Group Prenatal Classes

Comprehensive, fun and interactive, in-person group prenatal classes!  (Scroll down to see upcoming class dates/times)

In-Person, Small Group Prenatal Classes are available to all expectant parents who have no cold/flu/covid symptoms.  Anyone with symptoms will be asked to leave.  Thank you for your co-operation and understanding.

 

Our small group classes are the perfect forum to ask questions, discuss concerns and share ideas, fears, joy and experiences with other expectant parents whose babies are due around the same time as yours.  There is a maximum of 11 couples per class.

 

Learn everything from signs of labour approaching to feeding and caring for your baby and yourself in the first few weeks at home. Join the fun as we practice comfort measures and coping techniques for labour as well as feeding, burping, swaddling and diapering a doll. Everyone is welcome, regardless of birth plan or where you plan to give birth.  

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The benefit of taking a series of classes instead of a one day crash course is that you you will actually learn more and remember more when the time comes to give birth, if you have shorter periods of class time, spread over several weeks.  Studies show that squeezing all the hours together makes you remember less.  Retention is increased when information is received in smaller amounts over time and with review and practice.You will also have the opportunity to come back and ask questions after practicing comfort measures at home and thinking about all the information that was covered in the previous class. In addition, even with scheduled breaks, it may be difficult for a pregnant woman to sit through the many hours of an all day group crash course.

Dress:     Casual and comfortable clothing, (pants instead of skirt or dress, if possible)

Bring:      Your instructor will advise you in advance of the class when you need to bring a mat, pillows, exercise ball, etc.  You may also wish to bring a paper and pen for notes.  Dolls, baby clothing, diapers and blankets will be provided.

Price:       Includes one pregnant person and one partner/support person. Canadian dollars, includes tax, handouts and resources.

Location: Ellesmere Community Centre, 20 Canadian Road, Toronto, ON, M1R 4B4

Parking:   Free

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IN-PERSON, GROUP PRENATAL CLASSES

Full Prenatal Class series - $165 (tax included)

(Labour and Birth Prep. & Life with Baby)

 

LABOUR AND BIRTH PREPARATION (classes 1 & 2)

• anatomy & physiology

• labour & birth process

• birth & postpartum plan/preferences

• when to leave for the hospital/call your midwife

• practise non-medical comfort measures, coping techniques & effective positions for pain management 

• medical pain management options

• medical interventions & strategies to reduce their risk

• decision making tool

• physical & emotional postpartum recovery

LIFE WITH BABY (classes 3 & 4)

• breastfeeding basics; getting off to a good start; latching & how to know baby is getting enough milk

• adjustment to parenthood

• newborn characteristics & communication 

• newborn basic care including grooming, bathing, diapering, dressing, soothing & signs of illness 

• skin-to-skin contact

• newborn sleep patterns & how to establish good sleep habits 

• safety

• clothing & equipment needed for newborn

• resources/help for expectant & new parents