Childbirth Education Classes

Marshfield Medical Center–Beaver Dam offers small classes taught by our specially-trained and experienced childbirth educators to help you prepare for labor and childbirth.

Pre-registration for prenatal classes is required. Download the registration form here. We suggest that you choose the Preparing for Childbirth class closest to your eighth month of pregnancy.

Preparing for Childbirth

Our experienced childbirth educators will teach you and your support person ways to enhance your comfort and decision making during your hospital stay. The class covers the labor and delivery process, relaxation and pain management techniques for a healthy and comfortable birthing experience, physical and behavioral characteristics of your newborn, infant feeding choices, cord care and measures you can take to ensure your family's health and safety.

Classes: Mondays from 6 – 8:30 p.m.

• January 4, 11
• February 1, 8
• March 1, 8
• April 5, 12
• May 3, 10
• June 7, 14
• July – no classes
• August 2, 9
• September 12, 27
• October 11, 18
• November 1, 8
• December 6, 13

Fee: $45 for mom and support person for two class sessions. Limit - six couples per class.

Call 920-887-4007 to reserve your space before sending in the registration form.

Breastfeeding Class

Our International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) will share information to help you and your baby get the best start for breastfeeding. Topics include:

• Benefits of breastfeeding
• Babies instinctive behavior's after birth
• How to position and latch
• What to expect the early days and beyond
• Early skin-to-skin contact between mom and baby and its effect on breastfeeding
• Some early challenges with breastfeeding
• What to do if baby doesn't latch
• And more
  

Since all moms and babies are different, moms are given information and encouraged to do what works best for them with on-going support from our Lactation Consultant team.

Classes: Mondays from 6 – 8 p.m. in Conference Room A&B

• January 18
• February 15
• March 22
• April 19
• May 17
• June 21
• July 19
• August 16
• September 20
• October 4
  
• November 15
• December 20

Fee: $10 for mom and support person per class.

Outpatient lactation visits are available free of charge after discharge. Call the Lactation Office at 920-887-4021 to make an appointment.

Prenatal and Postpartum Massage

This massage is a great way to nurture an expecting mother or a new mother. Massage helps the mother relax and relieves low back pain or tight muscles in the neck and shoulders. It can also help with edema (swelling) and leg pains.

Massage for expectant mothers is provided by a therapist who is trained in pre- and peri-natal massage.

Cost: $35 for 30 minutes and $55 for 60 minutes.

Gift certificates are available.

Massage is done at Marshfield Medical Center–Beaver Dam rehabilitation at 803 S University Ave., Beaver Dam. Please call 920-887-4039 to schedule an appointment.

Marshfield Medical Center-Eau Claire provides online childbirth and breastfeeding classes that you can take conveniently from home.

Our eClasses are perfect for parents who need more flexible schedule and would like information when, where and how they prefer. Once signed up, you will have access to the classes, information and videos for nine months.

Registration information
To register for an eClass, use the registration form in our Childbirth Education brochure. You will receive this brochure in your 28-week folder, or you can call 715-858-4646 to have one mailed or pick one up at your next prenatal appointment.

If you have questions or would like a Birth Center tour, email Kendal Stockel, R.N., IBCLC, at stockel.kendal@marshfieldclinic.org with your name, phone number and email.

Online Classes

Understanding Birth eClass
This interactive online course covers essential information on labor and more, and highlights ways partners can help throughout the process. You’ll also get a sense of what labor is really like as you watch several birth stories. You’ll even have an opportunity to create your own birth plan. Allow 4-6 hours to complete.

Understanding Multiples eClass

Expecting twins or more? Take an interactive online class made just for you. This class covers everything you need to know about your unique pregnancy, including what to expect from a vaginal or cesarean birth, breastfeeding more than one baby, and life at home with multiples. Woven throughout the eClass are fun activities to help you learn and engaging video clips that share the real stories of families with multiples. Allow 3-5 hours to complete.

Understanding Breastfeeding eClass

This interactive online course covers the essentials of breastfeeding, including clear animation and plenty of video examples. It lets you know when to call for help and includes partner tips throughout. You also will have the opportunity to track feedings with an easy-to-use tracker. Allow 2-3 hours to complete.

Registration information

To register for a class, call 715-387-7011 or attend one of our Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Expos. Birth Center tours are on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. In-person classes and online classes are offered through Marshfield Medical Center-Marshfield. See more details below.

In-person classes

In-person classes are limited to 5 participants, including their support person. Participation is determined on a first come, first serve basis with paid registrations.

Cancellation information

In-person classes may be canceled in the event of inclement weather or due to low class enrollment. Call 715-387-7071 for more information on cancelations.

Pregnancy, Birth & Baby Expos

This free, drop-in expo is for expectant parents, grandparents and siblings. Get information on a variety of topics related to all phases of pregnancy and beyond including:

• Informational booths and exhibits
• Hands-on demonstrations
• Videos and speakers provided
• Experienced professionals to answer your questions
  

You will also have the opportunity to learn more about and register for upcoming prenatal classes.

Location: Learning Resource Center, 1st floor, West Building (Hospital)
Expo time: 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Childbirth Education Class

Practice positioning, breathing and relaxation techniques, and tour the Birth Center. You will learn about the birthing process based on the Lamaze theory of childbirth education allowing you to make informed choices for a positive birth experience.

Cost: $45/couple
Location: Learning Resource Center 1st floor, West Building (Hospital)
Instructor: Kristin Glass, R.N., Danica Kanneberg, R.N., Robin Dietel, RNC-OB, LCCE, IBCLC
Class time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Online class equivalent: Understanding Birth

Prenatal Breastfeeding Class

Learn how breastfeeding works. Topics include:

• Latching on and positioning
• Knowing when to feed your baby
• How to know your baby is getting enough milk
• How to care for your breasts
• How to make breastfeeding a part of your lifestyle
• Breastmilk expression and returning to work
  

Cost: $20/couple
Location: Learning Resource Center 1st floor, West Building (Hospital)
Instructor: Elizabeth Harris R.N., R.N.C.-OB, IBCLC
Class time: 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Online class equivalent: Understanding Breastfeeding

Baby Basics Class

This combined class includes the basics of newborn care during your hospital stay and the first few weeks at home. Topics include:

• Newborn characteristics
• Hospital routines
• Calming a fussy baby
• Signs of illness
• Hands-on demonstrations on diapering, bathing, swaddling and car seat installation
  

Cost: $20/couple
Location: Learning Resource Center 1st floor, West Building (Hospital)
Instructor: Robin Dietel, R.N.C-OB, LCCE, IBCLC
Class time: 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Online class equivalent: Understanding Your Newborn

Online Classes

Can't come to an on-site class? We'll bring them to you! Marshfield Medical Center is happy to provide online childbirth and parenting preparation classes that you can take conveniently from home or choose to pair with an in-person class or tour.

Our eClasses are perfect for:

• Parents who need a more flexible schedule
• Parents on bed rest
• Parents who prefer online learning
• Spanish-speaking parents
• Trusted education, your way.
• Learn essential information that's reviewed and updated regularly
• No commercials or sponsored content
• Access information when, where, and how you'd prefer
• Share information with your partner and support people
• Learn with videos, quizzes, and extended activities
• Get organized with tools, planning checklists, and trackers
  

Call 715-387-7071 to sign-up for an online course >

Watch the video below for an inside look at our online classes.

Prenatal Classes 2023

The birth of a child is one of the most cherished moments in life. The Birthing Center at Marshfield Medical Center-Minocqua Hospital offers several opportunities for childbirth education. As you prepare for your birth experience, prenatal classes can be an important step. The classes are taught by experienced OB Registered Nurses. Call the birthing center at 715-439-8042 for more information. 

Class 1: The End of Pregnancy, Labor & Delivery, Medications and Procedures you may experience.

Class 2: Comfort and Coping Techniques, Cesarean Birth, Postpartum Recovery and a Virtual Department Tour

Class 3: Your Newborn and Off to a Good Start with Breastfeeding

Each Series consists of EITHER 3 classes, held on Wednesday evenings, from 6:00pm-8:00 pm OR a 6 hour Saturday class held from 8:00am-2:00pm. Classes will be virtual for now, but we hope to return to an in-person format soon.

Series A: Wednesdays, January 11, 18, 26: 6:00pm-8:00pm

Series B: Saturday, March 4: 8:00am-2:00pm

Series C: Wednesdays, May 17, 24, 31: 6:00pm-8:00pm

Series D: Saturday, July 15: 8:00am-2:00pm

Series E: Wednesdays, September 13, 20, 27: 6:00pm-8:00pm

Series F: Saturday, November 4: 8:00am-2:00pm

Registration Information: Return the form located here to: Marshfield Medical Center-Minocqua Birthing Center, 9576 Highway 70, Minocqua WI 54548, or call 715-439-8042.  

Marshfield Medical Center-Rice Lake offers prenatal class as an interactive class that will cover third trimester of your pregnancy through caring for your newborn.

Please wear comfortable clothing. Classes will be held each month from 6-8:30 p.m. in the hospital conference room 1 & 2 on the ground floor, past the cafeteria. People attending classes can enter through Entrance #1 and ask for directions at the registration desk.

*In accordance with the CDC recommendation to accommodate for social distancing, class size is limited. Masks required (available at entrance).

Registration information
To register or if you have questions, please call 715-236-6166. Leave a message with your name and email address and phone number. On the day of class, enter through Door #1 (Emergency entrance) and ask registration for directions to the conference rooms.

In-person class
Prenatal class will cover:

• Signs of labor
• When to call/come to the hospital
• Comfort measures for labor (breathing, positions, massage, etc.)
• Medication for labor
• Cesarean birth
• Postpartum depression
• Newborn care

Class will be held 6-8:30 p.m. on the following dates:

Breastfeeding class will cover:

• Benefits of breastfeeding
• How milk is made
• How to acquire an optimal milk supply
• Pumping and storing

Class will be held 6-8:30 p.m. on the following dates:

Marshfield Medical Center-Weston offers in-person and online childbirth, infant care, breastfeeding and parenting classes at their Family Birth Center.

All classes are held in the conference creativity room next to the Bread Basket Cafeteria at the hospital. You can park in PARKING LOT #4 and enter in Door #4. Expectant mothers can bring one support person to every class.

Registration Information

To register for a class, call 715-393-3046 and indicate which classes you would like to attend and date. Please send a check or money order made out to – MMC-Weston Family Birth Center for the total amount to this address:

Marshfield Medical Center-Weston
Attn: Wendy Kremnitzer- FBC manager
3400 Ministry Parkway
Weston, WI 54476

In-person classes

In-person classes are limited to 5 participants, including their support person. Participation is determined on a first come, first serve basis with paid registrations.

Cancellation information

In-person classes may be canceled in the event of inclement weather or due to low class enrollment. Call 715-393-3046 for more information on cancelations.

Breastfeeding basics: A certified lactation consultant or lactation educator will present information on the advantages of breastfeeding, and discuss tips on getting started, positioning techniques, and how to overcome common challenges of breastfeeding.
5:30-7:30 p.m.     Cost: $20

Infant Care Basics: Expectant parents have the opportunity to learn and ask questions about what caring for an infant will be like. This class also provides information on Period of PURPLE Crying and infant CPR (NOT CPR CERTIFICATION).
6-9 p.m.     Cost: $20

Child Birth Preparation: This class is intended for parents to gain knowledge and confidence to make informed choices for a positive birth experience. Expectant mothers and their support partners will be given the tools to help them manage their labor and birth. Relaxation/breathing techniques and comfort positions will be practiced and information about medications and Cesarean section will also be discussed.
8 a.m.-Noon     Cost: $20

Fathers in Training: This class is led by one of the male Marshfield Clinic Health System pediatricians and is for expectant fathers only. Designed for dads to learn in a relaxed environment in the company of other dads. Topics include information on how to care for their new baby as well as their significant other during the postpartum period.
8-9 p.m.     Cost: $10

Online Classes

Can't come to an on-site class? We'll bring them to you! Marshfield Medical Center-Weston is happy to provide online childbirth and parenting preparation classes that you can take conveniently from home or choose to pair with an in-person class or tour.

For more information, call 1-715-393-3046

• Parents who need a more flexible schedule
• Parents on bed rest
• Parents who prefer online learning
• Spanish-speaking parents
• Trusted education, your way.
• Learn essential information that's reviewed and updated regularly
• No commercials or sponsored content
• Access information when, where, and how you'd prefer
• Share information with your partner and support people
• Learn with videos, quizzes, and extended activities
• Get organized with tools, planning checklists, and trackers
  

Learn more about our online courses >

Watch the video below for an inside look at our online classes.