Birth Place

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