Childbirth Education Classes

We are excited to offer a variety of educational classes to assist Wilmington Health patients in the preparation of your new arrival. Please check our site regularly for updated class information. All classes meet for the first time at Betty H. Cameron Women’s & Children’s Hospital in the main lobby.

Helping you prepare for your new arrival.

Childbirth Education Classes

You may register for classes once you are 20 weeks pregnant (unless otherwise specified). 

  1. Please take Prepared Childbirth class for a more complete overview of labor and after delivery.
  2. When requesting a class, please include your name and due date as well as the date of the class or series that you would like to take. Please allow up to one week for a response from the coordinator.
  3. There is a one-time $50 fee that covers all classes. You can pay at your appointment and will be given a paid receipt to present when you attend the class.

What to expect during childbirth

Currently, childbirth classes are not being offered in a classroom setting. They are being conducted via a video conference app called “Zoom Cloud Meetings.” This app will allow students to see the instructor, view the powerpoints, and ask questions too! The app must be downloaded on your smartphone or computer to participate in these classes. You will receive more information via email prior to your class date.

This is either a two-part session that meets for 1 to 1 1/2 hours during the week or one 5-hour weekend session. This class teaches you what to expect from the time you arrive at the hospital to the time you go home.

You will learn about what is normal vs. not normal in the third trimester, what to pack, when to call the doctor, when to go to the hospital, preterm labor, preeclampsia, pain medication options, relaxation and breathing techniques, vaginal delivery and recovery vs. cesarean section, medical interventions, and go on a hospital tour.

ENROLL

This class is for patients who are seeing Wilmington Health OB/GYN for their pregnancy.

Please start your registration process by emailing when you are at least 20 weeks pregnant, so you can BEGIN this class when you are approximately 30-34 weeks pregnant. To enroll, email obeducation@wilmingtonhealth.com.

Please include your due date, as well as the name and date of the class. Please also indicate if you have paid the $50 fee at the Wilmington Health OB/GYN front desk. Please note: This one-time $50 enrollment fee covers the pregnant patient and one support person of their choice to attend classes. Emails will be responded to every Wednesday by the end of the business day.

UPCOMING CLASSES
Please note these classes are all-inclusive classes: Prepared Childbirth, Baby Care, Postpartum Care, Intro to Breastfeeding, and a hospital tour. Class dates and times offered monthly below.

March
Sunday, March 3, 2024 (1:00pm – 6:00pm)

or
Monday, March 4, 2024 (6:00pm – 8:30pm)
Tuesday, March 5, 2024 (6:00pm – 8:30pm)

April
Sunday, April 7, 2024 (1:00pm – 6:00pm)

or
Monday, April 8, 2024 (6:00pm – 8:30pm)
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 (6:00pm – 8:30pm)

May
Sunday, May 19, 2024 (1:00pm – 6:00pm)

or
Monday, May 20, 2024 (6:00pm – 8:30pm)
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 (6:00pm – 8:30pm)

June
Sunday, June 23, 2024 (1:00pm – 6:00pm

or
Monday, June 24, 2024 (6:00pm – 8:30pm)
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 (6:00pm – 8:30pm)

At this time breastfeeding classes are postponed.

Click here to learn more about breastfeeding from our lactation specialist.

Get to know our instructors.

Wendy Adkins, MSN-NE, RN, RHIA, CLE
Wendy has been a labor and delivery nurse for over 10 years and has been a prenatal educator since 2011. During her classes, she likes to help expectant parents create a “toolbox” full of anatomy terms, pain control methods, postpartum care, newborn care, and hands-on breastfeeding training. As a lactation educator, she will help you relate breastfeeding to eating a “turkey sandwich.” Wendy has been married 20 years, has two teenage daughters, and a farm full of critters!

Kristy Harley, RN, IBCLC
Kristy has been a pediatric nurse for 18 years in various healthcare settings. She developed an interest in providing lactation support to families after her own journey through breastfeeding her 3 children. She has been a part of the Wilmington Health Pediatrics team for more than 10 years and serves as a Volunteer Lactation Peer Counselor at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

Births take place at the NHRMC Betty H. Cameron Women’s & Children’s Hospital. NHRMC offers free tours to enhance the experience. To see more about the tours, please click here.