Birth Prep & Parenting Education

Offered on seven-weeknights, or four Saturday mornings. This class combines the information from three classes—Labor & Birth, Breastfeeding, and Newborn Care—into this single, comprehensive series. This multi-week format gives you a chance to meet and connect with other expectant parents, and includes a reunion after all the babies are born. It also allows for more discussion, Q&A, and practice time than the mini-series. We recommend that you choose classes that end two to five weeks before your due date—early enough that you'll be able to complete the class before baby comes, but late enough that you'll still remember all the information! (DSHS ProviderOnecards accepted.)

 

Held on two Saturday mornings. Provides essential information about pregnancy, what to expect during labor and birth (including how you’ll know labor is beginning, when you will go to the hospital, and how you’ll know it’s time to push), natural techniques for coping with labor pain (breathing, relaxation, massage, etc.), pain medication, hospital routines, and medical procedures. Includes only the bare essentials of breastfeeding and newborn care.  We recommend that you choose classes that end two to five weeks before your due date—early enough that you'll be able to complete the class before baby comes, but late enough that you'll still remember all the information! (DSHS ProviderOnecards accepted.)

Learn about why to breastfeed, how to breastfeed, how often to feed, how to know baby is getting plenty; preventing and treating common challenges, pumping and bottle-feeding, and how partners can support breastfeeding moms. If you are planning to breastfeed, or even if you’re just considering your options, this class will give you (and your partner) the tools you need to get your baby off to a healthy start. (Note: breastfeeding class is included in the comprehensive Birth & Parenting series.)

As a parent, there are times when you may feel lost or clueless about what your child needs from you. Imagine if you were able to make sense of what your child was asking. The Circle of Security® Parenting program is based on decades of research about how secure parent-child relationships can be developed and strengthened.

Research over the past 50 years indicates that children’s mental health depends on their interactions with others, in particular their parents and caregivers. When close relationships are positive, reciprocal and nurturing, the children are secure, happier, have higher self-esteem and better relationships. This class meets weekly over 8 weeks. Please note that we are unable to accommodate children at this event. 

Expectant dads learn how to meet babies’ most basic needs: to be fed, to burp, to be comfortable, to be rested, and to be responded to when they cry. We also discuss how you will become the kind of dad you want to be. This class is for expectant dads. The dad-to-be is welcome to bring along his child’s grandfather-to-be or uncle-to-be for free.

Learn about: how to care for your baby (swaddling, diapering, bathing, health and safety), newborn sleep patterns, infant communication, understanding crying and techniques for soothing. We focus on the first few months of life, but also cover support resources you can use as you move forward on your parenting journey.
(Note: newborn care is included in the Comprehensive series.)

The Fitness Center at Valley Medical Center has a water exercise class designed just for expectant mothers. It includes low-level aerobics, gentle stretching, muscle conditioning, and relaxation exercises. A Prenatal Medical Clearance Form from your physician is required. Class series are held on Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursdays evenings. Registrants are also welcome for open water/walk/swim time on Saturdays.

View our beautiful, private labor+birthing+recovery suites with hydrotherapy whirlpool baths, a daybed for family members,  free on-demand movies and room service meal delivery. You'll learn about our state-of-the-art Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and meet our caring and experienced staff.

Tours are offered the first Tuesday of the month, the Third Thursday of the month and every second and fourth Sunday of the month. Registration is required. For more information about Birth Center Tours, please call 206.575.2229 (BABY).

FREE* fittings are conducted by a certified car seat technician. Held on the Second Wednesday of Each Month. Fitting are also scheduled at a number of offsite locations, view schedule here. For more information on child safety programs visit the Washington State Safety Restraint Coalition.

For parents of newborns to 6 months in age. Meets every Wednesday from 1 PM to 2:30 PM. Registration is FREE.

For parents of children aged 6 months to 1 year. Meets every Wednesday from 11:30 AM to 1 PM. There $5 registration fee per class.

For parents with children aged 1 to 2 years. Meets every Wednesday from 10 AM to 11:30 AM. There $5 registration fee per class.

Get information you need when you need it most. Our weekly newsletter offers peace of mind through your baby’s development milestones on into the toddler years. Receive tips, advice, research findings that impact your child's development, answers to real questions posed by parents like yourself, and more information tailored to your week of pregnancy, then to the age of your baby.Your subscription is FREE.

At Valley Medical Center, we understand the exciting and uncertain times parents face as they embark on the journey through parenthood. It is our mission to be there with you every step of the way by providing the expertise of our staff and an invaluable array of services spanning from tummy to toddler. Join Pitter Patter today.

Get FREE messages each week on your cell phone to help you through your pregnancy and your baby's first year. To subscribe, text "BABY" (“BEBE” para Español) to 511411 receive three free text messages a week, timed to your baby's due date or birth date, through pregnancy and up until the baby’s first birthday. The messages address topics such as labor signs and symptoms, prenatal care, urgent alerts, developmental milestones, immunizations, nutrition, birth defect prevention, safe sleep, safety, and more. Text ‘STOP’ to discontinue messages or ‘HELP’ for help at any time.Text4baby is an educational program of the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. Learn more.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden death of an infant under 1 year of age that remains unexplained. It is also known as crib death.

VMC's health library (accessed via the "Health Info" tab) is a great resource for understanding your child's growth and development. You'll find educational information about pregnancy and childbirth, normal newborn behavior, breast pumps, traveling while pregnant or breastfeeding, and other practical advice. Explore library content, read news articles and test your knowledge using helpful interactive tools, including risk assessments, quizzes and calculators. Use it to learn how to stay healthy, lower your family’s medical costs, check drug interactions, research medical conditions and procedures, and more.