Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic Rochester Perinatal Education

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FAQs

When should I take classes?

It is recommended that you register for classes early in your pregnancy. Class sizes are limited and can fill quickly. Ideally most classes (unless noted otherwise in the specific class description) are to be taken after 24 weeks along in your pregnancy and we suggest that classes are complete about one month before your due date.

For additional questions not answered below please call 507-266-7473 or email perinataleducation@mayo.edu

What classes do you recommend for a first pregnancy?

  1. Childbirth Preparation Prenatal Class - 4 week series or Weekend
  2. The Art of Breastfeeding and Pumping - 2 week series or weekend series
  3. Infant Passenger Safety
  4. Baby Care Basics: for those with little exposure to newborns
  5. Comfort Strategies for Labor: for those who want to expand on comfort measures and coping techniques for the labor and birth process
  6. Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) – 9 week series, 5 week series, or MIL weekend
  7. Infant CPR
  8. Family Birth Center Tour

What classes do you recommend for subsequent pregnancies?

All classes offered through the Perinatal Education Program are available to families welcoming another baby into their family. Please consider your past experiences with childbirth and parenting when selecting classes to meet your needs.

Classes could include:

  1. Childbirth Preparation: Review
  2. Comfort Strategies for Labor
  3. The Art of Breastfeeding and Pumping – 2 week series or weekend series
  4. Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) – 9 week series, 5 week series, or MIL weekend
  5. Family Birth Center Tour

What classes are available for future siblings?

  1. Sibling class 3-6 year olds
  2. Sibling class 7-12 year olds

Now that baby is here, what classes are available for us?

  1. Massage for Infants
  2. Infant CPR
  3. Mindful Parenting Series
  4. Breastfeeding: Returning to Work/School
  5. Postpartum Connection

What special circumstances classes do you have?

  1. VBAC
  2. Cesarean Birth
  3. Magnificent Multiples
  4. Adoptive Parent & Adoptive Parenting: Infant Passenger Safety
  5. Grandparenting Class

What are the benefits of childbirth education classes?

  • Childbirth education classes can help build confidence in your body’s ability to give birth, and in your future role as parent.
  • You can connect with other families who may have shared concerns around labor, birth, and parenting.
  • You will have a shared experience with your partner or support person who will learn how to best support you on the big day.
  • You will experience hands-on, interactive learning regarding self-care and caring for your newborn.
  • A tour of the birth center will offer an opportunity to become familiar with the cares, services, and routine practices that you could experience during labor, birth, and the early postpartum period.