Both Mary Washington Hospital and Stafford Hospital Center offer a wide variety of childbirth preparation classes at both facilities. Visit Medicorp Health System's Community Calendar for a complete list of dates and times for currently scheduled birthing classes. Register by calling Health Link at 540-741-1404 or 800-722-2788.

Beginning Breastfeeding

A two-hour class which provides basic information for the early weeks of breastfeeding. Recommended and strongly advised for all mothers planning to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both baby and mother. Partners strongly encouraged to attend at no charge.

Breastfeeding: Beyond the Basics

This class covers everything new mothers and fathers want to know about breast pumps, pumping and storing breastmilk and breastfeeding beyond the first two weeks. Includes information and tips on how to successfully meet your new baby's needs, family needs, and your work schedule. Highly recommended for all new mothers and fathers, attend before or after having your baby. Babies welcome too

Caesarean Birth

This class is strongly recommended if coach plans to attend the birth by Caesarian. It is the first hour and a half of the fifth class included in our Lamaze series. Taught by Certified Childbirth Educators.

Childbirth Basics

A six hour course for expectant parents who cannot take the full Childbirth Preparation class. It covers the basics of the process of labor and delivery, simple breathing and relaxation, what to expect in the hospital, and cesarean births. Class is less detailed than a full Childbirth class. Couples are encouraged to take Home with Baby and Beginning Breastfeeding classes to help prepare for baby care and Breastfeeding. Please bring two pillows, and a large blanket.

Childbirth Preparation

The path from Pregnancy to Parenthood is childbirth. Classes will help you and your birth partner prepare to give birth. Childbirth classes include information on the labor process, relaxation, breathing, role of the partner, medical interventions, caesarean delivery, and the post partum period. A Tour of the Family Birth Place is included. The class encourages a woman to use relaxation and breathing techniques to work together with her body, her partner, and her caregivers to give birth to her baby. Please bring a blanket, two pillows, and water/beverage to class and dress comfortably.

Childbirth Preparation Refresher

For the parents who have previously completed a prepared childbirth class. This class meets once for three hours. The class provides a review of breathing and relaxation techniques. Registration is necessary! *(Does not include a tour! Tours are held the first and third Sundays at 2:00pm and 3:00pm). Call Health Link to register for tour. Taught by Certified Childbirth Educators

Home With Baby

A class for first-time parents to learn how to care for mother and infant in the first 2 weeks. Examples are bathing, diapering, and how to know when you need help. Practice giving a baby bath, diaper duty, holding, burping, and much more. Take by the beginning of ninth month of pregnancy

Infant and Toddler Nutrition

A registered dietitian provides guidance and information on selecting appropriate foods to enhance optimal growth and development for your child

Infant CPR

Whether you are a parent or not, knowing this can save a child's life. This non-certification course uses mannequins for hands-on training to help you learn how to do CPR on infants.

Infant Massage

This class is for moms and dads and their babies from birth to 9 months. Do you want to help your baby sleep better, eat better, and cry less? You have the answer right in your hands! Learn about the power of touch through a 3-night infant massage class.

Moms and Babies

For Mothers with babies, big brother or sister welcome too (may want to bring snacks and toys for older child). Meet other Moms, share experiences, check baby's weight, and ask questions to RN. No registration, no fee. New location at Christ Lutheran Church, 1300 Augustine Avenue. From 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Meets on Tuesdays.

Parents Expecting Multiples

Class if for families expecting multiple infants. This two hour class has been designed to address the special needs of families expecting twins, triplets or more. Class includes: Adjusting to the News, Finances, Good Nutrition and Slowing Down, Surviving Bed rest at Home and in the Hospital, Identifying Preterm Labor, A Very Special Delivery, Touring the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and Helpful tips and Resources for Life at Home with Multiples.

Tour of Stafford Hospital Birthing Center

Tour our unique LDRP unit where you will stay in the same room for the duration of your labor, delivery and post partum period. Brief time at the end of Tour for questions. Tours are offered on the 2nd Saturday of the month at 11:00 a.m. and the 4th Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Meet in the mother/baby waiting room on the 2nd floor to the right of the elevators. TOURS WILL BEGIN PROMPTLY AT SCHEDULED TIME and YOU WILL NOT BE ADMITTED TO THE UNIT ONCE THE TOUR HAS BEGUN DUE TO SECURITY ISSUES. REGISTRATION REQUIRED CALL HEALTH LINK AT 540-741-1404.