Childbirth & Parenting Classes
Taught by certified childbirth instructors, our education programs are designed to help you make informed choices about your delivery, caring for yourself, and caring for your newborn.
We recommend that you register for the Prepared Childbirth Series during the fourth month of pregnancy to ensure that you are able to complete the classes before your baby’s birth.
Most health insurers will reimburse for all or part of the fee for prepared childbirth classes and refresher classes, as well as breastfeeding classes. Contact your insurance company for more information. If you have public insurance such as MA Health, there is no out-of-pocket cost for the prepared childbirth and refresher classes.
Berkshire Medical Center & North Adams Hospital Programming:
For more information about these programs, or to register, please call BMC’s Family Health Education Office at 413-447-2400 or contact our Program Director via email at: kcharbonneau@bhs1.org.
Fairview Hospital Programming:
For more information about Fairview Hospital programs, or to register, please FV’s Family Birthplace Education Office at 413-854-9980.
Prepared Childbirth Series (4-week series)
This 4-week series will provide you and your partner with information on what you can expect during the labor and delivery process, breathing and relaxation techniques, pain management options and how to care for yourself and your baby after delivery.
Series Details:
- Berkshire Medical Center:
Wednesday evenings: 6:00 – 8:30 pm
- North Adams Regional Hospital:
Thursday evenings: (4 weeks) 6:00 – 8:30 pm (pending enrollment)
Fee: $100.00 per couple*
Prepared Childbirth Refresher (2-week refresher series)
If you participated in a full childbirth series during a previous pregnancy, you will find this two session series a helpful review. Classes focus on breathing and relaxation techniques, information on changes in the management of labor and delivery since your last delivery, and ways to prepare children at home for the new arrival.
Series Details:
- Wednesday evenings: 6:00 – 8:30 pm
(Offered every month month) - Where: Berkshire Medical Center
Fee: $50.00 per couple*$50 per couple
Private Class Option for Childbirth Series (2, 2-hour sessions)
If you find your work or your lifestyle prevents you from attending one of the scheduled childbirth series, there is an option for a private childbirth class. Based on the availability of an instructor, you can schedule the day and time of the class at your convenience. There are two 2-hour sessions.
Series Details:
- Where: Berkshire Medical Center
Fee: $200.00 per couple (Many insurance companies will reimburse part of the fee).
Newborn 101 (1 Session)
Come to this one session class and learn everything you want to know about how to care for your new baby! Topics include newborn behavior, how to hold a newborn, diapering and bathing. Soothing techniques based on Dr. Harvey Karp’s the “Five S’s” will be taught also.
Series Details:
- Tuesday evenings: 6:00 – 8:00 PM (Offered every other month)
- Where: Berkshire Medical Center
Fee: $50.00 per couple
Successful Breastfeeding (1 Session)
This one session class includes information on preparing for breastfeeding, tips on getting off to a good start, information for fathers of breastfed infants, and breast-feeding and returning to work. Fathers are encouraged to attend. It is recommended for couples in the 4th- 7th month of pregnancy. Pre-registration is necessary.
Series Details:
- Monday evening: 6:00 – 8:30 pm (Offered every other month)
- Where: Berkshire Medical Center
Fee: FREE. Resource book available for $5.00
Breastfeeding Basics (1 Session)
This one session class will cover the basics of breastfeeding to help you as you begin your breastfeeding journey. Please feel free to bring your partner to class.
Series Details:
- Tuesday evening: 5:30pm – 7:30pm (Offered every other month)
- Where: Fairview Hospital – Register: 413-854-9980
Fee: FREE. Resource book available for $5.00
For the full schedule view our flyer.
Big Brother/Big Sister Class
Preparing your older child for the arrival of a new baby can help ease the anxiety he or she may feel about becoming a big brother or sister. This one class session is geared for children 3 years and older. The class includes a tour of the Family Birthplace unit and the nursery. Pre-registration is necessary.
Series Details:
- Sunday afternoon: 4:30 – 6:00 pm (Offered by inquiry)
- Berkshire Medical Center – Registration: 413-447-2400
- Fairview Hospital – Registration: 413-854-9980
Fee: $20.00/ per child ($30.00 maximum)
Infant/Child CPR
This one session class will provide you with basic CPR techniques for your infants, toddlers and young children. General first aid techniques are included. Pre-registration is necessary.
Series Details:
- Tuesday evening: 6:00 – 9:00 pm (Offered quarterly)
- Where: Berkshire Medical Center
Fee: $25.00 per person/$50.00 per couple
Safesitter Essentials with CPR Class
This course is designed to prepare students to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. The instructor-led class is filled with fun games and role-playing exercises. Students even get to use manikins to practice rescue skills like choking rescue! Students should bring snacks and lunch.
Series Details:
- Coming Soon
- Where: Fairview Hospital
Fee: $35 (includes Safe Sitter student manual)
Embrace Diversity Birth Circle
“We are here to hold space for the many ways pregnancy, birth, and parenthood look and unfold. We are ecstatic to bring our presence to this mission and offer unbiased, non-judgmental support during such a special time.”
-Co-Facilitated by Laconia Fennell and Tanita Council,
-Co-Founders of Springfield Family Doulas
Fee: None
Every 2nd Thursday of the Month: 5:00 – 6:00 PM.
Berkshire Medical Center (BMC), Bishop Clapp Building Conference Room
742 North Street, Pittsfield
413-285-3145
Made Possible by Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office Maternal Health Equity Funding.
Other Ongoing Childbirth Programs
The birth of a child is a time that is both exciting and challenging. The Family Health Education Programs at the Family Birthplace BMC and FVH offer many programs to help prepare you for this special event, by providing information on pregnancy, the birthing process, your newborn, and parenting. All classes are taught by certified childbirth educators and are designed to help you make informed choices about your delivery, caring for yourself, your baby, and your family.
Other Ongoing Programs
- Working and Parenting: Creating Balance
- Sibling Preparation for Birth
- Inpatient Lactation Consultant Services
- Ask us about local Prenatal and Parent/Child Yoga offerings
- Childbirth Programs for local businesses