Parent Education in Baltimore, MD

Education is the key to success and confidence when making decisions for your family

GBMC's Parent Education Program offers a full-range of classes and services to help prepare every family for their newest addition. From birth to postpartum doula services to pregnancy yoga, there's something that fits every new parent's needs. You can now register online for upcoming classes.

Parent Connection Store

GBMC's Parent Connection Store offers a variety of essentials for your newborn, and has a wide selection of breast pumps, rentals, and accessories. The store is located on the second floor of the main hospital.

Support Groups

Mommy Matters is a support group for new mothers and babies from two weeks to twelve weeks old whose goal is to offer both peer and professional support to moms as they navigate all the joys and challenges of new parenthood. The group meets Fridays from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM in the Civiletti Conference Center in Pavilion East. No sign-up is necessary.

*For the health and safety of all our patients, please do not attend Mommy Matters if you or your baby is sick.

*NEW* Postpartum Depression Support Group - "Blue is not just a color"
Topics include: Adjusting to your new learning curve with a newborn, balancing family and responsibilities, relationship challenges and communication, sleep deprivation, community resources, and postpartum doula support options. All topics and concerns are open for discussion. The group meets every Tuesday in the Physicians Pavilion East Conference Center from 3:00 PM-4:00 PM. Please pre-register for this free support group. Infants are welcome but we do suggest arranging childcare during this time so you can relax and feel like you can open up and enjoy the group.

Lactation Support

Lactation support at GBMC offers nursing mothers advice and support specifically for breast feeding newborns. Trained lactation consultants are available for private appointments to address concerns about every aspect of breast feeding.

To set up an appointment with a lactation consultant, call 443-849-2229 or register online. If you have an immediate concern, call the WARMLINE at 443-849-3428 and leave a message. A consultant will get back to you as soon as possible.

GBMC also offers a wide variety of breast pump rentals and sales. Pumps can be purchased or rented through the Parent Connection Store. Additional retail items are available including 11 different styles of nursing bras, pump replacement parts, nursing covers and diaper bags.

Classes Offered

Preparation for Childbirth
A three-week course taken around your 7th month (allowing 2-4 weeks between completion and your due date). Class focuses on preparing for labor and birth including phases and stages of labor, breathing and relaxation techniques, the role of the labor partner and/or birth doula, cesarean birth, GBMC’s policies and procedures, and postpartum recovery. An OB Tour is part of this class.

The Weekender - Preparation for Childbirth
A one-day course for expectant parents who prefer to complete the Childbirth Education Class over a single weekend. This class covers all the same topics and includes a continental breakfast and afternoon snacks. An OB Tour is also part of this class.

Cesarean Preparation
This class is recommended for parents who are planning or have a high likelihood of delivering their babies via cesarean section. Topics will include advanced preparations for home, what to expect during the surgery experience, and postpartum recovery.

Breastfeeding
A one-session course for all couples who desire to breastfeed their infant. The class includes the physiology of milk production, position techniques, partner’s involvement, schedules and keys to successful breastfeeding.

Infant Care Workshop Plus CPR
A one-day workshop providing information on caring for your newborn. Class includes how to feed, play with and bathe your baby, infant massage, identifying signs of common childhood illnesses/injuries, when to call your pediatrician, administering medications to an infant and childproofing your home.

Infant Care Series
A two-session, hands-on class providing information on caring for a newborn. Class includes how to feed, play with and bathe your baby, infant massage, identifying signs of common childhood illnesses/injuries, when to call your pediatrician, administering medications to an infant and childproofing your home.

CPR - Infant & Child
CPR – Infant Only or Pediatric (Infant & Child) Class includes: CPR and first aid for choking victims. Topics such as household safety, pool safety and childproofing will be reviewed. Infant CPR will be taught during the first 90 minutes of the class. Participants who have registered for the Pediatric course will then stay an additional 30 minutes to receive instructions for child CPR.

Infant Only CPR recommended for first time parents.
**This course is included in the Infant Care Workshop Plus CPR.**

Pediatric CPR recommended for parents who already have children.

Sibling Class
This class is designed for expectant siblings ages three to ten years of age. The siblings are taken on a modified tour of the Postpartum unit and the Newborn Nursery. Topics discussed include: newborn characteristics, safe handling and toys that are safe for babies. The children will enjoy a snack and watch a video about becoming siblings. They will make a craft to give to their new brothers or sisters.

OB Tour
The OB Tour is FREE, however there is a $10.00 charge for no-shows. Tours are limited to the expectant mother and one other adult only. Children are not permitted to take the tour.

Car Seat Installation *COMING SOON*

registration form

Marvelous Multiples *COMING SOON*
If you are a first time parent or expecting twins the second time around, this class will help to prepare you for the big event. Topics include: what differences you may experience in labor and delivery, possible cesarean birth, postpartum recovery, holding and transporting two at a time, breast/bottle feeding tips, practical planning advice for bed rest, meals and support and recommendations for baby products.

Pregnancy Yoga *COMING SOON*
Prepare your mind and body for your upcoming birth. Increase your flexibility, strengthen your body, build confidence and relax with the learned techniques of pregnancy yoga. Before you begin a prenatal yoga program, make sure you have your health care provider's OK.