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Educational Programs
Many moms-to-be feel excited but somewhat anxious as baby's due date approaches. We offer a comprehensive educational program to help improve your birthing experience and to ease your transition to parenthood. All of our prenatal and postpartum classes are available at UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica, and are designed for mothers delivering at either our Westwood or Santa Monica hospital. Topics include childbirth preparation, breastfeeding, baby care, infant CPR and safety and parenting support. Classes are open to you, your partner or support person, grandparents and other relatives. To register for all classes or to receive additional information, please call (424) 259-8250.
Classes offered:
Breastfeeding Class
Third Wednesday of every month, excluding holidays. 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. / $60 per couple
Health professionals agree that breastfeeding newborns is healthier than bottle-feeding. Many new moms opt to breastfeed because it helps foster bonds between them and their newborns. Taught by certified lactation specialists, this class will help you master this important skill. Topics covered include breast physiology, nutrition, nipple care, breast pump brands and usage, nursing equipment and information about breast milk storage. We encourage partners to attend because those who understand breastfeeding concepts and techniques provide better support and understanding.
We recommend you take this class during your last trimester of pregnancy. Learn more »
Childbirth Preparation
Tuesdays 6:50 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (3 sessions) or Wednesdays 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (4 sessions)
Saturdays 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sundays 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
$145 per couple for weekday classes
$155 per couple for weekend classes
This eight-hour course (three evenings, four evenings or two weekend afternoons) provides an overview of the labor and delivery process, including beginning labor, the different stages of labor, when to leave for the hospital and what to expect throughout the birthing experience. The course features discussion and practice of pain and stress management techniques (breathing, relaxation, positioning, attention-focusing), along with helpful comfort measures. Labor partners are taught proven strategies for physical and emotional support. Medication options, medical intervention and Cesarean births are also covered. If you register for the breastfeeding class at the same time, a discount is provided. A Childbirth Preparation refresher course is also available for people who have already had a baby. Due to high demand, you should register three to four months before your due date. Learn more »
Bradley Childbirth
Mondays 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. / $200 per couple
This eight-week class will introduce you to the Bradley method, which actively promotes natural childbirth. Participants work with their bodies using natural breathing and deep relaxation techniques during labor. Our Bradley class emphasizes being an informed consumer and stresses positive communication with your team. Topics covered include exercise, nutrition, breastfeeding, newborn care and consumer issues. Several birth films are shown. We encourage couples to take this course at the beginning of their second trimester of pregnancy. A Bradley refresher course is also available. Learn more »
Hypnobirthing
Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. / $250 per couple, Lunch included
This eight-hour workshop, taught by Smart Beginnings, helps couples learn to birth mindfully through hypnosis, imagery, aromatherapy, meditation and therapeutic touch. The class is held in a peaceful, natural setting and covers all birthing modalities. Participants receive music to use during the birthing process.
Cesarean Section Class
Call for various times and dates / $95 per couple
This class helps prepare expectant parents for a scheduled C-section. It explains the delivery procedure, comfort measures, postpartum stay and related issues.
Expectant parents are encouraged to take this class during their last trimester of pregnancy. Learn more »
Infant CPR and Baby Safety
One Thursday of each month: 6:00 a.m. to 8:45 p.m.
One Saturday of each month: 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
$40 per person / $70 per couple
This class teaches basic life-support, infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the Heimlich maneuver. Other topics include car seat safety, poison prevention and baby-proofing your home.Parents of babies in the NICU are offered this class at no charge and are encouraged to register as soon as possible. This class can be taken any time before or after your child's birth, but preferably at least two months before your due date. Please bring $5 to class to pay for the instruction booklet. Learn more »
Baby Care Class
One Saturday each month:
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
$80 per couple
While good baby care begins with your love and concern, it also includes some technical training and hands-on experience. This class will teach you everything from holding and cuddling your baby to caring for the umbilical cord and circumcision. The importance of sleep, exercise, fresh air and sunlight to your baby's growth and development are discussed, as are topics such as diapering, bathing, feeding and dressing your baby. The class examines weight gain, teething, immunizations, preventive healthcare and preparation of a layette. This class is ideal for expectant mothers, partners and caregivers. We recommend taking this class during your Second or third trimester. Learn more »
Mother - Infant Support Group
Meets weekly. Call for dates, times and locations.
No charge
New mothers and their babies gather weekly for education, observation and discussion. These gatherings provide mothers with opportunities to ask questions and discuss concerns about baby care, feeding, sleeping, normal growth and development. Gatherings also provide a setting to observe differences in babies and parenting styles. Mothers can share the impact of parenting on their personal lives, careers and relationships and are encouraged to form a mutual support network once the gatherings have ended. This class is restricted to new mothers who gave birth either at The BirthPlace, Westwood or The BirthPlace, Santa Monica. Learn more »
Vaginal Birth After C - Section (VBAC)
Call for dates, times and locations / $95 per couple
This class is for women who previously had a Cesarean section and are hoping to have a vaginal delivery for a subsequent birth. This class teaches the fundamentals of vaginal delivery as it relates to women who have already given birth via C-Section.
