Classes and Support

Hospital Tours, Family Classes and Support Groups

St. Joseph Hospital is pleased to offer a variety of classes tailored to expectant parents, including but not limited to the following:

• Childbirth Classes
• Labor Massage Class
• Boot Camp for New Dads
• Baby Massage Class
• Breastfeeding and the Working Mother
• Lactation Support
• Mommy Matters
  

To search all classes, click here.

Congratulations! You're Pregnant!
Are you curious about how your little one is growing? What about the changes you are experiencing? Learn about fetal growth and development, normal physical and emotional changes that occur with pregnancy, the importance of good nutrition, as well as warning signs that need to be reported to your physician. Preterm Birth Prevention will be discussed. This class will include information on Maternity Services offered at St. Joseph Hospital. Attend during the first five months of your pregnancy.
Fee: Free
Click here to register.

You, Your Baby and Your Doctors
Do you have questions about pain relief during labor, or perhaps normal newborn characteristics? Two staff physicians (Pediatrician and Anesthesiologist) will be on hand to discuss anesthesia during labor as well as information about your baby after delivery. Attend during the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy.
Fee: $15 per couple
Click here to register.

Pregnancy Massage
Learn how to relax your partner during pregnancy, labor and birth. This class will enhance communication skills and increase the labor partner's confidence. Attend after the fifth month of pregnancy.
Fee: $30 per couple
Click here to register.

Childbirth 101
This series of classes is designed to prepare expectant parents for a pleasant and relaxed birth experience. Participants will learn about the labor and delivery process, relaxation and breathing techniques, indications for cesarean birth and expectations during the postpartum period. Begin these classes around your seventh month of pregnancy.
Fee: $90 per couple
$20 for each additional person
Click here to register.

Successful Breastfeeding
Meet with our Certified Lactation Specialist to learn about the advantages of breastfeeding, before you deliver. You will learn how to get you and your baby off to a good start as you begin breastfeeding. Our educators also discuss prenatal preparation, baby's first feeding, mother's expectations and family relationships. Attend this class during your seventh or eighth month of pregnancy. Mother's support person is encouraged to attend.
Fee: $25 per couple
Click here to register.

The Basics of Baby Care
Do you feel confident and prepared to give that first bath to your baby? That wiggling bundle of energy can suddenly make you feel "all thumbs" when you try to take care of your newborn during those first few days. This hands-on class for expectant parents will provide an opportunity for you to practice bathing, wrapping, dressing, feeding, burping and diapering a "baby." Other topics such as safety and baby equipment will be covered as well. Attend during the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy.
Fee: $25 per couple
Click here to register.

Big Sister / Big Brother Class (For Siblings 3 to 7 years old)
This class provides information on how to adjust to their new role as an older brother/sister. Children will learn how they can be involved and how they can help out during this time, instead of feeling left out. A short tour will show children a postpartum room and the nursery so they know what to expect when mom is in the hospital. Attend during your eighth month of pregnancy.
Fee: $25 (1-2 Children)
$30 (3 children or more)
Click here to register.

Boot Camp for Expectant Dads
Close your eyes and imagine a program taught by babies 6 weeks to 6 months of age where fears, frustrations and concerns that every man will go through, as he enters fatherhood, is conquered. Boot Camp For Expectant Dads is a program in which veterans (new fathers who bring their two - six month old babies) show rookies (fathers-to-be) the ropes of fatherhood. This program is a guy thing, no women allowed. When men facing common challenges get together, a locker room type of bond develops, and they talk openly about their experiences and what's on their mind. Attend Anytime during moms pregnancy.
Fee: $15 per Dad
Click here to register.

Car Seat Safety
This class will include information about how to select, use and install car seats for your infant or child's safety. Attend any time, preferably before you purchase a car seat.
Fee: Free
Click here to register.

Classes for After the Baby is Born

Baby Massage
Learn how to massage your baby. Massage helps to strengthen and regulate the respiratory, circulatory and gastrointestinal function. It can also relieve discomforts such as gas, colic, congestion, teething, emotional stress and enhances a physical bond that builds trust.
Fee: $30 per family
Click here to register.

Mommy and Baby Yoga
Discover how you can combine yoga, infant developmental movement, relieving stress and fatigue, helping with correct alignment, toning and energizing the body and parent/child bonding along with fun and a sense of well being.
Fee: $10 per class (No registration required)

Mommy Matters
This support group is suited to meet your needs as a new parent. New topics are discussed each week such as breastfeeding, baby and sleep, immunizations, etc.
Fee: $5 per meeting (No registration required)

Toddler Topics (Crawling to 15 months)
As your baby grows, your needs change. This group is designed for a mother of an older baby. New Topics are discussed each week such as developmental play, safety issues, introducing solid foods, etc.
Fee: $5 per meeting (No registration required)

Baby Playtime with Parents (Newborns to 15 Months)
As your baby grows, you have many needs. This group is designed for parents who need a weekend class. New Topics are discussed each month.
Fee: $5 per meeting (No registration required)

Lactation Support

Private Lactation Consultation - One hour
One-hour private breastfeeding consultations are available by appointment. Our lactation consultant will spend one hour with you and your baby.
Fee: Call (714) 744-8764 for information and/or to schedule an appointment.

Private Lactation Consultation - One Half Hour
One-half hour private breastfeeding assistance consultations are available by appointment. Our lactation consultant will spend one half hour with you and your baby.
Fee: Call (714) 744-8764 for information and/or to schedule an appointment.

New Mothers' Breastfeeding Workshop
These group sessions are a resource after delivery for mothers who may be experiencing difficulties breastfeeding their babies or may feel insecure or concerned that their babies are not nursing well. Our skilled lactation consultants can answer questions and provide guidance and reassurance. Bring your newborn and join us at this informative session. Attend after baby's birth. Held on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays, 9:30 - 11 am. Call 714-744-8764 to sign up for workshop.
Fee: $10

Breastfeeding and the Working Mother
This class is a must for new mothers who are breastfeeding and planning on returning back to work, school, etc. Information and support is important to help you continue to breastfeed while away from home. Newborns are welcome.
Fee: $15 per family
Click here to register.

PostPartum Depression Support Groups
Depression occuring within six months of childbirth may be postpartum depression. Help is available for this very real and oftentimes disabling illness. Support groups are available for new moms and for couples, free of charge. Please call (714) 771-8101 for more information.