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MaineHealth



Online Classes

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.

 

Childbirth Education 3-week Series Online (2026)

$150

with Certified Educator, Family Birth Center MH MMC Portland

Calendar Jul 21, 2026 at 5:30 pm, runs for 3 weeks
1 additional session on Sep 7, 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.

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. 

Preparing for Labor & Birth Part 1

Free

with Erin Kirkpatrick, Mid Coast Hospital Family Birth Center

Calendar Jul 26, 2026 at 4 pm
4 additional sessions through Dec 5, 2026

Join us via Zoom for an in-depth discussion of what to expect when the time comes to give birth to your baby! This is the first of 3 sessions. Please sign up for the other two sessions as well. 

In this session you will learn about the three phases of the labor process, how to cope, and how to be a supportive partner. 

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. 

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

Preparing for Labor & Birth Part 2

Free

with Erin Kirkpatrick, Mid Coast Hospital Family Birth Center

Calendar Aug 2, 2026 at 4 pm
4 additional sessions through Dec 6, 2026

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

In Part 2, 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.

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. 

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. 

Preparing for Labor & Birth Part 3

Free

with Danielle Peart, Mid Coast Hospital Family Birth Center

Calendar Aug 11, 2026 at 6 pm
10 additional sessions through Dec 22, 2026

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!

Breastfeeding Basics - Virtual
Online Registration Unavailable

Breastfeeding Basics - Virtual

Free

with Lynn Tauss, MH Pen Bay and Waldo Hospital Events

Calendar Sep 2, 2026 at 6 pm
2 additional sessions through Nov 4, 2026

This single two-hour class provides a pre-birth opportunity to ask questions and learn about breastfeeding and returning to work. 

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

Understanding Breastfeeding

Free

with Candace Crocker BSN RN IBCLC, Family Birth Center MH Lincoln Hospital

Calendar Sep 3, 2026 at 4 pm

Our classes reflect Lincoln Hospital's dedication to our philosophy of family-centered care.  Classes are taught by an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant from the family birth center who will bring her knowledge and experience to her teaching.  We will review how milk is made, why breastfeeding is so important, feeding cues and positions and so much more.  We use short videos and discussion to ensure you and your baby are off to a great start!  Also covered is prenatal colostrum harvesting as well as hand expression, pumping and storage of breastmilk.  The class is informal and allows for open discussion.  Please call the Lincoln Hospital Family Birth Center for questions at:  207.563.4536   **Class is located AT THE WATSON CENTER

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