Perinatal Education

(732) 632-1632

Women & Children Services
JFK Medical Center
65 James Street
Edison, NJ 08820

At The Family Suite at JFK Medical Center, we believe that the miracle of childbirth affects the entire family --- before, during and after your baby is born. That's why we offer preparatory classes for expectant mothers as well as for expectant fathers, grandparents and siblings. These classes, taught by a certified registered nurse, will help every member of the family prepare for the new arrival. Classes are available before and after the baby is born to review topics such as breast-feeding and how to care for the baby and yourself during the first few weeks. Below you can find a comprehensive list of classes available for your family, and you can call (732) 632-1632 for more information or to register.

For the complete brochure of classes, please click here.

Classes for the Expectant Family

Our program of family-centered care at JFK Medical center has been designed to help expectant parents prepare for and share one of the most important events in family life: childbirth. The Family Suite at JFK provides specially trained nurses to care for both the mother and healthy infant as a family. Together with your nurse, you make decisions about your care, prepare for your new role and have the opportunity to learn how to take care of your baby.

Because of today’s short length of stay in the hospital, doctors strongly advise you to prepare for your delivery by attending childbirth classes. JFK’s classes will help you build your confidence, prepare for childbirth and become more informed parents. Our classes are taught by experienced, certified instructors. All of our courses should be taken in the last trimester of pregnancy, except for the Pregnancy Class, which should be taken in the first trimester. Please register for all courses early in your pregnancy (3rd or 4th month) to ensure a choice of convenient scheduling dates.

Maternity Tours:  Free monthly tours of the Family Suite at JFK are conducted for any expectant or prospective expectant parents. Please call to register for a tour date.

Pregnancy Class:  A one-night session that runs from 7 to 10 p.m. Topics include nutrition, emotional and physical body changes, common discomforts and helpful hints, fetal growth and development and some prenatal exercises. This course should be taken as early as possible in your pregnancy. Course fee is $20/individual or $30/couple.

Lamaze Preparation:  Five weekly classes from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Topics include anatomy and physiology of childbirth; breathing patterns and relaxation techniques; body mechanics and exercises; supportive techniques for the coach; how to recognize labor signs; and medications and/or anesthesia available if desired or needed during labor and delivery. Also included will be videos, handouts and a tour of the Family Suite at JFK. A Lamaze handbook will be provided. Fee: $100/couple.

4-Hour, Flexible-Time, One-to-One Lamaze Childbirth Education Class: Crazy work schedule? Come to JFK Medical Center’s Lamaze Program. One couple per instructor for “private lessons.” Maternity tour and viewing of a childbirth video will be arranged. Fee: $150/couple.

Accelerated Weekend Lamaze Class:  This fast-tracked Lamaze class is offered in one weekend: Friday from 7 to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lamaze information will be mailed two weeks prior to the course to read and prepare for class. Fee: $125/couple.

Lamaze Refresher Class:  These Lamaze classes are for parents who have used the Lamaze method during previous childbirths. The weekly class meets three times from 7 to 9:30 p.m. The class is recommended if your last Lamaze course was more than two years ago. Fee: $50/couple.

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Section:  This course is for those who are candidates for vaginal birth after Cesarean section (V.B.A.C.). The course is held once from 7 to 10 p.m. and will introduce techniques for a successful vaginal delivery. Fee: $20/individual or $30/couple.

Managing Gestational Diabetes…Your Guild to a Healthy Baby:  Individualized instruction provides education, support and hands-on experience to those women recently diagnosed with gestational diabetes. A written prescription for instruction from the doctor can be submitted to the insurance company. Call (732) 650-9207 for an appointment and fee information.

Preparation for Breast Feeding:  This one-time course runs from 7 to 9:30 p.m. This class, through the use of videos, lectures and discussions, provides mothers-to-be the opportunity to learn more about the art and science of breast feeding.  Fee: $25/mother.

New Moms and Babies Support Group:  Join new mothers and their babies for an afternoon of sharing their new experiences and challenges of motherhood. Meets 1 to 3:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month.
No Fee.

Infant Care Class:  This course consists of three weekly sessions that run from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Classes include lectures, videos, and demonstrations. Topics include bathing and caring for the baby, bottle-feeding and breast feeding, parenting, safety and first aid. Fee: $50/couple.

One-Day Infant Care Class: This fast-track class is offered on Saturdays or Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fee: $60/couple.

CPR For Family and Friends: This hands-on, 3-hour course offered in one session provides new parents with basic lifesaving skills for the infant and child. Topics include CPR plus obstructed airway procedures. Taught by certified CPR instructors. Fee: $30/individual or $50/couple. Call (732) 321-7588 to register.

Sibling Preparation Class:  This one-time class is held weeknights from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. It is for children aged 3-11 and their parents to prepare for a new brother or sister. A lecture, video and tour of the Family Suite at JFK will be included. Fee: $25/family.

Thinking About Adopting?:  Find out about the procedure and requirements needed by adoptive agencies for USA and/or international adoption in this one-night program. Runs 7 to 9:30 p.m. Fee: $20/individual or $30/couple.

Infant Care for the Adoptive Parent:  A two-night “hands-on” course on the care and safety of a newborn, infant and toddler. Fee: $25/individual or $40/couple. Private instruction: $135/couple.

Grandparenting Class: A compact, one-night class from 7 to 9:30 p.m. offered to new grandparents. This is a “hands-on” safety class for the care of the infant and toddler with a review and update on infant care and infant products. Addresses the concerns of new grandparents and stresses the importance of “family support.” The new mother or mother-to-be is invited to join the grandparent at no charge. Fee: $20/grandparent or $30/grandparenting couple.

Father’s Class: A one-night class from 7 to 9:30 p.m. presented by an experienced father in a fun, relaxed, guided conversation designed to help the father-to-be or new father prepare for the role of parent. Fee: $25/father.

Safe Sitter Babysitting:  Nationally certified one-day babysitting course for 11-13 year-olds. Learn basic lifesaving skills for choking, CPR, nosebleeds and more. Lean to market your babysitting skills. 8:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on designated Saturdays. Fee: $45/student.