The Great Starts Series

Class Overview

The Great Starts™ series is our most recommended class for families expecting their first baby.

It is appropriate for families planning to birth in hospitals, birth centers, or at home.

If you need help or have questions, call or email Great Starts Registration Monday through Friday, between 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM at: +206 789 0883, or email us at:
greatstarts@parenttrust.org >

A Childbirth Series to Fit your Family

Our most common offering, described below, has two formats:

6-weeknight series (usually 6:30-9 p.m.)
3 weekends option (usually Saturdays, 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m., with a half hour lunch break).

Please see the registration page for price information.

Formally taught by Penny Simkins.

This course is currently taught by Penny Simkin’s long-time assistant, Katie Rohs, CD(DONA), LCCE. Utilizing Penny’s books, handouts and videos on pregnancy and postpartum support, you will find comprehensive and up-to-date information from Labor & Birth, Newborn Care, and Breastfeeding.

Please see the registration page for price information.

Like all of our Great Starts series, the Lamaze series will cover everything you need to know as a first-time parent. It includes content similar to our Labor & Birth class, Breastfeeding class, and Newborn Care class, but in a different format, with emphasis on the philosophy and care practices recommended by Lamaze International.

This seven-week series covers preparation for 3rd trimester pregnancy, birth, postpartum, newborn care, and breastfeeding. HypnoBirthing® offers a simple, relaxed approach to this most important transition as you step into your role as parents and become a family.

Class Topics

Help for common discomforts of pregnancy
Stages of Labor: What to Expect
- How you will know labor is starting
- How you will know when to go to birthplace (or call midwife to attend you at home)
- What labor and birth is typically like
Soothing practices for labor
- Breathing Techniques
- Relaxation Skills
- Positions , Movement, and Massage
- Emotional Support
Pain Medication Options
Typical Hospital Routines and Procedures
Variations and Possible Interventions, including Cesarean

How to breastfeed: Positioning and latch
How often to feed, how to know baby is getting plenty
Predicting, preventing, and coping with common challenges
How partners can support breastfeeding
A brief overview of pumping, storing breast milk and returning to work

What newborn babies are like: appearance, senses, capabilities, and temperament
What babies need, and how they communicate it: reading infant cues; understanding crying; and techniques for soothing
Daily care: sleeping and sleep safety, bathing and diapering, feeding, and health

reunion class

Included in your registration!

Share what is going well, ask questions, and get resources for common challenges.
Receive info and have the opportunity to sign up for free Developmental Screenings (ASQ-3) for your child with Parent Trust’s Child and Teen Services staff (www.parenttrust.org/asq)
Enjoy reconnecting with the families and your instructor!

Additional Information

General Class FAQS >>

Class Locations >>

Great Starts Instructors >>

Please see our registration page for price information.

Contact Us:

If you need help or have questions, call or email Great Starts Registration Monday through Friday, between 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM at: +206 789 0883, or email us at: greatstarts@parenttrust.org >

“The birth classes were great. Being a first-time mom, I was a little bit nervous about the whole birthing process. These classes put my mind at ease.”

Our Partner