Childbirth and Parenting Classes at Swedish Medical Center
Classes and support groups update
Birth & Family Education is now offering classes and support groups in-person and online. Click a class registration link below to learn more.
Our team of childbirth educators and certified professionals offers private, in-person, and online classes to help you feel prepared for the arrival of your new baby. Virtual Birth Center tours are available for most campuses.
When should you take classes?
Register for your classes early and plan to complete them four to six weeks before your due date. We recommend that first-time parents complete at least one class in Childbirth Preparation, Newborn Care, Breastfeeding and Infant Safety and CPR. Though you can take your classes in any order that works for you and your schedule, we recommend this timeline.
Class fees can be paid online when you register. If you prefer to pay with a ProviderOne card, please call 206-386-2502.
Choose a Swedish campus location from the drop-down menu, or "All Swedish Campus" to view all class listings. To view online class options, type "Online" into the Keywords box.
Find a childbirth class
With the Prepare for Parenthood Class Package, you and one support person can take a number of classes at a special rate.
Learn more and purchase
Childbirth Preparation (offered in English and Spanish)
While every labor and birth are different, learning about the childbirth experience can help you feel prepared, confident, and ready for the birth of your baby. Taught in either an in-person or online format, these classes will provide you with information on what to expect during the labor process, teach you coping skills for managing labor, and provide resources to help you prepare for the postpartum period.
View upcoming listings and register now
Preparing for Multiples
This class is for families expecting multiples and includes Childbirth Preparation, Newborn Care, and Breastfeeding. You will learn about the signs and treatment of common pregnancy complications including preterm labor, the labor and birth process, cesarean birth, recovery, postpartum adjustment, and the NICU.
Whether you are expecting twins, triplets, or more, we recommend starting this class at 20+ weeks of pregnancy.
View upcoming listings and register now
Coping with Confidence
This class is designed to provide couples who have already attended a Childbirth Preparation class with more information about pain and coping including: birthing techniques, labor positions, comfort measures, and options for back labor. This class is also great as a "refresher" for those who have given birth before.
View upcoming listings and register now
Chinese Class: Movements for an Easier Labor
This class will be taught in Chinese (Mandarin). Learn about the stages of labor and the anatomy of the pelvis and discover how movement can help during childbirth. Participants will build confidence and practice skills including labor and pushing positions, partner massage, and breathing techniques.
View Upcoming Listings and Register
Acupressure for Birth Preparation, Labor and Postpartum
This class teaches powerful acupressure tools to help the birthing person in the 3rd and 4th trimester and is intended for any person/couple preparing for labor. Learn more about prebirth acupressure.
View upcoming listings and register now
Newborn Care
This class teaches new parents the basics of newborn growth and development, including methods for dressing, diapering, feeding, bathing and swaddling, as well as how to calm a crying baby and important safe sleep practices.
Please note: Newborn Care is already included in the Newborn Preparation class and the 5-week Childbirth Preparation series.
View upcoming listings and register now
Breastfeeding
This class helps new moms and their partners learn positions, latch techniques, common challenges, and how to prepare for breastfeeding.
Please note: Breastfeeding is already included in the Newborn Preparation class and the 5-week Childbirth Preparation series.
View upcoming listings and register now
Newborn Preparation
This course combines the Newborn Care and Breastfeeding content into one single class.
View upcoming listings and register now
Spanish Class: Postpartum Class, Newborn Management and Breastfeeding
This class will be taught in Spanish and teaches new parents the basics of newborn growth and development. You will learn how to change diapers and how to swaddle and soothe a crying baby. We will also talk about feeding your baby and techniques for safe sleep. You will learn the basics of breastfeeding, good latch technique, and breastfeeding positions. We will talk about the most common challenges of the early days and how to solve them.
View upcoming listings and register now
Infant CPR and Safety
In this class, your CPR certified instructor will help you learn when and how to administer CPR to an infant. You will also learn common choking hazards and demonstrate how to manage choking. Participants will be taught methods to baby-proof to increase household safety and decrease the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death for your new baby.
CPR and Foreign Body Airway Obstruction procedures use American Heart Association curriculum; however, this is not a certification course.
View upcoming listings and register now
Car Seat Safety
Learn how to choose a safe car seat for your newborn, how to adjust it properly, and how to install it correctly in a motor vehicle to avoid common misuses. Although the class does not include installation in your vehicle, there will be opportunities for hands-on practice.
View upcoming listings and register now
Bringing Baby Home Workshop
This multi-day workshop will teach you and your partner parenting and relationship skills to help you be the best parenting team possible. Developed by renowned relationship experts Drs. John and Julie Gottman, the Bringing Baby Home (BBH) Workshop combines lecture, group discussion and couple’s activities to help couples strengthen their friendship, increase intimacy, improve communication, regulate conflict and create positive strategies for parenting.
View upcoming listings and register now
Conscious Fathering
This class prepares expectant fathers and father figures for successful parenting by providing an overview of a baby's basic needs and teaching practical, hands-on skills.
View upcoming listings and register now
Grandparents Class
There have been many changes in the role of grandparents over the last several generations. This class describes ways grandparents can offer support and assistance to a new family, while discussing current trends in birth practices and infant care.
Lactation Group Sessions
We offer support groups for breastfeeding parents who have questions about breastfeeding, want to check on baby's growth, or are looking for support from others but do not feel they need a one-on-one consultation. Breastfeeding support groups are held at the following locations:
- Issaquah: In-person on Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 425-313-2377 to reserve your spot. Fee: $15 (Medicaid accepted). .
- First Hill/The Lytle Center: Virtual on Mondays. Online pre-registration required. Fee: $15 (Medicaid accepted). View upcoming listings and register now
Newborn and Me: Birth to Three Months
This is a six-week group for birth parents and their 0-3 month old. Connect with other parents and an experienced facilitator to share concerns, ask questions and explore topics such as the emotional adjustment to parenthood, feeding, sleep strategies and enjoying the first step in your infant's development.
View upcoming listings and register now
Baby and Me: Three to Six Months
This is a six-week group for birth parents and their 3-6 month old. Connect with other parents and an experienced facilitator to share experiences, ask questions and explore topics such as play, starting solids, sleep changes, maintaining your relationship with your partner and adjusting to the next step in your child's development.
View upcoming listings and register now
Baby Your Body
By teaching you to engage your core and strengthen your pelvic floor, this class for pregnant people only will help you develop good posture and proper body mechanics. Learn and practice positioning and suggested exercises to increase comfort during pregnancy and reduce your risk of injury.
Physical Therapy: Your Body Your Pelvic Floor
In this online course, learn more about the changes you can expect during pregnancy and the best ways to improve your comfort and reduce your risk of injury during birth. Pelvic floor exercises will also be learned to address changes your body may have experienced after giving birth.