The Bradley Method® Classes for Natural Childbirth
2026-04-07 18:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | John A. DeQuattro Cancer Center, Conference Room A, 100 Haynes Street, Manchester, CT, 06040, United States
This 8-week session runs on Tuesdays April 7, 2026 – May 26, 2026, 6-8:30pm
The Bradley Method® teaches natural childbirth and views birth as a natural process. The focus and belief is that most women with proper education, preparation, and the help of a loving and supportive coach can be taught to give birth naturally. 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.
For more information: https://www.bradleybirth.com/
This 8-class series is taught by a certified Bradley Method® Instructor with more than 15 years experience.
(Class Fee includes the $25.00 materials and The Bradley Method® registration fee)
*Class Fee is per couple: 1 ticket = 1 couple
After registration, you will receive an email confirmation with additional details.
Please call Perinatal Education 860-647-4790 or email lsembersky@echn.org for more information or if you have any questions.

Postpartum & Baby Care Classes
2026-04-08 18:00 - 20:30 | Manchester Memorial Hospital, 71 Haynes Street, Manchester, CT, 06040, United States
This is a two week series: Wednesdays 4/8/26 & 4/15/26 from 6:00 – 8:30 pm
For expectant parents who wish that babies came with an owner’s manual, this class covers diapering, bathing, crying, safety and many other details of newborn care plus postpartum self-care and adjustment to make a smoother transition into parenthood. Hands on instruction will ease you through the first days and nights at home with your baby.
Class fee is per couple: 1 seat = 1 couple
After registration, you will receive an email confirmation with dates and times of the classes. Directions with parking information are also included.
Please call Perinatal Education 860-647-4790 or email lsembersky@echn.org for more information or if you have any questions.

Prepared Childbirth Education – The Six Week Series
2026-04-09 18:00 - 20:30 | Manchester Memorial Hospital, 71 Haynes Street, Manchester, CT, 06040, United States
Class runs every Thursday from April 9th, 2026 – May 14th, 2026
This Class covers all the essentials for preparing for the labor and birth of your baby in six weeks.
Topics include stages of labor, relaxation and breathing techniques, comfort measures, positioning for labor, partner’s role, analgesia, anesthesia, cesarean birth, postpartum adjustment, breastfeeding, newborn care, and much more. We recommend you complete classes approximately 2 – 6 weeks before your due date. Class is limited to 6 couples.
For your convenience, a tour of the Family Birthing Center will be offered after one of these classes.
*Class Fee is per couple: 1 ticket = 1 couple
After registration, you will receive an email confirmation with additional details.
Please call Perinatal Education 860-647-4790 or email lsembersky@echn.org if you have any questions.

~POP UP~ Family Birthing Center Tour - 2 people
2026-04-10 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-01 13:00 - 15:00 | Manchester Memorial Hospital, 71 Haynes Street, Manchester, CT, 06040, United States
Family Birthing Center Tours are available by registration only. Tours are limited to expectant parents (Pregnant parent plus one additional partner only). Absolutely no children or walk ins allowed. (1 ticket = 2 people).
A confirmation with additional information will be sent via email.
Plan to arrive 10 – 15 minutes prior to your tour time to check in with security.
Select only one ticket per couple.
Please call Perinatal Education 860-647-4790 or email lsembersky@echn.org for more information or if you have any questions.

Just for You! Sibling Class & Tour
2026-04-11 09:00 - 10:00 | Manchester Memorial Hospital, 71 Haynes Street, Manchester, CT, 06040, United States
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 The Family Birthing Center. Parents are encouraged to attend with their little ones.
An age appropriate Family Birthing Center Tour is included in this class.
**Fee for families with 3 or more children is $35.00 – please call 860-647-4790 for this special rate.
Note: Within 1 week of registration, you will receive an email confirmation with dates and times of the classes. Directions with parking information are also included.
Please call Perinatal Education 860-647-4790 or email lsembersky@echn.org for more information or if you have any questions.

Cancelled- Positioned for Birth
2026-04-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Manchester Memorial Hospital, Conference Rooms B & C, 71 Haynes Street, Manchester, CT, 06040, United States
A Master Class in Labor Positioning
Join us in this interactive class, designed to help expectant parents learn effective labor positions that encourage comfort, progress, and optimal baby positioning. This focused session empowers you with practical tools and techniques to support a smoother birth experience.
Limited to 8 couples.
This class will be held in the Manchester Hospital conference rooms ABC and includes a light refreshments.
Note: you will receive an email confirmation with dates and additional information.
Please contact Lauren in Perinatal Education at lsembersky@echn.org for more information or if you have any questions.
Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.

Bradley Method Refresher
2026-04-11 10:30 - 13:30 | John A. DeQuattro Cancer Center, Conference Room A, 100 Haynes Street, Manchester, CT, 06040, United States
If you have already taken the Bradley Series and would just like a refresher, please join us!
Our next Bradley series starts April 7.
Limited to 8 couples.
After registration, you will receive an email confirmation with dates and additional information.
Please call Perinatal Education 860-647-4790 or email lsembersky@echn.org for more information or if you have any questions.
Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.

Unless I'm at a Birth - Doula Education
2026-04-12 13:30 - 15:00 | Manchester Memorial Hospital, 71 Haynes Street, Manchester, CT, 06040, United States
The Doula and the Nurse
Join Manchester Hospital Preferred Doula’s new series, Unless I’m at a Birth, for a variety of CEU and educational programs designed for the new and experienced doula.
Join us for this round table discussion between several of Manchester’s Preferred Doulas and Family Birthing Center Nurses. We will share perspectives, strengthen collaboration, and explore how we can better support birthing families. Our goal is to highlight what is working, identify gaps, and discuss approaches that improve communication, patient experience, and continuity of care.
This course is eligible for 1.5 CEUs through ICEA.
An email with additional information will follow registration.

Meet the Doula
2026-04-12 15:00 - 15:30
What is a doula?
Could a doula benefit you at your baby’s birth?
Do you want more information about hiring a doula?
Join the Preferred Doulas for this informal meeting. You will learn about what hiring a doula entails, how a doula is beneficial at every birth, and have your questions answered by several of the doulas on our team.
Use the entrance at 71 Haynes Street and proceed to security for directions to the Education Room outside of the Family Birthing Center.
Please register so we know how many people to expect, there is no obligation. You are encouraged to contract with a doula as early as possible to create a trusting relationship, however there is no such thing as too late, if there is availability.
This event will occur monthly, stay tuned for future dates.

New Mothers' Group
2026-04-14 10:00 - 23:00, 2026-04-21 10:00 - 23:00, 2026-04-28 10:00 - 23:00, 2026-05-05 10:00 - 23:00 | Manchester Memorial Hospital, 71 Haynes Street, Manchester, CT, 06040, United States
If you have a baby six months and younger and want to get out to spend time with other new Moms, please join us for an informal support group on Tuesday mornings.
Registration is not required – this is a drop-in group.
Time: 10 – 11 am
The group is usually facilitated by an FBC staff member who is also a Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) but all feeding choices are supported.
If you have any questions, please email Perinatal Education Coordinator, Lauren Sembersky: lsembersky@echn.org or call 860-647-4790.
Location: Manchester Hospital Family Birthing Center Education Room
71 Haynes Street
Manchester, CT 06040
*Directions to FBC Lobby: From Main Street in Manchester take Haynes Street toward the hospital. Before you reach the main entrance of the hospital, take the first right onto Guard Street toward the Ambulatory Service Center (ASC). The ASC is the 2nd building on the left. Parking is available in the parking lot at the very end of Guard Street. Enter the hospital through the ASC entrance and check in with security (ID required). Take the stairs or elevator on your left to the first floor (press #1 – it is the 3rd level of the ASC). The lobby is right off the elevator is outside the entrance into the Family Birthing Center.

Food Is Medicine Series - Session 2: Carbohydrates
2026-04-14 12:00 - 2027-04-14 13:00 | Virtual Via Zoom
Join Sarah Khan, MS, RD in the Food is Medicine series to learn how everyday foods can support your health from the inside out. Each week focuses on a different nutrient group and how it fuels your body, supports disease prevention, and fits into a balanced lifestyle.
Session Dates and Topics:
Please register for each session separately. This registration is for Session 2.
Session 1: April 7 – Vitamins & Minerals: Discover how micronutrients power your energy, immunity, and longevity.
Session 2: April 14 – Carbohydrates: Learn about carbs and fiber and understand how to balance carbs.
Session 3: April 21 – Proteins: Learn how much protein you really need and the best sources for strength and satiety.
Session 4: April 28 – Fats: Explore healthy fats, decoding labels, and how to build heart-smart meals.
Each session includes practical tips, meal ideas, and time for Q&A.
Day and Time: Tuesdays, 12:00-1:00 PM
Fee: Free
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Pre-registration is required.

Working Together to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes: Resources and Information
2026-04-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
Interested in learning how to incorporate healthy lifestyle changes into your daily routine to avoid, prevent or delay Type 2 Diabetes? Join a trained Lifestyle Coach for a discussion on how to help prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 Diabetes and other chronic conditions.  You will also learn about resources the Center for Healthy Living has available to you to prevent Type 2 Diabetes, lose weight, be more physically active and other things with the help of a lifestyle coach.
*Please Note: This session is NOT for those who have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.
Fee: FREE
April 16
12-1:00 pm
Virtual via Zoom
Registration is required.

Cancelled - Expectant Grandparent Class – 1 Person (Virtual)
2026-04-16 18:00 - 20:30 | Virtual Event
This class gives expectant grandparents the opportunity to learn how to best support the new family. Talk with other grandparents about your expectations, joys and concerns. Learn what has changed and why in regards to birthing practices, baby care, infant feeding and safety. Refresh your baby care skills with some hands on learning too! The class is taught by an RN Childbirth Educator who is a grandmother herself.
This class will be held virtually via Teams.
This fee is for one person see calendar for couple option
Please call Perinatal Education 860-647-4790 or email lsembersky@echn.org for more information of if you have any questions.

Diabetes and Stress (Sweet Talk Support Group)
2026-04-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Miller Building, Manchester Memorial Hospital, 75 Haynes Road, Manchester, CT
“Sweet Talk” is a support group for people with diabetes and prediabetes. The group meets regularly on the third Tuesday of the month from 12-1 PM at Manchester Memorial Hospital located at 71 Haynes Street, Manchester CT. Please join us and network with other people with diabetes. Feel free to bring a friend or caretaker. If you have any questions, please call 860-647-6824.
Managing diabetes can be stressful—but you don’t have to face it alone. Maria Cortez, LCSW, will discuss the emotional side of diabetes and share effective coping strategies to reduce stress, build resilience, and support your mental well-being.

Food Is Medicine Series - Session 3: Proteins
2026-04-21 12:00 - 2027-04-21 13:00 | Virtual Via Zoom
Join Sarah Khan, MS, RD in the Food is Medicine series to learn how everyday foods can support your health from the inside out. Each week focuses on a different nutrient group and how it fuels your body, supports disease prevention, and fits into a balanced lifestyle.
Session Dates and Topics:
Please register for each session separately. This registration is for Session 3.
Session 1: April 7 – Vitamins & Minerals: Discover how micronutrients power your energy, immunity, and longevity.
Session 2: April 14 – Carbohydrates: Learn about carbs and fiber and understand how to balance carbs.
Session 3: April 21 – Proteins: Learn how much protein you really need and the best sources for strength and satiety.
Session 4: April 28 – Fats: Explore healthy fats, decoding labels, and how to build heart-smart meals.
Each session includes practical tips, meal ideas, and time for Q&A.
Day and Time: Tuesdays, 12:00-1:00 PM
Fee: Free
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Pre-registration is required.

Family Birthing Center Tour - 2 people
2026-04-22 16:30 - 19:00 | Manchester Memorial Hospital, 71 Haynes Street, Manchester, CT, 06040, United States
Family Birthing Center Tours are available by registration only. Tours are limited to expectant parents (Pregnant parent plus one additional partner only). Absolutely no children or walk ins allowed. (1 ticket = 2 people).
A confirmation with additional information will be sent via email.
Plan to arrive 10 – 15 minutes prior to your tour time to check in with security.
Select only one ticket per couple.
Please call Perinatal Education 860-647-4790 or email lsembersky@echn.org for more information or if you have any questions.
The next Family Birthing Center Tour is Saturday May 23, 2025.
Our unofficial video tour:

Weekend Childbirth Education – Just Labor and Birth
2026-04-24 18:00 - 21:00 | Manchester Memorial Hospital, 71 Haynes Street, Manchester, CT, 06040, United States
Class meets Friday 4/24/26 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm and Saturday 4/25/26 from 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
Designed for expectant parents with tight schedules. This two-session series of classes includes all the vital components to prepare you for labor and birth.
*Class Fee is per couple: 1 ticket = 1 couple
Class does not include Breastfeeding or Postpartum & Baby Care. See: “Weekend & Wednesdays” to sign up for the complete series including these classes on specific Wednesday evenings: $175.00
After registration, you will receive an email confirmation with additional details.
Please call Perinatal Education 860-647-4790 or email lsembersky@echn.org for more information or if you have any questions.

Prepared Childbirth Education – The All Weekend Series
2026-04-24 18:00 - 21:00 | Manchester Memorial Hospital, 71 Haynes Street, Manchester, CT, 06040, United States
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 with tight schedules. This two-session series of classes includes all the vital components to prepare you for labor and birth.
2. Breastfeeding for the Pregnant Couple – Friday 5/1/26 from 6:00 – 8:30 pm. 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 more. Fathers and support persons are encouraged to attend. Taught by our Certified Lactation Consultants. Breastfeeding book provided with class.
3. Postpartum and Baby Care Classes – Saturday 5/2/26 from 9:30 am- 3:00 pm For expectant parents who wish that babies came with an owner’s manual, this class covers diapering, bathing, crying, safety and many other details of newborn care and postpartum expectations. Hands on instruction will ease you through the first days and nights at home with baby.
After registration, you will receive an email confirmation with additional details.
*Class Fee is per couple: 1 ticket = 1 couple
Please call Perinatal Education 860-647-4790 or email lsembersky@echn.org for more information or if you have any questions.

Bump, Baby & Me Fitness
2026-04-25 09:00 - 10:00 | Manchester Memorial Hospital, Conference Rooms B & C, 71 Haynes Street, Manchester, CT, 06040, United States
Join us for a gentle exercise class designed for pregnant and newly postpartum parents. Taught by an A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness Instructor and experienced Childbirth Educator and Birth Doula. Classes will include a warmup, low impact cardio workout, circuit and strength training, stretching and relaxation techniques. Individual attention is offered to help participants achieve their goals. Enjoy the added benefit of meeting other moms and receiving parenting support too!
Benefits of exercise during pregnancy and postpartum include:
• Increased strength, stamina and energy
• Less pregnancy-related back pain and improved posture
• Relief of common pregnancy discomforts
• Relief of daily stress and tension
• Faster postpartum recovery
No exercise experience is necessary. Exercises can be modified based on individual needs.
Prenatal patients: Medical clearance is required so ask your Doctor or Midwife to write a note saying it’s OK to exercise and either email it to lsembersky@echn.org or bring it with you to the first class. We are sorry but without a note, you will not be allowed to participate.
Please call Perinatal Education 860-647-4790 or email lsembersky@echn.org for more information or if you have any questions.
You will receive an email with additional information including what to bring, directions and parking information.
Six-week package is $100.00 – Drop-in option is $20 per class

New Parents' Group
2026-04-25 11:30 - 12:30 | Manchester Memorial Hospital, 71 Haynes Street, Manchester, CT, 06040, United States
If you have a baby six months and younger and want to get out to spend time with other new PARENTS, please join us for an informal support group on Saturday mornings.
Registration is not required – this is a drop-in group.
Time: 11:00 am -12:00 pm
The group is facilitated by an FBC staff member.
If you have any questions, please email Perinatal Education Coordinator, Lauren Sembersky: lsembersky@echn.org or call 860-647-4790.
Location: Conference Room E & F
71 Haynes Street
Manchester, CT 06040
*Directions: Park in the visitors’ parking lot across the street from the main entrance of the hospital on Haynes Street. Enter the hospital through the main lobby. Check in with Security to obtain a visitor sticker. Head down the hallway to the left past the gift shop. Take the stairs or elevator on your left down to the B level; turn right. The entrance to the conference rooms is the last door on the left.

Food Is Medicine Series - Session 4: Fats
2026-04-28 12:00 - 2027-04-28 13:00 | Virtual Via Zoom
Join Sarah Khan, MS, RD in the Food is Medicine series to learn how everyday foods can support your health from the inside out. Each week focuses on a different nutrient group and how it fuels your body, supports disease prevention, and fits into a balanced lifestyle.
Session Dates and Topics:
Please register for each session separately. This registration is for Session 4.
Session 1: April 7 – Vitamins & Minerals: Discover how micronutrients power your energy, immunity, and longevity.
Session 2: April 14 – Carbohydrates: Learn about carbs and fiber and understand how to balance carbs.
Session 3: April 21 – Proteins: Learn how much protein you really need and the best sources for strength and satiety.
Session 4: April 28 – Fats: Explore healthy fats, decoding labels, and how to build heart-smart meals.
Each session includes practical tips, meal ideas, and time for Q&A.
Day and Time: Tuesdays, 12:00-1:00 PM
Fee: Free
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Pre-registration is required.

Breastfeeding for the Pregnant Couple
2026-05-01 18:00 - 20:30 | Manchester Memorial Hospital, 71 Haynes Street, Manchester, CT, 06040, United States
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 more. Fathers and support persons are encouraged to attend. Taught by our Certified Lactation Consultants. Breastfeeding book provided with class.
*Class Fee is per couple: 1 ticket = 1 couple
After registration, you will receive an email confirmation with additional details.
Please call Perinatal Education 860-647-4790 or email lsembersky@echn.org if you have any questions.

Bump, Baby & Me Fitness
2026-05-02 09:00 - 10:00 | John A. DeQuattro Cancer Center, Conference Room A, 100 Haynes Street, Manchester, CT, 06040, United States

Postpartum & Baby Care Classes
2026-05-02 09:30 - 15:00 | Manchester Memorial Hospital, 71 Haynes Street, Manchester, CT, 06040, United States
For expectant parents who wish that babies came with an owner’s manual, this class covers diapering, bathing, crying, safety and many other details of newborn care plus postpartum self-care and adjustment to make a smoother transition to parenthood. Hands on instruction will ease you through the first days and nights at home with your baby.
This 2 session class runs Saturday, 5/2/26 from 9:30 am – 3:00 pm. Morning session is Postpartum Care and Afternoon Session is Baby Care. There will be a 30 minute lunch break from 12:00 – 12:30 pm. Lunch is available for purchase in the cafeteria or bring lunch with you.
Class fee is per couple: 1 seat = 1 couple
After registration, you will receive an email confirmation with additional details.
Please call Perinatal Education 860-647-4790 or email lsembersky@echn.org if you have any questions.

Unless I'm at a Birth - Doula Education
2026-05-03 13:00 - 15:00 | Manchester Memorial Hospital, 71 Haynes Street, Manchester, CT, 06040, United States
The Doula’s Role in early breastfeeding
Join Manchester Hospital Preferred Doula’s new series, Unless I’m at a Birth, for a variety of CEU and educational programs designed for the new and experienced doula.
This session will explore the doulas’ role in supporting early breastfeeding. Learn about breastmilk production and what to expect in the baby’s first hour.
This course is eligible for 1.5 CEUs through ICEA.
An email with additional information will follow registration.

Early Pregnancy Class
2026-05-04 18:00 - 20:30 | Manchester Memorial Hospital, 71 Haynes Street, Manchester, CT, 06040, United States
This class is specially designed for couples who recently found out they are pregnant (up to 25 weeks) or are hoping to become pregnant in the near future.
This class, taught by our Certified Childbirth Educators, will help you to have the healthiest and safest pregnancy possible. We can answer your questions about Nutrition, Safe Exercise, Relieving Pregnancy Discomforts, Fetal Development, Warning Signs and lots more. This class is only open to 8 couples.
NOTE: You will receive a confirmation email with additional details after registration.
Class registration is per couple. 1 ticket = 1 couple
Please call Perinatal Education 860-647-4790 or email lsembersky@echn.org for more information or if you have any questions.
Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.
