Expectant Parent Resources Offered at Mercy in Baltimore

Registration: Pre-registration is required and available online.
Contact us: 410-332-9604 or babyclasses@mdmercy.com

Payment

To ensure your place in classes, payment will be collected upon registration through Eventbrite via credit card. 

• Prior to registration, please call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card and inquire about prepayment or reimbursement for classes. Most insurance companies will provide reimbursement for the classes and some will prepay for the classes. Our education coordinator will be happy to provide you with assistance.
• Classes have a minimum and maximum attendance requirement. If the minimum attendance is not reached, the class will not take place. 
• Inclement weather policy: classes may be canceled if Baltimore City Schools are canceled. You may check the website for more information. If class is canceled, you will be contacted by the coordinator.
• If you or your partner are an employee of Mercy, please do not register online - contact the Childbirth Education office directly. 

It is recommended that you schedule a tour of the Labor and Delivery and Mother-Baby Units to get to know us a little better. Group tours and information-sharing sessions are available on selected days of the week. We ask that you not bring young children on these group tours.

*If you are taking the childbirth education classes, it is not necessary to register for a tour. You will have a tour during your classes.

See a photo tour of The Family Childbirth and Children’s Center.

Cost: No cost for tours
Length of Tour: Approximately one hour
Dates: Given every otherTuesday at 6:00 and once a month (see below) on Sunday at 6:00 pm.  Please meet in The Bunting Center Lobby to begin the tour.

Registration: Pre-registration is required and available online.
Contact us:  410-332-9604 or babyclasses@mdmercy.com

Mercy's childbirth education classes provide preparation for informed childbirth with a focus on techniques for relaxation, visualization and comfort/coping measures. The classes provide a forum for your questions and help to bring your partner into the birthing experience, providing practice with coaching and being your advocate. The series of classes cover:

• Cultural influences on birth
• Communication and decision making skills
• Nutrition and exercise
• Prenatal care
• Physiology of birth
• Hospital procedures and birth choices
• Warning signs of pre-term labor
• Medication and pain relief options
• Breathing and coping techniques
• Complications and unexpected outcomes
• Postpartum and basic newborn care

Also included is an opportunity for a tour of the Labor and Delivery and Mother-Baby facilities at Mercy Medical Center.

Cost: $115.00 
*Most insurance companies will provide reimbursement and some provide prepayment. For more information contact your insurance company directly.
Class Option One: 4-week class, Tuesday evenings, 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm. Series starts on the first Tuesday of the month. 
Class Option Two: Condensed weekend class, Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm. (Offered one weekend per month - see schedule below.)
Location: Location at Mercy varies. Upon registration you will be notified by email regarding the class location.

Registration: Pre-registration is required and available online.
Contact us: 410-332-9604 or babyclasses@mdmercy.com

Setting realistic expectations for your baby's first months is important. During this class, you'll discover the answers to the most common questions new parents have about baby care. This class provides hands-on practice of bathing and diapering as well as practical information on: 

• Infant growth and development
• Feeding
• Sleep schedules
• Baby products
• Baby proofing
• Selecting childcare

Cost: $35.00 
Length of Class: 2 1/2 hours
Dates: Offered once a month on Mondays at 7:00 pm or Saturdays at 10:00 am. (See below for dates.)
Location: Location at Mercy varies. Upon registration you will be notified by email regarding the class location.

Registration: Pre-registration is required and available online.
Contact us: 410-332-9604 or babyclasses@mdmercy.com

This is an in-depth course on breastfeeding, offered by one of our lactation consultants. This class focuses on the benefits of and barriers to successful breastfeeding and includes information on: 

• How to know your baby is getting enough breast milk
• How to get started the right way
• Pumping
• How to trouble shoot problems

Cost: $35.00
Length of Class: 2 1/2 hours
Dates: Offered once each month on Saturdays at 10:00 am and Thursdays 7:00 pm. (See below for dates.)
Location: Location at Mercy varies. Upon registration you will be notified by email regarding the class location.

Registration: Pre-registration is required and available online.
Contact us: 410-332-9604 or babyclasses@mdmercy.com

Additional Information

Lactation Support after discharge - (410)332-9060 Breastfeeding Warm Line

Soon to be big brothers and sisters will get a look at where the baby will be born, hear an age appropriate story about pregnancy, birth and the new life with baby at home. Each class participant will receive a BIG BROTHER or BIG SISTER button, a coloring book and a certificate of achievement. Children will learn how to hold a new baby. Classes are appropriate for ages 3-11 years old. 

Cost: $15.00 per child
Length of Class: 1 hour
Dates: Select Tuesdays at 4:00 pm. (See below for dates.)
Location: Meet in The Bunting Center Lobby

Registration: Pre-registration is required and available online.
Contact us: 410-332-9604 or babyclasses@mdmercy.com

Mother's Support Group meets every Monday except for major holidays from 10:00 am until noon in McAuley Conference Room #3.  

During 2018, the Mother's Support Group will meet in McAuley Conference Room #3 on Mondays from 10-noon, except for major holidays.