Prenatal care
Childbirth education
Childbirth Education classes and parenting resources are offered in La Crosse. Search Classes & Events for local class dates, conference room locations and costs. Registration is required for all prenatal and postpartum classes, unless noted. Class sizes are limited.
All in-person classes are free for those who receive prenatal care at Mayo Clinic Health System. Women not receiving prenatal care at Mayo Clinic Health System will be charged to attend class and will receive payment information via the class confirmation email.
You should be 20–35 weeks into your pregnancy by the class date. All registered participants will receive a confirmation letter. Patient Online Services users will receive a confirmation letter via a Patient Online Services message.
Call 608-392-9090 or email if you have questions regarding in-person childbirth education classes.
Class Cancellation
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. 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, please call at least three business days prior to your class so those on the waitlist can have your spot.
Call the birth center at 608-392-9090 to ask about class status.
Beginning to Breastfeed
This free 2½-hour class is recommended for families who are considering or have decided to breastfeed Partners are encouraged to attend. It includes information about benefits of breastfeeding, initiation of breastfeeding, latch and positioning, expressing and storing breast milk, breastfeeding lifestyle, and troubleshooting and resources.
For questions or to develop an individualized breastfeeding plan, contact a lactation consultant at 608-392-9789.
Caring for Your Newborn
This free 2½-hour class includes questions and answers with a registered nurse, normal fussy periods and comforting techniques, bathing, diapering and dressing, feeding and burping, child safety, well-baby care, signs and symptoms of illness, choosing a care provider and enhancing brain development.
Childbirth Education — Offered Online
Benefits of an online, or e-class, include:
- No commercials or sponsored content.
- Access information when, where and how you prefer.
- Share information with your partner and support people.
- Learn with videos and quizzes.
- Get organized with tools, planning checklists and trackers.
You can access the e-class from any computer or mobile device with an internet connection. 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. You will have access to the e-class for six months. Call the birth center to schedule a facility tour. Each class costs $50 (nonrefundable), payable by credit card.
Purchase courses of interest to you:
Breastfeeding
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.
Newborns
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
This course covers pregnancy, labor, birth stories, comfort techniques, medical procedures, cesarean birth, newborns and postpartum.
Infant CPR
This free 1-hour infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (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.
Massage for Pregnant Couples
This free 1¼-hour class is designed for the mother-to-be and her spouse, partner or support person to learn the basic techniques of massage to help mom relax and ease the discomfort of pregnancy. Bring two pillows, and wear comfortable clothing.
Prepared Childbirth
This free daylong class is designed for women in their sixth month of pregnancy. This class includes a birth center tour and information about:
- Stages of labor, including what happens at each stage, emotions accompanying each stage, self-help techniques and comfort measures.
- Labor partner assistance, including how to provide support during labor and birth, and preparing for the experience.
- Breathing and relaxation techniques.
- Medical interventions, including induction, pain management and cesarean section birth.
- Immediate postpartum care.
A nurse anesthetist will provide information on labor epidurals.
Bring your labor support person to class.
There will be a 45-minute lunch break. Bring a lunch from home or grab lunch from the cafeteria.
Zoom Classes
Mayo Clinic in Rochester also hosts classes via Zoom, including Breastfeeding: Returning to Work/School and Postpartum Connections. Learn more.
Interpreter Services
Interpreter services are provided free of charge for any course for patients who do not speak English. Call Mayo Clinic Health System at 608-392-9090 to arrange for an interpreter.