Program Overview

Introduction to Maternity Services

The Johns Hopkins Hospital offers a range of maternity services, including childbirth classes, lactation support, and doula services. These services are designed to support new and soon-to-be parents throughout their pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum journey.

Childbirth Classes and Support Services

The hospital provides various childbirth classes and support services, including:

• Childbirth Education Class: A 3-hour class that covers topics such as home preparations, third trimester comfort measures, signs and symptoms of labor, and coaching tips for birth partners.
• In-Person Childbirth Classes: Small group classes that allow for personalized attention and discussion.
• Online Childbirth Classes: eClasses that can be completed at the participant's own pace, covering topics such as understanding pregnancy, labor, and newborn care.
• Individual Consultations: Personalized consultations with a childbirth educator, which can be conducted in-person or virtually.

Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Classes and Support Services

The hospital also offers breastfeeding and chestfeeding classes and support services, including:

• Prenatal Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Classes: Small group classes that cover topics such as deciding to breast/chestfeed, getting ready to breast/chestfeed, and preparing the family for the infant feeding experience.
• Complimentary Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Class for Johns Hopkins Employees: A free, 60-minute class designed for employees and their support persons.
• Lactation Support Group: A weekly, in-person support group led by certified lactation consultants, which is free and open to all.

Doula Services

The hospital offers doula services, including:

• Birth Companions: A free service provided by the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, which provides physical, emotional, and informational support to parents during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.
• Services for Medicaid Patients: Expecting parents who participate in a Medicaid Managed Care Organization (MCO) can contact their provider to connect with a doula free of charge.

Tours

The hospital offers tours of the Birthing Center, including:

• In-Person Tour: A 45-minute tour led by a labor nurse, which covers the unit, including triage/observation, labor room, and postpartum room.
• Virtual Tour: A free, virtual tour of the Birthing Center, accessible via YouTube.

Language Assistance

The hospital provides language assistance in various languages, including Spanish, French, Chinese, and many others.

Conclusion

The Johns Hopkins Hospital's maternity services are designed to provide comprehensive support to new and soon-to-be parents. From childbirth classes to lactation support and doula services, the hospital offers a range of programs to help families navigate the journey of pregnancy, childbirth, and parenthood.