Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Classes and Education

The Aspirus Women's Health Birthing Center offers Perinatal education programs for families in the childbearing years. The programs provide professional instruction by perinatal educators who guide and support families in making choices about their pregnancy, labor, birth, hospital stay and beginning parenting.

How To Register for Classes:

Please make check/money order payable to Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Send to:

Childbirth Education - Aspirus Women's Health Birthing Center
333 Pine Ridge Blvd.
Wausau, WI 54401

Your class registration via this Web site will be processed once payment is received. You will then receive a confirmation letter confirming the date(s) of your class(es). If the date(s) you have chosen are not available, you will be contacted and offered a different class time. If you do not receive a confirmation letter in the mail within 5-7 business days, please call the Aspirus Information Center at 715.847.2380 or 800.847.4707.

NOTE: There is a minimum class enrollment. Based on registration attendance you may be asked to reschedule your class date. 

Programs

Browse the list below to learn more about the perinatal education classes and events offered by the Aspirus Women's Health Birthing Center:

Baby Care Basics

Topics include practice giving a baby bath, bottlefeeding, burping and diapering a doll, ways to calm a fussy baby, circumcision, signs of illness, and choosing the right car seat for you and your baby. Please visit our Programs & Events page and select the Birthing Classes category, or search by the name of the program to find dates and times.

Baby Fair Open House

At the Baby Fair, you can register for classes, tour the Birthing Center and Newborn Intensive Care Unit, and get information about nutrition, exercise, fetal development, breastfeeding and baby care. Meet with staff from the Marathon County Health Department, a Pediatrician, Birthing Center Staff and a Senior Car Seat Checker from Wausau Area Safe Kids.

Please visit our Programs & Events page and select the Birthing Classes category, or search by the name of the program to find dates and times.

Boot Camp for New Dads

Presented by Boot Camp facilitators

New babies don't come with owners manuals.  Breastfeeding, diaper changing and dealing with mom are all new experiences for the first time father.              

This class is a 3 hour workshop for dads-to-be only.  The topics will center on becoming a dad, along with some hands-on opportunity for prospective dads to become comfortable in caring for their newborns under the guidance of the facilitator and the veteran dads who will bring their babies to class. Please visit our Programs & Events page and select the Birthing Classes category, or search by the name of the program to find dates and times.

Breastfeeding Class

The class content will assist you and your partner in making an informed choice about infant feeding and further prepare you both for breastfeeding your new baby. The course is taught by our lactation consultants and breastfeeding educators who will cover the following topics:

• Advantages of breastfeeding to mom and baby

• The process of human milk production and how physical and emotional changes affect the milk supply

• How to establish a successful latch-on in the first few days after baby's birth

• Combining working with breastfeeding

Classes are offered on Thursdays twice a month. Please visit our Programs & Events page and select the Birthing Classes category, or search by the name of the program to find dates and times.

Car Seat Safety Class

Presented by Safe Kids Wausau Area and Aspirus Wausau Hospital

This free class teaches expecting, new or experienced parents, grandparents and caregivers about car seat safety. During the 2-hour, hands-on class, you will learn how to: 

• Choose the appropriate car seat for your child

• Properly install a car seat in your vehicle

• Properly adjust the car seat to fit your child

• Check your seat for expiration dates and recalls.

New car seats will be available to purchase at reduced rates during the class., or you can bring your own car seat to practice with.

Please visit our Programs & Events page and select the Birthing Classes category, or search by the name of the program to find dates and times.

Childbirth Education: The Lamaze Method

Perinatal educators have designed this class to prepare you for the last weeks of your pregnancy, your labor, your birth, and your hospital stay with your baby. At the Aspirus Women's Health Birthing Center we use the "See What You Read" materials by InJoy as a web-enhanced guide to continue your education and learning. This puts continuity of classes along with the birthing center practice. Topics include:

• Labor process

• Lamaze breathing and relaxation techniques

• Comfort measures and role of partner

• Preparation for hospital stay, including a tour

Taking the class during the last six to eight weeks of your pregnancy is recommended. Class size is limited and early registration is encouraged. Your childbirth experience will be enhanced by practicing and discussing information and techniques independently as a couple.

The Lamaze program is typically offered during one of these time slots.  Please visit our Programs & Events page and select the Birthing Classes category, or search by the name of the program to find dates and times.

• Three 2 1/2 hour Tuesday evenings, or

• A 7-hour Saturday class  

Infant Safety/CPR Class

This two-hour class is designed to help you and your family be prepared in the event of an emergency. The class may be taken before or after your baby is born. Perinatal educators certified as basic life support instructors provide information including:

• Accident prevention and safety

• Rescue of a choking infant/child

• CPR demonstration and individualized practice time on CPR mannequins

Please visit our Programs & Events page and select the Birthing Classes category, or search by the name of the program to find dates and times.

Mommy and Me - Out & About

The Perinatal Educators of Aspirus Women's Health Birthing Center will facilitate this support group for moms with their babies. Consider coming to share your joys, concerns and frustrations with other moms. Lactation support at every session. Featured speakers will present on occasion. The group meets in the Birthing Center classroom every Monday from 1:30 - 2:45 p.m. This is a free support group and pre-registration is not needed.

Sibling Connection

This Saturday morning class is designed for children three years old and older. After watching a short video, you and your child(ren) will have a “through the eyes of a child” tour of the Birthing Center. Following the tour, new sisters and brothers will learn how to hold, diaper, and feed a new baby. Have your child bring a doll or stuffed animal for practice. Safety issues and common sibling reactions will be discussed. Offered every other month.

Please visit our Programs & Events page and select the Birthing Classes category, or search by the name of the program to find dates and times.