Back to homepage

Childbirth Education Classes

We are offering Baby Basics, Preparing for Labor and Breastfeeding classes virtually via Zoom. Sign up via the form below. All other prenatal classes are postponed until further notice. We appreciate your patience. 

Congratulations, you’re expecting! Having a baby is one of the most exciting times in your life and MercyOne is here to support you every step of the way. We offer several prenatal classes designed to build your confidence and prepare you for the upcoming birth of your baby and the care needed when you are ready to take your baby home.

Each class is designed to instruct parents or other caregivers on each part of the pregnancy process; from pregnancy expectations, to labor and delivery, to post delivery and breastfeeding. 

Be prepared to care for your baby with confidence. This class will give you all the basics you need to care for your baby in the first year of life. Class content includes bathing, skin care, feeding, stimulation, play, safety, communication, and sleep. Intended audience includes: expectant parents, adoptive parents and grandparents. *Lamaze info not included in this class.

  • 2024 Dates: July 2nd, August 6th, September 3rd, October 1st, November 5th, December 5th.
  • 2025 Dates: January 14th, February 11th, March 11th, April 8th, May 13th, June 10th, July 8th, August 12th, September 9th, October 14th, November 11th, December 9th.
  • Time 6-7:30 p.m.
  • Location: Virtual via Zoom
  • Cost: FREE
  • To register call 319-272-8200, option 1 or submit the registration form at the bottom of this page

Our breastfeeding class covers all the basics of breast-feeding. Discussion includes: advantages of breast milk as the superior infant food, preparation for breast-feeding, what to expect in the hospital and breast-feeding skills (including positioning and latch). We will also talk about storage and handling of breast milk, breast pumps, returning to work and more. Class is taught by our Lactation Consultants. A support person is encouraged to attend.

  • 2024 Dates: July 16, August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19, December 17.
  • 2025 Dates: January 21st, February 18th, March 18th, April 15th, May 20th, June 17th, July 15th, August 19th September 16th, October 20th, November 18, December 15th.
  • Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
  • Location: Virtual via Zoom
  • Cost: FREE

We provide breast pumps for sale or rent. For more information, please contact our lactation department at 319-272-MILK (6455).

This class is designed to educate pregnant women and their partners on the birth experience without the time commitment of multi-class experience. Topics may include how to know you are in labor, the care you will receive from admission to discharge, comfort options, birthing experience choices, what to bring to the hospital and a guided tour of the MercyOne Waterloo Birth Center. This class is most helpful when attended in the third trimester and partners are encouraged to join.

  • 2024 Dates: July 2nd, August 6th, September 3rd, October 1st, November 5th, December 5th.
  • 2025 Dates: January 7th, February 4th, March 4th, April 1st, May 6th, June 3rd, July 1st, August 5th, September 2nd, October 7th, November 4th, December 2nd.
  • Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
  • Location: Virtual via Zoom
  • Cost: FREE
  • To register call 319-272-8200, option 1 or submit the registration form at the bottom of this page