Childbirth education

A variety of classes are offered through Red Wing and Rochester to new or soon-to-be moms and their support person. Offerings are subject to change due to local COVID-19 activity.

Join Us in Red Wing

Search the Classes & Events page for local class dates, conference room locations and times.

Registration is required. Class sizes are limited. Classes offered in Red Wing are free, unless noted.

Class Cancellation

Mayo reserves the right to cancel any class that does not meet minimum size requirements. Classes that reach maximum capacity will be closed. Classes may be canceled due to severe weather warnings or inclement weather.

If classes are canceled, Mayo Clinic Health System will contact you. If you must cancel, please call at least three business days prior to your class so someone on the waitlist can attend in your place. Call the BirthPlace at 651-267-5379.

Baby Nutrition

This class is recommended to take in your second or third trimester of pregnancy. Topics include infant nutrition, such as feeding in the first year of life, breastfeeding and how the benefits of breastfeeding can affect your baby’s overall health.

Offered in Red Wing.

Beyond Birth

This class is for after your baby is born. Parents and baby are welcomed back to the classroom for the new challenges of baby care and parenting. Educators and lactation consultants will answer parent questions and review topics such as baby care, growth and development, weight gain, lactation and feeding issues, and facing new challenges.

Attend as many classes as desired. Registration is not required.

Offered in Red Wing.

Virtual Tour

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

Offered in Red Wing.

Labor, Birth and Baby Care

This class is recommended during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Topics include progression of labor into birth, birth stories, options for pain relief, comfort measures, positioning and medication alternatives. Baby care topics include normal characteristics of the newborn, caring for baby, infant safety, family adjustments to the new baby, car seat safety, physical development and couplet care.

Offered in Red Wing.

Prenatal Breast Milk Collection — Gathering Colostrum Before Baby Arrives

This education is for women at 36 weeks. Your provider will give you the supplies and education handouts. Lactation experts will call you to provide individual education.

Topics will include expressing colostrum, benefits for you and your baby, process for collecting, techniques and resources for hand expression, and storing colostrum until your baby arrives.

Call Lactation Services at 651-267-5376 for more information.

Rochester

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. 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:

• 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.

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.