NEWBORN CARE CLASS

Feel confident bringing your baby home.

Our Newborn Care Class is a 4 1/2 hour, hands-on class designed to help you feel prepared, capable, and calm as you step into life with your baby.

Using life-sized weighted dolls for practice, you’ll get a true feel for holding, swaddling, diapering, and soothing your baby, so it’s not all brand new when you get home. This is a supportive space where questions are encouraged.

Whether this is your first baby or you just want a refresher, we’ve got you covered.

  • Newborn Basics: Post-birth procedures, what to expect in the early days, and how to care for your baby with confidence.
  • Feeding Your Baby: An overview of feeding options and what’s normal in the newborn stage.
  • Diapering, Bathing & Dressing: Learn the practical, everyday skills you’ll be using right away.
  • Soothing & Comforting: How to read your baby’s cues and respond in ways that help them feel secure.
  • Infant Sleep: What’s normal, what’s not, and how to set realistic expectations.
  • Health & Safety: Umbilical cord care, basic safety, and when to seek additional support.
pregnant couple practice swaddling at Tampa newborn care class with Buddha Belly Doulas

Upcoming Class Dates:

Saturdays 1:00pm - 5:30pm

  • August 22nd
  • September 19th
  • October 17th
Register Now(opens in new tab)

LOCATION: Buddha Belly Doulas
13049 W. Linebaugh Ave, Unit 101
Tampa, FL, 33626

FEE: $150 per couple
Includes your own copy of our Settling In With Your Baby Book to reference anytime.

What Parents are Saying About Our Newborn Care Classes:

She provided great expertise and hands-on learning...

“The class was truly wonderful! We loved our instructor, Justine, and appreciated the open communication. She provided great expertise and hands-on learning with swaddling, diaper changes, and carriers. Thank you so much for the great class!”

- Jordan
Tampa, FL

“We left feeling confident and informed. Paige was a wonderful instructor – she kept class paced well, gave helpful feedback and was awesome at answering everyone’s questions. I was also very grateful for the inclusive language Paige used. As same sex parents, we felt welcome and supported which is unfortunately not always a given. The facility was beautiful and extremely well equipped. Comfort tools and healthy snacks were thoughtfully offered throughout the 4 hour class.”

- Jen
Tampa, FL

“Justine is so helpful and made us feel more prepared for taking care of our new baby. We appreciated her examples of her own experiences with each newborn care lesson. I feel more confident changing a diaper now, swaddling looked harder than it actually is, and we loved trying out a baby carrier.”

- Alyssa
Lutz, FL

“This class was absolutely awesome and so informative. We truly feel prepared to have our baby in a few weeks with a good baseline for how to read his cues and take care of him! Justine was great and so comforting and kind to answer all our questions. Overall I’d highly suggest this class to friends and family. So great – thanks again!”

- Mariah
Odessa FL

Made us feel so much more prepared for our baby!

“So informational! Our instructor was great about answering questions. We got to practice swaddling, diaper changes, and baby wearing, which made us feel so much more prepared for our baby!”

- Ashley
Tampa, FL

“Really fun class with great information. Justine is super knowledgeable and kind and answers all questions. Will definitely recommend course to other mamas-to-be!”

- Lilian
Land O’Lakes, FL

"Informative and hands on. Every question I had was answered. Great class!"

- Julie
Riverview, FL

Questions about our Newborn Care Class?

Can my partner attend?

Yes! Your partner is included and encouraged to participate in all hands-on learning.

Do I need to bring anything?
When should I take this class?
Register Now(opens in new tab)

Why families choose our classes:

  • Hands-on learning with realistic practice (not just watching or listening)
  • A relaxed, welcoming environment where questions are encouraged
  • Practical, real-life guidance you’ll actually use at home
  • Designed to help both parents feel confident and capable
  • Led by experienced newborn care specialists

Choose from 10+ Tampa Bay Pregnancy, Birth & Baby Care Classes & Support Groups

Birth essentials class at Buddha Belly Doulas center in Tampa Bay, FL
Birth Prep

Birth Essentials

This 4.5 hour class equips you with an understanding of the physiology of labor and birth and the tools to make you more comfortable. Through evidence (and humor), we’ll explore the emotional and physical experience of giving birth.

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Preparing for Birth class at Buddha Belly Doulas center in Tampa Bay
Birth Prep

Preparing for Birth

This four-week group childbirth class sets you up for success as you prepare for labor and birth. In a relaxed and comfortable setting, evidence is presented, options are discussed, and personal philosophies are developed.

pregnant couple practice swaddling at Tampa newborn care class with Buddha Belly Doulas
Baby Care

Newborn Care Class

This 4 hour class prepares you for life at home with your baby using life sized weighted dolls for hands-on practice.

new mom breastfeeding on couch at home
Baby Care

Breastfeeding Your Baby

This 3 hour breastfeeding class prepares you for your infant feeding journey by arming you with the fact based information that leads to your success.

Bumps and Babies New parent support group
Postpartum

New Parent Support Group

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comforting hands supporting each other at a support group
Postpartum / Pregnancy

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group

Losing a baby is one of the most difficult experiences a family can face. Whether your loss occurred during pregnancy, at birth, or during infancy, you don’t have to navigate your grief alone.

pregnant woman in yoga class stretching
Postpartum

Pelvic Floor Yoga

Join us for a gentle 45-minute pelvic floor yoga class designed to help you reconnect with your body, supporting pelvic health, core strength, and deep relaxation.

infant in car seat outside

Car Seat Safety

Our certified Tampa technicians provide in-home car seat installation checks and education, teaching parents proper installation, fit, and use to keep your baby & older children safe on the road.

Home space with 'let's stay home' sign
Birth Prep

Private Birth Classes

All Buddha Belly classes are available in the privacy of one’s own home at a mutually convenient scheduled date and time.

Meet our Growing Team of Birth & Baby Educators

Amanda Ruiz teaches classes with Buddha Belly Doulas

Amanda Ruiz
Certified Childbirth Educator & Certified Lactation Counselor

Amanda Ruiz brings warmth, humor, and real-world experience to every class. Inspired by her own birth journey, she is passionate about helping families feel informed, confident, and supported. A longtime Tampa resident and mother of two, Amanda loves creating welcoming spaces where parents can learn and connect.

Amanda
Paige Diaz with Buddha Belly Doulas

Paige Diaz
Certified Labor Doula, Postpartum & Infant Care Doula

Paige Diaz has spent more than a decade caring for children as a nanny, childcare provider, and doula. Her own experience as a NICU mom inspired her commitment to supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. She is trained in birth, postpartum, birth education, and lactation support, bringing warmth, compassion, and a natural ability to connect with families.

Paige
Justine Brown teaches classes with Buddha Belly Doulas

Justine Brown
Client Care Director, Certified Childbirth Educator & Doula

Justine believes communities thrive when parents are supported from the very beginning. A Tampa Bay native, certified childbirth educator, and Client Care Director at Buddha Belly Doulas, she combines her Public Health background with a genuine passion for helping families navigate pregnancy, birth, and life with a new baby. 

Justine
Josette Sanchez teaches classes with Buddha Belly Doulas

Josette Sanchez
Certified Labor Doula, Advanced Postpartum & Infant Care Doula, Lactation Counselor, Placenta Specialist and Childbirth Educator

Inspired by her own journey into motherhood, Josette is dedicated to helping families feel supported and confident as they welcome a new baby. Warm, patient, and empathetic, Josette brings both compassion and reliability to every family she serves.

Josette
Melissa Planzo, Childbirth Educator with Buddha Belly Doulas

Melissa Planzo
Certified Labor Doula, Advanced Postpartum & Infant Care Doula, Lactation Counselor, Placenta Specialist and Childbirth Educator

With more than 24 years of parenting experience, Melissa brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge to her work supporting mothers and babies. Melissa is known for her compassionate, encouraging, and dependable nature. Melissa enjoys helping breastfeeding families and loves spending time with her family, traveling, and exploring the outdoors.

Melissa
Bianca Taylor teaches classes with Buddha Belly Doulas

Bianca Taylor
Advanced Postpartum & Infant Care Doula, Postpartum Placenta Specialist, Certified Labor Doula

With more than 10 years of experience caring for infants and children, Bianca provides compassionate, knowledgeable support to growing families. She has experience supporting premature infants, twins, children with special needs, and feeding challenges. Bianca is known for her calm presence, patience, and dedication to helping families thrive.

Bianca
Maleena Henry teaches classes with Buddha Belly Doulas

Maleena Henry
Advanced Postpartum & Infant Care Doula

Maleena has a passion for supporting families during the early weeks with a new baby. Compassionate, dependable, and eager to continue learning, she is also pursuing certification in lactation counseling. When she's not working, Maleena enjoys saltwater fishing, ballroom dancing, and spending time outdoors.

Maleena
Dinah Cooper Infant CPR Instructor with Buddha Belly Doulas in Tampa Bay, FL

Dinah Cooper
RN, Adult & Infant CPR Instructor

Dinah Cooper, RN, brings more than 44 years of nursing experience, including pediatrics, pediatric and adult ICU. A longtime American Heart Association instructor, she has trained healthcare professionals since the 1980s. Known for making complex topics easy to understand, Dinah is passionate about helping others build confidence in lifesaving CPR skills.

Dinah
Sujata Martin teaches classes with Buddha Belly Doulas

Sujata Martin
Pelvic Floor Yoga Instructor & Pelvic Floor Therapist

Sujata Martin is a Pelvic Health Occupational Therapist, yoga instructor, and founder of Pelvic Soul. She is passionate about helping individuals feel strong, confident, and connected to their bodies. Sujata specializes in trauma-informed pelvic care and was recognized with the New York State Occupational Therapy Association's Merit in Practice Award.

Sujata