Health Topics

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Browse topics to help you live your best life.

Prenatal Care

OB-GYN and Family Medicine providers offer exactly the care you need for starting or growing your family, including pregnancy planning and prenatal care.

November

Prenatal & Parenting
Austin, MN In Person

This two-hour class is recommended for expecting parents who are considering or have decided to breastfeed. Partners are encouraged to attend. Topics include advantages of breastfeeding, initiation of breastfeeding, latch and positioning, expressing and storing breast milk, breastfeeding lifestyle, common breastfeeding problems and resources.

Class may be canceled for low enrollment and/or severe weather and staff will make every attempt to reach you by phone or email.

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.

Prenatal & Parenting
Red Wing, MN In Person

This class is for after your baby is born. Parents and baby are welcomed back to the classroom for the new challenges of baby care and parenting.

Educators and lactation consultants will answer parent questions and review topics such as baby care, growth and development, weight gain, lactation and feeding issues, and facing new challenges. Attend as many classes as desired. Family members and siblings age 6 and older are welcome.

Registration is not required.

If there is inclement weather, Mayo Clinic Health System will likely cancel class.


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 at 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.

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
Onalaska, WI In Person

This in-person support group is a great way to meet local moms, ask questions about lactation and newborn care, and check your baby’s weight. Education topic or speaker will vary each week. Drop in to group as it works for your schedule. Call Lactation at 608-392-9789 with any questions or concerns.

 

Prenatal & Parenting
Fairmont, MN In Person

This Monday class is for moms at 24–32 weeks' gestation and their support person. Participants will learn the many benefits of breastfeeding and the essentials of newborn care. Topics include benefits of skin-to-skin contact, feeding cues and positions, long-term breastfeeding goals, dealing with complications and baby care.

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 507-238-8100 for cancellation or postponement information.

December

Prenatal & Parenting
La Crosse, WI In Person

This two-hour class is recommended for families who are considering or have decided to breastfeed. Partners are encouraged to attend. It includes information about benefits of breastfeeding, initiation of breastfeeding, latch and positioning, expressing and storing breast milk, breastfeeding lifestyle, and troubleshooting and resources. View additional class availability on the calendar. A morning Beginning to Breastfeed class also is available.

For questions or to develop an individualized breastfeeding plan, contact a lactation consultant at 608-392-9789.

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.

Interpreter services are provided for free for patients who do not speak English and are attending an in-person course in La Crosse. Call Mayo Clinic Health System at 608-392-9090 to arrange for an interpreter.

All registered participants will receive a confirmation letter. Patient portal users will receive a confirmation letter via the portal.

Class cancellation
If you must cancel your registration, call 608-392-9090 at least three business days prior to your class so those on the waitlist can have your spot. Classes that do not meet the minimum size requirements may be canceled. Classes that reach maximum capacity will be closed. If there are severe weather warnings in the La Crosse and surrounding counties, classes will be canceled. Call 608-392-9723 to confirm class cancellation due to severe weather.

Prenatal & Parenting
Eau Claire, WI Virtual

This monthly evening virtual group class via Zoom is designed for women who are considering breastfeeding or have decided to breastfeed. It covers the benefits of breastfeeding and information needed to achieve breastfeeding goals. Register for your preferred date to take the class using the "Register" link, and we'll email you a Zoom link to join the class. See additional class availability on the calendar.

Contact WellnessClinic@mayo.edu with questions related to prenatal education classes and registration.

This class is open to current Mayo Clinic Health System OB-GYN patients in the Northwest Wisconsin Region. 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.

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.

Prenatal & Parenting
La Crosse, WI In Person

This one-hour class is intended for parents and grandparents. It includes information about the steps related to performing infant CPR and relief of choking. This is not a certification course. No completion cards or certificates will be given for participating. View additional class availability on the calendar.

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.

Interpreter services are provided for free for patients who do not speak English and are attending an in-person course in La Crosse. Call Mayo Clinic Health System at 608-392-9090 to arrange for an interpreter.

All registered participants will receive a confirmation letter. Patient portal users will receive a confirmation letter via the portal.

Class cancellation
If you must cancel your registration, call 608-392-9090 at least three business days prior to your class so those on the waitlist can have your spot. Classes that do not meet the minimum size requirements may be canceled. Classes that reach maximum capacity will be closed. If there are severe weather warnings in the La Crosse and surrounding counties, classes will be canceled. Call 608-392-9723 to confirm class cancellation due to severe weather.

January

Prenatal & Parenting
Red Wing, MN In Person

This three-session class is recommended during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.

Topics include:

  • Progression of labor into birth
  • Birth stories
  • Options for pain relief
  • Comfort measures
  • Positioning and medication alternatives

Baby care topics include:

  • Normal characteristics of the newborn
  • Caring for baby
  • Infant safety
  • Family adjustments to the new baby
  • Car seat safety
  • Physical development
  • Couplet care

One support person who will be involved in the labor and delivery is invited to attend class. A single registration covers mom and support person.

If there is inclement weather, you can call our general phone line at 651-267-5000 to see if class is canceled. If a class is canceled for nonweather-related reasons, we'll make every attempt to reach you by phone or email.

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.

Prenatal & Parenting
Austin, MN In Person

This two-session class is recommended during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Topics include progression of labor into birth, birth stories, options for pain relief, comfort measures, positioning and medication alternatives. Baby care topics include normal characteristics of the newborn, caring for baby, infant safety, family adjustments to the new baby, car seat safety, physical development and couplet care.

One support person who will be involved in the labor and delivery is invited to attend class. Support person does not need to register individually for class. A single registration covers mom and support person.

Class may be cancelled for low enrollment and/or severe weather and staff will make every attempt to reach you by phone or email.


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.

Hometown Health Blog

Supporting pregnancy and family-building for LGBTQ+ community

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Sara Robinson, M.D. By Sara Robinson June 11, 2024

Maternal-fetal health in African American women

African American women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes. Read how breaking down structural barriers and fostering open communication enriches all people.

Okechukwu Oseubi M.D. By Okechukwu Osuebi March 16, 2023

Oh, my aching pregnancy back: 5 tips to help find relief

Back pain is a common complaint during pregnancy. Get tips to ease pain, and learn when to consult a health care professional.

Abbey Rose, CNM, A.P.N.P. By Abbey Rose January 6, 2023

Pregnancy and respiratory illnesses: Tips to reduce your flu risks

Flu season usually starts in the fall. Learn how the influenza vaccine reduces hospitalization during pregnancy and can protect the baby from the flu after birth.

Thomas Howell Jr MD By Thomas Howell Jr. September 30, 2022

Partners in pregnancy: Preparing for a baby together

Pregnancy and childbirth are life-changing events. Having both partners involved and connected during this time is important. Find out how to prepare for the unexpected when welcoming a new baby.

Okechukwu Oseubi M.D. By Okechukwu Osuebi September 27, 2022

The importance of a birth plan

Before your baby is born, you should create a plan leading up to delivery and immediately following birth. Get answers to frequently asked questions about a birth plan.

Jana Brand By Jana Brand February 16, 2022

Ectopic pregnancy: Signs, treatment and future fertility

Ectopic pregnancies may be rare. However, when one is discovered, it needs to be taken seriously. Learn about common themes discussed during the diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy.

Tarek Khalife MD By Tarek Khalife February 8, 2022

Work more comfortably while pregnant

For most women, taking nine months off to rest while pregnant is not a possibility. To stay healthy and productive on the job, it's helpful to understand how to alleviate common pregnancy discomforts.

February 7, 2022

Pain management options with midwifery

Pain medication options are available to women in labor, whether they have a midwife or a physician. Learn about your options.

January 21, 2022

Is virtual prenatal care from OB Nest right for you?

Virtual prenatal care enables you to take an active role with a unique experience from Mayo Clinic OB Nest. Find out if this program is a good fit for your pregnancy journey.

Cara Syth, M.D. By Cara Syth December 21, 2021

Sexually transmitted diseases: What you need to know

You probably remember having some form of the safe sex talk with your parents or other adults with the focus around pregnancy prevention. It's equally important to talk about sexually transmitted infections.

Amber Kraft NP By Amber Kraft December 16, 2021

COVID-19 vaccines and pregnancy: 4 common Q&A

You aren't alone if you have questions about getting vaccinated for COVID-19 while pregnant. Find out answers to four common questions OB-GYN providers are asked and why the CDC issued an urgent warning for pregnant women.

Blenda Yun, M.D. By Blenda Yun October 20, 2021