Prenatal and Family Education

With you every step of the way.

Having a baby is one of life's most joyous — and overwhelming — events. The choices you make now will affect your baby's health long after he or she is born. What's the healthiest diet for your baby? How should you change your lifestyle now that you are pregnant? What should you expect at each doctor's visit? How will you handle labor?

The road to childbirth and parenting is full of physical, emotional and social changes. The more you know before your baby is born, the better prepared you will be to face these challenges. We recommend that women and their partners attend prenatal classes as early in their pregnancy as possible.

The Reading Hospital offers a series of informative prenatal classes taught by certified instructors. Classes are designed to help you prepare for pregnancy, delivery, and the arrival of your baby. Please see our Prenatal Education Calendar for upcoming dates.

• Maternity Tea — for expectant mothers in their first trimester, their partners, and those who are considering starting a family. You’ll tour the Beginnings Maternity Center, meet our staff, and become acquainted with programs offered to expectant mothers and their families.
• Birthing Classes — expectant parents between 29 and 34 weeks of pregnancy are encouraged to attend. We focus on labor and delivery, including possible complications, and your partner’s role as your coach.
  $75 per couple for weekday series of three classes. $100 per couple for all-day Saturday class.
• Doctors Night — discuss pain management options during labor with an anesthesiologist. Review the labor and delivery process with an obstetrician. Learn from a pediatrician what to expect after your baby is born. Tours of the Beginnings Maternity Center will be available before and after each class.
• Cesarean Birth Night — we recommend that all expectant parents attend this class since many Cesarean births are unplanned. Information on why Cesarean births may occur, what to expect during the surgical birth of the baby, and how to recover afterward helps to prepare parents for this birthing possibility. Tours of the Beginnings Maternity Center will be available before and after each class.
• Becoming A Big Brother/Big Sister — this lively class prepares children ages 3 to 6 for the arrival of the new baby.
  $15 per family.
• Becoming an Older Brother/Sister — this lively class prepares older children ages 7 to 10 for the arrival of the new baby.
  $15 per family.
• Breastfeeding Education — this course answers your questions about breastfeeding and helps you better understand one of the most nurturing experiences you’ll have as parents.
  $20 per couple.
• Breastfeeding & Working — this class prepares couples for the challenges and rewards of breastfeeding and working. Learn about pumping, how to store milk, and practical tips for managing this busy lifestyle.
  $20 per couple.
• Your Newborn Baby — this course is designed to help guide parents during the newborn period and into the first year of child rearing. You will learn about routine care, developmental milestones, and special concerns.
  $25 per couple.

Class size is limited. Early registration suggested.

For more information, or to register, please call 610-988-HELP.

Regarding Your Privacy. The Reading Hospital and Medical Center (TRHMC) is dedicated to the fundamentals of protecting your privacy. TRHMC collects personal information only on a voluntary basis. Personal information may include name, address, and phone number. The personal information we collect is used by TRHMC to respond only to an inquiry. TRHMC does not sell, rent, or transmit personal information to other organizations.

Financial assistance available. Call 610-988-HELP for more information.

*Many health benefit plans cover the cost of prenatal education. Check with your benefits provider for details.