Prepare for childbirth and parenthood with prenatal classes offered in person and online

What Do Prenatal Classes Teach?

Prenatal classes cover a wide range of relevant topics for expectant parents, such as:

• Childbirth, including breathing and pain management techniques that can help you during a vaginal or cesarean birth
• Infant care, including how to bathe, diaper and position your baby for sleep
• Breastfeeding, including managing common feeding issues
• Infant CPR, which teaches you how to resuscitate (revive) your baby and handle other emergencies

When Should I Take Childbirth Classes, and What Will I Learn?

We usually recommend starting birthing classes at the beginning of your third trimester, around 28 to 32 weeks into your pregnancy. To make sure you get a place in class, you may want to register at the end of your first trimester.

We encourage you to bring your support partner to your birthing classes. During class, you’ll learn all about the labor process, including:

• Breathing strategies and pushing positions
• Pain control, including medication-free techniques like birthing balls and massage, as well as epidurals
• The role of labor support doulas

If you want to have limited medical intervention during labor, you may take an additional class on natural birth preparation in Hyde Park. We also offer a Dancing Mamma Jamma class in Harvey to teach you gentle movements you can use during labor.

Are Birthing Classes the Same as Lamaze Classes?

Lamaze is one type of birthing method that may be covered in childbirth classes. While Lamaze was especially popular several decades ago, it is still in practice today. In our childbirth classes, we also cover other birthing methods.

When Should I Take Breastfeeding Classes, and What Will I Learn?

We recommend taking a breastfeeding class during your third trimester (about 28 to 36 weeks), so it is close to your delivery. During this time, you may also want to register for other classes, such as infant CPR or infant care.

Our breastfeeding classes cover:

• Techniques to help your baby latch onto your breast
• Feeding positions
• How to adjust to the first few days of breastfeeding your baby
• Establishing healthy feeding habits
• Managing common breastfeeding concerns

We also offer a free, online breastfeeding support group.

Can I Still Benefit from Classes After I’ve Had My Baby?

Absolutely. Some classes that you may find helpful after your delivery cover newborn care and other topics like:

• What to expect as your baby grows
• When to get medical attention for your baby
• Your emotional health as a new parent

This Is My Second Baby. Do I Still Need to Take Prenatal Classes?

You can still benefit from prenatal classes even if you’re already a parent. That’s because every pregnancy is different, and taking a class can help you and your partner prepare for the experience. If it’s been a few years since your last pregnancy, you may also learn new techniques or skills to become a better parent to your newborn.

Why Should I Take Prenatal Classes Through UChicago Medicine?

All our prenatal classes are offered year-round and taught by baby care experts, including OB/GYNs, lactation consultants, mental health specialists and others. These specialists regularly support patients with all types of pregnancy, birthing and breastfeeding concerns at our Family Birth Centers.

However, you don’t have to be a patient at UChicago Medicine to take our prenatal classes — they are open to everyone. The cost varies by class, with some classes available for free.

We also make classes convenient for you. In-person classes are held at our main campus in Hyde Park and in Harvey at the UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital. Many virtual options are also available. Classes are scheduled on weeknights and weekend afternoons.

Prenatal Classes in Hyde Park

Prenatal classes available through the Family Birth Center in Hyde Park include:

• Labor Preparation for Expectant Parents
• Natural Birth Preparation
• From Pregnancy to Parenting: Emotional Well-Being During This Important Transition
• Breastfeeding Your Infant
• Infant Care for Expectant Parents
• Infant CPR and Safety
• Intro to Baby’s Car Seat

We also offer free guided tours of the Family Birth Center in Hyde Park.

Prenatal Classes in Harvey

Prenatal classes available through our center in Harvey include:

• Childbirth Preparation
• Dancing Mamma Jamma (labor dance class)
• Maternal Mental Health
• Infant Care
• Breastfeeding Your Infant

You can also take a free guided tour of the Family Birth Center in Harvey.

How Do Online Prenatal Classes Work?

With virtual classes, you and your support partner can still participate, even when you’re on bed rest or are unable to join in person. Each live, online class is led by an expert instructor. Before each two-hour session, you’ll receive a list of supplies you’ll need, such as a baby doll or stuffed animal to practice infant care techniques. We’ll also send you educational materials after class via email.