Great Expectations Pregnancy Classes

Breastfeeding Classes (Second Trimester)

• Breastfeeding Basics. This class teaches participants how to overcome breastfeeding challenges and how to establish a successful breastfeeding relationship right from the start. Learn about breast physiology, milk production, letdown, latch-on and positioning.
• Breastfeeding and the First Few Months (Intensive). Learn about breast physiology, milk production, optimal positioning for parents and baby, and creating a strong milk supply. The class covers techniques to overcome nursing challenges and can help you establish a successful breastfeeding relationship right from the start.

Childbirth Classes (Third Trimester)

• Childbirth Preparation: Integrated Methods. This class provides an overview of the stages and process of labor, breathing and relaxation techniques, support, medication options, variations in labor including cesarean birth, and immediate postpartum care for mother and baby.
• Intensive Childbirth Preparation. A one-day workshop designed to give basic tools and information on preparing for birth. This class incorporates all information from the Childbirth Preparation: Integrated Methods class, but in an accelerated format. Participants are sent the class packet to review prior to the class.
• Mindfulness Basics During Pregnancy. Develop a practice of mindfulness that supports your well-being and fits into this phase of your life. The class covers both formal methods, such as meditation, and informal approaches.
• Pain Relief and Labor. Learn about the pain medication options available to assist you during labor and childbirth. Discuss your concerns or questions with a UCSF anesthesiologist.
• Birth Center Orientation. Learn about the UCSF Birth Center's facilities and the practical aspects of arriving at the hospital when you're in labor. We are now offering in-person tours. Register for an on-site tour or, if you prefer, view our Birth Center tour video.
• Expecting Twins or More. A one-day workshop designed to give expectant parents basic information on raising twins or more. Topics include prenatal care, labor and delivery, feeding issues, and preparing home and family for the arrival of multiples. Taught by a mother of twins.

Baby Care Classes (Third Trimester and After)

• Parenting During the First Few Months. This workshop offers basic survival techniques for caring for your newborn, including postpartum care for mom. Learn about newborn characteristics, infant milestones, bathing, hygiene, diapering, crying, comforting, sleep and recognizing the signs of illness.

Self-Care Classes

• The New Nest: From Partners to Parents. Explore and understand how the birth of a baby can alter a partnership.

Postpartum Support (After Delivery)

• MILK (Mother & Infant Lactation Kooperative) Support Group. Share your experiences with other breastfeeding moms in this support group led by a board-certified lactation consultant. Babies from newborn to six months old are welcome. Healthy snacks will be served.
• Postpartum Online Support Group. Share your story as a new parent from the comfort of your own home and learn from the experiences of others. This online support group is offered on a drop-in basis. Our goal is to help our postpartum patients heal, connect with other families, and navigate the ups and downs of new parenthood.

Postpartum Rehab

• Postpartum Rehab for Mothers: Level 1. A four-week class for mamas who are 6 weeks to 6 years (or more!) postpartum. You'll get help with diastasis-recti, pelvic floor dysfunction, incontinence, body discomfort and a weakened core. Learn how to re-educate your body to find its core muscles.
  To register or find out more, email [email protected].
• Postpartum Rehab for Mothers: Level 2. A four-week class for mamas 3 months to 30+ years postpartum who have completed level 1 postpartum rehab or individual postpartum physical therapy and want to keep going. Topics include self-management of diastasis recti, progressive core strength, and building strength and mobility through yoga and pilates-based movement.
  To register or find out more, email [email protected].

Twins and Multiples

• Expecting Twins or More. A session designed to give expectant parents basic information on raising twins or other multiple sets. Topics include prenatal care, labor and delivery, feeding issues, and preparing home and family for the babies' arrival. Taught by a mother of twins.
• Breastfeeding Twins or More. The class is designed to prepare expectant parents to confidently breastfeed multiples. Get practical tips and learn special considerations when nursing twins or more. Topics include latch-on and positioning techniques, establishing a plentiful milk supply, and overcoming breastfeeding challenges.

Women's Health Resource Center

The Women's Health Resource Center also offers bi-monthly webinars with an orientation to our services, what to expect at the Birth Center and an overview of postpartum resources.