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.

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

2019 Workshop Dates and Time:

Saturdays
9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

December 21

2020 Workshop Dates and Time:

Saturdays
9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

January 25
February 29
March 28
April 25
May 30
June 27
July 25
August 29
September 26
October 31
November 14
December 19

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: Contact Mercy Health Education at 209.564.4384 or email [email protected] 

Classes are held at:

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


2019 Class Dates and Time: 

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

December 20

2020 Class Dates and Time: 

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

January 22
February 19
March 18
April 22
May 20
June 17
July 15
August 19
September 16
October 21
November 16
December 21

For more detailed information about the breastfeeding class or to request a Spanish class, call Mercy Health Education at 209.564.4384.

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


2019 Four Week Class Dates and Times: 

All classes are held from 6 - 9 pm 

Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27

2019 One Day Abbreviated Class 

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

Dec. 14

2020 Four Week Class Dates and Times: 

All classes are held from 6 - 9 pm

Jan. 8, 15, 22, & 29 
Feb. 5, 12, 19, & 26 
Mar. 4, 11, 18, & 25 
Apr. 1, 8, 15, & 22 
May 6, 13, 20, & 27 
Jun. 3, 10, 17, & 24 
Jul. 1, 8, 15, & 22 
Aug. 5, 12, 19, & 26 
Sep. 2, 9, 16, & 23
Oct. 7, 14, 21, & 28 
Nov. 2, 9, 16, & 23 
Dec. 7, 14, 21, & 28

2020 One Day Abbreviated Class 

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

Jan. 4 
Feb. 1 
Mar. 7 
Apr. 4 
May 16 
Jun. 6 
Jul. 11 
Aug. 1 
Sep. 5 
Oct. 3 
Nov. 7 
Dec. 12

For more detailed information about the breastfeeding class or to request a Spanish class, call Mercy Health Education at 209.564.4384.

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


2019 Class Dates and Time: 

6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

December 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


2019 Dates and Time:
Stork Tour: 6 - 7 p.m.

December 10

2020 Dates and Time:
Stork Tour: 6 - 7 p.m.

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