Memorial Hospital Announces 2026 Prenatal Class Dates

Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce the upcoming 2026 dates for its free Prenatal and Family Education Classes, offering parents‑to‑be an engaging and confidence‑building learning experience. This year’s in‑person classes will be held on April 11, July 18, and October 3, from 8:00 a.m.–Noon in the Memorial Hospital Conference Room. Pre‑registration is required and can be completed online at www.mhchester.com/calendar-of-events or by calling 618‑826‑4581 ext. 1373.

Jill Arbeiter, RN and Julie Hartman, LPN

These well‑loved classes are guided by longtime instructors Jill Arbeiter, RN, and Julie Hartman, LPN, who bring a combined 75 years of experience in obstetrics and family education. Their deep knowledge, practical guidance, and down‑to‑earth teaching style have helped families for decades to feel prepared, empowered, and excited as they welcome a new baby.

Memorial Hospital has provided prenatal education since the late 1970s, and while the format has evolved, from six‑night sessions to today’s convenient half‑day class, the heart of the program remains the same: to equip expectant parents with essential knowledge, tools, and reassurance. Living in a rural community shouldn’t mean having limited access to prenatal education; although Memorial does not currently provide OB/GYN services, many local patients travel nearly an hour for appointments, making it harder to attend classes or find time to learn what to expect during pregnancy and childbirth. These classes bring that support closer to home, connecting families with local resources and evidence‑based information so they can feel confident no matter where they deliver. As Chief Operating Officer Susan Diddlebock notes, “The program helps fill a vital gap in care and strengthens community health by ensuring every parent has the tools needed for a safe, informed, and supported birth experience.”

Topics include maternal nutrition, pregnancy complications, infant feeding, child safety, newborn care, growth and development, discipline and bringing up baby, cesarean sections, epidurals, Lamaze breathing, and relaxation techniques. Throughout the session, participants are encouraged to ask questions and get personalized answers to support their pregnancy, delivery, and parenting journey. All participants receive educational booklets to take home.

In addition to the in‑person sessions, Memorial Hospital offers a hybrid option as well as a fully online course. The virtual program provides nine months of access to educational videos, printable materials, and more; available anytime throughout the year. The online class is offered in multiple languages and provides a certificate upon completion, and the hybrid option pairs the virtual content with a focused in‑person session for hands‑on practice and Q&A.

Whether attending in person, online, or a combination of both, families can expect supportive, practical instruction rooted in decades of hands‑on experience. As instructor Jill Arbeiter shares, “Parenting is the most important job any of us will ever do and giving birth is just the beginning.” To reserve a spot in an upcoming class, visit www.mhchester.com/calendar-of-events or call 618‑826‑4581 ext. 1373.