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Maternity & Pregnancy Care Education

Maternity & Pregnancy Care Education

It's natural that as an expecting parent, you have lots of questions. We understand, and we're ready to help with answers on a variety of issues from diet and exercise to breast feeding and caring for a newborn. From formal childbirth classes to the personal coaching of our maternity nurses and lactation consultants, we'll give you the information and training you need to feel confident and well-prepared.

Prenatal Breast Feeding Basics
Childbirth Education
Hypnobirthing Class
Sibling Class
Boot Camp for New Dads
Infant Massage
Infant/Child CPR

Please visit the Ongoing Support page of this Web site for additional educational offerings.

photo of nurse with baby and family

Childbirth Education and Preparation

Portsmouth Regional Hospital offers childbirth education designed to provide the information and support you need to actively and confidently create your own personal birth experience. The best time to attend the classes is around the seventh month of pregnancy. Specific registration information is available at your doctor's office.

Topics may include:

  1. Pregnancy and the birth process
  2. Lamaze breathing techniques
  3. Relaxation methods
  4. Pain control options, including epidurals
  5. Variations of the birth process, including Cesarean delivery
  6. A tour of the hospital's maternity department

Husbands/partners are strongly encouraged to participate. Refresher classes and weekend birth workshops are available. Please call 433-5280 to register. This telephone number will connect you to a voice recording. Leave a message and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

Please email for more information.

HypnoBirthing Classes

Our HypnoBirthing program consists of 4 classes, 2 hours each class. You will learn about relaxation and self-hypnosis techniques, and how your body can work in neuro-muscular harmony with nature throughout labor.

HypnoBirthing helps to eliminate the fear-tension-pain syndrome before, during, and after birthing, and reduces the need for pain medication. Patients have reported a decrease in fatigue during labor, and feeling fresh, awake, and alert with energy for actual birthing. HypnoBirthing can enable you to experience your birthing in an atmosphere of calm and relaxation, without fear and tension because your body's natural anesthesia (endorphins) will replace the stress hormones that create pain. You willbe fully awake and involved when it's time for your baby to be born. Call 433-5280 to register. This telephone number will connect you to a voice recording. Someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

Sibling Class

We welcome all of the children in your family - not just the one who's about to arrive - and even offer a Sibling class for brothers and sisters-to-be. Kids learn about what to expect with a new baby in the family, practice holding and cuddling dolls, and receive a very special button to wear. The class is available for children ages 3 - 6. Call 433-6998 to register.

Boot Camp for New Dads

photo of dads in bootcamp class

Portsmouth Regional Hospital is proud to bring Boot Camp for New Dads to the Seacoast. This nationally acclaimed program is run for men by men - featuring relaxed one-on-one interaction and feedback from a guy's perspective.

It is designed to help new dads meet the challenges ahead and feel confident about bringing their new baby home.

Boot Camp for New Dads is offered quarterly, and consists of a 3-hour workshop prior to the birth of your baby. It covers not only baby care and fatherhood, but focuses on the needs of new moms. It helps the whole family get off to a great start. Please call 433-6998 to register.

Infant Massage

Classes are designed to help parents and other caregivers learn the benefits and basic techniques of infant massage. Infant massage is relaxing for your baby and you! Please call the instructor directly to register at 433-2627.

Infant/Child CPR and Safety Training

Classes are available to help new moms and dads learn the basics of infant and child CPR, as well as general safety issues. The instructor is certified by the American Heart Association. Please call 433-6998 to register.

Prenatal Breast Feeding Basics Class

Breast feeding does not always come automatically, and we're ready to help both you and your baby in getting started and enjoying the benefits of nursing.

Taught by one of our lactation consultants, this class provides information, advice, and support for women who want to learn more about breast feeding. Please call 433-6998 to register. To learn about our ongoing Breast Feeding Support Group, click here.

Find a Physician

Search all Portsmouth Regional Hospital Physicians »

Locations

  • 1245 Washington Road
    Rye, NH 3870

    Directions
  • Harbour Women's Health<br>

    Harbour Women's Health
    155 Griffin Road
    Portsmouth, NH 3801

    Directions
  • Gynecology and Infertility Associates<br>

    Gynecology and Infertility Associates
    15 Old Rollinsford Road
    Suite 201
    Dover, NH 3820

    Directions
  • Women's Health Associates of Portsmouth<br>

    Women's Health Associates of Portsmouth
    875 Greenland Road
    Building A, Suite B11
    Portsmouth, NH 3801

    Directions
  • Partners for Women's Health<br>

    Partners for Women's Health
    3 Alumni Drive, Suite 401
    Exeter, NH 3833

    Directions

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