Childbirth, Parenting and New Baby Classes

In addition to the following classes, Northwest Hospital & Medical Center also offers general health education, support groups, and wellness resources.

Childbirth, Parenting and New Baby classes are offered in conjunction with Gracewinds Perinatal Services. All classes are held on the Northwest Hospital campus. Please call (206) 781-9871 with questions, or visit the Gracewinds website at http://www.gracewindsperinatal.com/nwhclasses.html for class schedule, to register and to pay for classes online.

Childbirth Prep Classes

The Basic Childbirth Prep class is a Four Week intensive series that prepares expectant parents for labor and birth. Our curriculum blends elements of Lamaze and Bradley and Kitzinger methods. Topics range from the physiological and emotional changes in labor, natural coping techniques, positioning and massage for labor, medication options, variation of labor and the post partum period.

The extended Six Week series includes the Basic Childbirth Prep as well as the popular Newborn Care class and the essentials of Breastfeeding Basics

Pre-registration required. Full payment is due at registration
Cost:   Four WeekSeries        $115
            Six Week Series          $195

Childbirth Prep – Saturday Series

Perfect for the parents that need a class to fit their busy schedule. The same material that is covered in the Four Week Basic course, consolidated into one Saturday. This class meets on one Saturday per month from 9:00am – 5:00pm.
Cost: $125 per couple

Newborn Care Class

An important class for first time parents, this class focuses on newborn behavior. Topics range from diapering, cord care, sleep and feeding habits, colic relief and changes that occur in newborn babies. This is a part of the Six Week Childbirth Prep series OR can be purchased ala cart.
Cost: $40 per couple.

Breastfeeding Basics
An important course for mothers (and partners) intending to breastfeed their infant. This class is designed to educate parents on proper feeding techniques and positioning, body mechanics to alleviate sore muscles, troubleshooting tips to prevent and improve issues that can arise during breastfeeding. Discussions about pumping, types of breast pumps and introducing bottle feeding are included. This is part of the Six Week Childbirth series OR can be purchased ala cart.
Cost: $40 per couple

Infant Safety/CPR

A two-hour course taught by a certified CPR instructor. Topics include infant safety issues, basic first aid, techniques for relieving an obstructed airway as well as American Red Cross Infant CPR basics. Parents leave with the basic knowledge of infant CPR. This class does not include a certification card.
Cost: $40 per couple

Foundations for Fatherhood

A class for expectant Dads. Taught by an experienced father, this popular course is formatted to address the issues of fathering. Providing the information and support to help fathers feel more involved and confident in the arena of birth and child-rearing.
Cost: $30 per student

Comprehensive Education Package

Northwest Hospital Comprehensive Education Package includes all five classes:

• Basic Childbirth Prep Series (Four Week or Saturday Series)
• Newborn Care Class
• Breastfeeding Basics
• Infant Safety/CPR
• Foundations for Fatherhood
  

Cost: $245