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 essentials for labor, birth, breastfeeding, and baby care in six weeks.
Mondays, Oct. 2 – Nov. 6
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Live Webinar (Zoom) and In-Person at Manchester Memorial Hospital
$145 per couple
Get off to a good start with breastfeeding and learn what to expect in the first few weeks.
Wednesday, October 4
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Live Webinar (Zoom)
$35 per couple
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, October 11
7 – 8:30 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$25 per couple
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, November 1 & 8
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Live Webinar (Zoom) and In-Person at Manchester Memorial Hospital
$35 per couple
Learn the essentials for labor, birth, breastfeeding, and baby care in six weeks.
Tuesdays, Oct. 17 – Nov. 21
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Live Webinar (Zoom) and In-Person at Manchester Memorial Hospital
$145 per couple
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, September 6
6 – 8 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$25 per couple
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, October 25
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$15 per person
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, October 25
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$25 per couple
Learn the essentials for labor, birth, breastfeeding, postpartum and baby care.
Friday, Oct. 27, Saturday, Oct. 28 & Wednesdays Nov. 1 – 15
Friday 6 – 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. & Wednesdays 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Live Webinar (Zoom) and In-Person at Manchester Memorial Hospital
$145 per couple
Learn the essentials for labor and birth in just one weekend.
Friday, Oct. 27 & Saturday, Oct. 28
Friday 6 – 9 p.m. & Saturday 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$95 per couple
Learn the essentials for labor and birth in just one weekend.
Friday, Oct. 27 & Saturday, Oct. 28
Friday 6 – 9 p.m. & Saturday 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$95 per couple
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, November 1 & 8
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Live Webinar (Zoom) and In-Person at Manchester Memorial Hospital
$35 per couple
Learn the essentials for labor, birth, breastfeeding, and baby care in six weeks.
Thursdays, Nov. 2 – Dec. 14
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Live Webinar (Zoom)
$145 per couple
This class is for couples up to 25 weeks pregnant. Learn what to expect during pregnancy and how to have the healthiest pregnancy you can!
Friday, November 3
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Live Webinar (Zoom)
Free. Pre-registration required.
Learn the essentials for labor, birth, breastfeeding, and baby care in six weeks.
Mondays, Nov. 13 – Dec. 18
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Live Webinar (Zoom) and In-Person at Manchester Memorial Hospital
$145 per couple
Get off to a good start with breastfeeding and learn what to expect in the first few weeks.
Wednesday, November 15
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Live Webinar (Zoom)
$35 per couple
Learn the essentials for labor, birth, breastfeeding, postpartum and baby care.
Friday, Dec. 1, Saturday, Dec. 2 & Wednesdays Dec. 13 – 27
Friday 6 – 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. & Wednesdays 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Live Webinar (Zoom) and In-Person at Manchester Memorial Hospital
$145 per couple
Learn the essentials for labor and birth in just one weekend.
Friday, Dec. 1 & Saturday, Dec. 2
Friday 6 – 9 p.m. & Saturday 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital
$95 per couple
Learn the essentials for labor, birth, breastfeeding, and baby care in six weeks.
Tuesdays, May 16 – Jun. 20
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Live Webinar (Zoom)
$145 per couple
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, December 6
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Live Webinar (Zoom)
$15 per person
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, December 6
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Live Webinar (Zoom)
$25 per couple
Here’s the solution for parents who want the information but can’t fit the classes into their schedules, or for moms on bed rest. From any device, access these self-paced online classes to learn 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.
$90 for 9-month access
Call 860.647.4790 for more information or to register.
This ongoing prenatal exercise class helps moms feel better during pregnancy with improved muscle tone, energy, posture and so much more. Designed for all fitness levels. Medical clearance is required.
Tuesdays
6 – 7 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom
$25.00 per month / $8 per drop-in class
Call 860.647.4790 for more information or to register.
A postpartum exercise class designed for mom and baby (age four weeks to crawling). This class is designed specially to help mom recover from pregnancy and birth at her own pace.
$35 per 4-week session
Call 860.647.4790 for information on class dates & times.
Learn the many benefits of infant massage (age six weeks to crawling) in this hands-on mom and baby class.
$50 per 4-week session
Call 860.647.4790 for information on class dates & times.
An informal support group for moms and babies (up to 6 months old). Facilitated by Family Birthing Center staff who is also a Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). All feeding choices are supported.
Tuesdays
10 – 11 p.m.
Manchester Memorial Hospital, Education Room
Free. No registration is required.
Call 860.647.4790 for more information.
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 learning activities.
Weekly home visits, literacy-based playgroups, parent support groups and nutrition classes are offered to all families with the highest health and safety precautions.
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:
860.508.1554
jhoulder@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