Prenatal Classes
Birth Suites tour: This is a great opportunity for expecting parents to familiarize themselves with the birthing experience at UAB St. Vincent’s. See the Birth Suites, the OB Emergency Department, and our Maternity Support Center. The tour starts in the Maternity Support Center, located in suite 410 of the Women & Children’s Center. The number of participants is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Bump Basics: Your Guide to Pregnancy: This free virtual class equips you with up-to-date, research-based information to give you guidance and confidence as you prepare for the months ahead.
Your Best Birth: Your all-in-one childbirth class! This virtual, three-part series explores the full experience of labor, birth, and life with a newborn. Topics include when to go to the hospital, comfort techniques for labor, medical interventions, partner support tips, and more.
Babies Do Come with Instructions: Newborn Care Class: This hands-on, in-person class covers everything you need to know about caring for your newborn. From swaddling to comforting a crying baby, it will empower you to thrive.
Breastfeeding I: An in-person introduction to breastfeeding, focusing on proper latching and positioning for a successful start. Learn about the many benefits for both mom and baby. A support person is strongly encouraged to attend.
Prenatal lactation consultation: Enjoy a 30-minute, one-on-one breastfeeding support session – virtually or in person – with one of our certified lactation consultants, to help you feel confident and prepared. This personalized visit is a great opportunity to talk through any concerns before you begin breastfeeding, regardless if you’ve had challenges in the past, a history of breast surgery, or flat or inverted nipples. Please note: This consultation is not meant to replace our Breastfeeding I class, which is strongly recommended.
Body Balancing: Adding balance to your body creates comfort in pregnancy and sets you up for more straightforward labor. This session focuses on balancingthe body, comfort techniques for labor, and empowering a support person in his/her role during childbirth. This private, 45-minute consultation is designed for you and your support person, and you must be at least 24 weeks pregnant.
Spinning Babies Parent Class: Find comfort during pregnancy and prepare for an easier birth in this three-hour, in-person class. It teaches techniques to help “make room for baby” and support your body before and during labor. Recommended for those at least 24 weeks pregnant.
Infant and Child Safety: From sleep guidelines to lifesaving skills, this live virtual class features up-to-date guidelines on being prepared and keeping your little one safe in and around your home.
Daddy 101: From Rookie to All-Star: Learn the ropes of fatherhood with other dads-to-be in a fun and supportive environment. We teach baby care essentials, infant behavior insights, safety tips, and how to support your partner during labor, delivery, and breastfeeding.
Super Siblings!: This fun and interactive class teaches big brothers and sisters ages 3-8 how to help take care of their new sibling. Children learn how to gently hold a baby, how to help with diapering, and safety tips, and they can talk about the big feelings that can come with becoming a big brother or sister. Through activities, discussions, and even a tour of the maternity area, kids feel more excited, confident, and included. Each child earns a certificate of completion to celebrate their exciting new role! At least one parent must attend with the child.
Birth Wishes: Meet in person or virtuallywith one of our maternity nurse navigators to create your own Birth Wishes – a roadmap for your health care team to understand your goals and expectations. During this 90-minute appointment, you’ll discuss topics such as pain management, labor support, and post-birth care. This resource is available to moms at least 32 weeks pregnant who are planning to deliver at UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham. In-person appointments include a tour of the Birth Suites.
Postpartum Classes
Managing Motherhood: postpartum support group: This group is designed to provide essential resources and foster connections among new mothers. Each meeting offers a welcoming space to discuss and learn strategies for managing your well-being during this significant transition.
Baby Cafe: Breastfeeding Support Group: Our Breastfeeding Support Group offers a supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers to receive guidance from experienced IBCLSs. Get help with weighted feeds to track how much your baby is getting, share your experiences, and connect with other moms. No sign up needed – just come with your hungry baby!
Lactation consultations: One-on-one breastfeeding consultations are offered in person or online. We are here to support you through breastfeeding challenges and latching concerns, triple feeding or supplementing with formula or breast milk, slow weight gains or jaundice, and milk supply/transfer concerns.
Virtual Classes
Understanding Pregnancy: Learn all about your pregnancy, including your baby’s development, tips for a healthier experience, and advice for partners.
Understanding Birth: Consider this your go-to guide for all the essential information on labor. We also highlight ways that partners can help throughout the process.
Understanding Your Newborn: This interactive online class covers bathing, comfort techniques, feeding, diapering, newborn behaviors, and health and safety information.
Understanding Breastfeeding: We focus on the essentials of breastfeeding, when to feed your baby, breast care, and the breastfeeding lifestyle.
Understanding Mother-Baby Care: Covering the first few weeks of the postpartum period, this program includes helpful information on keeping mom and baby healthy as they transition from hospital to home.
Understanding Cesarean Birth: Learn essential information about preparing for, undergoing, and recovering from Cesarean section (C-section) surgery. We also highlight ways that partners can help throughout the process.
Understanding Infant and Child Safety: This comprehensive class spans birth to five years and includes information on childproofing products, home and car safety, emergency preparedness, and common poisons.
Understanding Fatherhood: Fathers-to-be will learn about baby care, infant behavior, signs of illness, and safety. We also cover fears about labor and delivery, the dad’s role in breastfeeding, and childproofing techniques.
Understanding Multiples: We’ll discuss everything you need to know about your unique pregnancy, including what to expect from a vaginal or Cesarean birth, breastfeeding more than one baby, and life at home with multiples.
Understanding Natural Childbirth: For those who want an unmedicated childbirth, this class helps equip your mind, body, and spirit for what’s involved. We walk you through the entire process, to prepare you for the best birth possible.