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Prenatal Care & Childbirth
Childbirth Education One-Day Express In Person (2025)
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.
The One-Day Express Course covers all of the same information as the Childbirth Education weekly evening series in one full day.
Recommended for all first-time pregnant people and their birth partners, this class is designed to provide you and your labor partner with the information, skills, and resources to prepare you for the birth of your baby.
- Introduction to Labor & Delivery You can expect to learn 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.
- Practical Skills and Comfort Measures You will learn comfort measures such as relaxation, breathing, and positions that you can use both at home and while at the hospital. Even mothers planning to use medication for pain relief will utilize skills to manage labor prior to and in conjunction with the use of medication.
- 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. Whether you are planning on using pain medications, or just want to understand the available options, you will take home the information you need to make informed decisions about pain relief.
We recommend attending this class between the 28th and 32nd week of pregnancy.
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
Will run
New Dad-to-Be Class
with Lee Cote, MH MMC Biddeford Family Birth Center

Congratulations! You're pregnant; now what?
If you are looking for a crash course on how to be a supportive partner in this crazy adventure of having a baby, this class is for you. This online-only class is jam-packed with two hours of edutainment (a hybrid of education and entertainment) that will be great for helping you and your partner get through the duration of pregnancy. We will cover the pre-baby game plan, what happens during labor and delivery, and what to expect once you get home.
This class is for individuals who will be supporting their partners giving birth.
Once you sign up for a class, you will receive a Zoom link via email. Refunds for class cancellations include a 10% processing fee. No refunds will be given after class begins.
NOTE: THIS IS AN ONLINE CLASS
Baby Basics (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.
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.
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.
Giving Birth after a Previous Cesarean - Contact for Dates (2025)
with Lena Strange, MMC Childbirth Education

* To schedule a class please email your contact information to the instructor, lena.strange@mainehealth.org and the instructor will get back to you.
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 lena.strange@mainehealth.org. Refunds for class cancelations include a 10% processing fee. No refunds will be given after class begins.
This is a one hour, private online class with a Labor & Delivery nurse to discuss options after a previous cesarean delivery. Designed for individuals and their partners who are considering a Trial of Labor After a Cesarean (TOLAC), please talk with your provider before registering this class to see if a TOLAC is an option for you.
We will take time to discuss your previous birth experience, define what is most important to you as you consider options for this pregnancy, and what you can do to increase your chances of a vaginal delivery if you choose to labor this time.
You will learn how to prepare for a TOLAC at MMC, and understand strategies to prepare for both a vaginal and repeat caesarean birth if needed.
We recommend attending this class during the second trimester of pregnancy.
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.
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. 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.