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.

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.

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.

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. 

Come join us for a FREE one-hour, evidence-based discussion healthy nutrition! This is the virtual sign-up option, see Zoom link to join below. Each session is designed to build on another, but is also useful on its own if you can only make a few! We will focus on quality and quantity of foods and learn how to incorporate a whole-food plant-based eating pattern as recommended by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.

Instructors: Amy Pearl BSN, RN, CWHC 

To Join the Zoom Meeting:

https://zoom.us/j/5965762953 

Meeting ID: 596 576 2953

Attendance Policy: It is the expectation that the patient will cancel their registration if they cannot attend. If a patient does not show to 2 classes, they will have any following sessions canceled and will have to contact the office to discuss enrolling in future classes.

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. Please check your spam/junk folder for emails from erin@lighthouselactationmaine.com. 

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. Session 2 will be 9:00am-12:00pm.

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. 

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