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.
Virtual and Online Class Descriptions
Childbirth Preparation:
A Virtual & Online Class
Prepare for the birth of your baby using online and virtual instruction. Understanding Childbirth is an online course that includes videos, birth stories, interactive activities and parent resources. After completing the online course, attend a virtual class where you will learn breathing and relaxation techniques from a childbirth educator. $75 Register
Breastfeeding:
A Virtual & Online Class
Understanding Breastfeeding is an online course with comprehensive information, videos, and activities on topics including how and when to breast-feed, getting enough milk, latching and positioning, breast care and the breastfeeding lifestyle. After completion of the online class, attend a virtual class taught by a lactation consultant. $40 Register
Infant Care:
A Virtual & Online Class
Expectant parents will learn the skills to care for their new baby. In the online class, Understanding Your Newborn, learn about your newborn’s appearance, traits and behaviors; crying and comforting; bathing, nail care and dressing; feeding and sleeping; and signs of illness and newborn health and safety. Practical skills will be demonstrated in the virtual, instructor-led class. $65 Register
New Mom’s Online Support Group:
Share experiences with other new moms and their babies up to 5 months old. Using Zoom, meet for support, referrals and discussion of parenting topics. Free. Register
Birthing Center Tour:
Virtual
Take a virtual tour of the birthing center and learn about having a baby at Howard County General Hospital. Our nurse will lead the tour and answer your questions. Free. Register
Empower: Supporting Positive Parenting for Substance-Exposed Newborns:
Virtual
Mothers will learn to console their baby experiencing Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome in this free, instructor-led Zoom course. 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. Free. Register
Infant and Toddler Safety, Childproofing and CPR:
Virtual
In this instructor-led, zoom class, learn about car, sleep and water safety; childproofing; and more. Watch a video demonstration of Infant CPR and airway blockage/ choking 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. $45 Register
Online-Only Classes:
Childbirth, Infant Care and Breastfeeding classes are also available in an online-only format that includes information, videos and resources that be available to you for nine months. Online-only courses do not include an instructor-led, virtual class. $35 Register
Registration Details
- 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 and for 9 months afterward.
- The $35 fee for the online portion of a class is not refundable for any reason.
- Parents who register for online classes will have access to a Childbirth and New Parent Nurse Line.