Childbirth Education

St. Mary's Birthplace sponsors a number of classes that can be a big help in preparing new parents for the life-changing experience of having a baby, and can give experienced parents a welcome refresher.

We encourage all parents to take advantage of these education offerings. Experience has shown that parents who attend prenatal classes do significantly better in labor, birth and the transition into parenting.

See the list (under "Community Classes & Seminars") of the childbirth education classes being offered this month. Registration is required for each class. To ask questions about these classes or to register for any of them, please call SMDC's Organizational Learning & Development Department at 218-786-4430.

The Childbirth Preparation Class prepares mothers-to-be for changes in the last trimester of pregnancy, including signs and stages of labor, hospital admission, birth (vaginal or Cesarean), postpartum care, newborn characteristics and care, and entering into motherhood. The mother-to-be and her husband or labor coach are encouraged to attend six to eight weeks before the due date.

The Childbirth Refresher Class is ideal for parents who have had a previous birth experience.  Class instructors review signs and stages of labor, hospital admission & procedures, coping strategies for labor, medication options and give helpful hints on preparing siblings at home. 

The Breastfeeding Class is available to any expectant mother interested in breastfeeding her baby.  A trained lactation nurse offers information on how to get off to the best possible start with breastfeeding. There is no fee for this class.

The Boot Camp for Dads one-night class gives dads-to-be a chance to spend time with “veteran” dads and their babies. Veteran dads share the realities of fatherhood and discuss topics that may include the labor experience, the emotions of the first few weeks, baby care issues and general helpful hints. This class has a male class facilitator. There is no fee.