AUSTIN, MN — Preparing for a newborn can be one of the most exciting times of your life. It can also be a time of anxiety as you begin to think about the actual birth experience. The Women’s Special Care Unit at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin can assist pregnant women and their partner with all the preparations needed for childbirth through childbirth education classes.
The next childbirth education class sessions offered at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin will be July 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. and July 7 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Classroom 3. Classes are free and open to anyone who is in their third trimester (or sixth month of pregnancy), along with their partner.
“It is our goal and commitment to provide women in our area with the best prenatal care and education prior to giving birth,” says Nancy Hoversten, Women’s Special Care Unit nurse manager at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin. “Each individual is unique and so is each pregnancy and birthing experience. We believe childbirth education is a vital way to make your birthing experience the best it can be, and we’re here to provide you with the education you need.”
Childbirth education classes provide you with information about:
• Breathing and relaxation techniques
• Medical interventions — induction, pain medication and cesarean birth
• Stages of labor — what happens at each stage, emotions accompanying each stage, self-help techniques and comfort measures
• Labor partner assistance — how to provide support during labor and birth and preparing for the experience
• Post-partum care education and lifestyle adjustments after giving birth
• Breastfeeding — benefits and education from Women’s Special Care Unit Registered Nurse certified lactation consultant
• Car seat safety and education.
Hoversten stresses that support is very important during childbirth so it is recommended to bring someone with you to the class who will be with you during labor.
To register for the class or for more information, call the Women’s Special Care Unit at 507-434-1380.
