Welcome to Baby Steps, our free class series for expecting or new parents. We currently offer instruction in the basics of caring for your newborn through two classes and a childbirth preparation class.
Baby Steps Classes
Welcome to Baby Steps
Breastfeeding Basics
Breastfeeding classes are offered twice a month (with the exception of November and December), every month, for FREE. Registration is required. These are one-session classes; all information is presented in one evening.
These classes are held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the 1st Floor Conference Room at Springfield Clinic 1st - 900 Building.
Class Topics Include:
Benefits of breastfeeding to mom and baby
Explanation of how breastfeeding works
Positioning
Getting started
What to expect in the first days and weeks at home
2024 Class Dates
Wednesday, May 8 - Register Here
Thursday, May 23 - Register Here
Wednesday, June 12 - Register Here
Thursday, June 27 - Register Here
Wednesday, July 10 - Register Here
Thursday, July 25 - Register Here
Wednesday, August 14 - Register Here
Thursday, August 22 - Register Here
Wednesday, September 11 - Register Here
Thursday, September 26 - Register Here
Wednesday, October 9 - Register Here
Thursday, October 24 - Register Here
Wednesday, November 13 - Register Here
Wednesday, December 11 - Register Here
Infant Safety
Pediatricians Dr. Claudine Gillison and Dr. Manasi Hulyalkar lead this class on infant safety which is designed for expectant mothers, focusing on crucial aspects of ensuring the safety and well-being of newborns. It covers various topics essential for new parents, including car seat safety, safe sleep, baby proofing techniques, preparing for the arrival of the new baby and offers guidance on dos and don'ts for new parents. These classes are held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Meeting Room (Room 2300) at Springfield Clinic Pediatrics. Any classes that have a different start time will be noted below.
Registration is required, however registration for your partner is not necessary. Please only register one time.
2024 Class Dates
Tuesday, April 23 - Register here
*Friday, May 24 - Register here
Tuesday, June 18 - Register here
*Friday, July 19 - Register here
Tuesday, August 20 - Register here
*Friday, September 20 - Register here
Tuesday, October 22 - Register here
*Friday November 15 - Register here
Tuesday, December 17 - Register here
*Classes held on Friday are from 6 - 7 p.m.
Labor of Love: Preparing for Childbirth
Childbirth classes are offered by a Springfield Clinic Center for Women's Health physician or advanced practitioner for FREE. Registration is required. These are one-session classes; all information is presented in one morning. These classes are held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Meeting Room (Room 2300) at Springfield Clinic Pediatrics. Please note that snacks will not be provided. Participants are welcome to bring snacks with them to the class.
Registration for your partner is not necessary. Please only complete the registration once.
Class Topics Include
Your obstetrics care team and each person’s role in your birth experience
Signs of early labor and when to call your doctor or go to the hospital
The basics of pregnancy anatomy
Stages and process of natural labor
Techniques to assist you through the stages of labor
Pain management options during labor
Understanding that not all things go “as planned” in labor and delivery
What a “4th trimester” is
2024 Class Dates
Saturday, April 20 - Register here
Saturday, May 18 - Register here
Saturday, June 15 - Register here
Saturday, July 20 - Register here
Saturday, August 17 - Register here
Saturday, September 21 - Register here
Saturday, October 19 - Register here
Saturday, November 16 - Register here
Saturday, December 14 - Register here
What's Normal for Newborns?
Join pediatrician Gretchen Gibbs, MD, FAAP, for a class on navigating the first weeks with your new baby. This session is ideal for getting acquainted with your baby's unique behaviors and needs. You'll develop realistic expectations and gain confidence in your parenting during this exciting yet often overwhelming time. Registration to attend is required.
These classes are held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Meeting Room (Room 2300) at Springfield Clinic Pediatrics.
Class Topics Include:
Crying
Stool quality and gas
Sleep
Pacifiers
Bathing and skin care
Nail care
Bulb syringe usage
Changing diapers
Illness
2024 Class Dates
Tuesday, May 14 - Register here
Tuesday, August 13 - Register here
Tuesday, November 12 - Register here
Breastfeeding Support Group
Breastfeeding support groups are free and offered in both Springfield and Lincoln, Ill. Weigh your baby, do a weighed feeding, ask questions and share your stories with a supportive group of new moms.
Springfield
This support group is led by Teena Vincent, RN, CLC, and Lindsey Ostermeier, APRN, CNP, CLC. Call 217.280.6869 with any questions.
Every Thursday from 1 - 2 p.m.
1st Floor Conference Room at Springfield Clinic 1st - 900 Building
Lincoln
This support group is led by Springfield Clinic Lincoln's certified lactation consultant, Lynn Stahr, RN, and an ALMH registered nurse. Call 217.605.5233 with any questions.
Every Wednesday from 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Graue Room at Lincoln Memorial Hospital