Pregnancy and childbirth is an exciting time for most parents. As with most exciting events, there may be some anxiety as you have new experiences in an unfamiliar environment. Preparation is often the key to a successful and pleasant birth experience. We highly recommend that expectant parents, especially first-time mothers and fathers, prepare for childbirth, breastfeeding, and parenting.
Sentara Princess Anne Hospital offers and invites expectant families to visit the Family Maternity Center to learn about all that the hospital has to offer to ensure that patients have the best birth experience possible. The in-person tour last about one hour. Families will learn where to park, how to preregister, what to bring, family centered care options, pain management options during labor, and details on the “golden hour” immediately postpartum. You will also get to see where you will deliver and recover and ask questions. To register for a tour please click this link:
Sentara Princess Anne Maternity Tour Registration
For those of you who prefer a “virtual” maternity tour, you may visit this link for an informative video tour of Sentara Princess Anne Family Maternity Center:
Virtual Tour – Sentara Princess Anne Maternity Center
Follow this link for instructions on how to pre-register for your birth at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital:
Sentara also offers additional virtual classes in both English and Spanish in childbirth, breastfeeding, and parenting, including special classes for first time moms and dads. You may register for and access the classes at the following link:
Sentara Childbirth, Breastfeeding & Parenting Online Classes
Additionally, Sentara Princess Anne Hospital offers Resource Guides for patients online at the following links:
Outpatient Lactation Consultants
Pampers® has launched a wonderful no-cost access to virtual Childbirth Education. The new series consists of nine classes led by two clinical childbirth experts. You may access this free virtual childbirth education at the following link:
Pampers Childbirth Education Series
New parents and childcare providers may also wish to consider an infant CPR class. These are available through the American Red Cross, the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad, and various private organizations.
Many patients often ask if they should create a birth plan before their time of delivery. To assist you with this, we have created a document titled “The Birth Experience” for you to review that describes common delivery practices of our birthing center. We encourage you to review this document as a starting point for discussion with our providers regarding your preferences and expectations regarding your baby’s birth.