Congratulations! You're pregnant; now what?

If you are looking for a crash course on how to be a supportive partner in this crazy adventure of having a baby, this class is for you. This online-only class is jam-packed with two hours of edutainment (a hybrid of education and entertainment) that will be great for helping you and your partner get through the duration of pregnancy. We will cover the pre-baby game plan, what happens during labor and delivery, and what to expect once you get home.

This class is for individuals who will be supporting their partners giving birth.

Once you sign up for a class, you will receive a Zoom link via email the week prior to class. Refunds for class cancellations include a 10% processing fee. No refunds will be given after class begins.

NOTE: THIS IS AN ONLINE CLASS

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

To avoid duplicate charges, please register only ONE participant per class. The registration fee includes costs for the registrant and one support person. 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.

These comprehensive classes are designed to provide you and your labor partner with the information, skills, and resources to prepare you for the birth of your baby.  Recommended for all first-time pregnant parents and their birth partners.

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

PLEASE NOTE THIS $10 FEE IS NON-REFUNDABLE:

*The $10 fee is for 2 people to attend the tour. To avoid duplicate charges register one person only.  

* Do not include the name of the 2nd person attending with you as this will automatically generate a 2nd charge, which is non-refundable.  

*Please only register for 1 tour only to ensure that there is room for everyone who would like to attend a tour.  Do not register for multiple tours, thank you!

* There is always a chance that all of the rooms are full and we are unable to view one

After you are registered you will receive details of where to meet, etc. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you soon!

*Please note for our Winter tours: If the weather forecasts unsafe driving conditions, the tour will be cancelled. Be sure to check your email! We will do our best to reschedule you tour. If where you are coming from has bad weather, please reschedule a tour with us!

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.

This is Part 3 of a three part series. Please sign up for Part 1 and Part 2 above. All of your class dates should be in the same month. Join us in person at MidCoast Hospital for the final session of our Preparing for Labor & Birth series. We will meet at the entrance of the offices building where you go to your prenatal appointments. It will start with a tour of the maternity unit and birthing rooms and then we will spend the rest of our time practicing various labor positions and hands on support techniques for partners, as well as discuss a variety of coping techniques! 

Partners/support people are encouraged to attend but do not need to register online. We recommend taking this course between 30-36 weeks if possible. Our hope is that after attending all three sessions you will leave feeling like you have the knowledge you need to make informed decisions, and the confidence to navigate the transition from pregnancy to parenthood. We look forward to working with you!

Coastal Communities Live Well Better Breathers Group (adults)

Join us for a support group that provides a welcoming space for individuals with chronic lung diseases, as well as their family members, friends and caregivers. Learn about disease management, share experiences and get tools to stay active and healthy. The group covers everything related to breathing, including oxygen equipment, medications, CPAP machines and more. Guest speakers will provide specialized knowledge and education.

Classes are led by trained facilitators and are offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Wednesday of each month. A Zoom link will be provided after registration. Families and caregivers are welcome.

The American Lung Association's Better Breathers Club program has connected people living with lung disease to education, support and each other in communities around the country for over 50 years.

To register, email or call Suzan Michelle Collins at: 207-301-5892 or Suzan.Collins@mainehealth.org     

Suzan Michelle Collins, BSRT, RRT, is a second-year graduate student working on her graduate degree in Respiratory Care at Boise State University. She is a certified asthma educator and holds specialty certifications as a COPD educator, pulmonary disease educator, tobacco treatment specialist and in pulmonary rehabilitation.

She has received national awards for her work in Asthma Management from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Dr. Charles H. Hudson Award for her work in Cardiopulmonary Health from the ARCF and the Nick Jones Breathe Strong Rally Champion Award from the COPD Foundation. Locally, she has received the 2024 Operations Transformation Advocate Award from MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital and has been invited to present her research and work performed here for several national conferences.

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.