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. In the year 2025 Session 2 will be 9:00am-12:00pm. In the year 2026 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. 

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.

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

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.