St. Peter’s Health offers parents FREE classes taught by a variety of specialists and professionals to help parents with all preparations, expectations and details surrounding a new baby. All the classes are offered to moms and their partners (please no kids). No registration necessary!*

Come to one class or to all classes for FREE! We encourage bringing water and snacks to each class. IF you are unable to make the classes, you can schedule an appointment with the specialists using the contact information listed under the classes (please note, all insurance/co-payment may apply to services for individual appointments). 

*Infant CPR/Choking Rescue requires registration

2019 Prepared Parenting Class Schedule

All classes take place at the St. Peter’s Health Regional Medical Center’s Education Center (enter through the Main Entrance off Winne Avenue. The Education Center is across from the Continental Café.)

Women and Children’s Unit Tour

This tour of the Women's and Children's Unit at St. Peter's Health is led by unit staff. Located in the Women’s and Children’s unit, the Labor and Delivery unit nine labor and delivery/recovery/postpartum/newborn (LDRPN) suites. Each suite features a birthing bed, which allows mom to transition from labor to delivery to recovery in the same room. The tours are held three times per month. Please meet in the family room of the Women’s and Children’s unit on fourth floor of the Regional Medical. Tours are half to one hour long and are suggested for women 33 to 36 weeks program.

  • March
    • March 8 @ 5PM
    •  March 16 @ 11:30AM
    • March 24 @ 1:30PM
  • April
    • April 5 @ 5PM
    • April 13 @ 11:30AM
    • April 27 @ 1:30PM
  • May
    • May 10 @ 5PM
    • May 18 @ 11:30AM
    • May 25 @ 1:30PM
  • June
    • June 7 @ 5PM
    • June 15 @ 11:30AM
    • June 23 @ 1:30PM
  • July
    • July 12 @ 5PM
    • July 20 @ 11:30AM
    • July 28 @ 1:30PM
  • August
    • August 9 @ 5PM
    • August 17 @ 11:30AM
    • August 25 @ 1:30PM

Infant CPR

View and register for Infant CPR classes through our events page

Childbirth Education

This two-part class held two nights over two weeks is taught by St. Peter’s Health Women and Children’s nurses. It covers a variety of labor topics including: signs and symptoms of labor, breathing and relaxation skills, pain management options, the coach’s role during labor and C-sections. Childbirth Class 1+ 2 are held Thursdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Come to one set of the dates below (closer to your due date is best):

  • March 7 + 14
  • April 11 + 18
  • May 16 + 23
  • June 13 + 20
  • July 11 + 18
  • August 15 + 22

Pregnancy and Postpartum Nutrition

This 1.5 hour class is taught by a Registered Dietitian to help moms both prenatally and postpartum understand proper nutrition, along with prevention and management of gestational diabetes. If you are unable to attend, schedule an appointment with a dietitian/CDE by calling 444-2116. Classes take place on Mondays:

  • May 6 - 6 to 7:30PM
  • August 5 - 6 to 7:30PM
  • November 4 - 6 to 7:30PM

Breastfeeding Basics

This 2-hour class is led by St. Peter’s Health Family Nurse Practitioner and Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Melissa Zimmerman. She discusses the benefits of breast milk, the anatomy and physiology of lactation, the elements that promote successful feedings, determining adequate milk intake and how to return to work while breastfeeding. If you are unable to attend, schedule an appointment with Melissa Zimmerman, F.N.P.-C, IBCLC by calling 447-2783. Classes take place on Tuesday:

  • May 14 - 5:30 to 7:30PM
  • August 27 - 5:30 to 7:30PM
  • November 19 - 5:30 to 7:30PM         

Postpartum Recovery

Join a Women's Health Physical Therapist and a Behavioral Health Specialist for a 2-hour class to discuss useful tips and education to remedy discomforts and guard against pain and dysfunction during and after pregnancy and also prepare for any postpartum depression. If you are unable to attend, schedule an appointment with the Women's Health Physical Therapist by calling 406-444-2340 or schedule with the behavioral health specialist at 406-442-1914

  • May 29 -- 5:30 to 7:30PM
  • Sept 4 -- 5:30 to 7:30PM
  • Dec 4 -- 5:30 to 7:30PM

Child Car Seat Safety

This 2-hour class is led by a certified child passenger safety technician. This instruction helps parents to learn the basics of choosing the right seat for your child and your budget; proper seat installation and specifically which position to use, angle and how to secure; and appropriately fitting your child to the seat as it is more complex that the height, weight and age listed on the packaging. Bring your safety seat to class! Installation can be scheduled with instructor as installation NOT part of the class. If you are Unable to attend or need assistance with car seat installation, contact Tracie at 406-324-1072 or tkiesel@helenaschools.org.

  • June 5 - 5:30 to 7:30PM
  • September 11 - 5:30 to 7:30PM
  • December 11 - 5:30 to 7:30PM