NORWAY – The Family Birthplace at Stephens Memorial Hospital will hold “Preparing for Birth” classes Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17 and 18, in the Harper Conference Center, Ripley Building.

Classes will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Hilary Ware, RN, will be the instructor.

Expectant parents will learn about labor and delivery and learn relaxation techniques. Coaches will learn how to assist through the process of the baby’s birth.

Other topics will include making a birthing plan, comfort measures, stages of labor, cesarean delivery and newborn care.

The cost of the class is $50 if delivering the baby at SMH and $60 if delivering elsewhere. Insurance covers the cost of the class. Call the Family Birthplace for more information or to register at 743-1562, ext. 380, or visit www.wmhcc.org.

Stephens Memorial Hospital is part of the Maine Health family. Visit Western Maine Health on the Internet at www.wmhcc.org.