Birthing Education Classes at HVHC
1. Getting Started Breastfeeding Class/Newborn Class
Research shows breastfeeding is the healthiest choice for both mother and baby. Breastfeeding is a natural process as well as a learned art. We find that the more information and resources new parents have, the easier it is to successfully breastfeed. This class blends discussion, lecture, visual aids and evidence based information. Please consult our calendar for dates and times of classes.
We encourage expectant mothers to bring their partner/spouse, friend or a family member to the class.
Topics covered in the class include:
- Advantages of breastfeeding
- Anatomy and physiology of the breast
- Benefits of skin-to-skin contact
- Practice of rooming-in with baby during the hospital stay
- Positioning the baby at the breast
- Breastfeeding during the early post-partum period
- Overcoming difficulties
- Life with a newborn
- Normal newborn characteristics
- Community resources for new parents
2. Childbirth Classes
Childbirth Classes are a combination of lecture, discussion, demonstration, video presentation, and hands-on-practice. We'll discuss breathing strategies, relaxation skills, and labor support. You’ll get a chance to practice different techniques, ask questions, you will learn the signs and stages of labor, the role of the labor support person, the process of birth, and positions for labor and delivery. We will cover what to do during labor, when to go to the hospital, and details about pain medication options and medical interventions
Classes emphasize the process and the power of your body to do the work.
At the end o f class, my goal is that you will be:
- more confident of your ability to birth
- more equipped with techniques you can turn to in labor
- more knowledgeable about the process and the paths you may take
- more capable of making informed decisions regarding your care
- for the birth partner: more confident of your role
3. Grandparenting 101 Class
Tips for grandparents about supporting the breastfeeding mom, safety, basic baby care, safe sleep and other real-life skills.
For more information about Birthing and Lactation classes and support groups please call 914-734-3896.



Hudson Valley Hospital Center is accredited by the Joint Commission, a national organization that sets high standards for patient care and safety. PUBLIC NOTICE: The Joint Commission conducts accreditation surveys of all hospitals. The purpose of this survey is to evaluate the organization's compliance with nationally established Joint Commission standards. The survey results are used to determine whether, and the conditions under which, accreditation should be awarded the organization. Joint Commission standards deal with organization quality and safety-of-care issues and the safety of the environment in which care is provided. Anyone believing that he or she has pertinent and valid information about such matters should contact hospital administration. If these concerns are not resolved by the hospital, you may request a public information interview with the Joint Commission's field representatives at the time of the survey. Information presented at the interview will be carefully evaluated for relevance to the accreditation process. Requests for a public information interview must be made in writing and should be sent to the Joint Commission. The request must also indicate the nature of the information to be provided at the interview. Such requests should be addressed to: Division of Accreditation Operations, Office of Quality Monitoring, Joint Commission, One Renaissance Boulevard, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 or faxed to (630) 792-5636 or emailed to
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