517-887-7000
Expectant Parents Organization
Expectant Parents Organization
Lansing's Leader in Childbirth Education
About Expectant Parents Organization
Expectant Parents Organization (EPO), a 501(c)(3), community-based nonprofit agency, has been serving Mid-Michigan parents for over 70 years. Although EPO has a close relationship with our local area hospitals, we are our own nonprofit entity. Our skilled team of qualified instructors provide an appreciation for the importance of partnering with families during the special time of pregnancy, childbirth and parenting a newborn. Please read through the class descriptions (click register for classes) to decide what is the perfect fit for your growing family.
If you have any questions regarding classes or registration please contact us by email: epoinfo@expectantparents.org or phone: (517) 887-7000. Please note that office hours are limited and email is the most efficient way to get in touch with our Office Manager.
Many EPO Classes are covered by PHP/SPHN insurance, please email us for information to register. We are unable to bill any other insurance at this time. HSA and FSA cards may not be accepted at checkout. EPO also offers scholarship programs for families who qualify, email us if interested.
Our classes are open for anyone, regardless of where you plan to deliver. Classes are designed for expecting parents (including families who may be adopting or using surrogacy) and support people. Classes are taught by an excellent team of passionate educators. We suggest that the ideal time to take classes is during an expectant parent’s third trimester of pregnancy. Classes will help prepare you for welcoming your new baby into your family.
Not sure where to begin? Our most popular classes are Labor & Delivery and Best Newborn Care Class. Please review topics for classes you are interested in, as there is overlap in many classes, but all offered classes do have many different topics covered.
Courses
Childbirth and Infant Care
Childbirth Classes
Get prepared for childbirth with one of our Labor and Delivery classes! Classes are taught by our experienced Instructors and follows a curriculum that is easy to follow and offers at home continued education online. You will learn the basic process of labor and delivery as well as what to expect and what types of labor and pain management is available. You will walk away feeling informed and empowered for your best birthing experience.
Infant Care
We have several classes to help you navigate the early months of newborn life. Our "Best Newborn Care Ever" class is a comprehensive course that goes over everything from diaper changes, umbilical cord care, to breastfeeding and car seat safety. We also offer a separate Basics of Breastfeeding Class and Infant Safety Course.
Virtual Classes
We offer a Labor & Delivery E-class that is self-paced and not taught with an instructor.
Family Classes
In addition to classes for expectant parents we also offer self paced e-classes for expectant Grandparents and Big Siblings! Perfect for the Grandparent to be or Big Sibling to be in you life!
Capital Area Baby Cafe
Free Lactation Support
Join us at Capital Area Baby Cafe! Baby Cafe is a free lactation support group for families in the Greater Lansing Area. Led by an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) we offer support to parents anywhere in their lactation journey. Refreshments are provided.
What is Baby Cafe About?
Baby Cafe provides a relaxed atmosphere for parents to navigate through the ups and downs of their lactation journey with other parents and professional support. Our goal is help parents reach their own personal lactation goals and feel supported all along the way. Lactating parents, their support people and other children are welcome to attend.
What to Expect at Baby Cafe
Baby Cafe is a drop in support group led by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, IBCLC. The first 30 minutes are settling in and then we do a round of introductions followed by both peer and professional support for lactation struggles or general parenting struggles. Refreshments are provided for the daytime group and dinner is provided for the the evening group.
How to Attend Baby Cafe
Capital Area Baby Cafe is held each week on Wednesday from 10am to Noon. We also meet the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month from 5:30pm to 7pm. The evening group has dinner provided by Blue Cross Complete of Michigan for families that attend. We generally meet at Pennway Church of God (no religious affiliation) and we are at various parks during the summer months. Please check our Facebook page or email us for event details.
Free Car Seat Safety Checks
Register today for a free car seat safety check. One of our Certified Passenger Safety Technicians that will make sure your child is riding safely. Our car seat safety checks are by appointment only. Please click register here below to sign up for our monthly car seat event. You can also email us to potentially schedule a car seat check at a different time if needed. To schedule a car seat check please email natosha@expectantparents.org.
Please note during the months of January, February and March, car seat checks will be by appointment only - no monthly event will be scheduled. Email natosha@expectantparents.org to schedule.
Baby Friendly Movies
With the sound down and lights on dim, and open captioning you have zero worries about keeping Baby quiet
Enjoy the big screen experience in an accepting and accessible environment where no one will mind if your baby is fussy or needs to be fed, or if your toddler needs to stretch their legs down the aisles. Check the Celebration Cinema website or app for the next showing. Currently offered twice a month on Tuesdays. Baby Friendly movies are marked with a pacifier icon. You can purchase tickets day of the event- just ask for the Baby Friendly showing at 11:01 am.
Tickets are $4 if you sign up for the free rewards program, or $7.99 if not. Children ages 2 and under are free! Don't forget to ask about the special Baby Friendly deal at the concession stand for a drink and popcorn for $6.89.
Cuddle Cot Fundraiser
To support bereaved families
Following the loss of a Baby there is precious little time to spend with them before saying final goodbyes. A Cuddle Cot is a chilled bassinet that allows grieving families extra time with their baby. The Lansing area does not have a Cuddle Cot and we would like to remedy that. Please donate if you are able.