Congratulations! You're pregnant; now what?

If you are looking for a crash course on how to be a supportive partner in this crazy adventure of having a baby, this class is for you. This online-only class is jam-packed with two hours of edutainment (a hybrid of education and entertainment) that will be great for helping you and your partner get through the duration of pregnancy. We will cover the pre-baby game plan, what happens during labor and delivery, and what to expect once you get home.

This class is for individuals who will be supporting their partners giving birth.

Once you sign up for a class, you will receive a Zoom link via email the week prior to class. Refunds for class cancellations include a 10% processing fee. No refunds will be given after class begins.

NOTE: THIS IS AN ONLINE CLASS

The registration fee includes costs for the registrant and one support person. To avoid duplicate charges, please register only ONE participant per class. A receipt will be provided for insurance reimbursement purposes. Reimbursement is subject to individual insurance plans, refer to your plan for additional information.

 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 .

Rescheduling or canceling your class registration can be done by contacting childbirtheducation@mainehealth.org . Refunds for class cancelations include a 10% processing fee. No refunds will be given after class begins.

We are 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. 

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.

A FREE monthly series that provides cooking demonstrations and education showing how chronic disease can be prevented, treated and even reversed with a plant-based diet for an overall healthier lifestyle.

Presentations by Timothy Howe, MD

Food Demonstrations by Sheryl McWilliams RN, MPH and Lyn Howe, MPH

• January 13: How Diet Affects Autoimmune Disease
• February 3: Perfect Health Depends Upon Perfect Circulation
• March 10: Protein: The Good, The Bad and The Better!
• April 14: Cancer: How Lifestyle Affects Our Chance of Getting It & How to Minimize the Risk
• May 12: Your Brain: How Lifestyle Affects Your Thoughts & Brain Health

MaineHealth Lifestyle Medicine Brunswick, Teaching Kitchen, 329 Maine Street in Brunswick

Registration is required.

Neurographic Art

Art and creativity can help you connect to your feelings, increase your self-awareness and ability to think of new ways to problem solve, and develop healthy habits and routines.

Class will meet for two sessions with one additional optional class.

• Learn how to let go of stress and improve your overall sense of well-being through a creative drawing experience.
• Learn how to use simple creative exercises to create your own sense of calm.
• No drawing or artistic skill is required.

All supplies will be provided. You may bring any favorite markers, colored pencils or pens if you would like to — though they are not required.

Cost for the three-class series is $30. Registration is required.

MH Lifestyle Medicine Brunswick, 329 Maine Street-SOUTH/MAIN ENTRANCE, Brunswick

For more information call (207) 373-6585.

Coastal Communities Live Well Better Breathers Group (adults)

Join us for a support group that provides a welcoming space for individuals with chronic lung diseases, as well as their family members, friends and caregivers. Learn about disease management, share experiences and get tools to stay active and healthy. The group covers everything related to breathing, including oxygen equipment, medications, CPAP machines and more. Guest speakers will provide specialized knowledge and education.

Classes are led by trained facilitators and are offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Wednesday of each month. A Zoom link will be provided after registration. Families and caregivers are welcome.

The American Lung Association's Better Breathers Club program has connected people living with lung disease to education, support and each other in communities around the country for over 50 years.

To register, email or call Suzan Michelle Collins at: 207-301-5892 or Suzan.Collins@mainehealth.org     

Suzan Michelle Collins, BSRT, RRT, is a second-year graduate student working on her graduate degree in Respiratory Care at Boise State University. She is a certified asthma educator and holds specialty certifications as a COPD educator, pulmonary disease educator, tobacco treatment specialist and in pulmonary rehabilitation.

She has received national awards for her work in Asthma Management from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Dr. Charles H. Hudson Award for her work in Cardiopulmonary Health from the ARCF and the Nick Jones Breathe Strong Rally Champion Award from the COPD Foundation. Locally, she has received the 2024 Operations Transformation Advocate Award from MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital and has been invited to present her research and work performed here for several national conferences.

Birth is a normal, natural, process. Just like each person is unique, each pregnancy, labor and birth are unique. At Lincoln Hospital Family Birth Center, we believe the best approach is supporting the birthing person as they navigate this natural, beautiful process. We support your decisions and value client input as a vital part of the birthing experience and labor process.

As your family prepares for labor, delivery, and the arrival of this precious new baby, we are here to help make this exciting new journey the best experience it can be for all. Our childbirth education classes cover pregnancy, labor and delivery, and newborn care. We use videos, stories, photos and animations, activities and games as well as demonstrations to teach all the essential information parents need to prepare for the birth of their baby. 

It is recommended that expecting clients finish this series around 3-6 weeks before their due date. This class is for patients and their support person(s) and is now a two part series with an optional breastfeeding course (separate sign up) offered at varied times over the course of the year.

For more information about our class offerings, please call the LH Family Birth Center at 207.563.4536 to speak to one of our nurses.

Wednesdays, April 15-29, 5:30-7 p.m.

Join Maine writer Sarah Kilch Gaffney for this free 3-week workshop series where participants will come together to learn how writing and journaling can help as they navigate the ups and downs of everyday life.

Participants will hear readings, try out writing prompts, and learn about the benefits of expressive writing and journaling. We will explore writing as a tool for improving overall health, processing difficult times, and as a form of self-care.

Workshop participants will get to bring a journal home with them to continue their writing practice, and no prior writing experience is necessary.

Registration is required.

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

MaineHealth Lifestyle Medicine Brunswick, 329 Maine Street (Main/South Entrance), Brunswick, ME 

Coastal Communities Teens Kicking Asthma Breathe Well Group
Join us for a self-management education program designed for teens ages 11–16 (grades 6–10). Through a fun, interactive approach, the program empowers teens by using learning techniques tailored for their age group.

The curriculum highlights asthma self-management practices, including recognizing early warning signs, identifying and avoiding triggers and using medications properly. By practicing these skills in a supportive setting, teens will gain the knowledge and confidence needed to better manage their asthma every day.

This program is taught by an American Lung Association-trained facilitator that delivers structured curriculum in a community-based small group setting.

To register, email or call Suzan Michelle Collins at: 207-301-5892 or Suzan.Collins@mainehealth.org   

Suzan Michelle Collins, BSRT, RRT, is a second-year graduate student working on her graduate degree in Respiratory Care at Boise State University. She is a certified asthma educator and holds specialty certifications as a COPD educator, pulmonary disease educator, tobacco treatment specialist and in pulmonary rehabilitation.

She has received national awards for her work in Asthma Management from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Dr. Charles H. Hudson Award for her work in Cardiopulmonary Health from the ARCF and the Nick Jones Breathe Strong Rally Champion Award from the COPD Foundation. Locally, she has received the 2024 Operations Transformation Advocate Award from MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital and has been invited to present her research and work performed here for several national conferences.  

Suzan volunteers for many organizations, supporting and advocating for patients and the cardiopulmonary profession.