Family Education

Location: Irwin Center, 1st floor Office

Hours: 1-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Messages may be left at any time and will be returned during office hours
General Information & Scheduling: 410-337-1880

The Family Education Program provides education resources for families during the childbearing years.

The following classes and support groups are available:

• Healthy Pregnancy Class: The focus of this class is the first five months of pregnancy. Topics are designed to promote wellness and healthy lifestyle choices in early pregnancy. Breathing and relaxation are included.
   
• Prepared Childbirth 5-Week Series: This five-week series, which builds on the Healthy Pregnancy Class, is designed for expectant parents who are in their seventh month of pregnancy. A certified childbirth educator offers in-depth instruction about labor and delivery as well as breathing and relaxation techniques. Other topics also include cesarean birth, pain and stress management, recovery and care of the newborn.
  
• Prepared Childbirth 3-Week Series: This three-week series also builds on the Healthy Pregnancy Class. It offers all of the topics included in the five-week series but is a fast-paced course, which includes only a discussion of relaxation and breathing exercises rather than in-depth instruction.
  
• Prepared Childbirth One-Day Program: Designed for busy couples who may have limited time, this class offers the same topics as the five-week series, but in one day.
  
• Childbirth Review Class: This class is offered to couples who have previously taken childbirth preparation classes. This class includes a review of labor and delivery, breathing and relaxation techniques and discussion on sibling preparation.
  
• Breastfeeding: A class for expectant parents who choose breastfeeding for their babies. An optional second session will feature the issues of returning to work and breastfeeding.
  
• Kangaroo Kapers: A program for children three to six years of age whose families are expecting a new sibling.
  
• Baby Care Class: A two-session class for expectant parents, adoptive parents and grandparents. The class offers basic baby care, infant safety and CPR.
  
• Mothering Matters: Enjoy the company of those who know what you are going through. This informational and ongoing support group was created as a forum for new mothers to express their joys and concerns.