Classes & Tours

We're glad you've chosen to give your new family a Strong Beginning! We offer a variety of classes for you and your support person:

• Orientation Class and Walking Tour
• Prenatal Newborn Care Class
• Prepared Childbirth Class and Tour (Four-Week Series)
• Prepared Childbirth Class and Tour (One-Day Class)
• Breastfeeding: Best for You, Best for Your Baby
• Online Childbirth Class

Please do not mail in registration forms. Registration should be completed using the online registration form. If you need assistance, please call Strong Beginnings at (585) 275-4058.

Orientation Class and Walking Tour

It is suggested that you register for this class approximately three months prior to your due date. Due to space constraints, registration is limited to two adults. If you are registering for the Prepared Childbirth Class, the tour to the maternity unit is included.

• Take part in a walking tour of the Obstetric Service at Strong Memorial Hospital
• Watch a short slide presentation of the areas not included in the walking tour
• Learn about what to expect during your hospital stay

Fee: There is no charge for this class, but pre-registration is required.

Time & Location: 5:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.; Unless otherwise noted, classes are held in the A/B Conference Room (2-1322).

Online Registration

Prenatal Newborn Care Class

In this class, you will learn about:

• Newborn appearance, behavior, and reflexes
• Feeding your baby
• Caring for your newborn—including bathing, diapering, taking a temperature, and cord care
• Safety—newborn safe sleep environment, car seat safety
• When to call the doctor

Fee: $35 includes mother and support person.

Time & Location: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.; Unless otherwise noted, classes are held in the A/B Conference Room (2-1322).

Online Registration

Prepared Childbirth Class and Tour (Four-Week Series)

Please plan to attend all four weeks in each series. This class also includes a tour to the maternity unit (you do not need to register for the Orientation Class and Walking Tour). You will learn about:

• Process of labor
• Relaxation techniques
• Breathing techniques and positions for labor and birth
• Comfort measures, including medications
• Coach's role
• What to expect during your hospital stay
• Preparing for baby at home
• Preparing for multiple delivery (discussion only if indicated—please inform staff during registration if you are having a multiple birth)

Fee: $100.00 (includes mother and support person)

Time & Location: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.; Unless otherwise noted, classes are held in the A/B Conference Room (2-1322).

Online Registration

Prepared Childbirth Class and Tour (One-Day Class)

This class covers all of the four-week series content in one full day. This class also includes a tour to the maternity unit (you do not need to register for the Orientation Class and Walking Tour). You will learn about:

• Process of labor
• Relaxation techniques
• Breathing techniques and positions for labor and birth
• Comfort measures, including medications
• Coach's role
• What to expect during your hospital stay
• Preparing for baby at home
• Preparing for multiple delivery (discussion only if indicated—please inform staff during registration if you are having a multiple birth)

Fee: $100.00 (includes mother and support person)

Time & Location: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Unless otherwise noted, classes are held in the Jay Stein Boardroom (2-1321).

Online Registration

Breastfeeding: Best for You, Best for Your Baby

Today most women are choosing to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed your baby. In this class, you will learn about the benefits for you, your baby and family. You will also learn about baby's feeding cues, feeding patterns, positioning techniques, and more. Additionally, we’ll discuss tools that promote confidence with your decision to continue breastfeeding successfully for when you return to work.

Fee: $35.00 (includes mother and support person), $5 for UR employees

Time & Location: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Unless otherwise noted, classes are held in the Lund Conference Room (3-3211).

Online Registration

Online Childbirth Class

Can’t come to class? We can come to you!

Our online childbirth class is the perfect alternative for expectant parents who can’t attend an on-site childbirth class due to work schedules, time constraints, or medical conditions. Have you given birth before? This online class is a great refresher course! While nothing can replace the personal connection of an on-site childbirth class, you’ll learn the same essential information.

The eight-chapter program is an interactive, web-based class that uses videos, personal birth stories, animations, activities, and games to teach all the essential information parents need to know to prepare for their birth.

Our online childbirth class will help you:

• Understand pregnancy – what’s happening to your body, discomforts, warning signs, nutrition, exercise, and more
• Learn about labor – preparing for birth, pre-labor signs, onset of labor, 3D animation of labor process, and more
• See how the stages of labor unfold – watch amazing real-life birth stories
• Discover helpful comfort techniques – breathing, relaxation, massage, visualization, focal points, hydrotherapy, labor and pushing positions, advice for partners, and more

Your Online Childbirth Class registration fee is $90.00 and grants you unlimited online access for 60 days. You can preview a demo here.

Please also register for our Orientation Class and Walking Tour.

Online Registration