Class List

From first-time parents to parents of multiple children, St. Francis has education options to enrich your experience in raising a family. Below are descriptions of classes in our current Parent Education curriculum. To register and browse dates and times, please see our online calendar.

Breastfeeding

 Education and support are key to breastfeeding success! Learn more from our certified Lactation Consultants about breast function, nutrition, positioning, latch-on, feeding patterns, and breast vs. bottle-feeding. Spouses are encouraged to attend, as there is also a discussion on partner support during breastfeeding. Find available dates >>

Caring for Your Baby

Learn the basics of baby care! This class offers new parents instruction and demonstrations about bathing, feeding, swaddling and diapering, and discusses how baby communicates and sleeps, how to determine signs of illness and when to call a physician, and the needs and adjustments of your growing family. Find available dates >>

Childbirth Preparation

A certified Lamaze® Instructor prepares expectant parents mentally and physically for labor and delivery by offering advice on how to know you are in labor, timing contractions, breathing and relaxation techniques, labor positions, and understanding medical interventions and anesthesia. Class timing is recommended for your last trimester; refresher course is also available. Find available dates >>

Heartsaver CPR

This American Heart Association class covers the basics of CPR. including lessons on how to recognize the symptoms of choking, heart attack, and stroke, and instruction on choking relief techniques, emergency resuscitation and rescue breathing for infants, children and adults. Find available dates >>

Infant Massage

A certified massage therapist explains the benefits of infant massage to parents-to-be, including how it offers tension relief and relaxation for baby, and allows for a special bonding time for baby and parent. Includes demonstrations of techniques and offers hands-on practice with baby dolls. Find available dates >>

Natural Family Planning

Natural Family Planning, via the Creighton Model, is a natural and modern scientific method of family planning that is 99.6% effective. This introductory session is offered by Allied Health professionals who received their certification by the American Academy of Fertility Care, and you will have the opportunity, if desired, to register for individual counseling sessions after this introduction. Find available dates >>

New Family Celebration

An event designed for all new families to welcome baby's arrival! Enjoy a special time with older siblings to celebrate the birth of their new baby brother or sister. Congratulations cake and big brother/big sister t-shirts provided. This event is held the day after delivery in the Mother and Infant Suite. Cost is $30. Talk to your nurse to schedule your celebration!

OB Tour and Orientation

Expectant parents are introduced to ST. FRANCIS eastside through a tour of the hospital as you will experience it on the day of delivery, including a tour of the Labor and Delivery and Mother and Infant Units, Lactation Center, where to park and enter, and more. The Orientation session offers a review of Registration and Neonatal Care, along with an opportunity to ask questions and pre-register for delivery. Find available dates >>

Sibling Preparation Tour

This special experience is for 3 to 8 year old children (along with their parents) who are about to become Big Brother or Big Sister for the first time. Through stories, video, and activities, the children prepare for baby’s arrival by learning the differences, abilities, and needs of infants. A brief tour of the hospital is provided before “graduation.” Find available dates >>