When it comes to having a baby, you can count on Heywood Hospital for complete support. We offer a variety of classes and services to help you through your pregnancy and prepare you for parenthood. We recommend that you register for classes by the fifth month of your pregnancy. Once registered, you will receive a letter approximately 6-8 weeks before your due date informing you of the exact date, time and location of the class. For further information about any of our classes, please feel free to call the LaChance Maternity Center at (978) 630-6216.

Birthing and Education Classes
Early Pregnancy Class
Teaches what to expect throughout the course of your pregnancy
and what you can do to manage any discomforts that you
may have. One evening, 6:30pm – 7:30pm. Third Wednesday of every other
month (Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct., Dec.) Fee: $15 delivering at Heywood, $20 delivering elsewhere

Childbirth Education – 4 Series Class
Taught by certified childbirth educators, this is designed for parents having their first baby and covers information on breathing and relaxation techniques, how to recognize and cope with each stage of labor as well as various options for pain relief. 6:00pm – 9:00pm. First 4 Tuesdays of every other month (Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct., Dec.)Fee: $50 delivering at Heywood, $80 delivering elsewhere

Winchendon Health Center
10:00am – 1:00pm. First 4 Wednesdays of every other month
(Jan., March, May, July, Sept., Nov.)
Fee: $50 delivering at Heywood, $80 delivering elsewhere

Childbirth Education – Saturday Class
Class content includes the same information as the full
4-week series class, however, it is condensed into a one time
class held on the second Saturday of every other month.
9:00am – 3:0pm. Second Saturday of every other month
(Jan., March, May, July, Sept., Nov.)
Fee: $50 delivering at Heywood, $80 delivering elsewhere

Teen Childbirth Education Class
Class content is similar to the 4-week series class, but is offered in a
condensed format (3 week series) specific to the needs of teens and
young adults. 4:30pm – 7:30pm. First Monday of every other month
(Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct., Dec.) Fee: $40 delivering at Heywood, $55 delivering elsewhere

Childbirth Education Refresher Class
For those with previous childbirth experience, this one-evening class
reviews breathing and relaxation techniques as well as signs of labor.
Other topics include sibling preparation. One evening, 6:00pm – 9:00pm. Second Wednesday of every other month (Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct. Dec.)
Fee: $40 delivering at Heywood, $55 delivering elsewhere

Meet the Doula
Heywood Hospital offers a volunteer Doula program to enhance the comfort of our patients by providing continuous uninterrupted care for the laboring woman and her family. The “Meet the Doula” night is a great opportunity to meet some of our Doulas and learn about the benefits of a Doula which can include a shorter labor, reduced need for pain medication and a decrease in C-section rates. This is a free service available to all patients that deliver at Heywood Hospital. One evening, 6:00pm – 7:00pm. Fourth Monday of every month. Free.

Newborn and Parenthood Preparation
Sibling Class
This class intended to prepare children for the arrival of a new brother or sister. How babies are fed, diapered and cared for are some of the topics that are covered. Children are shown a brief movie and given a tour of the maternity unit so they can see where mom and the new baby will be once it is born. The class even comes complete with coloring book, crayons and cookies. 1:00pm – 2:30pm. Third Sunday of every other month (Jan., March, May, July, Sept., Nov.) Fee: $15.

Mother & Baby Class
Teaches new mothers what to expect during the first three months after your baby is born. Includes information on the post partum period as well as newborn care. One evening, 6:00pm – 8:30pm. First Thursday of every month. Fee: $20 delivering at Heywood, $30 delivering elsewhere

Prenatal Breastfeeding Class
This class will provide you with the information and techniques to ensure a successful and rewarding breastfeeding experience. Topics include health benefits of breastfeeding for you and your baby, positioning, how to know if your baby is getting enough milk, expression and storage of milk, and how to continue breastfeeding if you plan to return to work.
One evening, 6:00pm – 8:30pm. Second Monday of every other
month (Jan., March, May, July, Sept., Nov.) Fee: $20 delivering at Heywood, $30 delivering elsewhere

Breastfeeding Support Group
This is a support group of local mothers who meet to exchange breastfeeding information, support and encouragement in an informal setting. Babies (and breastfeeding) are always welcome at all the meetings. 4:30pm – 6:30pm. Last Wednesday of every month. Free.

Infant/Child Safety and CPR – Evening Class
Before your baby arrives, include in your safety planning our Infant/Child Safety and CPR class. Recommended for parents, grandparents and anyone caring for an infant or toddler, this program teaches you how to prevent injuries, basic safety, and the proper procedure for assisting an infant or child who is choking or unconscious.
5:30pm – 8:30pm. First Wednesday of every other month (Feb.,
April, June, Aug., Oct., Dec.) Fee: $40 per couple, $30 per person.

Infant/Child Safety and CPR – Saturday Class
Class includes the same information as the evening class.
9:00am – 12:00pm. First Saturday of every other month
(Jan., March, May, July, Sept., Nov.)Fee: $40 per couple, $30 per person.