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After Baby is Born

Postnatal Yoga: Mom & Me

Connect with other moms while having fun with your baby.  These classes can help you regain your pre-pregnancy shape.  You'll learn how to tone and strengthen your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles, reduce stress through breathing techniques, and relieve body aches and pains.
Schedule: Sundays, 10:45 - 11:45 am
2013: May 12, May 19, MAy 26, June 5, June 12, June 19, June 26
Location: Baystate Education Center, 361 Whitney Avenue, Holyoke, MA
Cost: $12 per class or $60 for a six-class yoga card
Registration and More Information: Register on-line  or call 413-794-BABY (794-2229), 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 
 

Breastfeeding Class - Part 2

Taken after you deliver, this class provides continued support for breastfeeding moms, including information  about returning to work, pumping techniques, and storage of breast milk.
Schedule: 6:30-8:30pm
2013:June 18, July 23, Aug 13, Sept 24, Oct 22, Nov 5, Dec 17
Location: Lundy Board Room, Wesson Building, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield
Cost: $25 for Parts 1 and 2 (if taken as stand-alone classes); included in the fee for Preparing for Childbirth
Registration and More Information: Register on-line  or call 413-794-BABY (794-2229), 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 
 

Baby and Me Massage Class

Baby Massage, the ancient art of soothing your baby, is practiced in many parts of the world. Positive touch has been found to be essential in the bonding process and research has shown that babies who are massaged on a regular basis sleep better, deeper and longer. Massage also helps with colic, gas, constipation and teething, just to name a few!

Baby Massage Classes are open to moms, dads, family members and caregivers and are limited to 10 families. The recommended age of your baby by the date of the class is between 4 weeks to 10 months old.

What to Expect: This class is a 3 week series. You will be arranged in a soothing group setting and the certified infant massage instructor will provide each family with the necessary massage oil (grapeseed or sunflower) and guide you through the specialized strokes using a demonstration doll for a complete full body baby massage. In addition you will learn the many benefits of massage for both you and your baby.

WHAT TO BRING: A large towel or blanket, extra diapers (a boppie or an extra beach towel) can be helpful with babies less than 6 months. A favorite toy for older  babies’ busy hands can sometimes be useful. If you have trouble sitting on the floor a small pillow may be beneficial.

WHAT TO WEAR: Comfortable, lightweight clothing (we will be sitting on the floor), dress baby in an outfit with separate top and bottom (so if we cannot control heat, we can keep one end warm while we work on the other.) Bring extra diapers and whatever you need for you and your baby to have a comfortable relaxing hour together.

Schedule: 3 week series (6/3, 6/10, 6/17) 6pm-7pm
Location: Baystate Health Education Center, 361 Whitney Ave. Holyoke- BRL Conference Room
Cost: $60
Registration and More Information: Register on-line  or call 413-794-BABY (794-2229), 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 
 

Baby Signing Time "Baby Let's Talk!"

Right now your baby's brain is growing faster than at any other time during life. You are your child's first and most influential teacher! To make the most of this important time in your baby's life, this class/playgroup will focus on three easy things you can do to help boost your baby's brain development: SIGN, TALK, and READ!

In this class/playgroup, taught by a Certified Signing Time Instructor, you will learn:

•       3 ways signing can boost brain development

•       How to make 28 terrific starter signs you can use every day

•       3 ways talking is good for your child's heart and mind

•       How to focus your child's attention to learning specific concepts by asking questions

•       3 ways reading together can help prepare your child for reading

•       How to make a book come alive in different ways each time you read

Schedule: TBA
Location: Baystate Health Education Center361 Whitney Ave, Holyoke, MA
Cost: $65.00 per family (children 3 mos to 3 years) for 4- 45 minute playgroups
Registration and More Information: Register on-line  or call 413-794-BABY (794-2229), 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 
 
Baby Signing Time Continues! Level 1 Part B
Baby Signing Time continues! This class is designed for those who have taken a Baby Signing Time 4 week session, and want more fun, more vocabulary, and more story times. At the end of this entire Level 1 (class A&B) session, graduates receive a special graduate gift.
Schedule: TBD
Location: Baystate Health Education Center361 Whitney Ave, Holyoke, MA
Cost: $65.00 per family (children 3 mos to 3 years) for 4- 45 minute playgroups
Registration and More Information: Register on-line  or call 413-794-BABY (794-2229), 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 
 

New Moms Support Group

Designed for new moms and babies up to one year, the group meets on Thursday mornings at 10 am. There is no charge. Opened to all moms.

Schedule: Thursdays at 10 am at the Greenwood Center, 231 Maple Road, Longmeadow

                  Tuesdays at 5pm at the Baystate Health Education Center, 361 Whitney Ave., Holyoke- BRL Conference Room (starting MArch 5, 2013).

** No group will meet during 4th of July week

 
Cost: Free
Registration and More Information: Register on-line  or call 413-794-BABY (794-2229), 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 
 

Gathering for Breastfeeding Moms and Babies

Led by one of our lactation consultants, this group is for breastfeeding moms and their babies. A great way to meet other breastfeeding mothers and to learn more tips on breastfeeding. 
Schedule: First and third Wednesdays of each month at 2-3pm, Second and fourth Saturdays of each month at 3-4pm
Cost: Free, but registration is requested, if possible, but not required. Mom & babies are always welcome.
Registration and More Information: Register on-line  or call 413-794-BABY (794-2229), 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
 
Parents of Toddlers Support Group
This group meets in a fun, child friendly environment and is open to all parents of toddlers who are interested in discussing potty training, setting limits, temper tantrums, new sibling adjustment and more.

Schedule: Thursdays at 10 am at the Greenwood Center, 231 Maple Road, Longmeadow
                  Tuesdays at 5pm at the Baystate Health Education Center, 361 Whitney Ave.,    Holyoke- BRL Conference Room (starting March 5, 2013).

** No group will meet during 4th of July week

 
Cost: Free
Registration and More Information: Register on-line  or call 413-794-BABY (794-2229), 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
 
The Fascination and Frustration of Toddlerhood

Have you ever found yourself wondering…

Where did my cuddly, sweet baby go and who is this crazy toddler?
Where are these temper tantrums coming from?
How do I handle this change in behavior?
When should I potty train?
How do I get my child to eat new foods?
How do I keep my child safe at home and in the world as s/he explores?
Are we normal??
This class, ideal for parents of children 12-36 months, offers an introduction to toddlerhood and the many ways to embrace this amazing, joyous, fascinating yet crazy time in your child’s life. Join us to discover the how’s and why’s of parenting a toddler.

During our time together you will:

  • Discover insightful and important information about this exceptional phase of development.
  • Learn why this time of life can be so challenging for parents and tough on toddlers, and how you can decrease frustration for both.
  • Gather practical tips and effective tools for navigating toddler development, behavior and discipline, nutrition, safety, potty training, and socialization.

To allow for focused learning and great discussion, please plan on getting a sitter for your toddler.

Schedule: TBA
 Location: Baystate Health Education Center, 361 Whitney Ave. Holyoke- BRL Conference Room
Cost: $35 per couple
Registration: Call 413-794-BABY (794-2229), 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.