Childbirth and newborn care classes: What to expect and when to take them

Taking these classes before your delivery date can make life easier during and after baby’s birth.

Welcoming a baby into the world marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in life. But it also brings challenges you might not fully anticipate. While the early days of parenthood — especially motherhood — can be filled with joy, they also come with their fair share of sleepless nights and unexpected hurdles. Preparing ahead of time helps you embrace both the magical moments and the tough ones. Childbirth and newborn care classes at HCA Virginia equip you with the knowledge, skills and experience to help you navigate the unknowns of labor, delivery and caring for a newborn with confidence.

Why should I take childbirth and newborn care classes?

Preparation is the key to success, whether you’re tackling a big exam, starting a new job or welcoming a new baby. Childbirth and newborn care classes are designed to help you feel ready for what’s to come by providing practical knowledge and hands-on practice.

In a childbirth class, you’ll learn about the stages of labor, pain management techniques and postpartum recovery. These classes also offer parenting tips that make the transition to life with a newborn a little smoother. According to a 2017 study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), mothers who took childbirth classes reported feeling more prepared, better informed and more confident during labor and delivery. 

Newborn care classes generally focus on teaching you what to expect after your baby is born, starting with the period immediately after birth and going through the first 12 months. You can also expect to learn about both physical and emotional changes that may arise, as well as insights on healthy habits and areas of concern to watch out for. 

Whether this is your first baby or you’re refreshing your skills, these classes help you build a foundation to navigate one of life’s most significant moments.

When is the best time to take childbirth and newborn care classes?

In general, the ideal time to begin childbirth preparation is during your third trimester — typically between 28 and 36 weeks — when your due date is approaching, but you still have time to practice what you’ve learned. Some parents prefer to take newborn care and infant CPR classes earlier in pregnancy, especially if they want time to review the material at their own pace.

Okay, I’ve signed up for classes. What can I expect?

When you attend classes at HCA Virginia, you’ll experience a welcoming, supportive environment led by experienced professionals. Each class combines instruction with hands-on practice and discussion, so you’ll walk away with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Some of the topics you can expect include:

• Stages of labor and delivery
• Breathing and comfort techniques for pain management
• Newborn care essentials: diapering, feeding and soothing
• Safe sleep practices and infant CPR
• Partners are welcome — and encouraged — to attend. Many classes also provide virtual options, so you can participate from the comfort of your home.

You might also consider signing up for a tour of the maternity unit while you're taking these classes. Many hospitals also offer tours of their maternity ward to help families familiarize themselves with the facility. Find out more about the labor and delivery tours at HCA Virginia.

Where can I find more information about these classes? 

Your provider is your go-to resource throughout your pregnancy and beyond. HCA Virginia has a team of expert OB/GYNs and midwives to answer all your questions — from prenatal vitamins to labor and delivery care. We also have classes and events to help you prepare for birth and after delivery. Our extensive network is home to everyone from OB/GYNs and midwives to high-risk pregnancy doctors and neonatologists. Find an OB/GYN.