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Online Classes
Gentle Birth - Virtual
with Dawn Tassi, MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital 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.
Preparing for Labor & Birth
with Erin Kirkpatrick, Mid Coast Maternity
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 with be 3:00pm-6:00pm.
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.
Grandparents (2026)
with Ellen Kunkle, 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. 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 Maternity
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
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 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
Understanding Breastfeeding
with Candace Crocker BSN RN IBCLC, LincolnHealth Childbirth Education
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
Expecting Multiples (2026)
with Certified Educator, MMC Childbirth Education
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.
Siblings Online (2026)
with Ellen Kunkle, MMC Childbirth Education
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.