Committed to healthy moms and families
.MedStar Health is committed to healthy moms and healthy families. Anticipating the birth of your baby is such an exciting time! With this excitement, there are often feelings of uncertainty. Attending our Birth and Family classes, during your pregnancy and beyond, can provide the knowledge and support needed for you to feel confident and prepared for labor, delivery, and caring for your new baby. You’ve got this and we’re here to help!
Our instructors are nurses who have worked in maternal child health and have had additional training/certifications in the topics they teach
Let our experts answer your questions:
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How will I know when I’m in labor?
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When can I get an epidural?
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How will I know if my baby is getting enough to eat when I breastfeed?
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What do I do if my baby gets sick?
MedStar Health offers a variety of classes at many different locations and using a variety of platforms, such as:
In-person classes
Spend time with your support person focusing on your baby while meeting other pregnant couples. Specially designed for those who like hands-on learning.
Virtual online classes
Stay in the comfort of your home all while getting your questions answered in real time with a live instructor.
eClasses
Take classes online, at your own pace, and when convenient for your schedule.
Birth and family classes
You are important to us, and we’re here to help. Below you will find a list of MedStar Health hospitals. Click each hospital to explore Birth and Family classes offered and contact information for each hospitals program.
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MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
Class coordinator:
Beth Kegley
MedStarBirthandFamilyEducation@medstar.net
443-777-2447 -
MedStar Harbor Hospital
Currently, there are no in-person classes being offered at MedStar Harbor Hospital. Please contact, Beth Kegley at MedStarBirthandFamilyEducation@medstar.net to explore other class options across the MedStar Health system.
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MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
For patients delivering at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, please speak to your provider to discuss Birth and Family class options. For additional education, please explore classes provided at other MedStar Health locations.
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MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital
Combines four traditional parenting classes into a one-day overview. Topics include childbirth, breastfeeding, infant CPR, and practical baby care skills such as bathing and diapering
Contact information:
Health Connections
301-481-3271 -
MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
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MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center
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Understanding Childbirth (eClass)
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Understanding your Newborn (eClass)
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Understanding Breastfeeding (eClass)
Contact information:
Sparkle Lopez
MSMHC-ChildbirthEducation@medstar.net -
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MedStar Washington Hospital Center
For patient delivering at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, there are, currently, no in-person classes being offered. Please contact, Beth Kegley at MedStarBirthandFamilyEducation@medstar.net to explore other class options across the MedStar Health system.
Classes are offered to patients receiving care at all of our Prenatal Locations including Women’s Wellness (all locations), Midwives (all locations), and Specialty Care. There is no fee. Please contact, SBSMMWHC@medstar.net for more information.
Support groups
Virtual Breastfeeding Support Group
Hosted by: MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Please join us weekly to connect with other moms, discuss developmental milestones, and have your breastfeeding questions answered online by a lactation professional. This FREE support group is open to all expectant and breastfeeding moms. Please contact susanna.k.derocco@medstar.net. for the private virtual link.
Lactation Support Group (in-person)
Hosted by: MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital
Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.This support group is FREE. Registration is required.
Contact Health Connections at 301-475-6019 to register.
Essex Breastfeeding Support Group (Free, In-person)
Hosted by: MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center & Baltimore County Library, Essex Branch, 1110 Eastern Blvd. Essex, MD 21221
Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Please join us weekly to connect with other moms, discuss developmental milestones, and have your breastfeeding questions answered online by a lactation professional.
Boxed lunches provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Expectant moms welcome! Please contact susanna.k.derocco@medstar.net. with any questions.
Virtual tours
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MedStar Franklin Square Hospital Center Women’s Pavilion
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MedStar Montgomery Medical Center Maternity Unit
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MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center’s Women and Newborn Center
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MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital’s Women's Health & Family Birthing Center
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MedStar Washington Hospital Center Family Birth Place
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MedStar Harbor Hospital Women and Infants' Center
MedStar Harbor Hospital
Our providers
Expert maternity care
Getting the care you need starts with seeing one of our maternity specialists.