The short version. You need about six things, and half of them are free. A childbirth class, a feeding class and infant CPR are the paid ones. The hospital tour, the car seat check and the nurse home visit cost nothing. Book the childbirth class first because it has limited seats.
The whole plan on one screen
| What | Where in Bend | Cost | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Childbirth class | St. Charles, or Central Oregon Birth | $160 at St. Charles | 28 to 34 weeks |
| Feeding class | St. Charles | Free online, or $50 in person | 28 to 34 weeks |
| Infant CPR and choking | Central Oregon Birth, COCC, Red Cross | Varies | 32 to 36 weeks |
| Hospital tour | St. Charles Bend | Free | 32 to 36 weeks |
| Car seat check | Bend Fire, North Fire Station | Free | By 36 weeks |
| Newborn care | Central Oregon Birth, or the free nurse home visit | Free to paid | Before birth, and at 3 weeks |
What to do in what order
Around 20 weeks: book. Reserve the childbirth class date now. Start a short list of pediatricians and, if you want one, doulas.
28 to 34 weeks: learn. Take the childbirth class and a feeding class. If the feeding class does not fit your schedule, the St. Charles online version is free and you can watch it any time.
32 to 36 weeks: hands-on. Infant CPR, the hospital tour, and the car seat install and check. Bend Fire’s car seat clinics only happen about every other month, so look at the dates early and go to the one before your window, not after.
36 weeks on: stop adding things. Save your phone numbers, confirm the pediatrician and rest.
The timeline on the parenting hub turns these weeks into real dates from your due date.
If you only have one free weekend
- Saturday morning: childbirth class, or the first half of a weekend class.
- Saturday or Sunday at 1 p.m.: the free St. Charles Family Birthing Center tour.
- That evening: the free online breastfeeding class.
- Any time that week: install the car seat base in the driveway with both manuals open.
That covers most of it. Add infant CPR when you can find a date.
What you can skip
You do not need a separate class for every topic. Unless something specific worries you, most first-time parents can skip a second childbirth class, a standalone hospital-bag workshop and anything that mostly sells gear. Spend that time on sleep.
Classes worth adding for some families
- Twins or a planned cesarean: ask St. Charles and your provider what they recommend for your situation.
- Second baby: a private refresher covers what you forgot without sitting through the basics.
- Grandparents doing regular care: bring them to infant CPR, and show them the car seat install.
Common questions
Do we need both a childbirth class and a newborn care class?
Often one class covers both. Central Oregon Birth's weekend class spends a full morning on newborn care. The St. Charles class focuses more on labor and delivery. Compare the outlines before paying for two.
Are prenatal classes covered by insurance?
Sometimes. Some plans reimburse childbirth education, and some health savings accounts allow it. Call the number on your card and ask about childbirth education and lactation classes specifically.
Can we take classes in Redmond instead of Bend?
Yes. St. Charles holds its childbirth class at the Redmond campus on alternating weeks, and the Redmond Library has baby story times once the baby is here.
Is the free fire department CPR class enough?
Not for a baby. Bend Fire's free class teaches adult hands-only CPR. See the infant CPR guide for classes that include infant CPR and choking.
We left everything late. What matters most?
In order: know where to go and who to call when labor starts, install the car seat, choose a pediatrician, and save a lactation number. Then watch the free St. Charles online breastfeeding class and the video hospital tour from the couch.
Where these facts come from
Last checked October 8, 2026. Classes fill, schedules shift and prices change, so confirm with the provider before you go. This is local information, not medical advice.