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Great Expectations

Pregnancy & Infant Care Classes

 

Great Expectations (GE) is like going to a mini baby shower each week. At every class, you will receive baby items, get to know other parents, participate in games, and learn practical skills and information. On top of that, you are surrounded by volunteers who genuinely care about you and want to support you and your little one.

Classes are split into two quarters—Pregnancy Care and Infant Care—and each quarter is eight weeks long. It takes a village, and GE is a great village for moms and dads.

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From medical professionals you’ll learn about:

 

Labor and delivery

Breastfeeding

Infant CPR

Caring for a newborn

Budgeting for baby

…and more!

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Classes are provided at no cost to you and are only available to patients of the Keim Centers.

Great Expectations testimony

“I felt like I got a good foundation of information,”
said Claudia, a Great Expectations participant and mom of five-month-old twins*. “They helped us out, too, with clothes, and blankets, and everything. We’ve never had to buy diapers. That helped us out so much, because we were able to stockpile enough resources for them, to the point where we even had extras …. It was a godsend experience.”

“The team [who facilitated the class] is amazing,” added Ty, the twins’ dad. “They treat everybody the same. They always want the best for us. Not only is it a program—they actually treat us like family.”

*At the time of the interview

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I attend Great Expectations?
The classes are taught by medical professionals and cover practical parenting information. The curriculum is designed to empower you to be the best parent you can be.
How many classes are there?
The course covers pregnancy care topics in one eight-week quarter of classes and infant care topics in another eight-week quarter of classes. Each quarter of classes can be taken independently. You will learn from medical professionals who can answer your questions.
How much do the classes cost?
Great Expectations is a community-sponsored program, offered at no cost to the patients of The Keim Centers.
Where are the classes located?
Great Expectations classes are offered in all five cities of South Hampton Roads: Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach. Specific class locations will be shared after enrollment is complete.
When do classes start?
Great Expectations classes are held year-round, with new classes starting in January, April, June, and September. Specific class dates will be shared after enrollment is complete. All classes take place in the evenings, Monday through Thursday.
What are Baby Bucks?
Baby Bucks are incentives earned by Great Expectations class participants. Baby Bucks can be redeemed for baby items in the Great Expectations Parenting Support Center, including diapers, baby clothes, and much more. Class participants can place an order each week after class and receive their order the following week.
What if my due date is before the class is finished?
You’re encouraged to attend every class even after your baby is born.
Are dads or support people welcome to attend classes with me?
The father of the baby is welcome and encouraged to attend! Alternatively, one support person is welcome to attend class with you.
Do you offer childcare during class?
While children are welcome, we do not offer childcare. Children must be supervised by the adult that brings them to class. Please ensure they are not disruptive to the class.
Do you offer transportation to class?
No, we don’t offer transportation to or from class.