Family Focus
Family Focus emphasizes the joys of our nation’s most enduring and
fundamental institution: the family unit.
We provide a number of interesting and fun classes to help expecting parents
learn about the birthing process. New parents go through the experience
together as a team and know exactly what to expect. Family Focus helps
new parents understand how to care for and nurture their new family member.
For more information about any of the following programs, please call
240-566-4367.
To view our schedule of upcoming classes & tours,
please click here.
Childbirth Education
Our focus is to prepare expectant parents for the experience of a lifetime.
There’s nothing that compares to hearing the sound of that first
cry and reaching out to touch your newborn baby for the very first time.
Our childbirth education classes provide the specific knowledge to fully
participate in the unique and joyful experience of childbirth. Our instructors
explain the physical and emotional journey from pregnancy, labor and delivery
to postpartum recovery. We’ll present detailed explanations about
what to expect from the time of onset of labor through delivery. Instruction
includes a comprehensive presentation of labor pain management such as
breathing and relaxation techniques, as well as medications to include
analgesics and anesthesia. As your healthcare partner, we’re there
for you every step of the way.
- The class fee is $155/couple (includes all materials) - call 240-566-4367
to register.
- Pre-registration is required
Baby Care 101
Since babies don't come with instructions, we're here to lend a
hand with the basics. While nurturing may be a natural instinct for parents,
proper care is learned. This class is highly recommended for first-time
parents as well as grandparents!
Prepare for baby's arrival by learning and rehearsing care essentials
such as proper holding, diapering, burping, dressing and bathing. Discussions
include feeding issues, what to do when baby gets sick (including how
to take a temperature), vaccinations, sleeping issues, home/car safety
and much more!
The class fee is $100/couple (includes all materials) - call 240-566-4367
to register.
*Pre-registration is required, call 240-566-4367.
Baby Best Breastfeeding Education
Our “Baby Best” class is taught by a certified lactation consultant.
It provides an overview of the proven benefits of breastfeeding for both
infants and mothers, along with nursing basics including: what to expect
in the hospital and following discharge home, techniques and tips, advice
on keeping up a good milk supply, pumping/storing milk, and how to maintain
breastfeeding success. Class fee: $45/couple
BirthPlace Tour
We invite you to take a “sneak preview” of our
BirthPlace. Our state-of-the-art facility offers top-notch skilled medical care and
comfortable private-room accommodations. The duration of a tour is approximately
one hour. Hospital policy requires that children must be at least age
12 in order to accompany parents on the tour.
*Special
fee-based programs are available for siblings-to-be age 3-7.
*Pre-registration is required, please call 240-566-4367.
To view our latest BirthPlace guide and information, please see our
BirthPlace Announcements (PDF)
Please Note:
- Pre-registration is required for all classes & tours
-
REGISTER EARLY (by approximately the 4th month of pregnancy) to help ensure class availability.
- Class payment is due at time of registration.
- Couple fee covers class and materials for one pregnant participant and
one coach. A couple may not include two pregnant participants.
- A minimum of 48-hours cancellation notice prior to start of first class
is required.
- Refunds for cancelled classes are conditional upon satisfaction of the
aforementioned requirement.
- All refunds are subject to a 10% administrative fee.
- Class fees are subject to change.
- Sign Language Interpreter available upon request.
Sibling Classes
"Small Wonder" for Children Ages 3-7
We offer tours of the BirthPlace designed specifically for 3 to 7-year-old
sisters and brothers-to-be. This is a wonderful way to acquaint siblings
with the hospital before the newborn's arrival. Children and their
parents will visit a Family Center room to show them where Mommy and the
new baby will stay.
Your child will:
- learn how to properly hold & diaper baby by practicing with dolls
- see a movie about a new baby joining the family
- be photographed for the Small Wonder showcase located on the BirthPlace
(after the baby's arrival, the photo may then be placed in newborn's
bassinet!)
- discuss infant safety
- receive a gift bag created especially for new siblings!
Small Wonder classes are held monthly on a Saturday morning. $40.00 (includes
materials) - call 240-566-4367 to register.
*Pre-registration is required