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Prenatal Care & Childbirth
Bring Your Own Car Seat (2026)
with Jami Gilbert, Family Birth Center MH MMC Portland
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.
Preparing for Labor & Birth
with Erin Kirkpatrick, Mid Coast Hospital Family Birth Center
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.
Infant Care Basics
with Erin Kirkpatrick, Mid Coast Hospital Family Birth Center
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
Expecting Multiples (2026)
with Certified Educator, Family Birth Center MH MMC Portland
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.
Breastfeeding for Beginners
with Erin Kirkpatrick, Mid Coast Hospital Family Birth Center
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
Part Two Class - Bringing Home Baby 101
with Erin Olmstead & Miranda Wadsworth, Family Birth Center MH Stephens Hospital
Join us in a 3 hour - Interactive workshop in discussing the following topics:
- Feeding/Cues
- Breastfeeding & Bottle feeding
- How to prepare formula
- Swaddling & sleep sacks
- Diaper Changes
- Sleep Safety
- Infant CPR course to gain knowledge in how to perform CPR and choking rescue of an infant up to 1 year of age. This course will be provided by in-person instructor, video and hands-on practice.
- Car Seat Safety (bring your car seat to the class)
- When To Call The Doctor
THIS CLASS IS LOCATED IN NORWAY, MAINE - IN PERSON
Class is scheduled for an estimated 3 hour. Any caregiver is welcome to join, parents, siblings, grandparents, friends, etc.
Contact the Perinatal Outreach Case Manager with any questions: 207-393-3462
Will run
Siblings Online (2026)
with Ellen Kunkle, Family Birth Center MH MMC Portland
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.
Preparing for Labor & Birth Part 1
with Erin Kirkpatrick, Mid Coast Hospital Family Birth Center
Join us via Zoom for an in-depth discussion of what to expect when the time comes to give birth to your baby! This is the first of 3 sessions. Please sign up for the other two sessions as well.
In this session you will learn about the three phases of the labor process, how to cope, and how to be a supportive partner.
Partners/support people are encouraged to attend but do not need to register online. We recommend taking this course between 30-36 weeks if possible.
You will receive an email from the instructor 1 week prior to the scheduled class with the zoom links. Please check your spam/junk folder for emails from erin@lighthouselactationmaine.com.