Childbirth Education
Prenatal classes at Crestwood Medical Center are FREE and are offered online via Google Meet and/or in person. We recommend you attend classes between 28-32 weeks of pregnancy.
Prepared Childbirth Class
This four-week online course provides expectant parents with knowledge of what to expect during pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum. You will learn about the stages of labor and birth, relaxation techniques, what you can expect once you arrive at the hospital, newborn procedures & screenings, how to take care of yourself after the birth of your baby, and more.
- Class 1 - Offered on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.
In Class 1, we will discuss planning your birth. You will learn about your birth environment, your birth team and your baby's healthcare provider. We will also talk about having a healthy pregnancy, changes in your body, how to take care of yourself, tracking your baby's movements and warnings signs which need immediate attention.
- Class 2 - Offered on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.
In Class 2, you will learn about labor and birth. You will learn about the signs of labor, the stages of labor, the birth of your baby, the pain of labor, relaxation techniques and comfort measures.
- Class 3 - Offered on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.
In Class 3, you will learn about labor and birth interventions, induction of labor and medications for labor (nitrous oxide gas, narcotic analgesics and epidural block). We will also educate you on cesarean birth, the reasons for cesarean birth, preparation for your baby's birth, pain management and recovery.
- Class 4 - Offered on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.
In Class 4, you will learn about caring for yourself, physical changes after birth, how to take care of yourself and the emotional changes that can occur. We will also talk about preparing for the newborn, your baby's appearance after birth, newborn procedures and screenings and keeping your baby safe.
The classes do not need to be attended consecutively. The information covered will be in the same order each month.
Begin Prepared Childbirth Class
You will use the same link to access Prepared Childbirth Class 1, 2, 3, and 4. The link will not become active until a few minutes before 6 p.m. on the day of class.
Childbirth Class One Day Workshop
This one day class will provide you and your support person with all the information needed to make informed decisions and feel confident as you prepare for the birth of your baby. Crestwood Medical Center is excited to offer an in-person, one-day childbirth class beginning May 6 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The class will also include relaxation exercises and a tour of our labor and delivery suite.
Bring two pillows, a blanket, water and money for lunch. There will be a lunch break from Noon - 1 p.m. To register for class please call (256) 429-5754.
Class dates: Every first Saturday of the month, except in July it will be held on the second Saturday
Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Community Room, Women's Center, 185 Chateau Drive (on the Crestwood campus)
Bring: Two pillows, a blanket, water and money for lunch.
Newborn Care Class
This class is designed for first time parents and their family. During the class, mom and support person will learn how to prepare for their baby and baby care basics. We will educate you on newborn appearances and characteristics, getting to know your newborn, baby communication, baby growth and development and keeping baby safe. This class will be informative for the whole family: grandparents and babysitters included.
Offered on the 1st Monday of each month at 6 p.m.
Begin Newborn Care Class
The link will not become active until a few minutes before 6 p.m. on the day of class.
Breastfeeding Class
The goal of this online course is to provide mom and support person with the information needed to make an informed decision regarding feeding their baby and the necessary skills to ensure success with breastfeeding. We will explore topics like how to get started, first feedings, positioning, dealing with common breastfeeding difficulties and nutrition while breastfeeding. The class will review newborn feeding patterns and expectations for milk production during the first week following the delivery of your baby.
Offered on 3rd Monday of each month at 6 p.m.
Begin Breastfeeding Class
The link will not become active until a few minutes before 6 p.m. on the day of class.
Additional classes offered at Crestwood Medical Center (not part of our free prenatal class offerings):
Gestational Diabetes Education - This program is an outpatient-based, multidisciplinary education program that can improve pregnancy outcomes for mothers with diabetes. Through one-on-one consultation with registered nurses and dietitians, expected moms learn about diabetes management, meal planning, glucose meter use and insulin administration. A physician referral is required. This class is covered by most insurance.
For more information, please call: (256) 429-5251