Prenatal & Parenting Education

Prenatal Classes

We offer a variety of prenatal classes to meet the needs of your family. Classes are not just for expectant moms — dads, partners, grandparents and other family members are welcome, too!

Classes fill quickly, so please register in advance to have the best chance at getting into the class of your choice.

Our basic birth class, Preparing for Birth, is recommended for every one who plans to birth at St. Joseph's Hospital. We offer a variety of formats:

We also offer these special interest classes:

Breastfeeding Basics
Bringing Baby Home
Caring for Your Newborn
Cesarean Birth Class
Dads-to-be
Daddy and Me
HypnoBirthing (class meets at Woodwinds)
New Brother, New Sister
Sign Language for Hearing Babies and Toddlers
TotSaver
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)

Click here for a complete list of prenatal classes at St. Joseph's Hospital.

Need help finding a conference room?

Click here for a map of St. Joseph's lobby level, including many of the hospital's conference rooms.

Can’t find a convenient class time at St. Joseph's?

Most prenatal classes are also offered at St. John's Hospital in Maplewood and Woodwinds Health Campus in Woodbury. You're welcome to take classes at any location.

Click here for a list of all prenatal classes.

Registering for prenatal classes

Mail or fax back the registration form
Call HealthEast Women's Care at 651-232-8080 to register by phone with a credit card

Class sizes are limited and registrations are prioritized by date received. Early registration (at least 12 weeks before a class date) is encouraged.

For more information, call HealthEast Women's Care at 651-232-8080.

General information

You may bring two pillows and a blanket to each Preparing for Birth class.
You may bring a support person to prenatal classes. Childcare is not available.
Classes may be canelled due to bad weather. For class cancellation info, call HealthEast Care Connection at 651-326-CARE (2273) after 4 pm.
We reserve the right to cancel any class due to insufficient registration. If this occurs, you will be notified by phone or mail. Alternative classes will be offered when possible.
Contact your insurance carrier for possible reimbursement of class fees.
If you are hearing impaired, please call 651-232-5733 at least two weeks prior to class start date to arrange for interpreter services.

Parenting skills classes

TotSaver
This course was developed by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is helpful for anyone who cares for children. Topics include infant and child safety. You will learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) management.

The course is taught by certified AHA Instructors. For additional information, call HealthEast Care Connection at 651-326-CARE (2273) or click here for dates and times.

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)
The ECFE program in your community offers classes, home visits and drop-in opportunities for parents and their newborns. Along with your baby, you will play and learn together. ECFE is part of the Community Education Program in your school district. To find an ECFE program in your area, call 651-582-8402 or go to www.ecfe.info.

Minnesota Department of Health

Visit the Minnesota Parents Know web site for information on a variety of pregnancy, birth and parenting topics. Brought to you by the Minnesota Department of Health.