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Birth and Parenting Classes

Childbirth is an exciting time, with many important decisions and preparations to be made. To help all parents feel confident, we offer a comfortable, nurturing environment with an experienced and caring staff available to help prepare and educate you on what to expect with childbirth.

Boot Camp for New Moms and Dads

We are collaborating with the Merced County Human Services Agency to bring this workshop for first-time mothers and fathers to Merced. This is a three-hour workshop taught by mothers/fathers. Veteran moms, dads and their babies orient parents who are expecting their first baby. The rookies get to watch the veterans feed, burp, change, and care for their babies while hearing their experiences and advice. A strong sense of solidarity quickly develops between these parents and peaks when the veterans give their babies to the rookies for hands-on training. 

To Register: There is no fee for this workshop, however registration is required. Please call 209.385.7521 to register.

Classes are held at:

Mercy Medical Pavilion
3rd Floor, Classroom C for the moms / Classroom D for the dads
315 Mercy Ave
Merced, CA 95340

2018 Workshop Dates and Time:

Saturdays
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

January 20
February 17
March 17
April 21
May 19
June 16
July 21
August 18
September 15
October 20
November 17
December 15 

For more detailed information about this workshop, call the Merced County Human Services Agency at 209.385.7521 (extension 5001)

Breastfeeding Class

The breastfeeding class covers the basics of breastfeeding, which include:

  • Reasons to breastfeed
• How to hold and latch your baby
• How your support people can help

There is no cost to attend this class, however, registration is required.

To Register: You must register in person at Education in the Mercy Outpatient Center to pick up your information packet for the class.

Mercy Outpatient Center
Education Center, 2nd Floor
2740 M Street
Merced, CA 95340

Classes are held at:

Mercy Medical Pavilion
3rd Floor, Classrooms C & D
315 Mercy Ave
Merced, CA 95340


2018 Class Dates and Time: 

All breastfeeding classes are held from 6 - 9 p.m.

January 17
February 15
March 21
April 18
May 16
June 20
July 16
August 15
September 19
October 17
November 19
December 20

For more detailed information about the breastfeeding class or to request a Spanish class, call 209.564.4310.  

Childbirth Preparation Class

The childbirth preparation class is a four week course that prepares expectant families for birth. Some topics covered include:

  • Last stages of pregnancy and the childbirth process
• Relaxation, breathing, and “coaching” techniques
• Post-partum, breastfeeding, and newborn care

We offer a one day abbreviated class for those who are unable to attend the 4 week series. This program requires registration and has a $10.00 fee.

To Register: You must register in person at Education in the Mercy Outpatient Center and pay a $10.00 fee by card, personal check, cashiers check, or money order (cash and American Express cards are not accepted).

Mercy Outpatient Center
Education Center, 2nd Floor
2740  M Street
Merced, CA 95340


Classes are held at:

Mercy Medical Pavilion
3rd Floor, Classrooms C & D
315 Mercy Ave
Merced, CA 95340


2018 Four Week Class Dates and Times: 

All classes are held from 6 - 9 pm

January 3, 10, 17, & 24 (Wednesdays)
February 1, 8, 15, & 22 (Thursdays)
March 7, 14, 21, & 28 (Wednesdays)
April 4, 11, 18, & 25 (Wednesdays)
May 2, 9, 16, & 23 (Wednesdays)
June 6, 13, 20, & 27 (Wednesdays)
July 2, 9, 16, & 23 (Mondays)
August 1, 8, 15, & 22 (Wednesdays)
September 5, 12, 19, & 26 (Wednesdays)
October 3, 10, 17, & 24 (Wednesdays)
November 5, 12, 19, & 26 (Mondays)
December 6, 13, 20, & 27 (Thursdays)

2018 One Day Abbreviated Class 

All classes are held from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

January 6
February 3
March 3
April 7
May 12
June 2
July 14
August 4
September 8
October 6
November 3
December 1

For more detailed information about the Childbirth Preparation class or to request a Spanish class, call 209.564.4310.  

Childbirth Preparation Class for Cesarean Births

This is a one night class to prepare you for your cesarean birth.The Childbirth Preparation Class for Cesarean Birth will cover:

• Writing cesarean birth plans
• The role of support people
• Relaxation and breathing techniques to use during birth
• Post-birth exercises for a more comfortable recovery
• Post-partum, breastfeeding, and newborn care

To Register: You must register in person at Education in the Mercy Outpatient Center and pay a $10.00 fee by card, personal check, cashiers check, or money order (cash and American Express cards are not accepted).

Mercy Outpatient Center
Education Center, 2nd Floor
2740 M Street
Merced, CA 95340


Classes are held at:

Mercy Medical Pavilion
3rd Floor, Classrooms C & D
315 Mercy Ave
Merced, CA 95340


2018 Class Dates and Time: 

6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

January 31
March 29
May 30
August 29
October 30

Infant & Child CPR

This class teaches parents, family, and friends the basics of infant and child CPR. Registration for this class is required and it also has a $60.00 fee.

To Register: You must register in person at Education in the Mercy Outpatient Center and pay a $60.00 fee by card, personal check, cashiers check, or money order (cash and American Express cards are not accepted).

Mercy Outpatient Center
Education Center, 2nd Floor
2740 M Street
Merced, CA 95340

For more information, call Education at 209.564.4384.

Stork Tour

The first stop along the Stork Tour is held at the Mercy Medical Pavilion, next to the hospital, where you will have the opportunity to meet local community organizations specializing in helping expectant mothers before and after delivery. This is also where you will receive a complimentary gift.

The second part of the stork tour includes a tour of Mercy’s Family Birth Center where you will be shown each room you will be in during the different stages of your stay in the Family Birth Center, as well as where you need to go to register for your delivery.

To Register: There is no cost or registration required to attend this event.

Stork tours are held at:

Mercy Medical Pavilion
3rd Floor, Classrooms C & D
315 Mercy Ave
Merced, CA 95340


2018 Dates and time:
Stork Tour: 6 - 7 p.m.
Family Birth Center Tour: 7 p.m.

January 9
February 13
March 13
April 10
May 8
June 12
July 10
August 14
September 11
October 9
November 13
December 11