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Welcome to iParenting University!

Like its parent company, iParenting.com, iParenting University was created to inform, enlighten and inspire parents and parents-to-be. In response to our readers' demands for structured information, dialogue and interaction with iParenting experts and editors, we developed a one-of-a-kind series of quality online classes for expectant and new parents. iParenting University's mission is to ease the transition into parenthood and assist in the lifelong journey of parenting by providing the knowledge and tools parents need in a forum that's fun and friendly.

Current Classes

The Birth Primer: Awareness for an Active Birth
Breastfeeding: From "I Don't Know..." to "Pro"
Baby Care Basics: Preparing for Parenthood

The Birth Primer: Awareness for an Active Birth

This 4-week course gives a detailed introduction into the process of birth, explains the role of the support partner or team, offers extensive tools for relaxation and coping, and touches on the first day of a newborn's life, breastfeeding and the postpartum period. Emphasis is given on how to avoid routine interventions and how to play an active role in your birth experience. Taught by Jessica Williams. Read more about this class.
Cost: $25

This class is perfect for you if:

  • You want to take an active role in your birth.
  • You want to learn how labor support can help both you and your baby.
  • You are apprehensive about the pain of labor.
  • Your support person wants to learn how to best help you.
  • You want to know what will happen to your body during labor and birth.
  • You want to feel encouraged that you can have the birth you envision.

Breastfeeding: From "I Don't Know..." to "Pro"

This 4-week "breastfeeding basics" class begins with a discussion of the benefits of breastfeeding, followed by a “how-to” session for those first nursings, an “avoiding and solving problems” session, and ending with a “where to go from here” view past the early weeks to the older nursing baby and toddler. Taught by Melissa Clark Vickers, MEd, IBCLC. Read more about this class.
Cost: $25

This class is perfect for you if:

  • You are pregnant and want to learn what breastfeeding entails.
  • You are breastfeeding a newborn and want to learn more about the process.
  • You'd like to know about the many benefits of breastfeeding.
  • You want to be supportive of someone while they breastfeed.

Baby Care Basics: Preparing for Parenthood

During this 4-week class, expectant and new parents will learn baby care basics —- including feeding, diapering, choosing a pediatrician, parenting methods, and expected baby growth and development. The instructor will guide parents in managing the realities of a new baby. Additionally, parents will learn how infant cues and safety precautions change as their newborn enters various stages of development. Taught by Kathee Boyer, RN. Read more about this class.
Cost: $25

This class is perfect for you and/or your partner if:

  • You'd like to know what to expect immediately following the birth.
  • You want to know what your newborn needs medically, emotionally, and physically.
  • You want to understand the first eight weeks of your newborn's development.
  • You'd like to learn how to adjust to life postpartum and work into supportive parenting roles.
  • You want to actively promote infant safety in your baby's environment.