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Midcoast Region
Infant Care Basics
with Erin Kirkpatrick, Mid Coast Maternity
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In this 3 hour virtual course, we talk about how to care for your newborn when you bring them home, what to expect during the first few months, and how to be well prepared. Topics include:
- Sleep habits
- Laying a strong sleep foundation
- Bottle and formula feeding (separate breastfeeding class)
- Diapering & Digestion
- Soothing techniques
- Safety Guidelines
- Common ailments
- Postpartum Coping and Preparation
We recommend taking this between 30-35 weeks if possible. Only one parent needs to register, but all can attend. Please join us to build your confidence in caring for your newborn!
You will receive an email from the instructor with a zoom link 1 week prior to the scheduled class. Please check your spam/junk folder for emails from erin@lighthouselactationmaine.com.
Will run
MidCoast Mamas
with Erin Kirkpatrick, Mid Coast Maternity
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Please join our postpartum support group to find the village you deserve! You will get to meet other new moms and find out that many of the struggles you may be experiencing are common and you are not alone. You will also get good ideas for coping. We vent, we celebrate, we cry, we encourage, we drink coffee and eat snacks! You can weigh your baby here and ask any questions at all to another mother or a nurse.
The group meets every Wednesday morning at 10:30am at MidCoast Hospital in Conference Room 1, right next to the cafeteria. If that room is not available, our back up location is the waiting room outside the Maternity unit. The group is led by our breast/bottle feeding specialists. Mothers will children 0-7 months are welcome.
Will run
Breastfeeding Support Group
with Lynn Tauss, MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital and Waldo Hospital Events
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This informal support group for breastfeeding families provides interaction as well as individual assistance when needed. Women wanting more information about breastfeeding are also welcome. This group is facilitated by a lactation consultant from the Women and Infants unit.
Please call (207)301-8337 for more information.
Understanding Breastfeeding
with Kimberley Paradee BSN RN CLC, LincolnHealth Childbirth Education
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Our classes reflect Lincoln Hospital's dedication to our philosophy of family-centered care. This class is taught by Kimberley Paradee, a Registered Nurse and Certified Lactation Counselor and Certified Nurse Midwife, Julie Virgin, from the family birth center who will bring their knowledge and experience to their teaching. We will review how breastmilk is made, why breastfeeding is so important, feeding cues and positions and so much more. We use short videos and discussion to ensure you and your baby are off to a great start! The class is informal and allows for open discussion. Please call the Lincoln Hospital Family Birth Center for questions at: 207.563.4536
Will run
Preparing for Labor & Birth
with Erin Kirkpatrick, Mid Coast Maternity
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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. Please check your spam/junk folder for emails from erin@lighthouselactationmaine.com.
Gentle Birth - Virtual
with Dawn Tassi, MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital and Waldo Hospital Events
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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 301-8337 to register.
Held Support Group
with Leah Kohlstrom, MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital and Waldo Hospital Events
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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 Hospital's Women's Health 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.
Breastfeeding Basics - Virtual
with Lynn Tauss, MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital and Waldo Hospital Events
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This single two-hour class provides a pre-birth opportunity to ask questions and learn about breastfeeding and returning to work.
Pre-registration is required in order to obtain access to virtual access. Please call (207)301-8337 to register.