Ready & Waiting/What to Expect is a unique, free service for Moms-to-Be. This service will intiate the admission process and identify special needs prior to the patient presenting for delivery. It is for women in their last month of pregnancy, 36 to 37 weeks. An expecting mother will meet one-on-one with a member of the Hanover Hospital Maternity staff to initiate admission paperwork, review and sign forms, and discuss policies and procedures pertaining to her child’s birth. This will streamline the “laborious” process of admission when a mom-to-be comes to the hospital already in labor. Appointments are available between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., seven days a week, and last approximately 60 minutes. Each participant is encouraged to bring a support person to her appointment. 


The session will cover:

• A brief tour of the Maternity Center
• Completing an extensive medical history and physical
• Hanover Hospital’s admission and cell phone policies
• The visitation policy for before and after birth
• Safety & Security procedures
• Pain relief methods
• Breast vs. bottle feeding
• The importance and safe use of baby car seats
• Preventing shaken-baby syndrome

For more information about this class, please call (717) 633-2198.


Preparing for Childbirth teaches a woman who is expecting how to identify the signs of labor, relaxation and breathing techniques, birth methods and important facts about nutrition.  For more information, call (717) 633-2198.


Breastfeeding Classes
As a mother, one of the most important things you will decide is how to feed your baby. Breastfeeding is natural for you and your baby, but is a skill that needs to be learned. Classes are held the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. Call (717) 633-2262 for more information. 


Sibling Class
While older siblings are usually excited about the birth of a new baby, they may also have feelings of nervousness or jealousy. This class is designed to relieve some of their fears and help them understand the baby's needs and how they can help. Classes are offered every other month (even months). Call (717) 633-2198 for more information or to register for the next class. 


Infant Massage Class
Infant massage provides mothers and fathers with an opportunity to deepen the bond with their new child. Private training over three sessions will include massage oil, informational handouts, and your own personal infant massage book. Research-based benefits include more restful and deeper sleeping habits for your child; colic, intestinal and pain relief; enhancement of simple learning skills and neurological development; improved confidence and competence as parents; stress relief for the parents and child.  Call (717) 633-8866 for more information.


Infant Bereavement Support Group is for parents who have lost a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or newborn death.  Hospital chaplain, Reverend Eric Stenman, will moderate the group.  It will be held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month at 7 p.m. in the chapel.  Please call Reverend Stenman at (717) 646-6905 for more information.