As a new parent you will have many important decisions to make. Knowledge is power and the more you know the more prepared you will be for your new baby. Kootenai Health offers prenatal courses to help you become a more informed parent.

If you have any questions, or would like to sign up for a family birth center tour, please call (208) 625-6919.

Important Class Information

In order to accommodate as many expectant parents as possible and provide a more relevant and enjoyable experience, we ask that you be in about your 30th week of pregnancy or beyond at the start of classes (we realize there may be some exceptions).

Location

All classes below are held in the Residency Classroom (second floor) in the Kootenai Clinic Building at 1919 Lincoln Way: Google Map 

Prepared Childbirth

This four-week course (totally eight hours) prepares mother-to-be and her support team for the delivery experience. A major focus of this class is education and practice of breathing and relaxation techniques. Other topics covered in Prepared Childbirth include pain management strategies, fetal monitoring, stages of labor, cesarean delivery and possible complications. A tour of Kootenai Health’s Family Birth Center is also offered. 

2019 Sessions: Tuesdays (4 part series) 6 to 8:30 p.m.

• December 3-18

2020 Sessions: Tuesdays (4 part series) 6 to 8:30 p.m.

• January 7-28
• February 4-25
• March 3-24
• April 7-28
• May 5-26
• June 2-23, classes have been cancelled
• July 7-28, classes have been cancelled
• August 4-25, classes have been cancelled
• September 8-29
• October 6-27
• November 3-24
• December 1-22

Breastfeeding Basics

Learn how to initiate breastfeeding with early skin-to-skin contact, how to support your milk supply and how to deal with common struggles and myths. For more information on breastfeeding visit our Lactation Services page.

2019 Sessions: Wednesdays 6 to 8:30 p.m.

• 12/4

2020 Sessions: Wednesdays 6 to 8:30 p.m.

• 1/8
• 2/5
• 3/4
• 4/1
• 5/6
• 6/3, classes have been cancelled
• 7/1, classes have been cancelled
• 8/5, classes have been cancelled
• 9/2
• 10/7
• 11/4
• 12/2

Baby Care Basics

Home newborn care is the main focus of Baby Care Basics. This three-hour evening course helps parents learn about a baby’s basic needs and provides information on the postpartum stay, care of the mother, coping with a fussy baby, infant health and safety, and feeding. 

2019 Sessions: Mondays 6 to 8:30 p.m.

• 12/2

2020 Sessions: Mondays 6 to 8:30 p.m.

• 1/6
• 2/10
• 3/2
• 4/6
• 5/4
• 6/1, classes have been cancelled
• 7/6, classes have been cancelled
• 8/3, classes have been cancelled
• 9/14
• 10/5
• 11/2
• 12/7