We know how special the birth of a baby is.

 

Providing care tailored to the needs of each family, Mercy’s Birthing Center offers the following services as part of its family centered focus:

• Childbirth education classes to help parents prepare for their new arrival.
• Private birthing suites where mothers stay for labor, delivery and post-partum care.
• A full range of analgesic options, including intrathecal and epidurals.
• A whirlpool bath in each suite for pain management during labor. A birthing ball is also available.
• Hearing screening for all newborns before they go home.
• A Certified Lactation Consultant to answer breastfeeding questions.
• Celebration dinner for the new parents.
• New car seat to keep baby safe.

 

Our nurses will make every effort to honor your personal choices for birth. Fathers are encouraged to take an active role in the birth process and may cut the umbilical cord as well as give the baby’s first bath. Fathers are also welcome to spend the night with mother and child. Babies stay in the room as much as the mother desires.

When it’s time to go home, we send your newborn home in a new car seat, a gift from us to keep your baby safe. In addition, our staff members are certified child passenger safety technicians trained to make sure your baby’s car seat is installed correctly.

 

Childbirth Education

Our childbirth classes will help you gain knowledge and understanding so that you may prepare with confidence for the birth of your child. Our classes are taught by experienced obstetrical nurses using interactive teaching techniques.

Questions
To register for any of our Childbirth Education classes, call our Education Department at 218.485.5572.

 

To request individualized classes or for more information, call our Obstetrics Department at 218.485.5521.

 

Birthing Classes

In these classes, expectant parents receive information about:

• Relaxation and breathing techniques
• Labor and delivery
• Analgesic options
• Empathy Belly demonstration
• Tour of Birthing Room
• Cesarean delivery

 

Mothers should wear comfortable clothes and bring a pillow and blanket. We also encourage mothers to bring a support person along to share the class.

Time: The Birthing Class is offered as a one-day session
(9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) or in two evening sessions (6:30 to 9 p.m.).

2012 Dates::

- January 21

- February 11

- March 6 & 8

- April 14

- May 1 & 3

- June 16

- July 10 & 12

- September 8

- November 6 & 8

- December 1

 

Cost: $30 per couple.
No one will be turned away for inability to pay.

 

Caring for Your Newborn

Wouldn’t it be nice if your new baby was delivered with an instruction manual? Since they do not arrive with a manual, this class is the next best thing. This course will help you recognize normal behavior patterns of your newborn and learn some basic care skills.

Demonstrations will be given on a real newborn. Coaches are encouraged to attend with mom and if you have already delivered, your new infant is welcome, too.

Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

2012 Dates:
- January 17

- March 20

- May 15

- July 17

- September 18

- November 20

 

Breastfeeding Education Class

This class is designed to give you information to help you breastfeed your baby. Topics will include:

• Benefits of breastfeeding
• Getting started breastfeeding
• Breast and nipple care
• Common breastfeeding problems
• Expectations in the hospital
• Expressing and storing breast milk

 

Time: 6:30 to 8 p.m.

 

2012 Dates:
- February 8

- May 2

- July 25

- October 17

 

Car Seat Safety Clinics

FREE car seat inspections by specially trained staff will be held throughout the area in the spring, summer and fall.Check back here or in area newspapers for specific date/time/location information. 

No appointment is necessary. Call 218.485.5521 for more information.