Parent / Family Education Program
Whether you are expecting your first baby or are preparing to welcome another child into your family, this is an exciting time. It’s also a time of great change and preparation. Vassar Brothers Medical Center is here every step of the way with educational programs and services to get you and your baby off to the best possible start.
 For dates and times of classes or to register please call (877) 729-2444.
Reservations are required to attend the programs. Please note classes are added and deleted as needed.
Parent / Family Education Program
Vassar Brothers Medical Center
Prenatal Classes
45 Reade Place
Poughkeepsie, NY
12601
* Prices are subject to change.
Childbirth Preparation 5-Week Class
 This is a series of classes to prepare you for labor and delivery. In this 5-week course, you will learn about relaxation, breathing techniques, and other ways to stay as comfortable as possible during labor and delivery. The role of your support person, hospital procedures, medications, and Cesarean births are also discussed. Due to limited class size, it is recommended that you register by the fifth month of pregnancy. Ideally, classes should be completed 4 to 6 weeks before delivery.
5 weeks, 2 hours each week
$115 per couple*
This includes a booklet and hospital tour.
Reminder: **Lunch is not provided** Please bring 2 pillows and snacks
Childbirth Preparation Weekend Alternative Class
This course is designed for couples who, due to time constraints, cannot attend the 5-week sessions. The same topics are covered in a condensed format. Due to limited class size, it is recommended that you register by the fifth month of pregnancy. Ideally, classes should be completed 4 to 6 weeks before delivery.
1 Saturday, 8 hour day
$115 per couple*
This includes a booklet and hospital tour.
Reminder: **Lunch is not provided** Please bring 2 pillows and snacks
Parenthood Preparation Class
 If you are a new parent, this class will help you learn what to expect after your baby is born. It focuses on infant care and early parenting adjustments.
One 2 hour Session: $30 per couple*
Prenatal Breastfeeding Class
This class teaches helpful techniques to make breastfeeding a successful and satisfying experience for you and your baby. Taught by IBCLC-International Board Certified Lactation Consultants, it is ideal for women in their last trimester of pregnancy. Participants are welcome to bring one support person to the class.
One 2 hour session: $30
Evening and weekend classes are available, please call for details.
Lactation Consultation Hours
Certified lactation consultants are available to provide assistance with breastfeeding.
Please call (845) 483-6178 for additional information.
Tour of Vassar Brothers’ Luxury Maternity Suites
 With state-of-the-art medical services and the comforts of home, Vassar Brothers Medical Center is the ideal place to have your baby. Caring and dedicated professional staff our maternity unit and their family-centered approach helps make childbirth a positive experience for you. Call (877) 729-2444 for a free tour.
Pediatric CPR (Infant/Child) Class
What do you do if your child can’t breathe? By learning CPR, you will have the training that could save your baby’s life.
This class is intended for the lay rescuer learning CPR to help infant and child family members. The class is taught by American Heart Association certified instructors and will cover infant/child CPR and foreign body obstruction.
One 3 hour session: $30 per person*
Evening and weekend classes are available, please call for details.
Sibling Preparation Class
These tours help prepare children for the birth of a sibling and also help to familiarize them with the hospital setting. The tour consists of a visit to the Maternity Unit and a short lesson on the correct and safe way to hold an infant.
Please register as soon as possible.
We offer two classes: Younger Siblings (ages 4-6) and Older Siblings (ages 7-10). Please specify which class. $15 for one child, $20 for two, $25 for three.*
High Risk Pregnancy Center
 The High Risk Pregnancy Center offers additional services and support for those who require extra care during pregnancy. Services include preconception and genetic counseling, ultrasound, amniocentesis, non-stress testing, fetal monitoring, bio-physical profiles and trans-vaginal ultrasound. Your obstetrician will work with the perinatalogist to provide the care you need. Ask your doctor for a referral or call toll free (877) 729-2444.
The Mothers’ Club
Ours is the oldest Mothers’ Club in New York State. The Club provides services and support to the patients of the Maternal/Childhealth units at Vassar Brothers. This group provides a Newborn Neighbor bag to new moms which includes discounts for local services and information on how to join the club. Members also provide social and educational support to one another. The group meets monthly. All mothers in the Hudson Valley are welcome to join regardless of when their child was born.
Graduates of the New Moms’ Support Group are encouraged to join. For information or to join please call (845) 437-3192. There is no fee to join the group.
The New Moms’ Support Group
Support and encouragement can make all the difference to the new mother and her family. Join the ongoing group to share your experiences, discuss your questions with other new mothers, and learn creative techniques to help manage early parenting (newborn to 1 year). An experienced nurse educator leads this group. Please call (845) 483-6178 for additional information. There is no fee to join the group.
Refund Policy
Prenatal classes must be paid for in advance and are non-refundable. Classes may be rescheduled if you are unable to attend due to illness. Please call (877) 729-2444 prior to the start of the class to reschedule. Upon request, a full refund will be given if you deliver your baby or are placed on prescribed bed rest before the date of your scheduled class. Prior notification is required. All refunds will be distributed in the form of a check regardless of type of payment used. If you are enrolled in Childbirth Preparation classes, a pro-rated refund will be given for classes missed due to prescribed bed rest or the early delivery of your baby. A health care provider note is required for prescribed bed rest for any class refunds. No refunds will be given for CPR classes. Missed CPR classes can be rescheduled upon request.
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