Having a baby is a unique and special time and at Howard County General Hospital: A Member of Johns Hopkins Medicine, we do everything possible to make your experience safe, comfortable and happy. We know you’re excited and that you probably have some questions about how to prepare for your delivery, what to expect when you go into labor and arrive at the hospital, and how to care for your newborn when you get home. We believe education is an important component in preparing for your baby’s arrival. Our childbirth and new parent education classes encourage the active participation of family members and are designed to prepare you for having a successful experience.
Childbirth Preparation
In this two-part course that includes an instructor-led class (via Zoom or in-person) and a self-paced, online course, learn about pregnancy, labor, childbirth, comfort techniques, cesarean section and medical procedures. In the instructor-led class, our certified childbirth instructor will provide an overview of childbirth preparation and demonstrate breathing and relaxation techniques. The self-paced InJoy online course provides comprehensive information about preparing for childbirth and will be available to you for 9 months. $75 per couple. Register
Breastfeeding
In this two-part course that includes an instructor-led class (via Zoom or in-person) and a self-paced online course, learn about the benefits of breastfeeding, positions and latching on, signs your baby is getting enough milk, breastfeeding pumps, and the importance of partner support. In the instructor-led class, our lactation consultant will help mothers and their partners navigate breastfeeding in the first days and weeks after birth, and will answer your breastfeeding questions and concerns. The self-paced InJoy online course will provide comprehensive information about breastfeeding and will be available to you for 9 months. $40 per couple. Register
Infant Care
In this two-part course that includes an instructor-led class (via Zoom or in-person) and a self-paced online course, learn about the care of your newborn including crying and comforting, feeding, bathing, sleeping, and newborn safety. In the instructor-led class, our nurse will provide an overview of infant care including post-delivery, newborn behavior and health, and how to care for baby. The self-paced InJoy online course includes comprehensive information about caring for your newborn and will be available to you for 9 months. $65 per couple. Register
Infant and Toddler Safety, Childproofing and CPR
Learn about car and sleep safety, childproofing/injury prevention, consumer-product safety, and emergency preparedness. Discover useful community resources for parents. View a demonstration of infant CPR and choking response techniques. Recommended for parents, grandparents, and other caregivers of babies and children up to four years old. This course is taught at an adult level and is not a certification course. Choose to attend an in-person class or a virtual class via Zoom. $45 per couple. Register
New Mom’s Support Group
Share experiences with other new moms and their babies up to 5 months old. Meet for support, referrals, guest speakers, discussion of parenting topics, and an opportunity to connect with other new mothers. The class will meet virtually via Zoom, but as physical distancing guidelines change, occasional in-person sessions may be added. Free. Register
Birthing Center Tour: Virtual
Our nurse will answer your questions about giving birth at Howard County General Hospital; discuss hospital services, pre-registration, where to park and enter when you arrive at the hospital; COVID policies for L&D and MCU and more. The tour is virtual via Zoom and is not an in-person tour. Free. Register
Empower: Supporting Positive Parenting for Substance-Exposed Newborns
Mothers will learn to console their baby experiencing Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. Families will have questions answered, be empowered to care for baby through the withdrawal period and collaborate with the health care team to give baby the best possible outcome. This class is virtual via Zoom. Free. Register
Online Class Registration Details
- The InJoy online class is part of the Childbirth, Infant Care and Breastfeeding classes and includes comprehensive information, videos and resources.
- Childbirth, Infant Care and Breastfeeding classes are also available online-only for a $35 non refundable fee and do not include an instructor-led class.
- Once you register, you will be sent a personal access code that will allow you to view the online course at Injoyonline.com.
- You will have access to the online class as soon as you register at Injoyonline.com and for 9 months afterward.