Prenatal & Parenting Classes

If you are pregnant, nursing or just looking for an informative fun class to sharpen your skills as a parent, Washington Hospital’s Maternal Child Education Center has the resources to fit your needs. We offer prenatal and postpartum exercise classes for new and expectant moms, breastfeeding support and childbirth education for first time moms and dads.

All of our classes take place at 2500 Mowry Ave., Ste. 215B, in Fremont.

Class dates are subject to change. for a current list, click here, call 510.818.5040 or email MaternalChild_Education@whhs.com for complete times, dates, fees and additional info.

Childbirth Classes

Prenatal Smart Start

Through our online video, you can learn: how pregnancy affects your body, about healthy nutrition during pregnancy, exercises to help prepare your body for labor. Also learn about common discomforts and their remedies versus danger signs that would indicate alerting your obstetrician. This video is recommended before your first doctor's appointment.

Prepared Childbirth

Intended for couples in the last trimester of pregnancy and offering detailed information about many labor preparation topics. Subjects include: signs and symptoms of labor, stages of labor, childbirth techniques, relaxation and breathing, the coach’s role, variations in labor, analgesics and anesthetics, cesarean birth and postpartum recovery tips.

• Prepared Childbirth/Intensive Class offered on Zoom
  Two all-day Sunday sessions that also include the basics of breastfeeding. Fee: $150
• Prepared Childbirth/Express offered on Zoom
  This is an all-day session that does not include breastfeeding. A separate breastfeeding class is recommended. Fee: $150

Parenting Classes

Becoming New Parents offered on Zoom

Want to feel more confident when taking your new baby home? This one-time, three-hour workshop offers sensible tips, demonstrations and information on caring for your infant in those first important months. Fee: $50 or $25 when combined with Prepared Childbirth registration.

Understanding Fatherhood offered on Zoom

This class will help you through your fatherhood journey, from pregnancy to birth and beyond, as well as things you can do to ease the transition of becoming a dad. Fee: $45

Grandparents Class offered on Zoom

This class provides the perfect update for new grandparents-to-be. Today's parents have dozens of new products, new ideas and new rules. Topics include latest recommendations for infant care and safety. Grandparents will also learn how to support the new parents. Fee: $45

Breastfeeding Support

• Prenatal Breastfeeding. Learn the basics for successful breastfeeding in this one time, 1½-hour class. Fee: $45
• Lactation Support. While in the Hospital, lactation support will be available to you during your postpartum stay. At home, we have a free advice line and also offer private visits with internationally board-certified lactation consultants.
• Washington Breast Pump Rental Center. At our center, we rent and sell breast pumps and breastfeeding accessories.
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed for lunch from 1 to 2 p.m.)
  • Location: 2500 Mowry Ave., suite 215B, Fremont
  • Call: 510.818.5040
  • Email: MaternalChild_Education@whhs.com

Prenatal Yoga offered on Zoom

Developed especially for pregnant women to promote flexibility, strength, improved posture and balance. Fee: $65 per month, for three classes per week

• When: Class options on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
• Time: Times vary depending on day of week