The Alzheimer’s Support Group provides information and support toarea residents who have loved ones coping with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. Currently the group is meeting via Zoom. Free. Those interested in participating should contact Cheri R. Blouin, LSW at 301-6237 or at cheri.blouin@mainehealth.org for the meeting details.

This support group provides a safe space for families grieving the loss of a child through miscarriage or pregnancy loss. Join Leah Kohlstrom and Claire Philbrook the first Tuesday of each month at Pen Bay Medical Center's Beebe Center to explore grief with tea and the occasional activity. This will be a space to share and process grief alongside others who have experienced similar loss. Please register in advance so the facilitators can plan ahead. 

This is a one hour, private online class with a Labor & Delivery nurse to discuss options after a previous cesarean delivery.  Designed for individuals and their partners who are considering a Trial of Labor After a Cesarean (TOLAC), please talk with your provider before registering this class to see if a TOLAC is an option for you.

We will take time to discuss your previous birth experience, define what is most important to you as you consider options for this pregnancy, and what you can do to increase your chances of a vaginal delivery if you choose to labor this time. 

You will learn how to prepare for a TOLAC at MMC, and understand strategies to prepare for both a vaginal and repeat caesarean birth if needed.

We recommend attending this class during the second trimester of pregnancy.

 Happy Wanderers Hiking Group: Beech Hill Preserve, Rockport

Thursday, December 5, 10:00 a.m. to noon

Trailhead: 316 Beech Hill Road, Rockport

Join MaineHealth’s Community Health department partnering with Coastal Mountains Land Trust to get outdoors and stay active with guided hikes year round. The group meets at trailheads throughout Knox and Waldo Counties on the first Thursday of each month. This hike will be led by CMLT staff members and a Community Health team member.

This hike is 1.4 miles long and includes a steady gravel incline!  To end another successful year of Happy Wanderers, there will be a small celebration with hot cocoa at the Beech Nut.

Registration is optional!  Visit coastalmountains.org/get-outside for the full schedule of hikes.

Registration fee covers the cost of registrant and one support person. Please register only ONE participant for a class so that you will not be charged twice. A receipt will be issued which can be utilized to submit to your insurance company. Reimbursement is dependent upon individual plans, refer to your plan for additional information.

If you cannot afford the registration fee due to financial hardship, please contact childbirth education at childbirtheducation@mainehealth.org. 

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.

You will also receive FREE ACCESS to a recorded version of Infant Sleep 101: Surviving the 4-Month Sleep Regression & Beyond.

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

Join us for an in-depth discussion of what to expect when the time comes to give birth to your baby!

Part 1 is in-person at MidCoast Hospital. During this 3 hour session, you will learn about the three phases of labor, how to cope, and how to be a supportive partner. We will discuss many coping strategies, as well as practice laboring positions and hands-on support techniques. This session also includes a tour of the maternity unit and birthing rooms. Session 1 is from 9:30am-1:00pm.

Part 2 is held the next day via zoom. During this 2.5 hour session, you will learn about the various pain medication options that are available, what is involved in inductions and c-sections, what to expect with your newborn and your hospital stay, as well as how to be more prepared for the postpartum period. For 2024 classes session 2 will be from 3:00-5:30pm. For 2025 classes session 2 will be 9:00-11:30am.

Partners/support people are encouraged to attend but do not need to register online. We recommend taking this course between 30-35 weeks if possible. Our hope is that you will leave this educational weekend feeling like you have the knowledge you need to make informed decisions, and the confidence to navigate the transition from pregnancy to parenthood. We look forward to working with you!

You will receive an email from the instructor 1 week prior to the scheduled class with the zoom link for part 2. 

This three-hour mini-retreat is designed for individuals of all levels of experience. Mindfulness-based exercises, meditation, and movement (stretches and gentle yoga) will be combined with discussion of the principles of mindfulness and its relevance to stress in our lives.

Saturday, December 7th from 9am-Noon, Cost is $25,

Registration required.

MaineHealth Community Health Brunswick, 329 Maine Street, Brunswick, ME 04011

For more information, please call (207) 373-6585.

Registration fee covers the cost of registrant and one support person.  Please register only ONE participant for a class so that you will not be charged twice. A receipt will be issued which can be utilized to submit to your insurance company. Reimbursement is dependent upon individual plans, refer to your plan for additional information.

If you cannot afford the registration fee due to financial hardship, please contact childbirth education at childbirtheducation@mainehealth.org. 

We are offering this class in person.

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.

Classes are held at the Dana Center Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland. All class participants should enter through the main entrance and be issued a Visitors badge.  You will be directed to the Charles Dana Education Center where the class instructor will be downstairs to meet you. 

Parking: Parking is available in the visitors Parking Garage on Congress Street.  Parking near the hospital is limited and parking for more than 1 hour may result in a fine.