Family Education Program

Email us to request information on CPR classes.

For further information about the Family Education program, call (818) 952-2272.

BEGINNINGS CLASS
This FREE introductory class will help mom and her birth partner understand the changes in her body as she and baby grow. Topics include: nutrition, common discomforts of pregnancy, relaxation techniques, and baby’s development in the womb. A tour of the BEGINNINGS Family Birth Center is included. Moms are encouraged to register as soon as pregnancy is confirmed. Classes are offered once a month 7:00 to 9:00 pm. This class is highly recommended for all expectant parents – especially first time parents.

BEGINNINGS FAMILY BIRTH CENTER TOUR
Visit our state-of-the-art- suites that offer expectant families the convenience of laboring, delivering, and recovering all in the comfort of one room. Tours are offered twice monthly.

CHILDBIRTH PREPARATION CLASS
This five-part series addresses a wide range of topics including how to know when “you’re in labor,” what to expect in the different stages of labor and delivery, medical and nursing interventions which can be used, Cesarean birth, and comfort and control measures of relaxation – breathing exercises and medication options. The series meets weeknights, 7:00 to 9:00pm. It is recommended that the series be completed at least four weeks prior to the due date.

Fee:
VHH Birth – $90 per couple
Non-VHH Birth – $95 per couple

BREAST-FEEDING CLASS
This class provides practical “how-to” information and discusses common breast-feeding concerns. Classes are offered once a month from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

Fee:
VHH Birth – $25 per couple
Non-VHH Birth – $30 per couple

Free Breast-Feeding Support Group
This support group meets every Thursday from 10 am – 12 pm (except holidays) on the 4th floor of the Hospital. Join us for breast-feeding advice and support. The support group is facilitated by a lactation specialist. No pre-registration required. Babies in arms welcomed. Call Teri Rice at 818-952-2272 with any questions.

BIG KIDS AND BABIES
The importance of an older child being the baby’s first friend is emphasized in this class where siblings ages 3 to 8 years old tour the BEGINNINGS Family Center, learn to hold the new baby using a lifelike doll, and talk about the adjustment of having a younger brother or sister join the family. Classes are offered from 10 to 11 am, one Saturday each month.

Fee:
VHH Birth – $25 per family
Non-VHH Birth – $30 per family

INFANT CARE WORKSHOP
This class teaches new and expectant parents practical skills for newborn care, including diapering, bathing, taking an infant’s temperature, safety-related information, and basic first aid. Parents will learn important safety information about baby products. Classes are held once a month on a Tuesday evening, 7:30 to 9:30 pm.

Fee:
VHH Birth – $30 per couple
Non-VHH Birth – $35 per couple

INFANT CPR
Using the American Heart Association guidelines, CPR techniques for infants are taught in this three hour class. In addition, choking maneuvers and safety tips are presented. This class is offered twice each month and is recommended for parents, grandparents, nannies, and babysitters.

Fee:
VHH Birth – $25 per person
Non-VHH Birth – $30 per person

NEW MOTHERS FORUM
This FREE informal, weekly discussion group provides support to help ease through the adjustments of motherhood and is facilitated by a family education program instructor. Mothers and infants meet Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11 am. Mothers and toddlers meet from 11 am to 12:30 pm. No pre-registration required.

PARENTING SERIES
This four-week series addresses a variety of issues including meeting the physical and emotional needs of the newborn and family; baby’s nutritional needs from birth through the first year; home safety tips (including a focus on car seat uses and information) and selecting a pediatrician to care for your baby when well and sick. Two of the 4 classes are taught by staff pediatricians. This series is offered quarterly and meets from 7 to 9 pm.

Fee:
VHH Birth – $50 per couple
Non-VHH Birth – $60 per couple

BABY-SITTING CLASS
This class for young persons 11 to 15 years old teaches baby-sitting skills including first aid and infant/child CPR. Classes are offered once a month on a Saturday from 9 am to 2:30 pm.

Fee:
$40 per student