Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Health

Childbirth and Related Educational Courses

There are many questions families have regarding the birthing experience; the University of Maryland Medical Center offers a variety of classes to answer these questions and help expectant mothers, their spouses or support persons and siblings-to-be. Classes are taught by certified childbirth instructors and registered nurses. Packets are given for all classes; pamphlets and brochures are also provided.

For information, date of classes or to register, please call Kristin Pfeifer Banko, R.N., at 410-328-2944.

Childbirth Education Classes

Breathing and relaxation techniques
Discussion on the stages of labor, pain relief, car seat safety and much more
Films about childbirth and adjusting to the first few weeks at home
Tour of labor and delivery and mother/baby areas
Weekend marathon classes, held monthly, Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., includes tour of Labor and Delivery

Fees: University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) employees: $65: Patients delivering at UMMS: $70; Patients not delivering at UMMS: $80

Breastfeeding

Breast is best! Learn how to breastfeed your baby.

Advantages
Positioning
Pumping & storing
Returning to work
Class is offered monthly for 2 to 2 ½ hours

Fees: UMMS employees: $10: Patients delivering at UMMS: $15; Patients not delivering at UMMS: $15

Infant Care/Infant CPR/Infant Safety Classes (All in one class)

Bathing
Temperature taking
Circumcision care
Cord care
Formula preparation
Diapering
Day-care options
Learn infant and child CPR and choking rescue methods
Learn how to childproof your home
Class is offered monthly on Saturdays from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Fees: UMMS employees: $20: Patients delivering at UMMS: $25; Patients not delivering at UMMS: $30; Additional persons: $5

Mommy-To-Be Yoga

A yoga class for pregnant women. Classes will begin in 2008.

Our pregnancy yoga class combines group discussion with gentle yoga stretches, breathwork, massage, and guided meditation to develop deeper awareness and trust in your body and your baby's inate birthing wisdom.

The instructor, Nilajah Brown has 10 years experience nurturing pregnant women and their families. She is professionally trained and certified in pregnancy yoga therapy, childbirth education and doula/labor support. Her commitment is to reclaiming birth as a sacred rite of passage, and her focus is on supporting women in tuning into their innate wisdom as they transition into motherhood.

Fees: $150 for a six-week session. Call 410-328-3865 for class times and dates.

Big Brother/Big Sister Tours

Children learn what it will be like to be a big brother or sister
Story reading and coloring activities
Tour Labor and Delivery and Mother/Baby areas
Souvenir button, doctor's cap, mask and booties given
For children ages 4-8 years old
Tours arranged on an individual basis

Fees: $5 per child

Labor & Delivery Tours

For expectant parents not taking childbirth education classes at the University of Maryland Medical Center
Tour Labor and Delivery and Mother/Baby areas
Held once a month on Sunday from 4-5 p.m.

Fees: No charge

For more information on classes and tours, please call Kristin Pfeifer Banko, R.N., at 410-328-2944.

This page was last updated on: June 6, 2008.