What is included in the class?

9:00 a.m. Welcome

• How Multiple Pregnancy Occurs
• Prenatal Care
  • Nutrition and Weight Gain
  • Discomforts of Pregnancy
  • Rest, Activity and Limitations
• Emotional Aspects of Multiple Pregnancy & Coping Techniques

Break (provided)

• Risks and Complications
• Prenatal Tests with Multiples
• Prematurity

Lunch Break (on your own)

• Anesthesia Options and Pain Management
• Labor and Delivery
• DVDs 
  • Epidural Anesthesia   
  • Pregnancy and Birth of Multiples
  • Postpartum and Breastfeeding with Multiples

BREAK (provided)

• Recovery and Postpartum
• Adjustments to Life at Home with Multiple Newborns
• Breastfeeding and Bottle feeding Multiples
• Essential Equipment and Supplies

4:30 - 5:00 p.m. Evaluations and Adjournment

Should I take a regular Childbirth Education Class?

The Marvelous Multiples® course is designed to take the place of a regular childbirth/prenatal education course. Most regular Lamaze-type classes are geared for singleton pregnancies and focus on unmedicated, low-risk births. The Marvelous Multiples® course provides details about multiple pregnancy, labor, birth and recovery, and offers information about your care that is not covered in regular classes.

When should I attend this course?

The ideal time to attend is early in your second trimester, before 22 weeks of pregnancy. This allows you to learn valuable information about nutrition, weight gain, and especially preterm labor, before any problems begin or before bedrest. However, we welcome you at any stage of your multiple pregnancy. Call as soon as you learn you are expecting multiples to enroll in the class most appropriate for your pregnancy. Women expecting triplets or more should plan to attend class before their 20th week of pregnancy. 

Do I need a physician's referral to attend this course?

No. However, many area physicians recommend this course for their multiple birth patients.

What should I wear and bring to class?

Please wear comfortable clothes, and choose layers as room temperatures can vary. Bring 2 pillows and a mat or blanket. These will be used for the relaxation exercises (and sometimes for uncomfortable chairs!) Also bring money for eating out, or a sack lunch. 

What materials are provided?

You will receive a 42-page course booklet and a workbook with numerous handouts to reinforce what you learn. 

What is the class size?

For the optimum learning environment, there is a limit of 8-10 couples per class.

Should I attend any other classes?

We encourage you to attend additional classes in Infant Care, Breastfeeding, Baby CPR/Safety, and Labor Coping Skills as well as a tour of your hospital's obstetric and neonatal care facilities.

I have other children, can they attend?

Unfortunately, there are no facilities for children and bringing them to class is often disruptive to others. Please make other arrangements.

What if I have to cancel?

If possible, we will reschedule you for another class. If you are unable to attend due to medical reasons, we encourage your partner to attend with another family member or friend. Contact 877.8800 to reschedule or for a refund.

Does insurance cover the cost of this course?

Possibly. Check with your benefits representative.