Childbirth and Parenting Classes
Pregnancy and parenting classes in San Diego
Pregnancy and parenting classes in San Diego
Scripps offers a wide variety of parenting classes to guide you from pregnancy through your baby’s birth and parenting. All classes are taught by certified, caring, experienced instructors who specialize in prenatal and postnatal education. Scripps recognizes your need for knowledge and confidence at this important time. Classes are offered countywide. Registration is required.
This is a self-paced online course that teaches childbirth preparation. Couples learn the stages and phases of labor and delivery, plus effective ways to reduce stress and increase comfort during labor, including breathing and relaxation techniques. Medications, hospital procedures and cesarean birth are also discussed. This class can be completed in 6 hours and can be accessed to review videos and information, as often as you like.
Learn important information to help you be prepared for labor and the birth of your child.
It is recommended that you begin this childbirth preparation program when you are approximately 28-32 weeks along in your pregnancy.
See Childbirth Preparation Weekend for Virtual or In Person.
This class is taught by a lactation educator and will discuss the benefits of breastfeeding. The course separates facts from fallacies and provides information on getting started, proper positioning to help prevent breast discomfort and to help ensure a positive experience. Information on breast milk collection and storage, returning to work and breast pumping is presented.
A Scripps lactation consultant is available to offer practical suggestions and support. Join other nursing mothers for an informal discussion about breastfeeding.
Explore a variety of relaxation techniques, breathing exercises and comfort measures to use in labor. This class emphasizes the benefits of comfort measures for laboring at home and while admitted to the hospital. These can also be life skills that are beneficial throughout the postpartum recovery period and parenthood. This class is recommended in conjunction with the Online Childbirth Course or as a refresher childbirth course.
This class will help new parents gain skills for caring for their newborn. It is taught by a Scripps perinatal educator who will discuss important topics such as newborn behavior, characteristics, development, hospital expectations and keeping baby well. Discussion will include diapering, swaddling, holding, bathing and comforting your newborn.
Grandparents are a link between generations. This class will provide information to help parents transition to grandparents. Topics: back to sleep, car seat safety and infant care.
This orientation will be an overview to help prepare you for arriving at the hospital and the birth of your baby. It is a general presentation about what to expect when delivering your baby and staying at any of our Scripps hospitals in San Diego.
Take a virtual tour of the four specialized maternity hospitals in San Diego (sometimes referred to as birthing centers).
Join a women’s health physical therapist to learn about prenatal pelvic floor health. Exercises and how you can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles prenatally and during the postpartum period will be explained. These exercises will be demonstrated to help you improve your muscle strength and function.
Join Scripps Prenatal Yoga classes to enhance your pregnancy experience with gentle stretches, relaxation techniques and expert guidance.
The Car Seat Safety Awareness class is a free workshop designed for parents and caregivers to ensure the safety of children while traveling. Attendees will learn essential information about car seat basics, proper installation techniques and key safety guidelines for child passenger seats. This class provides the tools and knowledge needed to confidently protect young passengers.
Dogs & Storks® is an essential program for expectant families, families adopting a baby, and anyone who has dogs and cares for infants up to 3 months old. In this virtual presentation, you'll learn how to best prepare with your family dog for your baby’s homecoming.
This hybrid postpartum support group is designed for parents and provides a safe, welcoming space to connect, share experiences and receive emotional support during the first year after birth. Facilitated by licensed social workers, the group focuses on adjustment to parenthood, emotional well-being and navigating the emotional and social changes that can occur during the postpartum period.
Schedule & Location:
- Meets from 12:30 - 1:30 pm on the 3rd Wednesday of each month
- Offered in a hybrid format: In-person at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla and via Microsoft Teams
- Open to parents throughout San Diego County
Registration:
Advance registration is required. Registration closes the Friday prior to the group meeting and is limited to 10 participants to support equitable participation for all attendees.
To enroll or request additional information, please contact CommunityHealth@ScrippsHealth.org directly.