Pregnancy, Birth & Childcare Classes
Mercy Birthplace provides a variety of helpful classes and services to help prepare you for pregnancy, labor, birth and newborn care.
Before Pregnancy:
Mercy Baby App
Mercy’s free baby app offers anytime, anywhere parent education powered by YoMingo, an education program designed to give you convenient access to valuable information, tools and support at every stage. Learn about childbirth, newborn care and more – right from your phone, tablet or desktop computer! Learn more and register now.
During Pregnancy:
Birthplace Tours
Experience single-room maternity care in our large birth suites, see our nursery, and learn about the classes available. You'll get to see our Level II NICU suites, the area's largest and most private for the whole family. Plus, meet staff members who will care for you and your baby. They make Mercy Birthplace a uniquely reassuring and rewarding place to have your child.
Sign up for your personal tour.
Childbirth Education
This free class covers anatomy and physiology of pregnant women, preparation for labor and delivery, labor and delivery strategies, breathing and relaxation techniques, comfort measures, postpartum (after delivery) care, baby care and child safety issues.
Class should be completed when you are between 34-37 weeks.
*Class has a three-couple minimum, 12-couple maximum.
Please bring your favorite pillow and a snack/water as needed.
**We discourage children from attending any of our Childbirth Education Classes.**
For information, class times and to register, call
(319) 363-BABY or
register online.
Gestational Diabetes
Ongoing follow-up with MercyCare Diabetes Center nurse and dietitian to ensure blood glucose levels are in target. Insulin management also available when prescribed by your physician.
Nutrition Counseling for Pregnant Moms
Individual counseling sessions available. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the dietitian office located in the Mercy Women's Center at (319) 398-6821.
Prenatal Breastfeeding Class
This class is for women who are thinking about breastfeeding. Learn the benefits and dynamics of breastfeeding. (Dads are welcome, too.)
- **Class has a 10-couple maximum.**
- FREE
- Held the fourth Thursday of each month.
For information, class times and to register, call (319) 363-BABY or register online.
Any Time:
Back Pain
Evaluation and back-care instruction for prenatal or postpartum women experiencing significant back pain.
- Physical Rehabilitation Department, (319) 398-6020.
- Physician order required.
- Usually covered by insurance.
For information, class times and to register, call (319) 363-BABY or register online.
Breastfeeding Education & Services
Mercy's International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) offer consultations before delivery, during your stay and after discharge. To reach your personal consultant, please call (319) 398-6561.
Breastfeeding Group
Many couples have questions about breastfeeding. Join the Breastfeeding Group and ask advice, share stories and make new friends. A lactation consultant will answer questions. A scale also is available to weigh your baby.
- Meets from 10:30 a.m. to noon. every Wednesday in Hall-Perrine Cancer Center Community Rooms A&B.
- FREE
- For more information, please call (319) 398-6561.
Heartsaver
Heartsaver teaches CPR, AED, and choking rescue skills of adult, child, and infant for non-medical personnel. For information, fees and pre-registration, call the Mercy Education Department, (319) 398-6143 or register online.
