Having a baby is a very special event. To help you prepare for the birth experience, The Western Pennsylvania Hospital offers a variety of educational programs. These programs are designed to prepare you physically and mentally for childbirth and parenting and to acquaint you with our staff and facilities. Classes are taught by nationally certified childbirth educators or registered nurses who are experienced in the field of obstetrics.
Classes Offered
Baby Care Basics for Mom and Dad
Caring for a newborn can be challenging. This series of classes will prepare expectant parents by teaching them the basics of infant care. Topics include diapering, bathing, feeding, common problems, immunizations, infant safety, and when to call the doctor. A visit from one of our pediatricians to answer parents' questions completes the series.. Class options include:
- Two 2-hour sessions (during this option, a staff pediatrician will visit and answer questions and a special discussion for fathers will be presented) or
- One 3-hour session (no pediatrician)
Class fee is $50 per couple.
Click here to view a pdf of the July-December 2010 Childbirth Class Schedule.
Babysitting Basics
Babysitting Basics is an American Red Cross course taught by certified RNs for teens ages 11-13. In this interactive course, participants learn basic child care, how to handle emergencies, choking rescue techniques and business basics. One 6-hour course is offered 4 times a year. A one-hour break will be allotted for lunch (meal not included).
Class fee is $50 per child.
Click here to view a pdf of the July-December 2010 Childbirth Class Schedule.
Birthing with an Epidural
This class provides women and their partners with information about what to expect when an epidural is given and the labor and birth process, as well as how to tell true from false labor, when to come to the hospital, what an epidural is, and how it works. Attendees will also learn about IVs, monitors, inductions, forceps, vacuums, cesarean sections, how the baby will look and routine nursery procedures. Class should be taken in the second trimester of pregnancy. One 2-1/2 hour session is offered several times a year.
Class fee is $30 per couple.
Click here to view a pdf of the July-December 2010 Childbirth Class Schedule.
Should I take a Lamaze Class or an Epidural Class?
A Lamaze Class is ideal for women who choose to have an unmedicated birth because it provides extensive information about controlled breathing, relaxation, guided imagery, massage and a variety of coping strategies.
However, it is also recommended for women who are unsure about whether they want to "go natural" or have an epidural. Although Lamaze Classes do focus on natural coping techniques, the instructor will still discuss medication such as narcotics and epidurals, although not in great detail.
If you have already decided that you want an epidural, then the Birthing with an Epidural Class is sufficient. The instructor will go into more detail regarding the procedure and the type of birth to expect. Please note that breathing and relaxation techniques are not covered in this class.
If you would like to take both classes, you are welcome to do that, but realize that there will be repetition of content such as discussion of labor, vaginal and cesarean birth and the newborn.
Maternity Unit Tour
To help you feel comfortable with your hospital experience, we recommend the Maternity Unit Tour. The tour is included with the Lamaze and Sibling classes only. If you are not registered for either of these classes you will need to register separately for a tour.
Click here to view a pdf of the July-December 2010 Childbirth Class Schedule.
Infant/Child CPR and Safety
This class is recommended fo all parents and caretakers. Emergency care of a choking infant or child, infant/child CPR techniques and infant/child safety are covered. CPR techniques are demonstrated and practiced. Car seat safety is also reviewed. One 3-hour session is offered several times monthly in the afternoon.
Class fee is $30 per person.
Click here to view a pdf of the July-December 2010 Childbirth Class Schedule.
Lamaze Prepared Childbirth Series
During the Lamaze course, nationally certified instructors work with expectant mothers and fathers to help you plan for your child's birth, discuss options and prepare you to cope with the discomforts of labor and delivery. Parents-to-be will learn about birth and what to expect when mom comes to the hospital. Positioning, massage, relaxation, breathing and other pain management techniques will be taught. It is recommended that expectant parents attend these classes in the last two to three months of pregnancy. Four 2 1/2-hour sessions are held monthly. Due to limited class size, you are encouraged to register for this class during your second trimester.
Class fee (tour included) is $90 per couple.
Click here to view a pdf of the July-December 2010 Childbirth Class Schedule.
Lamaze One-Day Option
To help expectant couples with limited time schedule a Lamaze class, a one-day class is offered on a weekend day (Saturday OR Sunday) several times throughout the year. The class starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 5:30 p.m. Because registration is limited to 10 couples, early registration is recommended.
Class fee (tour included) is $90 per couple.
Click here to view a pdf of the July-December 2010 Childbirth Class Schedule.
Prenatal Breastfeeding
This class is recommended for expectant parents who have decided to breastfeed or who are considering breastfeeding as their feeding choice. A board-certified lactation consultant will answer your questions and provide you with useful information about breastfeeding. Topics include the benefits of breast milk, establishing a milk supply, positioning the baby, proper latch on, preventing problems and returning to work. Expectant fathers are welcome. One 3-hour session is offered.
Class fee is $35 per couple.
Click here to view a pdf of the July-December 2010 Childbirth Class Schedule.
Sibling Preparation
It is important to prepare older children for the arrival of your new baby. This class explores the feelings siblings have and helps them understand what life will be like with a new brother or sister. The class is designed for soon-to-be-siblings ages 3 to 6 years. You and your children should attend the class within the last two months before birth. One 90-minute class is offered on a Saturday. Class size is limited, so please register early.
Class fee is $20 per family.
Click here to view a pdf of the July-December 2010 Childbirth Class Schedule.
For more information about Childbirth Education at West Penn Hospital, or to register for a class, call 412-578-7030.
