In-Person Pregnancy, Birth and Breastfeeding Classes

Prepare for labor, birth, and life with your new baby in a supportive, in-person learning environment. Recommended for pregnant patients and their partners and/or support people, and for those from 28 weeks of pregnancy and beyond. These classes are FREE to attend - registration is recommended but not required, see registration link below. Walk-ins are always welcome. Feel free to bring your own water and snacks.

Every Tuesday | 6:30–8:30 PM (starting Tuesday, February 3)
St. Joseph’s Health Hospital, L100A DeFuria Room
301 Prospect Ave., Syracuse, NY 13203
Please park in the main parking garage and walk across the bridge or street to the Main Entrance. Upon arrival, check in at the security desk.  We ask that you please arrive a few minutes early to allow time for the check-in process.

Monthly Class Rotation

Class 1: Pregnancy & Labor Preparation
Learn what to expect in the final weeks of pregnancy, how to recognize labor, and what to expect when you arrive at the hospital.
Class 2: What Happens During Childbirth?
Covers the labor and birth process, coping measures, partner support, vaginal birth, and immediate postpartum recovery.
Class 3: Medical Interventions, Induced Labor, Cesarean Birth, Hospital Tour
Learn about common labor interventions, inductions, and cesarean birth. Includes a tour of the Labor & Delivery and Postpartum units.
Class 4: Postpartum Transition, Newborn Care & Breastfeeding
Covers postpartum recovery, newborn care, mood changes, and breastfeeding education.

Flexible Class Format

These classes are offered in a drop-in style format. You may attend any class at any time during your pregnancy, based on your availability, transportation, and child care needs. The four topics run on a rotating monthly schedule. We encourage you to bring a support person if possible, as well as the education book you received from your OB provider at the beginning of your pregnancy. The book is titled Your Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, and Parenting, and it is a 5 chapter spiral bound book.

• Classes rotate during the first four Tuesdays of each month
• If a month has more than four Tuesdays, no class will be held on the additional Tuesdays
• The rotation restarts on the first Tuesday of each month