Childbirth education

Childbirth education classes and parenting resources are offered in Fairmont, Mankato and New Prague. Search the Classes & Events section of the Mayo Clinic Health System website for local class dates, conference room locations and costs. Registration is required for all prenatal and postpartum classes. Class sizes are limited. All in-person classes are free. Offerings are subject to change during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

You also may call the birth center to ask about class status:

• Mankato: 507-594-4607

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

Baby Cafe group

This class is for new mothers and mothers-to-be interested in breastfeeding. Baby Café is a national network of breastfeeding drop-ins, combining breastfeeding information with a relaxed, informal environment where mothers can chat and learn about breastfeeding from skilled practitioners and each other.

Offered in Fairmont and Mankato

Breastfeeding: First Year of Life class

This class is for moms between 24 and 32 weeks gestation and their support person. This class 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.

Offered in Mankato

Breastfeeding and Newborn Care class

This class is for moms between 24 and 32 weeks gestation and their support person. In this class you will learn the many benefits of breastfeeding and the essentials of newborn care. Topics include benefits of skin-to-skin contact, feeding cues and positions, long-term breastfeeding goals, dealing with complications and baby care.

Offered in Fairmont

Breastfeeding Your Baby class

This class is for moms between 24 and 32 weeks gestation and their support person. In this class, expectant parents will become prepared for breastfeeding. Topics include advantages of breastfeeding; when and how much a baby is fed; employment and breastfeeding; and the father's role.

Offered in New Prague

Childbirth education class

This class is for moms between 24 and 32 weeks gestation and their support person. This class includes 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.

Offered in Fairmont, Mankato and New Prague

Childbirth education — offered online

Can’t come to a childbirth class? We’ll bring it to you! Consider the Understanding Birth eClass your go-to guide for answers you can trust on childbirth. This interactive online course includes essential information about pregnancy, labor, comfort techniques, medical procedures and cesarean birth.  It also highlights ways partners can help throughout the process. You’ll also get a sense of what labor is really like as you watch several birth stories. You can access the eClass from any computer or mobile device with an Internet connection. Allow 4-6 hours to complete the course. You’ll have access to the class for 240 days and the Parent’s Toolbox for 18 months.

You can access the e-class from any computer or mobile device with an internet connection. Once you register and purchase your seat to the e-class, you will receive an email with login instructions. Allow four to six hours to complete the program. The class costs $50.

Offered online to patients from Fairmont, Mankato and New Prague