Labor & Birth

Labor & Birth Education

Designed for those expecting their first baby (mother and support partner), labor and birth education classes are taught by childbirth educators and should be taken during an expectant mother's third trimester. Participants will learn about labor and birth positions, stages and phases of labor, how to time contractions and more. All labor and birth classes will include a tour of the birthing facility.

Choosing Childcare Seminar and Webinar

Quarterly, 2nd Thursday 6:30 – 8:00 pm, 2 Seminars & 2 Webinars Register here.

Webinar Dates

• February 12, 2026 – Webinar
• August 13, 2026 – Webinar

Seminar Dates – Cary Conference Rooms B&C (6 – 8:30 pm)

• May 14, 2026 – Seminar
• December 10, 2026 – Seminar 

Confident Beginnings: Childbirth & Baby Basics 

This comprehensive and inclusive 4-week series is strategically designed to prepare expectant parents for labor, birth, and life with a newborn. The class is structured for a clear, focused approach: Weeks 1-3 concentrate entirely on the childbirth journey, and Week 4 is dedicated to newborn care essentials. 

Each 2.5-hour session combines evidence-based education, hands-on practice, and open discussion in a supportive, judgment-free environment. Whether you're planning a medicated birth, unmedicated birth, cesarean, or something in between, this class helps you explore all options and build confidence for the journey ahead. 

What You’ll Learn: 

Weeks 1-3: Preparing for Labor & Birth 

• Understanding Labor & Birth: Anatomy, signs of labor, stages of labor, when to come to the hospital, and navigating the decision-making process.
• Comfort & Coping Techniques: Hands-on practice with breathing, relaxation, massage, labor positions, and exploring pain management options.
• Planning & Postpartum: Creating a customizable birth plan, what to pack, and an overview of the early postpartum recovery period. 

Week 4: Newborn Care Essentials 

• Newborn Care Essentials: Hands-on practice with diapering, bathing, soothing techniques, safe sleep practices, and early signs of illness.
• Feeding Basics: Understanding hunger cues, feeding options (breast/chestfeeding and formula feeding), and key hospital procedures. 

Class Features: 

• In-person, interactive sessions with guided demonstrations
• Inclusive language and respectful discussion of all birth and parenting choices
• Space for questions, sharing, and building community
• Take-home resources, checklists, and customizable birth plan templates 

Format: In-person, weekly sessions (2.5 hours each) with hands-on activities, group discussion, and practical demonstrations. 
What to Bring: Comfortable clothing, water bottle, notebook, and any support person you'd like to attend with you. 

Empowered Birth: A 3-Week In-Person Labor & Birth Preparation Series 

This inclusive and interactive 3-week series is designed to support expectant parents in preparing for labor, birth, and the early postpartum period—no matter what kind of birth they envision. Whether planning for a medicated birth, unmedicated birth, cesarean, or something in between, this class provides evidence-based information, hands-on practice, and a safe, supportive space to explore all options. 

What You’ll Learn: 

• Understanding Labor & Birth
• Comfort & Coping Techniques
• Planning & Postpartum 

Class Features: 

• Hands-on practice for relaxation and with tools for labor and birth
• Inclusive language and respectful discussion of all birth choices
• Space for questions, sharing, and building community
• Take-home resources and customizable birth plan templates 

Who Should Attend: Expectant parents (solo or with a partner), support persons preparing to attend a birth. 
Format: In-person, weekly sessions (2.5 hours each) with interactive activities, guided discussions, and practical demonstrations. 
What to Bring: Comfortable clothing, water bottle, pillow/yoga mat for comfort, notebook, and any support person you'd like to attend with you. 

Empowered Birth Online: A 3-Week Virtual Labor & Birth Preparation Series 

This inclusive and interactive online series is designed to support expectant parents in preparing for labor, birth, and the early postpartum period—no matter what kind of birth they envision. Whether planning for a medicated birth, unmedicated birth, cesarean, or something in between, this class provides evidence-based information, virtual hands-on practice, and a safe, supportive space to explore all options from the comfort of home. 

What You’ll Learn: 

• Understanding Labor & Birth
• Comfort & Coping Techniques
• Planning & Postpartum 

Class Features: 

• Live, interactive sessions via secure video platform
• Inclusive language and respectful discussion of all birth choices
• Space for questions, sharing, and building community
• Downloadable resources and customizable birth plan templates 

Who Should Attend: Expectant parents (solo or with a partner) and support persons preparing to attend a birth. 
Format: Online, weekly live sessions (2.5 hours each) with interactive activities, guided discussions, and practical video demonstrations. 
What You’ll Need: Internet access, a device with camera and microphone, comfortable space for movement, and any support person you'd like to attend with you. 

Express Labor & Birth: One-Day Intensive Workshop for Expectant Parents 

This one-day, 8-hour express class is designed for busy expectant parents who want a comprehensive, inclusive, and practical overview of labor and birth in a single session. Whether you're planning a medicated birth, unmedicated birth, or cesarean, this class provides evidence-based information, hands-on practice, and a supportive environment to explore your options and prepare for the journey ahead. 

What You’ll Learn: 

• Labor & Birth Basics
• Comfort & Coping Techniques
• Flexible Birth Planning
• Postpartum Preparation 

Class Features: 

• Interactive demonstrations and hands-on practice
• Inclusive discussion of all birth choices and experiences
• Safe space for questions, sharing, and building confidence
• Take-home resources and customizable birth plan templates 

Who Should Attend: Expectant parents (solo or with a partner), support persons, and anyone preparing to attend a birth. 
Format: In-person, full-day workshop (7 hours including breaks) with guided instruction, practice sessions, and open discussion. 
What to Bring: Comfortable clothing, water bottle, snacks/lunch, notebook, and any support person you'd like to attend with you. 

Gestational Diabetes Program

WakeMed Gestational Diabetes program is designed for the patient who has developed diabetes at any stage of pregnancy or for the patient who has diabetes prior to conception. A physician referral is required for program enrollment. Learn more about our program or call 919-350-4589.

Labor & Birth Education – Preparation for Cesarean Birth

Preparing for a cesarean birth or a c-section is an important part of a birth plan for some expectant mothers. A cesarean birth may be planned for medical reasons or may become necessary during labor due to unforeseen circumstances.

In this virtual, self-paced class, you will gain an understanding of the cesarean procedure and recovery, have the opportunity to witness a live cesarean birth and receive valuable planning handouts. Following completion of the course, you may speak with a live instructor for a question and answer (Q&A) session. Our material is accurate, evidence-based, up-to-date and delivered by experts in the field.

Self-paced learning allows patients to choose when and how to learn, based on their own schedule and learning style.  
$55/couple

Supportive Birth Services

Are you a mother-to-be who is excited to meet your baby but also fearful of labor and delivery due to a traumatic life experience? There are many reasons why labor, delivery and postpartum care could bring up difficult emotions. This is where birth preferences come in. Through our free services, we will guide you through our process and connect you with perinatal and postpartum resources that are individualized to your particular needs and/or circumstances. Learn more about Supportive Birth Services.