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Kids' Health (Pediatrics)
Breastfeeding Basics In Person (2025)
with Certified Educator, MMC Childbirth Education
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.
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.
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.
Will run
Safe Baby ~ Infant CPR
with Ashley McAllister, MH MMC Biddeford Family Birth Center
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
Bring Your Own Car Seat (2025)
with Jami Gilbert, MMC Childbirth Education
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.
Proper car seat use saves lives! Many parents are shocked to find out that car seats are usually used incorrectly.
This class will teach you how to install and use your car seat correctly.
After this course, parents will be confident and prepared to use infant car seats.
We will talk about safety in and around cars and the do’s and don’ts for infant safety in regards to the car seat.
You will also learn when to transition your child to another seat and how to keep your child safe as he or she grows.
Registrants are asked to bring their car seats with to the class, including the car seat base for hands-on practice.
We recommend attending this class anytime before the 37th week of pregnancy.
This class will be held virtually. You will receive an email with the link to join the class the day before class is held. If you have any questions please contact Jami Gilbert at Jami.Gilbert@mainehealth.org or (207) 662 1572.
Safe Sitter
with Erin Olmstead, Stephens Family Birth Center
Safe Sitter Course is designed to prepare students ages 11-13 to be safe when they're home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting.
THIS CLASS IS LOCATED IN NORWAY, MAINE - IN PERSON
The Instructor-led class is filled with fun games and role-playing exercises. Students even get to use manikins to practice rescue skills like choking rescue and CPR!
This nationally acclaimed program developed by Dr. Patricia Keener focuses on safety skills, child care skills, first aid & rescue skills, and life & business skills.
Students are asked to pack a lunch, snacks and drinks will be provided. All participants are required to review self-screening questions for COVID-19 and remain masked during class.
Contact the Perinatal Outreach Education Coordinator with any questions: erin.olmstead@mainehealth.org or 207-393-3462.
Infant Care Basics
with Erin Kirkpatrick, Mid Coast Maternity
In this 3 hour virtual course, we talk about how to care for your newborn when you bring them home, what to expect during the first few months, and how to be well prepared. Topics include:
- Sleep habits
- Laying a strong sleep foundation
- Bottle and formula feeding (separate breastfeeding class)
- Diapering & Digestion
- Soothing techniques
- Safety Guidelines
- Common ailments
- Postpartum Coping and Preparation
We recommend taking this between 30-35 weeks if possible. Only one parent needs to register, but all can attend. Please join us to build your confidence in caring for your newborn!
You will receive an email from the instructor with a zoom link 1 week prior to the scheduled class.
Will run
Siblings In Person (2025)
with Ellen Kunkle, MMC Childbirth Education
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.
Will run
Car Seat Basics ~ Infant Seat to High-Back Booster
with Alicia Provost, MH MMC Biddeford Family Birth Center
Car seat safety has changed a lot over the years. Do you know the safest way to buckle your baby up?
This class helps inform parents, grandparents and other caregivers of the importance of proper child restraint use (car seats) for their infant. You will learn:
- Evidance-based information
- Do's and Dont's of car seat safety
- Proper installation of infant seat & base (bring your personal infant car seat and vehicle manual if able)
- Car Seat Safety Check-In Stations & Events
This class will cover car seat basics, and the knowledge to choose the best safety seat for their child(ren).
NOTE: THIS IS AN IN PERSON CLASS IN BIDDEFORD
Boot Camp for New Dads Resource
available
with Maine Boys to Men, MMC Childbirth Education
Boot Camp for New Dads is a half-day workshop offered for new or expectant dads and people who identify as fathers. You will explore societal messages we receive about the role of dads and how you and your partner can move beyond these messages to become a team in parenting your baby. You will also have an opportunity to ask veteran dads questions about fussy babies, diapering, etc.
Please contact Maine Boys to Men for more information, dates and registration:
https://maineboystomen.org/boot-camp-for-new-dads/
(207) 774-9994