Childbirth and Parenting Classes

An expecting couple sits together on a couch, attending a virtual childbirth class on their tablet.

Our classes help you prepare for childbirth, take care of your newborn, and meet other new parents. You’ll find:

  • Strategies for managing labor pain.
  • Unbiased information on all your options for labor and childbirth.
  • Advice and strategies for new parents.
  • Opportunities to meet and talk with other new parents.
  • Virtual, self-guided and in-person options.

Class information

Registration: For all classes, each registration covers two participants. (Contact us to request special arrangements for an adoption or surrogacy situation.)

When to sign up: We recommend registering for prenatal classes in your fourth month of pregnancy. The goal is to finish classes at least a month before delivery.

Who can attend: Prenatal classes are for pregnant people and their partner or support person. Participants do not have to be OHSU patients.

Please email birthing@ohsu.edu as far in advance as possible if you need special accommodation to attend or participate in a class. Interpreters and class scholarships (for those on the Oregon Health Plan) are available for OHSU patients only.

Reimbursement depends on your insurance plan. We can't guarantee coverage. The information below may help as you request reimbursement from your insurance company.

  • Insurance claims often require proof of payment. Use the receipt that we sent to the email address you used to register for classes.
  • The Tax ID number of Early Parenting and Childbirth Education is 93-1176109.
  • The CPT Code for childbirth education classes is S9442.
  • If the insurance claim form requires an ICD-10 code, your prenatal care provider or patient billing office can give you the right code for you. Common ICD-10 codes include:
    • For first pregnancies: Z34.00. Z34.01 for first trimester, Z34.02 for second trimester, and Z34.03 for third trimester.
    • For subsequent pregnancies: Z34.80. Z34.81 for first trimester, Z34.82 for second trimester, Z34.83 for third trimester.

Eligible families may attend one Childbirth and Early Parenting class through an Oregon Health Plan scholarship. Please download and complete the scholarship form, then email it to birthing@ohsu.edu.

For classes not cancelled by OHSU, you must request a refund or change to a different class at least five business days before the first day of class. We can’t grant late requests for refunds or transfers.

To cancel or request a refund, email birthing@ohsu.edu.

If OHSU needs to cancel a class, you will be notified at least 24 hours in advance to reschedule.

Childbirth classes

In-person tours are not available due to COVID-19.

Video tour

Watch our video tour of OHSU's Family Birthing Center.

Virtual tour

A health educator will show you our childbirth facilities and answer your questions in real time. You’ll learn:

  • When to come to the hospital.
  • Where to park when you get here.
  • How to get to labor and delivery.
  • About our birth and recovery suites and amenities.
  • What to pack for your hospital stay.

You’ll learn about all aspects of childbirth, including:

  • Changes in your body during late pregnancy
  • The labor and birth process
  • Signs and stages of labor
  • Options for coping and pain management
  • Possible complications
  • Your body’s recovery and how to prepare

When to register: In your fourth or fifth month of pregnancy so you can complete the class by your eighth month.

Class options

Virtual class: A group webinar-style class led by one of our instructors.

Self-guided eClass: You will have seven months of access to our web-based class that uses videos, personal birth stories, animations, activities and games to help you prepare for birth.

In-person weekly class: A three-week course, held one evening each week.

In-person one-day class: One class from 9a.m. - 4:30p.m. on a Saturday, available monthly.

This four-hour workshop teaches you comfort and coping techniques to manage pain through labor, such as breathing, positions and massage. We recommend you take the Understanding Birth class first unless you have given birth before. Medication options are not covered in this class.

When to register: In your fourth month of pregnancy. Take the class after your fifth month of pregnancy.

Class options

In-person class: A 3.5 hour instructor-led class, available monthly.

Classes on caring for newborns

Learn the basics and what to expect on your breastfeeding or chestfeeding journey. Our experts will offer advice, answer your questions and address concerns. Topics will include:

  • Latching and positioning
  • Breast care
  • Feeding cues
  • Common challenges

When to register: In your fourth month of pregnancy. Take this class after your fifth month of pregnancy. People who’ve already had their baby are also welcome.

Class options

Virtual class: A group webinar-style class led by one of our instructors.

Self-guided eClass: You will have seven months of access to our web-based class that uses videos, personal breastfeeding stories, animations, activities and games to help you prepare for breastfeeding.

In-person class: A three hour class held on Tuesdays, available monthly.

Understanding Pumping

Navigating time away from your baby as a breastfeeding person can present some challenges. Whether you know your baby will be in the NICU, are returning to work or just want a night out, this class is for you. We will provide you with the knowledge and tools to increase your confidence with all things pumping. An International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant leads each session. Topics include:

  • Creating a plan
  • Effective expressing
  • Maintaining milk supply
  • Feeding your baby
  • Planning for someone else to take care of your baby
  • Caring for yourself and your baby
  • Balancing family life, self-care, and work

This class is ideal for anyone who may need to pump regularly.

Please bring your pump if you have questions about it. Partners, support people and babies are all welcome in this class.

Registration is required. Please register here.

Learn the basics of baby care and start planning for your life with a newborn. This class covers:

  • Newborn appearance and behaviors
  • Sleep and soothing
  • Bathing
  • Diapering
  • Swaddling
  • Tummy time
  • Playing with your baby

When to register: In your fourth month of pregnancy. Take the class after your fifth month of pregnancy. Families who have already had their babies are also welcome.

Class options

Virtual class: A group webinar-style class led by one of our instructors.

Self-guided eClass: You will have seven months of access to our web-based class that uses videos, personal parenting stories, animations, activities and games to help you prepare for caring for a newborn.

In-person class: A three-hour class held on Tuesdays, available monthly.

Learn about breastfeeding and caring for your newborn in one class. You’ll learn about:

  • Breastfeeding — latching, positioning, feeding cues and more
  • Bathing
  • Diapering
  • Swaddling
  • Tummy time
  • Playing with your baby
  • Sleep and soothing

When to register: In your fourth month of pregnancy. Take after your fifth month of pregnancy. People who’ve already had their baby are also welcome.

Class options

In-person class: Instructor-led class from 9a.m. - 4:30p.m. on a Saturday, available monthly.

Get advice and hands-on training to keep your baby safe. This class is for anyone caring for a baby up to 12 months old. You’ll learn about:

  • Safety at home, including making a safe environment for your baby
  • Safe sleep
  • Safety while out and about
  • Child proofing
  • Infant choking safety
  • Infant CPR

When to register: You can take this three-hour class before or after your baby is born. Participants often include new or expecting parents, grandparents or other caregivers. Registration covers two people.

Class options

Self-guided eClass: You will have seven months of access to our web-based class that uses videos, personal stories, animations, activities and games to teach you about infant safety. The eClass does not include infant choking and infant CPR.

In-person class: A three-hour class, available monthly.

Newborns need sleep for growth and development, but sleep patterns can vary. Learn what to expect and how to support your baby’s sleep needs in the first 4 months. Gain knowledge, skills, and helpful tips & tricks for successful newborn sleep.

Topics include:

  • How to read your baby’s cues
  • Setting up a safe and successful sleep environment
  • Age-appropriate wake windows
  • Sleep patterns of a newborn
  • Signs of the different sleepy zones
  • Setting realistic expectations for the first 16 weeks

When to register: You can take this two-hour class before or after your baby is born. Participants often include new or expecting parents, grandparents or other caregivers. Registration covers two people.

Class Options

In-person class: A two-hour class, available monthly.

OHSU Baby Club

Connect with other parents in a supportive group led by a parenting educator. New parents and babies up to 12 months old are welcome. Topics include:

  • Newborn care
  • Breastfeeding
  • Coping strategies, such as mindfulness to reduce stress
  • Ongoing recovery

OHSU Baby Club is held in person on Tuesdays, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Center for Women's Health. Find out more details and register online.

Questions? Email Novella Donaldson at birthing@ohsu.edu.

Other OHSU services

Questions?

Location

Classes are held at the South Waterfront unless otherwise noted.

Rood Family Pavilion
3410 S.W. Bond Ave.
Portland, OR 97239
Map and directions

Baby Steps

A weekly guide to pregnancy and your child’s early development.

Safety resources

Get safety tips and advice from Doernbecher’s Tom Sargent Safety Center.