Childbirth Classes and Support Groups
Preparing And Supporting Parents
For Birth And Newborn Care
We support new parents through “Childbirth” and “Newborn Care & Basic Breastfeeding” classes. We offer group classes (see schedule) and personal classes. We can tailor the personal classes to your specific needs. You can also schedule them at a time and location that is convenient for you. We also started a “Mom Support Group” in 2026 to share experiences and build connections with other new moms.
Childbirth Classes
Childbirth Class
A childbirth class gives you the skills and confidence to handle labor. The 3rd-semester overview prepares you for late pregnancy, teaches you how your body prepares for delivery, and shows you how to recognize signs of labor. You learn the four labor stages, how to time contractions, and when to go to your hospital or birthing center.
To help you manage the physical demands of delivery, the curriculum emphasizes comfort techniques. You will examine several labor positions. You will also practice coping strategies such as rhythmic breathing, massage, and hydrotherapy to ease discomfort. These sessions also include partner support skills and strategies. Your support person will receive useful tips on what to expect and how to provide effective, supportive, and physical assistance. This approach ensures you both feel like a synchronized team.
Finally, the class prepares you for the clinical aspects of birth by explaining common medical procedures you may encounter, such as labor induction and various pain medication options. You will also learn what to expect if you have a cesarean birth. This ensures that even an unplanned shift in the birth process feels manageable rather than overwhelming. Ultimately, this knowledge supports decision-making and birth planning, including preparing your own birth plan. It enables you to have informed conversations with your care team and keeps your preferences at the heart of your birthing experience.
Newborn Care and Basic Breastfeeding Classes
Newborn Care & Breastfeeding Class
Preparing for a newborn's arrival is a major shift that often brings both happiness and uncertainty for new parents. To support families as they navigate this important stage, this course delivers a comprehensive overview of essential newborn care practices and knowledge. The journey begins by demystifying your baby’s arrival, starting with newborn traits. We help you understand newborn procedures performed in the hospital—such as a newborn’s appearance, the Apgar evaluation, newborn senses, and the importance of skin-to-skin contact—so you know what to expect and what to do. This naturally leads into a discussion of newborn behaviors, where you will learn about a baby’s sleep cycle, recognize subtle sleep cues, and room-sharing with a baby.
When you settle into home life, the class addresses the more vocal moments of early parenthood through crying and comforting techniques. You will learn about various soothing strategies, such as gently rocking your baby or using rhythmic shushing sounds to help calm periods of fussiness. The course also covers shaken baby syndrome, the art of swaddling, and new parents’ emotions (the baby blues). Because nutrition is a top priority, we closely examine breastfeeding basics, covering everything from achieving a painless latch and comfortable positioning to making sure your baby is getting enough milk.
The course then moves into the practical, hands-on skills you will use every single day. We cover the fundamentals of diapering, compare your options, and teach you how to prevent and treat diaper rash. For example, you will learn how to properly clean and dry your baby’s skin during a diaper change to minimize irritation and reduce the risk of rash. Next is a guide to bathing, nail care, & dressing, where you will learn the safest ways to keep your baby clean and groomed without stressing the baby (or yourself). As a baby cannot regulate its body temperature the way older children can, the class will provide tips for dressing your baby.
Finally, we emphasize your family’s sustained well-being by focusing on newborn health and newborn safety. You will learn about umbilical cord stump care and signs of illness, so you know when to call the pediatrician. We conclude with life-saving safety procedures, including safe sleep practices, car seat safety, and safe baby gear to ensure your home environment is ready for its newest member. This complete approach helps ensure you're prepared to provide a safe, loving, and healthy environment for your growing family.
Clients' Thoughts About the Class
In terms of scope, my husband and I both felt the topics covered were excellent. The breadth felt comprehensive without being overwhelming, and we left feeling both informed and reassured.
We especially appreciated the hands-on components. The opportunities to practice holding, swaddling, and diaper changing were helpful. And Irene was absolutely wonderful. Her presentation style was warm, knowledgeable, and engaging. She clearly has deep expertise, but she shared it in such an accessible and reassuring way. We felt very comfortable asking questions and truly valued her guidance.
Find Support in the 4th Trimester
Designed specifically for new mothers and their babies (0–3 months), our 5-session support group meets in Bethesda, Maryland, with new cohorts starting every 2–3 months. It offers a warm, baby-friendly space to pause, swap stories, and build a lasting local village with mothers navigating the same season of life.
The early weeks of parenthood bring immense joy, but they can also feel overwhelming and isolating. Grounded in a non-judgmental atmosphere, these weekly gatherings give you a dedicated place to share the highs and lows of early motherhood and build meaningful, real-world connections.
Beyond simply sharing stories, our sessions offer practical support tailored to the realities of caring for a newborn. Led by experienced birth and postpartum professionals, each gathering combines open, facilitated dialogue on topics like feeding, infant sleep, identity shifts, and maternal self-care with gentle mindfulness practices. Whether you want to troubleshoot early challenges, celebrate small victories, or simply get out of the house with your baby in a relaxed setting, you’ll leave with fresh perspectives, useful resources, and friendships that extend far beyond the fourth trimester.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my baby with me?
Yes, absolutely! This group is specifically designed for both moms and their babies. Crying, feeding, diaper changes, and soothing are all expected and completely welcome during our time together.
Where in Bethesda do we meet, and is parking available?
We meet at a private, baby-friendly space in Bethesda, Maryland. We email full address details and hassle-free parking instructions immediately after you register.
What if I need to feed or soothe my baby during a session?
Do whatever you and your baby need to stay comfortable. You can feed, rock, walk around, or change diapers at any point. There is zero pressure to keep your baby quiet or seated.
What topics do we cover during the sessions?
While discussions flow organically based on what the group needs each week, common topics include adjusting to sleep schedules, postpartum mental health, feeding confidence, managing relationship shifts, and finding your rhythm as a new mother.
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