The Birthing Center offers childbirth and parent education classes free of charge throughout the year, as well as additional educational and support group opportunities for mothers and families.

For more information or questions, call 410-822-1000, ext. 5234, and leave a detailed message regarding the classes, days and times of the course(s) you have questions about. Please make sure to include your name, email address and phone number in your message.

Fill Out the Childbirth Class Registration Form

Courses

Breastfeeding Class

Offers information about the benefits of breastfeeding for babies and new mothers, as well as tips and techniques for successful breastfeeding.

Labor and Delivery

Provides parents with an overview of topics, including maternal reproductive health; signs, symptoms and stages of labor; pain management during labor; techniques for a successful birthing experience; cesarean delivery; and recovery after childbirth.

New Mom, New Baby: Safety and CPR

Provides new parents with information, including newborn safety, new mom safety and general safety.

Safe-Sibling

Introduces children ages 2 to 8 to ways they can help newborns and parents by being a safe sibling. Nurses introduce participating children to safety issues, safe ways they can engage with their newborn siblings, and also offer tips and tricks for parents to encourage a healthy bonding experience. This class includes a snack, story time and tour of the Birthing Center at UM Shore Medical Center at Easton.

Safe Sitter® Program

The Safe Sitter® classes are taught by UM Shore Regional Health's skilled nurses and is offered to children ages 11 to 13. The course is designed to prepare students to be safe when they are home alone, watching younger siblings or babysitting other children.

The instructor-led class is taught using games and role-playing exercises, as well as life-size “manikins” (specifically designed mannequins for health education) for students to practice rescue skills, including choking rescue.

The Talbot County Health Department has provided a grant to fully fund the first 50 students who enroll in the program (a savings of up to $50 per child, as enrollment costs are necessary to provide skilled instructors and course materials).

The course will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024 and Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 9 am to 3 pm at UM Shore Medical Center at Easton’s Health Education Center. Additional dates will be announced in 2025.

To register for the course, email Gladys Peeples at Gladys.Peeples@umm.edu. Early registration is encouraged, as class size is limited. For questions, call 410-822-1000, ext. 5234.

Breastfeeding Support

Certified lactation consultants offer expectant and new mothers information about the benefits of breastfeeding for mother and baby along with tips and techniques for successful breastfeeding. For information regarding breastfeeding support conducted by appointment via video-conference or in-person, call 410-822-1000, ext. 5700.