Childbirth Education
Sutter Women's Services

Childbirth education classes are a great way to prepare for labor and birth. Classes consists of lectures, discussion, and exercises, led by a certified childbirth instructor.

• Learn things you never knew about labor, delivery and postpartum care. You'll find out how to identify the signs of labor and what happens to your body as your baby makes his or her way into the world.
• Address your fears. During class, you'll have the chance to talk about your fears with other women who probably share the same concerns. The instructor can dispel myths and help put your mind at ease.
• Connect with your partner or labor coach. A childbirth education class offers your partner or labor coach the chance to understand childbirth, too — as well as how to support you during labor.
• Discuss options for handling pain. You'll practice various methods for coping with contractions, such as breathing techniques, relaxation and visualization. Most classes also cover the pros and cons of common medications, such as narcotic analgesics and epidural blocks.
  Get the basics on medical interventions. Find out how routine interventions may influence the course of labor.
• Check out the facility. You might tour the facility where you'll give birth and find out about its policies and resources.
• Brush up on newborn care. In addition to labor and delivery, you'll likely get a primer on newborns. Common topics include choosing a pediatrician, breast-feeding, diapering and bathing.
• Create a social network. Meet other pregnant women and listen to their experiences.
  

Childbirth Classes:

• Ready, Set, Deliver (Series)
  This series will prepare the mom and her support person for labor, delivery, and postpartum experiences. Includes maternity tour.
• Ready, Set, Deliver (Naturally Series)
  Same information as the Ready, Set, Deliver series with additional interactive labor rehearsal class. Designed for expectant parents hoping to minimize the use of medication and intervention during childbirth.
• Ready, Set, Deliver (One-Day)
  An information packed childbirth preparation class to prepare mom and her support person for labor and delivery. All the same information included in the 6-week series. No maternity tour.
• OB Anesthesia
  An essential class to understanding pain management during labor. OB Anesthesiologist explains pain medicine and epidural analgesia. Learn about walking epidurals and intrathecal narcotics.
• Maternity Orientation & Tour
  Tour the labor/delivery and postpartum units of the hospital.
• Breastfeeding
  A single class to learn about breastfeeding including getting started, avoiding problems, proper latching and hints on how your partner can help.
• Safe Start
  A single class includes instruction on infant CPR. Includes practice on infant mannequins, up to date materials on car seats, and covers home safety practices.
• Surviving the First Month
  A single class to educate parents on how to survive the first month at home with a new baby. Class includes comforting skills, swaddling, baby cues, developing day and night routines.

Support Groups:

• Mother’s Outlet
  Coming together in a group will provide you the opportunity to share, learn and grow as a new mother.
  Held in Sacramento and Roseville.

Class schedules and registration for classes is online only. Register now! You can also complete your OB pre-registration online at sutterwomens.org. For more information or to register by phone, call (916) 733-7080.

By educating yourself about pregnancy, you can learn what you need to do to promote a healthy pregnancy and ensure that you are doing everything you can to keep you and your baby healthy. View the Pregnancy and Childbirth Guide.