At UAB, we want to make your pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting experience as enjoyable as possible. That is why we offer Beginnings, a series of educational classes to prepare you for what you're about to experience. The following classes are available through the Women's Health Center at UAB and are taught by trained instructors.

To register, call 205-996-BABY or go online at www.uabhealthclass.com

These two-hour classes are held one night a week for five weeks and will educate both first-time parents and parents who haven't given birth in several years. New Life Classes cover the anatomy of pregnancy, stages of labor, analgesia and anesthesia, vaginal and operative delivery, postpartum care, and infant care as well as breathing and relaxation techniques. A tour of our Labor and Delivery facilities is also included in this class.

This two-hour class is a must for women who plan to breast feed. The class is designed to educate and prepare mothers in the basic techniques required to establish a positive breast feeding relationship with your baby.

This three-hour class provides parents with lifesaving information. Parents will learn the proper techniques to clear their baby's airway if it becomes obstructed and to revive the infant in an emergency.

This delightful one-and-one-half-hour class is designed to prepare a child three to eight years of age for the arrival of his or her new brother or sister. At least one parent must attend class with the child.

Let us help you have the 'Happiest Baby on the Block'! In just an hour and a half, you will learn Dr. Harvey Karp's bestselling book's technique for calming and soothing even the fussiest baby. This class is a must for expectant or new parents!

A life with multiples is like no other! Come learn about what to expect with your pregnancy, delivery, and caring for more than one baby, and meet other parents who share your same excitement. This one day, weekend class, is for those expecting twins and more.

This class is designed for parents who have been through Labor & Delivery before. Topics reviewed include stages of labor, analgesia & anesthesia, breathing and relaxation techniques, and a tour of Labor & Delivery.

Classes (excluding the Labor and Delivery tours) are held in either the West Pavillion Conference Center located on the second floor of UAB's West Pavillion or room 1014 on the 10th floor of Jefferson Tower.

For classes in the West Pavillian, park in Deck #4, located on 6th Avenue South between 19th and 20th Streets. Follow signs to the Hospital and the Spain Wallace Building. The Conference Center is on the second floor of the Spain Wallace Building.

For room 1014 in Jefferson Tower, park in Deck #4, located on 6th Avenue South between 19th and 20th Streets. Follow signs to the Hospital and Jefferson Tower. Take the elevator to the 10th floor, upon exiting the elevator go straight ahead through the double doors into the unit, and the classroom will be in front of you.

In cases of inclement weather, class may be cancelled. For confirmation of a class cancellation, you may call UAB HealthFinder at 934-9999 or long-distance at 1-800-822-8816.

For five-week classes, a full refund is available if you cancel prior to the beginning of class. If delivery occurs or complications prevent attendance prior to the start of the second class, 50% of paid fees will be refunded.

There are no refunds after the second class.

For a one-time class, a full refund is available if you cancel prior to the beginning of class.

It is important for you to familiarize yourself with our Labor and Delivery facilities before you go into labor. These are offered every 3rd Wednesday of the month. We offer tours of the area at no cost. Spanish language tours are also available.