Birthplace Classes and Services
Mercy Birthplace provides a variety of helpful classes and services for you and your baby.
Mercy Birthplace Tours
It's one thing to read about Mercy Birthplace. But to fully appreciate what we offer, you should take a personal tour. See single-room maternity care in our expanded Birth Suites. Also, look at our Cesarean birth suite, nursery area, and learn about the classes available. You'll get to see our Level II NICU suites, the area's largest and most private for the whole family. Plus, meet staff members who will care for you and your baby. They make Mercy Birthplace a uniquely reassuring and rewarding place to have your child.
Prenatal Yoga Class
Yoga will help moms-to-be meet the challenges and changes of pregnancy and birth by focusing on areas of the body that need stretching and strengthening.
- 8-week sessions
- You must obtain your healthcare provider's consent to participate in this class
- For session times, call Mercy Fitness Center, (319) 221-8877 or register online
Early Trimester Class
This two-hour class is intended for expectant parents in the first half of pregnancy (less than 20 weeks). Topics include common pregnancy discomforts, nutrition, exercise, diagnostic tests and relationship changes.
- Class is free
- For information, class times and to register, call (319) 363-BABY or register online
Infant Massage
What better way for you to bond with your baby than through the one sense that babies simply cannot thrive without. You will learn how to introduce your baby to massage, what benefits massage provides your baby and you, and contraindications to massage. Discover how pleasurable and rewarding this technique can be.
- Private appointments
- Call Mercy Women's Center at (319) 861-7778
Childbirth Education Class
Get ready for delivery and beyond. This five-week series covers preparation for labor and delivery, breathing and relaxation techniques, pain management, postpartum (after delivery) care and newborn care. Optional Birthplace tour also included. **Class has a four-couple minimum, 10-couple maximum.**
- Classes are held on Tuesday nights for five consecutive sessions
- Class should be completed when you are between 34-37 weeks
- Class is free
- For information, class times and to register, call (319) 363-BABY or register online
Childbirth Education Class - Saturday-Only Option
This Saturday-ONLY class covers anatomy and physiology of pregnant women, preparation for labor and delivery, labor and delivery strategies, breathing and relaxation techniques, comfort measures, postpartum (after delivery) care, baby care and child safety issues, parenting and effective fathering. Optional Birthplace tour also included. **Class has a four-couple minimum, 10-couple maximum.**
- Class should be completed when you are between 34-37 weeks
- Class is free
- For information, class times and to register, call (319) 363-BABY or register online
Childbirth Education Class - Weekend Option
A weekend childbirth education class for busy parents with little time to spare is offered each month. The weekend format allows couples to complete the class in two four-hour sessions. Optional Birthplace tour also included. **Class has a four-couple minimum, 10-couple maximum.**
- Class should be completed when you are between 34-37 weeks
- Class is free
- For information, class times and to register, call (319) 363-BABY or register online
Refresher Birthing Class
This class is intended for parents who have been through birthing classes before, but who need an update. The class reviews preparation for labor and delivery and breathing and relaxation.
- Class is held the fourth Wednesday of every other month
- Class is free
- For information, class times and to register, call (319) 363-BABY or register online
Cesarean Birth or VBAC
Sessions may be scheduled upon request.
- No fee
- Call 319-363-BABY for more information
Sibling Class
This fun, age-appropriate, one-hour class helps prepare big brothers and sisters for the new baby. Children will see a short video, listen to a story, make a gift for the new baby and tour Mercy's Birthplace. For children ages 2 through 12. **Class size is limited to 12 children.**
- Class is free
- For information, class times and to register, call (319) 363-BABY or register online
Prenatal Breastfeeding Class
This class is for women who are thinking about breastfeeding. Learn the benefits and dynamics of breastfeeding. (Dads are welcome, too.) **Class has a 12-couple maximum.**
- Classes are free
- Held the fourth Thursday of each month
- For information, class times and to register, call (319) 363-BABY or register online
Pediatric Heartsaver
Pediatric Heartsaver teaches CPR and choking rescue to parents and caretakers of infants and younger children.
- For information, fees and preregistration, call the Mercy Education Department, (319) 398-6143 or register online
Back Pain
Evaluation and back-care instruction for prenatal or postpartum women experiencing significant back pain.
- Physical Rehabilitation Department, (319) 398-6020
- Physician order required
- Usually covered by insurance
Nutrition Counseling for Pregnant Moms
- Individual counseling sessions available
- For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the Dietitian Office located in the Mercy Women's Center at (319) 398-6821
Breastfeeding Education and Services
International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) offer consultations before delivery, during your stay and after discharge.
- Lactation Consultants are available seven days a week
- To reach your personal consultant, please call (319) 398-6561
Breastfeeding Group
Many couples have questions about breastfeeding. Join the Breastfeeding Group and ask advice, share stories and make new friends. A lactation consultant will answer questions. A scale also is available to weigh your baby.
- Groups are led by a certified lactation consultant
- Meets every Wednesday in the Birthplace classroom from 10:30 a.m. to noon, and the first Thursday of every month, from 6-7:30 p.m.
- Membership to group is free
- For more information, please call (319) 398-6561
