Childbirth Education
The safety of patients, visitors and our healthcare team members is critical to our delivery of quality medical care.
As part of our preparedness and work to minimize unnecessary exposure to infectious or communicable diseases, we are temporarily suspending all childbirth education classes. This is an extraordinary time in our community and we are taking this step out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our patients, team members, and community.
We will keep you updated when we resume our usual operations. Until then, we have pulled together some free resources that we hope will be helpful to you.
The Gift of Motherhood ebook
Your Guide to Baby's 1st Year ebook
Prenatal classes at Crestwood Medical Center are free. We recommend you attend classes between 28 - 32 weeks of pregnancy. All classes, unless otherwise specified, are held in Crestwood Medical Center’s OB classroom, located inside the Crestwood Maternity Center entrance. After entering the maternity center entrance, take elevator D to the 2nd floor and turn right into the first set of double doors.
Download a Prenatal Class Schedule
- Prepared Childbirth Class - This four-week course provides expectant parents with knowledge of the stages of labor and birth, hospital procedures, the different types of anesthesia, relaxation skills and comfort measures. A tour of the maternity center is also included in the class. Please bring two pillows and a blanket with you to this class for the breathing and relaxation exercises. One day Saturday sessions are also available (note: a Saturday class is a condensed version of the four-week sessions and offers an abbreviated version of breathing and relaxation. If you want more education on breathing and relaxation, please consider attending the 4-day course.)
- Natural Childbirth Class - This class focuses on strategies to achieve a non-medicated vaginal delivery. Prerequisites for the class are to have attended Prepared Childbirth classes or previous childbirth experience. Please wear comfortable clothes. We will be practicing position, relaxation, and stretches.
- Breastfeeding Class - The goal of this class 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 explore topics like how to get started, first feedings, positioning, dealing with common breastfeeding difficulties and nutrition while breastfeeding. Learn what to expect the first few days with your new baby BEFORE you deliver. Please bring a baby doll with you to this class.
- Sibling Class - Designed for preschool and early elementary school-aged children, this class can help moms and dads prepare older siblings for the birth of a little brother or sister. Through activities and discussion, this class provides an introduction to the hospital environment where mom and their new sibling will stay. It also helps the older siblings understand some of the changes that will be occurring in the family. Parents can attend the classes with their children. Please bring a baby doll with you to this class.
- Partner Baby Boot Camp - This class is perfect for the non-pregnant partner, who is support for the expecting mom. This class will discuss the unique role partners play in pregnancy, birth and infancy. Participants of the class are given guidance on how to best support laboring women. Participants of the class learn why breastfeeding is best for mom and infant as well as what partners can do to help support a breastfeeding mom. Class participants also learn to recognize signs and symptoms of post-partum depression.The goal of this class is to ensure the non-pregnant partner is confident in the basics of baby care, including: diapering, burping, feeding baby, bathing, getting baby to sleep, tummy time, play time, cord care, taking baby’s temperature, keeping baby safe and baby’s warning signs.
- Grandparenting Class – The grandparenting class helps grandparents prepare for their roles by addressing changes in prenatal care, delivery and childcare, and what grandparents need to know in order to keep their grandchildren safe and support the parents in their role. This class will bring grandparents up-to-date with the latest birthing and child care information and will send a message to the parents that you are serious about being a good grandparent.
- Newborn Care - This class is designed for first time parents and takes place over one evening. During the class, mom and support person will learn how to prepare for their baby, baby care basics, car seat safety and SIDS prevention. The class offers experience with skills such as diapering, bathing, cord care, dressing and feeding techniques. The class also includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation and choking for infants. Please bring a baby doll with you to this 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.
To register for a class, please complete the form below. For questions, please call: (256) 527-0285.
Child Birth Education Request
This form is intended to provide a helpful means for the public to connect with the hospital and provide feedback or ask a general question. It should not be used to request medical advice or ask questions about a particular patient's condition. For these types of matters, please consult your physician. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
For more information, please call: (256) 429-5251