Childbirth Classes

St. Louis Childbirth Classes

Our childbirth classes and maternity tours provide the knowledge and confidence you need before, during and after your baby’s birth.

Considering giving birth at Mercy? Learn about our maternity services as you familiarize yourself with the hospital. Choose from in-person or virtual options. Register for a tour here >

Mercy Hospital St. Louis offers a variety of classes to help expectant parents feel confident and prepared for childbirth.

Labor & Birth, Newborn Care and Breastfeeding Package (Six-Week Series) – Mercy recommends this popular package for first-time parents and those who want the latest information on giving birth, breastfeeding and caring for a newborn. Separate courses on each topic are also available.

Labor & Birth Preparation Express (One Day) – Get all the Labor & Birth information from the six-week package in a single day. Join us on a Saturday or Sunday to learn about giving birth at Mercy Hospital St. Louis.

Labor & Birth Preparation Online (Self-Paced) – Expectant moms on bedrest or couples needing flexibility can receive online education. Registration includes nine months of access to self-learning modules customized for childbirth at Mercy.

Natural Birth Preparation (Five-Week Series) – This course is offered in person or virtually and is essential for expectant couples who desire a low-intervention birth without epidural anesthesia. Each class includes focused time for practicing natural comfort measures.

(Virtual) Cesarean Birth Preparation (One Day) – This virtual class covers common reasons for a c-section birth, how to prepare for the procedure, what happens in the OR and what to expect in recovery.

Postpartum Depression Support Group (4th Tuesday of the Month) – This informal group meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at Mercy Hospital St. Louis to share experiences with postpartum depression. Moms are welcome to bring their babies.

Virtual Labor & Birth Preparation (Six-Week Series)

Mercy Birthplace in St. Louis offers breastfeeding education for expectant and nursing mothers.

Breastfeeding Basics: A Successful Start (One Day) – This class is offered in-person or virtually and is packed with valuable information and strategies for successfully breastfeeding your baby.

Breastfeeding Basics Online (Self-Paced) – Expectant moms on bedrest or couples needing flexibility can receive online education. Learn about breastfeeding benefits, identifying an optimal latch, troubleshooting early breastfeeding challenges and more.

Breastfeeding With Confidence Support Group (Weekly) – This popular support group is available at Mercy Hospital St. Louis and Mercy office buildings in St. Peters and South County. Get tips for successful breastfeeding from a nurse with specialized lactation training.

View all breastfeeding classes here >

Regular exercise is healthy if you’re having a normal pregnancy. Ask your OB/GYN if exercise is right for you.

Move It Baby! Prenatal Yoga (Six Weeks) – Our prenatal yoga class helps strengthen muscles needed for pregnancy and childbirth. Studies show prenatal yoga also improves sleep and reduces stress. The class covers breathing, stretching, postures and relaxation.

Explore care and development classes for your newborn or toddler.

Hello Baby! Newborn Care Basics (One Day) – Join us on a Saturday or Sunday for an interactive class that gets you ready for newborn care. Learn about swaddling, diapering, bathing, feeding, sleeping, infant safety and more.

Mercy Moms Connect (Monthly) – Join us the first Wednesday of each month with your baby or toddler to connect with other parents and learn about childcare trends.

Get your family members excited and ready for your little one’s arrival.

Family and Friends CPR (One Hour 30 Minutes) - Family members, friends and members of the community learn how to perform CPR for infants, children and adults and first aid for choking.

Grandparenting Today (Three Hours) – New grandparents learn about improvements in childbirth and newborn care. Class includes a tour of Mercy Birthplace.

Siblings Classes (Up to One Hour) – Two classes are offered for new siblings and their families:

Tiny Tots, a 45-minute class for children ages 2 to 3
Super Sibs, a one-hour class for children ages 3 to 6

Both classes include a tour of Mercy’s mother-baby unit and story time focused on their new sibling’s arrival. Kids use dolls to practice safely holding their new sibling.

Find support from your peers at our meetings for new moms, breastfeeding, and postpartum depression.

Mercy Moms Connect (Bimonthly) – Join us every other Wednesday with your baby or toddler to connect with other parents and learn about childcare trends.