This class will help children prepare for the special occasion of becoming a big brother or sister. Big brothers and sisters will watch an age-appropriate video and learn to diaper their doll or teddy bear. Siblings will also learn what to expect during parents and baby's hospital stay, what newborn babies look like and act like, and how they can help parents with the new baby.

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.

Grief at the Holidays - a Conversation

Coping strategies for dealing with grief and loss during the holidays.

Presenter: Andy Sokoloff, LMSW, Bereavement Coordinator, MaineHealth CHANS Home Health and Hospice

MaineHealth Lifestyle Medicint Brunswick, 329 Maine Street Brunswick, ME 04011

Registration is required.

For more information call 207-373-6585.

Although the holidays are usually regarded as happy celebrations, many of us approach the holiday season with trepidation.  When you have lost people you love, their death(s) can overshadow or outright stifle the joy of the holiday season.  Sentimental reminders abound, with movies, songs, and ads focusing on families and spending time with loved ones. 

Do you struggle with feeling sad or lonely at this time of year?  Are you at a loss as to how to respond to friends and family who wonder why you are not in the holiday spirit?  Would you like to learn more about how to cope over the next few weeks? Please join us for an informative 1-hour session which will review:

• What is grief?
• Triggers
• Coping Tools
• Communication
• Resources 

Do you have questions, scheduling suggestions or are interested in training to be a facilitator yourself? Please email the instructor Gisele Biron at mhmgcareteambereavement@mainehealth.org 

Provides information and support to those who have loved ones coping with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias. 

For more information, contact Cheri R. Blouin, LSW, at 207-301-6237 or at Cheri.Blouin@mainehealth.org. 

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.

Join us for a 2-hour Preparing for Birth and Feeding Your Baby Class, led by a Labor & Delivery Nurse/Lactation Consultant and the Perinatal Outreach Education Coordinator.   Recommended for all first-time pregnant patients 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.

THIS CLASS IS LOCATED IN NORWAY, MAINE - IN PERSON

The class will be informal focusing on:

• How do you know you’re in labor and when to call the doctor
• Stages of Labor
• Vaginal & Surgical Deliveries
• Terminology
• Comfort Measures
• Equipment Review
• Medications and Interventions
• Feeding Your Baby
• Watching Educational Videos
• And More!

Light refreshments will be provided during class.  All participants are required to review self-screening questions for COVID-19 and remain masked during class.  

Contact the Perinatal Outreach Education Coordinator with any questions: 207-393-3462

****PLEASE NOTE: ONLY REGISTER ONE PARTICIPANT. You will have space to put who is attending with you on your registration form (do not register them separately).****

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.