Caring for your new baby is an unforgettable experience that can be made even better with proper knowledge and understanding. We offer expectant parents a comprehensive education program to help them as they prepare for parenthood.

Just like the hospital's Childbirth Center, our Childbirth and Parenting Education Programs embody the philosophy of family-centered maternity care and personal choice in childbirth. Class content is evidence-based and focuses on the individual needs of expectant parents and their families. Only experienced childbirth educators teach our classes. This includes educators who are registered nurses, certified childbirth educators and/or those with a masters in adult education.

We encourage expectant parents to enroll early because classes are limited in size and tend to fill up quickly. For more information about class dates and times or to register, please call (314) 996-LIFE (5433) or click on the link below.

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Childbirth Classes

Early Pregnancy Class
Designed to prepare expectant parents for the journey through pregnancy. Some topics include anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, fetal growth and development, physical and emotional changes, dietary guidelines, body mechanics and exercise.

Pregnancy Massage
Designed for expectant parents who want to learn soothing, relaxation techniques to help mothers-to-be have a healthier pregnancy and allow fathers-to-be to participate more fully throughout the pregnancy. The class is taught by a massage therapist in private, one-on-one sessions.

Childbirth Preparation Class
Designed for first-time expectant parents. Some topics include:stages of labor and birth, breathing and relaxation techniques, role of support person, medical interventions and epidural anesthesia, cesarean birth, postpartum expectations, and basic infant care and feeding. There is also a tour of the hospital's OB department.

Childbirth Refresher Class
Designed for expectant parents who have had childbirth classes within the last few years. Includes a review of childbirth preparation and updates on current labor management and birthing techniques.

Multiples and More
Designed for expectant parents who are having twins, triplets or quadruplets. The certified instructor, who is a nurse and mother of multiples, offers childbirth preparation and tips for raising multiples.

Bed-Rest Program
Designed for expectant parents who are unable to attend childbirth preparation classes due to a medical/obstetrical condition. Includes video and other helpful about labor and delivery.

Childbirth Center Tours at Missouri Baptist
Come take a guided tour of our labor and delivery unit, nursery and mother-baby suites at the hospital. Offered on weekday evenings and Sunday afternoons.  

Infant Care Classes

Breastfeeding Basics
Designed for expectant mothers who are interested in breastfeeding their newborns. Includes information on expression, proper storage of breast milk and preparing to go back to work.

Infant Massage Class
Designed to help new moms get in "touch" with their babies and help them relax. The class is taught by a licensed massage therapist and certified infant massage educator.

Happiest Baby on the Block
Designed to help new parents learn methods to calm and soothe their infants. The techniques are based on the work of renowned pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp. Class is taught by certified nurse educators and includes a "Happiest Baby Kit."

Support Groups

Mom’s Monday Morning
This offers new moms a chance to meet other new moms. Bring your baby to class and learn more about caring for your newborn and ask the instructor -- a registered nurse -- any questions that you may have.

Family Classes

CPR For Family and Friends

A three-hour program designed for parents, grandparents, teenagers and child-care providers. Includes instruction and hands-on practice in infant and child CPR and first-aid for choking. 

Today’s Grandparents
Designed to highlight the joys of grandparenting along with current trends in infant care and feeding. Includes general discussion and tips on local and long-distance grandparenting. Also includes a tour of the hospital's OB department.
 
Sibling Class
Designed to introduce siblings (ages 2 to 9) to the hospital and help prepare them for a new baby. Includes group activities, video and tour of the OB department. Siblings receive a special backpack and coloring book.

Sibling-Attended Birth
Designed to prepare older siblings who wish to be present at the birth of the new baby. Obstetrician permission is required.

Babysitting 101
Designed for young teens who wish to learn about the business and responsibilities of babysitting. Includes instruction on child development, safety, first aid, and fun and games.

Adopting Family Class
Designed for adoptive parents interested in learning more about infant and baby care. 


 

Class for the Adopting Family
For adoptive parents interested in learning more about infant and baby care
Call (314) 996-LIFE(5433) or toll-free (800) 392-0936 to register