Health Topics

Find information on health topics
so you can 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.

June

Prenatal & Parenting
Eau Claire, WI In Person

This weekly 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.

Park in the south lot, behind the 727 Building. The back entrance door will lead directly to the cafeteria.

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
La Crosse, WI In Person

This two-hour class is recommended for families who are considering or have decided to breastfeed. Partners are encouraged to attend. It includes information about benefits of breastfeeding, initiation of breastfeeding, latch and positioning, expressing and storing breast milk, breastfeeding lifestyle, and troubleshooting and resources. View additional class availability on the calendar. A morning Beginning to Breastfeed class also is available.

For questions or to develop an individualized breastfeeding plan, contact a lactation consultant at 608-392-9789.

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 Online Services 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.

Prenatal & Parenting
New Prague, MN In Person

This class meets every other month and is for moms at 24–32 weeks' gestation and their support person. Topics include a variety of information on pregnancy, the process of labor and delivery, comfort measures, the days transitioning from pregnancy to the postpartum period, newborn care and the adjustments of being new parents. Registration is required and class size is limited.

 

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 952-257-8917 for cancellation or postponement information.

Prenatal & Parenting
Eau Claire, WI Virtual

This late afternoon virtual group class (online via Zoom, offered monthly) is designed for women who are considering breastfeeding or those who 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. Additional breastfeeding classes are offered from 2-3:30 p.m.

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
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 an American Heart Association noncertification class. 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 Online Services 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.

Prenatal & Parenting
Eau Claire, WI Virtual

This midafternoon virtual group class (online via Zoom, offered monthly) is designed for women who are considering breastfeeding or those who 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.

Additional breastfeeding classes are offered from 5-6:30 p.m.

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 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.

If there is inclement weather, you can call Mayo Clinic Health System's switchboard at 651-267-5000 to see if class is canceled. If a class is canceled for non-weather reasons, Mayo Clinic Health System 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
New Prague, MN In Person

This class meets every other month and will prepare moms at 24–32 weeks' gestation and their support person for breastfeeding. Topics include advantages of breastfeeding, when and how much a baby is fed, how to know if baby is getting enough, pumping, going back to work, common breastfeeding problems, and the father’s role.

Registration is required and class size is limited. Includes light refreshments.



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 952-257-8917 for cancellation or postponement information. 

Prenatal & Parenting
Red Wing, MN In Person

This one-session class is recommended for parents-to-be anytime in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Topics include normal characteristics of the newborn, caring for baby, how to comfort and soothe your baby in those first weeks, infant safety, bathing, diapering, safe sleep and car seat safety.

 

Prenatal & Parenting
Austin, MN In Person

This two-hour class meets monthly and 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 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
La Crosse, WI Virtual

Take a virtual tour of the Family Birthplace without leaving the comfort of your home. It's a great way to see the space so you're ready for the big day.

Press Room

Construction on breast clinic in Mankato begins

The $4.7 million investment will create a singular space for breast cancer patients to receive same-day access to all the experts they need during their post-diagnosis visit.

April 17, 2023
U.S. News & World Report recognizes 'Best Hospitals for Maternity Care'

Eau Claire, La Crosse, Mankato and Red Wing hospitals received "High Performing" ratings.

December 7, 2022
La Crosse named a 'Best Hospital for Maternity Care'

To be eligible, hospitals had to carry an "A" or "B" letter grade on the spring 2022 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade assessment and meet criteria in six areas specific to maternity care.

October 20, 2022
Albert Lea and Austin Named Best Maternity Hospitals

Hospitals in Albert Lea and Austin were recognized on Newsweek's "America's Best Maternity Hospitals" list. This list names the top hospitals for maternity care in the U.S.

June 3, 2022

Hometown Health Blog

Pregnancy's effect on pelvic floor health

Pregnancy and childbirth can affect pelvic floor health and lead to prolapse, pain and urinary incontinence. Learn how physical and hormonal changes contribute, and get prevention tips.

Tarek Khalife MD By Tarek Khalife May 23, 2023

Maternal-fetal health in African American women

African American women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes. Read how breaking down structural barriers and fostering open communication enriches all people.

Okechukwu Oseubi M.D. By Okechukwu Osuebi March 16, 2023

5 steps you can take to help avoid birth defects

When expanding your family, taking care of your body before and during pregnancy is important. Learn five steps you can take to reduce birth defects.

Dennis Costakos MD By Dennis Costakos January 23, 2023

Oh, my aching pregnancy back: 5 tips to help find relief

Back pain is a common complaint during pregnancy. Get tips to ease pain, and learn when to consult a health care professional.

Abbey Rose, CNM, A.P.N.P. By Abbey Rose January 6, 2023

Trying to get pregnant? Select a lubricant most helpful for sperm

Lubrication can be an easy way to increase comfort during intercourse. However, many couples trying to conceive don't realize that lubricants can adversely affect sperm.

Alicia Ogle, N.P. By Alicia Ogle November 17, 2022

Menopause: Change of life Q&A

Menopause, often referred to as the "change of life," is a natural part of aging, but the symptoms can be bothersome. Learn about the signs and symptoms, and get treatment options.

November 9, 2022

Is urine incontinence normal for women?

Although urine incontinence, or the involuntary leakage of urine, is a common symptom that affects 1 in 2 women, it's not normal. Learn about evaluation and treatment options.

Tarek Khalife MD By Tarek Khalife November 7, 2022
Gokhan Anil MD By Gokhan Anil November 7, 2022

Pregnancy and respiratory illnesses: Tips to reduce your flu risks

Flu season usually starts in the fall. Learn how the influenza vaccine reduces hospitalization during pregnancy and can protect the baby from the flu after birth.

Thomas Howell Jr MD By Thomas Howell Jr. September 30, 2022

Partners in pregnancy: Preparing for a baby together

Pregnancy and childbirth are life-changing events. Having both partners involved and connected during this time is important. Find out how to prepare for the unexpected when welcoming a new baby.

Okechukwu Oseubi M.D. By Okechukwu Osuebi September 27, 2022

When should a female start seeing a gynecologist?

OB-GYN and Family Medicine can complete preventive health exams for women. So when do you see an OB-GYN and when should you see a family medicine professional?

Becky DeLuca CNP By Becky DeLuca September 23, 2022

Infertility and stress

Infertility can cause stress, affecting relationships with partners, friends and family, and create financial difficulty. Read about ways to deal with this stress.

Fadi Yahya, M.D. By Fadi Yahya August 24, 2022

I just had a baby. What's happening with my moods?

It's estimated the baby blues occur in 40–80% of women after the birth of a baby. Learn how to tell if it's postpartum depression and how to get help.

Patrick Bigaouette MD By Patrick Bigaouette July 8, 2022