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 third Thursday of most months, gather with other new parents and parents-to-be for coffee, company, and relaxed conversations on topics of interest to new parents. See the calendar below for upcoming Parent Coffees!
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 in-person Beyond the Bump group for first-time moms and our three week virtual Second Thoughts: Adapting to Baby #2 group for second-time parents-to-be. The next session of Beyond the Bump will run from October 6 through November 10, and registration is now open! The next session of Second Thoughts will meet on October 20, October 27, and November 3, and registration is now open for that, too!
Partnership with Nested
We are proud to partner with Nested to offer in-person 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
BEYOND THE BUMP
6 Thursdays, October 6-November 10, 6:30–7:30 PM
IN PERSON at the EDCJCC
$152 for the six-week session; EDCJCC Member Rate $122
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 in person at the EDCJCC for six weeks to provide a safe and facilitated space for moms-to-be to discuss their experiences and learn from one another. 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 and maintained easily.
Join us for coffee, the company of other new parents, and a relaxed conversation about finding the right kind of childcare for your family. Sarah Marks, founder and president of Nannies by Sarah, will discuss the pros and cons of different childcare options and the benefits of hiring a nanny, and will share strategies for hiring a nanny that meets your family’s needs. Bring your questions – we’ll spend a lot of time talking through participants’ specific situations. Babies warmly welcomed!
SECOND THOUGHTS: ADAPTING TO BABY #2
3 Thursdays: October 20, October 27, and November 3
8:00-9:00 PM
$47 for the three-week session
Facilitated by Taylor Lerner, Psy.D
Are you expecting baby #2? Looking to create a community with other second time parents to exchange ideas and find support? This group will meet weekly via Zoom for three weeks to provide a safe space for second time parents-to-be to discuss their experiences and learn from one another. We will explore several topics, including: managing your big kid’s (big!) feelings before, during, and after welcoming the new baby; kid-care and self-care with two; navigating new relationships and new roles; and the complicating factors of Covid-19.
The group will be kept small so that connections can be fostered easily, even in a virtual space, and also so that in-person meet-ups can be organized if the group wants.
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.
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.
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.