Preparing for Parenthood

To help you prepare for parenthood, Florida Hospital offers Parent Education programs at all four of our locations. These programs are geared to the entire family, including fathers, siblings and grandparents. It is our goal to provide you and your family with the skills and knowledge needed to care for your baby in a healthy, nurturing environment.

To register for a Parent Education class call (407) 303-2599.

Following are some of the programs we offer:

A Better Beginning
It’s never too early to give your child a head start in their growth and development. This three-hour class covers nutrition and weight gain, exercise, physical and emotional changes that can occur during pregnancy, choosing a pediatrician, infant feeding, childbirth classes and selecting the proper car seat. This class is held at Winter Park Memorial Hospital. Preregistration is necessary and the fee is $25 per couple.

Anesthesia for Childbirth
If you’re not planning natural childbirth, this class will explain epidural anesthesia as an option. Taught by an anesthesiologist, this 1 ½-hour class is conducted at Florida Hospital Orlando and Winter Park Memorial Hospital. No preregistration is required. The fee is $25 but there is no charge for this class if you’re attending the Prepared Childbirth or Birthing courses.

Prepared Childbirth
This four-week course is geared toward women who are in their last trimester as well as their partners. It covers preparation for labor and delivery, Lamaze breathing and relaxation techniques. Instructors are certified in Lamaze. The $125 fee also includes the Breastfeeding Class, the Baby Care Class and the Anesthesia Class.

Refresher Prepared Childbirth
If it’s been a few years since you had your last child, this is the perfect course for you. This refresher covers all the basics of the initial Prepared Childbirth course so you’re up to speed on labor and delivery, breathing and relaxation techniques as well as other important parenting skills.

Children’s Class
Getting a new brother or sister is a pretty exciting thing to a child. Held once a month, this one-hour class shows siblings how to hold, feed and diaper the new addition to your family. Children also watch a child-oriented film on pregnancy and birth and tour The Baby Place (not labor and delivery). Each enrollee is encouraged to bring a doll to class. No preregistration is necessary and the fee is $20 per family.

Baby Care
If you’re a first-time or adoptive parent, this 2 ½-hour class will help take some of the mystery out of the basics of baby care. The course covers diapering, feeding, bathing and more. No preregistration is necessary and the fee is just $25. If you’re attending the Prepared Childbirth or Birthing Basics courses, there is no fee for Baby Care.

Pediatric CPR/Life Support
Available at Florida Hospital Orlando, this class teaches you how to administer CPR to infants and children as well as take appropriate safety measures around the home to protect your kids. The American Heart Association provides certification. Preregistration is required and the fee is $40 per person or $70 per couple.

Happiest Baby on the Block
Developed by renowned pediatrician Harvey Karp, MD, this nationally acclaimed program teaches expectant and new parents how to calm a fussy baby. The two-hour class includes a CD and DVD. The fee is $55 and you must preregister for the course.

Grandparent Class
Connecting generations is the goal of this two-hour class specifically designed for grandparents. Offered at Winter Park Memorial Hospital, this course covers new childbirth and parenting techniques. Preregistration is necessary and the fee is $25 per couple.