Childbirth Education

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. 

Click here for the July - December 2009 and January - June 2010 Prenatal Class Schedules. 

Beginning Jan. 1, prenatal classes will be held at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh.

For more information, call 412-578-7030.

Classes offered include:

Baby Care Basics for Mom and Dad 
During this class, parents-to-be will be taught about infant feeding, circumcision, selecting a pediatrician, newborn behavior and soothing techniques. Parents will also receive "hands on" practice of basic baby care skills using baby dolls.  Class options include:
   .  Two 2-1/2 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
Class fee is $50 per couple.

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 $40 per child.

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 sesison is offered several times a year.
Class fee is $30 per couple.

Doctor Dad
At this one-day (6-hour) workshop, dads will learn how to care for their child's basic health and safety needs.  This class is taught by an experienced dad and RN who will cover topics such as treating minnor scrapes, when to call the doctor, childproofing your home and much, much more.
Class fee is $40 per dad.

Hospital Tour
To help you feel comfortable with your hospital experience, we recommend the Maternity Unit Tour.  The Lamaze Prepared Childbirth Series, Lamaze One-Day Option and Sibling Preparation classes include a tour as part of the class.  If you do not plan to attend any of the classes just mentioned, please call to register for a free tour. 

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 twice monthly in the afternoon.  Class fee is $30 per person.

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 $85 per couple.

Lamaze One-Day Option
To help expectant couples with limited time fit in 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 or 5:30 p.m.
Because registration is limited to 10 couples, early registration is recommended. 
Class fee (tour included) is $85 per couple.

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 every month during the evening.
Class fee is $30 per couple.

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 8 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, every other month.
Class size is limited, so please register early.
Class fee is $20 per family.

For more information about Childbirth Education at West Penn Hospital, or to register for a class, call 412-578-7030.