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, method of delivery, locations, times 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. 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 to ask about class status:

• Fairmont: 507-238-8100
• Mankato: 507-594-4607
• New Prague: 952-257-8138

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.

Offered in Fairmont

Breastfeeding and Newborn Care

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

Offered in Mankato

Breastfeeding Your Baby

This class is for moms between 24 and 32 weeks' gestation and their support person. Topics include the advantages of breastfeeding, when and how much a baby is fed, how to know if baby is the advantages of breastfeeding, when and how much a baby is fed, how to know if baby is getting enough, pumping, going back to work, common breastfeeding problems, and the father's role.

Offered in New Prague

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.

Offered in Fairmont, Mankato and New Prague

Childbirth Education — self-guided virtual instruction

This interactive online education includes essential information about pregnancy, labor, comfort techniques, medical procedures and cesarean section 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. Allow four to six hours to complete the course. You'll have access to the class for 240 days and the Parent's Toolbox for 18 months.

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. The class costs $50.

Offered to patients from Fairmont, Mankato and New Prague