Parenting

As a parent, you quickly realize that your bundle of joy also is a bundle of responsibility. Suddenly, you’re looking for reliable information on everything from diapers to driver’s education. Parenting covers a lot of ground, and our experts in many fields offer information and perspectives on raising great kids.

May

Prenatal & Parenting
Fairmont, MN In Person

This group is for new mothers and mothers-to-be interested in breastfeeding. Baby Cafe is a national network of breastfeeding drop-ins, combining breastfeeding information in a relaxed, informal environment where mothers can chat and learn about breastfeeding from skilled practitioners and each other. Registration is not required, this is a drop-in offering. 

Class Cancellations

If a class is canceled, Mayo Clinic Health System will make every attempt to reach you by phone or email. Mayo Clinic Health System reserves the right to cancel any class that does not meet minimum size requirements. If local schools are cancelled, so are prenatal education offerings. Alternative classes will be offered whenever possible. Call 507-594-4607 for cancellation or postponement information.

Prenatal & Parenting
Mankato, MN In Person

This monthly class is for moms at 24–32 weeks' gestation and their support person. It's taught by lactation counselors who will help expectant parents learn the basics of breastfeeding. Topics include establishing a successful breastfeeding relationship; frequency and feeding cues; holds, positions and latch-on techniques; choosing a breast pump; pumping and storing breast milk; and maintaining milk supply. Participants should bring the "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy" book they received from their clinic.

Registration is required and class size is limited.

This class is open to current Mayo Clinic Health System OB-GYN patients. It is ideal to attend a class from the location you plan to deliver so you will be prepared with local birth center processes. If you are not a Mayo Clinic Health System OB patient, view Mayo Clinic prenatal class offerings.

Class cancellations

If a class is canceled, we'll make every attempt to reach you by phone or email. We reserve the right to cancel any class that does not meet minimum size requirements. If local schools are cancelled, so are prenatal education offerings. Alternative classes will be offered whenever possible. Call 507-594-4607 for cancellation or postponement information.

June

Prenatal & Parenting
Mankato, MN In Person

This five-week series, held on Tuesdays, for moms at 24–32 weeks' gestation and their support person. Topics include a variety of information on pregnancy, the process of labor and delivery, comfort measures, the days transitioning from pregnancy to the postpartum period, newborn care and the adjustments of being new parents. Registration is required and class size is limited.

This class is open to current Mayo Clinic Health System OB-GYN patients. It is ideal to attend a class from the location you plan to deliver so you will be prepared with local birth center processes. If you are not a Mayo Clinic Health System OB patient, view Mayo Clinic prenatal class offerings.

Class cancellations

If a class is canceled, Mayo Clinic Health System will make every attempt to reach you by phone or email. Mayo Clinic Health System reserves the right to cancel any class that does not meet minimum size requirements. If local schools are cancelled, so are prenatal education offerings. Alternative classes will be offered whenever possible. Call 507-594-4607 for cancellation or postponement information.

Prenatal & Parenting
Mankato, MN In Person

This two-day class is for moms at 24 and 32 weeks' gestation and their support person. This condensed version of the Childbirth Education class is designed for parents who are expecting but whose schedules won't accommodate the recommended five-week series. Participants will learn from presentations, hands-on activities, discussions, role-playing and videos. Register early, as the class size is limited. Participants should bring the "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy" book they received from their clinic.

This class is open to current Mayo Clinic Health System OB-GYN patients. It is ideal to attend a class from the location you plan to deliver so you will be prepared with local birth center processes. If you are not a Mayo Clinic Health System OB patient, view Mayo Clinic prenatal class offerings.

Class cancellations

If a class is canceled, Mayo Clinic Health System will make every attempt to reach you by phone or email. Mayo Clinic Health System reserves the right to cancel any class that does not meet minimum size requirements. If local schools are cancelled, so are prenatal education offerings. Alternative classes will be offered whenever possible. Call 507-594-4607 for cancellation or postponement information.

July

Prenatal & Parenting
Fairmont, MN In Person

This three-week class held on Mondays is for moms at 24–32 weeks' gestation and their support person. Topics include a variety of information on pregnancy, the process of labor and delivery, comfort measures, the days transitioning from pregnancy to the postpartum period, newborn care and the adjustments of being new parents. Registration is required and class size is limited.

Plan to attend all three classes.

This class is open to current Mayo Clinic Health System OB-GYN patients. It is ideal to attend a class from the location you plan to deliver so you will be prepared with local birth center processes. If you are not a Mayo Clinic Health System OB patient, view Mayo Clinic prenatal class offerings.

Class cancellations

If a class is canceled, Mayo Clinic Health System will make every attempt to reach you by phone or email. Mayo Clinic Health System reserves the right to cancel any class that does not meet minimum size requirements. If local schools are cancelled, so are prenatal education offerings. Alternative classes will be offered whenever possible. Call 507-238-8100 for cancellation or postponement information.

Hometown Health Blog

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Sarah Scherger MD By Sarah Scherger April 17, 2023

Help! I think my teenager is cutting

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Patrick Bigaouette MD By Patrick Bigaouette April 11, 2023

What to know, do if your teen experiences dating violence

Every year, millions of teens in the U.S. experience dating violence, which can lead to lifelong effects on health and well-being. As a parent or caregiver, here's what you need to know.

Patrick Bigaouette MD By Patrick Bigaouette December 15, 2022

Empowering families to strengthen youth mental health

Family support and connection are important for helping children manage depression or anxiety. Learn how youth-focused treatment and techniques can help families find the right recipe for care.

Janice Schreier MSW By Janice Schreier October 28, 2022

Changes ahead: Talking with children about puberty

Puberty is natural, and parents have no reason to fear it for their children. Get practical tips for discussing this exciting phase with kids and preparing them for the changes ahead.

Sarah Sistek, APRN, C.N.P., D.N.P. By Sarah Sistek October 25, 2022

Raising healthy eaters: Should kids clean their plate?

If your kids are picky eaters, eat the same foods or only want to snack all day, you're not alone. Find out if kids really do need to clean their plate, and get nine tips to raise healthy eaters.

Grace Fjeldberg RDN By Grace Fjeldberg September 21, 2022