Mahaska Health certified educators have a passion for helping expectant parents have a rewarding birth experience and positive transition to parenthood. Mahaska Health offers tours and parent education classes and programs that let you connect with other parents while you learn about pregnancy, labor, birth, breastfeeding, baby care, safety, and parenting.
Classes and resources
Anyone, whether you’re delivering at Mahaska Health or not, is welcome to attend as many prenatal classes as they wish, free of charge. It’s just one of the ways we hope to help you and your partner feel more confident and comfortable as you embark on this new beginning.
To register or for more information, please email birthingclasses@mahaskahealth.org or contact the Birthing Center at 641.672.3170.
• Birthing Class
Participants learn prenatal care, labor, delivery, postpartum and baby care. Includes a tour of our new Birthing Center! Classes meet for two evenings from 5:30 to 8:00pm.
For upcoming dates or for more information, please email birthingclasses@mahaskahealth.org with your contact information, the classes you wish to attend, and a nurse will contact you.
• Breastfeeding Class
This class is for new mothers as well as those that would like a refresher and is led by Mahaska Health’s Board Certified Lactation Counselor. We can help you with what to expect and how to manage possible difficulties to help you be successful in your breastfeeding journey. Classes are held at Mahaska Health Door 1 from 5.30pm – 6.30pm.
2024 Class Dates:
Coming Soon!
To register or for more information, please email birthingclasses@mahaskahealth.org with your contact information, the classes you wish to attend, and a nurse will contact you.
The class will cover:
• Breastfeeding techniques and positions
• How to read your baby’s hunger cues
• What to expect in the early days
• Benefits for both moms and babies
• How your baby’s feeding needs may change over time
• Additional Classes Upon Request
We recognize that each family’s needs are different, therefore, we offer classes on request in addition to our regular classes. Additional classes include Sibling Class and a Lamaze Refresher Course. All classes are available on the Mahaska Health campus. These classes are offered at various times throughout the year. To register or for more information, please email birthingclasses@mahaskahealth.org with your contact information, the classes you wish to attend, and a nurse will contact you.
• Lactation Consultation and Perfect Beginnings Support
At the Mahaska Health Birthing Center, our goal is to support you through your delivery and recovery, during your stay and after you return home.
To help you transition into parenthood seamlessly, we offer the Perfect Beginnings program, an optional program that provides parents with helpful information during the crucial first weeks of your baby’s life.
Perfect Beginnings starts before you even leave the birthing center. All of our nurses are breastfeeding educators, and if you choose to breastfeed, we have Board Certified Lactation Counselors who can visit with you during your stay. When you are discharged from the hospital, you have the option of a Perfect Beginnings Registered Nurse coming to your home to provide ongoing support as needed.
During the first home visit by an RN, the nurse will provide a brief assessment of the mother and baby, including a weight check for the infant. The nurse will also cover numerous educational topics such as nutritional/feeding issues, infant/child safety, SIDS education on proper sleep positioning and environmental factors, newborn care and address any questions parents may have.
Through Lactation Consultation during your hospital stay and after discharge, as well as the Perfect Beginnings program, we strive to provide support and comforting peace of mind. If you have questions or experience difficulty with breastfeeding, the Birthing Center nurses are in-house 24/7 and would be happy to assist you.
