Childbirth Education Classes
Northfield Hospital + Clinics offers a variety of parenting classes.
Classes are conducted via video at this time -- virtual, interactive, live classes.
2021 Childbirth Classes Brochure
To sign up for classes: Please click the Register Online Button above to sign up for upcoming classes. (If you need help with the registration form, please e-mail babyclasses@northfieldhospital.org or call 507-646-1036.)
Your spot in the class(es) is not guaranteed until payment is received and you have been sent a confirmation and receipt for payment. Registration is per “couple” and is good for two people. Class sizes are kept small to ensure a quality experience for expectant mothers, their birth partners, and other class participants.
Prepared Childbirth is a labor and delivery class for expectant mothers and their birth partner. It is offered as a 4-week, 2.5-hour evening series or as a single 6-hour Saturday session. The class covers:
- Pregnancy and pre-birth
- Due dates and what they mean
- Labor and birth including: signs of labor, preterm labor, induction, stages of labor, positioning
- Hands-on positioning practice
- Relaxation/breathing exercises
- Pain medication options
- Monitoring and other interventions – why and what to expect
- Cesarean section
- Postpartum stay & tour of Birth Center
- Community resources for new parents
| January 5-26 | July 6-27 |
| March 2-23 | September 7-28 |
| May 4-25 | November 9-30 |
| February 13 & 20 | August 14 & 21 |
| April 10 & 17 | October 9 & 16 |
| June 12 & 19 | December 4 & 11 |
Baby Basics is a 2.5-hour class for expectant parents and caregivers which covers:
- Golden Hour – Baby’s first hour outside the womb
- Fresh newborn baby characteristics
- Newborn care including: diapering, bathing, burping, tummy time, cord care, typical day, when to contact the doctor, circumcision
- Safety: home safety, SIDS prevention, Shaken Baby Syndrome, car seat safety
- CPR
- Parent resources
| February 9 | August 10 |
| April 13 | October 12 |
| June 8 | December 14 |
| January 16 | July 17 |
| March 20 | September 18 |
| May 15 | November 20 |
- Benefits of breastfeeding
- Anatomy and physiology
- Milk composition
- How to get off to a good start including: feeding cues, positioning, and latch
- Breastfeeding difficulties
- Nutrition
- Breast pumping
- Support networks for breastfeeding
| January 7 | July 8 |
| February 4 | August 5 |
| March 4 | September 2 |
| April 1 | October 7 |
| May 6 | November 4 |
| June 3 | December 2 |
For more information or to register for Prepared Childbirth, Baby Basics or Breastfeeding Basics, e-mail babyclasses@northfieldhospital.org or call 507-646-1036.
Birth Planning Session
The Birth Center information and a Birth Plan form can be found HERE or obtained from your OB provider. You are encouraged to bring this form to a scheduled tour with the Birth Center staff during the last month of your pregnancy. OB Staff will answer your questions, review your Birth Plan form and identify your labor/parenting education needs. Call 507-646-1205 to schedule.
Baby Talk
Baby Talk is a free class for parents with newborns from birth to 12 weeks. Class is held every Monday from 10:30 am to noon. A public health nurse, parent educator, and the Birth Center's board-certified lactation consultant are available to answer questions about your newborn and provide support and information on your new journey of parenting. Facilitated discussions cover feeding, attachment, sleep, development, family changes, and returning to work. Parents who come to Baby Talk in person have an opportunity to have their baby weighed.
As of March 1, 2021 Baby Talk is meeting both in-person and virtually. Pre-registration for in-person attendance is required every week to allow for COVID safety protocols and proper physical distancing in the classroom.
To connect with class staff, please go to www.bit.ly/nfldnewbaby or text @nfldbabies to the number 81010. You'll receive information on how to register.
Classes are held at Northfield Community Education Center, 700 Lincoln Parkway in Northfield. Free sibling care is available each week.
Class takes place on Mondays year-round, except on public holidays. (No class on May 31 or September 7, 2021.)
This program is co-sponsored by Northfield Hospital + Clinics, Northfield Public Schools Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), and Rice County Public Health Nursing Service.
For more information, contact Ellen at 507-301-7369 or ehaefner@northfieldschools.org(link sends e-mail).
Clase Prenatal para Latinos
Educacion en espanol para el parto y lactancia materna. Llama a Rachel o Shariesse (interpretes del hospital) al 507-646-1069.