Childbirth Classes and Parent Support

Childbirth Classes

Childbirth education classes help prepare expectant parents for the birth of their baby. They are a place to ask questions, gather information and learn from other pregnant mothers. In general, the best time to take a childbirth class is at the beginning of your third trimester.

With childbirth classes you can:

• Learn what happens to your body during labor.
• Learn how to relax and cope with pain during birth.
• Attend classes with a partner (your baby’s father, a friend or relative) who will be with you when you give birth. Your partner will learn how to provide support during your labor.
  

To find a childbirth class in your area, call the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.

If you would like additional support during labor, consider having a doula (doo-la). A doula is someone who is trained to support women during childbirth. A doula helps you cope with pain and gives emotional support.

Read more about doulas at www.pals-doulas.org or www.dona.org/mothers.

• To find a low-cost doula visit Open Arms.

Parent Support

Getting together with other new moms or parents, after you have your baby, is a great help – especially if you are feeling lonely, isolated or overwhelmed. It is a place to share stories and concerns about your baby and discuss things like crying, sleeping, baby care and taking care of yourself. Some communities have special support groups for single parents or teen parents.

Parent Support Resources:

• Parent Trust – Education and support services for families throughout Washington State. To learn more visit the website or call the Family Help Line at 1-800-932-4673.

• Program for Early Parent Support (PEPS) – Support groups in King and Snohomish Counties for parents of newborns and second children. To learn more visit their website or call 206-547-8570.

• Parent Place – Search for parent support groups in Snohomish County.

• Skamania Klickitat Community Network – Information and support for parents living in Skamania and Klickitat County. It provides parenting information available throughout the region including local classes and activities for parents. To learn more call 1-866-631-1997.

• The Fathers Network – Provides male peer support, resources and education, father-child interaction sessions, and family social occasions in King County. The focus is helping fathers become more competent and compassionate caregivers for their children with special needs.

Additional Resources

You could also look for a support group or class in your community at your local:

• Library
• Community Center
• Church
• Hospital
• Local Health Department

Or you can call 2-1-1 or your community information line to find parent support classes. To find your community information line, look in the government pages (white pages) of the phone book.