Becoming a parent is one of the greatest joys in life. At Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, we specialize in making the birthing experience happy and memorable for everyone involved. Our Obstetric Services staff of skilled professionals not only cares for you and your baby during your labor experience, but provides education to new parents long before your baby is born and continues even after you and your baby go home.

More than ever before, parents are partners with healthcare professionals in planning for their new baby. Preparation at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System begins with prenatal education and childbirth classes, which are offered throughout the year by certified childbirth educators. After baby arrives, mothers also have the benefit of our certified lactation consultant who helps with breastfeeding questions.

Childbirth Classes
A series of four classes has been designed to prepare the expectant mother and her support person for labor and delivery. Updated relaxation, breathing techniques and childbirth trends will be presented by certified childbirth educators.

To register, please call the Education Department at 605-882-7628.
Time: 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Place: Prairie Lakes Medical Office Building Conference Room
Fee: $50

2013 Dates
Series 1: January 3, 10, 17, 24
Series 2: February 7, 14, 21, 28
Series 3: March* 7, 14, 28, April 4 (*No class on March 21)
Series 4: April 18, 25, May 2, 9
Series 5: May 23, 30, June 6, 13
Series 6: July 11, 18, 25, August 1
Series 7: September 5, 12, 19, 26
Series 8: October 3, 10, 17, 24
Series 9: October 31, November 7, 14, 21

Class size is limited. Please try to register three months before your delivery date.

Childbirth Refresher/Experienced Parent Classes
This refresher class has been designed specifically for parents who have been through childbirth classes in the past. Review of childbirth breathing, relaxing techniques and an update on current childbirth trends is covered in this class.

For more information and available options, please call the Education Department at 605-882-7628.


Sibling Preparation Classes
This one-hour program has been designed for pre-school children to help them prepare for the arrival of their new brother or sister. Siblings maintain a very important role in the family, both before and after the arrival of the new baby. The class also offers suggestions to parents that will assist them in making the new adjustment as easy as possible.

To register, please call the Education Department at 605-882-7628.
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Prairie Lakes Hospital's OB Waiting Room (second floor)
Fee: $10 - each additional child is $1.00

2013 Dates:
February 27
May 8
July 31                       
November 20

Cesarean Birth Classes
This two-hour class has been designed to prepare the expectant parents for a cesarean birth.

To register, please call the Education Department at 605-882-7628.
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Prairie Lakes Medical Office Building
Fee: $15

2013 Dates:
January 10               
February 14                 
March 14                     
April 25
May 30                       
July 18 
September 12              
October 10                 
November 7

Breastfeeding Classes
This class is an introduction to the basics of breastfeeding including an overview of the elements of successful breastfeeding. This class has been designed for those who already plan to breastfeed, as well as those who are unsure of their feeding choice.

To register, call the Prairie Lakes Education Department at 605-882-7628.
Time: 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
Location: Prairie Lakes Medical Office Building
Fee: None. Since this is a segment of the Childbirth class, pre-registration is required.

2013 Dates:
January 17 
February 21
March 28                   
May 2                      
June 6
July 25 
September 19            
October 17
November 14

Certified Lactation Consultant
Our certified lactation consultant is available for new moms to talk to about breastfeeding issues. The consultant is available while the new mom is still in the hospital as well as after she has gone home. The consultant's phone number will be provided to the new mom before leaving the hospital.

Our Certified Lactation Consultant writes a breastfeeding column, FYI...Breastfeeding. This educational column addresses many issues related to breastfeeding. To read the latest FYI...Breastfeeding column, click here.

Labor and Delivery Pain Management Therapy
The Prairie Lakes Rehabilitation specialists offer Labor and Delivery Pain Management Therapy services. To learn more about this specialty women's service, click here.

Infant Car Seat Program
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System believes that protection in a car should begin with a newborn's first ride home from the hospital. To encourage proper use of child safety seats, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System offers car seat education.

Car Seat Class
Car seat technicians teach all aspects of safety related to car seats for infants and children. In this interactive class you will receive instructions on securing an infant as well as features of the infant car seat. Class instruction will be followed by proper installation of the car seat in your vehicle. Our National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) certified Child Passenger Safety technicians will check the installation for accuracy and assist you with any necessary corrections. The class provides one hour of instruction to help you make the best choices related to car seat safety as your child grows. Upon completion of the class you will feel comfortable taking your baby home from the hospital safely. Please bring your car seat with you to the class. Classes are held Tuesdays at 9:30 am in the OB Department. For more information or to register please call 882-7735.

Income eligible parents who are South Dakota residents may receive a car seat at no cost through the South Dakota Safety Seat Distribution Program, Project 8. Visit the Project 8 website to learn more.

Car Seat Checks
Car seat checks provide an opportunity to have your infant or toddler car seat checked by NHTSA technicians. You will be given an appointment time and should arrive with your seat already installed in your vehicle. The technicians will check the seat and have you make any necessary changes to the installation of the seat. Upon completion of the check you will feel comfortable taking your baby home from the hospital safely. For more information or to schedule an appointment please call 882-7735.