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Prenatal Care & Childbirth
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.
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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Perinatal Support Group
with MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital and Waldo Hospital Events

We offer a safe place for new and pregnant mothers and families to talk, listen, get support and gain education on postpartum experiences. This is a free group for moms, moms-to-be and family members who want to connect with others for support. Registration is encouraged, but drop-ins are welcome. Please call (207)505-4140 for more information or to register.
This group meets on the 2nd Monday of each month, from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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.
Celebrating Birth ~ Childbirth Preparation
with Rachel Murer, MH MMC Biddeford Family Birth Center

Being prepared for childbirth can ease your mind and make your birth experience what you hope it will be. This class will give you the information, resources and skills to prepare you for the birth of your baby.
This class will cover:
- Preparation during last month of pregnancy
- Early labor at home
- What to expect coming to the hospital from admission to discharge
- Stages of labor
- Pain management options
- Optional tour of the Birthing Suite
Expecting mother/couple should be in their last trimester. Class fee is per couple. When checking out, please don't add your support person as an additional attendee, only enter their name when asked.
NOTE: THIS IS AN IN PERSON CLASS IN BIDDEFORD
Safe Baby ~ Infant CPR
with Ashley McAllister, MH MMC Biddeford Family Birth Center

It's never too late to take an Infant CPR class! This class is for parents, grandparents, childcare providers and anyone who takes care of your baby.
This is a non-certificate course through American Heart Association, Friends & Family program. Learn basic infant CPR & choking rescue for your little one.
The text Family & Friends CPR will be provided. SMHC certificates of completion are available upon request.
Make sure to register EACH PERSON attending the class so we can have a correct head count.
NOTE: THIS CLASS IS IN PERSON IN BIDDEFORD
Understanding Birth
with Candace Crocker, BSN, RN, LincolnHealth Childbirth Education

Birth is a normal, natural, process. Just like each person is unique, each pregnancy, labor and birth are unique. At Lincoln Hospital Family Birth Center, we believe the best approach is supporting the birthing person as they navigate this natural, beautiful process. We support your decisions and value client input as a vital part of the birthing experience and labor process.
As your family prepares for labor, delivery, and the arrival of this precious new baby, we are here to help make this exciting new journey the best experience it can be for all. Our childbirth education classes cover pregnancy, labor and delivery, and newborn care. We use videos, stories, photos and animations, activities and games as well as demonstrations to teach all the essential information parents need to prepare for the birth of their baby. Class sizes are limited to provide individualized attention.
It is recommended that expecting clients finish this series around 3-6 weeks before their due date. This class is for patients and their support person(s) and is now a two part series with an optional breastfeeding course (separate sign up) offered at varied times over the course of the year.
For more information about our class offerings, please call the LH Family Birth Center at 207.563.4536 to speak to one of our nurses.
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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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