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Prenatal Care & Childbirth
MidCoast Mamas
with Erin Kirkpatrick, Mid Coast Maternity
Please join our postpartum support group to find the village you deserve! You will get to meet other new moms and find out that many of the struggles you may be experiencing are common and you are not alone. You will also get good ideas for coping. We vent, we celebrate, we cry, we encourage, we drink coffee and eat snacks! You can weigh your baby here and ask any questions at all to another mother or a nurse.
The group meets every Wednesday morning at 10:30am at MidCoast Hospital. Sometimes we meet in Conference Room 1, right next to the cafeteria. If that room is not available, our back up location is the waiting room outside the Maternity unit. The group is led by our breast/bottle feeding specialists. Mothers with children 0-6 months are welcome.
Will run
Transition to Parenthood Peer Group Belfast
with MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital and Waldo Hospital Events
Join us for a free, nurse-led group for parents and parents-to-be. We offer a welcoming place for new and pregnant parents to talk, listen and get support from others during the transition to parenthood. Babies welcome! Snacks and beverages will be provided. Registration is encouraged, but drop-ins are welcome. For more information or to register, call 207-505-4332.
This group meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month, from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
Tour of the Family Birth Center (2026)
PLEASE NOTE THIS $10 FEE IS NON-REFUNDABLE:
*The $10 fee is for 2 people to attend the tour. To avoid duplicate charges register one person only.
* Do not include the name of the 2nd person attending with you as this will automatically generate a 2nd charge, which is non-refundable.
*Please only register for 1 tour only to ensure that there is room for everyone who would like to attend a tour. Do not register for multiple tours, thank you!
* There is always a chance that all of the rooms are full and we are unable to view one
After you are registered you will receive details of where to meet, etc. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you soon!
*Please note for our Winter tours: If the weather forecasts unsafe driving conditions, the tour will be cancelled. Be sure to check your email! We will do our best to reschedule you tour. If where you are coming from has bad weather, please reschedule a tour with us!
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 Basics In Person (2026)
with Certified Educator, MMC Childbirth Education
We are offering this class in person at Maine Medical Center, Portland. You will receive directions to parking and the classroom once you have registered.
To avoid duplicate charges, please register only ONE participant per class. The registration fee includes costs for the registrant and one support person. 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.
This class covers the benefits of breastfeeding, different breastfeeding techniques and positions, how to make enough milk, and local community and professional resources. Attending this class before your baby’s birth will help you meet your breastfeeding goals.
We recommend attending this class between the 32nd and 36th week of pregnancy.
*Please note for our Winter classes: If the weather forecasts unsafe driving conditions, the class will be cancelled. Be sure to check your email and/or voicemail! We will do our best to reschedule or transfer you into another class. If where you are coming from has bad weather, please contact us to reschedule!
Will run
Transition to Parenthood Peer Group Rockport
with MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital and Waldo Hospital Events
Join us for a free, nurse-led group for parents and parents-to-be. We offer a welcoming place for new and pregnant parents to talk, listen and get support from others during the transition to parenthood. Babies welcome! Snacks and beverages will be provided. Drop-ins are welcome. Please call 301-8343 for more information.
This group meets on the 2nd Monday of each month, from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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.