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Birthing Classes

If you are an expectant parent, you probably have a lot of questions about the labor and childbirth process. One of the best ways to prepare yourself is to enroll in a childbirth preparation class.

All classes teach relaxation techniques, labor positions, and various coping methods that help make the process as pain-free as possible. They will also give you an overview of the physical and emotional aspects of each stage of the birth process, the various kinds of pain relief most commonly used, and possible complications.

Methods to Consider

Before you actually take a class, you may want to consider which method of childbirth you are interested in using. Below are some of the more popular methods of childbirth.

The Lamaze method employs an outward focus, teaching women to distract themselves from the pain of labor by concentrating on a series of learned breathing exercises.

The Bradley method employs an inward focus, teaching women to work with their bodies using deep abdominal breathing exercises. It also relies heavily on coaching by the husband.

Water birth is thought by some as more gentle on the baby because he goes from one aquatic environment, the womb, to another, a Jacuzzi-type tub. Water can also have a relaxing effect on a laboring woman.

Epidural is one of the more common choices of child-bearing women. An epidural eases the pain of labor substantially through spinal injection, and is a relatively low risk procedure today.

Regardless of which type of class you choose, look for a small class size, an instructor certified in your method of choice, and a discussion-oriented atmosphere.

Birthing Class Locations top of page

Organization Class Description Contact Info
Mama & Me Mama & Me offers a wide range of prenatal, postpartum, and child development classes for families in the Boston area. Our unique parenting community brings together new and expecting families and offers a supportive network of professionals and educators to help navigate the early years of parenting. Jamaica Plain Brewery Complex | 284 Amory Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
(617) 477-3432
Birthing Bliss Birth Bliss classes view labor and birth as normal and healthy events! By providing you with both knowledge and skills, you will feel empowered to make choices during this transforming time. North Shore
St. Margaret's at St. Elizabeth's Hospital Pat Mitchell coordinates childbirth education at St. Elizabeth's Hospital. Find "Prepared Childbirth," a Lamaze course that is offered as a six-week session and an accelerated Saturday class, "Sibling Preparation," "Breastfeeding" (both a class and support group), "Infant CPR" and VBAC (on request). 736 Cambridge Street, Boston
(617) 789-3000 (General)
(617) 562-7095 (Parenthood Prep)
Kristin Panzer Kristin offers a six-session course dedicated to helping women and their partners experience pregnancy and birth with knowledge, power, dignity and joy. Her instruction concentrates on uniting the body and mind during the labor and birth process. She has experience in teaching women of diverse cultures and family backgrounds, and is able to converse with Spanish-speaking clients. 2 Harris Avenue, Boston
(617) 971-0717
Pregnancy and Beyond Registered nurse Rina R. Jacobson helps pregnant and nursing moms with questions, problems and choices. Class offerings include "Prepared Childbirth" (a series of courses and one-day workshops), refresher classes, breastfeeding classes and infant CPR classes. She also offers labor coaching and doula services. 1386 Beacon Street, Boston
(617) 232-1101
Boston Medical Center The program at Boston Medical Center covers all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth, from conception through delivery and postpartum. There are two sessions: a six-week session on Tuesday nights and a five-week session on Friday afternoons. Also offers a breastfeeding class. (617) 534-5000 (General) (617) 414-5469 (Parenthood Prep)
New England Medical Center The program at Boston Medical Center covers all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth, from conception through delivery and postpartum. There are two sessions: a six-week session on Tuesday nights and a five-week session on Friday afternoons. Also offers a breastfeeding class. 750 Washington Street, Boston
(617)-636-5000 (General)
(617) 636-4214 (Parenthood Prep)
Beth Isreal Medical Center Offers a "Baby Matters - Birthing Basics and Beyond" program run by Marguerite Truesdale, RN, BS, CCE. Class offerings include "Prepared Childbirth (Lamaze)," which provides a six-week session, a weekend session and a refresher class. Other featured courses include: "Cesarean Birth," "VBAC Refresher," "Breastfeeding - Getting Ready, Getting Started," "Sibling Preparation," "Infant and Child CPR" (certification program taught by American Red Cross instructors), "New Parent Survival Training," "Infant Care" and "Parenting Multiples - Twins, Triplets." 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston
(617) 667-7000 (General) (888) 83-BABY1 (Parenthood Prep)
Brigham and Women's Hospital The parent and childbirth education program at Brigham and Women's Hospital offers the following classes: "Prepared Childbirth" (Lamaze), including a six-week session and a weekend session, "Sibling Classes and Tours," "Cesarean Class," "NICU Preparation," "Infant Care and Postpartum," "Breastfeeding" and "Infant CPR." 75 Francis Street, Boston
(617) 732-5053
Harvard Vanguard Medical This medical group offers several parenting courses, including a two-hour class on breastfeeding, a two-hour course on infant care and a pediatric first aid course that provides National Safety Certification. The Post Office Square Center
147 Milk Street, Boston
(617) 654-7280
Birthtalk Birthtalk is a childbirth class run by Ami Burns, who is a member of the Boston Association for Childbirth Education, International Childbirth Education Association and Doulas of North America. Her class is offered as a seven-week series. Classes are held in small groups to ensure individual attention and questions are encouraged. In addition, private home instruction is also offered to address specific needs. The course concentrates on promoting the birth mother's confidence in her ability to give birth, finding a birth plan and making informed decisions about the entire labor process. Services the entire metropolitan Boston area. (781) 321-0255
Massachusetts General Hospital The childbirth education program at Massachusetts General Hospital offers a prepared childbirth class in both a five-week or weekend session, a childbirth refresher course, Cesarean preparation, VBAC, prenatal care instruction, breastfeeding and sibling preparation. Some classes are offered in Spanish. 55 Fruit Street, Boston
(617) 726-2000 (General)
(617) 726-4312 (Parenthood Prep
Motherwood Midwifery Services Marnie Cabezas-Skorupa, MW directs the facilities at Motherwood Midwifery Services which specializes in preparing the expectant mother for the home birth experience. In addition, the staff midwifes offer hospital labor support, childbirth education classes, breastfeeding assistance, pre-conception counseling and complete postpartum care. 59 Bradfield Avenue, Roslindale
(617) 327-2518
Karla Ellenbogen, RN, MA, CCE Offers private childbirth classes and refresher classes. Currently teaches childbirth education classes through the Massachusetts Institute of Technology program. Somerville
(617) 628-9096
Maternal Outreach Inc. Offers private childbirth classes and refresher classes. Currently teaches childbirth education classes through the Massachusetts Institute of Technology program. 63 Winter Street, Weymouth
(781) 340-9101
The Cambridge Birth Center A beautiful Victorian home provides the setting for the full-scope midwifery and well woman care offered at The Cambridge Birth Center. Dedicated to enriching the lives of women and their families, the center also offers doula support and childbirth education in several languages. 1493 Cambridge Street, Boston
(617) 498-2229
Stork Ready Taught by ICEA certified and or Registered Labor and Delivery nurses who are dedicated to their profession. You will learn what to expect during Labor and Delivery as well as the postpartum period. Topics will include signs and stages of labor. Comfort measures, labor positions and breathing techniques. (978) 500-5081
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