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MaineHealth



Online Classes

Newborn Care Basics

Free

with Erin Kirkpatrick, Mid Coast Hospital Family Birth Center

Calendar Jul 5, 2026 at 3 pm
1 additional session on Oct 19, 2026

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 additional info 1 month prior to the scheduled class and an email with a zoom link 1 week prior to the scheduled class. Please check your spam/junk folder for emails from erin@lighthouselactationmaine.com in these time frames.

Will run

Expecting Multiples (2026)

$30

with Certified Educator, Family Birth Center MH MMC Portland

Calendar Jul 7, 2026 at 6 pm

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.

Grandparents (2026)

$20

with Ellen Kunkle, Family Birth Center MH MMC Portland

Calendar Jul 11, 2026 at 1 pm
2 additional sessions through Sep 27, 2026

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.

Breastfeeding for Beginners

Free

with Erin Kirkpatrick, Mid Coast Hospital Family Birth Center

Calendar Jul 13, 2026 at 6 pm
1 additional session on Oct 4, 2026

Join us for a 3 hour virtual session loaded with all the info you will need to get breastfeeding off to a great start! 

Topics will include: 

  • What to do to prepare during your pregnancy
  • How to get a good latch
  • How to establish a strong milk supply
  • How to navigate bumps in the road
  • How to introduce pumping and bottlefeeding
  • Postpartum resources available 
  • So much more!

Partners are encouraged to be present as well but do not need to be registered. We recommend taking this between 30-35 weeks if possible. Join us to feel empowered about starting your feeding journey!

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

 

Will run

Baby Basics Online (2026)

$40

with Certified Educator, Family Birth Center MH MMC Portland

Calendar Jul 14, 2026 at 6 pm
2 additional sessions through Sep 15, 2026

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.

 

 

Gentle Birth - Virtual
Online Registration Unavailable

Gentle Birth - Virtual

Free

with Dawn Tassi, MH Pen Bay and Waldo Hospital Events

Calendar Jul 14, 2026 at 6 pm
8 additional sessions through Nov 24, 2026

Enjoy a new approach to child birth class combining brain science, birth science and technology to empower your positive birth through preparation. This class takes place over a series of three Tuesdays and will include training and education in mindfulness, hypnosis, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and sports psychology. A mobile app will also be able available if desired to enhance the learning experience.

Pre-registration is required in order to obtain access to virtual access. Please call (207)301-8337 to register. 

Bring Your Own Car Seat (2026)

Free

with Jami Gilbert, Family Birth Center MH MMC Portland

Calendar Jul 16, 2026 at 6 pm
2 additional sessions through Sep 17, 2026

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.

 

Siblings Online (2026)

Free

with Ellen Kunkle, Family Birth Center MH MMC Portland

Calendar Jul 19, 2026 at 9:30 am
1 additional session on Sep 12, 2026

We will be offering this class as an online interactive class. A few days before the class is scheduled to take place you will receive an email with instructions on how to participate online or by phone.

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

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

 





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