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 large Birth Suites, see our nursery, 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. 

  • Eight-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

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 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.**

  • Classes are held on Wednesday 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

Get ready for delivery and beyond. 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.**

  • Classes are held on Saturdays ONLY.
  • 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.

Cesarean Birth or VBAC

Sessions may be scheduled upon request.

  • No fee.
  • Call 319-363-BABY for more information.

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 (IBCLCs) 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. 

  • Meets every Wednesday in the Birthplace classroom from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
  • Membership to group is free.
  • For more information, please call (319) 398-6561.

The Breastfeeding Group is led by:

  • Selma Alzheimer, RN, BSN, and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. She has been a nurse for more than 42 years, at Mercy for 18 years, and a lactation consultant for 12 years.
  • Deanna Glass, a Medical Social Worker. She has been a Social Worker for 30 years and has been at Mercy for more than 15 years.

Here We Go Again (Childbirth Refresher Class)

Not having your first, but still wanting some up-to-date information to help you prepare for birth and going home? This three-hour class covers normal signs and symptoms in the 3rd trimester, stages of labor, birthing process, relaxation and breathing techniques and postpartum and baby care. Time is spent in this class processing past birth experiences and accepting that each birth is different and unique. This class includes a tour of the Birthplace.

Instructor:
Christine Johnson, ARNP
Certified in Women’s Health
10 years NICU, labor and delivery experience
12 years as a childbirth educator

If Breathing Isn’t Enough (Medicated Birth Options)

This class offers expecting parents the information needed to make decisions regarding medicated pain management during labor and birth. The class will cover the benefits and risks of epidurals and medicated pain relief.

Instructor:
Christine Johnson, ARNP
Certified in Women’s Health
10 years NICU, labor and delivery experience
12 years as a childbirth educator

Sibling Class

Let your other children in on the excitement of the big event with an age-appropriate one-hour class for big brothers and sisters.

This fun, free, interactive and informative class is designed especially for kids, and helps prepare them for the new baby. Children will see a short video, make a gift for the baby, and tour the Mercy Birthplace.

Please bring a favorite doll or stuffed animal and a baby blanket so children can practice holding, diapering and wrapping up a baby. For children ages 2-12.  

*** Must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. ***