Preparing for Baby Classes

For More Information 919-257-8543

 

Prepare for your growing family with instruction from Duke Health nurses who specialize in labor and delivery and caring for your new baby. Our classes cover a variety of topics for expectant parents and caregivers so you can learn about aspects of birth, postpartum, and caring for a baby.

Preparing for Baby Classes

Join in-person, online, or pre-recorded classes.

Classes on Birth and Newborn Care

Preparing for Labor (available in English and Spanish)
Learn about labor, coping strategies for unmedicated labor, when to come to the hospital, and what to expect during your birth at Duke University or Duke Regional Hospitals.

Cesarean Birth
A cesarean is also known as a "c-section." ​This class offers a step-by-step guide of what to expect with a planned c-section during surgery and recovery.

Postpartum Care
This class covers how to care for yourself after birth, the changes you should expect in your body, and how your support system can help you.

Newborn Care
Understand the care that your baby will receive in the hospital and how you can care for your baby at home.

Newborn Safety
We'll cover causes of injury to babies, baby-proofing your home, safe feeding, sleep, play, car seat use, shaken baby syndrome, and coping with infant crying.

Breastfeeding
Learn why skin-to-skin care, rooming-in, and frequent feeding on demand is important for breastfeeding and milk production. We'll discuss latching, positioning, and common concerns with feeding.

Pumping Milk
Before going back to work, learn about how to continue breastfeeding by pumping milk. This class is for those who have already established their milk supply by breastfeeding after birth.

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 2023-2024. 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 2023-2024.

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

Free Community Sessions

Car Seat Checks 
Expecting and new parents can have their car seat inspected by a Duke nurse certified as a Child Passenger Safety Technician. Weekly checks are held Wednesdays from 9:00 am to noon at Durham County EMS Station 6 at 226 Milton Road. An appointment is required, and you can schedule one online.

Online Class Sign Up

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 04/16/2020