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Online Classes
Grandparents (2026)
with Ellen Kunkle, Family Birth Center MH MMC Portland
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
with Erin Kirkpatrick, Mid Coast Hospital Family Birth Center
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
Gentle Birth - Virtual
with Dawn Tassi, MH Pen Bay and Waldo Hospital Events
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.
Siblings Online (2026)
with Ellen Kunkle, Family Birth Center MH MMC Portland
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)
with Certified Educator, Family Birth Center MH MMC Portland
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
with Erin Kirkpatrick, Mid Coast Hospital Family Birth Center
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
with Erin Kirkpatrick, Mid Coast Hospital Family Birth Center
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
with Danielle Peart, Mid Coast Hospital Family Birth Center
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!