Childbirth & Parenting Classes

Families from across our region have warm memories of welcoming a new arrival at The Snuggery. But the Snuggery is here for you before and after the birth of your child, as well, with a wide array of educational programs to help you prepare for childbirth and better enjoy the joys of being a parent. If your insurance carrier is Blue Shield of Northeastern NY the cost of your classes will be covered.

Here's a look at our many outstanding programs:

Preparing For Childbirth (Three-Week Series)

This popular series covers the basics of childbirth preparation, from "when to call the doctor" to relaxation techniques. These classes are offered as a series to provide participants with a comprehensive childbirth preparation. This series is most beneficial when started in the 7th month. Class size is limited. Please register early to ensure availability.

Class fee: $70 per couple

2010 Schedule:
Begins Mar 17, Ends Mar 31 :: 6:00PM-9:00PM
Begins May 19, Ends Jun 02 :: 6:00PM-9:00PM
Begins Aug 18, Ends Sep 01 :: 6:00PM-9:00PM
Begins Oct 20, Ends Nov 03 :: 6:00PM-9:00PM

March 17 - March 31 CLASS FULL

To Register:
Please call (518) 926-6095 or click here to register on-line.

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Childbirth Preparation (One-Day Class)

This full day childbirth series is held on Saturday's from 9am - 5pm to fit your busy work or personal schedules. Whether you are expecting your first baby or need a refresher, this trend-setting condensed course prepares couples for the challenges of labor and the whole birth experience. Learn state of the art childbirth preparation all in one day (class content is the same as the Childbirth Preparation Series). Please bring 2 pillows. Class size is limited. Please register early.

Class Fee: $70 per couple

2010 Schedule (Saturdays):
January 09 :: 9:00AM-5:00PM
February 27 :: 9:00AM-5:00PM CLASS FULL
March 13 :: 9:00AM-5:00PM CLASS FULL
April 24 :: 9:00AM-5:00PM
May 15 :: 9:00AM-5:00PM
June 05 :: 9:00AM-5:00PM
July 31 :: 9:00AM-5:00PM
October 16 :: 9:00AM-5:00PM
November 13 :: 9:00AM-5:00PM

To Register:
Please call (518) 926-6095 or click here to register on-line.

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Childbirth Preparation (Two-Day Class)

Class content is the same as the Childbirth Preparation Series. These classes fill quickly, please register early.

Class Fee: $70 per couple

2010 Schedule:
February 19 :: 6:30-9:00PM and
February 20 :: 9AM-12:30PM CLASS FULL


April 16 :: 6:30-9:00PM and
April 17 :: 9AM-12:30PM CLASS FULL


June 11 :: 6:30-9:00PM and
June 12 :: 9AM-12:30PM


August 13 :: 6:30-9:00PM and
August 14 :: 9AM-12:30PM


September 17 :: 6:30-9:00PM and
September 18 :: 9AM-12:30PM


October 22 :: 6:30-9:00PM and
October 23 :: 9AM-12:30PM


November 19 :: 6:30-9:00PM and
November 20 :: 9AM-12:30PM


December 10 :: 6:30-9:00PM and
December 11 :: 9AM-12:30PM


To Register:
Please call (518) 926-6095 or click here to register on-line.

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Preparing For Childbirth Refresher

For those who have attended our Childbirth classes in the past, we offer a 2-hour class to refresh your memory and your Coping and Coaching Skills. We will review Preparing for Childbirth Series, as well as provide an opportunity to practice relaxation and coping techniques. Please remember to bring 2 pillows to class. Class size is limited.

Class fee: $20 per couple

2010 Schedule:
January 14 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
May 20 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
October 28 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM

To Register:
Please call (518) 926-6095 or click here to register on-line.

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Preparing For Breast Feeding

This special prenatal class is offered for women planning to breastfeed, as well as for those who are undecided. You'll learn all the advantages and possible difficulties of breastfeeding your baby. You will learn the basic techniques that will help you prepare for breast feeding and feel confident about what to do. This class, (presented by Karen Doering, The Snuggery's internationally Board-Certified Lactation Consultant), will answer any of your questions and concerns about breast feeding. This is a fun, informational class that you will thoroughly enjoy! Register for Preparing for Breast Feeding and explore the advantages of a successful and rewarding breast feeding experience. This popular class fills up quickly. Please register early.

Class Fee: $10 per couple

2010 Schedule (Thursdays)
February 18 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM CLASS FULL
March 25 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
April 15 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
May 20 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
June 17 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
July 15 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
August 19 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
September 16 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
October 21 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
November 18 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
December 16 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM

To Register:
Please call (518) 926-6095 or click here to register on-line.

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Boot Camp for New Dads

Boot Camp helps prepare dads-to-be for the challenges ahead by bringing them in together with veteran dads and their newborn babies for a fun and interactive session. Included are hands-on demonstrations of burping, changing and swaddling a baby; bonding; forming a parenting team; child safety; preventing child abuse; and the "trouble shooter's guide" to crying babies. There's also a strong emphasis on providing new moms with the tremendous support they need following the arrival of a baby.

Class Fee: $15 per person

2010 Schedule (Saturdays)
January 16 :: 9:30AM-11:45AM
February 20 :: 9:30AM-11:45AM
April 17 :: 9:30AM-11:45AM
May 15 :: 9:30AM-11:45AM
June 19 :: 9:30AM-11:45AM
August 14 :: 9:30AM-11:45AM
September 25 :: 9:30AM-11:45AM
October 23 :: 9:30AM-11:45AM
November 20 :: 9:30AM-11:45AM
December 18 :: 9:30AM-11:45AM

To Register:
Please call (518) 926-6095 or click here to register on-line.

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Sibling Preparation (Big Brother/Big Sister)

This one-hour program helps prepare children for becoming a big brother or sister. Designed for children ages three and older, the program includes a brief audio/visual presentation, a tour of The Snuggery, a discussion about "gentle-touch," including hands-on practice with a doll, and a question-and-answer session. Each child receives a personalized certificate at the end of the class.

Class Fee: $10.00 for one child; $5.00 for each additional child

2010 Schedule (Saturdays)
October 03 :: 10AM-11AM

To Register:
Please call (518) 926-6095 or click here to register on-line.

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Massage During Pregnancy

This two-hour class is designed to teach couples how to relieve the discomfort and stress before, during and after childbirth.

Class Fee: $25 per couple

2010 Schedule (Mondays)
January 25 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
March 29 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
May 24 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
July 26 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
September 27 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
November 29 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM

To Register:
Please call (518) 926-6095 or click here to register on-line.

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Infant Massage NEW!

The newest addition to The Snuggery's education programs, this 1 1/2-hour class covers proper holding techniques for the infant during the massage, massage strokes for baby, the history of infant massage, the importance of communication and attachment in building healthy emotional relationships and much more.

Class Fee: $25 per person; $35 per couple

2010 Schedule (Mondays)
February 08 :: 6:30PM-8:00PM
June 28 :: 6:30PM-8:00PM
October 25 :: 6:30PM-8:00PM

To Register:
Please call (518) 926-6095 or click here to register on-line.

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Caring For Your Infant

Designed especially for parents in the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy, this course covers the practical how-tos of baby care. You'll gain hands-on experience in bathing, positioning, handling, feeding and diapering your baby, and find answers to all your questions about newborn safety and signs of illness and infection.

Class Fee: $10 per person

2010 Schedule
Wednesday, January 06 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
Thursday, January 14 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM CLASS FULL
Wednesday, February 10 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
Thursday, February 25 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
Wednesday, March 03 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
Wednesday, April 14 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
Thursday, April 22 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
Wednesday, May 05 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
Thursday, June 10 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
Wednesday, June 23 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
Wednesday, July 07 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
Thursday, July 15 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
Wednesday, August 04 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
Thursday, August 12 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
Thursday, September 09 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
Wednesday, September 22 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
Wednesday, October 06 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
Monday, October 11 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
Wednesday, November 10 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
Wednesday, December 01 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM
Thursday, December 16 :: 6:30PM-8:30PM

To Register:
Please call (518) 926-6095 or click here to register on-line.

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Tot Saver Classes

Baby Saver (0-1yr)
During this three-hour class you will learn about CPR basis for infants; Hand-on experience; Near drowning accidents; Choking; Safety precautions; and, much more. You will leave feeling confidant about your ability to respond to your infant in an emergency and how to create a safe environment.

Class Fee: $15 per person or $25 per couple

2010 Schedule
Thursday, January 07 :: 6:30PM-9:30PM
Thursday, January 21 :: 6:30PM-9:30PM CLASS FULL
Thursday, April 08 :: 6:30PM-9:30PM CLASS FULL
Thursday, April 29 :: 6:30PM-9:30PM CLASS FULL
Thursday, May 06 :: 6:30PM-9:30PM CLASS FULL
Thursday, May 27 :: 6:30PM-9:30PM
Thursday, June 03 :: 6:30PM-9:30PM
Thursday, June 24 :: 6:30PM-9:30PM
Tuesday, July 27 :: 6:30PM-9:30PM
Tuesday, August 10 :: 6:30PM-9:30PM
Tuesday, August 24 :: 6:30PM-9:30PM
Thursday, September 02 :: 6:30PM-9:30PM
Tuesday, September 21 :: 6:30PM-9:30PM
Thursday, October 14 :: 6:30PM-9:30PM
Thursday, October 28 :: 6:30PM-9:30PM
Thursday, November 04 :: 6:30PM-9:30PM
Thursday, November 18 :: 6:30PM-9:30PM
Thursday, December 02 :: 6:30PM-9:30PM
Thursday, December 30 :: 6:30PM-9:30PM

To Register:
Please call (518) 926-6095 or click here to register on-line.

Child Saver (1-8yr)
During this three-hour class you will learn about Child CPR techniques; Practice CPR on mannequins; Safety issues for children; and, view a film on safety and CPR. Your instructor is a Pediatric Nurse with over 20 years experience with child emergencies. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and share your concerns with other parents.

Class Fee: $15 per person or $25 per couple

2010 Schedule
Thursday, May 13 :: 6:30PM-9:30PM
Tuesday, August 17 :: 6:30PM-9:30PM
Thursday, December 09 :: 6:30PM-9:30PM

To Register:
Please call (518) 926-6095 or click here to register on-line.

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Special Childbirth Education Money-Saving Packages

Register for more than one of our childbirth education programs with these money-saving packages:

  • Package #1
    Register for Tot Saver, Preparing for Breastfeeding and Infant Care for just $45 per couple.
  • Package #2
    Register for Childbirth Refresher and Massage During Pregnancy for just $40 per couple.
  • Package #3
    Register for Childbirth Preparation and Massage During Pregnancy for just $90 per couple.
  • Package #4
    Register for Childbirth Preparation, Preparing for Breastfeeding, Infant Care and Tot Saver for just $115 per couple.
  • Package #5
    Register for Childbirth Preparation, Boot Camp for New Dads, Preparing for Breastfeeding, Massage During Pregnancy, Infant Care, and Tot Saver for just $145 per couple.

To register for any of these packages, please call (518) 926-6095 or click here to register on-line.

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Super Sitter Babysitting Course

This Saturday morning course uses Dr. Lee Salk's Super Sitters material and emphasizes the physical safety and security of the child. Students will learn about children of different ages, how to relate to them and how to avoid many pitfalls that accompany childcare. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to understand the responsibilities of babysitting, perform the mechanics of childcare, appreciate the importance of tender loving care and know what to do in a crisis.

Class Fee: $25 per person

2010 Schedule (Saturdays)
January 16 :: 9AM-12:30PM
April 24 :: 9AM-12:30PM
June 19 :: 9AM-12:30PM
August 14 :: 9AM-12:30PM
October 09 :: 9AM-12:30PM
December 04 :: 9AM-12:30PM

To Register:
Please call (518) 926-6095 or click here to register on-line.

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HypnoBirthing

The easier method of childbirth:
Deep Relaxation and Pain Elimination Techniques

HypnoBirthing consists of a five-session series of classes, held either weekly or bi-weekly depending on scheduling considerations. Expectant mothers (with the assistance of their partners) learn auto-suggestion and deep relaxation skills that can make an enormous difference in contributing to an easy, comfortable and relaxed childborth experience. The mom learns tools, over a period of a couple of months, that give her confidence that she'll be able to handle anything that comes up, often without need for medication at all.

For more information, call Geri Finnegan at (518) 926-6095 or Suzanne Fremon at (518) 532-0305 or at hypnodoula@gmail.com.

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Childbirth & Parenting Classes Photo