UI Childbirth and Parenting Education
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.
2012 Class Descriptions
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 include:
Physical changes in pregnancy, relaxation, onset and stages of labor, beneficial labor positions, breathing exercises, common comfort measures, medical interventions, pain medication options, cesarean delivery, as well as, postpartum (recovery) topics.
This class is offered in two different formats. Class size limited so register early
Childbirth Preparation—Monday Series
Four weekly sessions that meet on Mondays from 6-8:30 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.
- Beginning Monday, June 18
- Beginning Monday, July 23
- Beginning Monday, August 20
- Beginning Monday, September 24
- Beginning Monday, October 22
- Beginning Monday, November 19
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.
- July 14, 28
- August 4, 25
- September 1
- October 6, 27
- November 3, 17
- December 1
Additional Classes Offered:
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—Sunday Seminar
One five-hour session on a Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 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.
- July 15
- August 5
- November 4
- December 2
Caring for the Newborn—Tuesday Series
Two sessions on a Tuesday from 6-8:30 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.
- September 18 and 25
- October 23 and 30
Infant Safety and CPR
One two-hour session on a Tuesday from 6-8:30 p.m.
Cost: $25 per person and $30 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.
- July 17
- August 7, 14
- September 4, 11
- October 2, 9
- November 6, 13
- December 11
Sibling Class (for children 3-10 years of age)
One session on Wednesday from 6-7:15 p.m.
Cost: $10 per child
This class prepares children for new addition(s) to the family, as well as, mom’s hospital stay. Children and parents are encouraged to attend. This interactive and informative class covers safety, hand hygiene, and proper holding techniques. Ideally, a tour is included. Register here.
- July 11
- September 12
- October 10
- November 7
Breastfeeding Class
One three-hour session on a Thursday.
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.
- June 21
- July 5, 26
- August 9, 30
- September 13, 27
- October 11, 25
- November 8, 29
- December 6
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. If you need to cancel or reschedule a class, please call 319-353-7877 or email childbirthclasses@healthcare.uiowa.edu at least 24 hours in advance.
Cancellations
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