Milton S. Hershey Medical Center offers a variety of educational and health-related opportunities.
What to Expect When You're Expecting at Penn State Health
Preparing for the birth of a baby can be exciting and overwhelming. Attend a “What to Expect” session at a Penn State Health Women and Babies Center to hear from our teams of obstetricians, certified nurse midwives, anesthesiologists, family and community medicine providers and pediatricians.
Learn more by clicking on your preferred hospital:
- Penn State Health Children’s Hospital - register for this event
- Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center - classes and programs
Registration details
Patients should register by printing out the PDF registration form or using the registration form in the welcome packet provided at the first obstetrics appointment.
No payment should be sent in with registrations due to patient insurance will be billed after completion of class. Any fees over what the insurance company will pay, the patient will be responsible.
Mail the completed form to:
Childbirth and Parenthood Program
Women’s Health HS01
Hershey Medical Center
P.O. Box 850
Hershey, PA 17033
After the registration is processed, the patient will receive a confirmation letter in the mail. Within a week prior to the registered class, patients will receive a phone call confirming the session location, date and time.
All classes are presently taught in person. We currently do not have any virtual classes available at this time.
View schedule and registration
- Download the complete 2024 Childbirth Class Schedule (pdf)
- Download the complete 2025 Childbirth Class Schedule (pdf)
- Download the complete Registration Form (pdf)
Prenatal Classes
Breastfeeding Class
Second Tuesday of each month, 6 - 8:30 p.m.
- Oct. 8, 2024
- Nov. 12, 2024
- Dec. 10, 2024
- Jan. 14, 2025
- Feb. 11, 2025
- Mar. 11, 2025
- Apr. 8, 2025
- May 13, 2025
- Jun. 10, 2025
- Jul. 8, 2025
- Aug. 12, 2025
- Sept. 9, 2025
- Oct. 14, 2025
- Nov. 11, 2025
- Dec. 9, 2025
Cost: $25
This class is designed for the expectant woman. It identifies the benefits of breastfeeding for the family. Topics include:
- Anatomy of breastfeeding
- Positions and latch
- Feeding on demand
- Potential problems and solutions
- Pumping and returning to work
Fathers are welcomed and encouraged to attend.
Facilitator(s): All classes are taught by certified childbirth educators and registered nurses.
Location: 1249 Cocoa Ave, 2nd Floor, Room 221, Hershey
For more information, please call 717-531-6981 between 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Prepared Childbirth
Wednesday, 6 to 8:30 p.m. (three week series) or Saturday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (one day session) Cost: $60 (Most insurance plans will reimburse payment, including Medicaid.)
The Prepared Childbirth Class is designed to prepare the expectant woman and her support person intellectually, emotionally and physically for the childbearing experience. Topics covered in this course include:
- Stages of labor and delivery
- Comfort measures for labor and delivery
- Pain management options
- Possible interventions in labor and delivery
- Cesarean delivery
- Postpartum care and adjustments
- Virtual tour of Labor and Delivery Unit
Facilitator(s): All classes are taught by certified childbirth educators and registered nurses.
Location: 1249 Cocoa Ave, 2nd Floor, Room 221, Hershey (Wednesday and Saturday classes). Weekend class location will be confirmed via class reminder call one week prior to session.
For more information, please call 717-531-6981 between 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Additional information: You may bring pillows, a towel or yoga mat, birth ball, snacks/drinks. A confirmation letter will be sent to you. If you take the prepared childbirth class, there is no extra charge for the breastfeeding class.
Understanding Birth eClass
Can’t come to a childbirth class? We’ll bring it to you! Consider the Understanding Birth eClass your go-to guide for answers you can trust on childbirth. This interactive online course covers essential information on labor and more and highlights ways partners can help throughout the process. You’ll also get a sense of what labor is really like as you watch several birth stories. You’ll even have an opportunity to create your own birth plan.
You can access the eClass from any computer or mobile device with an Internet connection. Allow 4-6 hours to complete.
eClass chapters:
- Pregnancy
- Labor
- Birth Stories
- Comfort Techniques
- Medical Procedures
- Cesarean Birth
- Newborns
- Postpartum
What’s included?
- Videos, animations and optional read-along audio
- Quizzes, interactive exercises, notes pages and extended activities
- Essential tools, including a birth plan checklist and contraction timer
- Audio library with soothing sounds, lullabies and relaxation exercises
- PDF library, glossary and web links
- Class completion certificate
Price : $70
To register, you can print the registration form or use the form in your blue educational folder obtained at your first OB visit and mail in your registration to our office. You can also call our office at 717-531-6981 to register for eClasses only. We will obtain your email and payment information for registration.
How it works:
- Once you purchase your seat to the eClass, we will email you login instructions.
- You’ll have access to the class for 9 months.
- Once you complete the class, print out your certificate of completion to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Understanding Breastfeeding eClass
Making the decision to breastfeed is one of the best things you can do for your baby! As with any new experience, you probably have lots of questions. Consider the Understanding Breastfeeding eClass your go-to guide for answers. This interactive online course covers the essentials, including clear animation and plenty of video examples. It lets you know when to call for help and includes partner tips throughout. You will also have the opportunity to track feedings with an easy-to-use tracker!
You can access the eClass from any computer or mobile device with an Internet connection. Allow 2-3 hours to complete.
eClass chapters:
- How Breastfeeding Works
- How to Breastfeed
- When to Feed Your Baby
- Getting Enough Milk
- Breast Care
- Breastfeeding Lifestyle
What’s included?
- Videos, animations, and optional read-along audio
- Quizzes, interactive exercises, notes pages, and extended activities
- Essential tools, including a breastfeeding and diaper log and appointment tracker
- Audio library with soothing sounds, lullabies, and relaxation exercises
- PDF library, glossary, and web links
- Class completion certificate
Price: $45
To register, you can print the registration form or use the form in your blue educational folder obtained at your first OB visit and mail in your registration to our office. You can also call our office at 717-531-6981 to register for eClasses only. We will obtain your email and payment information for registration.
How it works:
- Once you purchase your seat to the eClass, we will email you login instructions.
- You’ll have access to the class for 9 months.
Upon completion of the class, print the certificate of completion to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Understanding Cesarean Birth eClass
Get prepared for your upcoming planned cesarean birth! This interactive online course covers essential information about preparing for, having, and recovering from cesarean surgery, and it highlights ways partners can help throughout the process. You’ll also learn what steps you can take to make your cesarean birth a family-centered experience, including an opportunity to create your own cesarean birth plan.
You can access the eClass from any computer or mobile device with an Internet connection. The class will take about 4 to 6 hours to complete.
eClass chapters:
- Cesarean Overview
- Signs of Labor
- Preparing for Surgery
- Anesthesia
- Surgical Procedure
- Recovery in the Hospital
- Recovery at Home
What’s included?
- Videos, animations, and optional read-along audio
- Quizzes, interactive exercises, notes pages, and extended activities
- PDF library including What to Pack for Your Surgery and Family-Centered Cesarean Birth Plan checklists
- Audio library with a cesarean birth visualization exercise, a prenatal bonding exercise, and more
- Essential new-parent tools
- Glossary and web links
- Class completion certificate
Preview Course Now
Price: $70
To register, you can print the registration form pdf or use the form in your blue educational folder obtained at your first OB visit and mail in your registration to our office. You can also call our office at 717-531-6981 to register for eClasses only. We will call you to obtain your email and payment information for registration.
How it works:
- Once you purchase your seat to the eClass, we will email you login instructions.
- You’ll have access to the class for 9 months.
- Check with your insurance company for partial reimbursement of the class cost.
Understanding Multiples eClass
Pregnant with twins or more? Take an interactive online class made just for you.
This class covers everything you need to know about your unique pregnancy, including what to expect from a vaginal or cesarean birth, breastfeeding more than one baby, and life at home with multiples. Woven throughout the eClass are fun activities to help you learn and engaging video clips that share the real stories of families with multiples.
You can access the eClass from any computer or mobile device with an Internet connection. The class takes about 3 to 5 hours to complete.
eClass chapters:
- Pregnancy
- Labor and Delivery
- Breastfeeding
- Postpartum Recovery
- First Weeks at Home
What’s included?
- Videos, animations, and optional read-along audio
- Quizzes, interactive exercises, notes pages, and extended activities
- PDF library including Healthy Meal Planning for A Multiple Pregnancy, Basic Clothing and Equipment for Multiples, and Choosing Childcare for Multiples
- Essential pregnancy and new-parent tools, such as a Prenatal Appointment Calculator, Contraction Timer, and Breastfeeding and Diapering Log
- Glossary and web links
- Class completion certificate
Preview Course Now
Price: $70
To register, you can print the registration form pdf or use the form in your blue educational folder obtained at your first OB visit and mail in your registration to our office. You can also call our office at 717-531-6981 to register for eClasses only. We will call you to obtain your email and payment information for registration.
How it works:
- Once you purchase your seat to the eClass, we will email you login instructions.
- You’ll have access to the class for 9 months. The information is useful even after babies arrive.
- Check with your insurance company for partial reimbursement of the class cost.
Parenting Classes
Infant CPR and Safety
Third Tuesday of every month, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
- Oct. 15, 2024
- Nov. 19, 2024
- Dec. 17, 2024
- Jan. 21, 2025
- Feb. 18, 2025
- Mar. 18, 2025
- Apr. 15, 2025
- May 13, 2025
- Jun. 17, 2025
- Jul. 15, 2025
- Aug. 19, 2025
- Sept. 16, 2025
- Oct. 21, 2025
- Nov. 18, 2025
- Dec. 16, 2025
Cost: Included in Early Parenting Series. If purchased separately, $30.
This class provides parents with basic information on infant safety and CPR. Individual practice on mannequins is provided. Topics include:
- CPR for infants up to one year
- Management of the choking infant
- Car seat basics
- Safe sleep
- Around the home safety
Facilitator(s): All classes are taught by certified American Heart Association BLS instructors and registered nurses.
Location: 1249 Cocoa Ave, 2nd Floor, Room 221, Hershey
For more information, please call 717-531-6981 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Additional information: A confirmation letter will be sent to you.
Infant Care
Fourth Tuesday of every month, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
- Oct. 22, 2024
- Nov. 26, 2024
- Jan. 28, 2025
- Feb. 25, 2025
- Mar. 25, 2025
- Apr. 22, 2025
- May 27, 2025
- Jun. 24, 2025
- Jul. 22, 2025
- Aug. 26, 2025
- Sept. 23, 2025
- Oct. 28, 2025
- Nov. 25, 2025
Cost: Included in the Early Parenting Series. If purchased separately, $16.
New parents have many questions about caring for their new baby. This popular class covers specifics expectant parents will need to care for their newborn infants from birth to three months of age. Topics include:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Comforting
- Feeding
- Safe sleep
This class is designed to be interactive, dolls will be provided.
Facilitator(s): All classes are taught by certified childbirth educators and registered nurses.
Location: 1249 Cocoa Ave, 2nd Floor, Room 221, Hershey
For more information please call 717-531-6981 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Additional information: A confirmation letter will be sent to you.
Specialties Combination Class
Most sessions are on the fourth Monday of the month (see schedule for dates), 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Oct. 28, 2024
- Nov. 25, 2024
- Dec. 30, 2024
- Jan. 27, 2025
- Feb. 24, 2025
- Mar. 27, 2025
- Apr. 28, 2025
- May 19, 2025
- Jun. 23, 2025
- Jul. 28, 2025
- Aug. 25, 2025
- Sept. 22, 2025
- Oct. 27, 2025
- Nov. 24, 2025
- Dec. 15, 2025
Cost: $32 (Breastfeeding is included at no charge with this class)
This class combines Infant CPR and Safety, Infant Care, and Breastfeeding Basics into a one-day class for those working evenings or fluctuating schedules.
Facilitator(s): All classes are taught by certified childbirth educators and registered nurses.
Location: This will be confirmed via a class reminder call one week before the session.
For more information please call 717-531-6981 between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Additional information: You may bring snacks/drinks. There will be a lunch period with this class, you may bring your lunch or purchase in Hope Drive cafeteria. A confirmation letter will be sent to you.
Postpartum Classes/Support Groups
Postpartum Breastfeeding Support: Mothers and Babies
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Cost: No charge for this class.
This class is designed for after the birth of your baby. It provides nutritional information for your new baby and open discussion on breastfeeding and mothers who are returning to work. This support group is for all mothers to share, learn, and have fun with their babies. Topics include:
- Is baby getting enough?
- Dealing with family
- Pumping and storage
- Supplementing and weaning
- Helpful hints
Facilitator(s): All classes are taught by certified childbirth educators and registered nurses.
Location/Registration: Tuesday and Thursday groups meet from 10:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Hershey Public Library, 701 Cocoa Ave, Hershey, PA. Please call 717-531-1298 to to register and confirm group is meeting for your planned start date.
Sibling Classes
Sibling
Quarterly class, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
- Nov. 5, 2024
- Jan. 7, 2025
- Apr. 1, 2025
- Aug. 5, 2025
- Nov. 4, 2025
Cost: $20 per family
The Sibling Class is designed for future big brothers and sisters ages three to eight. It provides siblings and their parents with information to help adjust to the arrival of the new baby. Siblings will become prepared for separation from their mothers during the time when she is at the hospital. A parent must accompany children attending the class.
A virtual tour of our Women's Health postpartum unit is included.
Facilitator(s): All classes are taught by certified childbirth educators and registered nurses.
Locations: location to be announced
For more information, please call 717-531-6981 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Additional information: A confirmation letter will be sent to you.
SibShops
Sibshops are free, one-day workshops held each quarter at Children’s Hospital. They are open to siblings - ages six to 13 years - of patients and former patients with chronic medical needs.
Understanding Sibling Preparation eClass
Growing your family? Help your child become a super sibling. This online sibling preparation class teaches you how to support your child (or children) as they grow into their role of big brother or sister. You will learn how to answer tough questions, ways to help your child feel involved, how to reduce jealousy, and more. Plus, to encourage your sibling-to-be, there are fun lessons to do together, complete with kid-friendly video clips, coloring pages, and activities (recommended for ages 3-7).
The class takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete.
eClass chapters:
- We Are Having a Baby! (Introduction)
- Where Do Babies Come From? (How to Answer Tough Questions)
- What Do Babies Eat? (Talking to Your Child About Breastfeeding)
- Meeting the Baby (How to Introduce Your Older Child to the Newborn)
- Bringing Baby Home (Handling Challenging Emotions)
- Being a Super Sibling (How to Involve Your Child)
- Super Sibling Fun! (Activities to Do with Your Child)
What’s included?
- Videos for parents and optional read-along audio of text on pages
- Videos and activity book for kids
- Quizzes, polls, interactive exercises, activities, and reflection pages
- Helpful tools and trackers
- PDF and audio library, glossary, and web links
- Class completion certificate
Preview Course Now
Price: $35
To register, you can print the registration form pdf or use the form in your blue educational folder obtained at your first OB visit and mail in your registration to our office. You can also call our office at 717-531-6981 to register for eClasses only. We will call you to obtain your email and payment information for registration.
How it works:
- Once you purchase your seat to the eClass, we will email you login instructions.
- You’ll have access to the class for 9 months.
Diabetes Classes
Pre-Diabetes Class
Join us for an interactive, healthy living class to help you prevent type 2 diabetes. The class is free and open to our patients, including family or friends. Class goals and focus:
- Losing weight
- Being active
- Understanding food labels
- Tracking and managing food intake
- Managing stress
- Coping with triggers
- Staying motivated
Space is limited. For information on upcoming sessions, please call:
- Hershey location: 717-531-8288
- Lancaster location: 717 391-7091
Navigating Diabetes Classes
This class is specifically designed for those who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This three-part class will review nutrition, proper testing protocols, long term care, and preventative needs. Daytime and evening classes are offered at Hershey and Lancaster locations.
Please contact your physician for referral into this program; there may be a cost associated with this class based on your insurance.
- Hershey location: 717-531-7922
- Lancaster location: 717 391-7091
Parkinson's Disease Move Again
This fitness class is designed for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) or other movement disorders. Exercise produces many benefits including increased physical functioning (motor performance, strength, and endurance), improved gait and balance, cardiovascular fitness and overall better quality of life. So don’t let PD or other movement disorders slow you down. Start enjoying life and “Move Again”.
This class is held every Thursday from 2-3 p.m. and is free to Parkinson's or movement disorder patients and their caregivers. This class is led by an APDA certified fitness instructor. This class is currently being held virtually, so join us from the comfort of your own home. Interested individuals should email [email protected] requesting more information about the Parkinson's Disease Move Again class or call the Fitness Center at 717-531-7075.
Hospital Tours
Children's Hospital
Hospital tours are available with Prepared Childbirth Class or Understanding Birth Eclass registration. Educators will notify class attendees of tour date and time.
*In person tours are currently not offered at this time due to COVID-19 restrictions. We do offer a virtual tour of the newly expanded Women and Babies Center of the Children's Hospital.