Prenatal Parenting

Are you in your third trimester and preparing to birth your baby(ies)? Becoming a new parent is exciting and challenging. Together, we’ll learn what to expect – from welcoming your baby to taking their first steps. Expectant parents are invited to our six-session virtual Prenatal Parenting course to prepare for the transition from pregnancy to postpartum parenthood. This course is not a traditional hospital-based childbirth education class. It is a nurturing group program to build confidence in newborn and early parenting.

Groups are held on Tuesday evenings throughout the year via Zoom. Our next courses are:

March 10 - April 14, 2026 (six-session course from 6:30 to 8 p.m.) Register for the Course.

May 5 - June 9, 2026 (six-session course from 6:30 to 8 p.m.) Register for the Course.

In this course, we will share information and discuss:

1. The Process of Bonding and Attachment
2. Newborn States of Consciousness
3. Newborn Sleep
4. Reading Infant Cues
5. Developmental Crying Behavior
6. Exploring Transition to Parenthood Themes
7. Understanding Perinatal Mental Health Challenges
8. Infant Development in the First Year

The program is grant-funded by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood and is available to parents delivering at UConn Health or who reside in the following towns: Bristol, Farmington, Canton, Simsbury, Plainville, Wallingford, Meriden, New Britain, Wethersfield, or Newington, regardless of birthing hospital (these towns constitute our grant-funded region).

This is a free course!  

UConn Health’s OB/GYN Department offers free childbirth and breastfeeding education classes for birthing people delivering at our hospital.

If these programs are not a fit for you, please consider reaching out to a doula service practice, as many doulas in Connecticut provide childbirth education classes for expectant parents.