Birth and Parenting Classes

Baby Basics - Understanding Your Newborn

This course will assist you in learning to care for your newborn. Topics covered include: bathing, diapering, feeding, and comforting your baby. Also discussed are infant sleep patterns and car seat safety.

Due to COVID – 19 pandemic this class is currently being offered virtually, with your education booklet provided via mail; $10 per couple.

Please call (661) 663-6067 to register.

Preparing to Breastfeed

This virtual course covers breastfeeding minutes after delivery and beyond. You will learn about this valuable nutrition for your baby and the role it plays in developing your baby’s immune system and how milk is made. The course also covers correct positioning and latch, how to avoid common problems, and how to be successful with your breastfeeding experience.

This course is offered virtually with a corresponding book mailed to your home for independent learning.

Childbirth Preparation - Understanding Childbirth

This virtual course will walk you through the basics of what to expect during labor, birth, and the postpartum period. An additional video taught by a Registered Nurse, is provided in place of an in-person class to educate families regarding their upcoming hospital stay and help explain what to expect.

Due to COVID – 19 pandemic currently being offered virtually, with education booklet provided via mail; $10 per couple. Please call (661) 663-6067 to register.

Introduction Tour – temporarily suspended

Having a baby is a special time, and Mercy Hospitals can help you get ready for the birth, whether it’s your first or your fifth. Attending a tour of our birth center will help you become familiar with the unit and have an opportunity to ask questions about the birthing process. We suggest registering for a tour early in pregnancy to allow time to learn about our hospital and attend other prenatal courses offered.

***Due to COVID – 19 pandemic TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED. Please call (661) 663-6067 for most up-to-date information***

Here is a virtual tour to view the Family Birth Center:

Family Lactation Connection

Mercy Southwest Hospital’s Family Lactation Connection is a team of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) who are available on scheduled days to provide free outpatient assistance to patients who have delivered at our Family Birth Center. Our goal is to support, troubleshoot, and encourage families at any stage of their breastfeeding journey.

We are offering private, patient-centered consultations by appointment only, following current CDC guidelines.

Appointments can be scheduled on:

Sundays between 1:30pm and 5:30pm or Wednesdays between 3:30pm – 7:30pm

To schedule an appointment or for questions, please call (661) 663-6067.