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 Tours: Riverside Regional Medical Center, Newport News
Riverside is proud to offer Virtual Expectant Parent Tours one Tuesday evening a month. Using Zoom, 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 Zoom.
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!
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.
Monday, May 6 Sequence - Register
Monday, June 3 Sequence - Register
Monday, July 8 Sequence- Register
Monday, August 5 Sequence- Register
Monday, September 9 Sequence- Register
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. When registering, please provide an email address, and instructions for virtually joining the class will be sent to you.
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 one Tuesday evening and one Saturday morning 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 one scheduled Tuesday evening at 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm and on one scheduled Saturday morning at 11:30 am 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!
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.
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.
Riverside offers a variety of support groups for our community. The following programs may have been suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Please call the support group contact person to verify meetings.
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