Maternity and Newborn Care Education

The event of a lifetime takes lots of preparation. At Hunterdon Medical Center, we share your concerns. Our staff of nurses, who are also certified perinatal educators or certified lactation consultants, are here to help. At the Maternity and Newborn Care Center, many of our nurses have received multi-disciplinary training and hold advanced certifications. This specialized training gives our nurses the expertise needed to provide care to women throughout the birthing process, from labor and delivery to recovery and post partum care. Whether this is your first baby or your third, we have classes specially suited to your needs. From Lamaze childbirth education to breastfeeding, to helping a new sibling welcome the new baby, we'll answer all your questions, make the unknown familiar and help you through this exciting time.

For registration and schedule information, call (908) 788-MOMS (6667).

Lamaze Childbirth Preparation

A series of classes for expectant women and their partners to prepare for their first Lamaze birth experience. Classes include breathing, relaxation and coping techniques, discussions of labor and delivery, and medical interventions/caesarean.

Please try to register by your sixth month of pregnancy. (Fee)

Refresher Lamaze A class for couples who have completed Lamaze Preparation for Childbirth with a recent pregnancy. We request that you register by the sixth month of your pregnancy. Your class will be scheduled on the month prior to your due date. (Fee)

Breastfeeding Services

If you choose to breastfeed, the staff of the Maternity Newborn Care Center will lend you support and encouragement and help you get started. In addition, a Certified Lactation Consultant is available at the maternity unit seven days a week to help you. There is also a monthly breastfeeding class and monthly support groups.

Postpartum and Infant Care Lessons

Before you take your new baby home, you will have the opportunity to learn the basics of infant care during daily sessions that meet in the Maternity and Newborn Care Center lounge. Topics include diapering, bathing and feeding your baby. The class also discusses caring for yourself and understanding the changes in your body.

Car Seat Services

We want to make sure your baby is safe in the car!

Our certified car seat technicians will show you:

How to correctly install your car seat in your car
How to correctly secure your baby in your car seat

This is a free service we provide to new and expectant parents even if you are not having your baby at Hunterdon Medical Center. Due to technician availability, appointments are required. Call (908) 788-MOMS (6667) to find out more information or to schedule your car seat check.

"Hi, New Baby!"

If you are expecting or planning to adopt a baby, we know you have all sorts of questions. Come join us at "Hi, New Baby!" - our baby care class. We'll tell you what to expect in the first weeks, from bathing and feeding to finding time for yourself. Prospective grandparents are also welcome. (Fee)

Sibling Class "On Becoming A New Family"

Is your family growing once again? Join us for an enjoyable Saturday morning at our Sibling Class. This class is designed for children ages 2 1/2 to 7 years old. And while your child attends this class, you will have the chance to attend a parents' class, a feature that makes this program unique.

Parenting Classes

Once your baby arrives, join us in our regular parenting classes.

Babysteps I – For parents and infants, birth - six months
Babysteps II – For parents and infants six - 12 months
Toddler Steps – For parents and toddlers ages 12 months - 3 years
Brown Bag Breastfeeding Support Group – For moms and babies
The Rocking Horse Club (a Depression After Delivery support group)
Infant Massage Classes

Call (908) 788-MOMS (6667) for dates and locations

Hypnobirthing^®

Are you expecting? Looking for a stress free birth? Hypnobirthing^® may be for you. Hunterdon Medical Center now offers Hypnobirthing^®, an approach to childbirth using hypnosis.

Hypnosis is a naturally-induced state of relaxed concentration in which suggestions are made to the subconscious mind. The subconscious mind influences choices we make, and what we think and feel. It is not magic but almost anyone who chooses to can reach a deep relaxation and redirected focus. This profound state of deep relaxation can be achieved through daily practice.

When laboring with Hypnobirthing^®, you will experience something similar to daydreaming or the focus that occurs when you are engrossed in a book. You will be able to talk but be totally relaxed and in control. You will be aware of your body's birthing process, but you'll also be able to determine the extent to which you feel your uterine contractions. Birth will be experienced in an environment that is calm, relaxing and free of the fear and tension that cause pain.

Hypnobirthing^® classes teach you how to achieve a safer, easier and more comfortable birth. Techniques include those which help eliminate the fear-tension-pain cycle, produce endorphins (the body's natural pain relievers) and will also help your birthing companion join you a calm and serene birthing environment.

Hypnobirthing^® is offered on Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Hunterdon Medical Center. Participants need not sign up for lamaze if taking the Hypnobirthing^® classes. For more information or to register call (908) 788-MOMS (6667). (Fee)

Request a brochure about Parenting and Childbirth Education