Bartlett Beginnings Prenatal
and Parenting Education

PlaceHolderBartlett Beginnings - classes and resources for the childbearing years.

At Bartlett Beginnings we are committed to providing the best tools possible to prepare and support you through pregnancy and childbirth as well as the joys and challenges that follow.

All of the classes and groups offered by Bartlett Beginnings: Family Birth Center are taught by experienced nurses who specialize in obstetrics.

Unless otherwise noted, all classes/groups are held in the classrooms located on the main floor of the Robert F. Valliant Center/Administration Building.

For more information contact Education Services at 907-796-8422

Healthy Pregnancy Class

This two week class is designed to help pregnant women and their partners enjoy the healthiest pregnancy possible. Among the many topics discussed, participants may expect to learn about:

  • nutrition for two
  • exercise during pregnancy
  • fetal development
  • physical and emotional changes you may expect

All pregnant women and their partners are encouraged and welcome to attend. Couples contemplating pregnancy are also welcome.

Please note: Women can take this any time during the pregnancy, but may find it valuable to enroll upon learning they are pregnant.

Schedule: Monday Evenings from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. New classes generally begin on the first Monday of every other month.

Childbirth Preparation Class

This six week class helps the expectant family to prepare for birth. The focus is on building confidence and facilitating a safe birth while fulfilling the new family's birthing goals. Class participants may expect to learn:

  • what to expect in labor
  • pain-coping practices including Lamaze breathing techniques (among others) along with a variety of relaxation skills
  • how to prepare for unexpected labor variations including pharmacological intervention options

A tour of the Bartlett Beginnings: Family Birth Center is included.

Schedule: Thursday evenings from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. New classes generally begin on the first Thursday of every other month. We recommend that parents plan to complete the class approximately four weeks before their due date.



Childbirth Preparation: Intensive Weekend Series

Developed for those parents who cannot participate in the six week series, we offer a weekend intensive class. The class meets Saturday 9:00 AM to4:30 PM and Sunday 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM and provides participants with:

  • an overview of what to expect in childbirth
  • pain coping skills
  • a tour of Bartlett Beginnings
  • information on possible labor variations and medical interventions
  • how to support the laboring mother

This series is offered three times each year, in February, June and October. We recommend, whenever possible, that you complete this course at least four weeks before your due date.

Breastfeeding Success and Newborn Care Class

In this three week class, expectant parents learn how to initiate and continue breastfeeding as well as how to care for their newborn.

The classes help provide new parents the confidence to give their baby the special gift of breastfeeding. It addresses prevention of common problems that sometimes occur in the intial days of breastfeeding the new baby. Class participants may expect to learn:

  • care and safety of your newborn including diapering and bathing
  • infant brain development
  • carseat safety
  • nighttime parenting
  • breastfeeding
  • returning to work

Schedule:Monday evenings, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Classes are generally scheduled every other month. We recommend that parents plan to complete the class approximately four weeks before their due date.

Just for Dads Class

During this three week class for expectant fathers, new fathers share their experiences about the birthing process and parenting an infant. They share parenting skills such as diapering, calming and bathing their infant. The class focuses on the importance of the father's role in his child's development. Infant massage is also taught.

Schedule: Wednesday evenings, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Classes are generally scheduled every other month.

Baby Parent Time

A weekly support group offered for new parents and their babies. Group topics include:

  • songs and games for baby
  • bonding
  • safety
  • colic
  • nighttime parenting
  • infant brain development
  • illness
  • infant CPR
  • other topics as identified by the participants

Baby Parent Time gives parents the opportunity to bring their concerns to a professional nurse while sharing information and ideas with other new parents.

Schedule: Thursday, from noon to 1:30 PM. Group is on-going and all parents are welcome to attend with their babies. Registration is not required.

Toddler Play Group

A weekly support group for parents that also provides playtime for toddlers one to three years of age. Group topics for discussion may include:

  • nutrition
  • CPR
  • toilet training
  • discipline
  • finding time for yourself
  • other parenting concerns

Schedule: Mondays, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Classes are on-going and held at REACH, 213 3rd Street, Juneau. Parents are encouraged to bring their toddlers and their questions. Be prepared for fun! Registration not required.

Dads 'n' Babies Play Group

This fathers' group gives Dad time with their infants and/or toddlers in a safe, fun atmosphere. Topics of interest to farthers are presented:

  • discipline
  • infant brain development
  • saving for college
  • and many more, as requested by group participants

Schedule: The first Saturday of each month, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Classes are held at REACH, 213 3rd Street, Juneau. Dads are encouraged to bring their babies or toddlers and be ready for a good time! Registration not required.

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