Preparing for a new baby can be exciting, overwhelming and filled with questions. To help families begin their parenting journey with confidence, Natividad is offering breastfeeding and prenatal education classes, providing expert guidance for expectant parents throughout Monterey County. 

The free classes, offered monthly in both English and Spanish, are designed to help parents better understand pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and newborn care before welcoming their baby. Partners are encouraged to attend and learn alongside expectant mothers in both classes.  

“Education is one of the best gifts we can provide expectant families,” said Natividad Interim CEO Nancy Buscher, DNP. “When parents understand what to expect before, during and after delivery, they are better prepared to make informed decisions and feel more confident. These classes are another way Natividad supports healthy beginnings for families throughout our community.” 

Classes are recommended at least one month before the baby’s due date and are open to all expectant families in the community. No registration is required. 

Prenatal Education Class

Natividad’s three-hour prenatal education class is led by experienced labor and delivery nurses and prepares families for every stage of childbirth. Participants learn about labor, pain management options, birth planning, cesarean and vaginal deliveries, newborn care and postpartum recovery. The class also includes a guided tour of Natividad’s maternity facilities, helping families become familiar with the hospital before delivery.  

Prenatal Education Class Schedule 2026

Prenatal education classes are offered on the first Tuesday of the month in English and the third Tuesday of the month in Spanish. Both classes are from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. 

English  

• August 4 

• September 1 

• October 6 

• November 3 

• December 1 

Spanish  

• August 18 

• September 15 

• October 20 

• November 17 

• December 15 

Breastfeeding Class

Natividad’s one-hour breastfeeding class is taught by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), who provides practical guidance on breastfeeding techniques, establishing a healthy milk supply, recognizing infant feeding cues and knowing when additional support may be needed.  

Breastfeeding Class Schedule 2026

Breastfeeding classes are held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. The English class is from 5:00 to 6:00 pm, and the Spanish class is from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. 

• August 5 

• August 19 

• September 2 

• September 16 

• October 7 

• October 21 

• November 4 

• November 18 

• December 2 

• December 16  

The classes take place in the Natividad Room near the Gift Shop at Natividad Medical Center, 1441 Constitution Blvd., Salinas. Participants should enter through Entrance 2 for Outpatient Services. Childcare is not provided, and families are encouraged to make arrangements before attending. 

Founded 140 years ago, Natividad has long been the hospital of choice for families. Many expectant moms also receive prenatal care and testing services at the hospital. Natividad supports a range of birth plans, and its staff have expertise in everything from low-intervention natural births to high-risk pregnancies. In July, the hospital announced its partnership with the Golden Gate Start program and every baby born at Natividad now goes home with 400 free diapers.  

For more information about prenatal care, having your baby at Natividad or breastfeeding support, visit natividad.com or call 831-755-4111. 

About Natividad

Natividad is a hospital and trauma center providing compassionate high-quality health care to everyone, regardless of ability to pay. Located in Salinas, Calif., Natividad is a public health care system offering a wide range of inpatient, outpatient, emergency, diagnostic and specialty medical care for adults and children. Founded in 1886, the 172-bed medical center has about 11,000 admissions and 60,000 emergency visits annually. Home to the area’s only Level II Trauma Center, the hospital’s specialized personnel, equipment and services provide a vital local community service that saves lives and keeps patients close to home. Natividad’s Baby-Friendly® facility delivers nearly 2,200 babies every year and is affiliated with UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals. It also operates an accredited Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, giving the tiniest and most fragile babies the best chance for a healthy start. Through its UCSF-affiliated Natividad Family Medicine Residency, Natividad is the only teaching hospital in Monterey County. For more information, please call (831) 755-4111 or visit www.natividad.com.