Throughout parenthood, one thing normally becomes frighteningly clear: you are out of your depths here. The fact is that raising good humans can be difficult, starting from pregnancy. You find yourself constantly second-guessing your decisions, no matter how much research goes into each one. If you could use a little help, one of the best things you can do is sign up for a parenting class. With these options, you are going to have a chance to learn from an expert with years of experience dealing with people in this exact same situation. By the end of each session, you should leave feeling empowered! As a Springfield newborn photographer, I get the chance to connect with parents who have seen the benefits for themselves. If you have been looking for parenting classes in Springfield, IL, here are the spots I always recommend!

800 E. Carpenter Street, Springfield, Illinois 62769
It’s pretty natural to feel overwhelmed throughout your pregnancy. Not only do you have to worry about things like birth plans, but you are also trying to figure out everything you need to know after your baby arrives. The experts at Hospital Sisters Health System understand how stressful this experience can be, and they are here to help you through pretty much every stage. You don’t need to use HSHS for your delivery, either. They let people all across the community access the classes for a small fee!
For those who need help navigating their childbirth, the center offers a 4-hour class where you will learn everything there is to know about delivery. They will go over the stages of labor, pain management, potential interventions, and breathing techniques. Then, at the end of the class, they will go over newborn care. This class is available for you and your support person. Outside of their basic courses, they offer class options like Baby Basics courses, breastfeeding guides, support groups, and Daddy boot camps. You can also register for safety courses, including babyproofing guides, pediatric CPR, and car seat instructionals. Their courses are available both in-person and through Zoom.

314 South Grand Avenue West, Springfield, Illinois 62704
Since 1974, The Parent Place has been working with families all across Springfield to improve parenting skills. Since they got started, they have worked with over 5,000 families to uncover positive parenting methods. Their goal is to help families create a safe home environment free of abuse and neglect. They are a non-profit organization that does incredible work thanks to the support of the local community!
At The Parent Place, you will have access to several options proven to help you navigate the trickiest parts of parenthood. Their Nurturing Families Program is a popular option that shows parents how to care for their children as well as themselves. This 16-week intensive program will work with you to learn positive discipline, build a healthy parent-child relationship, and create concrete support. All of these courses are individualized in accordance with your family’s needs. Outside of this session, they offer helpful services like family mediation, supervised parenting, and guardianship assistance/support. For families navigating divorce or separation, they offer court-mandated Positive Co-Parenting Classes so you can learn how to care for your child through this difficult time.

3501 Old Jacksonville Road, Springfield, Illinois 62711
Springfield Clinic is an award-winning pediatric center constantly trying to find ways to help kids around the city feel their very best. This 40,000-square-foot building utilizes state-of-the-art technology for both generalized and specialty care. In addition to their exceptional medical assistance, this center offers a wide range of classes designed to prepare parents for pretty much every season of the journey. You will be able to sign up for comprehensive courses taught by the best experts in the area.
For those who want assistance for delivery, you can check out their Labor of Love class. This course is completely free and offers one session where you will learn about pregnancy, labor, and the early newborn stage. If you need a little extra guidance on navigating your baby’s first few months, you can try out their What’s Normal for Newborns? Just as the name might have already suggested, this course is going to teach you what you can expect with your baby. You’ll learn about common behaviors as you set realistic expectations for things like sleeping, feeding, and crying. Additionally, the center offers a breastfeeding support group as well as a course on developmental milestones.

421 S. Grand Ave West, Suite 2B, Springfield, Illinois 62704
One Hope United has locations all across Illinois where they work with parents to build a healthy environment for the next generation. They use an evidence-based program that will teach you how to break neglectful practices so you can give your child the very best chance in life. The classes have been recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Their only requirement for taking a free class is living in their coverage area. They regularly accept referrals from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to ensure every family receives the care they need.
When you sign up for help through One Hope, they will start out with a parenting assessment so they can figure out how they can best benefit your family. You will then be given a parenting curriculum at your house, where you will learn healthy ways to adapt to the stress of parenthood. In addition to their Nurturing Families classes, they offer community programs such as Healthy Families Illinois, Parents As Teachers, and Family Support Services.
If you could use a little help on your parenthood journey, I think you are really going to love these parenting classes in Springfield, IL. With these centers, you are going to have premium care catered to your needs.
Are you looking for more ways to be prepared for parenthood? Then I would love to help you out! As a Springfield newborn photographer, I am constantly working with parents to capture each and every milestone. If you would like to see if my style is a match for yours, I would love to chat all about it! Send me a message today to find out more!