Break Out the Baby Equipment to Aid in Sibling Preparation

Often second time parents are too busy, too tired or too worried about their toddler’s adjustment to think about getting the house prepared for the newest little one’s arrival.  However, setting up the old baby equipment (or purchasing new items) and getting everything ready approximately a month before your due date is an excellent way to help prepare your toddler to become a big sibling.

Here are some reasons why you should go ahead and dust off that bassinet and bouncy seat a little bit early:

*Children are innately curious about new toys and contraptions so if you wait to introduce the swing until your newborn is IN it, you will have to fight to keep your toddler away.  Bringing equipment into the home before baby’s arrival will give your toddler time to satisfy his natural curiosity about what everything is and how it works without posing a safety risk to your baby.  You will also feel significantly less stressed when a baby doll is catapulted out of the bouncy seat, not the real infant.   Giving your child a chance to investigate each item on his own will also help the novelty and appeal wear off before you bring baby home.

*Letting your child play with the baby equipment gives you an excellent opportunity to teach about the “dos” and “don’ts” of each item.  Use a baby doll in the swing or bouncy seat and model how you bounce the baby softly, or push the swing gently.  Demonstrate how the baby lays on the play mat and show your toddler how he can lay nearby–but not on top of—the baby.  Your toddler will be more receptive to learning what is and isn’t okay before the baby’s arrival when he has 100% of your attention and you will thank yourself later for taking the time to teach him these skills before you are sleep deprived and inpatient.

*Most little kids love to “help” around the house so getting the baby equipment set up gives you an opportune time to give your child a special job.   Ask her to help you choose a spot for the play mat, or give her a sponge and let her help you wipe down the carseat.  Including your toddler in the preparation will help her feel important, included and more connected to the baby.

*Having a new baby in the house is enough of a change, so bringing home or setting up all the extra stuff at the same time can feel that much more overwhelming.  Avoid dramatically changing the landscape of the living room with new toys and contraptions the same day that the baby comes home by doing it ahead of time.  It will make for a smoother transition and adjustment in those early weeks.

*And finally, a bonus to getting the equipment out a little early is that YOU will feel more prepared by having everything set up, cleaned and organized.  That goes a long way for your own emotional and mental health, which is so important especially in the final weeks of your pregnancy.

For more useful and informative information about how you can prepare your Big Kid to become a Big Sib, visit out site here:  www.youplustwoparenting.com

Childbirth Refresher Class

CHILDBIRTH REFRESHER CLASS (click here for schedule)

2.5 hrs, $85 per couple.
A great workshop for the family who is getting ready to welcome another baby. Review the stages of labor and (re)learn a wide range of pain management techniques. Time will be spent examining what worked and didn’t work for you during the last birth experience and how to translate that knowledge into a different birth experience. The aim of this class is to give you some special focused time on your upcoming birth and to empower you in this new experience. Appropriate for VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) students as well.

SIBLING PREPARATION CLASS (click here for schedule)

2 hrs, $75 per couple.  Taught by Rachel Cedar of You Plus Two Parenting
Expecting a new addition to your family and worried about how your oldest child will adjust?  Then you won’t want to miss this informative and helpful workshop which will guide you through strategies to ease your Big Kid into becoming a Big Sib.  We will touch on the following topics:

Didn’t use a birth doula the first time, and thinking about trying it for the second?
We’d love find the perfect doula for you.  Read more about our doula services here.

It’s also a common topic that students in our childbirth education classes have been asking about since the hurricane. How might extreme stress as a result of a catastrophic event affect their pregnancy? And what can be done to prevent problems before and after such events to minimize potential complications?

Research shows that intense stress during pregnancy can have several repercussions like preterm labor, lower birthweight babies and meconium aspiration during birth (when the baby inhales fluids and its first bowel movement during delivery). A recent study retrospectively reviewed labor and birth outcomes of millions of women living in hurricane prone areas. It concluded that a pregnant woman’s fear of the storm may trigger the release of the stress hormones norepinephrine and cortisol, which can lead to such complications.

The March of Dimes also suggests that in these situations, pregnant women may suffer PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder, which can also significantly increase the likelihood of preterm delivery. The baby’s development can also be affected, leading to neurological and behavioral issues throughout life.

Prior to the baby’s arrival, parents also go through a period of “nesting,” ensuring that the home is ready as a welcoming/safe place for baby. It’s a typically stressful period of time for parents as it is. For expecting mothers who will still be displaced at the time of delivery, stress levels may be exceedingly high.

So how can you mitigate stress during a highly charged event and in the immediate aftermath?

Prenatal Massage. The more you get massaged during pregnancy, the less anxiety and depression you are likely to have. This is because massage reduces the stress inducing hormones norepinephrine and cortisol, and increases the “feel-good” chemicals dopamine and serotonin. In essence, massage can help reverse the effects of high stress levels during pregnancy.

Seek out a Licensed Prenatal Massage Therapist; they know what pressure points to avoid before a pregnant woman reaches full term. If a professional massage is not feasible, a partner, close friend or family member can also help.

Prenatal yoga. Yoga classes focus on using imagery, relaxing breathing techniques, biofeedback and moderate levels of exercise. As a result, the practice has been shown to help reduce stress in pregnant women.

If you can’t get to a class, there are a ton of prenatal yoga programs online and on DVD.

Talk it out. You’re not neurotic. It’s completely normal to have all kinds of questions about your wellness in general in this kind of situation, especially as a pregnant woman. You’ll also need to talk about your emotions in order to work through them.

As much as we love our families and friends, they are usually not well-equipped to provide the level of reassurance you might need. A doula can help guide you through emotional ups and downs and answer concerns as they arise. Doulas are trained professionals who work closely on an ongoing basis with expecting mothers, providing continuous emotional, informational and physical support before and through childbirth. If you find that you are still experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety, talk therapy with a professional therapist is very beneficial.

Meditation. Something you can easily do on your own no matter where you are, is meditate. Meditation helps calm the mind, recenter your thoughts and restore balance. It’s also known for lowering blood pressure. The practice of meditation has immediate benefits that continue after each session.

Try the simplest form of meditation — focusing your attention on something other than your thoughts, thereby allowing the mind to relax and not wander. Focus on your breath, expanding the belly as you draw air in and releasing the stomach as you breathe out. Even focusing on a relaxing picture, a dripping faucet, or other the sounds in your environment, works.

Create the nest, no matter where you are. You can still satisfy the need to establish a space that celebrates the arrival of your baby and creates a sense of stability, even if you’ve been displaced. It doesn’t need to be a big area; babies don’t need much. And remember, they can’t see past a few inches to a foot in front of them at first anyway! Babies have been known to sleep in hammocks, in a basket on a shelf and even in an open drawer during the early stages.

The basics you’ll want to cover include a little diaper changing station, a small bassinet, some clothing, diapers and you. To make the space special, decorate using fabric, perhaps a mobile and other basics. Keep it simple though. Warmth, love, and milk are at the very top, and are what your baby will respond to more than anything.

Try your best to stay calm. Being able to remain calm and positive given the circumstances is essential to reducing stress. Here are some easy ways to shift negative thoughts:

-       Put on music and dance

-       Listen to calming music

-       Close your eyes and listen to the sound of your breath. Focus on taking longer and slower breaths over time.

-       Download a program for guided relaxation specifically geared toward easing anxiety

Feeling prepared and having a back-up plan helps lessen the stress of uncertainty in the lead-up to a potentially catastrophic event, and certainly may prove a saving grace in hindsight. Consider the following list of items to keep in your house, just in case all transportation goes down, your hospital is closed, etc. If you are pregnant, when life stops functioning “as usual,” these action items will help you be better prepared:

-       Have a copy of your prenatal records and several days worth of any medications you take

-       Have a backup plan should you have to give birth at home or at an alternative location to the one you selected:

-       Know where several hospitals in your area are located.

-       Print out this guide, Giving Birth In Place  as a reference, in case you or a loved one need to deliver your baby.

-       Know where your local homebirth midwives are.

We’ve had students in our classes who had to deliver their own babies because they were trapped at home due to snowstorms and other unexpected events. If you’re someone who likes to be prepared for anything, a birth kit is good to have on hand for “just in case.”

So go get a massage already, if you’re a pregnant mom you’ll most certainly benefit from it — catastrophic event not required!

Birth Day Presence provides childbirth education classes and doula services for expecting families and is currently organizing “Sandy Support: Relief for Pregnant Moms”. The initiative connects expectant mothers who were displaced by Sandy with volunteer doulas to provide support. If you are a doula who wants to help or you are a pregnant woman currently living in a home other than your own due to Hurricane Sandy, please email sandydoulas@birthdaypresence.net. The program ends Feb 28, 2013.

Throughout history and still in other cultures today, women almost always have had other women surrounding them during the birthing experience. These additional supports, often made up of family or friends and trained childbirth professionals, helped ease the birthing mother’s delivery. This practice changed in the United States only as recently as within the last century.

Doulas as modern professionals are bringing back the concept of continuous support during labor that women always had in the past. In New York, doulas have become especially popular over the last ten years for a variety of reasons, including that many pregnant women don’t have family nearby. Specifically, a doula is a woman who provides emotional, physical and informational support to a laboring woman and her partner. Doulas are trained in techniques that work with a woman’s body to relieve pain and support the many emotions that come up throughout the birthing process.

Doulas are also the only childbirth professionals who stay continuously engaged with the mom throughout the entire birth process, usually joining the laboring woman at home and helping her get to the place of birth, or joining her in the home for a planned homebirth, and then remaining with the mother for 1-2 hours after, to continue providing guidance and support.

The New York City region also has a high cesarean birth rate, with many of our local hospitals between falling between a rate of 28-40 percent. Doulas have been shown to significantly reduce the likelihood of an unnecessary cesarean birth and other interventions.# As a community always looking for ways to improve our health and provide our children with the best start to their lives possible, it’s no surprise that women are seeking new (old) approaches and that the demand for doula services is on the rise.

But the knowledge of doulas isn’t limited to those who choose to practice it full-time. Birth Day Presence is the go-to DONA International Doula Training Center in NYC. Many moms, friends, siblings and others with a close relationship to an expecting mother, attend our classes so that they can provide helpful support to a loved one. Knowledge of the doula practice is also a valuable addition for anyone already working with expecting moms, and a full range of professionals in the sector come to our trainings as well.

So here are some reasons and explanations of why you just might want to come to a doula training:

1. You are considering having a child one day. You will be astounded by what you learn in just a few days. When I took my doula training, I was 24 and didn’t have children. I was simply interested in women’s health and intrigued, having recently watched two of my good friends give birth. Though I knew a bit more about birth than the average NYC woman my age, my training with Debra Pascali-Bonaro blew my mind. Taking a doula training before you give birth yourself will prepare you to know what to look for in doctor or midwife (and better yet, will teach you the difference so you know which one is right for your care). You also won’t be stuck at the end of your pregnancy with a care provider who doesn’t support your choices.
2. You work with pregnant women in some way. You are a massage therapist, acupuncturist, chiropractor, yoga instructor, reiki practitioner, homeopath…the list of wellness practitioners can go on and on. Many practitioners find that their clients start to ask them to attend their births because they are so comfortable with them, even though they don’t specifically have a prenatal practice, A great deal of our doula trainees come for this reason alone. They want to be able to support a few clients per year through their birth experience.
3. You want to become a midwife or an obstetrician. There is no better way to find out if you really want to invest the many years it takes to become a midwife or OB than to start attending births as a doula. The doula training will also give you the foundation for your ongoing training.
4. You have a friend or family member who is or will be pregnant in the future and you want to offer her as much support as possible. It’s the best of both worlds: someone who knows the mom well and has the extra skills and knowledge gleaned from doula training. She can provide amazing emotional and physical comfort and guidance.
5. You have a strong interest in Reproductive Rights and Justice. There is a lot of work around women’s rights when it comes to contraception, abortion, etc, but there is very little public outcry or concern about the way women are treated in our hospitals today during childbirth. If you want to change the system, there is no better way to learn what is going on firsthand than to become a doula before moving on to public health work or birth activism.
6. You seek a unique few days to yourself. Doula training workshops are transformative! If you are seeking intellectual stimulation, as well as the opportunity to share yourself with others in an intimate and nurturing space, there is nothing like spending a few days in the company of inspiring and intelligent women from all walks of life while learning how to support another women through childbirth.

If you are curious and would like more information on this enriching experience, Birth Day Presence will be hosting two upcoming DONA International Doula Trainings:

Oct 29-31: Birth Doula Training with world-renowned doula trainer Debra Pascali-Bonaro

Feb 2013: Destination Doula Training in Jamaica with America’s foremost midwife Ina May Gaskin and Debra Pascali-Bonaro

Our friends over at NYC Dads Group are relieved to see that some of the real struggles dads go through are being brought to light on the big screen, despite the comedic overtones. And over at The Stir, Sheri Reed wrote a great contrast of what the film does and does not “get right.” It seems the film does a good job of putting pregnancy into perspective, notably, the truth that pregnancy can be hard.

So we thought we’d turn this into an opportunity to really talk about “What to Expect When You’re Expecting”, by sharing some of the lesser-known tips that make a big difference, which we discuss with expecting parents during our sessions.

As moms both trained from a variety of birthing perspectives and experienced as doulas, here are some of the secrets you’ll only discover by combining modern childbirth techniques and old world practices:

1. Tour your hospital or birthing center in advance so you have a better idea of what to expect on the day you deliver.

2. Don’t feel uncomfortable about asking questions. You have the right to ensure that routine procedures are appropriate for you and that you feel safe with every aspect of your experience. The more questions you ask ahead of time, the more confident you’ll be in your choice of midwife or doctor.

3. Work with your body during labor, not against it. Giving birth is not a medical condition, it’s a natural process. So eat, drink and move around – whether resting in different positions or walking. Though you might be told not to do these things they are proven safe, healthy and effective options that will make your experience more comfortable, and they’re allowed in many hospital settings. Ensure your labor provider knows you want these options and that they’ll support you in choosing them. If they won’t, you might want to research other places to give birth which will support these options.

4. Consider alternative positions to laying on your back for giving birth. When you think about it, if you lay on your back while you’re pushing, you’re fighting gravity and the natural birth process. Researchers found that women who gave birth using upright positions had a shorter pushing time and less severe pain than women who gave birth while lying on their backs. Hospital beds convert into many different positions, and some alternative positions can still be used when given an epidural. Talk to your care provider in advance to see if they have been trained in delivering babies in the various positions (including squatting, standing, sidelying, and all fours.)

5. Your body will guide you, all you have to do is listen when it comes to pushing. Using “spontaneous pushing”, or doing so when your body gives you the urge, means you’re pushing exactly as you need to give birth. Following your body’s direction, opposed to forced pushing and holding your breath more often, will leave you feeling less exhausted and prevent unnecessary stress and damage for you and the baby. This is the part of labor that is most managed by caregivers, so talk with your provider ahead of time if you choose to use non-directed pushing.

6. Free-up your partner to focus on your emotional needs during the big day, and remove the pressure for them to provide all the physical support. As much as our partners want to help, massaging you for three hours straight and knowing all the best techniques for labor may not come to them so easily. A labor support professional, also known as a doula, is equipped to ensure you’re as physically comfortable as possible throughout your pregnancy and delivery, and frees up your partner to be there for you emotionally. Women have historically always been supported by multiple people.

7. Give yourself a breather. Labor support professionals provide comprehensive support throughout the childbirth process in the months leading-up to and through delivery; whether you choose to give birth in a hospital setting, at a birth center, or at home. They know tricks of the trade for easing pain, know what to expect, what to watch for and how to help you get the information you need in the moment.

Here is another helpful resource on the topic.

Hope you discovered some useful tips to make your birthing experience a bit more comfortable.

-Jada and Anna

New York City Moms share a unique bond for many reasons – the strongest perhaps a result of navigating the New York City subway system with babes in tow.  I’m pretty sure I’m not the only that had the sudden realization while heading into the subway for the first time with my baby?

While puffing out of breath at the bottom of the stairs, it occurred to me that subway rides before the time of my daughter, weren’t so bad after all. And that I was about to embark on an epic journey that would test my character, stamina and will to push on, or at least – my desire to go shopping.

As a mom who’s already been through it once here’s what I learned: The stroller becomes your nemesis, every bottle of water another brick in your bag, and diapers? Whether you have enough is always a gamble, but choose wisely between a backpack that makes your life a little easier, or testing Murphy’s empathy – Murphy’s Law that is.

No longer will you hustle to catch the subway you hear rumbling your way as you descend into the station. Another will be along shortly! And once onboard, you will always panic about missing your stop while frantically gathering belongings and infants, as the train slowly comes to a stop.

When you finally make it outside the train car, it’s safest to let the rushing herd of people pass. And then, gracefully lift and balance the baby, the stroller, the bag with everything you could possibly need – in moderation of course, on your hip, shoulder, inside of the elbows – whatever it takes to maintain that look of calm collectedness. (You may want to practice this at home….in-front of a mirror. At least that way you’ll know how you appear to strangers when your face is contorted in agony.)

On a good day, a kind stranger may snap out of their NYC trance, and offer you help. Don’t be modest – take it!

At street level you can sigh with relief, that it will likely be at least an hour before you have to go through that again! And when you do, try these basics:

-       Pack the absolute minimum to make things as light as possible.

-       Ditch the diaper bag for a backpack.

-       Wear your baby in a baby carrier whenever possible.

-       Choose a lightweight stroller.

-       When climbing stairs keep the baby in the stroller, turning the stroller inwards to face you while resting it on your hip, suck in your stomach muscles and go!

-       Figure out a system that works best for you.

We’d love to compare notes! What’s been your experience navigating the subway system? What tactics have worked for you? And which stations do you go out of your way to avoid?

- Jada

• NYC Birth Doula Trainings
• Destination Doula Trainings(NEW!)

Destination Doula Trainings:

Relaxation, Vacation, Certification…

Welcome to the latest and greatest in Birth Doula Trainings!  Our Destination Doula Trainings are held in amazing locations worldwide and taught by the most amazing instructor out there, Debra Pascali-Bonaro. Blend relaxation, vacation, and certification all in one.  Visit DONA to learn more about the certification process.

Tulum, Mexico – Feb. 9-16, 2014

• Overview
• Location
• Accomodations
• What is included
• About the Instructor
• Pricing and more information
  

Overview
Join us for the first annual BDP DONA International Destination Doula Training with world-renowned Doula Trainer Extraordinaire, Debra Pascali-Bonaro.  Now is an incredible time to become a doula. Join this amazing profession and help improve the lives and care of women in the childbearing year. You will learn more than you ever thought possible about pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.  This is a rare opportunity, to not only learn from the best trainer in the world, but to take special time to connect with other international women, connect to yourself, share, grow, and explore one of the most amazing and energetic areas in the world.  These workshops have been approved by DONA International and count toward birth doula certification.  Our trainings will include the first requirements toward becoming a DONA International Certified Doula. In addition to your Childbirth Education and Doula Training, the trainings will include lots of relaxing, yoga classes, group dinner, time with local midwives, and more!                                                                                                                   © Steve Simonsen Photography 

Location
Tulum, Mexico
Sunbathers, swimmers and yoga enthusiasts indulging in a visit to Tulum Beach’s white, limestone sands and crystal blue waters need only look up in wonder at the ancient Mayan ruins — some from as early as A.D. 250 — dotting the cliffs above them to grasp the aura of ancient mystery that surrounds the beach.  Part of the gorgeous and increasingly popular Riviera Maya, Tulum sits 80 miles southeast of Cancun.  The name Tulum, derived from the Mayan word for wall, and the ruins hovering over the beach, most notably the giant pyramid-shaped Castillo, have gained notoriety as one of the Mayan civilization’s only walled cities.  Today, visitors from across the globe who vacation at Tulum experience one of Mexico’s finest beaches with an added bonus: the chance to admire the architecture of the ruins and feel the awe of this ancient and notoriously advanced civilization.

Accomodations
The gorgeous Gran Bahia Principe Tulum Resort is located right on the beach and has extensive natural spaces and gardens that will make you feel like you’re in the middle of a Mayan forest.  Awarded the 2012 ‘Certificate of Excellence’ by TripAdvisor, you’ll enjoy pools, restaurants, bars and much more.  Best of all, this is an all-inclusive resort!

What is included?

Early-Bird Pricing available now which includes:

• DONA International Intro to Childbirth & Birth Doula Training with world-renowned instructor, Debra Pascali-Bonaro
• Transfers to/from Cancun airport
• 8 days/7 nights at the Gran Bahia Principe Tulum Resort
• All food & drink (breakfast/lunch/dinner including group dinners & lunches)
• Morning yoga sessions
• Visiting the beautiful Tulum Ruins
• Meeting with & learning from local Mayan midwives
• A portion of each participant’s fee goes to supporting the local midwifery community

Other things not to be missed:

• Exploring the surrounding areas & local villages
• A visit to the amazing Xel-Ha waterpark
• The ‘Cenotes’ freshwater caves and underground rivers for snorkeling or diving
• The UNESCO world heritage site, Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
• A visit to the resort’s spa
• Relaxing on the beach!

About the Instructor:

Debra Pascali-Bonaro, President of Mother-Love, Inc., B. Ed. CD (DONA), PDT/BDT (DONA), LCCE, is mother of six children, a doula, Lamaze International childbirth educator, Chair of the International MotherBaby Childbirth Initiative (IMBCI), former Board of Director member of DONA, Public Relations Chair from 1992–1998 and an approved DONA International birth and postpartum Doula Trainer.  Debra Pascali Bonaro has been featured on ABC’s 20/20, Good Morning Russia, The NBC Today Show, Discovery Health, in The New York Times, The LA Times, The UK Times as well as numerous Parenting and Health Magazines around the world.  Debra  helps birth pros and new families all over the world learn about the details of gentle birth. She is a pioneer in reminding humanity that birth can be full of pleasure and delight. Debra has trained thousands of doulas and birth professionals around the world in the practices of gentle birth support. Debra is the creator and director of Orgasmic Birth, a documentary that examines the intimate nature of birth, an everyday miracle. She sees the powerful role birth plays in women’s lives when they are permitted to experience it fully. Debra is a sought after professional speaker, chair of the International MotherBaby Childbirth Organization, member of the White Ribbon Alliance, Lamaze International childbirth educator, former Public Relations chair of the DONA International, and co-author of the book Orgasmic Birth, Your Guide to a Safe, Satisfying and Pleasurable Birth Experience.

More information:

Please learn more about how to transform your life in Tulum, Mexico today!  Also, check us out on Facebook.

NYC Birth Doula Trainings

Our NYC trainings are located at our SoHo Studio and taught by the most amazing instructor out there, Debra Pascali-Bonaro. Vist DONA to learn more about the certification process.  Trainings are from 9am to 6pm over the course of 3 days.

Upcoming Dates:
July 23-25, 2013
Oct. 1-3, 2013
Dec. 10-12, 2013

To sign up, please click here (click on ‘SPECIAL EVENTS’ to view)

BELLY BASICS 101 at our SoHo & Park Slope Studios

Next event:
Mon, Apr 29 from 6:15-8:30p.
Birth Day Presence SoHo Studio
580 Broadway, Suite 304, SoHo, NY. (bet. Houston and Prince St.)

Join Birth Day Presence for our FREE Belly Basics 101 Night. Fabulous workshops, snacks, and a great raffle!
Anyone* who attends this event will receive $15 off childbirth class sign-up (*new students only)

6:15 Arrival, snacks and drinks
6:30 “Unfolding the Mysteries of Pediatrics” with Dr. Blanchard of Premier Pediatrics
6:50 “Top Pain Relief Techniques for Labor ” with Jada/Anna of Birth Day Presence
7:05 “The Do’s & Don’ts of Prenatal Fitness” with Charlotte Blake of Mama Moves
7:25 “Pelvic Floor Workshop” with Isa Herrera of Renew Physical Therapy
7:45 “The Benefits of Doula Care” with Jada/Anna of Birth Day Presence
8:00 “Baby Gear: What you really need to buy (and what you don’t!)” with baby gear gurus, Jamie Grayson, The Baby Guy and Jennifer Link of Sweet Pea Baby Planners
8:20 Raffle* including a $50 Gift Certificate to local Maternity store Bump and a Joovy stroller
                              

(*You must register at http://www.birthdaypresence.net/view-and-book-classes/ (click on ‘special events’ once on page) in order to attend the event and to enter into the raffle.  No walk-ins accepted. Sign up now – limited space.

CLASSES FOR BABIES AND OLDER CHILDREN

Tummy Time, Rolling and Reaching (Brooklyn Studio)
Dan Rindler of Child’Space NYC presents this wonderful class for babies 5 weeks through pre-crawling and for crawlers. Please register here.  Learn to support and enrich your baby’s development through touch, movement and song. Sign up for classes on Thursdays at the Park Slope Studio.

Bond with your Baby through Music (Brooklyn Studio)
In this unique and joyful class you will learn to use music as a way to bond with your baby. With a background in music, clinical psychology, and music therapy, Vered provides you with musical tools and psychological concepts that assist in creating a secure bond with your baby. Vered’s classes are divided into two segments – for babies 0-5 months and babies 6-12 months. To register for this class please click HERE or EMAIL Vered. Vist the website or call 917 514 2410.

Manhattan Mothers of Twins Breastfeeding Support Group (SoHo Studio)
La Leche League of Manhattan and the Manhattan Mothers’ of Twins’ Clubs co sponsor this monthly support group. Join us to share experience about breastfeeding twins: mothers helping each other, with an experienced LLL Leader and an experienced twins’ mother to facilitate discussion. There is no admission charge. Membership in both non-profit organizations is encouraged, though not required.
1-3pm.
Contact Kate Sharp, IBCLC for more info.

Infant Massage Classes (Brooklyn Studio)
with Charlotta Andersson of Bundle of Bliss
In this fun four-week program, you will learn gentle and loving baby massage techniques that have many benefits for both you and your baby. Parents often find that regular massage helps their babies sleep better, fuss less, and gain more weight. Once a week, we come together for a fun, exhilarating, yet relaxing experience with our littlest ones. You will learn techniques to sooth and comfort your baby, and learn to understand and respond to your baby’s cues. Register here for Park Slope Classe – register here.

Mandarin Chinese Classes (Brooklyn Studio)
For tots/parents and preschoolers. With Lango.

Creative Play Classes and Story Time (Brooklyn Studio)
with Spellbound Theater
Magical objects, sounds, movements, and stories to stimulate your baby’s mind, imagination, and body.

Birth Doula Services

• A Personalized Prenatal Meeting
• Ongoing phone and e-mail support as of 4 weeks prior to your due date
• Birth Plan/Preferences Consultations, as needed
• Resource Information
• 24 hour on-call labor support as of 4 weeks prior to your due date
• Continuous emotional, physical, and informational presence during your labor and birth
• Assistance with initial breastfeeding
• One post-partum visit to admire your baby, answer questions, and provide referrals

Finding the right doula is as much about chemistry as it is philosophy. Our affiliated doulas are happy to meet with you for a free prenatal consultation.

Birth Day Presence is committed to supporting expectant parents no matter what their financial circumstances. We contract with birth doulas working in all price ranges, based on their experience and training. Our fees range from $300 to $3000*.

Birth Doula Tiers

*Plus transportation costs

Postpartum Doula Services

• Breastfeeding support and instruction
• Infant soothing skills
• Coping skills for new parents
• Making appropriate referrals when necessary
• Running errands
• Meal preparation and light housekeeping
• Help with care of other siblings
• Accompanying mother and infant to doctor appointments
• Day and night shifts available

Whether it’s for a few hours a day or overnight, our doulas will help you build confidence and provide support for the whole new family in the comfort of your home.

Our fees are $45 per hour for singletons and $50/hr for twins, and include a 4-hour minimum per day. You may call for same or next-day support and we will send over one of our amazing doulas. If you prefer to know who your doula will be in advance, we require a 16 hour minimum. Please call us to discuss your options.

Overnights are available, as well, at $350/10-hr night for singletons and $425/10-hr night for twins.

Gift certificates available! Offer the amazing gift of postpartum support to your loved ones. We are happy to take partial payments from several people. Great for baby showers!

Ready to meet your perfect doula?

If you are looking for a birth or postpartum doula, please fill out the form below and we will get back to you within 1-2 business days. If you would like to speak to someone more about working with a doula before submitting your request, please call us at 917-751-6579. Our phone hours are M-F from 10-5pm, but you can leave a message at anytime.

View Schedule or Book a Class

*Please note Breastfeeding and Newborn Care are two separate classes/2 hours each.

BREASTFEEDING (One part of the Breastfeeding/Newborn Care Bundle) 

2 hours, $125 (for both Breastfeeding & Newborn Care classes).  Add an additional class (including Childbirth Education or Infant CPR) and receive $25 off. Add 2 classes and receive $65 off.  Click here to purchase a package.

We offer a breastfeeding class which will help new families to become familiar with the basics of feeding for your infant in the first 6 weeks after birth. Partners welcome and encouraged to attend! Topics covered will include:

• Benefits of breastfeeding for mother and baby
• How to get breastfeeding off to the best start
• How to help your infant latch-on and correct positioning
• How to know if the baby is getting enough milk
• How to avoid common breastfeeding problems and when to call a specialist

 ”Just wanted to thank you for this info and for the class last night, I found it extremely helpful! I wan’t sure what to expect, and it definitely exceeded my expectations. You answered a lot of questions that I had and introduced things I hadn’t known about. We appreciated it!”  Jody (& Mike)

NEWBORN CARE (One part of the Breastfeeding/Newborn Care Bundle)

2 hours, $125 (for both Breastfeeding and Newborn Care Classes).  Add an additional class (including Childbirth Education or Infant CPR) and receive $25 off. Add 2 classes and receive $65 off.  Click here to purchase a package.

Our newborn care class helps new families become familiar with the basics of caring for your infant in the first 6 weeks after birth. Partners welcome and encouraged to attend!

Topics covered will include:
• Understanding normal infant behavior, communication, appearance and sleep patterns
• Understanding common newborn procedures in the hospital
• Benefits and demonstration of babywearing
• Understanding the basics of diapering, cord care, bathing, and assessment of your baby
• How to care for the umbilical cord, taking temperatures
• Choosing a pediatrician
• Understanding postpartum adjustment for the whole family
• Newborn warning signs

INFANT CPR & SAFETY

2.5 hrs, $150 per family (up to 2 people) (Add a Childbirth Class or Breastfeeding/Newborn Care Class and receive $25 off. Purchase 2 additional classes and receive $65 off). Click here to purchase a package.

Common Sense C.P.R. will teach Infant CPR plus Relief of Choking training to expectant and new parents, grandparents and caregivers. You will learn:
* Infant and Child CPR
* Relief of Foreign Body Airway Obstruction ( Choking )
* Taxicab and Car Seat Guidelines
* Extensive Baby Safety Tips for use from Day 1 on.
She provides 1 mannequin for every student so that you can have tons of hands-on practice. You will take home various handouts as well. Your baby is welcome if not yet crawling.

CHILD CPR & FIRST AID (ages 13 months-8 years old) 
2.5 hrs, $150 per family (up to 2 people) (Add a Childbirth Class or Breastfeeding/Newborn Care Class and receive $25 off. Purchase 2 additional classes and receive $65 off).  Click here to purchase a package.

You will learn how to treat burns, bleeding, falls, sunburn, frostbite, water safety, poison emergencies, and C.P.R. Each participant will have personal practice material. Additionally each student will leave class with abundant educational literature and a sheet of Mr. Yuk stickers. Babysitters and grandparents are all encouraged to attend!

*Please note* This workshop is NOT a First Aid & CPR Certification course.

PRIVATE CAR SEAT INSTALLATION
TBA, 9-3pm in front of the Park Slope Studio. $125. Email us to make your 1 hour appointment.

Birth Day Presence, in collaboration with Common Sense C.P.R.’s Nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians, is proud to offer private car seat installation at their Brooklyn Location. 

Each one hour session will cover:
• Learning how to properly install your car seat in your vehicle.
• Understanding how to use the infant car seat without it’s base when
traveling in other vehicles, like taxis or rental cars.
• Learning how to properly secure the child in the car seat and how to make
the proper adjustments as your child grows.
• Understanding when it’s time to move your child into the next car seat or
change of position.
• Learning how to properly maintain and care for the car seat.
• Review of overall car safety specific to the child.

According to the New York City Department of Transportation (2010), 9 out
of 10 parents install their child’s car seat incorrectly. This could lead to your
child getting hurt or killed in the event of an accident. Why risk it?