Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin is expecting mothers’ one-stop childbirth education center.

The Women’s Special Care Unit at the medical center can assist pregnant women and their partner with all the preparations needed for childbirth through childbirth education classes.

The next childbirth education class sessions offered at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin will be May 14, 17, 21 and 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. in Classroom 3. Classes are free and open to anyone who is in their third trimester (or sixth month of pregnancy), 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 the medical center. “Each individual is unique and so is each pregnancy and birthing experience. We believe childbirth education is a vital way to make your birthing experience the best it can be, and we’re here to provide you with the education you need.”

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 to inquire about other childbirth education classes, go to mayoclinichealthsystem.org and click on Minnesota, Austin, and Classes and Events or call the Women’s Special Care Unit at 507-434-1380.