Family Education Childbirth and Parenting Classes

Most locations offer free tours of the Family Birth Center in order to learn about the facility practices, meet some of our staff and ask questions.

FREE

At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we understand that every birth is unique. That's why we're committed to ensuring you hve the experience you've been hoping and preparing for with a wide range of choices in prenatal care, methods of childbirth and family birth centers for the big day.

We hope you'll spend some time discovering the unique features of each birthing center by taking a virtual tour of one — or all — of our locations.

Take a guided tour of the Midwifery Birth Center at St. Joseph. Explore the center and admire the amenities.
FREE

Available in-person or mobile/online

Four week and one day formats depending on location. All Childbirth Preparation classes include a guided tour of a Franciscan and Virginia Mason birth center. Includes labor and delivery fundamentals, breath awareness, positions for labor, cesarean birth, medications and comfort measures.
$130 for two students

^{*Online Childbirth Preparation not eligible for Medicaid/State Insurance/Provider One}

Hands on practice of techniques, strategies and tools that increase comfort for labor and birth. Taught by trained and experienced childbirth educators/doulas.
$55

Three hour private childbirth preparation class for two. Students select class content and arrange the location, date and time of event which suits their schedule. A private tour of a Franciscan & Virginia Mason Birth Center is an option.
$225 for two students

Available online/mobile only

Topics include reasons for cesarean, family-centered cesarean birth options, preparing for surgery, anesthesia and surgical procedure, initiating breastfeeding and recovery.
$55 for two students

Medically accurate babysitter training program. Can be taught on your site. Includes child care safety and child care skills. Students must have completed fifth grade. For more information, see safesitter.org.
$90 per student

Required for patients interested in delivering in water and all patients planning to deliver at the Midwifery Birth Center. Consult your provider about waterbirth availability in your delivery facility. Must be completed before 36 weeks of pregnancy. Content consists of an online reading module. Patients interested in this option should also register for a Childbirth Preparation class at their delivery facility which includes a tour of the hospital Family Birth Center.
FREE

Required for MBC patients. Taken between 30-35 weeks of pregnancy. Student must be an established patient of midwife who practices at the MBC, who has confirmed the patient meets the criteria. Class addresses labor and postpartum care of birthing parent and baby and required follow-up for both.
FREE

Preadmission program at the Family Birth Center at St. Michael allows you to take care of most of the necessary paperwork and consent forms before delivery. Usually scheduled during the eighth month of pregnancy or about 30 days before your due date.
FREE

Available in-person or mobile/online

Includes breastfeeding initiation, basic tips, positioning, how to know baby is feeding well, prevention of common problems and where to find breastfeeding help after delivery.
$55 for two students

Available in-person or mobile/online

Learn about basic baby care, immunizations, diapering, bathing and adjusting to new roles.
$55

Includes infant CPR and safety strategies for home, car and sleeping. CPR certificate/card is not issued.
$60 per student, $90 per two students

Spend a weekend day preparing for coming home with baby. Specially priced three-class package includes Breastfeeding Preparation, Newborn Preparation and Infant CPR and Safety.
$175 for two students