Want to learn more about breastfeeding and labor? Ready for a hospital tour? We offer classes for moms, dads, brothers and sisters. Classes begin early in pregnancy and continue after the baby's birth.
These classes are very popular, so it is important to register during your fourth month of pregnancy to ensure a spot.
Classes:
Exercise Programs
Breastfeeding
Parenting
Prepared Childbirth
Hospital Tours
Support Groups
Sentara Women's Health Source
Exercise Programs
Aerobics
Sentara offers special prenatal and post-natal aerobics classes for women who want to be in top shape for delivery or lose extra "baby pounds" afterward.
Classes offered: Aquatic classes and BodyVive are recommended for prenatal participants, but many exercise options are available.
Cost: Varies on class usage. Day, week and month passes are offered.
Location: Sentara Center for Health and Fitness, 4001 Coliseum Drive, Hampton, VA 23666 www.sentarafitness.com
Call: (757) 766-2658.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding - Single Class
Geared toward expectant mothers, class includes a discussion of preparation for breastfeeding, mechanics of nursing, care of the breastfeeding mother and baby, nutrition, possible problems and weaning. Partners are strongly encouraged to attend class with mothers-to-be!
Cost: $35
Location:
Sentara Princess Anne Hospital
To register call: (757) 455-7500 or register online
Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center - One Thursday evening each month (Free, please call (757) 259-4233 to register.)
Breast Feeding Class, Suffolk
Mothers-to-be will learn the advantages, cost factors, positions and benefits of breast feeding, as well as how to care for themselves before, during and after lactation.
Cost: $10 per couple
Location: Sentara Obici Hospital, Garden Level Classrooms C&D
To register, call 1-800-SENTARA or register online.
Breastfeeding Information Line - Free
Breastfeeding support doesn't stop once you go home! If you delivered at a Sentara hospital, access to a lactation consultant is available seven days a week. Page us between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. and we will call you back to answer questions and provide assistance.
Cost: Free
Location:
Sentara Leigh Hospital, call (757) 475-8942
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, call (757) 475-8942
Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center, call (757) 984-7299
Breastfeeding Support Group
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 10 a.m.
Cost: Free
Location:
Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center
To register, call (757) 984-7299
Home Health Lactation Visit
Home Health Lactation visits are available through Sentara Home Care Services. Have a certified lactation consultant visit you in the comfort of your home to help address feeding issues that may cause difficulties in your breastfeeding experience.
Cost: Check with your insurance company to see if this service is covered.
Call: Sentara Home Care at (757) 549-7755
Parenting
Taking Care of Baby
This class is designed for new parents, expectant parents or adoptive parents! During this class, parents will learn the basics of baby care, including bathing demonstrations, cord care, diapering techniques and how to dress the baby. The class also includes information on infant care, the realities of parenting, responsibilities of being a parent and positive parenting techniques.
Cost: $45 per couple
Location:
Sentara Princess Anne Hospital
To register call: 1-800-SENTARA or register online
Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center- One Thursday evening each month
Cost: Free.
Call (757) 259-4233 to register.
Infant/Child CPR - Suffolk
Emergencies can happen! Let this class teach you what to do. During this class, you will learn about conscious and unconscious obstructed airway management, infant and child CPR techniques and car seat safety. The class is located at Sentara Obici Hospital Women's Center.
Cost: $20 per couple
Location: Sentara Obici Hospital
To register call: 1-800-SENTARA or register online.
Growth and Development
A two-hour class for new parents and parents-to-be. This course includes information about basic newborn growth and development in the first few months of life.
Cost: Free
Location: Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center, one Thursday each month.
Call: (757) 259-4233
Prepared Childbirth
1-Day Childbirth Class
In this class, expectant parents are prepared for the physical and psychological experience of labor, birth and the postpartum period. Emphasis is placed on understanding the childbirth process and exploring methods of relaxation, which can be used during labor. It is recommended that childbirth class to be taken in the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy.
We recommend completing the course three to four weeks prior to your due date. (34 weeks)
Cost: $55 per couple
Location: Sentara Obici Hospital, Garden Level Classrooms C&D
To register, call 1-800-SENTARA or register online.
4-Week Childbirth Class
In these classes, expectant parents are prepared for the physical and psychological experience of labor, birth and the postpartum period. Emphases is placed on understanding the childbirth process and exploring methods of relaxation, which can be used during labor. It is recommended that childbirth classes be taken in the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy.
Cost: $55 per couple
Location: Sentara Obici Hospital, Garden Level Classrooms C&D
To register, call 1-800-SENTARA or register online.
5-Week Prepared Childbirth Class
During this 5-week course, expectant parents will learn about the emotional and physical skills you will use in the childbirth process. The course includes anatomy, the birth process, exercises, relaxation techniques, danger signs, signs of labor, effacement, dilation, how to time contractions, phases of labor, induction of labor, fetal monitoring, back labor, coaching, pushing, postpartum and alternative pain relief methods.
We recommend completing the course three to four weeks prior to your due date. (34 weeks)
Cost: $65 per couple
Location:
Sentara Princess Anne Hospital
Sentara Greenbrier Healthplex
To register, call (757) 455-7500 or register online.
6-Week Prepared Childbirth Class
During this 6-week, expectant parents will learn about the emotional and physical skills you will use in the childbirth process. The course includes anatomy, the birth process, exercises, relaxation techniques, danger signs, signs of labor, effacement, dilation, how to time contractions, phases of labor, induction of labor, fetal monitoring, back labor, coaching, pushing, postpartum and alternative pain relief methods.
A tour of the maternity unit will be given at SVBGH ONLY.
If you are delivering at Sentara Norfolk General or Sentara Leigh Hospitals and want a tour of those facilities, please register under Hospital Maternity Tours for those facility dates.
The 6-Week Prepared Childbirth class meets once per week (on a designated day) for 2 hours per week. (For example, if you register for a Saturday morning class, you will attend every Saturday for 6 weeks from 9:30-11:30 am).
We recommend completing the course three to four weeks prior to your due date. (34 weeks)
Cost: $65 per couple
Location:
Sentara Greenbrier Healthplex
Sentara Health Management in Virginia Beach
Sentara Princess Anne Hospital
To register call (757) 455-7500 or register online
Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center, Various weekdays/weekends, call (757) 984-7255 to register and ask about fees.
Weekend Childbirth Class
During this weekend course, expectant parents will learn about the emotional and physical skills you will use in the childbirth process.
The course includes anatomy, the birth process, exercises, relaxation techniques, danger signs, signs of labor, coaching, pushing, postpartum, and alternative pain relief methods.
We recommend completing the course three to four weeks prior to your due date. (34 weeks)
Cost: $80 per couple
Location:
Sentara Princess Anne Hospital
To register call: (757) 455-7500 or register online
Hospital Tours
See a complete list of tours and register online
Obstetric Tour
A FREE one-hour tour of the maternity suites. Tour will include information on procedures, registration, parking and birth rooms.
Please do not bring children.
Cost: Free - Single Tour
Location:
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
Sentara Leigh Hospital
To register call: (757) 455-7500 or register online
Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center also conducts tours of the maternity unit on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m., as well as the 3rd Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. To register, please call (757)259-4233.
Prepared Brothers and Sisters
This FREE tour is geared toward children ages 4-8 and their parents. The tour includes sibling preparation (from the parent's and child perspective), role of the big brother/sister, interactive demonstration and reading time. A goodie bag and a question-and-answer period is offered. (Have your child bring a baby-like toy for possible interactive demonstrations)
Cost: Free (one tour)
Location:
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
Sentara Leigh Hospital
To register call: (757) 455-7500 or register online
Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center also conducts tours for siblings, taking place on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. To register, please call (757) 259-4233.
Prepared Sibling Class - Suffolk
This free class is designed to help the older sibling learn to adjust to the arrival of the newest member of the family. The program is designed for children 4 to 10 years of age.
Location: Sentara Obici Hospital
To register, call 1-800-SENTARA or register online.
Rookie Dad
For first-time dads or dads that just need a refresher. One Thursday evening each month.
Cost: Free - Single Class
Location:
Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center
To register, call: (757) 259-4233
Support Groups
Are You Grieving?
The loss of a baby, whether it is during pregnancy, at birth or in infancy, is a life-altering event which impacts a woman for years to come. While a variety of support mechanisms are in place to help the bereaved mother today, this wasn't always the case. Many women who've lost babies years ago, have lingering questions and have yet to come to terms with their feelings of grief, loss and sadness. To help with closure, we offer the following:
Pregnancy Loss Support Group
This support group is for mothers and fathers who have experienced the loss of a baby due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or infant death. You will meet in a relaxed setting while talking with other parents who have experienced a pregnancy loss or neonatal death where you may find comfort and healing as you discuss topics such as your emotions and grief, the responses of family and friends, going back to work, coping with anniversary dates and holidays, whether or not to have another baby, etc.
Please note: Childcare is not available and children are not allowed to attend meetings.
This group meets the 2nd Mondays of each month from 7:00-8:30pm with the exception of dates that fall on or close to major holidays. Please check the dates listed above or call (757) 545-2667.
The meetings are held at the Sentara College of Health Sciences, Crossways I Building, Suite 105, 1441 Crossways Blvd., Chesapeake, VA 23320.
For additional questions, please call Ann Prescott at (757) 545-2667.
SEVERE WEATHER: In cases of severe weather conditions, please call (757) 545-2667 after 3 p.m. to hear a message about meeting cancellations.
Expectant Arms Support Group
A support group for bereaved parents who have lost a child due to miscarriage, stillbirth or newborn death and are now expecting again.
Date: Various
Location: Call for details
Cost: Free
Call: (757) 388-3364 or Ann Prescott at (757) 545-2667
Free Counseling
You may benefit from talking confidentially with our bereavement counselor at Sentara Women's Services. There is no fee for this service. Ann Prescott, RN, MSEd, FT, may be reached by calling (757) 545-2667 or emailing ahpresco@sentara.com.
Remembered with Love, Always Support Group
Women who experienced a pregnancy or infant loss years ago were not always given the support and attention necessary for emotional healing. Until about 10 years ago, family, friends, or even physicians responded to the loss of an infant by saying, you can always have another baby. Just put this behind you. Forget about it.
Today we recognize that the grief of infant death or pregnancy loss does not automatically go away just by ignoring it. Now there are many options and sources of support available for women who lose a baby, whether it is through miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy, or infant death.
If you lost a baby years ago, you may not have received the support you needed.
We would like to provide that support. "Remembered with Love, Always" is a program developed to help women who have experienced the loss of a baby years ago find healing from grief long held inside and make peace with the past. Under the caring guidance of a certified grief counselor, you will learn how to finally acknowledge and honor your baby's memory while lessening the burden you have carried for so long.
Planned activities include:
Making memory boxes
Holding memorial services
Group memorial quilt
Journaling
Story telling and story writing
Support group sessions
Creating rituals for healing
Date: Varied, please call.
Location: You may choose the following, 1.) private time with a grief counselor specializing in pregnancy loss, or 2.) talking with others your age who lost babies years ago and sharing your stories.
Cost: Free
Call: Ann Prescott, RN, MSEd, FT at (757) 545-2667. Leave a message with your name and phone number. Your call will be returned promptly. Confidentiality will be respected and maintained.
Support Groups at Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center take place every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 - 11:30 a.m. To register, please call (757) 259-4233.
Other Community Events and Support Groups
Sentara Women's Health Source
Contact Sentara Women's Health Source
To register for classes
Get more information on lectures and tours
Ask questions related to your maternity needs
Need additional brochures or class registration information? Call (757) 388-3364.