The Austin hospital is here to help expecting parents.

The Women’s Special Care Unit at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin can assist pregnant women and their partner with all the preparations needed for childbirth through childbirth education classes.

The next classes are Jan. 7, 10, 14 and 17, from 6 to 9 p.m. in Classroom 3 at the medical center. Classes are free and open to anyone in their third trimester, along with their partner.

“It is our goal and commitment to provide women in our area with the best prenatal care and education prior to giving birth,” said Nancy Hoversten, Women’s Special Care Unit nurse manager at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin.

Childbirth education classes provide:

—Breathing and relaxation techniques

—Medical interventions — induction, pain medication and cesarean birth

—Stages of labor — what happens at each stage, emotions accompanying each stage, self-help techniques and comfort measures

—Labor partner assistance — how to provide support during labor and birth and preparing for the experience

—Post-partum care education and lifestyle adjustments after giving birth

—Breastfeeding — benefits and education from Women’s Special Care Unit Registered Nurse certified lactation consultant

—Car seat safety and education.

To register for the May session or for more information, go to mayo

clinichealthsystem.org and click on Minnesota, Austin and Classes and Events, or call the Women’s Special Care Unit at 507-434-1380.