Whether you are a new mother or you are learning to care for a second or third child, the perinatal education programs at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center are geared to offer you the education you need to keep you and your child healthy.

Prepared Childbirth Classes

Illinois Masonic Medical Center offers the following classes. We recommend that women begin classes early in their third trimester. Your support person is encouraged to attend.

Prepared Childbirth Series | Class Code 9B09
Hosted by one of our nurses, this four-week series offers expectant mothers and their support partners information on the signs and stages of labor, breathing, relaxation and comfort techniques, medication options and care of mom and baby in the first days after birth. Discussions include what to expect both physically and emotionally during the stages of labor and how to alleviate fears and build confidence. A maternity services tour is included. $90

Prepared Childbirth One-Day Class | Class Code 9B11
Learn what to expect on your delivery day. This one-day course offers a condensed version of the content covered in the Prepared Childbirth Series. A maternity services tour is included. $100

Lamaze Class | Class Code 9B15
This one-day, accelerated prepared childbirth class provides an overview of Lamaze techniques for coaching and coping with labor. It also gives an overview of the birthing process, medication risks and benefits and the postpartum period. The class is taught by a certified Lamaze instructor and is geared for expectant parents. A maternity services tour is included. $100

Maternity Service Tour | Class Code 9B16
Complimentary one-hour tours, hosted by one of our nurses, provide a viewing of private rooms, including labor and delivery suites, our Alternative Birthing Center and mother and baby rooms. Free

Online Prepared Childbirth Class (Coming soon!) | Class Code 9B31
Can't come to class? Take our new Online Prepared Childbirth Class from the comfort of your own home. While nothing can replace the personal connection of an on-site class, this online alternative is perfect for busy parents or moms on bed rest. The eight-chapter program uses video, animation, birth stories and engaging activities to cover the same content as our Prepared Childbirth Series. Please schedule a separate maternity services tour to compliment this class. $80

Prenatal Breastfeeding Class | Class Code 9B01
Hosted by one of our nurses, a board-certified lactation consultant, this two-hour class will help you get a healthy start breastfeeding your newborn. Topics include latching techniques, positioning and feeding cues. Your support partner is encouraged to attend. $30

Baby Safety & CPR Class | Class Code 9C14
Nothing is more important than keeping your child safe. This two-hour workshop addresses common household hazards and injury-prevention techniques. Topics include reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), car seat safety, poison prevention and infant CPR. The class is led by a basic life support instructor with the American Heart Association. Two caregivers may attend under one registration. $25

Babies 101 | Class Code 9B12
Geared to new parents, this class is a great addition to any of our childbirth classes. Come and practice holding, swaddling, diaper changing and bathing a baby with one of our nurses. Other topics include bonding, feeding, sleeping, growth and development. Crying, baby cues and soothing strategies are discussed to help you keep your baby happy. $30

Sibling Class | Class Code 9P12
Soon-to-be big brothers and sisters between the ages of 3 and 7 will learn about new babies, what to expect when mom goes to the hospital, their new sibling roles and how they can help at home. They will also tour the Mother and Baby Unit. Please register the child as the participant. One parent must accompany the child; however, both are welcome. $15 for first child, $5 for each additional child

New Moms Group | Class Code 9B17
Designed for new moms and their babies – newborns to pre-crawlers – this group meets every Tuesday from 10 am to noon at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. A registered nurse facilitates discussion on health and wellness for baby and mom with an occasional guest speaker on special health topics. Open discussion among new moms on baby care is encouraged. Free

Registration Required

You can register for classes online or call 1.800.3.ADVOCATE (1.800.323.8622). There is a 25 percent class cancellation fee. No refunds are given after a class has started, unless the reason is medically indicated.

Questions About a Perinatal Class?

Call the Perinatal Education office at 773.296.7828.