Childbirth and Family Education at Virginia Baptist Hospital offers a variety of classes to meet your childbirth and family needs.  Our instructors are certified and class size is small to ensure a good experience.

Online Video Tours
Welcome to our Birth Center
Tour of Birth Center/Mother-Baby Unit

All classes are held in the Department of Education building at VBH.

CLICK HERE FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF ALL CLASSES, INCLUDING DATES, TIMES, AND CLASS FEES.  ON-LINE REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE, OR YOU MAY CALL (434) 200-4537 TO REGISTER.

PREPARED CHILDBIRTH (LAMAZE) CLASS FIVE-WEEK SERIES
Cost: $60/couple
Monday or Thursday night series available.
This interactive class provides labor and delivery preparation for the pregnant woman and her partner/coach. Together you will gain knowledge of the birth process and be able to make personal decisions related to your birth experience.

PREPARED CHILDBIRTH (LAMAZE) WEEKEND CLASS
Cost: $60/couple
Available one weekend each month.
This class is offered as an alternative to the five-week series to accommodate busy schedules. The concentrated weekend course covers the same principles taught in the five-week course.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS:  Before and During Pregnancy
Cost:  $30/couple
Call today to register for “Great Expectations”, our new early pregnancy class.  If you’ve just found out you are pregnant, you may be experiencing feelings of excitement and apprehension at the same time.  There are so many changes taking place in your body, so much to learn and so much to do as you get ready for your baby.  Taught by a Certified Childbirth Educator, this interactive class will provide information on physical and emotional changes, fetal development, nutrition, exercise and an overview of what to expect in your first, second and third trimesters.  Tips for dad will also be included.  The class will help guide you through the early months of your pregnancy, provide you a forum to ask questions and discuss your concerns, and give you an opportunity to meet other parents-to-be.  The instructor will provide education to help you make informed decisions related to your prenatal care, labor and delivery.  Information on additional Childbirth Education classes, hospital services and community resources will also be available. Each couple will receive a copy of the class book “Great Expectations: A Guide to Enjoying Your Pregnancy” and a $20 gift certificate to be used towards a future childbirth education class.  You are encouraged to register and attend this one evening class early in your pregnancy.  Couples planning a baby are invited to attend this class.  For more information, Register on-line or call the Childbirth and Family Education office at (434) 200-4537.

BABY CARE CLASS
Cost: $30/couple
Offered the second Wednesday night of each month.
Baby Care class provides guidance and support as new parents approach their “on the job training” experience.  This is an A to Z class on diapering, bathing, safety topics, signs of illness, etc.  Grandparents are also welcome to register for this class.

BREASTFEEDING CLASS
Cost: $20/couple
Have you decided to breastfeed?  Or maybe you aren’t sure yet?  Attend this class taught by a certified lactation consultant and learn tips that can help make breastfeeding rewarding and successful.

FAMILY EMERGENCY CARE CLASS
Cost: $45 per person
Offered the first and second Thursday evening of each month.
Would you know what to do if your baby was injured or choked on a toy?  This two-evening course covers family first aid and infant, child and adult CPR.  Participants receive a two-year American Heart Association certification.  This is a great class for parents, grandparents and childcare providers!

BIRTH CENTER TOURS
Offered the first and third Wednesday of each month at 1pm and 7pm (If your are planning a tour on one of these days, and it is a national holiday, there will be no tour that day.)  This free tour is designed to acquaint you with our facilities and services.  This is a great time to get your questions answered and see our Birth Center and Mother Baby Unit.  Please meet the tour group at the Birth Center Registration area on Oak Lane.  Pre-registration is NOT required.

PRENATAL AND POSTNATAL EXERCISE CLASSES
Downtown YMCA, Monday evenings.  Call Kathy Thomas, fitness director, at (434) 847-5597.

INFANT MASSAGE CLASS
Cost: $20 for infant and parents.
Offered the first Wednesday evening of each month.
Come join Tina for this soothing and relaxing class. Research shows that infant massage facilitates and enhances parent-infant bonding and also reduces crying in babies.  The class is designed for infants eight weeks to one year of age.  Fee includes a small bottle of massage oil.

BABY SIGNS CLASS
A fun class for parents and children ages 6 months to 24 months.  Learn simple signs promoting early communication skills.

I'm Going to be a Big Brother/Big Sister (SIBLING CLASS)
Cost:$10 for first child and $5 for each additional sibling.
Offered one Saturday morning every other month.
Big brothers and big sisters are invited to join the fun and excitement while celebrating the upcoming birth of the new baby.  The class is designed for children age 3 to 7 (exceptions can be made related to age).  A child-oriented tour of the Mother-Baby unit is included.  Each child makes a craft and receives a certificate of completion.Snacks are provided.  One parent must accompany the child, and grandparents are welcome!

GROWING UP: CHANGES DURING PUBERTY (FOR GIRLS)
Cost: $25 for mother and daughter; $5 for each additional sibling.
Offered one Saturday morning in the spring and fall.
The class is designed for mothers and daughters to attend together; suggested age for girls 9 to 13.  PUBERTY is a simple seven-letter word that creates questions for both parents and their children as they approach this developmental milestone.  Come join this interactive class discussing physical, emotional and social changes.

BEYOND PUBERTY:WHAT’S NEXT??? (FOR GIRLS)
Cost: $25 for mother and daughter; $5 for each additional sibling.
Offered one Saturday morning in the spring and fall.
A new class for mothers and daughters, topics will include communication, feelings and relationships, reproductive health, risky behaviors, sexually transmitted infections, teen pregnancy, teen depression and suicide.  Suggested for girls age 12 to 14.

SAFE SITTER (FOR GIRLS AND BOYS)
Cost: $60/student (Need based financial assistance available)
Summer classes on Tuesdays in 2008.
Call for dates and application!  Safe Sitter is a nationally certified class for 11 to 14 year olds.  A medically accurate program, Safe Sitter teaches boys and girls safe and nurturing child- care techniques, behavior management skills, and appropriate responses to medical emergencies.  Each student receives a take-home manual. 

As part of our educational offerings, sign up now for our FREE weekly email, providing health information tailored to your week of pregnancy and up to your infant's first birthday.  Grandparents, other family members, and caregivers also are invited to enroll.  CLICK HERE FOR THE PARENT REVIEW ENROLLMENT WEB SITE.

Students MUST have reached age 11 by the date of the class to attend!  Class size is limited and on a first come-first serve basis.  Each child’s parent or legal guardian must request and complete an application.  Each student receives a Safe Sitter messenger bag with Safe Sitter products and a take home manual.  Call (434) 200-4537 for an application, or for more information or to register online, click here.  For additional program information, click here for the national web site.

Childbirth Education promotional packages are available for multiple class registration.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHOWER GIFT?A BIRTHDAY GIFT?
Gift certificates are available for any of our classes---give the gift of education and learning to a family member, friend or co-worker.

For additional information and/or to register for classes, call Karen Yates, RNC, at (434) 200-4537.  Voice mail is available.  You also can visit our information and registration web site.