Prenatal Classes & Tours

Find out about classes
online & call to register

Childbirth is much more than the day or two you actually spend in the hospital. At CJW Medical Center, we offer a plan for your entire pregnancy - before and after. We call it "The Family Plan". And, you don't need to sign up for it. You automatically receive, or are eligible for, these benefits if you have your baby at one of the four HCA Richmond Hospitals.The Family Plan features customized classes that range from prenatal care and exercise to parenting and baby safety.

The Family Plan Brochure has all
the descriptions, phone numbers,
times, and places of classes 
and tours.

The Family Plan

A list of available classes and tours is listed below and most of them are free or available for a nominal fee. If you have your baby at CJW medical center, you can request a free visit with the lactation consultant while you are in the hospital. Plus you can return for a free outpatient visit with a lactation consultant once you are discharged.

Descriptions of Classes & Tours

Click on the Name of the Class, it it will take you to the description.
Please call MedLine at 804-320-DOCS for times, to reserve a space. For a more detailed information on location or meeting times, please call (804) 323-8343. View the full online listing of classes and dates.

Early Bird
Pregnancy is an exciting time. This class helps you learn what to expect. Topics include nutrition, exercise, medications, changing body image, common discomforts, precautions, pre term labor danger signs, dental care and the search for a pediatrician. Early Bird meets in one session. There is no charge, but registration is necessary. Early Bird's online schedule of classes.

Birthing Area Tours
You may wish to take a tour of the hospital birthing area before you deliver. Children are not permitted on this tour, but they can receive a tour appropriate for their age group in the Sibling Class.  Online schedule of birthing area tours. 

Labor Basics
Labor Basics consists of two separate sessions covering topics such as signs and stages of labor, when to call the doctor, types of anesthesia, vaginal and cesarean births, immediate care of the newborn, your recovery and the first week at home. Note: If you know you are having a C-section, you may wish to attend only the second session of this class. There is no charge to attend but registration is necessary. Labor Basics online schedule of classes.

Baby Basics
Baby Basics consists of two sessions covering topics such as the newborn’s appearance, feeding, bathing, selection of the pediatrician and the layette. There is no charge to attend but registration is necessary. Baby Basics online schedule of classes.

Breastfeeding
This class provides in-depth information on breastfeeding. Topics include milk production, breastfeeding obstacles and rewards, pumping, and more. There is no charge, but registration is necessary. Breastfeeding schedule of classes.

Mother-to-Mother Breastfeeding Group
Breastfeeding moms face many challenges and demands. Information and support can help make this exciting time easier for you and your family. You and your baby are invited to attend a monthly Breastfeeding Support Group meeting. A lactation consultant will be on-hand to discuss a breastfeeding topic, and then a group sharing time will follow. You are welcome to attend as many sessions as you wish. There is no charge to attend.  Mother-to-Mother Breastfeeding Group schedule of classes.

Fast Track to Labor & Delivery
This is a class designed for REPEAT parents. This class features highlights of labor, vaginal delivery, and reasons for cesarean. Fast Track meets in one session. There is no fee, but registration is necessary. Fast Track to Labor & Delivery schedule of classes.

For Baby’s Sake
Infant and child safety tips are featured in For Baby’s Sake, such as ways to baby-proof your home, how to handle minor emergencies and the daycare and baby sitter search. This class meets in one session. There is no charge, but registration is necessary. For Baby’s Sake schedule of classes.

Amazing Motherhood
You have taken classes to prepare for pregnancy and childbirth. Now the baby is here! You still need to take care of yourself and your growing baby.  In this class you will build a foundation for a healthy lifestyle for you both.  The class will include such topics as: physical conditioning for motherhood and infant nutrition and development beyond the first month. There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. For more information and/or to register, please call 804-323-8343.

Infant CPR Anytime®
The American Heart Association has developed a self directed Infant CPR Anytime Learning Program. For more information on ordering Infant CPR Anytime®, please call 1-877-AHA-4CPR or visit www.cpranytime.org.

Infant Massage
Infant massage is known to enhance the parent-baby bond through nurturing touch.  The benefits of infant massage include aiding the digestive tract and helping to relieve the physical discomforts from gas, colic, constipation, growing pains, reflux, and mucous. This class experience, which meets in four one hour sessions, will provide an opportunity to meet other parents and their babies while learning infant massage techniques from Certified Infant Massage Instructors.  The class is open to infants up to pre-crawling age.  Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a blanket for your baby.

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. For more information and/or to register, please call 804-323-8343. Infant Massage class schedule.

Safe Ride
Traveling with your most “precious cargo” can be a challenge when it comes to choosing the correct car seat and installing it properly. This class, taught by a Certified Child Seat Technician, is designed to answer your questions about car seat adjustments, tethers, locking clips and more. This class meets in one session. There is no charge, but registration is required. Safe Ride schedule of classes.

Sibling Class
The birth of a baby is an exciting time for a family, especially for children. But preparing to become a big brother or sister can be a little confusing. Our Sibling class is designed to prepare children for a new member of the family. Through a variety of activities, your youngster will learn to expect the changes a new baby can bring, and, you will learn ways you can help your child adjust to the new arrival. Children must be accompanied by an adult. And to protect everyone, it is necessary that your child be in good health and have had the proper immunizations. Also, your child should not have been recently exposed to mumps, chicken pox, measles, strep throat or scarlet fever. The Sibling class meets in one session. There is no fee to attend, but registration is necessary. Sibling class schedule.

Boot Camp for New Dads
New babies do not come with owners' manuals. Breastfeeding, diaper changing, and dealing with mom are new experiences for first time fathers. Spend one 3 hours workshop taught by dads who brings their own babies to practice with and you will leave confident in your ability to be a great dad. Please call 804-288-3431 for more information and/or to register. Boot Camp for New Dads schedule of classes. 

Grandparent Class
Grandparent Class is a refresher course on baby care for new grandparents. Topics include the role of the grandparent, current child-rearing practices, car and home safety, as well as a tour of the Maternal Infant Unit. This class meets in one session. There is no fee, but registration is necessary. Grandparent class schedule. 

Fitness Classes
Exercise during and after pregnancy can help you improve your general health and reduce the time it takes to regain your figure after delivery. The HCA Richmond Hospitals recommend the pregnancy and postpartum fitness classes available through the Tuckahoe Family YMCA on the north side, and at Robious Sports & Fitness Center on the south side. These classes consist of gentle, low-impact aerobics; general toning; strengthening; stretching and relaxation. Special emphasis is placed on the back, abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. These classes are designed in accordance with guidelines set forth by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

To register, please call either the Tuckahoe Family YMCA at 740-YMCA, or Robious Sports & Fitness Center at 330-2257. Fees and/or membership may be required.

Yoga Classes
OmMama, LLC specializes in yoga for the childbearing years, including prenatal, postnatal, and infant and toddler yoga classes. Please visit www.OmMama.com or call 804-612-6366 for more information and class schedules.

Multiples Class
If you are expecting twins, triplets or more, you will want to attend our Multiples class during your second trimester. Topics covered include pre term labor, preparing for delivery of multiples and the immediate care of newborns, your recovery and the care of newborns at home. This class meets in two sessions. Multiples class schedule.