The Woman’s Hospital of Texas offers a variety of classes and support groups taught by certified and experienced educators in an open and secure environment. We are committed to providing our families with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve their goals.
Childbirth classes
All of our childbirth education classes are designed to prepare you for the physical and psychological changes associated with pregnancy, birth and the transition to parenthood. We recommend completing all classes no later than the 30th week of pregnancy, or the 24th week of pregnancy if you're expecting multiples.
Classes fill quickly, so be sure to register early. If you need to cancel or make changes to your registration, call (281) 438-4357 as soon as possible. A 25% service charge for class cancellations applies. We provide free parking during classes, tours and support group meetings.
Topics covered:
- Discomforts of pregnancy
- Signs of labor and the labor process
- Preterm labor and what actions you can take
- Fetal monitoring
- Induction of labor
- Pain medications for labor and birth
- Assisted vaginal delivery (Episiotomy, vacuum, extractor, forceps)
- C–section birth
In order to accommodate varying schedules and preferences, we offer Prepared Childbirth as a 3-week, 2-week and virtually. All courses cover late pregnancy, warning signs, how labor begins and progresses, medical interventions, pain medication options, and cesarean birth. This class is available in-person or virtually.
Participants for the in-person childbirth class will leave with a book with additional resources. For virtual classes, you will receive the course materials and companion book in the mail prior to your class. We use the Cisco Webex platform, and encourage you to download the app ahead of time if possible.
This online, educational program covers pregnancy discomforts, labor support techniques, the process of labor and birth, pain medications, cesarean birth and postpartum changes, as well as some basics of breastfeeding and newborn care. These web-based programs can be completed at your own pace. You will receive a companion book and educational handouts from the Prepared Childbirth series.
To register call:
Having a planned C–section? Join us at our C-section class, to learn about the cesarean birth procedure, anesthesia, and recovery. If it is not certain that you will have a Cesarean birth, consider taking a Prepared Childbirth class so that you will be prepared in any case. Cesarean birth will be covered. This class is beneficial if this will be your first Cesarean delivery or if you would like to feel better prepared for the experience. This class is offered in-person and virtually.
- Preparation for surgery
- Explanation of the Cesarean procedure
- Anesthesia for C-section birth
- Post–surgical recovery in hospital and at home
- Book included
For grandparents-to-be, this class will bring you up to date on current baby care practices and include ways to support family members as they become parents. This class is only offered virtually. For virtual classes, you will receive the course materials in the mail prior to your class. We use the Cisco Webex platform, and encourage you to download the app ahead of time if possible.
Sibling Preparation Class and Tour for children 3 to 6 years of age
Sibling Preparation Class and Tour for children 7 years of age and older
These classes instruct siblings-to-be about safety with babies and basic baby care skills, such as diapering and swaddling. Following the class, families will go on a tour so that siblings are familiar with our hospital when your baby comes.
We allow a maximum of two adults per family for the class and tour.
An instructor-led class covering common newborn characteristics, what to expect in the early days of bringing a new baby home, and common skills all new parents can appreciate. Class material will be mailed to your home. Via email, you will receive instructions and a meeting invitation on the day of class, at least one hour before class start time. This class is available in-person or virtually.
For virtual classes, you will receive the course materials in the mail prior to your class. We use the Cisco Webex platform, and encourage you to download the app ahead of time.
We are pleased to offer online education for those who cannot attend a conventional childbirth or breastfeeding class due to bed rest, scheduling conflicts, travel or time constraints.
Please take advantage of our free online course, Breastfeeding: A great start, which is a great way to learn the basics of breastfeeding before enrolling in our in-person class. No code is required to register.
Our online course covers the following topics:
- How your body produces and releases milk
- How to get your baby properly positioned at the breast for feeding
- Signs your baby is getting enough milk
- How to pump and store your breast milk
Breastfeeding basics is an in-person class where you can get your breastfeeding questions answered and practice with a baby doll model.
A breastfeeding educator will provide guidance and helpful resources, if needed. Breast pumps will be on display to help you determine which one might work best for you.
- Find out how to get off to the best start
- Practice positioning and latch-on techniques
- Learn how to express, store, and prepare breast milk
- See how partners and family can help
We strongly encourage you to bring your spouse, partner or support person. We recommend taking the free online breastfeeding class before attending.
Support groups
We believe in connection and community, which is why we host support groups at The Woman's Hospital of Texas in an open and secure environment. All our support groups are free of charge. No registration is required to attend and walk-ins are welcome. Parking will be validated.
Birth, baby, and beyond (BBB) is an informal meeting of expectant parents and babies up to one-year of age. Dedicated to creating a supportive environment, BBB is designed to facilitate knowledge-sharing, relationship development and community-building among mothers and other experts involved in baby-related fields. We discuss issues of concern such as sleeping, crying, feeding, and family dynamics.
To join this group and learn about our in-person sessions, join the “BBB Playgroup Houston” on Facebook.
Breastfeeding support is provided in our post-delivery lactation support group for mothers of babies who are up to six weeks of age.
Pregnancy and childbirth support services
From specialized healthcare professionals to dedicated departments, we provide services to help support you throughout your pregnancy and to help prepare you for childbirth. The Woman’s Hospital of Texas offers a variety of wellness services individualized for your special needs through the Fitness and Therapy Center located at 7400 Fannin, One Fannin Building, Suite 1145, Houston, Texas 77054. For more information, please call (713) 799-6193.
Healthy eating is important during pregnancy. Our registered dietitian teaches you to apply nutrition basics to weight management and meal planning. Instruction includes label reading, recipe ideas, sweeteners, dining out and foods for special occasions. This class may be attended before, during or after pregnancy, and partners are encouraged to attend.
For more information, to schedule a class, or to contact our dietitian, please call:
Our physical therapists specialize in pregnancy and postpartum issues. As one of the most challenging feats that women experience, pregnancy can leave mothers with stretched skin, back pain, painful and tight scars, pelvic floor weakness and pain. Left unattended, these may lead to problems with organ prolapse, urinary or fecal leakage or sexual pain; if not soon after delivery then several months later.
We can help patients manage pain through manual therapy, education, and exercise. We offer therapy for scar pain, prenatal or postpartum back pain and other women’s issues. For more information, please call: