Christiana Care Maternity

Parent Education & Support

To guide you through early pregnancy, labor, birth and beyond, our Parent Education Department offers a wide variety of classes and special sessions that can prepare you for the joys and challenges ahead.

All of our classes are taught by experienced nurses who are certified childbirth educators. We also have lactation consultants on-staff and a breastfeeding resource center to help you get a good start with breastfeeding. We offer sibling classes and tours as well.

When should I register?

We recommend that you call the Parent Education Department right after your first pregnancy doctor visit. This will allow you to plan the classes that are right for you and register early. Our class sizes are limited, and they do fill quickly.

How do I register?

You can register by phone with your credit card, or print out the mail-in registration form (PDF) to pay by check. You will receive a letter confirming your class date, time and classroom number before class begins.

Cancellations must be made more than one week prior to the beginning of class, otherwise a $10 processing fee will be charged. No refunds will be issued on the day that the class takes place.

What classes should I take?

We offer a wide variety of classes for parents, grandparents and siblings. Below are some commonly recommended options.

What if I have needs that aren't addressed in this list?

Give us a call, and we'll be happy to work with you to find the best solution to meet your needs.

Sample Parent Education Schedules

	First-Time Parents	Experienced Parents	Expecting Multiples	Condensed Classes	Mix and Match	Grandparents or Other Family Members	If You Delivered at Another Hospital
Childbirth Plus	X
Early Pregnancy Class	X	X	X	X	X**
Labor Basics					X**
Parent Steps	X
Relaxation and Breathing	X*	X*	X	X	X
Prenatal Yoga	X*	X*
Newborn Steps	X	X	X	X	X
Breastfeeding	X	X	X	X	X		X
Infant CPR	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Child Safety Seat Education	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Happiest Baby on the Block	X	X	X	X	X		X
Mother/Baby Development	X		X	X	X
Labor and Delivery Tour		X			X
Condensed Labor/Childbirth				X
Grandparenting						X

* The Relaxation and Breathing and Prenatal Yoga classes teach similar concepts, but with different approaches. Some parents choose one or the other, but many parents enjoy taking both classes. Prenatal Yoga is not recommended for high-risk pregnancies.

Parent Education Department
Christiana Hospital
4755 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, DE 19718 directions
302-733-2472

Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.