Lakewood Ranch Medical Center offers education and support for expectant families before, during and after the birth experience.
All our Core Prenatal Classes are free for patients who are delivering at LWRMC with one of our obstetricians. You may still incur a fee for the Ancillary Classes per the discretion of the instructor. To register, or for questions regarding any of our prenatal classes, please call 941-782-BABY.
Patients should begin registering for the Core Prenatal Classes starting around 20 weeks and should start the classes around 28+ weeks so there is enough time to finish them within around 3-4 weeks of your due date.
Pre-register With the Hospital
Core Prenatal Classes
Prepared Childbirth Series
This series of classes is a comprehensive program designed to prepare a couple physically and mentally for birth. This is an experience not to be missed and is completely different from what is available on the internet or TV! Topics include pregnancy discomforts, preparing for physical changes, labor and delivery, and hospital policies and procedures. Couples will also learn about pain management techniques and anesthesia pain relief. This class will also help you train to cope with labor.
Time: 6:30 – 9 pm
Dates: Five-week series
Please call the Birth Designer at 941-782-2229 if you have questions or trouble registering.
View Dates and Register Online
Baby Care Basics
This class is designed to help parents get a head start on caring for their baby. Topics include: general infant care such as bathing and diapering, newborn appearance and characteristics, and a review of standard newborn tests and procedures.
Time: 9 a.m. – noon
Please call the Birth Designer at 941-782-2229 if you have questions or trouble registering.
View Dates and Register Online
Breastfeeding Basics
Learn the most up-to-date information about getting started with breastfeeding. Discussion includes positioning and latching, general breastfeeding guidelines, pumping and storage of breast milk and how to avoid or handle common breastfeeding issues.
Time: 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Please call the Birth Designer at 941-782-2229 if you have questions or trouble registering.
View Dates and Register Online
Infant CPR for Friends and Family
Practice the proper techniques of Infant CPR based on the latest recommendations from the American Heart Association. This class will also cover topics such as infant choking and water safety. This is a very popular class for parents, grandparents, siblings and babysitters. Please sign up early as classes fill quickly!
Time: 6:30 - 8 p.m.
View Dates and Register Online
Little Nippers
If you're a new parent, join our free Little Nippers group. Led by a facilitator, this group of parents meets weekly to offer support and suggestions on everything from breastfeeding and weaning to tummy time and sleep training. Class is designed for newborns through one year or active crawlers.
Registration is required and can be made by contacting Chrissy Coney, RN, at Christine.Coney@lwrmc.com or by joining the Facebook group “Little Nippers LWR."
Ancillary Classes
Gestational Diabetes Class
If you’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes or elevated blood sugar in pregnancy, you’re not alone. This free class with a registered, licensed dietitian/nutritionist will teach you how to keep your blood glucose in a healthy range to protect you and your baby throughout pregnancy. Each class is approximately 90 minutes with time for Q & A.
Topics include gestational diabetes and the importance of maintaining normal blood sugar, how food affects blood sugar, which foods to eat, which foods to avoid or minimize, how to meal plan and recipe ideas.
Classes can be scheduled remotely via the Zoom meeting app. Contact Kay Renshaw, RD/LDN directly to schedule a time.
Email: kay4health@gmail.com
Phone: 813-624-224