Before Baby: Programs for Parents-To-Be
Biological and adoptive, LGBTQ and straight, singles and couples, Jewish and non-Jewish, families built through surrogacy, people of all colors and abilities – all are welcome to get ready for parenthood at the Edlavitch DCJCC!
New Parent Coffees
On the last Thursday of each month, gather with other new parents and parents-to-be for coffee, company, and relaxed conversations on topics of interest to new parents. Upcoming coffees include Finding a Nanny 101 on February 24 and Gentle Sleep Secrets for Newborns on March 31.
Beyond the Bump and Second Thoughts Groups
Looking to create a community with other expecting parents to exchange ideas and find support? Check out our six week Beyond the Bump group for first-time moms and our three week Second Thoughts: Adapting to Baby #2 group for second-time parents-to-be. Beyond the Bump has a session beginning February 3 and another session beginning May 19. Second Thoughts will run next on February 23-March 9.
Partnership with Nested
We are proud to partner with Nested to offer childbirth education classes to get biological parents ready for labor and delivery. See the calendar below for upcoming classes at our location!
Upcoming Before Baby Programs
Nested’s In-Person Childbirth Education (CBE) Boot Camp is a comprehensive class that will prepare you for your journey through labor, delivery, and the postpartum period!
In this class we will:
- Review common third trimester issues and what to expect at your 36-week visit
- Learn about the signs of labor, when to call your obstetrician, and what should be on your hospital bag packing list
- Discuss each stage of labor and what can help alleviate and relax the mom, including options for pain management and potential interventions during the labor process
- See what the hospital process will look like and what to expect from your healthcare team
- Discuss the “typical” childbirth scenario as well as how to prepare for the unexpected, including inductions, assisted vaginal births and c-sections.
- Learn from experienced labor doulas as they demonstrate specialized comfort techniques to help with labor pain
- Learn and practice tips, tricks and techniques for Prenatal Wellness: Pelvic Floor Health, Ergonomics & Exercises from a physical therapist
At Nested we know the importance of optimizing the physical and mental health of both parents during pregnancy and the postpartum period. With coping strategies, empowerment, education on diet & exercise and community resources, parents will leave feeling prepared for the doctor’s office, the delivery room and the trip back home.
We recommend taking this class on the earlier side of your pregnancy (24-39 weeks).
Note: 1 registration ticket allows for up to 2 people (1 ticket = 2 people) to attend the class and access the course resources.
BEYOND THE BUMP
6 Thursdays, February 3-March 10, 6:30–7:30 PM
The group will meet in person on the first and last week, and the other sessions will be on Zoom.
$110 for the six-week session; EDCJCC Member Rate $92
Facilitated by Catherine Coogan, Ph.D.
Pregnant for the first time? Looking to create a community with other expecting moms to exchange ideas and find support? This group will meet weekly for six weeks to provide a safe and facilitated space for moms-to-be to discuss their experiences and learn from one another. On the first and last weeks (February 3 and March 10), we will meet in person at the EDCJCC, and then we will meet virtually on Zoom for middle four weeks. We will explore several topics, including: concerns about childbirth and parenting; balancing family with work outside the home; navigating new relationships with your partner, parents, and in-laws; and recognizing post (and pre)-partum depression and anxiety. The group will be kept small so that connections can be fostered easily, even in a virtual space.
In this class we will:
- Review common third trimester issues and what to expect at your 36-week visit
- Learn about the signs of labor, when to call your obstetrician, and what should be on your hospital bag packing list
- Discuss each stage of labor and what can help alleviate and relax the mom, including options for pain management and potential interventions during the labor process
- See what the hospital process will look like and what to expect from your healthcare team
- Discuss the “typical” childbirth scenario as well as how to prepare for the unexpected, including inductions, assisted vaginal births and c-sections.
- Learn from experienced labor doulas as they demonstrate specialized comfort techniques to help with labor pain
- Learn and practice tips, tricks and techniques for Prenatal Wellness: Pelvic Floor Health, Ergonomics & Exercises from a physical therapist
At Nested we know the importance of optimizing the physical and mental health of both parents during pregnancy and the postpartum period. With coping strategies, empowerment, education on diet & exercise and community resources, parents will leave feeling prepared for the doctor’s office, the delivery room and the trip back home.
We recommend taking this class on the earlier side of your pregnancy (24-39 weeks).
REGISTER HERE
Note: 1 registration ticket allows for up to 2 people (1 ticket = 2 people) to attend the class and access the course resources.
Join us for Part 1 of our three part series on Modern Family Building. During this Zoom discussion, we will explore the decision to freeze eggs for future fertility use. We’ll learn from a fertility doctor about what’s involved in the medical process, and also hear from people who have made the choice to do it. The program will consist of brief formal presentations from each of our panelists followed by lots of time for questions. Depending on attendee size, we will use breakout rooms for more intimate conversation. LGBTQ and straight, singles and couples, Jewish and non-Jewish — are all warmly welcomed. Come prepared to ask questions, get support, and connect to other people looking to build a family.REGISTER HERE
You can learn more about our other workshops in Modern Family Building Series below:
Part 2 (February 15): Creating A One Parent Family
Part 3 (February 22): Gestational Surrogacy 101
Co-presented by EntryPointDC, the 20s and 30s program, GLOE – the Kurlander Program for GLBTQ Outreach and Engagement, and the Parenting Center at the Edlavitch DCJCC
Join us for Part 2 of our three part series on Modern Family Building. During this Zoom discussion, we will hear from parents who have consciously chosen to create a one parent family. They will discuss how they went about building their family and share lessons learned as they have navigated the solo parenting process. The program will consist of brief formal presentations our panelists followed by lots of time for questions. Depending on attendee size, we will use breakout rooms for more intimate conversation. LGBTQ and straight, Jewish and non-Jewish — are all warmly welcomed. Come prepared to ask questions, get support, and connect to other people looking to build a family.Please note: This session will primarily focus on families built through sperm donation; if you are interested in learning about egg donation and gestational surrogacy, please join us for Part 3: Gestational Surrogacy 101 on February 22! REGISTER HERE
You can learn more about our other workshops in Modern Family Building Series below:
Part 1 (February 8): Exploring Egg Freezing
Part 3 (February 22): Gestational Surrogacy 101
Co-presented by EntryPointDC, the 20s and 30s program, GLOE – the Kurlander Program for GLBTQ Outreach and Engagement, and the Parenting Center at the Edlavitch DCJCC
The Edlavitch DCJCC embraces inclusion in all its programs and activities. We welcome and encourage the participation of all people, regardless of their background, sexual orientation, abilities, or religion, including interfaith couples and families.