Childbirth Preparation & Parent Education

St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center provides a variety of classes and resources for those families preparing for the joy of childbirth and parenting.

Click on a link below to find out more information about the classes offered at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center.

For class dates, please call: 973.754.3451

Lamaze Class

Lamaze Class

Family_Education1 St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center is pleased to provide a series of classes for expectant parents. This program offers Lamaze techniques such as breathing, relaxation, and labor skills. A tour of the Labor and Delivery Unit, the Maternity Unit, and the Newborn Nursery are provided. Additional topics covered include newborn care and breastfeeding. We recommend that expectant parents register for this program in the seventh month of pregnancy. For additional class information call 973.754.3451 or email Lou Ann Damsma at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Private Lamaze Class

Private “One-on-One” Lamaze Class

A personalized approach to Lamaze

education, the private classes consist of two sessions, each two-and- a- half hours in duration. The in-home sessions are scheduled at the convenience of the participants and their instructor. Specific client needs can be addressed in the comfort of one’s home. For additional class information call 973.754.3451 or email Lou Ann Damsma at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Tour of Labor and Delivery

Tour of Labor and Delivery

Guided tours are available at your convenience for St. Joseph’s Labor and Delivery Suites and the Mother/Baby accommodations. For additional class information call 973.754.3451 or email Lou Ann Damsma at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Sibling Class

Sibling Class

Designed for the big brother or sister-to-be, the Sibling Class offers a specialized age appropriate program for 3 to 9 year olds. For additional class information call 973.754.3451 or email Lou Ann Damsma at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Marvelous Multiples

Marvelous Multiples

Marvelous Multiples Designed for those expecting multiples, this class provides practical information for parents, from what to expect in the Labor and Delivery Unit, to life at home with multiple newborns. A tour of the Labor and Delivery Unit and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is included. We recommend that you register for this class in the fourth month of pregnancy. For additional class information call 973.754.3451 or email Lou Ann Damsma at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Pediatric Heart Saver

Pediatric Heart Saver

This American Heart Association course offers child and infant CPR, safety and accident prevention, rescue breathing and choking maneuvers. For additional class information call 973.754.3451 or email Lou Ann Damsma at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Breastfeeding Class

Breastfeeding Class

This two hour class focuses on the many benefits of breastfeeding, and provides hands on demonstrations of breastfeeding techniques. Class participants will learn the most up-to-date information for effective breastfeeding, including proper latch, pumping, returning to work, addressing breastfeeding challenges, and much more! For additional class information call 973.754.3451 or email Lou Ann Damsma at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Newborn Class

Newborn Class

Designed for any individual who will be caring for a baby, the Newborn Class provides basic skills for newborn care, including how to hold a baby, diapering, burping, bathing, and infant safety. For additional class information call 973.754.3451 or email Lou Ann Damsma at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Infant Massage

Infant Massage

Research confirms the importance of nurturing touch in the healthy growth and development of a child. Infant massage has been proven to help relax and decrease stress for baby, relieve discomfort from gas, colic and constipation, normalize muscle tone, stimulate brain development, in addition to promoting bonding and attachment. Parents learn to understand and respond to their baby’s cues and gain confidence in their ability to care for their baby.

This five-week (one hour session each week) course teaches parents nurturing touch through infant massage. Infants up to one year of age are welcome to attend with their parents. This course is taught by a Certified Educator of Infant Massage. Please call for course dates, contact Lou Ann Damsma at 973.754.3451.

New Moms' Support Group

New Moms' Support Group

Come and gather with other new moms to discuss the most common challenges and joys of motherhood. This group is free, refreshments will be served and babies are welcome! For more information, contact Audra Burton-Easterbrook at 973.754.3361.

Boot Camp for New Dads

Boot Camp for New Dads®

Boot Camp for New Dads® is a unique father-to-father, community based workshop that inspires and equips men of different economic levels, ages and cultures to become confidently engaged with their infants, support their mates and personally navigate their transformation into dads. This course can be brought to your location or can be held on our campus. For more information, contact Lou Ann Damsma at 973.754.3451.

Safe Sitter Training Course

Safe Sitter® Baby Sitter Training Course

The Safe Sitter® Program consists of a specific curriculum designed for young people between the ages of 11 to 13. Safe Sitter® improves the welfare of young children by increasing the availability of young adolescents instructed in safe and nurturing childcare techniques. This program enhances the lives of young people by providing the opportunity to acquire competencies in rescue skills, basic first aid, and nurturing, safe childcare techniques. Young people who attend this course emerge as more confident, responsible and compassionate young adults. The instructors thrive on making a difference in the lives of these adolescents and the children entrusted to their care. This program is offered as a one or two day course. We will hold this course at a location that is convenient for your group or at our facility. For more information, contact Lou Ann Damsma at 973.754.3451.

CPR/First Aid Course

American Heart Association Heart Saver CPR, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and First Aid Course

It may be the most valuable lesson a person can learn: How to save the life of a loved one, neighbor or friend by performing the simple steps of CPR, AED, treatment of severe choking (obstructed airway) and First Aid. We offer a variety of programs to meet the needs of the individual or group. All courses are taught by American Heart Association Certified Instructors. For more information, contact Lou Ann Damsma at 973.754.3451.