The more you know, the more you can prepare. Childbirth classes are a great way for expectant families to prepare themselves for their new arrival.

Childbirth classes
The four-week long childbirth classes offered by The Family Birthplace at Valley View provides new families the knowledge and tools to confidently navigate the pregnancy, labor, birth, and post-partum journey. We cover the changes happening to your body during your third trimester, and the feelings you may be experiencing during this time in your pregnancy.

We’ll take you through the entire labor and delivery process, including what to expect during the different stages of childbirth, plus some of the coping mechanisms associated with each stage. We also cover the many “what ifs” that accompany childbirth, like C-sections, different types of monitoring, and induction techniques. Then we will do a tour of The Family Birthplace.

The end of your pregnancy is just the beginning of parenthood, and our experts offer evidence-based advice on newborn care expectations, as well as your own post-partum physical health and emotional wellbeing. The last class is devoted to breastfeeding and is taught by a lactation consultant. There is a family physician or pediatrician at this class as well.

Each four-week session typically begins on the first Wednesday of the month and is held on each subsequent Wednesday. Visit www.vvh.org/events-classes for a full listing of class start dates. Classes are from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and is $100 per couple. Books are included. Classes are held at The Family Birthplace at Valley View Hospital. To register, call 970.384.7200.

Childbirth express class
For those who don’t have time for our four-week class, this condensed one day course covers everything you need to know about giving birth. We cover the same topics as described in our four-week class, just at a higher level.

We offer childbirth express classes in both The Family Birthplace at Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs, and at the Silt Library in Silt. Glenwood classes are held the first Saturday of the month from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. & the Silt classes are offered quarterly. Please visit www.vvh.org/events-classes for a full listing of class dates for each location. The cost is $100 per couple. Books are included. To register, call 970.384.7200.

Breastfeeding and baby care class
Our breastfeeding and baby care class is led by a lactation consultant and is very detailed on what to expect, what’s normal, and what we are looking for and expecting before you are discharged from The Family Birthplace. There is a family physician or pediatrician at this class to discuss normal newborn care when you arrive back home.

Our breastfeeding and baby care class is the fourth class in our traditional childbirth class series and is typically held on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at The Family Birthplace at Valley View. If taken as a standalone class, the cost is $25 per couple. Visit www.vvh.org/events-classes for a full listing of class dates. To register, call 970.384.7200.