Childbirth and Family Education Programs
There are many times in our lives that we remember as special.
Perhaps none is more special than that of bringing a new baby into your life. The journey from pregnancy to childbirth and beyond is a very special one. During this time, the staff at Cooper University Hospital is ready to assist you with your educational needs. At Cooper, we truly feel honored to be a part of this new chapter in your life and are excited to work with you as part of a team in assisting you in your childbirth experience.
We have designed educational programs that will help you make the best decisions for you and your baby. All of our classes will enhance your birthing experience and assist you in becoming comfortable with the setting and personnel you will meet.
Cooper provides many specialty services to meet all of your childbirth needs. The obstetricians, perinatologists, neonatologists, and pediatricians as well as the nurse managers, educators, lactation consultant and staff feel that there is no safer or more supportive an environment than Cooper in which to bring a new child into the world. Our philosophy of family-centered care makes us committed to working in a partnership with families such as yours that will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
We hope the educational programs outlined here will only be the beginning of a long partnership between your family and Cooper University Hospital.We wish to congratulate you in advance for choosing us and pledge to work with you in providing care that assists you and your new family in making the best start possible.
If you have any questions please call Deborah E. Schoch, RNC, BSN, IBCIC, CCE, CPST, Lactation Consultant/Coordinator of Childbirth Education at (856) 342-3283.
Pre-registration is required for all classes, please call (800) 8-COOPER (800-826-6737).
Childbirth Preparation Series
Two, 3-hour classes held from 6pm - 9pm each night
$100 per couple
View upcoming dates and times
Childbirth preparation classes are designed to increase your knowledge of the labor and delivery experience. They will also increase your confidence and assist you in making choices that provide the best care for you and your infant during this time. Topics include the stages of labor, comfort measures, care after delivery, and how to care for yourself and your new baby. A tour of all our facilities will familiarize you with our units so that you are comfortable upon entering the hospital in labor. Classes are taught by staff working at Cooper University Hospital. This will tie you to a familiar face when you come in to deliver. We recommend you take this class early in the last trimester of your pregnancy. Registering early will ensure your getting the date of choice as our classes fill quickly.
Childbirth Refresher Cass
One, 3-hour class held from 6pm - 9pm
$50 per couple
View upcoming dates and times (Camden)
This one-night class will enable you to review the labor and delivery process, re-learn comfort measures, and tour the units to learn of any changes since having your last child. The class is taught by staff working at Cooper University Hospital. This will tie you to a familiar face when you come in to deliver. We recommend you take this class early in the last trimester of your pregnancy. Registering early will ensure your getting the date of choice as our classes fill quickly.
One-Day Childbirth Preparation Class
One Satuday per month from 9am - 3pm
$100 per couple
View upcoming dates and times (Camden)
View upcoming dates and times (Voorhees)
The all day class is designed for the couple who cannot attend the weeknight class or prefer to complete the class in a shorter period of time. The all day Saturday class provides the same information as the weeknight classes. It also offers a tour of all our facilities. The class is taught by staff working at Cooper University Hospital. This will tie you to a familiar face when you come in to deliver. We recommend you take this class early in the last trimester of your pregnancy. Registering early will ensure your getting the date of choice as our classes fill quickly.
Big Brother / Big Sister Class
One, 2-hour class held on Saturday from 10am - 12pm
View upcoming dates and times
Preparing your child for the birth of a new brother or sister is just as important as preparing for your first child. Through story telling, art, video and doll play, your child will learn the important role they will play and what to expect when the new baby arrives. This informative class will also give your child a tour of our facilities so they will be familiar with the sights and sounds of the hospital. Please have your child bring a doll or stuffed animal to class. Classes are taught by staff working at Cooper University Hospital. This will tie you to a familiar face when you come in to deliver. Registering early will ensure your getting the date of choice as our classes fill quickly.
Infant and Child CPR
This course is specially designed to teach parents the latest techniques approved by the American Heart Association for resuscitating an infant or child. For a schedule and more information, please call (856) 342-2009.
Breastfeeding: An Introduction
One, 2-hour class held from 7pm - 9pm (2007 sessions), 6pm - 8pm (2008 sessions)
$50 per family
View upcoming dates and times (Camden)
View upcoming dates and times (Voorhees)
Breastfeeding offers many benefits for both the mother and the baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life and as desired by the mother and infant until 1 year of age. This class is designed to give you the basic tools you will need to successfully begin breastfeeding. Classes are taught by registered nurses who are boardcertified lactation consultants or certified as breastfeeding peer counselors. We recommend you take this class early in the last trimester of your pregnancy. Registering early will ensure your getting the date of choice as our classes fill quickly.
Car Seat Safety Class
Held Saturday from 10am - 12pm
No fee
View upcoming dates and times
Did you know that one out of four car seats is installed incorrectly? Did you know that children in NJ must be in a safety restraint appropriate for their age and weight until they are 8 years or 80 pounds? Cooper University Hospital is pleased to partner with Safe Kids of South Jersey based in Camden and within the hospital. The free car seat class we provide will help ensure the safety of your baby.
CLICK HERE to view a complete list of upcoming Car Seat Safety Classes
Tours of the Obstetrical Units at Cooper University Hospital
Held the first and fourth Wednesday of the month at 11am and 6pm
No charge
View upcoming dates and times
Complementary tours are given by staff who work within the obstetrical units. This will make you feel comfortable with your surroundings and familiarize you with policies and procedures that will make your stay comfortable. PLEASE NOTE: Tours are also provided in our childbirth classes.
Baby 101: An Introduction to Newborn Care and Characteristics
Held at Cooper for Women in Voorhees
$50 per Family, Free Parking
Patients can call to inquire about the following classes as they are scheduled according to enrollment. All are held at Cooper for Women in Voorhees. Please call (856) 673-4949 for details.
Prenatal Yoga for Women
For women in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. Designed to build flexibility, focus, strength and awareness
Breastfeeding Support Group
To support the mother with breastfeeding after delivery. A certified lactation condultant will be available to answer questions, offer support and discuss topics of interest.
Baby Boot Camp
A post-delivery group for mothers and infants that promotes exercise and healthy living.