Registration includes a support person.

The One-Day Express Course covers all of the same information as the Childbirth Education 4-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 and go on a teaching tour of the Family Birth Center.
• 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.
• Putting It Together The class will wrap up with a labor rehearsal and birth plan exercise as a way to practice all of the skills and knowledge learned in the class.

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

Due to the changes in Maine Medical's visitor guidelines, we are temporarily 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.

Join us for an in-depth discussion of what to expect when the time comes to give birth to your baby!

Session 1 is in-person at MidCoast Hospital. During this 3 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-12:30pm. **Please note for the April class, session 1 will be 2:00pm-5:00pm. 

Session 2 is held the next day via zoom. During this 2 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. For classes in 2023, session 2 will be from 9:30-12:00pm. For classes in 2024, session 2 will be from 3:00-5:30pm. 

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!

Due to the changes in Maine Medical's visitor guidelines, we are temporarily 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. Thank you for understanding.

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.

Registration is per person.

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.

Due to the changes in Maine Medical's visitor guidelines, we are temporarily 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.

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 505-4140 for more information or to register.

This group will be held in the Teleconference Room, located on the ground floor of Waldo County General Hospital. Please park at the back of the building and enter through the Ludwig Building entrance.

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.

Join us for an 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.  

Class is scheduled for an estimated 1 hour.   Any caregiver is welcome to join, parents, siblings, grandparents, friends, etc.

Contact the Perinatal Outreach Education Coordinator with any questions: 207-393-3462

Please join our postpartum support group to find the village you deserve! You will get to meet other new moms and find out that many of the struggles you may be experiencing are common and you are not alone. You will also get good ideas for coping. We vent, we celebrate, we cry, we encourage, we drink coffee and eat snacks! You can weigh your baby here and ask any questions at all to another mother or a nurse. 

The group meets every Wednesday morning at 10:00am at MidCoast Hospital in Conference Room 1, right next to the cafeteria. The group is led by our breast/bottle feeding specialists. Mothers will children 0-12months are welcome.