Childbirth Center

Infant and Childcare for Adoptive Parents
This four-week course helps families who are finalizing an adoption learn about the daily care and developmental needs of their new child. Normal behavior, daily care activities, development, common illnesses, safety, immunizations and beginning discipline will be discussed. The program is facilitated by a registered nurse and includes presentations by a pediatrician and occupational therapist. Program offered in the Fall and Spring.

Fee: $65 Registration for a seat in this class is for two people. Provide the name of your Guest at checkout.

Healthy Pregnancy Beginnings
Parents-to-be learn about the anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, fetal development, prenatal testing, warning signs of pregnancy complications, proper nutrition and guidelines for safe exercise. A pediatrician will discuss how to choose your baby's doctor, the benefits of breastfeeding and how to find reliable baby care. You'll learn about other expectant parent education programs, our specialized pediatric services and take a tour of our childbirth center. Take this class anytime during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Fee: $10. Registration for a seat in this class is for two people. Provide the name of your Guest at checkout.

Breastfeeding Basics
This pre-birth class prepares you for breastfeeding with information on how to get a good start, proper latch, comfort and positioning, helpful practices and routines in the hospital and at home, and common myths and concerns. Learn how to know if baby is getting enough, when to expect growth spurts, and how to choose the best products and accessories to support breastfeeding and fit your lifestyle. Taught by a certified lactation consultant. Fathers-to-be are highly encouraged to attend.

Fee: $30. Registration for a seat in this class is for two people. Provide the name of your Guest at checkout.

Breastfeeding Basics for Multiples
This pre-birth class prepares you for breastfeeding twins or triplets with information on: how to get a good start; proper latch, comfort and positioning; helpful practices and routines in the hospital and at home; and common myths and concerns. Learn how to know if your babies are getting enough, when to expect growth spurts, and how to choose the best products and accessories to support breastfeeding and fit your lifestyle. Taught by a certified lactation consultant. Fathers-to-be are highly encouraged to attend.

Fee: $30. Registration for a seat in this class is for two people. Provide the name of your Guest at checkout.

Car Seat Safety: Child Passenger Safety Seat Checks
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of injury and death in children. St. John’s Mercy is committed to helping prevent motor vehicle injuries for our smallest patients. Child passenger safety checks are offered weekday mornings by appointment. Trained safety technicians provide education on car seat use, installation and how to properly fit your child into the seat.

Childbirth Center Tour
Considering giving birth at St. John's Mercy? Register today for a tour of the women's evaluation unit, labor and delivery, neonatal intensive care unit, and mother-baby unit. This hour-long session is designed to help expectant parents decide where to give birth and welcome their new baby. Offered on various weekday evenings and on the weekend. Tours are also included in all childbirth preparation classes. Take this class early in your pregnancy.

Fee: FREE program. Registration for a seat in this class is for two people. Provide the name of your Guest at checkout.

Childbirth, Newborn Care and Breastfeeding Package
This six-week, 18-hour program combines our three most popular classes (childbirth preparation, newborn care and breastfeeding basics) at a reduced rate for first-time expectant parents. All instructors are certified by Lamaze International. A tour of the childbirth center is included. We recommend that expectant parents complete this course five to six weeks prior to their due date.

Fee: $145 per couple. Registration for a seat in this class is for two people. Provide the name of your Guest at checkout.

Childbirth Preparation – Four-Week Series
This 10-hour series provides expectant parents with important information that takes the mystery out of the labor and birth process. This class covers how to know if you are in labor, comfort measures, labor positions, relaxation and breathing strategies and epidural anesthesia. Learn about common medical interventions, labor induction, cesarean birth, and post partum recovery. All educators are certified by Lamaze International. A tour of the childbirth center is included. We recommend that expectant parents complete this course five to six weeks prior to their due date.

Fee: $75. Registration for a seat in this class is for two people. Provide the name of your Guest at checkout.

Childbirth Preparation in a Day
This fast-paced, condensed version of our Childbirth Preparation Four-Week Series is offered when work and travel make it challenging to schedule any other class. This class covers how to know if you are in labor, comfort measures, labor positions, relaxation and breathing strategies, and epidural anesthesia. Learn about common medical interventions, labor induction, cesarean birth and postpartum recovery. All educators are certified by Lamaze International. An optional tour of the childbirth center is available at the end of class. Take this class five to six weeks before your due date.

Fee: $95. Registration for a seat in this class is for two people. Provide the name of your Guest at checkout.

Childbirth Preparation – Lamaze Plus
This class is for women who are interested in preparing for a birth experience with less medical intervention. This six-week, 15-hour program includes all information in our childbirth preparation series and allows for additional practice of labor comfort strategies, partner support, and in-depth discussion on working with the natural process of labor. The emphasis is on Lamaze labor and birth practices which support your personal plans for birth. The instructor is a nationally certified Lamaze childbirth educator and doula. A childbirth center tour is included. Complete this course five to six weeks before your due date.

Fee: $125. Registration for a seat in this class is for two people. Provide the name of your Guest at checkout.

Childbirth Preparation – Refresher
This six-hour class will help you plan for your baby's birth because some things may have changed since your last birthing experience. Explore the difference between first and later birth experiences. Review the basics of labor and birth including labor positions, comfort measures, relaxation techniques, and breathing patterns to use at home while in early labor and in the hospital. Pain management options including epidural anesthesia are covered. All educators are certified by Lamaze International. A tour of the childbirth center is included. Complete this course five to six weeks prior to your due date.

Fee: $60. Registration for a seat in this class is for two people. Provide the name of your Guest at checkout.

This fast-paced, condensed version of our Childbirth Preparation Four-Week Series is designed to meet the special needs of young teen women who will be giving birth. This class covers how to know if you are in labor, comfort measures, labor positions, relaxation and breathing strategies, and epidural anesthesia. Learn about common medical interventions, labor induction, cesarean birth and postpartum recovery. All educators are certified by Lamaze International. An optional tour of the childbirth center is available at the end of class. Take this class five to six weeks before your due date.

CPR for Family and Friends
Learn how to perform CPR for infants, children and adults and first aid for choking with hands-on manikin practice in this 2.5-hour course. An American Heart Association book and participation card are provided upon completion. This is not a credentialing or certification course and is designed for lay rescuers in the community. For expectant mothers, we recommend taking the class before your 7th month of pregnancy.

Fee: $25. This class requires separate registrations and fees for each person who attends. Add additional students under your Responsible Party account to register.

Happiest Baby on the Block
Learn how to calm even the fussiest baby. Babies often have trouble adjusting during the first three months of life. Now you can learn how to quickly calm a crying baby. Our certified instructor is trained in the program developed by Harvey Karp, M.D., pediatrician and author of the best-selling book “The Happiest Baby on the Block.” We suggest taking this class any time before or soon after giving birth. Fee includes “The Happiest Baby on the Block” video and “Soothing Sounds” CD.

Fee: $40. Registration for a seat in this class is for two people. Provide the name of your Guest at checkout.

Newborn Care in a Day
This six-hour fun and interactive class will help you prepare for the first few months of newborn care. Practice diapering, bathing and swaddling a life-size baby doll. Learn about circumcision and umbilical cord care. The benefits of breastfeeding, infant formula preparation and introducing solids will be presented. Sleep patterns and baby safety tips (including car seat installation) are included. A guest pediatrician will discuss what to expect during well-baby visits, the importance of immunizations, common childhood illnesses, how to tell if your baby is sick, and how to take your baby's temperature. This class will boost your confidence while preparing for your baby’s arrival. Take this class five to eight weeks before your due date.

Fee: $70. Registration for a seat in this class is for two people. Provide the name of your Guest at checkout.

Preparing for Life with Multiples
This three-week series focuses on the unique aspects of multiple pregnancies and raising twins or triplets. Topics include: nutrition for multiple pregnancy; preterm labor; why bed rest is sometimes recommended and how to survive it; naming twins and dressing them alike; co-bedding twins; feeding schedules for multiples; and what to expect in cesarean birth. Helpful community resources will be shared, including the Mothers of Twins Group. Enjoy a presentation by a pediatrician about maternal and fetal testing during multiple pregnancy. A nurse practitioner from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) will provide helpful information about what to expect if your babies require a stay in the NICU. Parents who are raising multiples will give their advice on how to survive.

Fee: $50. Registration for a seat in this class is for two people. Provide the name of your Guest at checkout.

Preparing Your Pet for the New Baby - A local veterinarian will provide a lively discussion for expectant parents about how their beloved pet may react to the addition of a baby in the household. Topics include: tips for preparation; bringing your newborn home and that first introduction; and what to expect when baby starts crawling and interacting with your pet.

Fee: FREE. Registration for a seat in this class is for two people. Provide the name of your Guest at checkout.

The Joy of Grandparenting
Join a lively discussion for grandparents-to-be and new grandparents about the changes in birthing and infant care practices. The class will include information on long-distance grandparenting, safety issues and the latest nutrition information. A tour of the childbirth center (including labor and delivery and the mother-baby unit) is included.

Fee: $25. Registration for a seat in this class is for two people. Provide the name of your Guest at checkout.

Vaginal Birth after Cesarean (VBAC)
Many women who have had cesareans go on to have a vaginal birth. This class is an opportunity to gather information and gain support to give birth vaginally after a previous cesarean birth. This two-hour program is recommended early in your pregnancy when thinking about VBAC.

Fee: $25. Registration for a seat in this class is for two people. Provide the name of your Guest at checkout.

Baby's First Massage
Parents learn how babies communicate and how to understand infant cues while practicing massage techniques to comfort and bond with their baby. Massaging your baby promotes relaxation, improves sleep, boosts the immune system, assists in digestion and increases circulation to enhance muscle tone. Attend this 1.5-hour class with your baby during the baby’s first eight weeks of life.

Fee: $25. Registration for a seat in this class is for two people and your baby. Provide the name of your Guest at checkout.

Fee: $40. Registration for a seat in this class is for two people. Provide the name of your Guest at checkout.

NEW PARENT GROUPS

Baby & You Outpatient Lactation Counseling
Some new mothers need additional help with breastfeeding after discharge from the hospital. If you are experiencing difficulties nursing your baby, call to make an appointment with one of our lactation consultants. Most visits last sixty minutes with a reasonable fee that some insurance plans will cover.

Fee: $45 for a one-hour consultation. Call 314-251-6781 to schedule your appointment.

This informal group of nursing mothers with their babies provides an opportunity to receive expert advice from a lactation consultant on any breastfeeding topic or concern. Meetings are held every Wednesday from 1 to 2 p.m. at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center in the 6C #1 Conference Room. If you are experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding during the first 3 weeks of your baby's life we recommend that you schedule an individual appointment with one of our lactation consultants. Most visits last sixty minutes with a reasonable fee that some insurance plans will cover. Call 314-251-6781 to schedule your appointment.

No fee, registration appreciated. REGISTER online or call 314-961-2229.

La Leche Leauge Breastfeeding Support Group

Expectant parents, moms with babies, and dads participate in a guided group discussion facilitated by accredited La Leche Leauge Leaders. Meetings are held the second Thursday evening of each month. The program begins with refreshments and networking at 7 p.m., followed by discussion from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.; located at St. John's Mercy Medical Center in the Mercy Doctors Building. Tower A, Outpatient Lab Waiting Room.

Fee: Free program. For questions call 314-872-3451.

New Moms Network
Hear expert speakers address the many concerns of new parents. Share with other new moms. Make new friends. The group is facilitated by a childbirth educator and meets on the second and fourth Wednesday morning of each month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the 6C #1 Conference Room.

Teen Moms Network
This informal gathering of young moms and their babies provides support from peers who are experiencing the same issues of being a teen parent.

Life with Multiples Gathering
Meet with other parents who are facing the challenges of raising multiples who are under the age of two.

Fee: Free program for parents of multiples with their babies. Registration appreciated.