Childbirth Education

Classes & Events

Classes are offered to new or soon-to-be moms and their support person. Search Classes & Events for local class dates, conference room locations and times. Registration is required for most offerings. Class sizes are limited. In-person classes offered in Austin are free.

If a class is canceled, Mayo Clinic Health System will make every attempt to reach registered participants by phone or email. Mayo reserves the right to cancel any class that does not meet minimum size requirements. If there are severe weather warnings in the area, classes will be canceled. Alternative classes will be offered whenever possible. Classes that reach maximum capacity will be closed.

If you must cancel your registration, call at least three business days prior to your class so those on the waitlist can have your spot.

Call Austin Family Birth Center at 507-434-1380 to ask about class status.

Breastfeeding Your Baby

This class is recommended for expecting parents who are considering or have decided to breastfeed. Topics include advantages of breastfeeding, initiation of breastfeeding, latch and positioning, expressing and storing breast milk, breastfeeding lifestyle, common breastfeeding problems and resources.

Labor, Birth and Baby Care

This class is designed for women in their sixth or seventh month of pregnancy. Topics include maternal/fetal aspects of the third trimester, labor and delivery, relaxation skills, breathing techniques, cesarean birth, the “normal” newborn, postpartum adjustments, car seat information and a tour of Family Birth Center.

Family Birth Center tour

A tour of the Family Birth Center is included with the "Labor, Birth and Baby Care" class in Austin. If you are not attending this class and want a tour, call 507-434-1380 to arrange one or take a virtual tour.

Classes & Events

Childbirth education classes and parenting resources are offered in Eau Claire. Search Classes & Events for local class dates, method of delivery, location and times. Registration is required for all prenatal and postpartum classes. Class sizes are limited. Classes that reach maximum capacity will be closed.

If class is canceled, we will make every attempt to reach you by phone or email. We reserve the right to cancel any class that does not meet minimum size requirements. Alternative classes will be offered when possible. If you need to cancel, call at least three business days prior to your class so those on the waitlist can attend in your place. You also can contact the Family Birth Center at 715-838-6100 or wellnessclinic@mayo.edu to ask about class status.

Birth Basics

This one-session class is designed for women in their seventh or eighth month of pregnancy. A support person is welcome. It includes a facility tour and information on labor, delivery, cesarean birth and pain management.

Free. Available to patients who deliver in Eau Claire.

Breastfeeding Education — live virtual instruction

This virtual class is designed for women who are considering breastfeeding or those who have decided to breastfeed. It covers the benefits of breastfeeding and information needed to achieve breastfeeding goals. Support people are welcome. Babies are encouraged to attend.

Free.

Newborn Care — in-person group

This one-session class is for women in the seventh to ninth month of pregnancy or those who have recently delivered. A support person is welcome. Topics include parenting, feeding a newborn baby, bath time, sleep patterns, safety and signs of illness.

Free. Available to patients who deliver in Eau Claire.

Nursing Mom's Network — in-person group

This weekly drop-in group is for families to work through the natural ups and downs of breastfeeding with a lactation consultant and the support of other families. Bring your baby and come as you are to this informal group. The group is facilitated by certified lactation consultants. An infant scale is available should you want to weigh your baby.

Free.

Classes & Events

Search Classes & Events for local class offerings and information. Registration is required for all prenatal and postpartum classes. Class sizes are limited.

If class is canceled, Mayo Clinic Health System will make every attempt to reach you by phone or email. Mayo reserves the right to cancel any class that does not meet minimum size requirements. Classes will be canceled in the event of severe weather warnings in the area. Alternative class dates will be offered when possible. Classes that reach maximum capacity will be closed.

You also can call the Birth Center at 507-238-8100 to ask about class status.

If you need to cancel, call at least three business days prior to your class so those on the waitlist can attend in your place.

Baby Cafe

This drop-in group is for new mothers and mothers-to-be interested in breastfeeding. Baby Cafe combines breastfeeding information with a relaxed, informal environment, where mothers can chat and learn about breastfeeding from skilled practitioners and each other.

Classes & Events

Search Classes & Events for class dates, locations and times. Registration is required. Class sizes are limited.

Interpreter services are provided for free for patients who do not speak English and are attending an in-person course in La Crosse. Call Mayo Clinic Health System at 855-565-4305 to arrange for an interpreter.

Call the birth center at 608-392-9581 to ask about class status.

Infant CPR

This free one-hour infant CPR class is intended for parents and grandparents. It includes information about the steps related to performing infant CPR and relief of choking. This is an American Heart Association noncertification class.

New Mom and Baby Group

This in-person support group is a great way to meet local moms, ask questions about lactation and newborn care, and check your baby’s weight. Education topic or speaker will vary each week. Drop in to a group as it works for your schedule.

Drop-in session details:

• Date and time: Every Thursday, 10-11 a.m.
• Location: La Crosse Hospital, Sixth floor classroom
• No registration required

Virtual tour

Tour the Family Birth Center without leaving your home. This is a great way to see the space so you are ready for the big day.

Classes & Events

Search Classes & Events for local class offerings and information. Registration is required for all prenatal and postpartum classes. Class sizes are limited.

If class is canceled, Mayo Clinic Health System will make every attempt to reach you by phone or email. Mayo reserves the right to cancel any class that does not meet minimum size requirements. Classes will be canceled in the event of severe weather warnings in the area. Alternative class dates will be offered when possible. Classes that reach maximum capacity will be closed.

You also can call the Family Birth Center at 507-594-2667 to ask about class status.

If you need to cancel, call at least three business days prior to your class so those on the waitlist can attend in your place.

Breastfeeding: First Year of Life

This class is for moms between 24 and 32 weeks' gestation and their support person. It is taught by certified lactation counselors who will help expectant parents learn the basics of breastfeeding. Topics include establishing a successful breastfeeding relationship; frequency and feeding cues; holds, positions and latch-on techniques; choosing a breast pump; pumping and storing breast milk; and maintaining your milk supply. Bring the "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy" book you received from your clinic.

Childbirth Education — offered in-person

This class is for moms between 24 and 32 weeks' gestation and their support person. Learn a wide variety of information on pregnancy, the process of labor and delivery, comfort measures, the days transitioning from pregnancy to the postpartum period, newborn care and the adjustments of being new parents. You should bring the "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy" book that you received from your clinic.

Childbirth Education — self-guided online offerings

Three online, self-guided courses are available for purchase. Access information from any computer or mobile device when and where you prefer. Share information with your partner and support people. Learn with videos and quizzes. Get organized with tools, planning checklists and trackers.

Once you purchase your seat to the e-class, you will receive an email with login instructions. Allow four to six hours to complete the program. Call the birth center to check for facility tour options. You will have access to the e-class for six months. Each class costs $50 (nonrefundable), payable by credit card.

Purchase courses of interest to you:

• Understanding Breastfeeding eClass
  This course covers how breastfeeding works, getting the best start, latching on, breastfeeding positions, when to feed your baby, getting enough milk, breast care and breastfeeding lifestyle.
• Understanding Your Newborn eClass
  This course covers newborn traits and behaviors, crying and comforting, feeding, diapering, bathing, nail care, dressing, newborn health and safety, and additional resources.
• Understanding Birth eClass
  This course covers pregnancy, labor, birth stories, comfort techniques, medical procedures, cesarean section birth, newborns and postpartum.

Rochester — in person and virtual

Mayo Clinic’s Perinatal Education Program in Rochester hosts a wide selection of classes both in person and via the interactive Zoom platform. A variety of class topics are offered based on availability.