The Great Starts Series

Class Overview

Our Great Starts™ series builds your confidence and knowledge for childbirth and baby care.

Our 15-hour curriculum is research-current and accessible for multiple learning styles. For your convenience, the same curriculum is offered in several different schedule formats, such as:

  • six nights, once a week, (usually 6:30-9 p.m.) or
  • three weekend days, over three weeks (usually Saturdays, 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.).
  • seven nights, once a week, with the addition of Life with Baby.
  • one-day and two-day Labor and Birth Mini-series.

The series is appropriate for families planning to birth in hospitals, birth centers, or at home. Classes are taught online or in-person.

Please see the registration page for price information.


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 signature series builds your confidence and knowledge for childbirth and baby care.

Our 15-hour curriculum is research-current and accessible for multiple learning styles. For your convenience, the same curriculum is offered in several different schedule formats, such as:

  • six nights, once a week, (usually 6:30-9 p.m.) or
  • three weekend days, over three weeks (usually Saturdays, 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.).
  • seven nights, once a week, with the addition of Life with Baby.
  • one-day and two-day Labor and Birth Mini-series.

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

baby and dad

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