Groups

The Mothering Circle: New Mothers and Their Babies Birth to 6 Months
Every Thursday
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
MaineHealth Learning Resource Center
Falmouth Family Health Center
5 Bucknam Road, Suite 1A
Falmouth, Maine 04105
Free. No registration required.

Come together to share the story of your parenting journey and receive support, guidance, and inspiration. Discussion topics include: infant massage, baby wearing, nurturing yourself, and relationship changes. This group is flexible to address your own needs, concerns, and wishes. The Mothering Circle is facilitated by a childbirth educator who is also a trained doula and breastfeeding counselor.

Breastfeeding Support Group
Every Tuesday
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
MaineHealth Learning Resource Center
100 Campus Drive, Unit 106
Scarborough, Maine 04074
Free. No registration required.

This free support group is a great opportunity to meet other new breastfeeding mothers in your community, share experiences with other new moms, and receive postpartum and newborn care information and support. A Lactation Consultant is on-hand to answer your questions, provide guidance, and to perform infant weight checks.

Evening Breastfeeding Support Group
The first and third Mondays of the month (except for holidays)
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Medically Oriented Gym (M.O.G.) at Saco Bay Physical Therapy
29 Foden Rd., South Portland
Free. No registration required.

This free support group focuses on providing support and encouragement to mothers who have returned to work or school and the challenges of breastfeeding an older infant.  Mothers of younger infants who cannot make it to the daytime support group are also welcome to attend. Come learn tips and tricks on maintaining supply, balancing work/school and breastfeeding, introducing solids and meeting your long-term breastfeeding goals.

Postpartum Adjustment Support Group
Wednesdays
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Maine Medical Center
Family Birth Center
For more information, please call Peg at 662-2827 

Having a baby is a joyous time for most women, but it is also common for new mothers to feel sad, lonely, afraid, or anxious after childbirth. Sometimes it helps to talk with other women experiencing similar feelings. You are not alone! Join us weekly for support and education.

Classes

Learning Through Baby Play
Four-week series on Saturdays
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

2012 Class Dates
February 4 - 25
April 21 - May 12
September 8 - 29

Medically Oriented Gym (M.O.G.) at Saco Bay Physical Therapy
29 Foden Rd., South Portland
$50 for the four-week series. Registration required
To register: Call 662-6132, click on the dates of interest, or visit the calendar of events.

Come learn about fun activities and everyday toys that can help your baby’s brain “wire & fire”! Join Kara Kaikini, Masters prepared educator in human development, in this four-week series for babies 6-12 months and their caregivers. You’ll learn how to encourage your baby’s growth and exploration through play, focusing on a new topic in development each week.

Back to Work/School Breastfeeding Class
Wednesdays, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
East Tower Classroom 3
$20/person
To register: Call 662-6132, click on the dates of interest, or visit the calendar of events.

This class is designed for mothers who will soon be returning to work, attending school, or otherwise separated from their breastfeeding baby. Mothers will learn how to navigate the world of breast pumps, pumping schedules, breastmilk storage, and maintaining milk supply. You'll learn tried and true tips and tools for reaching your breastfeeding goals, time management, and reconnecting with baby. This class is designed to be taken at least one month before returning to work, school, or extended travel away from baby. Attendance prior to birth is also acceptable. Breastfeeding babies under 6 months are welcome.

2012 Class Dates
February 22
April 25
June 20
August 22
October 24
December 19

Parenting Pointers: A MaineHealth Learning Resource Center Special Series
Various topics and dates
Registration Required
For more information and to register, please call the Learning Resource Centers, toll-free 1-866-609-5183

Maine Medical Center’s Family Birth Center & the MaineHealth Learning Resource Center team up to provide you with this special series! Join other parents and community experts to learn more about exciting new parenting tips and topics such as infant massage, toilet training, and finding childcare.

Vaccinations: What Is Best for Your Child? 
Learn the newest information about vaccinations from two of Maine’s leading experts – Dr. Sydney Sewall from Kennebec Pediatrics in Augusta and Kathleen Mahoney, BS, Health Educator from the Maine CDC’s Immunization Program.  They will explain the science behind vaccines, the current child vaccination schedule, new vaccine methods, and share tools and tips for making the best decisions for your child and family.  There will be lots of time for questions.  Prizes will be awarded and appetizers served.  Come and join us!

• MMC East Tower LRC, 22 Bramhall St. Portland
• FREE
• Call 1-866-609-5183 or visit www.mainehealth.org/LRC for more information

Infant Massage
Learn a fun and safe way to soothe and relax your new baby with Christine Stack, LMT, NCBTMB from Latitudes Massage Therapy. You will gain confidence in handling your baby with simple techniques that provide healthy benefits to your child and create a loving bond. Class will be hands-on and babies up to 6 months or dolls are welcome.

• MMC East Tower LRC, 22 Bramhall St. Portland
• 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
• $15/person
• Call 1-866-609-5183 or visit www.mainehealth.org/LRC for more information

Getting Your Baby to Sleep
What can you do when you are exhausted, but your child won’t sleep at night? Join Victoria Dalzell, MD, from the Maine Medical Partners Pediatric Specialty Care as she talks about strategies to help your baby develop regular sleep patterns. This class will specifically address sleep issues for young children 0-12 months of age and will include an opportunity for discussion.

• MMC East Tower LRC, 22 Bramhall St. Portland
• $15/person
• Call 1-866-609-5183 or visit www.mainehealth.org/LRC for more information

Baby Signs: Parent Workshop
Babies have a lot to say even before they can speak. Join Karen Curtis, nationally certified Baby Signs Program instructor and learn how babies and toddlers can communicate using simple easy-to-learn signs. The class will focus on cognitive and emotional development and will introduce you to strategies for success at home.

• MMC East Tower LRC, 22 Bramhall St. Portland
• $15/person
• Call 1-866-609-5183 or visit www.mainehealth.org/LRC for more information

Baby Food Basics
Join Kathy Savoie, MS, RD from the UMaine Cooperative Extension to learn the basic steps for introducing solid foods to your baby. You’ll also get a hands-on demonstration of simple preparation techniques, learn tips for food safety, and more.  You’ll learn that making your own baby food is simpler than you think - and it can help you to save a lot of money on your grocery bill.

• UMaine Regional Learning Center (75 Clearwater Drive, Suite 104) - Falmouth
• $5/family
• Call 1-866-609-5183 or visit www.mainehealth.org/LRC for more information