Pregnancy and Childbirth Education Classes
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center offers an assortment of pregnancy and childbirth classes and tours to prepare you for childbirth and childcare.
The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center offers a variety of in-person and online classes to prepare you for labor, birth and caring for your new baby.
View our in-person class listings by month
Class schedules are subject to change. All in-person classes held at Ohio State Outpatient Care Upper Arlington, 1800 Zollinger Rd., Room 1400, Columbus, OH 43221
Pregnancy care in-person classes
One class registration includes two adult participants. For expecting parents, we recommend taking classes in the third trimester. For additional class information, see the FAQ section below.
Questions about in-person classes? Email Kori.Fenner@osumc.edu
This class will help prepare you and your partner/labor support person for the events surrounding labor and birth. It features a comprehensive overview of the birth process, including signs and stages of labor, relaxation and breathing techniques, pain management options, and the birthing experience.
If you are pregnant with more than one baby, additional online education will be provided following in-person class.
Class length: 7.5 hours (You will be given a break for lunch)
Participants: 8
Cost: $80
Register now
The Childbirth Education Express class is a shortened version of our Full-Day Childbirth Education class, designed to accommodate parents with busy schedules or those who want to learn the very basics of childbirth. Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of labor, when to go to the hospital and what to expect when you’re at the hospital. Information on breathing and relaxation provided, but not discussed.
This is also a great refresher course for those who have already had a baby!
If you are pregnant with more than one baby, additional online education will be provided following in-person class.
Class length: 3 hours
Participants: 8
Cost: $40
Register now
This class is intended for patients of our midwives, but can be attended by anyone. It will provide information and help prepare you and your partner/support person for the natural process of labor and birth. You will participate in a comprehensive overview of the birth process including signs and stages of labor, relaxation and breathing techniques, nonpharmacologic comfort methods, pain management options, reasons for a cesarean section, and the overall birthing experience.
If you are pregnant with more than one baby, additional online education will be provided following in-person class.
Class length: 7 hours
Participants: 8
Cost $80
Register now
Having a baby is hard, and many parents struggle with taking care of themselves, their babies and the rest of their family. ROSE will teach you skills to help you with stress, manage your relationships and plan for your future, especially once your baby is here. ROSE includes four group classes during pregnancy that cover topics such as mood changes, relationships, communication and stress management. An optional one-on-one appointment with a perinatal mental health provider is available soon after delivery. ROSE is an evidenced-based intervention that has been shown to significantly reduce cases of postpartum depression and anxiety.
Class length: Four classes, 90 minutes each. Sign up for in-person or virtual class.
Participants: 10
Cost: Free
Newborn care in-person classes
One class registration includes two adult participants. For expecting parents, we recommend taking classes in the third trimester. For additional class information, see the FAQ section below.
Questions about in-person classes? Email Kori.Fenner@osumc.edu
This class will give you more confidence in caring for your newborn (or new grandchild). You’ll learn (or re-learn) about diapering, bathing, choosing toys and how to create a safe environment for your newborn.
If you are pregnant with more than one baby, additional online education will be provided following in-person class.
This class will help you learn about the basics of feeding your baby the best nutrition. You and your partner/support person will talk with lactation consultants about the what, where, when, why and how of breastfeeding.
Class length: 2.5 hours
Participants: 8
Cost: $40
This class is intended for expectant or new parents wanting to learn about breast pumping. Hands-on learning will be provided in a group setting and led by an IBCLC RN. Sample pumps will be used for demonstration. You don't need to bring your own pump.
Class length: 1 hour
Participants: 8
Cost: $0
In this class, grandparents will learn all of the latest information and evidence-based research behind the changes in infant care practices so they can be an invaluable support to the new parents! Topics include safe sleep and SIDS prevention, infant nutrition recommendations, basic baby care and how to offer assistance to the new family.
Class length: 2 hours
Participants: 8
Cost: $20
Please note: You do not have to be a patient of the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center to take this class.
Pregnancy care online classes
These online classes provide the knowledge, skills and confidence you need as you prepare for the most exciting and joyful, yet overwhelming, time in your life. The interactive content includes real stories from parents and quizzes to test your knowledge. These recorded classes can be taken at your pace and accessed for nine months.
Once you purchase an online class, we’ll email a link with instructions on how to access your class. Please allow 2-3 business days to receive your link.
Questions? Email Kori.Fenner@osumc.edu. We hope you will join us virtually!
- PC or Mac (internet access required; high-speed recommended)
- Go at your own pace
- Features engaging videos, personal birth stories, 3D animations, games and activities
Cost: $80*
For more information, contact Kori.Fenner@osumc.edu
*Medicaid does not cover the fee for online education classes
The content covered in the online class is the same as the in-person class.Through a variety of videos, animations, interactive activities and read-along audio, you’ll learn all about pregnancy, labor & delivery, breastfeeding, and the postpartum period when you’re expecting multiples. In this extensive 5-hour course, you’ll learn about the anatomy of multiples, common discomforts and complications, vaginal and cesarean birth, comfort techniques, what to expect if babies need to stay in the NICU, physical and emotional changes after birth, how to keep your babies safe, and so much more!
Cost $50
Access to course: 9 months
For more information, contact Kori.Fenner@osumc.edu
*Medicaid does not cover the fee for online education classes.
This interactive three-hour online class covers pregnancy, birth and babies from a father’s perspective! Topics include: feelings about having a baby, how to be involved during the pregnancy and supportive during labor, how to help with breastfeeding, the postpartum dad role and self-care, and parenting truths.
Cost: $40*
Allows access for 9 months. Take this class at your own pace and on your own time.
For more information, contact Kori.Fenner@osumc.edu
*Medicaid does not cover the fee for online education classes.
Newborn care online classes
In this online course, you’ll learn about newborn traits and behaviors, crying patterns and comfort techniques, hunger cues and breastfeeding basics, diapering and bathing, and newborn health and safety.
Also available in Spanish.
Cost: $40*
For more information, contact Kori.Fenner@osumc.edu
*Medicaid does not cover the fee for online education classes
The content covered in the online class is the same as the in-person class.In this online course, you’ll learn how breastfeeding works, how to breastfeed, newborn hunger cues and feeding patterns and how to embrace your new breastfeeding lifestyle.
Also available in Spanish.
Cost: $40*
For more information, contact Kori.Fenner@osumc.edu
*Medicaid does not cover the fee for online education classes
The content covered in the online class is the same as the in-person class.Growing your family? Help your child become a super sibling! This online sibling preparation class teaches you how to support your child (or children) as they grow into their role of big brother or sister. You will learn how to answer tough questions, ways to help your child feel involved, how to reduce jealousy and more. Plus, to encourage your sibling-to-be, there are fun lessons to do together, complete with kid-friendly video clips, coloring pages and activities. The class takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete and is recommended for ages 3-7.
Cost: $40
Access to course: 9 months
For more information, contact Kori.Fenner@osumc.edu
*Medicaid does not cover the fee for online education classes.
Maternity Center in-person tour
Join us for a tour of the Maternity Center including the labor and delivery and postpartum areas. You’ll gain an understanding of what to expect during your stay, and we’ll explain where to park and how to get to the labor and delivery floor when you are ready to have your baby. Registration is free and includes you and your support person. Children are not permitted to attend tours at this time.
Tour length: 45 minutes
Maternity Center video tour
FAQs
You can register for classes online. Within the class description, a link is provided to register and pay for classes. Be sure to carefully select the day and time you wish to attend.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please do so at least 48 hours before your scheduled class by emailing Kori.Fenner@osumc.edu.
Class fees are collected online at the time you register for a class. Credit or debit card payment is accepted, as well as Health Savings Account cards. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover. If you need to cancel, please cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled class to receive a full refund. Email Kori.Fenner@osumc.edu
For cancellations within 48 hours of class or if you do not show up for class, refunds will not be provided.
Visitor policy
In addition to the General Hospital Visitor Policy, labor and delivery (L&D) has special visitor allowances and procedures. View Labor and Delivery Visitor Policy.
Parking
When coming to the hospital during normal hours, we recommend you park in the 12th Avenue Garage at 340 W. 12th Ave. and enter the hospital through the ground floor entrance opposite the parking garage. Take the Doan Hall elevator to the 6th Floor. Please note: The 12th Ave. hospital entrance closes at 5 p.m.
You may also park in the SAFEAUTO Garage and enter the hospital through the 10th Avenue main hospital entrance. Take the Doan Hall elevator to the 6th Floor.
After-hours arrival
If arriving between 5 p.m. and 6 a.m., please enter the hospital through the Emergency Department, which is located on the north side of The James, accessible from 12th Avenue via the road between the Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute and Harding Hospital (Davis Drive). We recommend that you valet park. You can also self-park in the nearby 12th Avenue Garage and take the covered pedestrian walkway on the ground level to the Emergency Department entrance.
Download a map of the temporary entrance to the Emergency Department.