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

Nurturing Touch

This class can foster better bonding and attachment between you and your baby and a connection of love made possible through your baby's skin. It can help your baby sleep better, longer and deeper; reduce discomfort from colic, gas and constipation; cry and fuss less; improve muscle tone; and enhance neurological development.

Time: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Dates: TBD


Prenatal Yoga Class

Classes are taught by an experienced, certified prenatal yoga instructor. Yoga is very well suited for pregnancy on several levels. In addition to building strength and endurance, expectant women learn relaxation, proper breathing, wellness and body awareness, all of which are not only extremely beneficial during pregnancy, but also during labor and delivery.
Dates: TBD


Aromatherapy and Essential Oils During Pregnancy and Labor

Learn how to use essential oils safely during pregnancy and labor. Registration is required.

Fee: Class is FREE. $20 to make and take home a "Sleepytime" roller, "Flu Away" roller and a "Healthy Hands" anti-bacterial spray.
Time: 10 a.m. – Noon
Date: TBD


Aromatherapy and Essential Oils for Baby and Me

Learn which oils are gentle enough for your baby and how to use them. Registration is required.

Fee: Class is FREE. $20 to make and take home diaper cream, tummy roller and a hormone recovery roller.
Time: 12 – 2 p.m.
Date: TBD


Love My Tummy Time

"Tummy Time" is the foundation for all other developmental skills. Not just gross motor skills like crawling, sitting and walking, but also fine motor skills, visual motor skills and cognitive skills too. Teach your baby to love "tummy time" and thrive with each new developmental milestone. Bring your questions and meet other moms. Classes are for babies one week to pre-crawling and their caregivers. Expectant parents are welcome.

For more information, please contact Erin Taylor at erintaylorpedsot@gmail.com or register online below.

Register Online


Postpartum Adjustment Support Group

This group is for women who find that the adjustment to becoming a new mother is a little more difficult than anticipated. Share, listen, cry and laugh with other new moms and a facilitator who is a Postpartum Adjustment Support Specialist. Babies and children up to age three are welcome.

Time: 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Dates: Thursdays

For more information, please contact Sarah Checcone at peacemakersrq@gmail.com.


Dancing for Birth Class

Dancing for Birth classes are fun and gentle exercises that everyone can enjoy, even if they don’t think they can dance. This class is the perfect balance of movement, body awareness, baby bonding and fellowship. You’ll be surprised at the numerous benefits dancing provides for you during pregnancy, labor and postpartum recovery!

*Bring snacks to share!*

Fee: $10 or donations for Mothers Helping Mothers (toiletries, diapers, new or lightly used item; no food please)
Date: TBD


Family Music with Miss Kris

Children are naturally drawn to music and are inherently musical. By engaging your children in music and movement classes, you are not only giving them a “leg up” on their musical development, but on other educational pursuits as well.

Packages available a la carte or bundled.

Dates: TBD
Location: Women's Center

For more information or to register for classes please contact:

Email: Musikgarten.Kristin@gmail.com
Facebook: @Musikgarten.MissKris

Learn More


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

Please call 941-782-BABY for more information or submit a quick and easy interest form to receive information from a Women's Center staff member.