This class will help children prepare for the special occasion of becoming a big brother or sister. Big brothers and sisters will watch an age-appropriate video and learn to diaper their doll or teddy bear. Siblings will also learn what to expect during parents and baby's hospital stay, what newborn babies look like and act like, and how they can help parents with the new baby.

We recommend attending this class between the 32nd and 36th week of pregnancy.

Classes are held at the Dana Center Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland. All class participants should enter through the main entrance and be issued a Visitors badge.  You will be directed to the Charles Dana Education Center where the class instructor will be downstairs to meet you. 

Parking: Parking is available in the visitors Parking Garage on Congress Street.  Parking near the hospital is limited and parking for more than 1 hour may result in a fine.

The registration fee includes costs for the registrant and one support person. To avoid duplicate charges, please register only ONE participant per class. A receipt will be provided for insurance reimbursement purposes. Reimbursement is subject to individual insurance plans, refer to your plan for additional information.

If you cannot afford the registration fee due to financial hardship, please contact childbirth education at childbirtheducation@mainehealth.org .

Rescheduling or canceling your class registration can be done by contacting childbirtheducation@mainehealth.org. Refunds for class cancelations include a 10% processing fee. No refunds will be given after class begins.

We are offering this class in person. Classes are held at the Dana Center Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland. You will receive directions to parking and the classroom once you have registered.

The One-Day Express Course covers all of the same information as the Childbirth Education weekly evening series in one full day.

Recommended for all first-time pregnant people and their birth partners, this class is designed to provide you and your labor partner with the information, skills, and resources to prepare you for the birth of your baby.

• Introduction to Labor & Delivery You can expect to learn the stages and phases of labor, what to expect physically and emotionally, the importance of labor support, and more. You will also see birth videos.
• Practical Skills and Comfort Measures You will learn comfort measures such as relaxation, breathing, and positions that you can use both at home and while at the hospital. Even mothers planning to use medication for pain relief will utilize skills to manage labor prior to and in conjunction with the use of medication.
• Medications and Interventions Be an active participant in the decisions that affect you and your baby. Learn about induction of labor, unplanned cesareans, vacuum, fetal monitoring and more. Whether you are planning on using pain medications, or just want to understand the available options, you will take home the information you need to make informed decisions about pain relief.

We recommend attending this class between the 28th and 32nd week of pregnancy.

We offer a safe place for new and pregnant mothers and families to talk, listen, get support and gain education on postpartum experiences. This is a free group for moms, moms-to-be and family members who want to connect with others for support. Registration is encouraged, but drop-ins are welcome. Please call 301-8343 for more information or to register.

This group meets on the 2nd Monday of each month, from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Thank you for your interest in the MaineHealth Maine Medical Center PORTLAND CNA Apprentice Training Program.  Please read the information below carefully.  If you would like to know more about this program, please contact us at mmc.cnaprogram@MaineHealth.org 

These CASAS test dates are for the MHMMC Portland CNA Apprentice class that begins Sept. 8, 2025. The application deadline for this class is July 28. If you register for a CASAS date, please make every effort to attend!

To apply, you must complete the following before the application deadline:

--Be at least 18 years old and have completed high school or the equivalent.

--Be a US citizen or hold current, valid US work authorization.

--Pass the CASAS reading assessment with a score of 240 or higher. You must bring a photo ID to the reading test and go to the main office at Portland Adult Education when you arrive.  Passing this test is not a guarantee that you will be placed in the class.

Note:  If you hold a bachelors or associates degree from an accredited US institution of higher learning, the CASAS assessment may be waived (send copy of diploma or transcript to mmc.cnaprogram@mainehealth.org)

If you have recently taken the CASAS, you must wait 6 months before taking it again.

--Submit the CNA Program Application and all other requested documents by the deadline given above. The list of documents will be sent to you when we receive your application.

--Attend a virtual information session: we'll send you an invitation after you score 240 or higher on the CASAS. 

Please email mmc.cnaprogram@mainehealth.org if you have any questions or for info about MHMMC Portland’s CNA Program.

* To schedule a class please email your contact information to the instructor, lena.strange@mainehealth.org and the instructor will get back to you.

The registration fee includes costs for the registrant and one support person. To avoid duplicate charges, please register only ONE participant per class. A receipt will be provided for insurance reimbursement purposes. Reimbursement is subject to individual insurance plans, refer to your plan for additional information.

If you cannot afford the registration fee due to financial hardship, please contact childbirth education at childbirtheducation@mainehealth.org .

Rescheduling or canceling your class registration can be done by contacting lena.strange@mainehealth.org. Refunds for class cancelations include a 10% processing fee.  No refunds will be given after class begins.

This is a one hour, private online class with a Labor & Delivery nurse to discuss options after a previous cesarean delivery.  Designed for individuals and their partners who are considering a Trial of Labor After a Cesarean (TOLAC), please talk with your provider before registering this class to see if a TOLAC is an option for you.

We will take time to discuss your previous birth experience, define what is most important to you as you consider options for this pregnancy, and what you can do to increase your chances of a vaginal delivery if you choose to labor this time. 

You will learn how to prepare for a TOLAC at MMC, and understand strategies to prepare for both a vaginal and repeat caesarean birth if needed.

We recommend attending this class during the second trimester of pregnancy.

Falls are one of the top three causes of nonfatal injuries in adults aged 65 and older.

In this workshop, brought to you by the partnership between Rockland Public Library and MaineHealth Center for Health Improvement Community Health department at Pen Bay and Waldo Hospitals, you'll explore common concerns about falling, discover effective ways to reduce your risk, and participate in gentle Tai Chi and strength and balance exercises. You'll also leave with a personalized action plan to help reduce your risk of falling and improve your confidence.

The registration fee includes costs for the registrant and one support person. To avoid duplicate charges, please register only ONE participant per class. A receipt will be provided for insurance reimbursement purposes. Reimbursement is subject to individual insurance plans, refer to your plan for additional information.

 A receipt will be issued which can be utilized to submit to your insurance company. Reimbursement is dependent upon individual plans, refer to your plan for additional information.

If you cannot afford the registration fee due to financial hardship, please contact childbirth education at childbirtheducation@mainehealth.org .

Rescheduling or canceling your class registration can be done by contacting childbirtheducation@mainehealth.org . Refunds for class cancelations include a 10% processing fee. No refunds will be given after class begins.

We are offering this class online. After you are registered, a few days before the class starts you will receive an email with the link to participate in the class. 

Expectant first time parents can learn about common newborn needs and behaviors and how to prepare for bringing baby home. This class includes information about how to care for and comfort a newborn, feeding, safe sleep and other ways to keep your baby safe, and tips on how to make this newborn period an easier transition for you.

We recommend attending this class between the 32nd and 36th week of pregnancy.

Please join our postpartum support group to find the village you deserve! You will get to meet other new moms and find out that many of the struggles you may be experiencing are common and you are not alone. You will also get good ideas for coping. We vent, we celebrate, we cry, we encourage, we drink coffee and eat snacks! You can weigh your baby here and ask any questions at all to another mother or a nurse. 

The group meets every Wednesday morning at 10:30am at MidCoast Hospital. Sometimes we meet in Conference Room 1, right next to the cafeteria. If that room is not available, our back up location is the waiting room outside the Maternity unit. The group is led by our breast/bottle feeding specialists. Mothers with children 0-6 months are welcome.