Filter by Category
Prenatal Care & Childbirth
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.
Breastfeeding Basics Online (2026)
with Certified Educator, 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 class meets online. If you are registered for this class, you will recieve an email about 2 days before the class starts with a link to join.
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.
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 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.
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 the week prior to class. Refunds for class cancellations include a 10% processing fee. No refunds will be given after class begins.
NOTE: THIS IS AN ONLINE CLASS
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.
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.
Will run
Infant Care Basics
with Erin Kirkpatrick, Mid Coast Maternity
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
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