Condell offers online childbirth classes for parents-to-be

Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville is putting a new twist on childbirth preparation classes, offering online lessons for expectant parents.

The class is aimed at parents-to-be who are unable to attend traditional, in-person lessons at hospitals or other sites because of work schedules, medical conditions or time constraints, Condell officials announced in a news release.

The eight-part class uses videos, personal birth stories, animation, activities and games to help participants prepare for the birthing process, Jennifer Johnson, a nurse and prenatal educator at Condell, said in a news release.

The course covers the third trimester of pregnancy and continues through the baby's first six weeks.

Anyone can enroll. The program started in March.

"The patient does not have to have an Advocate doctor or deliver at an Advocate hospital," Johnson said in a follow-up email.

Because the program is web-based, class size isn't limited. Participants progress at their own pace, logging on when they want to proceed.

"It's not a webinar or Skype type of situation," Johnson said, referring to the popular webcam service.

Condell is the second Advocate hospital to launch an online childbirth class. Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge has a similar program.

Condell's class costs $100 to join.

Participants can register by calling (8800) 323-8622. They will receive access codes valid for 60 days.

To learn more about Condell's obstetric services, visit advocatehealth.com/condell/ob. Information about Condell classes and support groups can be found at advocatehealth.com/condell/aclassorsupportgroup.