Join us for an in-depth discussion of what to expect when the time comes to give birth to your baby!

Part 1 is in-person at MidCoast Hospital. During this 3.5 hour session, you will learn about the three phases of labor, how to cope, and how to be a supportive partner. We will discuss many coping strategies, as well as practice laboring positions and hands-on support techniques. This session also includes a tour of the maternity unit and birthing rooms. Session 1 is from 9:30am-1:00pm.

Part 2 is held the next day via zoom. During this 3 hour session, you will learn about the various pain medication options that are available, what is involved in inductions and c-sections, what to expect with your newborn and your hospital stay, as well as how to be more prepared for the postpartum period. In the year 2025 Session 2 will be 9:00am-12:00pm. In the year 2026 Session 2 with be 3:00pm-6:00pm.

Partners/support people are encouraged to attend but do not need to register online. We recommend taking this course between 30-35 weeks if possible. Our hope is that you will leave this educational weekend 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!

You will receive an email from the instructor 1 week prior to the scheduled class with the zoom link for part 2. Please check your spam/junk folder for emails from erin@lighthouselactationmaine.com. 

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.

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.

*Please note for our Winter classes: If the weather forecasts unsafe driving conditions, the class will be cancelled. Be sure to check your email and/or voicemail! We will do our best to reschedule or transfer you into another class. If where you are coming from has bad weather, please contact us to reschedule!

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.

Make sure to register EACH PERSON attending the class so we can have a correct head count. Refunds for class cancellations include a 10% processing fee. No refunds will be given after class begins.

NOTE: THIS CLASS IS IN PERSON IN BIDDEFORD

Join us for a free, nurse-led group for parents and parents-to-be. We offer a welcoming place for new and pregnant parents to talk, listen and get support from others during the transition to parenthood. Babies welcome! Snacks and beverages will be provided. Drop-ins are welcome. Please call 301-8343 for more information.

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

For people with Parkinson’s disease, their families, friends, and caregivers. Attendees should bring a bag lunch; drinks and desserts provided.

Questions? Please contact Spectrum Generations at 800-639-1553.

Being prepared for childbirth can ease your mind and make your birth experience what you hope it will be. This class will give you the information, resources and skills to prepare you for the birth of your baby.

This class will cover:

• Preparation during last month of pregnancy
• Early labor at home
• What to expect coming to the hospital from admission to discharge
• Stages of labor
• Pain management options
• Optional tour of the Family Birth Center Labor & Delivery

Expecting mother/couple should be in their last trimester. Class fee is per couple. When checking out, please don't add your support person as an additional attendee, only enter their name when asked. Refunds for class cancellations include a 10% processing fee. No refunds will be given after class begins.

NOTE: THIS IS AN IN PERSON CLASS 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.

Couples expecting more than one baby will receive information specific to multiple pregnancy, birth, and parenting. Early participation in this class is advised (before 30 weeks gestation). If this is your first pregnancy, participation in one of our childbirth education classes is also strongly encouraged.

We recommend attending this class between the 24th and 28th 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.