Childbirth Education and Orientation
To explore our offerings, sign up for an orientation, or register for classes and parent groups, visit our events site. You can search by event name or select Women’s and Infants’ Services under Department.
Visit the Sibley Memorial Hospital Events page
We recommend that expectant parents take a childbirth class by the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy, with any multi-session series ending around this time. Classes are in high demand and fill quickly, so we encourage you to register early – ideally as soon as they are posted on our events site, typically 4–6 weeks before the class date.
Our classes are currently offered virtually, and we are working on adding in-person options in the near future. We are also working on adding classes in Spanish.
Please note:
- No drop-ins – online registration through our events page is required for all classes and tours.
- Space is limited, and only registered participants will be admitted.
- Before registering, please review our registration and cancellation policies below.
For questions, email [email protected]. We aim to respond within 24 hours.
Sibley Maternity Center Tour
Get a sneak peek at where your birth story begins! From private birthing suites and family-friendly amenities to expert, compassionate care, our team is here to make your childbirth experience as comfortable and memorable special as possible.
Classes and Orientation
Sign up for an orientation and register for classes and parent groups. You can search by event name or by selecting Women's and Infants' Services under Department. Explore our offerings on our events site.
All class offerings are posted at least one month in advance. Each pass admits one person to the virtual class. One additional support person may attend free of charge.
We suggest starting with the Maternity Orientation class if you have specific questions about delivering at Sibley.
Review our registration and cancellation information prior to registering.
Please note that recording, photographing, or screen-capturing any portion of our classes is not permitted. This protects participant privacy, respects our educators, and helps maintain a safe and comfortable learning environment for everyone.
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Learn essential newborn care techniques, including bathing, diapering, soothing a crying baby, and recognizing signs of illness. The class also covers practical coping strategies for the first few weeks of parenthood.
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This prenatal class introduces the fundamentals of breastfeeding for expectant parents. Topics include preparing during pregnancy, getting started, understanding your baby’s cues, feeding schedules, expressing and storing milk, bottle use with a breastfed baby and more.
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Designed for those preparing for their first labor and birth, this class provides evidence-based information on the physical and emotional aspects of labor and delivery. Through lectures, discussion, videos, and hands-on practice, we aim to build your confidence and ease any anxiety about the birthing process.
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Gain hands-on instruction in infant CPR following American Heart Association guidelines. This course also covers car seat safety, safe sleep practices, childproofing, and more. Ideal for parents and childcare providers. Note: This is not a certification course.
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Prefer to learn at your own pace? This eight-chapter, web-based course offers videos, personal birth stories, animations, activities, and games to cover all the essentials for preparing for your birth—available anytime, anywhere.
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Our maternity orientation sessions help expectant families prepare for having their baby at Sibley Memorial Hospital. You’ll learn what to expect upon arrival for delivery, review key hospital policies and procedures, and become familiar with our Women’s & Infants’ Services team and units. We’ll also share helpful resources, such as our hospital packing checklist.
Please note: We are happy to provide this class free of charge, but ask that you only sign up for one session. This helps us better monitor attendance and ensures that all families have the opportunity to join without classes reaching capacity.
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Our six-week, cohort-based support group is designed to bring together new moms who are right where you are. The class is free and meets in person at Sibley. Through guided conversations, shared experiences and mutual support, you’ll build meaningful connections and feel more grounded, confident and supported as you grow into motherhood.
Each session includes supportive discussion, parenting topics, occasional guest speakers and dedicated time to connect with other new mothers.
Please note:
- The group is open to postpartum mothers with babies up to five months old.
- This is a mom-and-baby group only; please do not bring another adult or siblings.
- You are welcome to breastfeed, bottle-feed and change your baby as needed during the session.
- Participants should register for the cohort that begins after their baby’s due date.
Registration and Cancellation Policies
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- Payment is due at the time of registration and can only be made by credit card through our secure website.
- Once registration is complete, a confirmation/receipt will be sent to the email provided. (If you do not see it, check your spam folder before contacting us.)
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- Class may be cancelled for any reason 7 days prior to class date for a refund of class fees. Please note a $15 processing fee will be assessed for each cancelled ticket.
- If the department cancels a class due to low enrollment, overbooking, or inclement weather and it is not rescheduled, you will receive a full refund.
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- We will be happy to accommodate class transfer requests at least 2 business days prior to the class date.
- We cannot guarantee availability for transferred classes.
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- Expectant mothers placed on bed rest may receive credit toward an online class.
- Online classes are non-refundable.
- The department is not responsible for no-shows or missed classes. Make-up sessions are not guaranteed and depend on space availability.
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- Sibley’s Childbirth Education Department does not bill insurance and our classes do not have medical or diagnostic codes.
- Upon request, we can provide:
- Your email confirmation of payment
- A CPT code
- Our tax ID: 530-19-6602
- Instructor signature (must be requested at least 3 days prior to class)
- Confirmation of attendance
- If you plan to seek reimbursement from your insurance company, you are responsible for submitting all required documents directly to them after the class is completed. Because every insurance company has different requirements, we strongly recommend that you contact your insurer well before your scheduled class date to confirm:
- What documentation they require (e.g., proof of payment, confirmation of attendance, or instructor signature)
- Whether specific instructor credentials or qualifications are needed
- Any forms or special claim processes they require
- Waiting until after the class to gather this information may delay our ability to provide the necessary documentation and could affect your ability to receive reimbursement.