Childbirth, Breastfeeding & Family, Parenting Classes

A young woman breastfeeds her newborn baby.

Committed to healthy moms and families

MedStar Health is committed to healthy moms and healthy families. Anticipating the birth of your baby is such an exciting time! With this excitement, there are often feelings of uncertainty. Attending our Birth and Family classes, during your pregnancy and beyond, can provide the knowledge and support needed for you to feel confident and prepared for labor, delivery, and caring for your new baby. You’ve got this and we’re here to help!

Our instructors are nurses who have worked in maternal child health and have had additional training/certifications in the topics they teach

Let our experts answer your questions:

How will I know when I’m in labor?
When can I get an epidural?
How will I know if my baby is getting enough to eat when I breastfeed?
What do I do if my baby gets sick?

MedStar Health offers a variety of classes at many different locations and using a variety of platforms, such as:

In-person classes

Spend time with your support person focusing on your baby while meeting other pregnant couples. Specially designed for those who like hands-on learning.

Virtual online classes

Stay in the comfort of your home all while getting your questions answered in real time with a live instructor.

eClasses

Take classes online, at your own pace, and when convenient for your schedule.

Birth and family classes

You are important to us, and we’re here to help. Below you will find a list of MedStar Health hospitals. Click each hospital to explore Birth and Family classes offered and contact information for each hospitals program.

MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
Prepared Childbirth 4-week Series (in-person)

Prepared Childbirth Weekend Express (in-person)

Breastfeeding, Facts, Myths, and Techniques (in-person)

Infant Care and Safety Class (in-person)

Infant And Child CPR and AED (in-person)

Infant And Child First Aid (in-person)

Class coordinator:
Beth Kegley
Beth.Kegley@medstar.net
443-777-2447
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

For patients delivering at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, please speak to your provider to discuss Birth and Family class options. For additional education, please explore classes provided at other MedStar Health locations.
MedStar Harbor Hospital

Currently, there are currently no in-person classes being offered at MedStar Harbor Hospital. Please refer to MedStar Franklin Square Hospital OR MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, to explore available in-person Birth and Family classes across the MedStar Health system.

For online classes, please scroll down on this page to eClasses hosted by MedStar Health.
MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital

Parents-to-Be Workshop (in-person)

Combines four traditional parenting classes into a one-day overview. Topics include childbirth, breastfeeding, infant CPR, and practical baby care skills such as bathing and diapering

Contact information:
Health Connections
301-475-6019
MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
Comfort Measures Class

Infant Feeding Class

Complete Childbirth Preparation Program 6-Weeks Series

Infant Care Class

Childbirth Express Class

Note: Virtual classes are held live by a certified class instructor.

Class coordinator:
Dairy Marroquin
Dairy.Marroquin@medstar.net
301-570-7443
MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center
Understanding Childbirth (eClass)

Understanding your Newborn (eClass)

Understanding Breastfeeding (eClass)

Contact information:
Sparkle Lopez
MSMHC-ChildbirthEducation@medstar.net
MedStar Washington Hospital Center

For patients delivering at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, there are currently no in-person classes being offered. Please refer to MedStar Franklin Square Hospital OR MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, to explore available in-person Birth and Family classes across the MedStar Health system.

For online classes, please scroll down on this page to eClasses hosted by MedStar Health.

Currently, MedStar Washington Hospital offers classes to patients receiving care at all our Prenatal Locations including Women’s Wellness (all locations), Midwives (all locations), and Specialty Care. There is no fee. Please contact, SBSMMWHC@medstar.net for more information.

eClasses hosted by MedStar Health

MedStar Health is now offering on-demand Birth and Family eclasses. Eclasses are available 24/7 for your convenience. Prices are listed below.

Note: Please select any date associated with eclasses in the links below. All dates provide same content.

Available eclasses

Understanding Birth ($75.00)

Understanding your Multiples ($65.00)

Understanding Breastfeeding ($35.00)

Understanding Your Newborn ($35.00)

Understanding Natural Childbirth ($35.00)

Understanding Fatherhood ($35.00)

Understanding Cesarean Birth ($35.00)

Understanding Grandparenting ($35.00)

Discounts are available for MedStar Health Associates, MedStar Family Choice members and Military with a spouse deployed. Please call 1-888-746-2852 for discount information and to register.

Support groups

Event Flyer for all our support groups, click here (English).

Event Flyer for all our support groups, click here (Spanish).

Virtual Moms, Babies & Breastfeeding Support Group

Hosted by: MedStar Health

Time: 1st Tuesday of each month (as of June 1, 2024), 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Please join us weekly to connect with other moms, discuss developmental milestones, and have your breastfeeding questions answered online by a lactation professional. This FREE support group is open to all expectant and breastfeeding moms. Please contact susanna.k.derocco@medstar.net for the private virtual link.

Lactation Support Group (in-person)

Hosted by: MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital

Time: Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. This support group is FREE. Registration is required.

Contact Health Connections at 301-475-6019 to register.

Essex Moms, Babies & Breastfeeding Support Group (free, in-person)

Hosted by: MedStar Health

Location: Baltimore County Library, Essex Branch, 1110 Eastern Blvd., Essex, MD 21221

Time: Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Please join us weekly to connect with other moms, discuss developmental milestones, and have your breastfeeding questions answered by a lactation professional. Professional scale available to weigh your baby. FREE welcome gift and incentives while supplies last!

Boxed lunches provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Expectant moms, siblings and support partners welcome! Please contact susanna.k.derocco@medstar.net. with any questions.

Event flyer

Brooklyn Moms, Babies & Breastfeeding Support Group (Free, In-person)

Hosted by: MedStar Health

Location: The Transformation Center, 3701 4th St, Brooklyn, MD 21225

Time: Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Please join us weekly to connect with other moms, discuss developmental milestones, and have your breastfeeding questions answered by a lactation professional. Professional scale available to weigh your baby. FREE welcome gift and incentives while supplies last!

Boxed lunches provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Expectant moms, siblings and support partners welcome! Please contact susanna.k.derocco@medstar.net with any questions.