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MaineHealth



Prenatal Care & Childbirth

Childbirth Education 3-week Series Online (2026)

$150

with Certified Educator, Family Birth Center MH MMC Portland

Calendar Jun 15, 2026 at 6 pm, runs for 3 weeks
2 additional sessions through Sep 7, 2026

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.

These comprehensive classes are designed to provide you and your labor partner with the information, skills, and resources to prepare you for the birth of your baby.  Recommended for all first-time pregnant parents and their birth partners.

  • Class#1: Introduction to Labor & Delivery
    • This class covers 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. 
  • Class#2:Practical Skills and Comfort Measures
    • This class will cover comfort measures such as relaxation, breathing, and positions that you can use both at home and while at the hospital. Whether you are planning to use pain medications, or just want to understand the available options, this class will provide you with the information needed to make informed decisions regarding pain relief. 
  • Class#3: 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.  This class series also includes opportunities for Q&A.

We recommend attending this class between the 28th and 32nd week of pregnancy.

We are offering this class online. After you are registered you will receive an email with information as to how to participate in the class. 

Understanding Birth

Free

with Candace Crocker, BSN, RN, Family Birth Center MH Lincoln Hospital

Calendar Jun 17, 2026 at 4 pm

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.

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Preparing for Labor & Birth
Registration Unavailable

Preparing for Labor & Birth

Free

with Erin Kirkpatrick, Mid Coast Hospital Family Birth Center

Calendar Jun 20, 2026

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

Free

with Erin Kirkpatrick, Mid Coast Hospital Family Birth Center

Calendar Jul 5, 2026 at 3 pm
1 additional session on Oct 19, 2026

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.

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Expecting Multiples (2026)

$30

with Certified Educator, Family Birth Center MH MMC Portland

Calendar Jul 7, 2026 at 6 pm

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

Free

with Erin Kirkpatrick, Mid Coast Hospital Family Birth Center

Calendar Jul 13, 2026 at 6 pm
1 additional session on Oct 4, 2026

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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Part Two Class - Bringing Home Baby 101

$15

with Erin Olmstead & Miranda Wadsworth, Family Birth Center MH Stephens Hospital

Calendar Jul 15, 2026 at 4:30 pm
2 additional sessions through Nov 4, 2026

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

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Siblings Online (2026)

Free

with Ellen Kunkle, Family Birth Center MH MMC Portland

Calendar Jul 19, 2026 at 9:30 am
1 additional session on Sep 12, 2026

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.

 





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