Services
Education Classes
The Mercy Birth Center provides education manuals to parents through the physicians’ offices at an early prenatal visit. It is a great resource guide for you throughout your pregnancy and after delivery. Classes that are offered to help you through your pregnancy include:
Countdown to Delivery and Beyond – This 8 or 12-hour series is designed to help you prepare for the birth of your baby. You learn pain management during labor and delivery, newborn care, postpartum recovery, and much more. Take in late pregnancy.
Breast Feeding Support
Breastfeeding Educators/Nurses are available to assist you with feedings and will answer your questions before, during and after your hospital stay. Suggested web sites for breasfeeding include www.breastfeeding.com and www.lalecheleague.org
All parents have numerous questions about caring for a new baby and themselves. The Mercy Birth Center offers many educational opportunities for you as new parents. Individualized teaching also is provided by the Birth Center nurses on a 24-hour basis. Parents are encouraged to care for the baby as much as possible while in the hospital where nursing staff can assist and answer questions as they arise.
Videotapes on parenting, mother care and baby care are available for viewing in your patient room at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa. Many additional classes are available through the Regional Health Education Center. These include:
Breastfeeding: A Healthy Start – How you feed your baby is one of the many choices you, as parents, need to make. Many factors may affect your feeding choice. Whether you have chosen to breastfeed you newborn or are undecided, take this 2-hour class taught by Mercy Lactation Specialists. Class focuses on breastfeeding benefits, basics, practical tips, and support. Mothers and their partners are encouraged to attend. Take anytime during pregnancy.
A variety of parenting classes are offered in the community throughout the year through the Regional Health Education Center. Check its website for a current class listing at www.niacc.edu/rhec/communit.html.
