Enjoy a new approach to child birth class combining brain science, birth science and technology to empower your positive birth through preparation. This class takes place over a series of three Tuesdays and will include training and education in mindfulness, hypnosis, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and sports psychology. A mobile app will also be able available if desired to enhance the learning experience.

Pre-registration is required in order to obtain access to virtual access. Please call (207)301-8337 to register. 

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 in a 3 hour - Interactive workshop in discussing the following topics:

• Feeding/Cues
• Breastfeeding & Bottle feeding
• How to prepare formula
• Swaddling & sleep sacks
• Diaper Changes
• Sleep Safety
• Infant CPR course to gain knowledge in how to perform CPR and choking rescue of an infant up to 1 year of age.  This course will be provided by in-person CPR provider, video and hands-on practice.  
• Car Seat Safety (bring your car seat to the class)
• When To Call The Doctor

THIS CLASS IS LOCATED IN NORWAY, MAINE - IN PERSON

Class is scheduled for an estimated 3 hour.   Any caregiver is welcome to join, parents, siblings, grandparents, friends, etc.

Contact the Perinatal Outreach Case Manager with any questions: 207-393-3462

Wednesday, September 16, 5:30-7 pm

Join Maine writer Sarah Kilch Gaffney for this free workshop 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.

Sarah Kilch Gaffney is a writer, brain injury advocate, and community writing workshop facilitator living in central Maine. You can find her work at www.sarahkilchgaffney.com 

Registration is required. 

To learn more, call 207-373-6585 and ask for Meghan.

MaineHealth Lifestyle Medicine Brunswick, 329 Maine Street, Brunswick, (Parkview) 

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.

ALSO® PROVIDER COURSE

Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) is an evidence-based, interprofessional, and multidisciplinary training program that equips the entire maternity care team with skills to effectively manage obstetric emergencies. This comprehensive course encourages a standardized team-based approach amongst physicians, residents, nurse midwives, registered nurses and other members of the maternity care team to improve patient safety and positively impact maternal outcomes.

OVERALL COURSE OBJECTIVES

1. Discuss methods of managing pregnancy and birth urgencies and emergencies, which standardizes the skills of practicing maternity care providers.

2. Demonstrate content and skill acquisition as evidenced by successful completion of online course examination, skills workstations, and group testing stations.

3. Provide safe team leadership through various emergency obstetric scenarios.

You don’t have to walk the caregiver path alone. This group is for caregivers interested in sharing, learning, and supporting each other in a confidential and friendly environment.

For more information, contact MaineHealth employee facilitators Kim Danforth, LMSW-cc at 207-301-3095 or Catherine Athay, LCSW at 207-301-8977.

This class provides a non-certificate course through the American Heart Association to family and friends. In this class you will learn basic infant CPR and choking rescue techniques. The classes are open to parents, grandparents, childcare providers, and anyone who cares for infants.

It's best to take the class before the baby is born, so you are prepared from day one.

Fee: $30.00 per person. Each person attending needs to pre-register for the class.

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 offer this class only in person. Classes are held at the Dana Center Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland. You will receive directions to parking and the classroom once you have registered.

*Please note for our Winter classes: If the weather forecasts unsafe driving conditions, the class will be cancelled. Be sure to check your email and/or voicemail! We will do our best to reschedule or transfer you into another class. If where you are coming from has bad weather, please contact us to reschedule!