Couple interacting with and entertaining newborn baby

    Baby Steps Classes

    Welcome to Baby Steps

    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.

    Mom in labor holding her baby

    Mom breastfeeding new baby

    Couple interacting with and entertaining newborn baby

    Breastfeeding Basics

    Mom breastfeeding new baby

    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

    2025 Class Dates

    Development Milestones

    New parents, you’re invited to an informative and engaging one-hour class where you’ll be introduced to important topics about your child’s first year of life. Led by pediatrician Dr. John Belz, this session will cover essential developmental milestones, from to crawling to baby’s first steps, along with growth, nutrition and the schedule of routine baby check-ups and vaccines.

    Dr. Belz is dedicated to equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to embrace these wonderful moments alongside your baby. Don’t miss this chance to prepare for an incredible journey of growth and discovery. We look forward to seeing you there!

    2025 Class Dates

    Infant Safety

    Female with dark curly hair smiling holding an infant sleeping on her shoulder.

    A Springfield Clinic Pediatrician leads 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

    2025 Class Dates

    Labor of Love: Preparing for Childbirth

    Labor of Love: Preparing for Childbirth is a free, one-session class offered in Springfield and Peoria.

    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

    Springfield

    Mom in labor holding her baby

    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.

    2024 Class Dates

    2025 Class Dates

    Peoria

    This class is taught by Meghan Edwards, RN, and are held at TCM at Springfield Clinic Peoria Women's Health (2419 West Cornerstone Court). Please note that snacks will not be provided. Participants are welcome to bring snacks with them to the class. Registration is required, but not necessary for your partner. Please only complete the registration once.

    2024 Class Dates

    2025 Class Dates

    What's Normal for Newborns?

    Couple interacting with and entertaining newborn baby

    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

    2025 Class Dates

    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

    *Thursday, July 25 support group has been cancelled

    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