Maternal and Family Education

Simple steps to education and support for the childbearing years

Please register for childbirth classes by the fourth month of pregnancy. To register, make payment, and for more information visit the class registration page or call (317) 338-4HER (4437). Registration is not confirmed until payment is received.

• Early Pregnancy

  • Early Pregnancy: The Right Start

    Early Pregnancy: The Right Start

    At your first prenatal visit with your OB/GYN, you'll receive an invitation to this one-session class taught by a team of childbirth educators where you will explore:

    • Common concerns and changes often experienced during the first five months of pregnancy
    • Nutrition
    • Exercise
    • Fetal development

    Please bring a blanket/comforter and two to three bed pillows.

    Cost: Free; Dad or other support person strongly encouraged to attend.

    You may register online or call (317) 338-4HER.

  • Maternity Expo

    Maternity Expo

    During our Maternity Expo, you'll view exhibits from all of our maternity programs and services and get the latest information on nutrition, exercises, massage and more from our caregivers. You'll have the opportunity to talk with a labor and delivery nurse, lactation consultant and St.Vincent pediatricians.

    Representatives will be available to help you design a childbirth class schedule to meet your unique needs. After visiting each of the exhibits, your name will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win one of several exciting prizes. (Offered three times per year – spring, late summer and fall)

    Cost: Free

    You may register online or call (317) 338-4HER.

  • Maternity Preview Tour - Indianapolis

    Maternity Preview Tour - Indianapolis

  • Maternity Preview Tour - Carmel

    Maternity Preview Tour - Carmel

  • Support Following Pregnancy and Infant Loss

    Subsequent Pregnancy Following a Perinatal Loss

  • Prenatal Yoga

    Prenatal Yoga

    Using breath-synchronized movement, this class helps keep the body supple and strong in preparation for labor, birth and recovery. Prenatal Yoga helps you achieve a calmness of mind and spirit, a benefit in birthing and mothering. Please bring a sticky yoga mat and a pillow. We also recommend that you speak to your physician before enrolling in this program.

    A make-up session will be provided on week six of each session. This session is complimentary for anyone attending the five-week series or can also be attended as a "sneak peak" for those interested in Prenatal Yoga.

    Cost: 

    • $60/5 sessions; shorter sessions are available upon request

    You may register online or call (317) 338-4HER.

  • Monogram Maternity

    Monogram Maternity

• Second Trimester

  • Boot Camp for New Dads

    Boot Camp for New Dads

    Our Boot Camp for New Dads class helps you get connected with other men that are also facing the challenges and opportunities related to becoming a new dad. This "men's only" class addresses the issues of parenting from a male perspective.

    

    "Veteran" dads, together with their new babies, offer "rookies" a chance to discuss:

    • The importance of the role of a father
    • Dealing with a newborn
    • How to offer support to the new mom

    Cost: $30/dad and includes a copy of "Crash Course for New Dads" by Greg Bishop (founder of Boot Camp for New Dads)

    You may register online or call (317) 338-4HER.

    Visit the Boot Camp for New Dads website for more information

  • Breastfeeding Basics

    Breastfeeding Basics

    This one-session introduction to breastfeeding focuses on techniques for initiating nursing during the early weeks with your newborn and maintaining a successful breastfeeding experience.

    Discussion includes:

    • Benefits for both mom and baby
    • Latching
    • Positioning
    • Returning to the workplace

    Information on breast pumps and other available lactation services is included. Dads or other support persons are strongly encouraged to attend.

    Cost: $25/couple; Dad or other support person strongly encouraged to attend.

    You may register online or call (317) 338-4HER.

  • Expecting Multiples

    Expecting Multiples

    Are you expecting more than one baby? This class will provide you with an understanding of the potential challenges associated with a multiples gestation pregnancy.

    During this class, we will discuss:

    • Nutrition
    • Labor and delivery options
    • Cesarean birth
    • Coping strategies for the first few weeks at home

    A tour of the Newborn Intensive Care Unit is included.

    Cost: $30/couple

    You may register online or call (317) 338-4HER.

  • Newborn Care

    Newborn Care

    Through demonstration and practice, this class will provide you with information and education about:

    • Normal newborn characteristics and activity
    • Adjustments to parenthood
    • Baby-proofing your home
    • Safety issues and baby care basics (bathing, diapering and feeding)

    Adoptive parents are welcome!

    Cost: $25/couple

    You may register online or call (317) 338-4HER.

  • Sibling Preparation: Ages 3-4

    Sibling Preparation - Ages 3-4

    Are you trying to prepare your young child for the birth of her sibling? This interactive class will provide you with the guidance and information you need to help prepare for and assist your younger child with this exciting time.

    Activities are focused on what a newborn looks and acts like, where Mommy will be, and what it will be like with a new baby at home. Parenting tips to help your child welcome the new baby into the family are also shared.

    Children will also have the opportunity to visit the nursery and a postpartum room.

    Note: Sibling classes should be attended at the location in which you intend to have your baby. 

    Cost: $10/child

    You may register online or call (317) 338-4HER.

  • Sibling Preparation: Ages 5-8

    Sibling Preparation: Ages 5-8

    This class is designed to introduce children (ages 5-8 years old) to the joys and changes associated with having a new baby in the family.

    Children will also have the opportunity to visit the nursery and a postpartum room. Participants should bring a doll or small stuffed animal to diaper.

    Note: Sibling classes should be attended at the location in which you intend to have your baby. 

    Cost: $10/child

    You may register online or call (317) 338-4HER.

• Third Trimester

  • Childbirth Preparation

    Childbirth Preparation

    Gain valuable information and skills to help you prepare for your birth experience. This 4-week program prepares the expectant mom and dad/care partner for the last trimester of pregnancy, labor and the birth of your baby. Participants will practice breathing, relaxation and coping strategies. Medications, anesthesia options and cesarean birth are also discussed. A tour of the maternity areas is included.

    Please bring a blanket/comforter and two to three bed pillows.

    Cost: $65.00/couple

    You may register online or call (317) 338-4HER.

  • Childbirth Preparation: eLearning

    Childbirth Preparation: eLearning

    When traditional childbirth classes are not possible due to bed rest, scheduling conflicts or time constraints we have a solution. eLearning is a web-based program that includes animated illustrations, videos and interactive learning. This program offers information on the last trimester of pregnancy, labor and birth, medication options, and cesarean birth. When you register, you will receive an online code that will be valid for 60 days. You will also receive a workbook through the regular mail and have access to a childbirth educator via email for any questions you might have. It is also recommended that you attend both Childbirth Preparation: eLearning LIVE and a tour of the Family Care Unit.

    Watch the eLearning demo

    Cost: $65.00

  • Childbirth Preparation: eLearning LIVE

    Childbirth Preparation: eLearning LIVE

    Designed as a companion to Childbirth Preparation: eLearning, this free one-time session offers a question and answer session, birth videos and information on labor support. Attendees should have completed the Childbirth Preparation: eLearning course prior to attending this session.

    Please bring a blanket/comforter and two to three bed pillows.

    Access eLearning 

  • Childbirth Preparation: Fast Track

    Childbirth Preparation: Fast Track

    This two-session program is designed for the expectant mother and dad or other support person who want a basic overview of labor and birth. The program offers:

    • An overview of labor, birth and inpatient care
    • Discussion of labor comfort strategies (such as breathing and relaxation)
    • A tour of the Family Care Unit 

    Please bring a blanket/comforter and two to three bed pillows.

    Cost: $65/couple

    You may register online or call (317) 338-4HER.

  • Childbirth Preparation: Lamaze

    Childbirth Preparation: Lamaze

    Since childbirth is a normal, natural and healthy process that profoundly affects a woman and her family, you will discover strategies that will help facilitate the birth of your baby. This class offers an interactive learning experience, taught by a Lamaze Certified childbirth educator that prepares both mom and dad (or other support person) for the challenges of labor and birth.

    Topics include:

    • Healthy birth practices
    • Labor support techniques
    • Breathing and relaxation techniques
    • Medications and possible medical interventions

    Information offered will assist you in making informed decisions regarding your childbirth experience. A tour of the maternity areas is included.

    Please bring a blanket/comforter and two to three bed pillows.

    Cost: $75/couple

    You may register online or call (317) 338-4HER.

  • Childbirth Preparation: Teens

    Childbirth Preparation: Teens

    This class is designed especially for teens (through 19 years of age) and will prepare you and your labor support partner for the last trimester of pregnancy, labor, birth, and the possibility of medications and interventions. A tour of the Family Care Unit is also included

    This five-week series includes information on:

    • Newborn care
    • Breastfeeding
    • Parenting
    • Being a single mother

    Please bring a blanket/comforter and two to three bed pillows.

    Cost: $20/couple

    You may register online or call (317) 338-4HER.

  • GRANDparenting

    GRANDparenting

    Are you becoming a new grandparent? This special one-session class is for expectant grandparents only. You'll get information on the most current childbirth and newborn care practices so you are more prepared for this special time.

    Cost: 

    • $15/individual
    • $25/couple

    You may register online or call (317) 338-4HER.

  • Child Safety Seat Inspection

    Child Safety Seat Inspection

• Early Parenting

  • Outpatient Breastfeeding Services

    Breastfeeding Support Group - Indianapolis, Carmel and Northeast

  • CPR for Family and Friends

    CPR for Family & Friends

    This American Heart Association non-certification CPR course is designed for the lay rescuer. You will be taught:

    • Basic techniques of adult, child, and infant CPR
    • How to identify and treat choking
    • How to recognize heart attack and stroke

    This course is for those who do not need a CPR certification card but would like to use the information in case of an emergency with their family or friends.

    Registrants must be at least 11 years old to participate. Private classes are also available.

    Cost: $25/person

    You may register online or call (317) 338-4HER.

  • Infant Massage

    Infant Massage

    Infant massage has been shown to promote family bonding and help babies:

    • Gain weight
    • Develop more restful sleep patterns
    • Obtain relief from colic and teething

    Massage can also build a new parent's confidence by learning baby's cues long before they are able to speak.

    This class is designed for parents and their baby (6 weeks - 9 months of age). Instructors will focus on teaching strokes for each part of the body. Demonstration includes methods to vary strokes as baby grows and ways to include siblings. Class fees include instruction materials and massage oil.

    Please bring a diaper bag and a blanket for baby.

    Cost: $25/family

    You may register online or call (317) 338-4HER.

  • Natural Family Planning

    Natural Family Planning

    Natural Family Planning uses the scientific Sympto Thermal Method of monitoring a woman's cycle. This is not calendar rhythm, but a medically sound program that is 99% effective. It is a natural, side-effect-free, and economic way to understand fertility. The Sympto Thermal Method does not require women to have regular menstrual cycles. The course fee includes all class materials (e.g. Natural Family Planning book, year supply of charts, digital thermometer, and a one-year membership in the Couple-to-Couple League, which includes a year subscription to their bi-monthly magazine). For more information visit www.nfpindy.org. To register call (317) 426-1NFP (4637).

    Cost: Current pricing per website

  • Postpartum Mood Disorder

    Postpartum Mood Disorder Support Group

  • Safe Sitter

    Safe Sitter

    Safe Sitter is an international, medically accurate program that teaches boys and girls ages 11 to 13 how to handle emergencies when caring for children.

    This class teaches safe and nurturing childcare techniques, behavior management skills and appropriate responses to emergencies.

    Cost: $45/person

    Call (317) 338-4HER for class dates and registration.

  • Yoga: Mommy and Me

    Yoga: Mommy & Me

    With all of the physical and emotional demands on a new mom, it is equally important to reclaim your body, strength and calm. This class provides a gentle way to regain strength, flexibility and tone by rebalancing muscles stressed by pregnancy and birth.

    Use baby to add weight and resistance as you bond and play, then relax baby with "baby yoga" movements and massage. Babies welcomed 6 weeks to crawling.

    Please speak to your physician prior to registering for this class.

    A make-up session will be provided on week six of each session. This session is complimentary for anyone attending the five-week series or can also be attended as a "sneak peak" for those interested in Mommy and Me Yoga.

    Cost: 

    • $60/5 sessions; shorter sessions are available upon request

    You may register online or call (317) 338-4HER.