Support and Educational Resources (Maternity)

To help prepare for the exciting adventures of pregnancy and childbirth, and to  help new parents care for their children and develop stronger parenting skills, ECHN's Family Birthing Center offers a wide variety of education and parenting programs before and after delivery.

Classes are open to all prospective parents, regardless of whether or not you plan to deliver at Manchester Memorial Hospital. All of our instructors are certified in their specialties. All classes are held at the Family Birthing Center at Manchester Memorial Hospital unless otherwise indicated.

View our Available Classes and Programs >

Early Pregnancy Class

Congratulations on your pregnancy! You must have so many questions. This class is recommended for couples up to 25 weeks, and it covers all of the basics for a healthy pregnancy. Our certified educators are there to help you navigate through those first few months with evidence-based information and a solid knowledge of what to expect as you move through your pregnancy. There is no fee for this class, but registration is required.

Fit for Delivery

This prenatal exercise class is designed for expectant mothers. Taught by certified perinatal fitness specialists, classes include low-impact cardio training, strength exercise, stretching and relaxation techniques. Benefits of exercise during pregnancy include:

• Faster postpartum recovery
• Increased strength, stamina and energy
• Less pregnancy-related back pain and improved posture
• Relief of common pregnancy discomforts
• Relief of daily stress and tension

Childbirth Education Classes

To help prepare for the exciting adventures of pregnancy, childbirth and parenting, ECHN offers a wide variety of birthing classes to help expecting parents prepare for the journey through pregnancy, childbirth and parenting.

Breastfeeding Class

Taught by a board-certified lactation consultant, this class discusses the advantages of nursing, breastfeeding techniques and positions, breast milk expression and storage, what to expect during the first few weeks at home and more.

Postpartum & Baby Care Class

Learn how to make the first few weeks with your newborn easier. Understand what to expect with your recovery during the postpartum period. Hear advice from experienced parents through a Q & A session.  Learn hands on techniques for diapering, swaddling, bathing and so much more.  

Childbirth Class Refresher

An interactive class that teaches hands on coping and comfort skills for Labor and Birth. Perfect for parents who have completed another basic childbirth class or who have had a baby before.

Expectant Grandparent Class

Expectant Grandparents will learn what is new with birthing practices, baby care, infant feeding and safety plus learn practical tips on how to best support the new family.

Breastfeeding Peer Mentor Program

This program offers one - to - one, mother - to - mother support to help new mothers reach their breastfeeding goals by providing information and encouragement.

Fit after Delivery

This baby-friendly postpartum exercise class is designed for new moms and their babies up to 6 months old. Taught by a certified perinatal fitness specialist, this class is a welcoming environment where mothers can work on their fitness levels at a comfortable pace and with the new demands of motherhood in mind.

New Mother’s Group

Designed to help mothers with infants up to 6 months old as they adjust to parenting, the New Mother’s Group provides a supportive environment to explore different parenting options and receive answers regarding infant feeding and behaviors. It is also a great way to meet other new mothers in the area.

No registration is required. This free group meets in Manchester every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. in the Family Birthing Center Education Room just outside of the Family Birthing Center on the first floor of the Ambulatory Services Center located at 4 Guard Street.