The months leading up to parenthood feel like a dream. You count each kick and trace every movement. You decorate the nursery, pick out a brand new wardrobe, and stock up on all the must-have supplies. And then comes that magical moment where it’s finally time to head home and enjoy your new life with your newborn, only to realize something: you don’t know what the heck you’re doing! Entering parenthood can be wonderful, but it can also be an overwhelming experience if you don’t quite feel prepared. Lucky for you, we have experts all around the town who know how to take away the guesswork so you can feel like a total pro. As a Springfield newborn photographer, I get the chance to connect with parents who have found the help they need. Here are the newborn classes in Springfield, IL to know about!
Feel Prepared With These 4 Springfield Clinic Newborn Classes
3501 Old Jacksonville Road, Springfield, Illinois 62711
Springfield Clinic brings you a state-of-the-art pediatrics building dedicated to keeping those early years of your child’s life happy and healthy. They have a series of free classes that will ensure you can head into parenthood feeling confident. Each of these sessions will be led by an expert who will offer non-judgmental guidance on everything from feeding to newborn care. While most of the sessions will happen at the Springfield location, you can also catch a few at the Lincoln clinic. Here are the options you can choose from!
Breastfeeding Basics
The Springfield clinic offers breastfeeding classes twice a month. These sessions are most informative ahead of your due date, and your partner does not need to be present. The classes last for three hours and only require one session. During your class, you will learn all about the benefits of breastfeeding, how it works, different positions, and what you can expect in the first days and weeks of your lactation journey.
Labor of Love: Preparing for Childbirth
The Labor of Love: Preparing for Childbirth is a one-session class held both in Springfield and Peoria. This class was created to prepare you for every second of labor from the very first second those contractions start. You will begin by learning about your obstetrics care team as well as the role each person will play in your labor. From there, they will go over the signs of early labor, when you should head into the hospital, stages of labor, techniques and pain management options throughout, what to do if your birth plan falls apart, and what to expect throughout the postpartum stage.
Development Milestones
The Developmental Milestones class is a fabulous option that will go over everything you can expect throughout the first year. These sessions are held once every other month at the Springfield Clinic office. Throughout the one-class session, you will meet with a pediatrician to learn about the milestones as well as how to manage your baby’s growth and nutrition.
What’s Normal for Newborns?
What’s Normal for Newborns is a class held every few months at the Springfield Clinic. This session will be led by a pediatrician who will walk you through how to get through the very first weeks of your child’s life. For one hour, you will learn about topics like crying, treating gas, sleep, pacifiers, bathing and skin care, changing diapers, and navigating illness.
6 Incredible Newborn Classes At SHS St. John’s In Springfield, IL
415 N/ 9th St, Springfield, Illinois 62769
SHS St. John’s Hospital offers informative classes as well as support groups. As you head into parenthood, this is where you will find your village to last for years to come! Most of their courses are held at the Women and Children’s Center, and while some might come with a small fee, they are open to anyone who wants to feel prepared for motherhood!
Baby Basics Virtual & In-Person
Baby Basics is a class available both in-person and via Zoom. This class is going to tell you everything you need to know about taking care of a newborn. You will learn things like common behaviors, changes across their appearances, potential newborn procedures, the importance of skin-to-skin contact, and so much more. The class is available for people past the 20th week of pregnancy.
Breastfeeding Your Baby
Breastfeeding Your Baby is an in-person newborn class that offers one two-hour session in Springfield, IL. You will learn all there is to know about nursing, including how your body produces milk. Their goal is to ensure you feel equipped to breastfeed right from that first latch. They can also talk about potential issues you might experience and how you can treat them yourself.
Birth Circle
Birth Circle is a support group that meets once a month in person. Led by local doulas, this gathering provides a safe space where you can come and discuss the realities of parenthood. If you would like, you can bring a support person along with you. With this group, you will have guidance for a happier motherhood experience!
Infant And Child Safety
Infant and Child Safety classes teach you how to prevent any newborn accidents as well as how to snap into action in case of an emergency in Springfield, IL. You’ll learn about topics like car safety, childproofing your house, and potential choking hazards. While it is not a CPR or First Aid Certification course, they will teach you some of the basics. If you do want something that provides certification, they offer a separate, individual class.
Preparing For Childbirth
Preparing For Childbirth is a comprehensive, in-person class that lasts for four hours. This session will go over everything you can expect throughout your delivery. You and your partner will learn about when to head to the hospital, the stages of labor, alternative delivery options, and potential procedures. The end will discuss how to care for a newborn.
Heartsaver Pediatric
If you do want to earn your CPR and First Aid certification, Heartsaver Pediatric is for you! The center hosts a session once a month where you will learn how to administer first aid, CPR, and an automated external defibrillator if needed. While the primary focus is on children, they can also include adult CPR as requested.
You Will Love The Confidence Found In These Newborn Classes In Springfield, IL
If you could use some guidance as you head toward your delivery, I think you are going to love these newborn classes in Springfield, IL! And if you are looking for more ways to be prepared for your little one, I would love to chat! I am a Springfield newborn photographer, and I love working with parents to ensure they can cherish each and every milestone. If you would like to see if my style matches yours, I would love to chat about it! Send me a message today to find out more!
