Expectant Moms

Hi. I am due in November and I am looking for groups as well. Have you had any luck? I am expecting my first and I am currently by myself. Hope to hear from you!

I haven't had a baby in Virginia since 1998 (military mom, kids born all over the country :) but I'm sure you'll get some great advice on the site about groups to help with meeting others. I'd recommend a moms club based on your baby's birth year. I joined one with my middle child and 8 years later am still friends with some of the mothers from that group.

I did take a lamaze class with my first born at Virginia Beach General, and the class itself was a great introduction, a place to find out everything I was feeling and worrying about was normal, and to meet other moms as well.

Michelle Galvez, Community Editor

I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope much brighter days are coming your way. I like Dr. Whibley in Norfolk. She talks with her patients after every check up -- in her office, after you're dressed!

The Sentara Hospital system has classes at a couple different locations, here's some information:

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 be taken in the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy. (This class includes the Free Breast Feeding class.)

Cost: $55 per couple (pay at the door)

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 (pay at the door)

Location: Sentara Obici Hospital, Garden Level Classrooms C&D
To register, call 1-800-SENTARA or register online.

5-Week Prepared Childbirth Class
A five-week course is for first-time parents or parents who did not attend education classes with their first babies. You can 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.

This course is the same as the 6-week course, except there is NO TOUR of the Maternity Unit.

Cost: $65 per couple (pay at door with check or credit card)

Location: Sentara Greenbrier Healthplex
To register, call (757) 455-7500 or register online.

6-Week Prepared Childbirth Class
A six-week course for first-time parents or parents who did not attend education classes with their first babies. Learn about emotional and physical skills used in the childbirth process. Includes anatomy, birth process, exercises, relaxation techniques, danger signs, labor signs, effacement/dilation, timing contractions, phases of labor, inductions, fetal monitoring, back labor, coaching, pushing, postpartum, alternative pain relief methods and maternity unit tour.

Cost: $65 for Six Classes: 1 night/ 6 weeks

Location:
Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital
Sentara Greenbrier Healthplex
Sentara Health Management in Virginia Beach
To register call (757) 455-7500 or register online

Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center, Various weekdays/weekends, $70, call (757) 984-7255 to register

Weekend Childbirth Class
Weekend (Friday 6:30pm-9:30pm) (Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm) For first-time parents or parents who did not attend education classes with their first babies where you can 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. (Dress Comfortably. Bring 2-3 pillows and a blanket or comforter)

Location:
Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital
Sentara Greenbrier Healthplex
Sentara Princess Anne
Cost $80 per couple payable at the door
To register call: (757) 455-7500 or register online

2nd time mom here. I have a 5 yr old little girl. I'm expecting my son in March. I am so excited I can't wait. This pregnancy is taking its toll on me...my girl was so much easier!