Childbirth Education in Champaign-Urbana: Classes for Pregnant Moms and Their Families
Having a baby soon? Never done this before? Is it your second or third pregnancy? Regardless of your situation, when it comes to having a baby, knowledge is power.
Signing up for prenatal classes (also known as childbirth, baby classes, or birthing classes) will prepare your family for this challenge. And, as giving birth is really only the beginning, it may be helpful to have a few other classes under your belt to prepare you for baby once he/she arrives.
Below is a listing of Champaign-Urbana area childbirth classes and new baby classes, including classes developed and staffed by healthcare providers, as well as those classes created by private practitioners.
How to use this list: providers often offer multiple classes. The main focus of this list is focused on what most providers describe as “childbirth education.” We have listed as many childbirth education class options in Champaign-Urbana as possible, with how many weeks the class is; cost; and other features. We have also included basic info on other classes that may be offered.
For a more in-depth listing of breastfeeding classes, visit our breastfeeding guide.
Carle Hospital, Urbana
Name of Class: Prepared Childbirth Education
Class Fees: As of Fall 2019, there’s a $10 fee for this class which covers you and your support person.
How many weeks: two-week or four-week sessions available. Flexible schedules available including weekends and evenings.
When to take the Class: You’re encouraged to complete this series by your 36-37th week of pregnancy; schedule as early as possible to get the time that works for you.
Location: All classes are on the Carle Urbana campus.
Who is eligible: All classes are open to both Carle and non-Carle patients.
General Description: The Carle All About Baby programs include a general class on coping with labor named Prepared Childbirth Education. Techniques for coping with labor, general relaxation and breathing methods are taught in this class. A three-hour “refresher” course for repeat moms is also available.
How to Register: Online or by phone.
Other classes available: Carle offers the most comprehensive of any infant and pregnancy classes available. Most classes are FREE. They include: education for family members, including dads class; siblings class; and even a tour for grandparents. They also offer safety education, with classes on Infant CPR an car seat safety. Breastfeeding courses include an introduction to breastfeeding as well as a session for pumping and storing breastmilk.
Christie Clinic
Childbirth Education
Class Fees: Free
How many weeks: Two all-day sessions, on Saturdays only.
When to take the Class: You’re encouraged to complete this series by your 36th week of pregnancy; schedule as early as possible to get the time that works for you.
Location: All classes are on Christie’s main campus in downtown Champaign.
Who is eligible: All classes are open to both Christie and non-Christie patients.
General Description: This class is designed for first-time mothers and their partner. Participants will learn how to help their labor be more efficient and less painful.The final months of pregnancy, the birth process and relaxation and breathing techniques are all discussed in these classes.
How to Register: call 366-1255
Other classes available: Breastfeeding, offered once a month.
OSF Healthcare
Childbirth Education
Class Fees: Free.
How many weeks: Three week sessions, for two hours each week; weekday evenings only.
When to take the Class: You’re encouraged to complete this series by your 36th week of pregnancy.
Location: All classes are at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center, 1400 W Park St, Urbana.
Who is eligible: All classes are open to all, regardless of giving birth at OSF Healthcare.
General Description: This three-class series covers labor, delivery, postpartum, and care of the newborn. Participants will learn breathing, relaxation, pushing techniques, and tour the Blessed Beginnings Birthing Center.
How to Register: Register online.
Other classes available: Feeding your baby; siblings class; dads class.
Gibson Area Hospital
Childbirth Education
Class Fees: There is no fee for mothers who will be delivering at G.A.H. The cost for mothers not delivering at G.A.H is $50.00.
How many weeks: Meets on Tuesday nights, four sessions, two hours apiece.
When to take the Class: You’re encouraged to complete this series by your 36th week of pregnancy.
Location: All classes are at Gibson Area Hospital in Gibson City.
Who is eligible: All classes are open to all patients.
General Description: This interactive class will assist expectant mothers and their coaches to prepare for the birth of their child. Topics covered, but not limited to include, what to expect during your hospital stay, caring for your new baby, care of the mother before, during and after delivery, the need for increased communication between mother and coach, explaining the different pain control options, and nutrition options for your infant.
How to Register: Call the OB department at 217-784-2510.
Other classes available: breastfeeding education
Private Childbirth Education Options
Bradley Method Taught by Rachel McKinney
Class Fees: $300 per couple
How many weeks: 10 weeks
Location: Champaign
Who is eligible: Anyone.
General Description: These classes are a good fit for couples who are looking to learn more about unmedicated childbirth.
How to Register: Fill out a form.
Mindfulness Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) Taught by Certified Nurse Midwives who are also in final phase of mindfulness teachers training. Course is offered through our country as well as internationally.
Class Fees: $175 intro rate
How many weeks: 8 week course plus day of mindfulness practice and reunion class
Location: varies but always in Urbana or Champaign
General Description: Childbirth and breastfeeding are taught from a physiologic approach using mindfulness skills to navigate the fabulous but sometimes challenging phases of pregnancy, postpartum adjustments and parenting. Mindfulness training has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety as well as improve physical and mental health.
How to Register: Website or Email
Did we miss any prenatal or childbirth education classes in the Champaign-Urbana area? Email us – editor@chambanamoms.com so that we can make this resource more efficient.
You may also be interested in our listing of Champaign-Urbana prenatal exercise/yoga classes. and resources for breastfeeding moms.
