The Education Department at 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. Our intent is to provide families with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve their goals.
Childbirth classes and family education
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 36th week of pregnancy, or the 24th week of pregnancy if you're expecting multiples.
You can register for classes and events by signing up for or logging into your MyHealthONE account, where you can pay for the class or event, and receive a registration receipt, and confirmation email. Classes fill quickly, so be sure to register early. If you need to cancel or make changes to your registration, please notify us as soon as possible. A 25% service charge for class cancellations applies. We provide free parking during classes, which meet on a regular schedule excluding holidays.
Topics covered:
- Hospital tour
- 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)
- Cesarean birth
- Postpartum recovery and lifestyle changes
- Natural techniques for coping with labor
In order to accommodate varying schedules and preferences, we offer Prepared Childbirth as a 3-week, 2-week and Fast Track class. All courses include a hospital tour and cover late pregnancy, warning signs, how labor begins and progresses, natural labor coping measures, medical interventions, pain medication options, cesarean birth and recovery after birth. Mothers and support people will practice labor coping skills together, so you should bring two pillows and wear comfortable clothes suitable for getting in a variety of positions on floor mats. Participants leave with a book with additional resources.
Prepared Childbirth - 3 Week Series
As a 3-week series, this class offers the most time for practicing labor coping skills.
View Schedule and Register Online
Prepared Childbirth - 2 Week Series
This 2-week series offers a moderate amount of time for practicing labor coping skills.
View Schedule and Register Online
Fast Track Childbirth
This class offers the least amount of time for practicing labor skills. The same topics are covered, in a briefer format, with less time for discussion. Labor coping skills are taught, but practice time is very limited.
This is an online education option for those who can't make it to an in-person class due to bed rest, scheduling conflicts, travel, or time constraints. This online 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 interactive, web-based programs include animated illustrations, videos, voice-overs, and games. You will receive a companion book and have access to the program for eight weeks from first login.
To register call:
Having a planned C-section? Join us at our Cesarean Class, to tour the hospital and 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 your previous Cesarean was at another facility, or for any reason you would like to feel better prepared for the experience.
- Hospital Tour
- Preparation for surgery
- Explanation of the Cesarean procedure
- Anesthesia for Cesarean birth
- Post-surgical recovery in hospital and at home
- Exercises for recovery from abdominal surgery
- Book included
Marvelous Multiples class covers everything our regular childbirth class has to offer, in addition to a focus on having twins or higher order multiples. You will receive a book and plenty of resources to take home. We recommend that you attend early in the second trimester of your pregnancy.
- Hospital tour
- Tips for achieving a healthy multiple pregnancy
- Physical and emotional changes of multiple pregnancy
- Signs of labor and the labor process
- Fetal monitoring
- Techniques for coping with labor
- Induction of labor
- Preterm labor and what actions you can take
- Cesarean birth
- Pain medications for labor and birth
- Episiotomy
- Assisted vaginal delivery (forceps, vacuum extractor)
- Postpartum recovery and lifestyle changes
- Practical information about caring for more than one newborn
- Community resources for families with multiples
Participants should bring 2 pillows to class and are also encouraged to attend “Life with Baby,” “Infant CPR and Safety,” “Breastfeeding,” and “Breastfeeding Multiples” classes.
A refresher in childbirth education, this class offers a tour of the maternity units and a brief overview of the labor process in addition to the following topics:
- Signs of labor
- Preterm labor and what to do
- Pain medications and cesarean birth
A 3-hour session to learn and practice natural coping measures for labor. Could serve as a supplement to a childbirth class or a refresher for those who have given birth before.
For grandparents-to-be, this class will bring you up to date on current baby care practices and help with the transition to your new role. We will cover the best ways to be supportive to new mom and family, safe sleep and feeding practices, home safety and "Baby proofing", and more. Each registration covers a couple, so any two grandparents may attend together. Join us - your kids will thank you!
Similar to our online program, the Virtual Childbirth Class covers pregnancy discomforts, labor support techniques, the process of labor and birth, pain medications, cesarean birth and postpartum changes. This class is instructor-led and interactive and kept to small groups to ensure everyone has an opportunity to participate and ask questions. One week before the day of your class, you will receive a companion book and further instructions on how to join the virtual class from the comfort of your own home.
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. We use the Cisco Webex platform, and encourage you to download the app ahead of time if possible.
Our Virtual Breastfeeding Class is an instructor-led class covering breastfeeding basics for getting off to a good start immediately after birth, as well as how to sustain successful breastfeeding well into the first year. We will cover common misconceptions, how to maintain supply, how to get over common hurdles, and much more! Via email, you will receive instructions and a meeting invitation on the day of class, at least one hour before class start time. We use the Cisco Webex platform, and encourage you to download the app ahead of time if possible.
Pregnancy support groups
We believe in connection and community, which is why we host various 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. Excluding holidays, support groups meet on a regular schedule.
Birth, Baby, and Beyond is an informal meeting of expectant mothers, fathers, new 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. Some weeks feature guest speakers.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression Support Group is for women facing emotional challenges related to pregnancy or new motherhood. Join us for discussions about the baby blues, Prenatal or Postpartum Depression, anxiety, self-care while caring for a child, relationship changes and challenges, and how to handle daily stress.
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 for you 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. May be attended before, during or after pregnancy. Partners are encouraged to attend. For more information, or to schedule a class, contact our Dietitian at the number listed below:
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, clogged milk ducts, and other women’s issues. For more information, please call the number listed below:
Relax, refresh and energize with a massage at our Fitness and Therapy Center. Our specially-trained therapists specialize in prenatal and postpartum massage. We make special accommodations to ensure your comfort. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday, 10:00am – 6:00pm. For more information contact The Fitness and Therapy Center at The Woman's Hospital of Texas at the number listed below: