Family Health Education
Berkshire Medical Center has many programs to help you prepare to bring a new baby into the world and into your home. Taught by certified childbirth instructors, our education programs are designed to help you make informed choices about your delivery, caring for yourself and caring for your newborn.
Early Pregnancy Series - Two session series offers information of interest to couples either prior to becoming pregnant or during the first trimester. Topics include maternal physical and emotional changes during early pregnancy, fetal development, breast and bottle feeding, nutrition, body mechanics and appropriate exercise.
Fee: $30.00 per couple
Thursday evenings, 7-9 pm (offered quarterly)
Successful Breastfeeding - This one session class will provide you with information on the benefits of breastfeeding, things you can do to get ready, tips for getting off to a good start, ways mom's partner can help, and suggestions for breastfeeding when returning to work. Attendance is recommended for you and your partner between the 4th and 7th month of pregnancy.
Fee: $25.00 per couple (includes book)
Monday evenings, 7-9:30 pm
Prepared Childbirth Series - This eight-week series will provide you with information on what you can expect during the labor and delivery process, breathing and relaxation techniques, pain management options, and how to care for yourself and infant after delivery.
Fee: $85.00 per couple*
Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings
Weekend Childbirth Series - For expectant parents who can't fit an eight week program into their schedules, this weekend series provides comprehensive information on what to expect during labor & delivery, breathing and relaxation exercises, coping techniques, pain management options and a tour of the Mother Baby Unit at BMC.
Fee: $100.00 per couple*
Held four times each year on selected weekends
Prepared Childbirth Refresher - If you participated in a full childbirth series during a previous pregnancy, you will find the refresher series a helpful review. This three session series focuses on breathing and relaxation techniques, information on changes in the management of labor and delivery since the birth of your last baby, and ways to prepare children at home for the new arrival.
Fee: $45.00 per couple*
Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings
Big Brother/Big Sister Class - Preparing your older child for the arrival of a new baby can help ease anxiety he or she may be feeling about becoming a big brother or big sister. This one class session is geared for children three years and older. The class includes a tour of the Mother-Baby Unit and the Nursery.
Fee: $15.00 per child ($25 maximum)
Sunday evenings, 4:30-6:30 pm
Grandparents Class - This one session class offers information on the latest research, including physical and social development of the baby before it's born, what newborn behavior really means, and infant feeding. Did you know that babies begin to hear during the 5th month of pregnancy and can recognize parents' voices at birth? Or that babies can actually see quite well at birth and prefer to look at the human face? Or that breastfeeding may prevent a number of serious diseases? Come learn about all of the wonderful skills your new grandchild already has!
Fee: $25.00 per couple, $20.00 per person
Wednesday evenings (offered quarterly)
Infant/Child CPR - This one session class will provide you with the basic CPR techniques for infants and young children. General first aid is also included.
Fee: $35.00 per couple, $25.00 per person
Monday evenings
Baby and Me - When was the last time you made an appointment to have fun? Children learn and explore their world through play. This on-going playgroup offers families opportunities for giving and receiving support and information from peers, while participating in fun, developmentally appropriate activities with their children. Includes occasional mini-presentations on selected topics of interest by guest speakers, as well as a healthy snack.
Fee: $42 for a six-week series.
Toddlers (1-2 years) on Monday mornings and Infants (1-12 months) on Wednesday mornings
Daddy and Me - This single session playgroup is offered for either parent who may be unable to attend the Baby and Me program on a weekday morning.
Fee: $7.00 per session
Sunday afternoons, 4:30-6 pm (offered quarterly)
Working and Parenting - Creating Balance - This two session program is for all parents everywhere, whether your child is an infant or an adolescent. Many parents are working harder and longer just to make ends meet, leaving less time and energy for parenting. This program helps parents to identify their own personal issues and challenges and then develop strategies for making positive changes in their lives.
Fee: $30.00 per couple
Tuesday evenings, 7-9 pm (offered quarterly)
Itsy Bitsy Yoga - This four week series is for babies 8 weeks old to crawling age, and their parent(s). Parents learn to help unfold their baby's motor skills, sleep better, feel happier and digest with ease. It is a wonderful way to bond with your baby, give and receive support, and meet other like-minded parents in your community.
Fee: $40.00 per infant/parent
Friday afternoons, 2-3 pm
Mom's Yoga - This four week series is an adult Yoga class for mothers who have recently delivered a baby. It is a wonderful way to support the body's recovery after childbirth and promote healing. Moms spend a lot of time feeding and carrying their newborns, and this class provides techniques for relieving tension in the neck and shoulders. Yoga strengthens and tones muscles, improves posture, decreases stress and promotes relaxation.
Fee: $40.00
Monday afternoons, 5-6 pm, series is ongoing
For more information about these programs, or to register, please call BMC's Childbirth Education Office at 413-447-2400 or contact our program coordinator via e-mail: kcharbonneau@bhs1.org. We recommend that you register for the Prepared Childbirth Series during the fourth month of pregnancy to ensure that you are able to complete the series before your baby's birth.
*Many health insurance companies will reimburse all or part of the fee for prepared childbirth classes and refresher classes, as well as breastfeeding class. Contact your insurance company for more information.
