Riverside offers a variety of classes and other programs for mom-to-be and their support persons as they prepare for the arrival of their little one. Check out our available opportunities, both virtual and in-person options, listed below.
You can also visit the online resource below for information on childbirth, baby care, breastfeeding, Infant CPR, etc.:
- HealthClips.com Using hospital password 02265
Additional questions? Email us [email protected].
Free Programs and Classes
Virtual Programs and Classes:
Virtual Expectant Parents Hospital Tours: Riverside Regional Medical Center, Newport News
Riverside is proud to offer Virtual Expectant Parent Tours one Tuesday evening a month. Using Teams, parents-to-be can preview the birthing suites, postpartum rooms, and NICU at Riverside Regional Medical Center from the safety of their home. During the virtual tour, you will have the opportunity to have your questions answered regarding having your baby at Riverside. Virtual tours are given on scheduled Tuesday evenings each month from 7:00 - 8:30 pm using Teams.
Registration is required. Please register for a date below and provide your email address. As the tour appointment approaches, you will receive an email with instructions for this virtual tour. We look forward to showing you all Riverside has to offer!
For dates of upcoming classes, to register, or for more information, visit here.
Virtual Childbirth Preparation Course
Riverside is proud to offer virtual Childbirth Preparation Classes. Using Teams, Mom-to-be and her partner or support person can explore the many choices available to make their birth experience personal and positive. This course includes comprehensive information on pregnancy, labor and birth, as well as relaxation and breathing techniques, all from the safety of your home.
Registration is required. This program is a series of four classes offered on Mondays for two hours each class day. When registering, please provide an email address so we can send instructions on how to join the class virtually.
For dates of upcoming classes, to register, or for more information, visit here.
Virtual Breastfeeding Course
Breastfeeding is natural, but there are skills to be learned that can help promote successful breastfeeding. In this two-hour virtual educational class, our lactation consultant will help familiarize expectant parents with the knowledge and skills they need to get breastfeeding off to a great start.
Registration is required. This class is offered one Wednesday evening each month for two hours from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. When registering, please provide an email address, and instructions for virtually joining the class will be sent to you.
For dates of upcoming classes, to register, or for more information, visit here.
In-Person Programs and Classes:
In-Person Expectant Parents Tours: Riverside Regional Medical Center, Newport News
Riverside is proud to offer in-person Expectant Parent Tours on scheduled Tuesday evenings, one Saturday morning and one Friday evening each month. During the tour, parents-to-be can preview the birthing suites and postpartum rooms in our Women and Infant Care Unit at Riverside Regional Medical Center. On the tour, you will have the opportunity to have your questions answered regarding having your baby at Riverside.
Registration is required. Attendance is limited to the expectant mother and 1 additional person, therefore ONLY the expectant mother needs to register for this tour. Registration will close once we have reached capacity.
Register by clicking the 'Register' link for the date and time of the tour you would like to attend. Please provide your email address. As the tour appointment approaches, you will receive an email with instructions for the tour.
In-person tours are given on scheduled Tuesday evenings at 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm, one Saturday morning at 11:30 am, and one Friday evening at 6:00 pm each month. The tour will last a little over an hour. See below for available days and times.
Your instructor will meet you in the Tower Lobby to begin the tour. We look forward to showing you all Riverside has to offer!
For dates of upcoming classes, to register, or for more information, visit here.
In-Person Breastfeeding Course: Riverside Regional Medical Center, Newport News
Breastfeeding is natural, but there are skills to be learned that can help promote successful breastfeeding. In this two-hour in-person class, our lactation consultant will help familiarize expectant parents with the knowledge and skills they need to get breastfeeding off to a great start.
Registration is required. Attendance is limited to the expectant mother and 1 additional person, therefore ONLY the expectant mother needs to register for this course. Registration will close once we have reached capacity.
Register by clicking the 'Register' link beside the date you would like to attend. Please provide your email address. As the appointment approaches, you will receive an email with instructions for the class.
Our in-person breastfeeding classes are being offered on one Saturday morning each month from 9:00 - 11:00 am.
Your instructor will meet you in the Tower Lobby to take you to the classroom.
For dates of upcoming classes, to register, or for more information, visit here.
Expectant Parents Tours: Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital, Onancock
Parents-to-be can preview the private maternal/child health rooms at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital with a private tour. You will be able to meet your team members and ask questions about having your baby at Riverside. The free tour lasts about an hour, and an appointment is needed. Make your appointment by calling 757-302-2440.
Childbirth Preparation Course: Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital, Onancock
Currently Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital, Onancock is not offering in-person Childbirth Preparation classes. Riverside provides free virtual childbirth preparation classes each month through the use of Zoom. Mom-to-be and her partner or support person can explore the many choices available to make their birth experience personal and positive. This virtual course includes comprehensive information on pregnancy, labor and birth, as well as relaxation and breathing techniques, all from the safety of your home.
Registration is required. The class is a series of four consecutive two-hour sessions offered on the Mondays of each month. When registering, please provide an email address so we can send instructions on how to join the class virtually.
Scroll back toward the beginning of this website to find the dates this class will begin each month. If you have any questions, reach out to: [email protected].
Healthy Mom & Baby Exercise Program During Pregnancy: Riverside Wellness & Fitness Center, Newport News
Exercise has numerous benefits for you and your unborn baby, so this is a great time to consider appropriate exercise. Pregnancy and postpartum are times to increase and maintain your fitness. Moms-to-be come together for fun, low-impact fitness classes at Riverside Wellness & Fitness Center - Peninsula. Classes are free for moms-to-be who plan to deliver at Riverside Regional Medical Center. Call for more information on our classes that have been approved for expectant moms, such as aqua aerobics, low-impact aerobics and restorative yoga.
Your Guide to the 4th Trimester
This is the class you didn't know you needed! The Fourth Trimester, also known as the postpartum period, is a time of intense change in your baby, your body, & your lifestyle. Postpartum topics include postpartum sleep, self-care, mental health, & creating a support system. Newborn care topics include crying, comforting, feeding, diapering, bathing, and safe sleep.
Registration is required. This virtual class is offered on the 4th Wednesday of the month from 10:00 - 11:30 am with a start date of January 22nd.
Register by clicking the 'Register' link by the date of the class you would like to attend.
For dates of upcoming classes, to register, or for more information, visit here.
When registering, please provide an email address. Your instructor will send an email with additional information and instructions for virtually joining the class closer to the scheduled date.
This class helps families feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout their NICU journey—from Baby's arrival in the NICU to life at home after discharge.
Registration is required. This class will be offered on the listed scheduled Wednesday mornings of each month from 10:00 – 11:30 am.
Attendance is limited to the expectant mother and 1 additional person. ONLY the expectant mother needs to register for this class.
Register by clicking the 'Register' link by the date of the class you would like to attend.
For dates of upcoming classes, to register, or for more information, visit here.
When registering, please provide an email address. Additional information and instructions for virtually joining the class will be sent to you by the instructor closer to the scheduled date.
Returning to work while breastfeeding can seem overwhelming. This class helps mothers prepare ahead of time so that they can achieve a smooth transition back to work while continuing to breastfeed.
This class is held on the third Tuesday of each month starting at 1:00 p.m.
For dates of upcoming classes, to register, or for more information, visit here.
When registering, please provide an email address. As the class appointment approaches, you will receive an email with information on how to join virtually.
Your Guide to the 4th Trimester
This is the class you didn't know you needed! The Fourth Trimester, also known as the postpartum period, is a time of intense change in your baby, your body, & your lifestyle. Postpartum topics include postpartum sleep, self-care, mental health, & creating a support system. Newborn care topics include crying, comforting, feeding, diapering, bathing, and safe sleep.
Registration is required. This in-person class will be offered on the 1st Monday of every month from 12-1:30 pm with start date of December 2nd and the 2nd Friday evening of every month from 6:00 – 7:30 pm with a start date of December 13th.
Attendance is limited to the expectant mother and 1 additional person. ONLY the expectant mother needs to register for this class.
Registration will close once the class has reached capacity.
Register by clicking the 'Register' link by the date of the class you would like to attend. Please provide your email address.
For dates of upcoming classes, to register, or for more information, visit here
As the class date approaches, you will receive a reminder email from the instructor with additional information about the class.
Your instructor will meet you in the Tower Lobby to take you to the classroom.
This class helps families feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout their NICU journey—from Baby's arrival in the NICU to life at home after discharge.
Registration is required. This in-person class will be offered on the 2nd Friday evening of every month from 6:00 – 7:30 pm.
Attendance is limited to the expectant mother and 1 additional person. ONLY the expectant mother needs to register for this class.
Registration will close once we have reached capacity.
Register by clicking the 'Register' link by the date of the class you would like to attend. Please provide your email address.
For dates of upcoming classes, to register, or for more information, visit here.
As the class date approaches, you will receive a reminder email from the instructor with additional information about the class.
Your instructor will meet you in the Tower Lobby to take you to the classroom.
This class will share how to recognize the need for CPR and basic CPR will be presented. No certification will be provided.
Registration is required. Attendance is limited to the expectant mother and 1 additional person, therefore ONLY the expectant mother needs to register for this course. Registration will close once we have reached capacity.
Class will be held the first Saturday monthly 12-1:30pm with a start date of December 7th at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, Virginia.
For dates of upcoming classes, to register, or for more information, visit here.
Your instructor will meet you in the Tower Lobby to take you to the classroom.
New Dad 101: Virtual Class sponsored by the Fatherhood Foundation of Virginia.
New babies don’t come with owners’ manuals. The FFVA offers this virtual class for first time dads to give them the confidence they’ll need to be a great parent and support mom. Participants get unedited, “real talk” information straight from experienced dads. They are encouraged to ask questions without being judged. In these “Vegas” conversations, there are no such things as dumb questions. What is asked in class stays in the class. This class helps new dads to be ready to begin the greatest journey of all, fatherhood.
Topics Covered:
- Caring for crying babies and crying moms
- Handling your work week on no sleep
- Financing a growing family
- Dealing with your in-laws
- And much, much, more!
Spend a morning with “real” dads as they provide practical tips and perspectives of what it is to be a father and gain confidence in your ability to be a great dad.
It will be the best three hours you spend before your baby is born!
For dates of upcoming classes, to register, or for more information, visit here or call 804-609-DADS.
Use the coupon code RiversideDad for FREE registration
Rookie Dads: We've Got You Covered!
Rookie Dads helps prepare expectant dads to face the challenges of being a new parent. This free class shows dad how to take care of their baby's needs, how to interact with their new little one, and gives other great tips from a father's perspective taught by a Certified Fatherhood Specialist. Fathers will receive a Daddy diaper bag with great information and supplies for baby.
Classes will be held the third Tuesday evening of every month from 6:00 – 8:00 pm (the November class is on the second Tuesday, 11/12/2024).
Location: Riverside Regional Medical Center located in Newport News, Virginia in Annex Conference Room D.
Registration is handled through Fatherhood at CDR.
For the upcoming class schedule and register for Rookie Dads, please visit – https://www.cdrfatherhood.com/services/rookie/
If you find you cannot attend after registering, please cancel by calling 757-345-3180 or by emailing [email protected].
Rookie Moms: Journey into Motherhood!
In this class you will explore what to expect during the first few months with your baby: feeding, sleeping, and tips to help you as you journey through this time with your new little one! Discussion will also include your new identity as a mother and ways to manage stress and postpartum depression. Bring your questions!Classes will be held the third Tuesday evening of every month from 6:00 – 8:00 pm (the November class is on the second Tuesday, 11/12/2024).
Location: Riverside Regional Medical Center located in Newport News, Virginia in Annex Conference Room D.
Registration is done through Fatherhood at CDR.
For the upcoming class schedule and to register for Rookie Moms, please visit their website at https://www.cdrfatherhood.com/services/rookie/
If you find you cannot attend after registering, please cancel by calling 757-345-3180r by emailing [email protected]
Riverside offers a variety of support groups for our community. Please call the support group contact person to verify meetings.
In-Person Breastfeeding Support Group, Riverside Regional Medical Center
Our In-person Breastfeeding Support Group is held the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month from 1pm-2pm in the Women & Infant Classroom on the second floor waiting area between the Labor & Delivery and the Postpartum Units.
Virtual Breastfeeding Support Group
Our Virtual Breastfeeding Support Group is held the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 11am to attend please e-mail [email protected].
Eastern Shore Breastfeeding Support Group
Call 757-302-2447 for more information about in-person meetings, or find the support group on Facebook by searching for RSMH Breastfeeding Support Group.
Forget Me Not
Forget Me Not is a Perinatal Bereavement Support Group that meets Mondays from 1 to 2 p.m. at Riverside Regional Medical Center. Led by Chaplain Linda Hudson, the group offers a safe and relaxed atmosphere while providing support to anyone who has experienced a pregnancy loss or the loss of an infant. This grief support is designed around the books, When Hello Means Goodbye by Pat Schwiebert and Paul Kirk, and Empty Cradle Broken Heart by Deborah L. Davis, PhD. We invite any individuals in the community to join our group at any time. This is a free service. For more information contact Linda Hudson at 757-612-7693 or [email protected].
Strong Moms Prenatal and Postnatal Class: Riverside Wellness & Fitness Center, Newport News
This eight-week prenatal and postnatal class is for expectant and new mothers. It focuses on strength training and cardio to keep you active throughout your pregnancy and rebuild strength and endurance after delivery!
When: Call for upcoming class schedule
Where: Riverside Wellness and Fitness Center, 12650 Jefferson Ave., Newport News, VA
For more information and to register: 757-875-7525
Fee: $70 for members, $80 for nonmembers
Nutrition Counseling For Good Health: Riverside Wellness & Fitness Center, Newport News
Proper nutrition is important throughout life but it is especially crucial during pregnancy. Changes that occur in your body may require a specialized diet to better manage diabetes, high blood pressure or other conditions. Partnering with a nutritionist can help with new eating habits, and at the same time, keep the "spice" in your life.
When: By appointment
Where: Riverside Wellness and Fitness Center, 12650 Jefferson Ave., Newport News, VA
For more information and to register: 757-875-7533 To speak to a dietitian or wellness program assistant
Fee: Varies, please call for more information.
Massage: Riverside Wellness & Fitness Center, Newport News
Changes in a woman's body during pregnancy is wonderfully natural. And yet, pregnancy by its very nature can add stress to the body. You'll discover massage can relieve some common pregnancy discomforts like aching muscles, backaches, swollen ankles, sciatica and fatigue.
When: By appointment
Where: Riverside Wellness and Fitness Center, 12650 Jefferson Ave., Newport News, VA
For more information and to register: 757-875-7525
Prenatal Massage Fee: $55