Childbirth & Baby-Care Classes in Hampton Roads
Quick answer
Across the 757, the main childbirth prep, breastfeeding, and newborn-care classes are run by the hospital systems — Chesapeake Regional and Sentara — plus a few free virtual options. Register early: many classes recommend signing up around your fourth or fifth month, because the good time slots fill quickly. Details below change from time to time, so always confirm the current schedule and price directly with the provider.
Chesapeake Regional Healthcare
Right here in Chesapeake, the BirthPlace at Chesapeake Regional runs a full slate of classes led by trained instructors. As of this writing they offer:
- Childbirth Prep (One Day) — a single Saturday session, 9 am–5 pm
- Parenting a Newborn — a monthly evening class
- Breastfeeding Class — monthly evenings, plus a free Breastfeeding Support Group on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month
- New Dad 101 — a free class for partners
- BirthPlace Tours — free, offered Wednesdays & Sundays
Class fees typically cover the participant and one adult partner, and registration is paid up front. To register or check the current calendar, call 757-312-6508 or see the Chesapeake Regional classes page.
Sentara (Norfolk & Virginia Beach)
Sentara's Family Maternity Centers — including Sentara Norfolk General and Sentara Leigh — offer prenatal education across Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and the wider area. Options usually include 6-week, 4-week, weekend, and one-day formats, so you can match the class to your schedule.
- In-person childbirth, breastfeeding, and parenting classes at the maternity centers
- Online eClasses in English and Spanish — childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care, including sessions for first-time moms and dads
Register around your fourth month, as classes fill quickly. Call 1-800-SENTARA (736-8272) or browse the Sentara maternity classes online.
Free & virtual options
- City of Hampton — "Childbirth: Let's Get Ready." A free virtual class (multi-session or one-day) with qualified facilitators, covering labor, delivery, and beyond. See the Hampton birthing classes page.
- Sentara online eClasses. Self-paced childbirth, breastfeeding, and parenting courses you can take from home — a good fit if in-person timing does not work.
How to choose
- Match it to your hospital. If you already know where you are delivering, that hospital's own class walks you through their rooms, policies, and process — see choosing a maternity hospital.
- Book early. Aim to register by your fourth or fifth month; popular weekends go first.
- Pick a format you'll finish. A one-day intensive suits busy schedules; a multi-week course gives more time to absorb and ask questions.
- Don't forget the extras. Breastfeeding, newborn-care, and infant-CPR classes are worth as much as the labor prep itself.
💛 Somewhere in the middle of all that planning…
A 3D/4D session is thirty quiet minutes of just meeting your baby — no checklist, no homework. Bring the people helping you get ready; the lounge seats 10+.