Birthing Center Classes

If this is your first baby or even if not, you probably have lots of questions and that is normal. We are here to help you. Thompson Health offers a wide variety of online classes to prepare and educate expectant mothers, first-time mothers and family members. We hope that our classes will help you during this exciting time in your family’s life.

You do not need to deliver your baby at F.F. Thompson Hospital in order to participate in these classes.

For more information, or to sign up for the classes below, please call 585-396-6497.

 

Understanding Birth

Take a class at your own time and pace! This interactive online course covers essential information on labor and more and highlights ways partners can help. You’ll also get a sense of what labor is really like as you watch several birth stories. You’ll even have an opportunity to create your own birth plan!  Allow 6-8 hours to complete. (Cost: $80)

eClass chapters:

  • Pregnancy
  • Labor
  • Birth Stories
  • Comfort Techniques
  • Medical Procedures
  • Cesarean Birth
  • Newborns
  • Postpartum

Includes access in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German,  Chinese, Arabic, and Japanese.

 

Understanding Natural Childbirth Techniques

Planning a birth with few to no medical interventions? Learn how at your own time and pace! This interactive online course builds on what you have already learned in a standard childbirth preparation class. You will learn more about natural childbirth, comfort techniques, and how to write a natural birth plan. By watching several birth stories, you will also get a sense of what natural birth is like. Allow 3-4 hours to complete. (Cost: $45)

 eClass chapters:

  • Introduction to Natural Childbirth Techniques
  • Pain in Childbirth
  • Planning for Your Birth
  • Relaxation
  • Mindfulness Practices
  • Coping Techniques
  • Personal Stories of Natural Childbirth

Includes access in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Chinese, Arabic, and Japanese with accessibility features.

 

Understanding Your Newborn

This interactive online course covers essential information for the first six weeks and beyond, including clear video examples of bathing, feeding and diapering, and lets you know when to call the doctor.  You will also stay organized with a variety of helpful checklists and trackers!  Allow 2-3 hours to complete. (Cost: $45)

eClass chapters:

  • Newborn Traits
  • Newborn Behaviors
  • Crying and Comforting
  • Feeding
  • Diapering
  • Bathing, Nail Care & Dressing
  • Newborn Health
  • Newborn Safety

 

Understanding Breastfeeding

This interactive online course covers the essentials of breastfeeding, including clear animation and plenty of video examples. It lets you know when to call for help and includes partner tips throughout. You will also have the opportunity to track feedings with an easy-to-use tracker!  Allow 2-3 hours to complete. (Cost: $45)

eClass chapters:

  • How Breastfeeding Works
  • How to Breastfeed
  • When to Feed Your Baby
  • Getting Enough Milk
  • Breast Care
  • Breastfeeding Lifestyle

We also offer a Breastfeeding Zoom class with a certified lactation consultant the 1st Thursday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. Cost for this Zoom class is $10.

 

Understanding Postpartum Health and Baby Care

This interactive online course covers essential information for the first two weeks after birth, including taking care of yourself, caring for your newborn, and feeding your baby. It also highlights important warning signs so you know when to call for help. Allow about 2 hours to complete. (Cost: $45)

eClass chapters:

  • Postpartum Health
  • Baby Care
  • Breastfeeding

 

Understanding Infant and Child Safety

Statistics that show infants and children are most often injured in homes and cars. This can be scary for any new parent. Do you know all the ways you can reduce your child’s risk of being hurt from a preventable accident? Learn life-saving information by taking this online safety class! (Cost: $45)

eClass chapters:

  • Car Safety
  • Safe Baby Care
  • Safety Products
  • Home Safety
  • Poisons