Instructors are:  Emily Watson, RN, BSN, MPH,C-EFM

 Basic Life Support in Obstetrics (BLSO) is designed to improve the management of normal deliveries, as well as obstetric emergencies by standardizing the skills of first responders, emergency personnel and maternity care providers.

The BLSO curriculum is designed to train:

•Pre-hospital care providers 

•First responders and emergency personnel

•Medical, nursing, and physician assistant students

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 3.5 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 3 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. In the year 2025 Session 2 will be 9:00am-12:00pm. In the year 2026 Session 2 with be 3:00pm-6:00pm.

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. Please check your spam/junk folder for emails from erin@lighthouselactationmaine.com. 

Intuitive Painting

November 12 & 19, 9:30-11:30 a.m. OR 4:30-6:30 p.m.

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.

• 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.

Learn how intuitive painting can help you discover your creative energy. Enjoy a calm, mindful practice that focuses on the process of creating and experimenting with color, shapes and techniques to develop your own unique and one-of-a-kind painting. This process will teach you there are no mistakes, and that it’s okay to break some rules, let go of perfection and trust your inner voice.

Supplies will be provided – participants may also use their own supplies if preferred. No previous painting or art experience required.

Sessions are 2-hours each of instruction and projects.

Cost for the series is $30. Registration is required. https://midcoastchw.coursestorm.com/

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

For more information call (207) 373-6585.

Are your attics, garages, and basements full of things? Are you managing the estate of a loved one? Are you thinking of downsizing? Then this is the class for you. Many of us are looking for ways to simplify life to decrease stress, increase time for adventures or spend more time with family/friends. This session, which is based on the book written by Margareta Magnusson, will guide you towards a freer and less cluttered life.

Coastal Communities Youth Kicking Asthma Breathe Well Group
Join us for a program that educates and empowers children ages 8 to 11 through a fun, interactive approach to asthma self-management. Children will learn how to recognize warning signs, avoid triggers and talk confidently about their health.

The class follows the Open Airways for Schools® (OAS) curriculum, the nation’s most widely recognized asthma management program for children. Since its introduction more than three decades ago, OAS has reached hundreds of thousands of children nationwide and has been proven effective.

Children who complete the program learn to prevent symptoms, recognize them early, take appropriate management steps and work with parents, teachers, medical professionals and friends to manage asthma daily.

Classes will be offered both in person and via Zoom. The Zoom link will be provided after registration.                                 

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.

 SBIRT / MI training

It's never too late to take an Infant CPR class! This class is for parents, grandparents, childcare providers and anyone who takes care of your baby.

This is a non-certificate course through American Heart Association, Friends & Family program. Learn basic infant CPR & choking rescue for your little one.

The text Family & Friends CPR will be provided.

Make sure to register EACH PERSON attending the class so we can have a correct head count. Refunds for class cancellations include a 10% processing fee. No refunds will be given after class begins.

NOTE: THIS CLASS IS IN PERSON IN BIDDEFORD

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.