This class incorporates everything you need to know from the early stages of labor up until the moment you are discharged from the hospital. You will learn about:

• Signs and symptoms of labor

• Stages of labor

• Pain management options

• Partner participation during and after labor

• Basic breathing techniques

• Cesarean section

• Postpartum care and what to expect during the hospital stay

Labor & Delivery Nurses combine 3-D animation, video, hands on components and discussion for the ultimate learning experience. Best if taken between 26-35 weeks of pregnancy.  If you are considering an unmedicated childbirth, you may considering taking Advanced Comfort Measures of Labor in conjunction with this class. 

Hospital tours for BIDMC are not included in this class, but can be registered for separately.

Class Duration: 3.5 Hours

Fee: $149* per expecting mom and one support person

*Fee includes class materials

Of note: Some insurance plans reimburse up to $100 for a completed childbirth education class. Contact your insurance company to see if you qualify.

You asked and we listened!  Considering natural childbirth? Or looking to explore your options, whether you desire a medicated, unmedicated or limited intervention childbirth? This 2-hour workshop complements our Childbirth Preparation class; focusing on natural ways to manage the sensations and feelings of labor and birth. Taught by a veteran Maternity Nurse, this course covers:

• Comfort measures (environmental, touch therapy, message, hydrotherapy)
  
  
• Labor positions
  
  
• Advanced breathing and relaxation exercises
  
  
• Visualization and guided imagery
  
  
• And much more!

With plenty of time to practice, these techniques will give each expectant mother and her partner the key components needed to embrace the journey of labor. Childbirth Preparation Class is a prerequisite for this class OR a prior delivery.

Class Duration: 2 Hours (class is offered every other month)

Fee: $80* per expecting mom and one support person

*Fee includes class materials

This "Parents-To-Be Survival Guide" will help you navigate your first weeks at home with your new addition (or additions!). You will learn about:

• Newborn care

• Diapering

• Swaddling techniques

• Bathing tips

• Feeding options

• Infant safety

• Newborn sleeping patterns

• Soothing techniques

• Choosing a pediatrician

• Home organization/preparation and much more!

Take advantage of the experienced obstetrical nurses who combine discussion, demonstration and hands on components for a great learning experience (and leave plenty of time to answer all your questions). Best if taken between 26-35 weeks of pregnancy.

Class Duration: 2.5 Hours

Fee: $85* per expecting mom and one support person

*Fee includes class materials

This one-session course is based on the American Heart Association “Family and Friends” curriculum and covers CPR for infants from birth to one year and children up to 8 years of age. Instructors combine video and hands-on practice using infant and child manikins to teach the following skills:

• Infant & Child CPR

• Safety hazard preventions

• Choking- saving skills

This is a non-certificate course and will provide you with the vital skills that turn a life-threatening situation into a lifesaving one! Class is priced per couple. Best if taken between 26-35 weeks of pregnancy.

Note: Due to the nature of this class, infants and children are not permitted to attend. Please arrange for childcare.

Class Duration: 2 Hours

Fee: $100* per couple

*Fee includes class materials

This fun, interactive class helps prepare siblings for their new role of becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister. Inspired by their own children, Raeanne Brazee, founder of Boston Baby Beginnings, and Amanda Carman, founder of Excited 2 Learn, have taken the typical sibling class to a new level. Children will learn what to expect during Mommy’s hospital stay, what a new baby looks like, and how a new baby behaves.  This engaging class incorporates a variety of activities to help introduce older siblings to the new addition arriving shortly. Custom designed activities, products, and keepsakes by Excited 2 Learn make this a memorable and educational class for children of all ages. Adult supervision required. Grandparents welcome to attend!

Class Duration: 1.5 Hours

Fee:  $45* for one sibling, $10 per additional sibling

Note: All siblings are encouraged to bring a doll, stuffed animal or toy to class!

*Fee includes class materials and snack (Please provide your own snack if your child(ren) has any dietary restrictions)

We have taken our Baby Basics class and geared it towards multiples! Learn everything you need to know about caring for multiples before and after they arrive. Whether first time or veterans, this class covers all the topics from our Baby Basics class plus:

• Feedings and sleeping schedules

• Supplies needed

• Organizational tips

• Helpful resources

• Logistics and more!

Bring your questions, concerns and partner to this course instructed by a registered nurse and mom of multiples. This class can be taken at any point during your pregnancy. This class requires a minimum enrollment.

Class Duration: 2.5 Hours

Fee: $85* per expecting mom and one support person

*Fee includes class materials

Boston Baby Beginnings is happy to offer free tours to those delivering at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Siblings may tour the Postpartum Unit only. Please note, for the safety of the current mothers and babies in the hospital please postpone your tour if you or any member of your family has been exposed to a cold, cough or flu-like symptoms.

Note: Recommended between 26-36 weeks of pregnancy. If Labor & Delivery is full, you will be able to tour the Postpartum Unit only.

Duration: 45 minutes

Fee: Free for siblings and registered patients delivering at BIDMC

Location: 330 Brookline Avenue (BIDMC EAST Campus) MAIN LOBBY (BIDMC directions)

Parking: While parking is not free, discounted parking is available for those parked in the garage for 2 or more hours 

This condensed class offers parents, parents-to-be, grandparents and/or caregivers a chance to learn an interactive and exciting form of communication to use with your pre-vocal children- sign language! A baby’s receptive language skills develop faster than their expressive, which can lead to tantrums and frustration when trying to communicate. By prompting the use of sign language, your baby will be able to expressive their wants and needs more effectively and directly. At this workshop you will learn:

• An overview of the basic components of sign language and effective strategies for use
  
  
• Introduction to signs in the areas of: Family & Friends, Food & Drink, and Emotions & Favorite Activities
  
  
• Fun and motivating activities that increase awareness of body language, gestures, and facial expressions

This workshop can be taken anytime during your pregnancy or after your baby is born! It was developed with the busy parents in mind, offering the convenience of a one-class that can be taken without your baby present. 

Note: Due to the nature of this class, infants and children are not permitted to attend. Please arrange for childcare.

Class Duration: 2 Hours

Fee: $80* per couple

*Fee includes class materials

This four-session course offers parents a chance to learn an interactive and exciting form of communication to use with their pre-vocal children- sign language! Babies’ receptive language skills develop faster than their expressive, which can lead to tantrums and frustration when trying to communicate. By prompting the use of sign language, babies will be able to expressive their wants and needs more effectively and directly.

Signing with Baby will provide:

• An in-depth look at components of sign language and the effective strategies for use
  
  
• Signed vocabulary in the areas of: Family & Friends, Food & Drink, and Emotions & Favorite Activities
  
  
• Lessons directed at teaching classic children’s song in sign language
  
  
• Fun and motivating activities that increase awareness of body language, gestures, and facial expressions

Age Recommendation: 6 months-2.5 years

Class Duration: 4-series class, 1-hour each class

Fee: $120 per Caregiver & one child ($25 for each additional child)

*Fee includes class materials