Explore the many pregnancy and parenting classes at VHC Health in Arlington and the DC metro. They're led by experienced labor and delivery nurses, lactation consultants, and childbirth educators. You'll learn about healthy pregnancy, preparing for birth, and caring for your newborn.
Below, you’ll see descriptions of our classes and information on how to sign up. You can attend childbirth classes in person or online. Support groups are in person and online. View a full list of upcoming classes and groups to register.
Class offerings may change during the year, so check the schedule for current dates. Questions? Email us at childbirtheducation@vhchealth.org.
What to Expect When Having a Baby at VHC
In this free, live session, you’ll get to know our labor and delivery unit. Nurses will walk you through each step of your experience, from parking and arrival to birth and going home. Ask questions at any time.
During your stay, you’ll work with a care team that helps you make informed choices about labor, birth, and postpartum care. You can expect family-centered care whenever possible:
- You’ll stay in a private room for your entire visit.
- You’ll have options for natural and medicated pain relief.
- You’ll hold your baby right after birth.
- You can keep your baby with you or use the newborn nursery if you need rest.
- Your support person can stay close with chairs or couches in your room.
Childbirth Preparation: Full Format
This four-hour class offers a comprehensive introduction to childbirth and the postpartum period.
In this class, you’ll learn what to expect during labor, delivery, and the postpartum period. Experienced nurses will guide you through the process using teaching, discussion, videos, and practice to help you feel informed, supported, and confident as you approach labor, birth, and early parenting. You’ll practice breathing and relaxation techniques you can use at home and during labor. You'll have time to ask questions and prepare with confidence for your baby’s birth.
Cost: $115 per registration (includes the pregnant person and one support person)*
Duration: 4 hours
Format: In person
Topics:
- Pregnancy and stages of labor
- Warning signs in pregnancy and postpartum
- Labor induction and interventions
- Pain management options
- Vaginal birth and C-section delivery
- Comfort measures and relaxation techniques
- Postpartum recovery and mental health
- Role of the support person
Available Dates
*If cost is a concern, contact us about your options.
Childbirth Prep Two-Week Series
This option covers the same material as the full format class but spreads it over two evenings.
Across two sessions, you’ll learn how to prepare for labor, delivery, and the weeks after birth. Labor and delivery nurses guide you through the content using teaching, discussion, video, and Q&A. Many families like the two-part format because it gives them time to reflect and bring new questions to the second class. This option works well for all parents, especially for first-time parents.
Cost: $115 per registration (includes the pregnant person and one support person)*
Duration: 2 hours/class each week
Format: In person
Available Dates
*If cost is a concern, contact us about your options.
Childbirth Essentials (formerly Advanced Comfort)
In this class, you’ll focus on labor stages, comfort measures, and pain management.
You’ll practice comfort measures for labor, breathing exercises, and learn ways to manage your labor and relax. Expect to learn about the stages of labor and how tools like birthing balls and peanut balls can ease discomfort. You’ll also find out how to share your birth wishes with your care team.
This class is a condensed version of the Childbirth Prep Full Format class and does not cover all of the topics offered in the full class. It is for those who may desire a shorter class and is not intended to be taken in addition to the full class.
Cost: $80 per registration (includes the pregnant person and one support person)*
Duration: 2.5 hours
Format: In person
Topics:
- Late pregnancy and labor stages
- Comfort measures and relaxation techniques
- Role of the support person
- Pain management options
Available Dates
*If cost is a concern, contact us about your options.
Breastfeeding Basics (Free)
Breastfeeding can feel rewarding and challenging at the same time. In this free class, you’ll learn the basics from a lactation expert.
Explore how milk production works, how to latch and position your baby, and how to pump. You’ll also learn how to handle common challenges in the early days. Babies are welcome.
Cost: FREE
Duration: 2 hours
Format: Virtual and in person
Available Dates
Infant Skills
Once you head home with your baby, you may have lots of questions. This class helps you feel ready.
You’ll learn how to care for your newborn during the first two weeks at home. Nurses walk you through daily care and tips for safety, sleep, diapering, and bathing. You’ll leave feeling more comfortable and confident bringing your baby home.
Cost: $80.00 per registration (includes the pregnant person and one support person)*
Duration: 2.5 hours
Format: Virtual and in person classes
Topics:
- Things to prepare before baby arrives
- Infant safety tips
- When to call the pediatrician
- Sleep patterns
- Holding your new baby
- Feeding cues
- Burping
- Diapering
- Bathing
- Swaddling
Available Dates
*If cost is a concern, contact us about your options.
The American Heart Association's Family & Friend's CPR Course
The American Heart Association's Family & Friend's CPR course is an instructor led, video-based class that will teach the following skills: Adult Hands-Only CPR and use of an AED; Child CPR with breaths, Infant CPR; and Mild and Severe Airway Block: How to Help a Choking Infant. NO course completion card/certificate.
Anyone may take this course. It is recommended for people who want to learn CPR but do not need a CPR course completion card to meet a job/other requirements. This course is ideal for community groups, new parents, grandparents, babysitters, and anyone interested in learning how to save a life. CPR training sessions involve close physical contact with other students.
Registration Fee: $90 dollars (registration fee covers 2 people)*
Fees for these courses do not represent income to the American Heart Association.
Learn More and Register
*If cost is a concern, contact us about your options.
Baby’s First Year
As your baby grows, new questions will come up. This class helps you navigate the first year.
You’ll learn about sleep, communication, safety, starting solid foods, and developmental changes. This class can be taken during pregnancy but also works well around one month after birth, once you’ve had time to settle into daily routines with your new baby. This class is offered every other month.
Cost: $60.00 per registration (includes the pregnant person and one support person)*
Duration: 2 hours
Format: Virtual
Topics:
- Introduction to solid foods
- Parenting & bonding
- Sleep
- Communication
- Infant safety
Available Dates
*If cost is a concern, contact us about your options.
Grandparenting
If you’re welcoming a new grandbaby, this class helps you understand what’s changed.
You’ll learn current infant safety guidelines, bonding practices, and care tips. You’ll also explore ways to support the new parents. Nurses demonstrate diapering, swaddling, holding, and safe sleep.
Cost: $50.00 per person*
Duration: 2.5 hours
Format: Virtual
Topics:
- Role of grandparent
- Bonding
- Long distance relationships
- Infant safety
- Diapering
- Swaddling
- Safe sleep
- Feeding
Available Dates
*If cost is a concern, contact us about your options.
Parenting Skills for Partners
You’re welcoming a new baby with your partner. There’s so much to learn about caring for baby, mom, and yourself, but where to start? Partners and dads will learn how to care for their baby, build a strong relationship with their partner, and take care of themselves. Join our child care experts and other partners to learn how to plan for success at home and connect with your baby more every day. Babies are welcome to join us in class. Following each class, feel free to join our free support group “What to Expect When You’re Not the One Expecting” for more community and discussion.
Cost: $30.00*
Duration: 2 hours
Format: Virtual
Topics:
- Taking care of baby: bonding, safety in the home, toys, teething, talk, sleep, baby wearing, baby sign language
- Taking care of your partner: getting on the same page with parenting styles, supporting breastfeeding, supporting partners with depression
- Taking care of self: juggling work at home and baby care, sleep
Available Dates
*If you have concerns about your ability to access our programs, please contact us to discuss options for assistance.
Prenatal Yoga
Practice gentle movement and focused breathing to build calm and confidence for labor.
Cost: $85.00 for 7-week session
Available Dates
*If cost is a concern, contact us about your options.
Classes fill up quickly. Register early and plan to take classes during your second or third trimester (between week 26 and week 36 of your pregnancy).
There are no partial refunds.
You can change your registration for one class. If you want to move to a different class, tell us one week before it starts.
Check out our free support groups for connection and community on topics you care about. See our Pregnancy and Parenthood Support Group page to learn more.
