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Education for Expectant Parents

Becoming a new mom (or even a mom for the second time) is an exciting and sometimes intimidating time. That’s why Summa Health offers several childbirth education and parenting classes and maternity tours to help prepare you and your family for this momentous occasion.

Childbirth and Parenting Classes

Childbirth Education: First time parents can prepare for the physical and psychological experiences of labor, birth and postpartum. Participants will learn how to prepare for birth and delivery; natural vs. epidural assisted labor; hospital procedures; Cesarean delivery; relaxation and breathing techniques; comfort measures for labor, and postpartum.

Baby Care: Get hands-on training in newborn care. Practice diapering, dressing and swaddling baby dolls. Topics covered include newborn characteristics and procedures; infant nutrition; signs/symptoms of illness, crying and how to sooth your baby; colic; and basic car seat safety.

Infant Safety/CPR: This class will teach you the critical skills of the American Heart Association’s CPR methods. Learn how to perform CPR on infants, children and adults.

Breastfeeding Your Baby: This class teaches the basic skills for successful breastfeeding and problem-solving techniques. Topics covered include: advantages of breastfeeding; breastfeeding basics; positioning; latch-on; breast pumps and other important facts regarding breastfeeding.

Caring as a Grandparent: Come learn some of the latest trends in parenting. Learn about safe sleep and the benefits of breast-feeding. Join us to discuss ways to be an extension of love and support to your children as they begin this new adventure in parenting.

View all of our offerings and complete details, including costs and timing of our classes. 

Childbirth and Parenting Classes

Maternity Tours

We also offer guided tours of labor/delivery and mother/baby units at Summa Health System – Akron Campus.  You can also take a virtual tour of our birthing center. Our maternity tours allow you to see beforehand the space where you will complete one of your most important life events and what you can expect before, during and after your delivery.

Schedule a Tour

Here’s what others are saying about Summa’s Childbirth, Baby Care and Breastfeeding classes:

“So glad we took this class. We feel better becoming first-time parents.” – Baby Care Class Participant

“I like that it was hands on! It made me feel more confident about handling my baby.” – Baby Care Class Participant

“Direct, honest answers with personal experiences.” – Childbirth Class Participant

“A lot of good information; instructor was friendly and made the atmosphere conducive to asking questions and getting answers. Small class size.” – Breastfeeding Class Participant

“As a second-time mom, I thought this was a great refresher! Thank you.” – Breastfeeding Class Participant

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Options to Request an Appointment

If your situation is an emergency, call 911.