Preparing for Baby Classes

Duke Health offers classes to learn about pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and baby care. All classes are taught by labor and delivery, postpartum, newborn, and breastfeeding nurses.

Preparing for Baby Classes and Resources

Access class registration, recorded classes, support groups, and connection to local community resources.

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Classes on Birth and Newborn Care

First Trimester: Healthy Pregnancy

This class is for early pregnancy and will cover:

How to keep yourself healthy during the first trimester and beyond
Common discomforts of pregnancy and solutions

Preparing for Labor and Postpartum Care

This class will cover:

What to expect during labor
When to come to the hospital
Coping with labor pain (unmedicated/medicated options)
What to expect during birth
How to care for yourself after birth
How your support system can help you

Preparing for Cesarean Birth

This class will cover:

What to expect during a planned cesarean (“c-section”) birth and recovery

Duke Ob/Gyn Care Coach

Duke Ob/Gyn Care Coach was designed by Duke Health obstetricians and gynecologists to help guide you through pregnancy, postpartum, and gynecological surgery. In the portal, you will find links to resources, videos, and other educational materials.

Breastfeeding and Pumping

This class will cover:

The importance of skin-to-skin contact, feeding on-demand, and rooming-in
Milk production, latching, and positioning
Common concerns and solutions in the first weeks
Fitting and using your breast pump
Guidelines for pumping and bottle-feeding

Newborn Care and Safety

This class will cover:

The care baby will receive in the hospital
How you can care for your baby at home
Creating a safe home environment and preventing common injuries to babies
CPR and choking rescue for infants

CPR and Choking Rescue

This class will cover:

CPR and choking rescue for adults, children, and infants

More recorded classes are available, including Pelvic Floor Health, High-Risk Pregnancy Care, and classes in Spanish.

A couple practices newborn care techniques on a doll

Expecting parents practice newborn care and safety skills on dolls during a Preparing for Baby Class.

A nurse uses a doll to teach newborn care and safety skills during a Preparing for Baby Class.

Expecting parents practice diapering on a doll during a Preparing for Baby Class.

Recognized Among the Best Maternity Hospitals in the U.S.

Duke Regional Hospital is recognized among the best hospitals in the U.S. for maternity care by U.S. News & World Report for 2026. The recognition notes our low rates of C-sections in people at low risk for pregnancy complications and other factors. Duke University Hospital's nationally-ranked obstetrics and gynecology program is the highest-ranked program in North Carolina, according to U.S. News & World Report for 2025-2026.

Watch Our Birthing Center Tour Videos

Birthing Center Tours Are Only Offered Virtually

Watch videos that highlight the Duke University Hospital Birthing Center and The Birth Place at Duke Regional Hospital to see our spaces and better understand the experience.

Birthing Center

The Birth Place

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Fill out this form to receive access to class registration and community resources. After submitting the form, a pop-up will provide the link to sign up for classes and access resources. We encourage you to bookmark this link.

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This page was medically reviewed on 10/22/2024