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 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:
Details coming soon.
Prepared Childbirth Series (4-week series)
This four-week series will provide you 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 infant after delivery.
Fee: $100.00 per couple
Offered Sunday or Wednesday evenings at Berkshire Medical Center (BMC) in Pittsfield.
NOW offered on Thursday evenings at the North Adams Campus of BMC.
Prepared Childbirth Refresher (2-week refresher series)
If you participated in a full childbirth series during a previous pregnancy, you will find the refresher series a helpful review. This two-week series focuses on breathing and relaxation techniques, information on changes in the management of labor and delivery since the birth of your last baby, and ways to prepare children at home for the new arrival.
Fee: $40.00 per couple*
Offered Wednesday evenings from 6:30pm to 9:00pm every month at Berkshire Medical Center (BMC) in Pittsfield.
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.
Fee: $200.00 per couple (Many insurance companies will reimburse part of the fee).
Held at Berkshire Medical Center (BMC) in Pittsfield.
Big Brother/Big Sister Class
Preparing your older child for the arrival of a new baby can help ease anxiety he or she may be feeling about becoming a big brother or big sister. This one class session is geared for children three years and older. The class includes a tour of the Mother-Baby Unit and the Nursery.
Fee: $20.00 per child ($30.00 maximum)
Sunday evenings, 4:30-6:00 pm – Offered every other month at Berkshire Medical Center (BMC) in Pittsfield.
Infant/Child CPR
This one session class will provide you with the basic CPR techniques for infants and young children. General first aid is also included. Taught by a CPR instructor who is also an RN.
Fee: $40.00 per couple
Tuesday evenings offered every other month at Berkshire Medical Center (BMC) in Pittsfield.
Prenatal Yoga (4-week series)
This four week series is taught by a certified Prenatal Yoga instructor. This class is appropriate for any stage of pregnancy. Gentle exercises strengthen your body and calm your mind.
Fee: $40.00 for a four-week series or $12.00 per drop in session.
Classes held at Berkshire Medical Center (BMC) in Pittsfield.
Itsy Bitsy Yoga (4-week series)
This four week series is for babies 8 weeks old to crawling age, and their parent(s). Parents learn to help unfold their baby’s motor skills, sleep better, feel happier and digest with ease. It is a wonderful way to bond with your baby, give and receive support, and meet other like-minded parents in your community.
Fee: $40.00 per infant/parent.
Friday afternoons, 2:00pm-3:00pm at Berkshire Medical Center (BMC) in Pittsfield.
Newborn 101
In this single session class you will learn a variety of strategies to help your baby cry less and sleep better at night, including swaddling, calming, and positioning. Based on the 5 “S”s by Dr. Harvey Karp. Other topics include infant development, the infant’s needs for attachment and responsiveness, and what babies think and understand in the first year of life.
Fee: $40.00/couple
Wednesdays: 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Offered every other month at Berkshire Medical Center (BMC) in Pittsfield.
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.
