Typically, both before and after you have your child, local hospitals host weekly meetings and classes that allow you to discuss the fears, concerns, and joys associated with being a new mom. While these offerings have changed from in-person to virtual during the pandemic, and will likely change again, the resources are still available, no matter where you go.
Most hospitals now offer these classes via Zoom. If you live in southern New Hampshire, popular hospitals for delivery are CMC, Elliot, Parkland, Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, and St. Joseph Hospital. Below is a summary of the classes these hospitals offer and instructions on how to access them.
The link to CMC’s website is https://www.catholicmedicalcenter.org. You will find a menu tab at the very top of the page for “Classes.” All Mom’s Place classes are now being held online at no cost. Click the registration link for a complete list of offerings. CMC boasts classes both before and after your baby’s birth, and hosts a Zoom meeting you may attend weekly for the first 6 months after you deliver.
Parkland currently has limited offerings, but is hoping to add more classes in the future. The breastfeeding class is currently free and ideal for moms 32-36 weeks pregnant. Visit Parkland’s website at https://parklandmedicalcenter.com.
The Elliot Hospital Healthcare System is back to running mostly in person classes and tours. However, this may change if COVID 19 numbers begin to rise. Their website address is https://www.elliothospital.org/website/. Find the classes they offer under the “programs and classes” tab located at the middle bottom of their Home page. They have many classes of interest including a non-certification CPR class perfect for parents of young children.
The St. Joseph website is https://www.stjosephhospital.com. Click on the “Departments and Services” tab located on the Home Page, and then click on the “Childbirth Center” tab. At the bottom of the page is the link to the classes they offer both online and via Zoom. They also offer a car seat check program to ensure that your baby’s car seat is properly installed.
The Southern New Hampshire website link is https://www.snhhealth.org. Click the “Our Services” tab on the Home page for a drop-down menu. Select “Classes and Programs” and navigate to the maternity and parenting classes. These include breastfeeding classes, birthing classes, mommy and baby yoga classes, and a virtual tour of the Birthing Center, among other offerings. As of Spring 2020, all Southern NH Health Center classes have been on-line because of COVID 19, but this is likely to change in the future. Check the website for updates.
If you have any questions about parenting and childcare, the hospital where you deliver your baby is available to help. Attending meeting and classes can help you become part of a community in which you can offer and receive advice and support. If you’re interested in helping homeless mothers and new babies in crisis, or are a mother in need of help yourself, please see our website at stgiannasplace.org.