Inova HealthSource is pleased to offer a wide variety of childbirth classes that are open to the community.



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Maternity Tour Deluxe

  • Join us for a free, up-close-and-personal tour of our Inova Childbirth Centers. Preview our facilities and get answers to all your questions. We're here to help you get ready for the birth of your new baby.
  • Location of Tours
    • Inova Alexandria Hospital
    • Inova Fairfax Hospital
    • Inova Fair Oaks Hospital
  • Cost: Free

Virtual Maternity Tour

Understanding Birth eClass - NEW!

  • This class is ideal for those expectant parents who can’t attend an on-site childbirth class due to work schedules, time constraints, or medical conditions. 
  • The eight-chapter program is an interactive, web-based class that uses videos, personal birth stories, animations, activities, and games to teach all the essential information parents need to know to prepare for their birth.  The childbirth eClass will help you:
    • Understand pregnancy
    • Learn about labor
    • See how the stages of labor unfold
    • Discover helpful comfort techniques
  • You can only register for this class by calling 1-855-MY-INOVA 
  • Cost $90
InJoy eClass Preview: Understanding Birth

Baby Care

  • A must-have class for expectant parents or parents adopting a newborn. A skilled instructor introduces baby care basics and walks parents through hands-on practice. 
  • Topics include:
    • what to expect from your new infant
    • holding and swaddling
    • feeding
    • bathing and diapering
    • sleeping and safety
  • Parents who plan to breastfeed should take a separate breastfeeding class.
  • 1 class session, 3 hours long
  • Cost:  $65

Breastfeeding for Success

  • This class will prepare you for a successful and rewarding breastfeeding experience.
  • You will learn how prepare for breastfeeding, how to hold your baby, how often and how long to feed, how to avoid common problems and much more.
  • Class fee includes participant and one adult partner. Coaches are encouraged to attend.
  • 1 class session, 3 hours long
  • Cost : $65

Childbirth Express

  • Ideal for the busy couple, this condensed course is offered as one 6-hour class or as two shorter classes.
  • This class covers:
    • pregnancy
    • labor and birth
    • the early post-partum period
    • medication and anesthesia
    • the basics of Cesarean birth
    • Relaxation techniques are introduced in class for partners to practice on their own at home.
  • Please bring two pillows and a blanket for your comfort. You are also welcome to bring food and drinks for your enjoyment during class. Class fee includes participant and 1 adult partner. Breastfeeding is not covered. Please register for maternity tour separately.
  • 1 class session, 6 hours long OR 2 class sessions, 3 hours each
  • Cost: $150

Childbirth Preparation

  • A four-week course that provides you and a support person with essential information as you prepare for birth. 
  • In addition to the following topics, instructors introduce relaxation techniques and offer feedback as you practice during class.
    • pregnancy
    • labor and birth
    • the early post-partum period
    • medication and anesthesia
    • the basics of Cesarean birth
  • Please bring two pillows and a blanket for your comfort. You are also welcome to bring food and drinks for your enjoyment during class. Class fee includes participant and 1 adult partner. Breastfeeding is not covered. Please register for maternity tour separately.
  • Other recommended courses include Breastfeeding and Baby Care.
  • 4 class sessions, 3 hours each
  • Cost:  $175

Childbirth Refresher

  • For families who have completed a childbirth class and are preparing for a subsequent birth.
  • This class reviews the labor process, coping techniques, hospital procedures and medications.
  • Please register by the fifth month of pregnancy and take the class no later than the eighth month.
  • 1 class session, 3 hours long
  • Cost: $65

Cesarean Preparation

  • What you and your family need to know about having a Cesarean birth.
  • This class covers:
    • what you can expect during preparation
    • the surgical procedure and anesthesia
    • the recovery period
    • the role of the birth partner during this type of birth
  • 1 class session, 2 hours long
  • Cost:  $55

Sibling Classes

  • An interactive class for children ages 3 to 7 who are expecting a new brother or sister.
  • This class touches on what it means to be a big brother or sister. 
  • Siblings also work on a craft gift for the new baby. Please bring a baby picture of big brother or sister to class.
  • If big brother or sister has been exposed to a contagious disease within the last 2-weeks, please do not attend.
  • Please register under the child's name.
  • 1 class session, 1 hour long
  • Cost:  $30 per child

Grandparenting

  • Learn about important medical updates and safety practices that every family member and care giver should know.
  • This class also discusses ways to support the new family, even from a distance.
  • 1 class session, 2 hours long
  • Cost: $40

Twins, Triplets & More!

  • Join this class designed especially for parents expecting twins, triplets or more!
  • Class topics include:
    • adjusting to the news
    • financial considerations
    • nutrition
    • surviving bed rest
    • identifying preterm labor
    • a very special delivery
    • breastfeeding multiples
    • helpful tips when caring for multiples
    • information about Inova Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) services
  • This class addresses the unique experiences that parents expecting multiples may face during birth or caring for their babies and introduces parents to ongoing resources for multiples.
  • Intensive childbirth, breastfeeding and baby care classes are still recommended. 
  • 1 class session, 3 hours long
  • Cost:  $100

Soothing Touch Infant Massage

  • Parents learn easy and effective massage techniques during this three-week class series. 
  • Classes are taught by a Certified Infant Massage Instructor and structured for parents to attend with their pre-crawling babies.
  • Infant massage provides parents tools to:
    • promote bonding
    • relieve discomfort
    • stimulate baby
  • Please bring a blanket for baby to lie on during practice. Please also bring a baby doll or teddy bear to practice on in case baby is sleeping; all other materials are provided.
  • 3 class sessions, 1 hour each
  • Cost:  $80

New Mom's Group

  • Drop in to the New Moms Group when you are ready to meet new friends and talk about the challenges and joys of being a new mom.
  • An experienced maternal-infant health educator facilitates the informal discussion.
  • Groups meet weekly throughout the area at different times on various days.
  • Please call 1-855-My-Inova (toll free) before attending the first time to ensure the group is not on a break.
  • Why should you visit New Moms?
    • Meet other new moms and babies
    • Get support from an experienced maternal-infant health educator
    • No fee for participating in the groups – this is new in 2011!!
    • No registration required
    • Free parking
    • Babies are welcome!
    • Schedule and locations

Inova Alexandria Hospital New Moms Group

  • Tuesdays, 12:45 to 2:45 p.m.
  • HEC 1&2
  • 4320 Seminary Road
  • Alexandria, VA 22304

Inova Fairfax Hospital New Moms Group

  • Thursdays, 11:00 a.m.to 12:00 p.m.
  • Inova HealthSource
  • 2700 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 100
  • Classroom 5
  • Fairfax, VA 22031

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital New Moms Group

  • Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 12 noon
  • Inova Fair Oaks Hospital Campus, 3700 Building (Medical Plaza)
  • 3700 Joseph Siewick Drive
  • Fairfax, VA 22033

Franconia Alliance Church

  • Mondays, 12 noon to 2 p.m.
  • 6315 Beulah Street
  • Alexandria, VA 22310
  • Questions? Call us toll free at 1-855-MY-INOVA (1-855-694-6682), Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. through 6:00 p.m.



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