Childbirth and baby care resources

From pregnancy planning to caring for your newborn, the right information can make all the difference. Explore trusted childbirth and baby care resources created to help you feel informed, confident and prepared.

View or download our specialized guides and class materials below. Please note that you may need to disable your browser's pop-up blocker to view some items.

Childbirth preparation

• Birth plan worksheet
  Plan and communicate your preferences for labor, delivery and pain management with your care team before your baby's birth.

• Pregnancy, birth and parenting guide
  A comprehensive guide designed to support you through pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. Learn what to expect — from prenatal care, labor and recovery to newborn care and emotional well-being — so you can feel informed and prepared.

• Sharp Mary Birch pregnancy guide for expectant parents
  Information for expectant parents receiving care at Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns San Diego, including prenatal care, delivery, hospital services, resources and more.

• Positions for laboring
  A visual guide highlighting common labor and birthing positions that can support comfort and progress during labor, including illustrations to help you explore options and discuss with your care team about what might work best.

• Moving through early labor
  Understand how to recognize early labor and what to expect before active labor begins. Learn simple comfort strategies and gentle movement ideas to help you stay relaxed and comfortable.

  • Spanish version

• Perineal massage how-to video
  Learn how perineal massage can help reduce vaginal tearing during birth. Vanessa Tipon Figuero, PT, DPT shares pelvic floor basics, common perineal injuries and a demonstration to help prepare your body for labor.

• Preparing for labor induction
  Understand what labor induction is, why it may be recommended, and the potential benefits and risks. Learn what to expect during the process, including common methods used to help labor begin.

Childbirth preparation class materials

Sharp Mary Birch childbirth education class

• Sharp Mary Birch Chula Vista

  • 4-week class outline

• Sharp Mary Birch Grossmont

  • 1-day class outline

  • 4-week class outline

• Sharp Mary Birch San Diego

  • 1-day class outline

  • 4-week class outline

Baby care basics

• Baby care basics how-to videos
  Video series for new parents that covers essential newborn care topics, including swaddling, soothing a fussy baby, burping, bathing a newborn and umbilical cord care.

• New Beginnings resource guide
  Information and community resources to support new parents during the early days after childbirth. Guidance on newborn care, feeding and breastfeeding support, postpartum recovery, and local services available through Sharp and the San Diego community.

  • Spanish version

• Postpartum Heart Health Clinic
  For those experiencing high blood pressure during or after pregnancy, the Postpartum Heart Health Clinic at Sharp Grossmont Hospital offers specialized care to support your heart health after childbirth.

• Postpartum plan of support form
  A simple, printable guide to help plan through rest, meals, as well as emotional and practical support during the early weeks after childbirth.

• Pregnancy, birth and parenting guide: newborn care
  A comprehensive guide designed to support you through pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. Learn what to expect — from prenatal care, labor and recovery to newborn care and emotional well-being — so you can feel informed and prepared.

Baby care basics class materials

Sharp Mary Birch baby care basics class

• Sharp Mary Birch Chula Vista class outline

• Sharp Mary Birch Grossmont class outline

• Sharp Mary Birch San Diego class outline

Breastfeeding

• Conditions affecting breastmilk supply
  Learn about common conditions that can affect breastmilk supply for both the parent and baby, and understand potential challenges as well as when to seek lactation support.

• Establishing and maintaining your milk supply
  Understand how milk supply develops and what affects it most — before questions or challenges arise. This quick guide helps you decide if additional support or education around breastfeeding or pumping might be right for you.

• Pregnancy, birth and parenting guide: breastfeeding
  A comprehensive guide designed to support you through pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. Learn what to expect — from prenatal care, labor and recovery to newborn care and emotional well-being — so you can feel informed and prepared.

• Pumping breastmilk
  Learn how to use a breast pump effectively and safely store breastmilk. Understand what to expect if preparing to return to work, exclusively pumping or supplementing breastfeeding. This resource can help you feel confident and informed about your pumping journey.

• Tongue motion and effective breastfeeding
  Learn how a baby’s tongue movement affects breastfeeding comfort and milk transfer — especially helpful if you’re experiencing nipple pain, long or unsatisfying feedings, latch challenges or concerns about your baby getting enough milk.

Breastfeeding class materials

Sharp Mary Birch breastfeeding class

• Sharp Mary Birch Chula Vista class outline

• Sharp Mary Birch Grossmont class outline

• Sharp Mary Birch San Diego class outline