To Make an Appointment with a Health Care Provider:

If you'd like a referral to one of our physicians, please call

Obstetrics Services:
(415) 353-2566

Classes

Online registration is temporarily under maintenance. Please call 415-353-2667 or email whrc@ucsfmedctr.org to register for all classes.

We offer 16 different classes to help expecting mothers and their partners learn more about pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and parenting. Use this page to gather more information on class content, schedules, and prices. Classes are listed below.

Classes fill up quickly; Please sign up WELL IN ADVANCE.

Our complete 2013 Great Expectations Class Catalog is available for download here as a PDF file.

To register for all classes, please call (415) 353-2667.

Infant Nutrition (Second Trimester Classes)
Baby Care/Parenting (Second Trimester Classes)
Childbirth (Third Trimester Classes)
Expecting Twins or More
The Afterglow: A Postpartum support group
Emotional Self-Care During Pregnancy:
How to cope with the unexpected when you're expecting.
Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting
General Information About Registration
Other Programs and Groups
Class and Gift Package

INFANT NUTRITION (Second Trimester Classes, 5-8 months of pregnancy)

Breastfeeding Basics and Breastfeeding & Returning to Work
This class is offered as a two-part series or all day intensive on Saturday or Sunday.

Breastfeeding Basics
Learn about breast physiology, milk production, let-down, latch-on and positioning. This class teaches participants how to overcome breastfeeding challenges, problem solve and how to establish a successful breastfeeding relationship right from the start.

Breastfeeding and Returning to Work
This class is designed to provide you with practical tips and advice on breastfeeding your baby while working. Topics include preserving a breastfeeding relationship, choosing a breastpump, storing/collecting/transporting breastmilk, problem solving, exploring child care options, and how to establish a successful breastfeeding relationship right from the start.
*Class participants receive a $25 discount on breastpump purchases at the UCSF Women’s Health Resource Center. Please mention discount at time of purchase.

Location: Unless otherwise indicated, class will be held at 2356 Sutter Street, Third Floor, Suite J308.
Fee: Two-part comprehensive class, $80.

Monday (6:30pm-9:00pm)
Jun 17, 24
July 22, 29*: Serramonte: 333 Gellert Blvd, Suite 114, Daly City
Aug 19, 26*: Serramonte: 333 Gellert Blvd, Suite 114, Daly City

Tuesday (6:30pm-9:00pm)
Nov 5, 12
Dec 3, 10

Wednesday (6:30pm-9:00pm)
Sept 4, 11
Oct 9, 16

Thursday (6:30pm-9:00pm)
Sep 5, 12
Dec 5, 12

Intensive Breastfeeding - (One-day class)
Saturday (9:30am-2:30pm):
Serramonte: 333 Gellert Blvd, Suite 114, Daly City
Aug 17
Sep 7
Nov 16

Sunday (9:30am-2:30pm)
July 7
July 28
Oct 13

Location:2356 Sutter Street, Third Floor, Suite J308
*Serramonte: 333 Gellert Blvd, Suite 114, Daly City

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BABY CARE/PARENTING (Third Trimester Classes, 6-9 months of pregnancy)

Parenting During the First Few Months: Basic Baby Care With A New Baby
This workshop offers basic survival techniques to care for your newborn and emphasizes postpartum care for mom. Learn about newborn characteristics, infant milestones, bathing, hygiene, diapers, diapering, crying, comforting, sleep and recognizing the signs of illness. Great for first time parents. This class is offered in a two-part series or all day on Saturday.

Location: Unless indicated elsewhere, class will be held at 2356 Sutter Street, Third Floor, Suite J308.
Fee: $90 per series

Monday (6:30 - 9:00pm)
Aug 5, 12* Serramonte: 333 Gellert Blvd, Suite 114, Daly City
Dec 2, 9* Serramonte: 333 Gellert Blvd, Suite 114, Daly City

Tuesday (6:30pm-9:00pm)
Nov 12, 19* Serramonte: 333 Gellert Blvd, Suite 114, Daly City

Thursday (6:30pm-9:00pm)
July 11, 18
Sep 19, 26

Saturday (9:30am-2:30pm)
July 27
Aug 10
Sep 28
Oct 5
Oct 12
Nov 9
Dec 7* Serramonte: 333 Gellert Blvd, Suite 114, Daly City

Location:2356 Sutter Street, Third Floor, Suite J308
*Serramonte: 333 Gellert Blvd, Suite 114, Daly City

Infant/Child CPR
Learn vital skills to handle an emergency. This class covers recognizing an infant or child in distress, performing emergency measures to relieve airway obstruction in a choking infant or child, performing CPR on an infant or child who is not breathing or is without a heartbeat and identifying risks of preventable infant and childhood injuries. This is a great class for parents, family members and childcare providers.

Location: Sunday Classes will be held at 2356 Sutter Street, First Floor, Ida’s Cafe. Tuesdays classes are held in Room J308 on the 3rd floor.
Fee: One session class $50 per person.
Note: this is not a CPR certification course.

Sunday (11:00am-1:00pm):
Apr 28
May 5
Jun 2 • 23
Jul 14 • 28
Aug 11 • 25
Sept 8 • 22 • 29
Oct 13 • 27
Nov 3
Dec 8

Infant Massage - Predelivery (Class recommended after 20 weeks of pregnancy)
Learn playful stretches and soothing ways to communicate with touch that will benefit the physical and emotional health of your infant. This class will cover massage techniques that can help regulate sleep for your infant and help alleviate the physical discomforts of colic, gas, and congestion. Learn how to attune to the body language cues of your baby so that you can feel more confident and self-assured in your responses as a parent.

Teaching will be provided with the use of:

Watching a demonstration on DVD for visual reference. Following the techniques taught by Vimila McClure in her book Infant Massage.
The use of dolls for hands on practice techniques to use with your newly arrived baby
Demonstrations of techniques by teacher following the routine in provided handouts
Group discussions facilitated by instructor
Class handouts

Location: Class will be held at 2356 Sutter Street, Third Floor, Suite J308.
Fee: One session class, $50.

Sunday (11:00am-1:00pm):
May 19
Jul 21
Sep 15
Nov 17

Infant Massage with Newborns (This class can be taken after your baby is born)

Babies two weeks to pre-crawling babies (ten months) are more than welcome to attend.

This class will give parents a way to review techniques taught in the first Infant Massage class along with your baby in the room. (However, the infant massage pre-delivery class does not necessarily need to be taken with the infant massage newborn class.)

This fun class will focus primarily on you and your baby enjoying the infant massage together. It is also an opportunity to review hands on techniques with your child and ask questions about the different techniques you have been practicing with your baby.

In this class you will learn:

A full body massage (including additional techniques and playful stretches for older infants)
Self-relaxation skill for new parents
Massage techniques to support your babies physical development
Tips on how to monitor the amount of sensory stimulation your baby can tolerate
Techniques to help your baby deal with gas, colic and digestive pain
Calming techniques to sooth a fussy or tired baby
Techniques to address discomfort or ear ache and cold congestion

Location: Class will be held at 2356 Sutter Street, Third Floor, Suite J308.
Fee: One session class, $50

Sunday (11:00am – 1:00pm):
Jun 9
Aug 18
Oct 20
Dec 15

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CHILDBIRTH (Third Trimester Classes, 6-9 months of pregnancy)

Childbirth Preparation: Integrated Methods
Classes are a 4-week series

This class provides an overview of the stages and process of labor, breathing and relaxation techniques, support, medication options, variations in labor including cesarean birth, and immediate postpartum care for mother and baby.

Location: Class will be held at 2356 Sutter Street, Third Floor, Suite J308.
Fee: $165 per series.

Please bring two pillows, a blanket and a snack to all classes.

Monday (6:30 - 9:00pm)
Jun 3, 10, 17, 24*: Serramonte: 333 Gellert Blvd, Ste. 114, Daly City
July 1, 8,15, 22

Tuesday (6:30 - 9:00pm):
May 7, 14, 21, 28*: Serramonte: 333 Gellert Blvd, Ste. 114, Daly City
Jun 4, 11, 18, 25
Sept 3, 10, 17, 24
Oct 8, 15, 22, 29

Thursday (6:30 - 9:00pm):
Jun 6, 13, 20, 27
Aug 8, 15, 22, 29

Location:2356 Sutter Street, Third Floor, Suite J308
*Serramonte: 333 Gellert Blvd, Suite 114, Daly City

Intensive Childbirth Preparation
A one-day childbirth preparation workshop designed to give participants the basic tools and information in preparing for birth. This class incorporates all information from the Childbirth Preparation: Integrated Methods class in an accelerated format. Participants are sent the class packet to review prior to the class.

Location: Class will be held at 2356 Sutter Street, Third Floor, Suite J308.
Fee: $175.

Please bring two pillows, a blanket, and a snack to class.

Saturday (9:30am-4:30pm):
Jun 22*: Serramonte: 333 Gellert Blvd, Suite 114, Daly City
Jul 6
Jul 13
Jul 27*: Serramonte: 333 Gellert Blvd, Suite 114, Daly City
Aug 3*: Serramonte: 333 Gellert Blvd, Suite 114, Daly City
Aug 24
Sep 21*: Serramonte: 333 Gellert Blvd, Suite 114, Daly City
Oct 26
Nov 2
Dec 7
Dec 14

Sunday (9:30am-4:30pm):
June 30
Aug 25
Sept 8
Oct 6
Nov 10

Location:2356 Sutter Street, Third Floor, Suite J308
*Serramonte: 333 Gellert Blvd, Suite 114, Daly City

Childbirth Preparation: Birth Alternatives
Classes are 4-week series (Please note that the November series is a condensed 3 weeks series).

This class addresses the needs and interests of women who wish to have an intimate, fully-involved birth experience. This class covers the basic childbirth preparation content with an added emphasis on natural delivery and making choices in response to the birth process. Labor support techniques and comfort measures from home birth and other cultures are emphasized.

Location: Class will be held at 2356 Sutter Street, Third Floor, Suite J308.
Fee: $165 per series.

Please bring two pillows, a blanket, and a snack to all classes.

Monday (6:30pm-9:00pm):
Sep 9, 16, 23, 30*:Serramonte: 333 Gellert Blvd, Ste 114, Daly City
Oct 7, 14, 21, 28*:Serramonte: 333 Gellert Blvd, Ste 114, Daly City

Tuesday (6:00pm-9:00pm / 3 week series):
Aug 6, 13, 20 *Note: this is a 3 week series so each class begins at 6pm instead of 6:30pm

Thursday (6:30pm-9:00pm):
May 2, 9, 16, 23
Oct 3, 10, 17, 24

Thursday (6:00pm-9:00pm / 3 week series during holidays):
Nov 7, 14, 21

*Serramonte: 333 Gellert Blvd, Suite 114, Daly City

Pain Relief & Labor
Learn about the pain medication options available to assist you during labor and childbirth. Discuss your concerns or questions with a UCSF Anesthesiologist.

Location: Class will be held at 2356 Sutter Street, Third Floor, Suite J308.
Fee: One session class. $50

Wednesday (7:00pm-8:30pm):
May 22
July 31
Sept 18
Nov 20

Location: 2356 Sutter Street, Third Floor, Suite J308

Birth Center Orientation
This class can be taken any time during your pregnancy. Learn about the facilities and the practical aspects of arriving at the hospital when you are in labor. Sign-up well in advance as tours fill up quickly.

Location: Please call 415-353-2667 to register and for class location.
Fee: One session class, No charge.

Orientation also available online at: http://www.whrc.ucsf.edu/whrc/gextour.html

Tuesday (5:30 - 6:15pm):
May 21, 28
June 4,11,18,25
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Aug 6, 13, 20, 27
Sept 10, 17, 24
Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Nov 5, 12, 19
Dec 3, 10, 17

Thursday (5:30 - 6:15pm):
May 16, 23, 30
June 6, 13, 20, 27
July 11, 18, 25
Aug 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Sept 5, 12, 19, 26
Oct 3, 10, 17, 24
Nov 7, 14, 21
Dec 5, 12, 19

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Expecting Twins or More

Breastfeeding Twins or More
This class is designed to prepare expectant mothers on how to confidently breastfeed multiples. Learn practical tips and special considerations for nursing twins or more including latch-on, positioning, establishing a plentiful milk supply, and overcoming breastfeeding challenges.

Location: Please call 353-2667 for class location.
Fee: One session class, $50
*Class participants receive a $25 discount on breastpump purchases at the UCSF Women’s Health Resource Center. Please mention discount at the time of purchase.

Wednesday (6:30pm-9:00pm):
May 15
July 24
Sept 18
Nov 13

Location: Please call for class location

Expecting Twins or More
This one-day workshop is designed to give expectant parents basic information on raising twins or more including reassuring advice and practical considerations. Topics include important aspects of prenatal care, labor and delivery, feeding issues, and preparing home and family for the arrival of multiples. The instructor is also a mother of twins.

Location: Class will be held at 2356 Sutter Street, Third Floor, Suite J308
Fee: one session class $50
* Note the 6:00 pm starting time!

Wednesday (6:00pm-9:00pm):

Apr 24

May 29

July 10

Aug 21

Sept 25

Oct 23

Nov 6

Dec 11

The Afterglow: A Postpartum Support Group for New Mothers

(Recommended for mothers, support person(s) and babies 0-6 months)

In this six-week postpartum support group, new moms with their babies will gather to share their experiences and support one another in their new days of parenting. During this group participants will learn about the “Baby Blues” and the emotional changes that can occur after childbirth. They will practice self-care, relaxation techniques, including yoga, which is clinically proven to reduce stress and increase mom’s wellbeing. They will also discuss the highs and lows of motherhood in a supportive space and connect with other new parents. This 6-week series is facilitated by Melissa Whippo, LCSW & Juli Fraga, Psy.D

Location: 1545 Divisadero Street, Room 526
Fee: $100 per series

Class announcement with dates available here.

Wednesday (11:30am-1:00pm):
6-week series class *held at 1545 Divisadero Rm 526

May 8, 15, 22, 29 and June 5, 12

Jul 24, 31 and Aug 7, 14, 21, 28

Oct 9, 16, 23, 30 and Nov 6, 13

Emotional Self-Care During Pregnancy: How to cope with the unexpected when you're expecting.

During this informational workshop, we will explore and discuss:

Physical and emotional changes that occur during pregnancy and how to cope with these changes.
Ways that support persons/partners can be of help during pregnancy.
Additional support groups, relaxation classes and options that is available to you and your support person/partner during and after pregnancy.

Workshop facilitated by Melissa Whippo, LCSW & Juli Fraga, Psy.D.

Location: Women's Health Resource Center 2356 Sutter St., J-112
Fee: $40

Class announcement with dates available here.

Mondays (6:00–7:30 PM):

Monday, April 29

Monday, Sept 23

Childbirth Preparation: Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP)

The UCSF National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health in collaboration with the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine is currently offering Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting Education (MBCP). The MBCP Program is an invitation to begin or deepen the practice of mindfulness for meeting the profound changes in our bodies and minds during pregnancy, childbirth and parenting. Through mindfulness meditation, yoga, and group dialogue we will learn a way to fully live the joys and challenges of this transformative time and cultivate lifelong skills for healthy living and wise parenting.

Course is a 9-week series that integrates childbirth education with mind/body skills. It includes an all-day session after the 6th week and a reunion class after the birth.

Location: Class will be held at the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, 1545 Divisadero Street (at Post)
Fee: $590 per couple, $295 single, plus $40 for materials
UCSF Discount for Faculty/Staff/Students: $531 per couple/ $265.50 per single.

Location:Osher Center for Integrative Medicine,
1545 Divisadero Street,

For more info or to register, please call 415-353-7718 or visit www.osher.ucsf.edu

The Mind in Labor: Working with Pain in Childbirth

Based on the mind/body work at the pioneering Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Clinic at UMass Medical Center, this will be a day for looking deeply at pain and fear during childbirth and for cultivating tools to work with them in the process of giving birth. The workshop is an excellent complement to any childbirth education class, including refresher classes. It can also be helpful for those who anticipate a birth experience that needs special medical attention or who have had a difficult previous birth experience.

Location: Workshop will be held at the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, 1545 Divisadero Street, (at Post)
Fee: $425 per couple/ $215 per single. Partners are encouraged to attend.

To register, please call 415-353-7718 or visit www.osher.ucsf.edu.

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FAQ’s

How early should I sign up?

Classes fill up quickly, please sign up WELL IN ADVANCE.

When do I pay for classes?

You must register for all programs in advance and payment is required at the time of registration.

What is the policy for rescheduling classes?

Classes fill up quickly. In order to accommodate all clients, including on the waiting list, clients must reschedule no later than three full working days (72 hours) before the date of the class.

What is the policy for cancellations?

Class cancellations must be made three full working days (72 hours) before the date of the class in order to receive a full refund. If a class is cancelled less than three days (72 hours) prior to the class, a one-time $25 registration fee will be charged per class.

How do I register?

Call (415) 353-2667
Come in person to the UCSF Women’s Health Resource Center, 2356 Sutter Street, First Floor, Suite J112 San Francisco, CA 94115

What forms of payment are accepted?

You may pay by credit card online or over the telephone (Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express are accepted). You may also pay by check through the mail. Make checks payable to: UC Regents

Are classes reimbursed by my insurance?

Great Expectations does not deal with insurance companies. Please check with your health insurance provider for reimbursement or discount information.

Can my support person also attend the class?

Yes. UCSF Great Expectations Program encourages support persons to attend classes. All class fees include two (2) people EXCEPT Infant/Child CPR.

Are nursing (or other students) allowed to observe a childbirth class?

Yes. There is a $40 fee per class. Two students maximum are allowed to observe in any class. Please call UCSF Great Expectations at (415) 353-2667 to reserve a spot. Please have class date and registration fee payment ready at the time of enrollment.

Where can I get more information?

Please contact us at (415) 353-2667 for more information or
visit our website at http://whrc.ucsf.edu/whrc/

Disclaimer:

Due to instructor illness or circumstances beyond our control, UCSF Great Expectations Pregnancy Program reserves the right to reschedule or cancel scheduled classes. We are committed to your health care education and will make every effort for you to make-up your cancelled class. Participants will be given notice by UCSF Great Expectations Pregnancy Program within a 24-hour period regarding a make-up session.

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OTHER PROGRAMS AND GROUPS

San Francisco Parents of Multiples
Monthly Support Group
Call (415) 440-TWIN (8946) for more information

Prenatal Pilates
Prepare yourself for labor and beyond. Learn to engage and strengthen your core, pelvic floor, upper body, and legs in a safe yet challenging prenatal pilates class. Discover breathing and relaxation techniques that will support your pregnancy, ease your labor and quicken your postpartum recovery.

Prenatal Pilates are offered as a group exercise class at the Bakar Fitness and Recreation Center located at the UCSF Mission Bay Campus.

To register or for more information, please contact Adrienne Chambers, Group Fitness Manager, 415-514-4538 or email adrienne.chambers@ucsf.edu.

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CLASS AND GIFT PACKAGES

Try one of our packages and save!

Basic Pregnancy Package $320 - save $15
The Basic Pregnancy Package combines the most popular classes into a valuable package, providing savings and the essential classes every parent needs. The package includes three classes:

Childbirth Preparation: Integrated Methods or Birth Alternatives
Breastfeeding Basics and Breastfeeding & Returning to Work
Parenting During the First Few Months

Comprehensive Pregnancy Package $330 - save $15
The Comprehensive Pregnancy Package combines the most popular classes into a valuable package, providing savings and the essential classes every parent needs. The package includes three classes:

Intensive Childbirth Preparation
Breastfeeding Basics and Breastfeeding & Returning to Work
Parenting During the First Few Months

Deluxe Pregnancy Package $365 - save $20
The Deluxe Pregnancy Package features all classes that prepare expectant parents for the birth experience, the first few weeks and beyond, including nursing. The package features:

Childbirth Preparation: Integrated Methods or Birth Alternatives
Breastfeeding Basics and Breastfeeding & Returning to Work
Parenting During the First Few Months
Infant CPR for 1 person

Infant Massage Package Package $110 - save $13

Infant Massage Pre-delivery
Infant Massage with Newborn
Baby Oh Baby Infant Massage Video

Twins and More Package $106 - save $10

Expecting Twins or More
Breastfeeding Twins or More
The Art of Parenting Twins by Patricia Maxwell Malmstrom and Janet Poland

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To Make an Appointment with a Health Care Provider:

Women's Health Shortcuts

Classes

INFANT NUTRITION (Second Trimester Classes, 5-8 months of pregnancy)

BABY CARE/PARENTING (Third Trimester Classes, 6-9 months of pregnancy)

CHILDBIRTH (Third Trimester Classes, 6-9 months of pregnancy)

Expecting Twins or More

Childbirth Preparation: Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP)

FAQ’s

How early should I sign up?

When do I pay for classes?

What is the policy for rescheduling classes?

What is the policy for cancellations?

How do I register?

What forms of payment are accepted?

Are classes reimbursed by my insurance?

Can my support person also attend the class?

Are nursing (or other students) allowed to observe a childbirth class?

Where can I get more information?

Disclaimer:

OTHER PROGRAMS AND GROUPS

CLASS AND GIFT PACKAGES