•  Childbirth Education Classes                       Fee: $215/couple
  A 6-week class that provides general information about pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum.  Parents will learn about:                                  
  
  - good nutrition and the role of food in healthy pregnancy; exercises during pregnancy
  - finding the right OBgyn and hospital/birth location for your birth
  - the "new baby" consumer - all that stuff out there...what do you need?
  - the pregnant body, hormones, physical changes and how it all works; pain management
  - how to incorporate relaxation, meditation and visualization "working w/ body and mind" 
  - the physiology of birth, what it looks like, how it might feel, different kinds of births
  - how to design your own birth plan and advocate for it
  - breastfeeding and care of the baby after birth; positions, proper latch, feedings etc.
  - how to install your baby car seat correctly, hands-on help with installation and resources
  - procedures and policies for you and baby in the hospital; vaccinations, circumcision, check
  out etc.
  - the first few weeks home; setting up a support system and utilizing community resources
  - the first few weeks - marital stressors and the transition to parenthood (Bringing Baby Home)
  
  
• Doula Support/Services (prenatal, labor and postpartem)  Fee: $1,200
  It has been proven through repeated studies, that women who have support from another woman during labor experience faster, more effective, less stress laden births.  And the partners of those women experience a more meaningful, constructive connection to the laboring mother as they are guided and informed about what is going on and how to offer support. As your doula, I will:
  
  - provide 24/7 phone availability during pregnancy,
  - meet with you on a bi-monthly/weekly basis in your home two months before birth to fill in
  any missing birth information gaps, nurture our relationship and familiarity with each
  other and flesh out our roles as mother, partner and doula during labor. (Approx. 4-5 visits)
  - train you in some birthing positions/massage techniques to help with discomfort & progress
  - create a healthy diet plan for use during pregnancy and during breastfeeding,
  - create a birth plan with you and your partner,
  - provide encouragement, support and comfort during labor and birth, 
  - advocate for you during your hospital stay,
  - make follow-up visits/calls after your birth to check on you, your partner and the baby
  regarding your care and recovery, breastfeeding and answer any worries or concerns. 
  - be a resource for you as you start out as a parent and do my best to help you create a
  community of support with other mothers & fathers going through your same initiation into
  parenthood.  
   
  
• Breastfeeding Education Classes                           Fee: $50
  This is a single evening class to provide basic breastfeeding information, support, resources and planning.  Mothers are encouraged to join the Breastfeeding & Bonding Group once baby arrives for continued support.
  
  - What is the breast?  Basics on breast function from the inside out.
  - Good breastfeeding nutrition and WATER intake!
  - First Feedings (when to start, what it will be like, baby's digestion)
  - Breastfeeding w/ baby; positions to begin with, the infamous latch, frequency of feedings
  - Troubleshooting; nipple types, let-down speeds, infections, engorgement, separation, multiples
  - Breast Pumps - which one is right for you, how to pump,  supply & demand
  - "Liquid Gold " (Milk) Do's and Don'ts
  - When Mom Goes Back to Work; feelings of guilt, logistics of keeping milk supply, options
  
  
• Breastfeeding & Bonding Classes (postpartum group)  Fee: $25/class
  This is a group made up of recently delivered mothers who gather to nurse and support each other during a 6 week period.  Hands-on help, interaction with others and an environment of learning encourages mothers to be more at ease with their new bodies, asking questions about new roles and new feelings that may be surfacing post-partum.  Mothers  learn about:
  
  -Nutrition Revisited
  -The Infamous Latch
  -Breastfeeding Positions for Beginners and Pros
  -Engorgement Relief & Troubleshooting
  -Milk Do's and Don'ts
  -Co-Sleeping Benefits to Breastfeeding
  -Newborn Nursing Patterns & Soothing Techniques
  -How to use the "sling"
  -Post-Partum Blues
  -New Motherhood Community Building 
  
  
• New Parents Group / Workshops - Bringing Baby Home  Fee: $350/couple
  Prepare yourself for life with your baby and discover how to be the best parenting team possible. In a relaxed and supportive environment with a trained facilitator, learn how to strengthen your relationship with your partner and foster your baby's development during this new and challenging time in your life.  Create a caring and nurturing atmosphere in your home and learn to cope with conflict in a positive way. This workshop, developed by renowned relationship experts, Drs. John and Julie Gottman, helps to prepare you for the most important and rewarding job you will ever have, raising a child.
  
  Learn how to:
  •Stay connected with your partner
  •Strengthen your friendship, intimacy and conflict regulation skills
  •Interact with your baby in a positive way
  •Keep both parents involved
  •Deal with conflict successfully
  
  More...Coming in the Fall of 2010!
  
  
  Individual, Couples, & Family Therapy  Fee: Varies
  David M. Moore LCSW provides individual, couples and family therapy for new parents or parents to be struggling with gridlock, trauma, anxiety, lack of intimacy etc.  Services include single sessions, weekend workshops and retreats.
  More...     
  

Remember to Laugh Together

Becoming a parent is full of humor too.  Learning firsthand what 'Full Diaper' means and never forgetting the diaper bag again. Vomit on all of the outfits you thought you were leaving the house with.  The all powerful  and versitile wipe - how did anyone survive before it? Buying food with the word 'strained' on the label. Counting hours of sleep on one hand. Enjoying imaginary sex that doesn't require getting up and moving around while snuggled together in the bed.  Lots and lots of germs. Changing a stroller tire and being siked about the easier ride it is. Unsolicited advice, visits, calls, faxes, and e-mail from four grandparents. Having five minute conversations with everyone you know.  Classifying things like dirt  and sand as "organic" and edible.  Spending ten minutes searching for a missing doll shoe that makes or breaks the peaceful flow of the day.  Using your children as cover to eat, play and sleep when you want to - I have no idea how those oreos got into the grocery bag, babe.  Waking up at 6am before you're ready to greet the day to little feet, arms and elbows wiggling their way in to bed with you. Giggling at the things they do, marveling at the way the think and who they're becoming, smiling at yourself when you allow it for all the fun you're having along the way. Loving your partner more than you can say for letting you sleep in, go out, give up and feel down and returning the favor. Only talking about children. Only wanting to talk about children.