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Online Classes
Newborn Sleep (0-3 mos): Setting the Foundations (2025)
with Jenna Marion, 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. 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.
This newborn sleep shaping class is for pregnant persons at any gestation and new parents with babies up to 12 weeks. During this class parents will learn how to set the foundations in the newborn period for healthy infant sleep. Topics discussed will include what to expect in the fourth trimester, newborn soothing strategies, the science behind sleep, developmental milestones, how to create a sleep conducive environment, how to encourage independent sleep, how and when to stop swaddling and realistic expectations regarding night wakings and feedings. We will also discuss planning for going back to work and transitioning to daycare.
Non-birthing partners are encouraged to attend.
This class is currently offered virtually via Zoom. After you are regisitered, you will receive an email with information as to how to participate in class.
You will also receive FREE ACCESS to a recorded version of Infant Sleep 101: Surviving the 4-Month Sleep Regression & Beyond.
If you have any questions please contact Jenna Marion directly at jenna.marion@mainehealth.org.
Grandparents (2025)
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.
Siblings In Person (2025)
with Ellen Kunkle, MMC Childbirth Education
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.
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Bring Your Own Car Seat (2025)
with Jami Gilbert, MMC Childbirth Education
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.
Expecting Multiples (2025)
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.
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
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Siblings In Person (2026)
with Ellen Kunkle, MMC Childbirth Education
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.
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.
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