SMH Childbirth Education Frequently Asked Questions
When should I attend classes?
We suggest that you complete childbirth education classes at least 4 weeks before your due date.
Do insurance companies cover the cost of childbirth education classes?
Check with your insurance company. Many private insurance companies provide members with a care coordinator who can help answer questions and connect you with resources. In most cases, however, you will need to pay for the class(es), then submit the claim to the insurer for reimbursement.
Does Medicaid cover the cost of classes?
No.
What is Healthy Start?
Healthy Start is a free program that helps pregnant women before, during and after pregnancy by providing resources and support that ensure all babies get the healthy start in life they deserve. To find a Healthy Start Program near you: click here. For services in Sarasota County, visit healthystartsarasota.org. For Healthy Start in Manatee County, visit hsmanatee.com. For information on the Charlotte County Healthy Start Program, visit cchsfl.org.
If I am not paying by credit card online, how do I sign up?
You can call our Childbirth Education Office at 941-917-1700. It will save you time if, prior to calling us, you go online and choose your class dates.
What is the refund policy?
We will provide a full refund to those whose refund request is received 7 days or more before the class start date.
I'd like to tour the OB facilities. Do I need to register for the OB tour? Can siblings attend the tour?
Currently, we are not offering in-person OB tours at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. However, you can click here to watch a video tour, and we encourage you to participate in the free "Having Your Baby at SMH" Virtual Orientation and Tour, which covers facility details and what to expect when delivering a baby at SMH (where to park on delivery day, etc.). Click here to choose a date and register for the online orientation class.
Who can I call for more information about childbirth education classes?
Please call our Childbirth Education Office at 941-917-1700.
Where are classes held?
Sarasota Memorial's childbirth education classes are held at several locations in Sarasota County, as well as online. On the SMH-Sarasota Campus, classes are held in the Roberta L. Sudakoff Foundation Conference and Education Center, which is located directly across the street from the Oncology Tower main entrance. We also host classes on the campus of our Sarasota Memorial Health Care Center & ER at North Port (2345 Bobcat Village Center Rd., North Port, FL 34288).
Who teaches the classes?
Our classes are taught by certified childbirth educators and certified lactation counselors.