Prepare for Parenthood With Confidence-Building Support
A new baby brings love, joy and change to a family. Build the necessary skills to become the best parent possible with the prenatal, parenting and family education programs at the AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Birth Center. Our specially trained teams have been providing support to growing families for more than 30 years, covering topics including:
- Breastfeeding
- Childbirth preparation
- CPR and safety
- Postpartum depression
- Prenatal fitness
Our goal is to make sure you receive the most up-to-date information and parenting support so you’re fully prepared for what lies ahead.
We’re here to help you find the right physician or a location that’s convenient for you.
Information Empowers Get Ready for One of Life’s Most Important Roles
Check out these class and more by visiting our classes and events page.
- Birth Center Tour
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We want you to feel confident that you’ve chosen the right hospital for your child’s birth. Take a video tour to give you a familiarity with our facility and our team, so that when your baby is ready to arrive, you’re ready, too. If you’ve already chosen AdventHealth as your labor and delivery hospital, an in-person tour is offered as part of AdventHealth maternity navigator visits.
- Childbirth – Five Week
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Focused on the needs of first-time parents, our five-week comprehensive childbirth class series is led by a certified childbirth educator who covers the stages of labor, comfort measures and birthing positions, what to expect at the hospital, and medications, as well as our Newborn Care class and a tour of the AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Birth Center..
- Childbirth Weekend
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If you’re unable to attend the five-week series class, this two-day class covers the essentials: the stages of labor, comfort measures, birthing positions, what to expect at the hospital, and medications. Led by a certified childbirth instructor, it also includes our Newborn Care class and a tour of the Birth Center.
- Childbirth Online
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For expectant mothers whose work or travel schedules make committing to a traditional class a challenge, our online childbirth class provides access to a certified childbirth instructor who is available via email and phone. It’s also a good option for expectant mothers who’ve been placed on bed rest, or for people who prefer to learn at their own pace. The course must be completed within six weeks of purchase.
- Childbirth Natural Strategies
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Do you desire a custom birth plan that’s aligned with your values? This one-time class is a perfect addition to our one-day or five-week classes. You’ll work with a certified instructor to create your birth vision by clarifying your values, writing a birth plan and practicing additional relaxation and comfort measures. Participants need to complete a childbirth preparation class prior to attending.
- Childbirth Refresher and VBAC
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For mothers who’ve given birth in the past, our Childbirth Refresher and VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) class provides ideas and inspiration to make your upcoming birth experience just as special as your first. A certified childbirth instructor will review your previous labor and delivery experience and provide a refresh on the stages of labor, what to expect at the hospital, birthing positions and comfort measures, and medications, as well as topics specific to anyone interested in having a VBAC.
- Newborn Care
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Boost your self-confidence during your early days at home with your newborn by learning about what to expect at the hospital, newborn tests and procedures, baby basics such as bathing, diapering, cord care, safe sleep, calming techniques, and tips from the book Happiest Baby on the Block.
- AdventHealth ParentCare
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Whether you have a newborn or a teenager, parenting is not always easy. We're here to help with AdventHealth ParentCare. This program is designed to guide you through your parenting journey and equip you with the tools you need to get your child (regardless of age) to do simple tasks.
This program offers:
- Parenting coaching and Behavior Checker featuring advice for responding to more than 150 of your children’s common behaviors
- Postpartum and parent emotional support, including information about our postpartum support group
- Breastfeeding support and our breastfeeding warm line where you can speak with a Board-certified lactation consultant seven days a week
- Parent groups, events and classes held at AdventHealth facilities in the Kansas City metropolitan area
- The Britain Development program that involves family and friends in the process of therapeutic treatment and education for children with special needs from birth through six years of age
- Adult behavioral health services offering individualized treatment options for parents, grandparents, caregivers and children.
Beyond the Basics Give Your Family Tools for Success
Once you’ve mastered the basics of breastfeeding and labor and delivery, the Birth Center at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission offers a full spectrum of courses in specialty parenting education topics to ensure you have all the information you need to make the first years of your baby’s life everything you hope them to be.
Get information on class times and register by visiting our Classes and Events page.
- Sibling 3-6
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If you already have children, they likely have many questions about your new baby. This class helps children ages 3 to 6 get ready for a newborn sibling, covering topics including what to expect with a new baby in the house. They’ll also get to experience a simulated womb, tour the AdventHealth Birth Center to see where mom and their new sibling will be, and wrap a special gift for them.
- Grandparents Class
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Come see how things have changed! First-time and experienced grandparents will learn how to support their son or daughter and spouse's new role as parents. You'll also become familiar with current safety issues. $25 class fee is for individual grandparent or per couple. This class does not include CPR instruction; please check out our CPR offerings on our website.