Prenatal Classes at The Family Center
The Family Center at Exeter Hospital offers a wide variety of classes to help prepare for the birth of your baby. Below are brief descriptions of our classes. Sessions do fill quickly and to ensure an optimal learning experience, there is a limit to the number of participants in each class. All classes are held onsite at Exeter Hospital. Some health insurance companies do reimburse for the of cost prenatal classes so expectant parents should check for eligibility or possible use of HSA account. For questions about classes you may call 603-580-8011.
PREPARED CHILDBIRTH PROGRAMS
Your Pregnant Body - This is the FIRST class that ALL expectant couples should take. A physical therapist will discuss the changes that occur to your body during pregnancy, ways to alleviate minor discomforts, how to prevent injury, and advise on exercise guidelines during and after pregnancy. Partners/support persons will have the opportunity to try on the "empathy belly" to better appreciate what it's like to be pregnant. Please attend during your 2nd trimester.
Register for Your Pregnant Body
Prepared Childbirth Series - (4 Monday evening classes) - Taught by a Labor & Delivery nurse who is also a certified childbirth educator. This class covers traditional childbirth education; including an overview of labor, birth, comfort techniques/medications, cesarean sections, newborn and postpartum care. Group discussions and hands-on activities including birth scenarios and practicing of different labor positions. A tour of the Family Center is included. Please try and attend between 32-38 weeks.
Register for the Prepared Childbirth Series
Prepared Childbirth Saturday Class - Week nights are too busy? This class covers what the 4 Monday sessions do but all in one day! The class meets from 8:30am-4:30pm with a break for lunch. A tour of the Family Center is included. Please try and attend between 32-38 weeks.
Register for a Prepared Childbirth Saturday Class
Breastfeeding Session - Taught by a certified lactation consultant, the benefits of breastfeeding, the process of learning how to breastfeed and helpful techniques are just some of the topics covered in this 2 hour presentation. This class is highly recommended for both the expectant mother and her partner/support person.
Register for a Breastfeeding Session
Partner Prep Class - This class is specifically designed to prepare support people through the unique experience of becoming a new parent. Experienced instructors will teach expectant partners about baby care, car seat safety, and how to best support the needs of new moms in labor and postpartum! Learn to confidently engage with your infant and feel more ready for this big life transition!
**Note: This class does not replace regular childbirth Ed classes and is just for partners/support people.**
Register for Partner Prep Class
Infant/Family CPR - The Family & Friends CPR Course teaches the lifesaving skills of adult Hands-Only CPR. This includes adult CPR with breaths, child CPR with breaths, adult and child AED use, infant CPR, and mild and severe airway block for adults, children, and infants. Skills are taught in a dynamic group environment using the AHA’s research-proven practice-while-watching technique, which provides students with the most hands-on CPR practice time possible.
Register for Family & Friends CPR
Weekly Breastfeeding Support Group - Tuesdays 1:00-2:30pm. This support group is for new moms to get together to share their experiences, ask questions and support each other, whether you are breast or bottle feeding your new baby. It is a safe space where you can connect with other moms who understand the joys and challenges of being a new parent. This group is facilitated by a certified lactation consultant and is a great way to build friendships, gain knowledge and feel supported throughout your breastfeeding journey. This group is open to the community and free of charge.
Register for Breastfeeding Support Group