Health Topics

Health topics

Browse topics to help you live your best life.

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Our OB-GYN staff provide surgical and nonsurgical care for women in all stages of life, from adolescence to pregnancy, to menopause and beyond.

December

Prenatal & Parenting
Eau Claire, WI Virtual

This monthly evening virtual group class via Zoom is designed for women who are considering breastfeeding or have decided to breastfeed. It covers the benefits of breastfeeding and information needed to achieve breastfeeding goals. Register for your preferred date to take the class using the "Register" link, and we'll email you a Zoom link to join the class. See additional class availability on the calendar.

Contact WellnessClinic@mayo.edu with questions related to prenatal education classes and registration.

This class is open to current Mayo Clinic Health System OB-GYN patients in the Northwest Wisconsin Region. It is ideal to attend a class from the location you plan to deliver so you will be prepared with local birth center processes. If you are not a Mayo Clinic Health System OB patient, view Mayo Clinic prenatal class offerings.

Prenatal & Parenting
Red Wing, MN In Person

This class is for after your baby is born. Parents and baby are welcomed back to the classroom for the new challenges of baby care and parenting.

Educators and lactation consultants will answer parent questions and review topics such as baby care, growth and development, weight gain, lactation and feeding issues, and facing new challenges. Attend as many classes as desired. Family members and siblings age 6 and older are welcome.

Registration is not required.

If there is inclement weather, Mayo Clinic Health System will likely cancel class.


This class is open to current Mayo Clinic Health System OB-GYN patients. It is ideal to attend a class from the location you plan to deliver at so you will be prepared with local birth center processes. If you are not a Mayo Clinic Health System OB patient, view Mayo Clinic prenatal class offerings.

Prenatal & Parenting
Eau Claire, WI In Person Virtual

This virtual and in-person drop-in group is for families to work through the natural ups and downs of breastfeeding with a lactation consultant and the support of other families. Bring your baby and come as you are to this informal group. The group is facilitated by certified lactation consultants. An infant scale is available should you want to weigh your baby.

This class is now offered in person and virtually. 

In-person details:

Park in the south lot, behind the 727 Building. The back entrance door will lead to the hallway of Conference Room B. Parking is located behind the building, with additional parking in the southeast lot that is diagonal from the building.

Virtual details: 

Teams virtual meeting link
Meeting ID: 256 728 988 220
Passcode: E92iPy

If you need one-on-one breastfeeding assistance, set up an appointment through your patient portal account, or call us at 715-838-5025.

This class is open to current Mayo Clinic Health System OB-GYN patients in the Northwest Wisconsin Region. It is ideal to attend a class from the location you plan to deliver so you will be prepared with local birth center processes. If you are not a Mayo Clinic Health System OB patient, view Mayo Clinic prenatal class offerings.

Prenatal & Parenting
Fairmont, MN In Person

This group is for new mothers and mothers-to-be interested in breastfeeding. Baby Cafe is a national network of breastfeeding drop-ins, combining breastfeeding information in a relaxed, informal environment where mothers can chat and learn about breastfeeding from skilled practitioners and each other. Registration is not required, this is a drop-in offering. 

Class Cancellations

If a class is canceled, Mayo Clinic Health System will make every attempt to reach you by phone or email. Mayo Clinic Health System reserves the right to cancel any class that does not meet minimum size requirements. If local schools are cancelled, so are prenatal education offerings. Alternative classes will be offered whenever possible. Call 507-594-4607 for cancellation or postponement information.

Prenatal & Parenting
Mankato, MN In Person

This two-day class is for moms at 24 and 32 weeks' gestation and their support person. This condensed version of the Childbirth Education class is designed for parents who are expecting but whose schedules won't accommodate the recommended five-week series. Participants will learn from presentations, hands-on activities, discussions, role-playing and videos. Register early, as the class size is limited. Participants should bring the "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy" book they received from their clinic.

This class is open to current Mayo Clinic Health System OB-GYN patients. It is ideal to attend a class from the location you plan to deliver so you will be prepared with local birth center processes. If you are not a Mayo Clinic Health System OB patient, view Mayo Clinic prenatal class offerings.

Class cancellations

If a class is canceled, Mayo Clinic Health System will make every attempt to reach you by phone or email. Mayo Clinic Health System reserves the right to cancel any class that does not meet minimum size requirements. If local schools are cancelled, so are prenatal education offerings. Alternative classes will be offered whenever possible. Call 507-594-4607 for cancellation or postponement information.

Prenatal & Parenting
La Crosse, WI In Person

This one-hour class is intended for parents and grandparents. It includes information about the steps related to performing infant CPR and relief of choking. This is not a certification course. No completion cards or certificates will be given for participating. View additional class availability on the calendar.

This class is open to current Mayo Clinic Health System OB-GYN patients. It is ideal to attend a class from the location you plan to deliver so you will be prepared with local birth center processes. If you are not a Mayo Clinic Health System OB patient, view Mayo Clinic prenatal class offerings.

Interpreter services are provided for free for patients who do not speak English and are attending an in-person course in La Crosse. Call Mayo Clinic Health System at 608-392-9090 to arrange for an interpreter.

All registered participants will receive a confirmation letter. Patient portal users will receive a confirmation letter via the portal.

Class cancellation
If you must cancel your registration, call 608-392-9090 at least three business days prior to your class so those on the waitlist can have your spot. Classes that do not meet the minimum size requirements may be canceled. Classes that reach maximum capacity will be closed. If there are severe weather warnings in the La Crosse and surrounding counties, classes will be canceled. Call 608-392-9723 to confirm class cancellation due to severe weather.

January

Prenatal & Parenting
Red Wing, MN In Person

This three-session class is recommended during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.

Topics include:

  • Progression of labor into birth
  • Birth stories
  • Options for pain relief
  • Comfort measures
  • Positioning and medication alternatives

Baby care topics include:

  • Normal characteristics of the newborn
  • Caring for baby
  • Infant safety
  • Family adjustments to the new baby
  • Car seat safety
  • Physical development
  • Couplet care

One support person who will be involved in the labor and delivery is invited to attend class. A single registration covers mom and support person.

If there is inclement weather, you can call our general phone line at 651-267-5000 to see if class is canceled. If a class is canceled for nonweather-related reasons, we'll make every attempt to reach you by phone or email.

This class is open to current Mayo Clinic Health System OB-GYN patients. It is ideal to attend a class from the location you plan to deliver so you will be prepared with local birth center processes. If you are not a Mayo Clinic Health System OB patient, view Mayo Clinic prenatal class offerings.

Prenatal & Parenting
Austin, MN In Person

This two-session class is recommended during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Topics include progression of labor into birth, birth stories, options for pain relief, comfort measures, positioning and medication alternatives. Baby care topics include normal characteristics of the newborn, caring for baby, infant safety, family adjustments to the new baby, car seat safety, physical development and couplet care.

One support person who will be involved in the labor and delivery is invited to attend class. Support person does not need to register individually for class. A single registration covers mom and support person.

Class may be cancelled for low enrollment and/or severe weather and staff will make every attempt to reach you by phone or email.


This class is open to current Mayo Clinic Health System OB-GYN patients. It is ideal to attend a class from the location you plan to deliver so you will be prepared with local birth center processes. If you are not a Mayo Clinic Health System OB patient, view Mayo Clinic prenatal class offerings.

Prenatal & Parenting
Austin, MN In Person

This two-hour class is recommended for expecting parents who are considering or have decided to breastfeed. Partners are encouraged to attend. Topics include advantages of breastfeeding, initiation of breastfeeding, latch and positioning, expressing and storing breast milk, breastfeeding lifestyle, common breastfeeding problems and resources.

Class may be canceled for low enrollment and/or severe weather and staff will make every attempt to reach you by phone or email.

This class is open to current Mayo Clinic Health System OB-GYN patients. It is ideal to attend a class from the location you plan to deliver so you will be prepared with local birth center processes. If you are not a Mayo Clinic Health System OB patient, view Mayo Clinic prenatal class offerings.

Hometown Health Blog

Managing plugged ducts, mastitis when breastfeeding

Some women wean their baby from breastfeeding early because of breast pain caused by plugged ducts or mastitis. Learn how to prevent these conditions and get tips to manage pain during breastfeeding.

Abbey Rose, CNM, A.P.N.P. By Abbey Rose July 26, 2024

Staying safe in the heat during pregnancy

The body works harder to stay cool during pregnancy, which makes pregnant people more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. When temperatures soar, staying hydrated and cool is crucial.

Abbey Rose, CNM, A.P.N.P. By Abbey Rose July 9, 2024

Supporting pregnancy and family-building for LGBTQ+ community

People in the LGBTQ+ community may face challenges that affect their health and pregnancies. Regardless of gender or identity, prenatal care is essential for all people who are pregnant.

Sara Robinson, M.D. By Sara Robinson June 11, 2024

Aromatherapy use and safety: What to know about essential oils during pregnancy

During and after pregnancy, some people use aromatherapy with essential oils to relieve discomfort and promote relaxation. Find out which oils are helpful, and what to consider if you want to try them.

Emily Sisco, CNM, A.P.N.P. By Emily Sisco March 1, 2024

A closer look at ovarian cancer screening

Unlike breast or colon cancer, there isn't a universal screening program for ovarian cancer. Learn why, what tests can be used and the symptoms to watch for.

October 23, 2023

Uterovaginal prolapse: What's that?

Roughly half of women experience some degree of pelvic organ prolapse, yet rarely discuss the common issue as they age. Read about the causes, symptoms and treatments available.

Mary Alvarado, M.D. By Mary Alvarado September 21, 2023

Protecting yourself against HPV

With over 100 varieties, HPV has a low or high risk based on the potential to cause cancer in infected tissues. Read about screening methods and the recommended age for getting the HPV vaccine.

Erica Berven MD By Erica Berven September 12, 2023

Why are my periods so irregular, heavy and painful?

Menstrual cycle irregularities are not unusual, although the causes of abnormal bleeding may vary by age. Learn about the three most common bleeding patterns women experience.

Fadi Yahya, M.D. By Fadi Yahya August 22, 2023

Don’t let irregular vaginal bleeding affect your quality of life

Do you experience irregular vaginal bleeding? Find out what's normal, what's not and what course of action to take.

Tiffany Casper DO By Tiffany Casper August 4, 2023

Should you be concerned about postmenopausal bleeding?

The term "menopause" can be daunting on its own, but coupled with the words "abnormal bleeding" may cause extra concern. Consulting with your care team will determine the cause and next steps.

Katie Casper, M.D. By Katie Casper June 29, 2023

Using ovulation tools to predict fertility

Pinpointing the most fertile days of your cycle can increase the chances of conception. Learn the signs of ovulation and ways to track it using your body's clues and other tools.

Alicia Ogle, N.P. By Alicia Ogle June 13, 2023

Beware of risks, signs of premature birth

No parent wants to think about the possibility of having a premature baby. It’s important to talk with your health care team and family about what you’ll do if a premature birth occurs.

Erica Berven MD By Erica Berven June 5, 2023