR and First Aid for Parents: $30/person or $50/couple
This class is taught by a registered nurse who is an American Heart Association CPR instructor. You will learn choking rescue and CPR for infants and children. In addition, learn basic first aid for your child’s early years and receive information about compiling a family first aid kit, and about home safety.
-
Especially for Children: $20/family
Helps children prepare for their new role of big brother or sister. Class is filled with activities to help explain how siblings may feel and how they can safely play and help with the new baby. Children are assured that they are very special people in their families and will remain loved as much as ever after the birth of the baby.
-
Bow Wow and Baby: $20/family
Want to learn how to prepare the family dog for the arrival of your new baby? You will learn how to help your dog adapt to the sights and sounds of a newborn. This class may be most beneficial if you and your partner schedule it early in your pregnancy; however, it can be attended at any time. This class is also recommended for grandparents, babysitters, or anyone who owns a dog that will be around children.
-
Prenatal Yoga 6-week Series: $90 (or $15 per class)
Learn and enjoy the benefits of a gentle yoga routine during the childbearing years. Taught by a certified instructor, this six-week series will help prepare you for birth and help you tone up after birth. Yoga can help reduce aches and pains related to pregnancy and speed recovery postpartum. Register for the entire series or any number of individual classes.
-
Mommy and Baby Yoga 6-week Series: $90 (or $15 per class)
A fun way to regain strength and flexibility while bonding with your baby. You will have time to stretch, tone and relax while interacting with your baby. Register for the entire series or any number of individual classes.
-
Grandparenting: Free
Learn about current labor, birth, newborn, and breastfeeding care while discussing your new role. Explore ideas about how to best help the new parents. All grandparents welcome to attend at no charge.
Support Groups:
Meet weekly/No charge. All support groups meet on the 1st floor of IU Health North Hospital. Please ask for directions at the Welcome Desk.
-
Breastfeeding
A great opportunity to meet other breastfeeding mothers who have invaluable information and support to share. One-on-one lactation support is also available. Mondays from 6 - 7:30 pm and Thursdays from 10 – 11:15 am, 1st floor of IU Health North Hospital. For questions, please call Lactation Services at 317.688.2680.
-
Mother Connection
For mothers with infants from birth to one year. You will meet with a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner to discuss topics of interest to mothers of young babies and have fun meeting other mothers. Group meets from 12:30 pm – 2 pm most Tuesdays, 1st floor of IU Health North Hospital. Please call 317.688.2465 prior to first visit to make sure group is meeting on site.
-
Toddler Time
For parents of toddlers ages one to three years. Discuss topics such as potty pitfalls with a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner while you meet other moms. Group meets from 10 am – 11:30 am most Tuesdays, 1st floor of IU Health North Hospital. Please call 317.688.2465 prior to first visit to make sure group is meeting on site.
-
Postpartum Depression
Did you know that Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders affect one out of seven women? This group is for pregnant and postpartum moms struggling with emotional changes. You are not alone. You are not to blame. With treatment, you will be well. Registration is required for this group. If you are interested in attending, please call Birdie Meyer at 317.962.8191.
-
Opportunities for Fathers
IU Health North Hospital offers various opportunities for fathers with babies up to one year to learn about the challenge and fun of their new role. Please call Childbirth Education at 317.688.2465.