Marin General Hospital offers prenatal and postnatal instruction classes for expectant parents. The childbirth preparation classes will prepare the expectant couple for the physical and emotional changes that occur during pregnancy and delivery. The classes are taught by experienced childbirth instructors, and/or by Marin General Hospital labor and delivery nurses. The classes will prepare the mother and her support person for the challenges and joys of childbirth. A tour of the maternity unit is also included in this course.

The One-Day Saturday and Three-Day Wednesday Evening Childbirth Classes contain the same information (see below). Participants should bring two pillows, a mat or blanket, and a bottle of water to class. We recommend you register for class mid-term in your pregnancy due to limited space.

Cost: $100 per couple. There is also a $170 Value Package for Childbirth & Infant Care Series Classes.

One-Day Childbirth Classes 2012
Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Marin General Hospital (class location to be displayed in hospital lobby) Lunch break provided. Please bring a lunch or you can eat at the Greenbrae Grill, located in the hospital.

Three-Day Childbirth Series 2012
Wednesdays: 7:00 to 9:00 pm (three consecutive weeks)
Marin General Hospital (class location to be displayed in hospital lobby)

Childbirth Series

Class I Overview

•  Overview of the Labor Experience
•  Benefits of Childbirth Classes
•  Role of Labor Support Person
•  Basic Anatomy & Physiology (terms heard during labor)
•  Overview of Labor
•  When to Come to the Hospital
•  Early Labor
•  Relaxation Introduction

Class II Overview

•  Tour Meet in Lobby 45 Minutes Prior to Class
•  Hospital Admission Routine
•  Active Labor (Physical & Emotional Signs & Roles)
•  Transition Phase of Labor (Physical & Emotional Signs and Roles)
•  Labor Support and Training
•  Breathing Techniques
•  Relaxation Techniques
•  Comfort Measures
•  Pain Control Options
•  Delivery Video

Class III Overview

•  What to do if the Plan Changes
•  Variations in Labor & Delivery
  • Preterm Labor
  • Back Labor
  • Induction
  • Internal Fetal Monitor
  • Other Prenatal Tests (Non-Stress Tests, etc.)
  • Cesarean Delivery Video
  • Immediate Postpartum Adjustments
  • Review Labor (all breathing techniques)
•  Immediate Postpartum Adjustments
•  Review Labor (All Breathing Techniques)