Childbirth Classes

We’re here to help you and your family better understand and prepare for the arrival of your baby. Our experienced educators and classes help you and your family enjoy a more satisfying birth experience.

Classes are offered at the Family Birth Centers at MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital, MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital and MultiCare Auburn Medical Center.

Sign up for classes online or over the phone, call 800-342-9919.

All students using a Provider One Card for class payment must register by calling 253-697-5300.

Register for Classes or Tours

List of Classes

5-Week Childbirth Series

If you want a comprehensive class covering everything from pregnancy, birth, comfort techniques, medications for birth, cesarean birth, postpartum, breastfeeding and newborn care, this class is for you. You will have an opportunity to meet other expectant parents, tour our Birth Center with your educator and have plenty of time to have your questions answered. If you are hoping to avoid the use of pain medication for childbirth, this class offers the most practice with non-medication pain relief techniques. 2.5 hours per class, 12.5 hours total series time.

$105 or Provider One Card

Register online for class at Good Samaritan Hospital

Register online for class at Tacoma General Hospital

Register online for class Auburn Medical Center

Please call 253-697-5300 if using Provider One Card to register.

*With all class registrations, a birth partner can attend at no additional charge and the partner's information is entered when mom registers.

2-Day Class

This class covers all the information a 5-week series does, but moves more quickly over two weekend days. Labor coping and support techniques will be practiced both days. Tour of our Birth Center included. Each class day is 6.5 hours with a lunch break.

$105 or Provider One Card

Register online for class at Good Samaritan Hospital

Register online for class at Tacoma General Hospital

Register online for class at Auburn Medical Center

Please call 253-697-5300 if using Provider One Card to register.

*With all class registrations, a birth partner can attend at no additional charge and the partner's information is entered when mom registers.

1-Day Class

This class offers “just the basics” for those too busy to attend the longer classes or those who desire a class that moves quickly. While all subjects are touched on, the primary focus of this class is to prepare you and your birth partner for the birth itself. 8-hour class with a lunch break.

$95 or Provider One Card

Register online for class at Good Samaritan Hospital

Register online for class at Tacoma General Hospital

Please call 253-697-5300 if using Provider One Card to register.

*With all class registrations, a birth partner can attend at no additional charge and the partner's information is entered when mom registers.

Split 1-Day Class (Not offered at this time)

A Split 1-Day Class covers all of the same information as the 1-Day class, however, it is split between 2 nights. Each night class will go from 5-9pm. 

$80 or Provider One Card

 

Please call 253-697-5300 if using Provider One Card to register.

*With all class registrations, a birth partner can attend at no additional charge and the partner's information is entered when mom registers.

Online Class

This online class offers prepared childbirth instruction in an easy-to-navigate, self-paced and convenient format. Topics covered are pregnancy, labor, birth stories, comfort techniques, medical procedures, cesarean birth, newborn care and postpartum. This class offers information in text, animation, videos and 11 printable handouts. Total average viewing time is 4 to 6 hours.

$75  - Register online

(Provider One Cards not accepted)

Just For You

If you prefer a private childbirth class, this 4.5-hour private class covers the prenatal education topics you select. Time and subjects are arranged with the instructor.

$190 - Register online

(Provider One Cards not accepted)

*With all class registrations, a birth partner can attend at no additional charge and the partner's information is entered when mom registers.

Breastfeeding Class

This 1-night class offers information on the benefits and the "how to" of breastfeeding. Suggestions for overcoming common difficulties and strategies for working and breastfeeding will be covered.
$40

Register online for class at Tacoma General Hospital

Register online for class at Good Samaritan Hospital
 

(Provider One Cards not accepted)

*With all class registrations, a birth partner can attend at no additional charge and the partner's information is entered when mom registers.

Infant CPR

Learn Infant and Child Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for the first time or review your skills in this fun and relaxed class. The American Heart Association infant and child CPR and choking skills will be taught. No certification cards will be given to students in class.

$20 / Person - Register online

(Provider One Cards not accepted)

*With all class registrations, a birth partner can attend at no additional charge and the partner's information is entered when mom registers.

Newborn Basics

This 1-night class offers an in-depth preparation on what to expect from your newborn and how to best care for him or her when you get home from the hospital. Sleeping, feeding, diapering, bathing and safety issues will all be covered with extra time for your questions or concerns to be addressed. 3 hours.

$40 - Register online for class at Good Samaritan Hospital

$40 - Register online for class at Tacoma General Hospital

(Provider One Cards not accepted)

*With all class registrations, a birth partner can attend at no additional charge and the partner's information is entered when mom registers.

Labor Coping Skills Class

This is a one night class that ONLY covers non-medication labor coping skills. It is designed for those too busy to attend any other childbirth class, those who took the online class, those who have had a baby before but need a refresher on labor coping, or those who took the 1-Day class and would like more practice using breathing and relaxation skills.

$40 - Register online for class at Good Samaritan Hospital
 

$40 - Register online for class at Tacoma General Hospital

(Provider One Cards not accepted)

Big Brother/Big Sister

A fun, 1.5-hour class for 3 to 7 year olds that helps prepare children to become an older brother or sister. Class includes activities, safety issues and a Birth Center tour. Parents attend with their children.

$15 per child

Register online for class at Good Samaritan Hospital

Register online for class at Tacoma General Hospital

(Provider One Cards not accepted)

Just for Dads

Expectant fathers have a wonderful opportunity to “hear it like it is” from an experienced dad and receive tips on baby care and safety, the transition into fatherhood and some great ideas for offering support along the way to the new mom. 3 hours.

$30   - Register online

(Provider One Cards not accepted)

Mom and Baby Support Group at Good Samaritan Hospital

Offers informative speakers, discussion of sleep, feeding and adjustment issues, baby weight checks, encouragement and support. Group meets in the Birth Center Classroom. No need to sign up.
Free

Every Tuesday: 0-6 months 10:30-11:30am

6-12 months 11:30am-12:30pm

Mom and Baby Breastfeeding Support Group at Tacoma General Hospital

Offers professional support for breastfeeding, baby weight checks and discussion of sleep, feeding and adjustment issues. Group meets in the Family Education Center within the Women and Newborn Unit in Tacoma General Hospital. No need to sign up. Free Every Tuesday from 10:30am-Noon

Birth Center Tours

View the private birthing suites and get your personal questions answered about birthing at Auburn Medical Center, Good Samaritan and Tacoma General. Information regarding pre-registration, arrival to the hospital and what to expect during your stay will be provided.

Auburn Medical Center Tours are offered by appointment. Please call 253-545-2522 to arrange your personal tour of the Family Birth Center.

Good Samaritan Hospital Tours are at 1pm every Saturday and Sunday. Meet in the Family Birth Center lobby. No need to sign up. Tour lasts about 30 minutes.

Tacoma General Hospital Tours are offered three times a month (see class schedule). Please call 800-342-9919 to sign up, or register online. Tour lasts about 45 minutes.