Childbirth Education Support Groups and Classes and Lactation Consultation Services

iStock-898399372.jpgChildbirth education class 
Childbirth education classes cover labor, delivery, postpartum and newborn care. We offer a one-time class that is currently via Zoom. However, it is taught live and we encourage questions and lots of discussion. The class occurs the first Wednesday of every month from 4-6 pm, and is taught by our own labor and delivery and obstetric nurses and gives you a snap shot of what is like to have your baby here at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center. This class is developed by our own nurses who through caring for patients and their babies came up with important topics that we wish all patients know. And, talking with moms who have had their babies at the Medical Center, we have received more new topics to discuss to better prepare you for your birth of your baby.

Breastfeeding class
Breastfeeding classes cover everything breastfeeding including milk supply, benefits, latching, positions and much more.  We offer a onetime class that is currently via Zoom, it is taught live and we encourage questions and lots of discussion.  It occurs the second Wednesday of every month from 4-6 pm.  It is taught by our own Lactation and OB nurses and gives you everything you need to know to get ready to breastfeed your new baby.

Due to the ability of Zoom, class size is not a problem.  Once you schedule your classes if a conflict arises, you can reschedule to a different date.
 
There is no cost for these classes.

Click here to register for our free classes online 

Please 207.973.8742 with any questions. 
 
Support Groups

Lactation consultant warm line and lactation clinic

Do you have questions about breastfeeding? Our board-certified lactation consultants and lactation counselors are just a phone call away. Call us for professional advice, support, and encouragement at 207.973.8673. Outpatient lactation clinic visits are also available by appointment.
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Breastfeeding support group [no cost to attend] - ON HOLD

This group is a fun way to meet new moms who are also breastfeeding their babies.

This group offers breastfeeding support and guidance to nursing mothers in our area. Our Certified Lactation Consultants and Certified Lactation Counselors will lead discussions regarding breastfeeding in the early weeks, common problems and solutions, going back to work, nutrition and long-term breastfeeding success.

  • Every Friday: 10 – 11 am at Northern Light Medical Center, Penobscot Pavilion 8th floor conference room. Snacks provided. Siblings are welcome!

For more information contact Lactation Consultants at 207.973.8673, or Childbirth Education at 207.973.8742.
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Tree of HOPE postpartum support group [no cost to attend]

Tree of HOPE (Healthy Outlook on Postpartum Experience) is a postpartum support group backed by Northern Light Health. We offer an honest and safe place to listen, talk, and gain education on postpartum experiences. We were created by a group of moms who have gone through challenging postpartum experiences. 

We meet in-person every Wednesday, 1 to 3 pm in the Medical Arts Building Conference Room located at 180 Kennedy Memorial Drive in Waterville on the hospital campus. 

  • Free
  • Open to the public

To register, click here.

For more information please call 207.861.6091 or email bgemelli@northernlight.org
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Sibling class [no cost for this class] - ON HOLD

It is important to prepare your older children for the new baby's arrival. Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center offers a free class to help brothers and sisters know what to expect when their new sibling arrives, and how to adjust.

Classes are offered monthly at the Medical Center’s State Street campus in Bangor. For more information and to learn when the next class is scheduled, please call Betsy Philbrick at 207.973.8737 or email at ephilbrick@northernlight.org.

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Baby massage class [no cost for this class] - ON HOLD

Learn the basics of baby massage – a wonderful way to show your baby love through gentle touch. Classes are ongoing, once per month. You may attend as many classes as you and your baby want.
For more information contact Betsy Philbrick at 207.973.8737 or email her at ephilbrick@northernlight.org.
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Empty arms - A support group for parents grieving infant and pregnancy loss [no cost to attend]

The mission of Empty Arms is to serve those whose lives are touched by the tragic death of a baby through pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or in the first few months of life.

The loss of a child – at 9 weeks, 40 weeks, or after birth can be earth shattering in its magnitude. The feelings of sadness and emptiness are overwhelming and difficult for most to understand.

We understand. We are parents who have lost babies of our own and have found that being part of a community of parents who understand is often the first step toward healing.

In this monthly, open meeting, we share our experiences and reflect upon our struggles to grieve, heal, and grow. Empty Arms meetings take place on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 - 8 pm.

For more information, please contact Erin Hatch, Coordinator at 207.356.5551, or email at emptyarmsbangor@gmail.com. Web site: emptyarmsmaine.org
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Parenting Classes/Trainings

Parenting classes cover a variety of parenting topics including discipline strategies, managing stress, helping children deal with their feelings, communicating with children and building self-esteem, and growth and development in infants and children. Classes are free and some classes offer light refreshments. To register for any of our upcoming parenting classes contact Christine McMillen at 974-2481 or at parentingclass@penquis.org

For a list of all current classes and to register, please click here.
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Referral services for families with young children 

To learn more about various services offered to young families click here. 
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Virtual tour of Maternity Services