Are you an expecting or new parent? Douglas College offers a variety of classes to support you during this exciting and challenging stage of life. Our prenatal classes for parents help prepare you for labour, birth, and early parenthood, while perinatal classes for parents cover topics including baby massage, sleep education and breastfeeding/chestfeeding support.
Prenatal and newborn care classes online or in-person
Congratulations on your pregnancy! We offer both in-person and live online prenatal classes to suit your needs and all classes include bonus material, resources and videos on our Blackboard platform.
Classes are interactive and include lots of activities. Topics include, late pregnancy challenges, hands-on comfort and massage techniques for labour, medical procedures and decision-making, cesarean birth, breastfeeding/chestfeeding, the immediate postpartum and postpartum adjustments, newborn care and early parenting decisions.
A special emphasis is placed on the partner/support person's role in birth and parenting as you prepare to provide a safe and nurturing environment that will support your baby's physical and emotional development.
Learn more about in-person classes
Learn more about online classes
IAIM® Baby Massage for Parents
Solidify your bond with your infant through baby massage. You'll learn a variety of strokes as well as the benefits of infant massage from International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM®) certified instructors.
Infant Sleep Education for Parents
Taught and developed by a certified sleep consultant, Infant Sleep Education for Parents will help you to understand and effectively respond to your baby during the different stages of infant development. This is not a baby sleep training course but rather a way to help you develop strategies to support your infant.
Breastfeeding and Chestfeeding Course for Parents
Are you an expectant parent who has questions about breastfeeding or chestfeeding? Our live, online classes provide a safe space where you will learn with other parents and where questions are encouraged. Led by an experienced breastfeeding educator, you'll learn how to get feeding off to a strong start, what to expect during breastfeeding and chestfeeding, how to handle the unexpected and more.