Although everyone experiences grief, it is a unique process for each individual. What is grief? How do you manage it? When will it be over? What can I do to start feeling better? I just want my life back, how do I do that?  Looking for answers? Attend this one hour session that is aimed to answer your questions and hopefully provide you with some coping tools to start the healing process.

All care team members across the MaineHealth system are invited to join this 1 hour virtual seminar.

Do you have questions, scheduling suggestions or are interested in training to be a facilitator yourself? Please email the instructor Gisele Biron at mhmgcareteambereavement@mainehealth.org 

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.

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.

• Class#1: Introduction to Labor & Delivery
  • This class covers 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. 
• Class#2:Practical Skills and Comfort Measures
  • This class will cover comfort measures such as relaxation, breathing, and positions that you can use both at home and while at the hospital. Whether you are planning to use pain medications, or just want to understand the available options, this class will provide you with the information needed to make informed decisions regarding pain relief. 
• Class#3: 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.  This class series also includes opportunities for Q&A.

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

We are offering this class online. After you are registered you will receive an email with information as to how to participate in the class. 

Registration fee covers the cost of registrant and one support person. Please register only ONE participant for a class so that you will not be charged twice. 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.

This class meets online. If you are registered for this class, you will recieve an email about 2 days before the class starts with a link to join. 

This class covers the benefits of breastfeeding, different breastfeeding techniques and positions, how to make enough milk, and local community and professional resources. Attending this class before your baby’s birth will help you meet your breastfeeding goals. 

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

A free, 7-session series focusing on methods to cultivate and preserve nature’s bounty, including planning and preparing your garden, dehydrating food and canning vegetables.

Facilitated by Sheryl McWilliams.

2nd Thursday of the month | 6:30-8 p.m. (no sessions in July or August)

• March 13: Planning for the Future: Garden design, breaking the ground, till vs. no-till, etc.
• April 10: All Things Seeds: Selection, sourcing, starting and preservation
• May 8: Will It Grow? Planting, weeding and nurturing
• June 12: Growing the Soil: How to produce healthy, nutrient-dense plants
• September 11: Gathering the Bounty: Harvesting your produce
• October 9: What to Do with a Bumper Crop: Food storage and preservation
• November 13: Putting the Garden to Bed for the Winter

Registration is required for each individual session.

It's never too late to take an Infant CPR class! This class is for parents, grandparents, childcare providers and anyone who takes care of your baby.

This is a non-certificate course through American Heart Association, Friends & Family program. Learn basic infant CPR & choking rescue for your little one.

The text Family & Friends CPR will be provided. SMHC certificates of completion are available upon request.

Make sure to register EACH PERSON attending the class so we can have a correct head count.

NOTE: THIS CLASS IS IN PERSON IN BIDDEFORD

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.

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 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.

Registration fee covers the cost of registrant and one support person. Please register only ONE participant for a class so that you will not be charged twice. 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.

Things have really changed since you became a parent! This class will cover communication between grandparents and the new parents; how grandparents can help during pregnancy, birth and after baby is born; current guidelines for infant care and infant safety; and ways to bond with your new grandchild.

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

We are offering this class online. After you are registered, shortly before the class starts you will receive an email with information as to how to participate in the class. Thank you for understanding.