Childbirth and Early Parenting Classes

Childbirth educator supports couple as they practice techniques for labor.

For expectant couples, families and caregivers, register here for classes to help you prepare for childbirth and early baby care.

Childbirth Classes

Labor and Delivery Tours

Preparation for Birth: 4-Week Series

Register in 4th or 5th month, complete by 8th month

This comprehensive four-week childbirth series covers all aspects of childbirth including: the anatomy and physiology of late pregnancy, the labor and birth process, signs and stages of labor, options for coping and pain management, possible complications, and how to promote positive communication with your caregiver.

Please register separately for a tour of the Labor and Delivery unit.

This class is offered at both OHSU Kohler Pavilion and at Gabriel Park. See dates and register

Preparation for Birth: 1-Day EXPRESS

Register now, take after 5th month

This childbirth class is a condensed, seminar-style format that covers the labor and birth process, signs and stages of labor, possible complications, and how to promote positive communication with your caregiver. For those requiring more instructional time, the Preparation for Birth: 4-Week Series is recommended.

Please register separately for a tour of the Labor and Delivery unit.

Preparation for Birth: eClass

Our online childbirth class is ideal for those expectant parents who can't attend an on-site childbirth class due to work schedules, time constraints or medical conditions. The eight-chapter program is an interactive, web-based class that uses videos, personal birth stories, animations, activities and games to teach all the essential information parents need to prepare for birth. Registration includes online access for five weeks.

Comfort Measures in Labor

Register now, take after 5th month, complete in 4 hours

Tap into your inner strength by learning how to perform comfort and coping techniques in managing the pain of labor. An in-depth, hands-on workshop for the expecting mom and her support partner, this class is recommended for those who have taken the preparation for birth class or who are birthing again and have a foundation of knowledge about the birth process. You will learn strategies, techniques and practical information to help navigate the labor process.

Please register separately for a tour of the Labor and Delivery unit.

Waterbirth 101

Required for waterbirth at OHSU

In this class, you and your partner will learn about waterbirth at OHSU. This class is mandatory for patients choosing waterbirth. 

Learn more about the waterbirth class

Early Parenting & Caregiving Classes

PLEASE NOTE: For all early parenting and caregiving classes, one registration includes two attendees.

These classes are open to expecting parents, new parents and infant caregivers.

Breastfeeding Basics

Register now, take after 5th month, new families welcome

Learn what to expect during the first few weeks of establishing a happy and healthy breastfeeding relationship with your baby, and much more! Breastfeeding Basics offers information to help you make your breastfeeding experience successful.

Taught by International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and Certified Lactation Educators. Common questions and/or concerns will be addressed.

See dates and register

Newborn Care

Register now, take after 5th month, new families welcome

Newborn Care provides information on the unique needs of newborns and new parents. 

You will learn about bathing, diapering, swaddling, tummy time, playing with your baby, sleep and soothing. You will work with your partner or support person to start a postpartum plan for your family, and you will leave better prepared to take care of your baby and yourself in the newborn period.

See dates and register

COMBINED: Breastfeeding Basics & Newborn Care

Register now, take after 5th month, new families welcome

Looking for breastfeeding and newborn care information in one class? Combined Breastfeeding Basics and Newborn Care covers what is included in our individual classes in one day. You will learn what to expect during the first few weeks of establishing a happy and healthy relationship with your baby, and obtain information on the unique needs of newborns, including newborn appearance, newborn characteristics, sleep issues and calming a baby. Using doll models, you'll learn the basics of bathing, diapering, swaddling, umbilical cord care and circumcision care. You will leave better prepared to breastfeed and take care of your baby.

Taught by International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and Certified Lactation Educators. Common questions and/or concerns will be addressed.

See dates and register

NEW CLASS: Return to Work

Navigating your return to work as a breastfeeding woman can present some challenges. In this class, we will provide you with the knowledge and tools to increase your confidence through this transition.

This class is ideal for families soon to be returning to work. To ensure you get the most out of this class, we recommend you attend after your baby is born so we have the opportunity to start to create a plan specifically for you, your baby and your family.

Taught by International Board Certified Lactation Consultants.

See dates and register

Infant Safety and CPR

We welcome all those who care for infants up to 12 months old to attend this class. Participants often include: expecting and new parents, expecting and new grandparents, and infant caregivers.

In this class, you will learn about preparing and maintaining a safe environment for infants as they grow and develop. Topics include: safety at home, safe sleep, safety out and about, infant choking safety and CPR.

Infant choking safety and CPR is a hands-on training using Baby Anne® CPR dolls. Certified American Heart Association instructors guide you through a skills session following the AHA video course. This course is designed for those wanting to learn infant CPR who do not require certification.

See dates and register

New Moms Group

mom and baby smiling

This group is available for moms of babies ages 0-6 months.

Learn more