UI Childbirth and Parenting Education: Classes

Preparing you for childbirth and beyond

We have designed this program to promote a healthy pregnancy and help you achieve the most rewarding and fulfilling birth experience possible. We provide excellent and comprehensive preparation, information, and support for all expectant parents and their support persons. We encourage you to attend these special classes to prepare for labor and delivery and the time afterward.

All classes are sponsored by the Children's and Women's Services Division of Nursing at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Prepared Childbirth and Labor Support

The concept of Prepared Childbirth involves the teaching of exercises and techniques of breathing and relaxation that facilitate the birth process. In class, women have the opportunity to try out different labor positions so that they will know how to use them during labor.

Labor Support teaches how to provide physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during, and just after childbirth. It reinforces the importance of the partner's participation in the birth. Partners are free to choose the amount of participation they are comfortable with.

The topics covered are: physical and emotional changes in pregnancy; health practice choices that facilitate a positive birth experience; labor and birth; cesarean birth as a family experience.

Class size limited so register early

Class Descriptions

Childbirth Preparation Classes - Four weekly sessions that meet on Mondays from 6:30-9 p.m.
Cost: $60
A series of four classes are offered on a continuous basis through the year. All classes are taught by certified childbirth educators. Register here.

Feb. 8-March 1
March 8-April 5
April 12-May 3
May 10-June 7
June 14-July 12
July 19-Aug. 9

Childbirth Preparation Saturday Seminar - One eight-hour session that meets on a Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $60.
An intensive, eight-hour, condensed alternative to the regular childbirth series. Students must be prepared to practice at home. Register here.

February 6, 13, 27
March 6, 27
April 10, 17, 24
May 1, 22
June 5, 12, 26
July 10, 24

Caring for the Newborn, Breastfeeding, Sibling, and Infant Safety
These classes are designed for expectant parents between the 20th and 30th week of pregnancy, but parents may attend at any time. Adoptive parents are also welcome.

Caring for the Newborn - One four-hour session on a Sunday from 12:30-5 p.m.
Cost: $30
This class provides important information and techniques to promote smooth transitions and confident and safe parenting of the newborn. Parents will learn about the physical and emotional changes families undergo in the postpartum period; basic baby care and the physical, mental, and social capabilities of the newborn. Register here.

Information about choosing baby's health care provider is also included.

February 28
March 28
April 25
May 23
June 27
July 25

Infant Safety and CPR - One two-hour session on a Tuesday from 6-8 p.m.
Cost: $20 per person or $25 per couple.
This one session class provides safety guidelines and teaches parents how to respond to emergency situations. For parents and caregivers of newborns to oneyear- olds. Register here.

March 2
April 6, 13
May 4
June 1, 8
July 6

Sibling Class (for children 3-10 years of age) - One one-hour session on a Tuesday or Wednesday from 6-7 p.m.
Cost: $10
This class prepares older children for new additions(s) to the family. Older children are encouraged to attend the sibling class. Register here.

April 7
July 7

Breastfeeding Class - One three-hour session on a Thursday from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Cost: $30
The “how to” class for new moms, this class teaches the basics of breastfeeding. Information about pumping and returning to work while continuing to breastfeed will be presented in the last 45 minutes for those who need it. Register here.

February 11, 25
March 11, 25
April 8, 22
May 6
June 10, 24
July 8, 22

Registration

Call 319-353-7877 or 319-384-8442 to register for classes or register online.

Pre-registration and pre-payment is required.
Early registration is recommended as classes are limited in size and fill quickly. Confirmation letters with classroom location will be sent to your home address. Payment instructions will also be included in the letter.

Cancellatons
Participants will be notified by phone by 5 p.m. the day of the class if evening classes need to be cancelled for any reason, such as weather or instructor illness. Notification for weekend classes will be made by 8 a.m. Cancellation of classes may also take place due to low enrollment.

For more information, call UI Health Access 800-777-8442 Toll free.