Great Expectations Pregnancy & Postpartum Program
The Women's Health Resource Center, Great Expectations Pregnancy Program offers a variety of classes to help expecting parents and their partners learn more about pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and parenting.
Now offering more in-person classes!
View our upcoming class listing January-June GEX 2024 brochure.
Classes currently held via Zoom unless noted otherwise when registering. Registrants will receive a link by email at least 24 hours prior to class. Please contact WHRC at (415) 514-2670 or [email protected] if you have not received the emailed link.
We help guide you into parenting and childbirth with the New Nest, Parenting, Breastfeeding Twins and Childbirth Intensives. Other programs we offer to support parenthood are MILK, Expecting Twins or more or The Afterglow, our postpartum support class for mom and baby.
Offering a variety of classes to help expecting pregnant people and their partners prepare for their new roles. Gather more information here on class content, frequency and prices. Classes fill up quickly; please sign up well in advance. Dates, times and prices are subject to change.
“You were such a wonderful resource for us when we were expecting and after our child was born---from the tour of the facilities–to checking in at the lactation clinic--thank you! A friend is looking for prenatal care and I have been singing the praises of UCSF...”
-UCSF Great Expectations participant
Baby Care/Parenting
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 pregnant people. 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.
Recommended after 20 weeks of pregnancy
Fee: $110 per series, choose a series
Weekend class-2 part class, Sat & Sun, 9:30 am-12 pm
All day class, Saturday, 9:30 am-2:30 pm
Weeknight 2 part class, 6:30-9:00 pm
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Childbirth
Childbirth Preparation: Integrated Methods
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 parent and baby.
Recommended after 20 weeks of pregnancy
Fee: $190 per series, 4 classes in a series, 6:00-8:30 pm
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Childbirth Preparation: Intensive
A one-day workshop designed to give participants the basic tools and information for preparing for birth. This class incorporates all information from the Childbirth Preparation: Integrated Methods class into an accelerated format.
Recommended after 20 weeks of pregnancy
Fee: $200 per series
Weekend class-2 part class, Sat & Sun 9:30 am-1:00 pm
All day class, 9:30 am-4:30 pm
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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.
Recommended after 20 weeks of pregnancy
Fee: One session class, NO CHARGE
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Breastfeeding
In our Breastfeeding classes, you will learn about breast physiology, milk production, optimal positioning for mom and baby, establishing a strong milk supply, the basics of pumping and bottle feeding, and the partner’s role. Techniques to overcome breastfeeding challenges and establish a successful breastfeeding relationship right from the start are also covered.
Breastfeeding Basics (B)
Learn about breast physiology, milk production, let-down, latch-on and positioning. This class teaches participants how to overcome breastfeeding challenges, problem solving and establishing a successful breastfeeding relationship right from the start. Support persons are encouraged to attend.
Recommended after 20 weeks of pregnancy
Fee: $80, One session class, 6:00-9:00 pm
enroll in a class
Breastfeeding and the First Few Months (Intensive)
Learn about breast physiology, milk production, optimal positioning for parents and baby, and creating a strong milk supply. Techniques to overcome breastfeeding challenges and establish a successful breastfeeding relationship right from the start are covered. In addition, learn practical tips and postpartum advice on transitioning, working and continuing to breastfeed. Topics include: maintaining your milk supply, pumping schedules, collecting/storing/ transporting breastmilk, bottle feeding, and more.
Recommended after 20 weeks of pregnancy
Fee: $110 per series
All day on Saturday or Sunday, 9:30 am-2:30 pm
Weeknight 2 part, 6:30-9:00 pm
enroll in a class
Prenatal Self-Care
Mindfulness Basics during Pregnancy
Develop a practice of mindfulness, both formal and informal in your life. To allow optimum learning, sharing and support to occur, capacity is limited. Each week we’ll build on what was learned and practiced the week before.
You will learn and develop the ability to know:
- What is mindfulness of body/thoughts and feelings?
- How to apply mindfulness so it can support you in your life/relationships and caring for your baby
- How to make time for yourself. To pause, breathe and ground in your body.
- How to apply the skills of mindfulness of body, thoughts and feelings
- How to refocus your attention to moments of goodness during cycles of worry and anxiety.
- How to manage your anxiety and potential for depression in a positive and healthy way.
These classes also offer an opportunity for connection and support in a group of other women who are pregnant. The skills of mindfulness have been shown through research to have a beneficial impact on your baby.
Fee: $120 per series, Sundays, Six-week series, 4:00-5:00 pm
Upcoming dates
Sundays, April 7-May 12, 2024 and Sundays, June 2-July 7, 2024
The New Nest: From Partners to Parents (PP)
Discover how the birth of a baby alters your partnership.
- Common relationship stressors that arise after the baby’s birth
- How to prepare your relationship for the life change of parenthood
- Helpful family and Postpartum resources
Fee: $50, One session class, Mondays, 6:00-7:30 pm
4/22-In-person
6/3-In-person
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The New Nest: Emotional Aspects of Pregnancy (EA)
Learn how pregnancy can impact your emotional well-being and how to care for yourself. (The workshop is helpful for women experiencing prenatal mood concerns, like depression or anxiety, or concerned about postpartum mood concerns).
- How to recognize signs and symptoms of common maternal mental health concerns, like anxiety and depression
- Emotionally caring for yourself during pregnancy
- Helpful psychological resources to help you navigate pregnancy and new motherhood
Recommended after 20 weeks.
Upcoming Dates TBD | Fee: $50, One session class
Twins/Multiples 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.
Recommended after 20 weeks of pregnancy
Fee: $80, One session class, 6:00-9:00 pm
enroll in a class
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.
Recommended after 20 weeks of pregnancy
Fee: $80, One session class, 6:00-9:00 pm
enroll in a class
Postpartum Support
Congratulations, you've delivered!
We're here to support and guide you through this journey as new parents. From joining one of our support groups to meeting with one of our lactation consultants there are a number of resources we can help you with. The MILK (Mother and Infant Lactation Kooperative) support group offers an opportunity to share experiences, gain knowledge or simply get comfort and assurance in a safe environment. The group is also a wonderful way to meet other new mothers.
MILK-Mother & Infant Lactation Kooperative Support Group
MILK is a FREE weekly breastfeeding and mother support group. Moms and babies ranging in age from newborn to six months old are welcome. Share your experiences and learn how other mothers are adjusting to the demands of motherhood.
Get your questions answered with evidence-based lactation information.
MILK is offering Zoom sessions led by our board certified lactation consultants.
Registration required. Space is limited, no drop-ins.
Tuesdays 1:30-3:00 pm
Fridays 10:00-11:30 am
Currently offered over Zoom
Currently offered over Zoom
To register call (415) 514-2670 or visit our member portal.
Postpartum Online Support group
Listen and share your story as a new parent from the comfort of your own home. This postpartum online support group is offered on a drop-in basis. Our goal is to support our postpartum patients who are facing the ups and downs of being new parents, healing and connecting with other families especially during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.
◗ Facilitated peer support
◗ Strategies for postpartum recovery
◗ Practice of stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness.
This support group is not intended to treat direct postpartum medical conditions, but a referral can be provided if needed.
Facilitated by
Free, Wednesdays
1:30am-2:30pm | Online via zoom | Maximum 10 participants per sessionRegistration required from our member portal. Registrants will be sent a Zoom link prior to the start time. *Each participant is asked to follow confidentiality protocols. To register call (415) 514-2670 or visit our member portal.
UCSF Researches Postpartum Sleep
Learn more about the UCSF study conducted.
Class Packages
Try one of our packages and save!
Basic Pregnancy Package $395 - 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
Breastfeeding and the First Few Months
Parenting During the First Few Months
Comprehensive Pregnancy Package $405 - 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:
Childbirth Preparation Intensive
Breastfeeding and the First Few Months
Parenting During the First Few Months
UCSF Outpatient Lactation Consultant
The lactation clinic is available Monday-Fridays at both Mount Zion and Mission Bay locations.
In-person and telehealth appointments are available for one-on-one visits with an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant).
Initial appointments are 60-90 minutes and follow-ups are 45 minutes. UCSF Women’s Health Obstetrics Services has registered nurses with breastfeeding and postpartum knowledge are also available to answer breastfeeding questions or concerns via the telephone, Monday-Friday: 8:00am-5:00pm, (415) 353-3400
FAQ's-General Registration information
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. Register and pay online at whrcportal.ucsf.edu/whrcmember OR call (415) 514-2670. 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.
Where are classes held?
Most classes are currently held via Zoom, registrants will receive a link by email at least 24 hrs prior to class. Please call WHRC at (415) 514-2670 or email [email protected] if you have not received the emailed link by that time. For in-person classes, see location listed, and on the member portal upon registration (whrcportal.ucsf.edu/whrcmember/).
What is the policy for rescheduling classes?
Due to the high demand, classes fill up quickly. All clients must reschedule no later than five business days before the date of the class. Additionally, if you reschedule later than five business days before the class, a one-time $25 registration fee will be charged per class.
What is the policy for cancellations?
Class cancellations must be made five business days before the date of the class in order to receive a full refund. Additionally, if a cancellation is made less than five business days prior to the class, a one-time $25 registration fee will be charged per class.
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).
Are classes reimbursed by my insurance?
Great Expectations does not work 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’s Great Expectations Program encourages support persons to attend classes. ALL class fees include two (2) people (with the exception of the Afterglow class & MILK, which includes only mom/baby). If you have more than one support person, they will need to pay for an additional enrollment.
Hardcopy class materials
Available upon request only and there will be an $8 surcharge if you choose to receive hardcopies mailed to your home.
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) 514-2670 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) 514-2670 for more information or visit our website at https://womenshealth.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 48-hour period regarding a make-up session.