This informal support group for breastfeeding families provides interaction as well as individual assistance when needed. Women wanting more information about breastfeeding are also welcome. Facilitated by a lactation consultant from the Women and Infants unit. Because of room occupancy restraints, we are limited to a maximum of 7 moms with babies in arms. Siblings will not be allowed at this time. Please call 207-301-8337 for more information. This group is free, but pre-registration is required.

To register, please visit http://journeytohealth.coursestorm.com or call 207-301-3950

This free peer support group is a great opportunity to meet other new breastfeeding parents in your community, share experiences, and receive postpartum and newborn care information and support. A lactation consultant facilitates the group and can answer your questions.

This group is currently meeting in an online or call-in format. Please register here to receive log-in or call-in information for this weekly group which meets on Tuesdays 1-3pm.

FREE but registration is required. Join anytime throughout the year. New members are always welcome!

MMC's CNA Apprentice Training is a program of Maine Medical Center.  Please take time to visit www.mmc.org/cnaprogram to learn about our program.  Read the information provided there and in the instructions below carefully.  If you have questions or want to know more about MMC's program, please contact us at cnaprogram@mainehealth.org 

FOR CNA APPRENTICE CLASS BEGINNING MAY 1, 2023

To apply for MMC's CNA Apprentice Training Class, you must:

--take the CASAS reading assessment and score 240 or higher; you must register by 4 PM the Sunday before the assessment date. Only register for one CASAS session, please. Other appointments may be available upon request; email cnaprogram@mainehealth.org to inquire. Please email us if you will need assistance at the testing location.

Note:  If you hold a bachelors or associates degree from an accredited US institution of higher learning, the CASAS assessment may be waived (send copy of diploma or transcript to cnaprogram@mainehealth.org)

--If you have recently taken the CASAS, you must wait 6 months before taking it again.

--Submit the CNA Application; you can find an online version at  www.mmc.org/cnaprogram  The application deadline is March 27.

--Attend a virtual information session: we'll send you an invitation after you score 240 or higher on the CASAS.

--Please email cnaprogram@mainehealth.org if you have any questions or for info about MMC’s CNA Program.

This informal support group for breastfeeding families provides interaction as well as individual assistance when needed. Women wanting more information about breastfeeding are also welcome. Facilitated by a lactation consultant from the Women and Infants unit. Because of room occupancy restraints, we are limited to a maximum of 7 moms with babies in arms. Siblings will not be allowed at this time. Please call 207-301-8337 for more information. This group is free, but pre-registration is required.

Due to the changes in Maine Medical's visitor guidelines, we are temporarily offering this class online. After you are registered, a few days before the class starts you will receive an email with the link to participate in the class. Thank you for understanding.

Expectant first time parents can learn about common newborn needs and behaviors and how to prepare for bringing baby home. This class includes information about how to care for and comfort a newborn, feeding, safe sleep and other ways to keep your baby safe, and tips on how to make this newborn period an easier transition for you.

We recommend attending this class between the 32nd and 36th week of pregnancy.

This newborn sleep shaping class is for pregnant persons at any gestation and new parents with babies up to 12 weeks. During this class parents will learn how to set the foundations in the newborn period for healthy infant sleep. Topics discussed will include what to expect in the fourth trimester, newborn soothing strategies, the science behind sleep, developmental milestones, how to create a sleep conducive environment, how to encourage independent sleep, how and when to stop swaddling and realistic expectations regarding night wakings and feedings.  We will also discuss planning for going back to work and transitioning to daycare.

Non-birthing partners are encouraged to attend.

This class is currently offered virtually via Zoom.  After you are regisitered, you will receive an email with information as to how to participate in class.

If you have any questions please contact Jenna Marion directly at jenna.marion@mainehealth.org.

Registration includes a support person.

The One-Day Express Course covers all of the same information as the Childbirth Education 4-evening series in one full day.

Recommended for all first-time pregnant people and their birth partners, this class is designed to provide you and your labor partner with the information, skills, and resources to prepare you for the birth of your baby.

• Introduction to Labor & Delivery You can expect to learn the stages and phases of labor, what to expect physically and emotionally, the importance of labor support, and more. You will also see birth videos and go on a teaching tour of the Family Birth Center.
• Practical Skills and Comfort Measures You will learn comfort measures such as relaxation, breathing, and positions that you can use both at home and while at the hospital. Even mothers planning to use medication for pain relief will utilize skills to manage labor prior to and in conjunction with the use of medication.
• Medications and Interventions Be an active participant in the decisions that affect you and your baby. Learn about induction of labor, unplanned cesareans, vacuum, fetal monitoring and more. Whether you are planning on using pain medications, or just want to understand the available options, you will take home the information you need to make informed decisions about pain relief.
• Putting It Together The class will wrap up with a labor rehearsal and birth plan exercise as a way to practice all of the skills and knowledge learned in the class.

We recommend attending this class between the 28th and 32nd week of pregnancy.

Due to the changes in Maine Medical's visitor guidelines, we are temporarily offering this class online. After you are registered, shortly before the class starts you will receive an email with information as to how to participate in the class. Thank you for understanding.

Tai Chi is a low-impact exercise that is easy on the joints and good for your whole body. Join instructor Adrienne Gallant, certified in Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention, for this six-session beginner-level class to increase your strength, flexibility, balance and overall sense of well-being. No previous Tai Chi experience necessary.