Childbirth, Breastfeeding & Family, Parenting Classes | MedStar Health

Childbirth and Parenting Education 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.

 

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.

 

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.

Virtual tours

  • MedStar Franklin Square Hospital Center Women’s Pavilion

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  • MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

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  • MedStar Montgomery Medical Center Maternity Unit

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  • MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center’s Women and Newborn Center

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  • MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital’s Women's Health & Family Birthing Center

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  • MedStar Washington Hospital Center Family Birth Place

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  • MedStar Harbor Hospital Women and Infants' Center

    MedStar Harbor Hospital
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Our providers

A team of 3 female physicians from MedStar Health stand together in a hallway in a hospital.

Expert maternity care

Getting the care you need starts with seeing one of our maternity specialists.