At Brookwood, we offer numerous opportunities to learn about birthing and parenting through prenatal education. Our classes help prepare you for everything you will experience as you go through your pregnancy, labor & delivery, and becoming the parent of a newborn. 

q     Prepared Childbirth Class - This course discusses the physical changes you can expect during pregnancy, labor, delivery and after the birth of your child. You will learn about hospital procedures, anesthesia and medications, as well as information about our nursery. Classes include a tour of the maternity facilities at Brookwood. Infant care and basic coping strategies for labor and birth are taught. This class is offered as a weekly series or as a weekend class. It is recommended for first-time parents. 

q     Multiples Class - This course is designed just for parents expecting multiple babies. This course covers what to expect during pregnancy and the labor and delivery of multiples. How to adjust to life with multiples once you get home from the hospital is also covered in this class. Couples should register for this class as soon as possible.

q     Unmedicated Delivery Class - This class aims to support mothers desiring an unmedicated delivery through instruction on Lamaze coping strategies for labor and birth. Alternative comfort measures for laboring and pushing are also introduced. Mothers planning an unmedicated delivery should take this class in addition to the Prepared Childbirth Calss; it is offered free of charge.

q     Infant CPR and Safety Class - American Heart Association certified instructors teach Infant CPR and Safety. Please register for each person who plans to attend this class.

q     Breastfeeding Preparation Class - Certified lactation (breastfeeding) consultants teach this class for expectant first-time parents and experienced parents who wish to review the basics of breastfeeding. Practical skills and information are the focus of this class. Fathers or support persons are encouraged to attend class with mothers.

q     Big Brother/Big Sister Tours - The arrival of a new baby may be an unsettling experience for a big brother or big sister. This tour aims to help your child feel more comfortable with the labor and delivery unit, postpardum floor, and nursery. We also encourage discussion about having a new baby in the family. These tours are provided free of charge.

q     OB Tours - Tours of the maternity facility are available for patients and family who have had previous childbirth education but have not delivered at Brookwood Women’s Medical Center.  

q     Boot Camp for New Dads - An interactive seminar that helps dads prepare for a new baby. Experienced dads offer real world advice and bring their babies, so rookie dads can learn practical ways to partner with mom in caring for their babies. New dads get to ask questions, find out about dad's role in breastfeeding, how to help mom manage the baby blues, and much more!

q     Bed Rest Kits - If you are unable to attend class due to complications of pregnancy, you can purchase a Gift of Motherhood DVD series and book. The materials provide expectant parents with important information about labor, delivery and newborn care. The kits are available through the Kaye Dahle Lactation Center at Brookwood. For more information, call the 205-877-1978.

q    Mom's Best Breastfeeding Support - Breastfeeding is a treasured and sometimes challenging experience for new mothers. Many mothers find that additonal information and support helps them enjoy their breastfeeding experience.Certified lactation consultants facilitate groups at a variety of times and locations. Please call 877-1978 for more information. 

Registering/Attending Classes

To register for prenatal education classes, click here and search “Maternity Services” or call us at 877-8800 or 1(888)276-6596 to register for all of the classes you would like to take. Brookwood representatives will provide you with dates, times and locations of classes, and answer any questions you may have.

• There is a fee for the Prepared Childbirth, Multiples, Infant CPR and Safety, Boot Camp for New Dads, and Breastfeeding Preparation Classes.
• Parents should register in the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy and attend during the seventh month for all classes other than the “Multiples Class.” Those attending the “Multiples Class” should register as soon as possible. 
• Plan to attend classes around the seventh month of pregnancy if possible.  If you are registering for the Multiples Class, you should plan to attend as soon as possible.
• Classes may be subject to cancellation based upon registration.