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.
We are excited to launch a new prenatal exercise class designed for expectant mothers, taught by an A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness Instructor and experienced Childbirth Educator and Birth Doula. Classes will include a warm-up, pregnancy-specific exercises, low-impact cardio workout, circuit and strength training, stretching and relaxation techniques.
Medical clearance is required.
Saturday, October 11
8:45 – 9:45 a.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$20 drop-in
Registration is required.
We are excited to launch a new prenatal exercise class designed for expectant mothers, taught by an A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness Instructor and experienced Childbirth Educator and Birth Doula. Classes will include a warm-up, pregnancy-specific exercises, low-impact cardio workout, circuit and strength training, stretching and relaxation techniques.
This is a series of four classes. Medical clearance is required.
Saturdays, October 11 & 25, November 1 & 8
8:45 – 9:45 a.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$65
Registration is required.
A postpartum exercise class designed for moms and babies, taught by an A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness Instructor and experienced Childbirth Educator and Birth Doula. Classes include cardio and strength exercises with an emphasis on regaining core strength. Individual attention is offered to help you achieve your goals based on your birth recovery experience. Babies from six weeks to six months are welcome and included in class as appropriate.
Saturday, October 11
10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$20 drop in
Registration is required.
A postpartum exercise class designed for moms and babies, taught by an A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness Instructor and experienced Childbirth Educator and Birth Doula. Classes include cardio and strength exercises with an emphasis on regaining core strength. Individual attention is offered to help you achieve your goals based on your birth recovery experience. Babies from six weeks to six months are welcome and included in class as appropriate.
This is a series of four classes.
Saturdays, October 11 & 25, November 1 & 8
10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$65
Registration is required.
The Bradley Method® is a system of natural labor techniques in which a woman and her coach play an active part. It is a simple method of increasing self-awareness, teaching a woman how to deal with the stress of labor by tuning in to her own body. The Bradley Method® encourages mothers to trust their bodies using natural breathing, relaxation, nutrition, exercise, and education.
This is an eight-class series.
Tuesdays, October 14 – December 2
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$325 per couple
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.
Thursday, October 16
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Family Birthing Center at Manchester Memorial Hospital
$20 /person, $30/ couple
Registration is required.
Get off to a good start with breastfeeding and learn what to expect in the first few weeks.
Friday, October 17
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Family Birthing Center at Manchester Memorial Hospital
$35/couple
Registration is required.
Learn the essentials for labor, birth, breastfeeding, postpartum and baby care in six weeks. Includes tour of the Family Birthing Center.
Thursdays, October 23 – December 4
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Family Birthing Center at Manchester Memorial Hospital
$175 per couple
Registration is required.
We are excited to launch a new prenatal exercise class designed for expectant mothers, taught by an A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness Instructor and experienced Childbirth Educator and Birth Doula. Classes will include a warm-up, pregnancy-specific exercises, low-impact cardio workout, circuit and strength training, stretching and relaxation techniques.
Medical clearance is required.
Saturday, October 25
8:45 – 9:45 a.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$20 drop-in
Registration is required.
For children ages two to ten, whose parents are expecting another baby, to help them understand their roles as big brothers and big sisters. This class also gets them familiar with The Family Birthing Center. Parents are welcome/encouraged to attend with their little ones free of charge.
Saturday, October 25
10 – 11 a.m.
Family Birthing Center at Manchester Memorial Hospital
$15/child; $35/family with 3 or more children
Registration is required.
A postpartum exercise class designed for moms and babies, taught by an A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness Instructor and experienced Childbirth Educator and Birth Doula. Classes include cardio and strength exercises with an emphasis on regaining core strength. Individual attention is offered to help you achieve your goals based on your birth recovery experience. Babies from six weeks to six months are welcome and included in class as appropriate.
Saturday, October 25
10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$20 drop in
Registration is required.
This class is specially designed for couples who are expecting (up to 25 weeks) or are hoping to become pregnant in the near future. Taught by our Certified Childbirth Educators, this class will help you have the healthiest and safest pregnancy possible.
Wednesday, October 29
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Family Birthing Center at Manchester Memorial Hospital
Free
Registration is required.
We are excited to launch a new prenatal exercise class designed for expectant mothers, taught by an A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness Instructor and experienced Childbirth Educator and Birth Doula. Classes will include a warm-up, pregnancy-specific exercises, low-impact cardio workout, circuit and strength training, stretching and relaxation techniques.
Medical clearance is required.
Saturday, November 1
8:45 – 9:45 a.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$20 drop-in
Registration is required.
A postpartum exercise class designed for moms and babies, taught by an A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness Instructor and experienced Childbirth Educator and Birth Doula. Classes include cardio and strength exercises with an emphasis on regaining core strength. Individual attention is offered to help you achieve your goals based on your birth recovery experience. Babies from six weeks to six months are welcome and included in class as appropriate.
Saturday, November 1
10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$20 drop in
Registration is required.
Learn the essentials for labor, birth, breastfeeding, postpartum and baby care in six weeks. Includes tour of the Family Birthing Center.
Tuesdays, November 4 – December 9
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Family Birthing Center at Manchester Memorial Hospital
$175 per couple
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. The class gives couples a hands-on opportunity to get more in-depth information on comfort & coping skills for labor.
Wednesday, November 5
7 – 8:30 p.m.
Family Birthing Center at Manchester Memorial Hospital
$35/couple
Registration is required.
Learn the essentials for labor, birth, breastfeeding, postpartum and baby care. Includes tour of the Family Birthing Center.
Friday, November 7
Saturday, November 8
Wednesdays, November 19 – December 10
Friday 6 – 9 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Wednesdays 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Family Birthing Center at Manchester Memorial Hospital
$175/couple
Registration is required.
Learn the essentials for labor and birth in just one weekend. Includes tour of the Family Birthing Center.
Friday, November 7 & Saturday, November 8
Friday 6 – 9 p.m. & Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Family Birthing Center at Manchester Memorial Hospital
$125/couple
Registration is required.
We are excited to launch a new prenatal exercise class designed for expectant mothers, taught by an A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness Instructor and experienced Childbirth Educator and Birth Doula. Classes will include a warm-up, pregnancy-specific exercises, low-impact cardio workout, circuit and strength training, stretching and relaxation techniques.
Medical clearance is required.
Saturday, November 8
8:45 – 9:45 a.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$20 drop-in
Registration is required.
A postpartum exercise class designed for moms and babies, taught by an A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness Instructor and experienced Childbirth Educator and Birth Doula. Classes include cardio and strength exercises with an emphasis on regaining core strength. Individual attention is offered to help you achieve your goals based on your birth recovery experience. Babies from six weeks to six months are welcome and included in class as appropriate.
Saturday, November 8
10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$20 drop in
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.
Thursday, November 13
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom
$20/person
Registration is required.
Get off to a good start with breastfeeding and learn what to expect in the first few weeks.
Wednesday, November 19
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Family Birthing Center at Manchester Memorial Hospital
$35/couple
Registration is required.
We are excited to launch a new prenatal exercise class designed for expectant mothers, taught by an A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness Instructor and experienced Childbirth Educator and Birth Doula. Classes will include a warm-up, pregnancy-specific exercises, low-impact cardio workout, circuit and strength training, stretching and relaxation techniques.
Medical clearance is required.
Saturday, November 22
8:45 – 9:45 a.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$20 drop-in
Registration is required.
We are excited to launch a new prenatal exercise class designed for expectant mothers that will be taught by an A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness Instructor and experienced Childbirth Educator and Birth Doula. Classes will include a warm-up, pregnancy-specific exercises, low-impact cardio workout, circuit and strength training, stretching and relaxation techniques.
This is a series of four classes. Medical clearance is required.
Saturdays, November 22, December 6, 13 & 20
8:45 – 9:45 a.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$65
Registration is required.
A postpartum exercise class designed for moms and babies, taught by an A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness Instructor and experienced Childbirth Educator and Birth Doula. Classes include cardio and strength exercises with an emphasis on regaining core strength. Individual attention is offered to help you achieve your goals based on your birth recovery experience. Babies from six weeks to six months are welcome and included in class as appropriate.
This is a series of four classes.
Saturdays, November 22, December 6, 13 & 20
10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$65
Registration is required.
A postpartum exercise class designed for moms and babies, taught by an A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness Instructor and experienced Childbirth Educator and Birth Doula. Classes include cardio and strength exercises with an emphasis on regaining core strength. Individual attention is offered to help you achieve your goals based on your birth recovery experience. Babies from six weeks to six months are welcome and included in class as appropriate.
Saturday, November 22
10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$20 drop in
Registration is required.
Learn the essentials for labor, birth, breastfeeding, postpartum and baby care in six weeks. Includes tour of the Family Birthing Center.
Mondays, December 1 – January 5
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom
$175 per couple
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, December 3 & December 10
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Family Birthing Center at Manchester Memorial Hospital
$50/couple
Registration is required.
Learn the essentials for labor, birth, breastfeeding, postpartum and baby care. Includes tour of the Family Birthing Center.
Friday, December 5 & Saturday, December 6
Friday, December 12 & Saturday, December 13
Fridays 6 – 9 p.m., Saturdays 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Family Birthing Center at Manchester Memorial Hospital
$175/couple
Registration is required.
We are excited to launch a new prenatal exercise class designed for expectant mothers, taught by an A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness Instructor and experienced Childbirth Educator and Birth Doula. Classes will include a warm-up, pregnancy-specific exercises, low-impact cardio workout, circuit and strength training, stretching and relaxation techniques.
Medical clearance is required.
Saturday, December 6
8:45 – 9:45 a.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$20 drop-in
Registration is required.
A postpartum exercise class designed for moms and babies, taught by an A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness Instructor and experienced Childbirth Educator and Birth Doula. Classes include cardio and strength exercises with an emphasis on regaining core strength. Individual attention is offered to help you achieve your goals based on your birth recovery experience. Babies from six weeks to six months are welcome and included in class as appropriate.
Saturday, December 6
10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$20 drop in
Registration is required.
Learn the essentials for labor, birth, breastfeeding, postpartum and baby care in six weeks. Includes tour of the Family Birthing Center.
Mondays, December 8 – January 19
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Family Birthing Center at Manchester Memorial Hospital
$175 per couple
Registration is required.
Get off to a good start with breastfeeding and learn what to expect in the first few weeks.
Friday, December 12
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Family Birthing Center at Manchester Memorial Hospital
$35/couple
Registration is required.
We are excited to launch a new prenatal exercise class designed for expectant mothers, taught by an A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness Instructor and experienced Childbirth Educator and Birth Doula. Classes will include a warm-up, pregnancy-specific exercises, low-impact cardio workout, circuit and strength training, stretching and relaxation techniques.
Medical clearance is required.
Saturday, December 13
8:45 – 9:45 a.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$20 drop-in
Registration is required.
A postpartum exercise class designed for moms and babies, taught by an A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness Instructor and experienced Childbirth Educator and Birth Doula. Classes include cardio and strength exercises with an emphasis on regaining core strength. Individual attention is offered to help you achieve your goals based on your birth recovery experience. Babies from six weeks to six months are welcome and included in class as appropriate.
Saturday, December 13
10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$20 drop in
Registration is required.
This class is specially designed for couples who are expecting (up to 25 weeks) or are hoping to become pregnant in the near future. Taught by our Certified Childbirth Educators, this class will help you have the healthiest and safest pregnancy possible.
Wednesday, December 17
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom
Free
Registration is required.
For children ages two to ten, whose parents are expecting another baby, to help them understand their roles as big brothers and big sisters. This class also gets them familiar with The Family Birthing Center. Parents are welcome/encouraged to attend with their little ones free of charge.
Friday, December 19
6 – 7 p.m.
Family Birthing Center at Manchester Memorial Hospital
$15/child; $35/family with 3 or more children
Registration is required.
We are excited to launch a new prenatal exercise class designed for expectant mothers, taught by an A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness Instructor and experienced Childbirth Educator and Birth Doula. Classes will include a warm-up, pregnancy-specific exercises, low-impact cardio workout, circuit and strength training, stretching and relaxation techniques.
Medical clearance is required.
Saturday, December 20
8:45 – 9:45 a.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$20 drop-in
Registration is required.
Please see email for specific dates and class information. **Must have a medical clearance form signed by your doctor's office. Please call Perinatal Education 860-647-4790 or email lsembersky@e...
Wednesday, December 31
6:00pm - 8:30pm
Virtual Via Zoom
$40.00
Please see email for specific dates and class information. *Class Fee is per couple: 1 ticket = 1 couple Please call Perinatal Education 860-647-4790 or email lsembersky@echn.org for more inform...
Wednesday, December 31
6:00pm - 8:30pm
Virtual Via Zoom
$105.00
This class will run 4 Saturdays: January 17, 24, 31 and February 7th from 8:45 - 9:45am We are excited to launch a new prenatal exercise class designed for expectant mothers. Taught by an A.C.E. Ce...
Saturday, January 17
8:45am - 9:45am
Manchester Memorial Hospital, Conference Room E/F
$65.00
This class series will run 4 Saturdays: January 17, 24, 31 and February 7th from 10:15-11:15 A postpartum exercise class designed for moms and babies. Classes include cardio and strength exercise...
Saturday, January 17
10:15am - 11:15am
Manchester Memorial Hospital, Conference Room E/F
$65.00
Class runs every Monday virtually via Zoom from January 19 - February 23 This Class covers all the essentials for preparing for the labor and birth of your baby in six weeks. Topics include: stages...
Monday, January 19
6:00pm - 8:30pm
Virtual Via Zoom
$175.00
This class held Saturday January 24 from 8:45 am - 9:45 am. We are excited to launch a new prenatal exercise class designed for expectant mothers. Taught by an A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness Instru...
Saturday, January 24
8:45am - 9:45am
Manchester Memorial Hospital, Conference Room E/F
$20.00
This class held Saturday January 31 from 8:45 am - 9:45 am. We are excited to launch a new prenatal exercise class designed for expectant mothers. Taught by an A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness Instru...
Saturday, January 31
8:45am - 9:45am
Manchester Memorial Hospital, Conference Room E/F
$20.00
This class held Saturday February 7 from 8:45 am - 9:45 am. We are excited to launch a new prenatal exercise class designed for expectant mothers. Taught by an A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness Instru...
Saturday, February 7
8:45am - 9:45am
Manchester Memorial Hospital, Conference Room E/F
$20.00
Includes the following classes: 1. Weekend Childbirth Education – Just Labor and Birth Friday 2/13/26 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm and Saturday 2/14/26 from 9:30 - 3:00 pm. Designed for expectant parents...
Friday, February 13
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$175.00
This class explains the advantages of nursing, breastfeeding techniques and positions, breast milk expression and storage, ways to prevent common problems, handling the first few weeks at home and mor...
Friday, February 20
6:00pm - 8:30pm
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$35.00
This class held Saturday February 21 from 8:45 am - 9:45 am. We are excited to launch a new prenatal exercise class designed for expectant mothers. Taught by an A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness Instr...
Saturday, February 21
8:45am - 9:45am
Manchester Memorial Hospital, Conference Room E/F
$20.00
This class will run 4 Saturdays: February 21, 28, and March 7, 14 from 8:45 - 9:45am We are excited to launch a new prenatal exercise class designed for expectant mothers. Taught by an A.C.E. Certi...
Saturday, February 21
8:45am - 9:45am
Manchester Memorial Hospital, Conference Room E/F
$65.00
A one hour program for children ages 2 - 10 whose parents are expecting another baby. This class helps older children understand their roles as big brothers and big sisters and gets them familiar with...
Saturday, March 7
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$15.00
This class explains the advantages of nursing, breastfeeding techniques and positions, breast milk expression and storage, ways to prevent common problems, handling the first few weeks at home and mor...
Wednesday, April 1
6:00pm - 8:30pm
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$35.00
A one hour program for children ages 2 - 10 whose parents are expecting another baby. This class helps older children understand their roles as big brothers and big sisters and gets them familiar with...
Saturday, April 11
9:00am - 10:00am
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$15.00
Class runs every Monday virtually via Zoom from April 13th to May 18th 2026 This Class covers all the essentials for preparing for the labor and birth of your baby in six weeks. Topics include: sta...
Monday, April 13
6:00pm - 8:30pm
Virtual Via Zoom
$175.00
Includes the following classes: 1. Weekend Childbirth Education – Just Labor and Birth Friday 4/24/26 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm and Saturday 4/25/26 from 9:30 - 3:00 pm. Designed for expectant parents...
Friday, April 24
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$175.00
This class explains the advantages of nursing, breastfeeding techniques and positions, breast milk expression and storage, ways to prevent common problems, handling the first few weeks at home and mor...
Friday, May 1
6:00pm - 8:30pm
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$35.00
Every month, we offer FREE in-person tours of the Family Birthing Center to help expectant parents become familiar with our facility.
Spaces fill quickly. Registration is required.
This is a weekly informal drop-in support group for new moms and babies six months and younger. A Family Birthing Center staff member usually facilitates the group.
Tuesdays, 10 – 11 a.m.
Family Birthing Center at Manchester Memorial Hospital
Free
This is a drop-in class, so registration is not required.
For more information, call the Perinatal Education Office at 860.647.4790.
The Maternity Care & Family Planning Center at Rockville General Hospital provides prenatal and postpartum care for women, whether uninsured or 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. 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 families and children from birth to age three, as well as pregnant women and their partners 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 to all families with a focus on school readiness and helping families achieve their goals.
For more information and/or to enroll, contact Brandi Hernandez.
P: 860.682.2681
E: bhernandez@echn.org
This program serves children from birth to age six, 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, contact Nichole Herman:
860.247.8795
nherman@echn.org
Attention 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.
P: 860.266.0126
E: 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 two to five years old. Family Child Care Providers are also welcome and encouraged to attend with the children in their care. Playgroups run in 6-week sessions and are hosted in partnership with the Vernon Family School Community Partnerships office.
Registration is required.
For more information, program schedules, locations or to enroll, contact Randy-Lynn Schuman.
P: 860.335.6954
E: rschuman@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.
Outdoor/Indoor Playgroups
Wednesdays 9:15 – 10:15 a.m.
Waddell Elementary School, Manchester
To register, contact Shelley-Ann Matthews.
P: 860.463.8197
E: smatthew@echn.org
This program offers supportive services to teen parents, their partners or at-risk youth in the Manchester school system to ensure they graduate from high school while developing successful parenting skills. STEPP provides one-on-one coaching, mentoring, case management, in-school visitation, workshops and group peer sessions. STEPP also provides in-person home visits, playgroups, teen workshops (basic money skills and self-love), connection to resources and family engagement opportunities.
For more information and/or to enroll contact Whitley Mingo at
wmingo@echn.org