We are here to prepare you for the exciting adventures of pregnancy, childbirth and parenting, and we invite you to take part in our wide variety of childbirth education classes. Classes are open to all prospective parents, whether or not you plan to give birth at Manchester Memorial Hospital. All instructors are certified in their specialties.
For additional information or to register over the phone, call 860.647.4790.
Learn the many benefits of infant massage (age six weeks to crawling) in this hands-on Mom and Baby class.
Wednesdays, May 1 – May 15
10 – 11:30 a.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$50 per Mom/Baby pair
Pre-registration is required.
Get off to a good start with breastfeeding and learn what to expect in the first few weeks.
Wednesday, May 1
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$35 per couple
Pre-registration is required.
Learn how to navigate your first few weeks at home with your newborn as you recover from labor and birth. Hands-on instruction will be provided for diapering, swaddling, bathing plus postpartum self-care and adjustment to make a smoother transition to parenthood.
Wednesdays, May 8 – May 15
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$45 per couple
Pre-registration is required.
Learn the essentials for labor, birth, breastfeeding, postpartum and baby care in six weeks.
Tuesdays, May 14 – June 18
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$155 per couple
Pre-registration is required.
Learn the essentials for labor, birth, breastfeeding, postpartum and baby care in six weeks.
Wednesdays, May 15 – June 19
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Virtual Class (Zoom)
$155 per couple
Pre-registration is required.
Learn what is new with birthing practices, baby care, infant feeding and safety, plus practical tips on how to best support the new family.
Wednesday, May 17
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$30 per couple
Pre-registration is required.
Learn what is new with birthing practices, baby care, infant feeding and safety, plus practical tips on how to best support the new family.
Wednesday, May 17
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Virtual Class (Zoom)
$20 per person
Pre-registration is required.
Back by popular demand! For children ages 2 – 10 whose parents are expecting another baby to help older children understand their roles as big brothers and big sisters.
Thursday, May 23
6 – 7 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$15 per child
$35 per family w/ 3 or more children
Pre-registration is required.
Learn the essentials for labor and birth in just one weekend.
Friday, May 31 & Saturday, June 1
Friday 6 – 9 p.m. & Saturday 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$100 per couple
Pre-registration is required.
Learn the essentials for labor, birth, breastfeeding, postpartum and baby care.
Friday, May 31, Saturday, June 1 & Wednesdays June 12 – 23
Friday 6 – 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. & Wednesdays 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$155 per couple
Pre-registration is required.
Learn the essentials for labor, birth, breastfeeding, postpartum and baby care in six weeks.
Mondays, June 3 – July 8
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$155 per couple
Pre-registration is required.
Learn the many benefits of infant massage (age six weeks to crawling) in this hands-on Mom and Baby class.
Wednesdays, June 5 – June 19
10 – 11:30 a.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$50 per Mom/Baby pair
Pre-registration is required.
Learn what is new with birthing practices, baby care, infant feeding and safety, plus practical tips on how to best support the new family.
Wednesday, June 5
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Virtual Class (Zoom)
$30 per couple
Pre-registration is required.
Learn what is new with birthing practices, baby care, infant feeding and safety, plus practical tips on how to best support the new family.
Wednesday, June 5
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Virtual Class (Zoom)
$20 per person
Pre-registration is required.
Learn the essentials for labor, birth, breastfeeding, postpartum and baby care in six weeks.
Thursdays, June 6 – July 18
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$155 per couple
Pre-registration is required.
Get off to a good start with breastfeeding and learn what to expect in the first few weeks.
Wednesday, June 12
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$35 per couple
Pre-registration is required.
Learn how to navigate your first few weeks at home with your newborn as you recover from labor and birth. Hands-on instruction will be provided for diapering, swaddling, bathing plus postpartum self-care and adjustment to make a smoother transition to parenthood.
Wednesdays, June 19 & June 26
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$45 per couple
Pre-registration is required.
Back by popular demand! For children ages 2 – 10 whose parents are expecting another baby to help older children understand their roles as big brothers and big sisters.
Saturday, June 22
10 – 11 a.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$15 per child
$35 per family w/ 3 or more children
Pre-registration is required.
This is an interactive class specifically designed for couples who have had a baby before or have taken the Understanding Birth eClass. This class gives couples a hands-on opportunity to get more in-depth information on comfort & coping skills for labor.
Wednesday, July 10
7 – 8:30 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$35 per couple
Pre-registration is required.
Learn the essentials for labor, birth, breastfeeding, postpartum and baby care.
Friday, July 12, Saturday, July 13 & Wednesdays, July 24 – August 7
Friday 6 – 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. & Wednesdays 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$155 per couple
Pre-registration is required.
Learn the essentials for labor and birth in just one weekend.
Friday, July 12 & Saturday, July 13
Friday 6 – 9 p.m. & Saturday 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$100 per couple
Pre-registration is required.
Learn the essentials for labor, birth, breastfeeding, postpartum and baby care in six weeks.
Tuesdays, July 16 – August 20
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$155 per couple
Pre-registration is required.
Learn what is new with birthing practices, baby care, infant feeding and safety, plus practical tips on how to best support the new family.
Wednesday, July 17
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Virtual Class (Zoom)
$20 per person
Pre-registration is required.
A prenatal class for parents to learn the many benefits of newborn massage, infant cues, newborn behavioral states and massage techniques to use as soon as their baby is born.
Wednesday, July 17
6 – 8 p.m.
Virtual Class (Zoom)
$35 per couple
Pre-registration is required.
Learn what is new with birthing practices, baby care, infant feeding and safety, plus practical tips on how to best support the new family.
Wednesday, July 17
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Virtual Class (Zoom)
$30 per couple
Pre-registration is required.
Learn the essentials for labor, birth, breastfeeding, postpartum and baby care in six weeks.
Mondays, July 22 – August 26
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Virtual Class (Zoom)
$155 per couple
Pre-registration is required.
Get off to a good start with breastfeeding and learn what to expect in the first few weeks.
Wednesday, July 24
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$35 per couple
Pre-registration is required.
Learn how to navigate your first few weeks at home with your newborn as you recover from labor and birth. Hands-on instruction will be provided for diapering, swaddling, bathing plus postpartum self-care and adjustment to make a smoother transition to parenthood.
Wednesdays, July 31 & August 7
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$45 per couple
Pre-registration is required.
Learn the essentials for labor, birth, breastfeeding, postpartum and baby care in six weeks.
Thursdays, August 1 – September 5
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$155 per couple
Pre-registration is required.
Back by popular demand! For children ages 2 – 10 whose parents are expecting another baby to help older children understand their roles as big brothers and big sisters.
Thursday, August 2
6 – 7 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$15 per child
$35 per family w/ 3 or more children
Pre-registration is required.
Learn the essentials for labor, birth, breastfeeding, postpartum and baby care in six weeks.
Mondays, August 5 – September 16
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$155 per couple
Pre-registration is required.
Learn the essentials for labor, birth, breastfeeding, postpartum and baby care.
Friday, August 16, Saturday, August 17 & Wednesdays August 28 – September 11
Friday 6 – 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. & Wednesdays 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$155 per couple
Pre-registration is required.
Learn the essentials for labor and birth in just one weekend.
Friday, August 16 & Saturday, August 17
Friday 6 – 9 p.m. & Saturday 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$100 per couple
Pre-registration is required.
Learn what is new with birthing practices, baby care, infant feeding and safety, plus practical tips on how to best support the new family.
Wednesday, August 21
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Virtual Class (Zoom)
$30 per couple
Pre-registration is required.
Learn what is new with birthing practices, baby care, infant feeding and safety, plus practical tips on how to best support the new family.
Wednesday, August 21
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Virtual Class (Zoom)
$20 per person
Pre-registration is required.
Get off to a good start with breastfeeding and learn what to expect in the first few weeks.
Wednesday, August 28
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$35 per couple
Pre-registration is required.
For parents who want the information but can’t fit the classes into their schedules, or for moms on bed rest. These self-paced online classes cover all the vital components of labor and birth. Class includes evidence-based material, videos, animation, quizzes and fun activities. The program also includes an “Ask the Educator” feature with one of the Childbirth Educators from Manchester Hospital.
$100 for 9-month access
Call 860.647.4790 for more information or to register.
We offer in-person tours of the Family Birthing Center once a month to help expectant parents become familiar with our facility.
Wednesday, May 1
Saturday, June 15
Tuesday, July 9
Saturday, August 10
Manchester Memorial Hospital
Free
Pre-registration is required.
The Maternity Care & Family Planning Center at Rockville General Hospital provides prenatal and postpartum care for women who are uninsured and insured. Women who receive prenatal care through the Center have access to ultrasounds and laboratory services, as well as gynecological services including: physical examinations, sexually transmitted infection testing, pregnancy testing, disease prevention, health promotion and maintenance and family planning services. Patients receiving care through the Center will receive one-on-one care from a doctor or nurse. The Center’s staff works closely with the staff of the Family Birthing Center at Manchester Memorial Hospital to ensure a seamless transition of care for prenatal patients as they prepare for birth. Assistance is offered to help anyone enroll in Husky medical insurance plans. Private payers are also welcome.
For more information, call 860.872.5170 Monday, Wednesday or Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Family Development Center is operating in-person and is providing virtual services as needed to the families enrolled in our programs. We are offering home visits, telephone support for families, playgroups, storytime, and parent workshops. The programs connect families to community resources such as diaper banks, food pantries, rental assistance, utility assistance, and mental health services.
The following grant-funded programs are offered through ECHN’s Family Development Center.
This is a home visiting program that serves low-income children from birth to age three, pregnant women and their families residing in Manchester or Vernon. A Parents as Teachers (PAT) certified Parent Educator provides parent education, child development information, developmental screenings, disability, nutritional and behavioral health services, field trips, playgroups and parent leadership opportunities.
Weekly home visits, literacy-based playgroups, parent support groups and nutrition classes are offered with a focus on school readiness and helping families achieve their goals.
For more information and/or to enroll:
860.682.2681
mcaldwelll@echn.org
This program serves children from birth to six years old, pregnant women and their partners. Parent Educators offer home visitation, parent education, parent-child group experiences, playgroups and development screening referrals to community resources, social emotional support and a fatherhood program to support dads/male partners. All components of the program are being offered in-person including weekly playgroups and weekly home visits.
For more information and/or to enroll:
860.247.8795
nherman@echn.org
ATTENTION all fathers, uncles, grandfathers, father figures and male role models: Please consider joining our Fatherhood Parenting Groups and Platforms. We will connect, learn, motivate, and encourage each other in one-on-one or group interactions both virtually and in-person.
To learn more, contact Kwasi Ntem-Mensah:
860.266.0126
kntem-mensah@echn.org
The Vernon Family Resource Center (FRC) serves children and families in the Vernon community. The FRC offers education and support services for the entire family. Services include home visiting, parent-child playgroups, positive youth development, parenting education, support for family childcare providers, resources and referrals to community services, adult education, preschool care and after-school care.
Laugh & Learn Playgroups for Vernon residents and their children ages 12 months – 5 years old. Family Child Care Providers are also welcome and encouraged to attend with the children in their care. Playgroups run in six-week sessions and are hosted in partnership with the Vernon Family School Community Partnerships office. Pre-registration is required.
For more information, to access program schedules, locations and/or to enroll:
860.335.6954
randy-lynn.schuman@echn.org
This program offers education and support services for the entire family. Services include home visiting, parent/child playgroups, positive youth development, parenting education, support for family childcare providers, resources and referrals to community services, adult education, preschool care and after-school care.
Waddell Elementary School, Manchester
Outdoor/Indoor Playgroups
Wednesdays 10 – 11 a.m.
To register:
860.463.8197
smatthew@echn.org
This program offers supportive services to teen parents and their partners in the Manchester school system to ensure that they graduate from high school while developing successful parenting skills. STEPP provides one-on-one coaching, mentoring, case management, home visitation, workshops and group peer sessions. STEPP is providing in-person home visits, playgroups, resources and family engagement opportunities.
For more information and/or to enroll:
wmingo@echn.org