*NEW* Weekend Intensive Childbirth Preparation

05.04.2013 in Birth Education | by | Leave a comment

I am so excited to bring you BirthFocus’ 2 Day Weekend Intensive Childbirth Preparation course!

June 8th & 9th
2:30-6:30pm each day
$225 per couple or team
Land Yoga, 2116 Frederick Douglass Blvd, Harlem

Who this is for: the busy couple that wanted to take a course, but due to travel, work schedules, switching providers, moving, etc., couldn’t fit it into their schedules. Perhaps your new provider or the doula you just hired has encouraged you to take a course and you’d rather be in a classroom environment vs hiring a private teacher? This course is designed expressly for couples 34 weeks along or more who have questions.

What we will cover: The first day covers childbirth as an event your body was made for. We will visit labor stages, relaxation (including breath), how the body works, and practice positions. **Currently being presented by Jenn Kratzer, CNM and mother herself!** Our second class prepares you for options in childbirth, including anesthesia and augmentation in labor, the curveballs of labor (i.e. preparing for the unexpected) including cesarean, informed consent and informed refusal (i.e. advocating for your best outcome) and finally coming together as a team. **By Gillian Foreman**

What’s included / not included: Aside from the course topics listed above, there are Postpartum care worksheets and newborn care procedures to discuss with your birth team included for you to use afterwards. Labor rehearsals and relaxation techniques as homework moving forward until your expected day comes. There’s a full student binder, and as a thank you, a book we think you’ll love! Breastfeeding, baby care and Babywearing are NOT included.

Want more? If you have the time I strongly encourage you to take a full childbirth education course. Combo courses can also be offered by taking two concurrent sessions at the same time or contact me for other independent childbirth educators/course offerings.
But if you don’t, this is for you. I’d rather you get the information than EVER think its too late!

Please email me with questions or to sign up. $50 deposits are required to hold your space in the course, there is limited enrollment.

*As part of this introductory (discounted) fee I will be following up with an extensive survey and feedback form as we shape these 8 hrs to include the most that they can! Responses can be anonymous.

I look forward to meeting you! Here’s to your best Birth-day!
Gillian

New Mom Support Group

06.04.2013 in New Mommyhood | by | Leave a comment

the new moms support group

Manhattan Doula NYC is teaming up with Uptown Birth for
New Moms Support Group
8 Wednesdays on the UWS beginning
July 10th
Time: 10:30-12:00
$160

*Open to moms and babies up to 6 months of age.

TO REGISTER: email me

Gillian Foreman and Tanya Wills are two moms who work constantly with women in the initial postpartum time, and we’re looking to create a safe space with you. A place you can come while your baby cries the whole time. Yes, please come. A place you can come not worrying about a shower and makeup, or we can be your excuse for a shower and some make up! The variety of emotional ranges and physical changes can feel isolating – but there’s a woman out there thinking those same thoughts you are! We want you to get a chance to meet her. Come meet the moms you can create friendships with, not just because you’re now new moms, but because there’s a true spark of friendship.
Each week we’ll seek to address one of the topics listed below, in addition to asking for your own input for topics, followed by just a general round table group chat. Peer support facilitated by non-judgmental, working mommas who have and will cry, laugh and listen right alongside you. And maybe take turns holding some babies while we’re at it.

Topics including:

Birth Processing
Sleep
PPD vs baby blues, and the indigo range between
Feelings of Isolation
Self care
Self image and Body Image
Breast and bottle feeding, including pumping
Childcare Issue and Considerations
To Work or Not to Work? Work from home?
Relationship Balance, including Sex
Navigating Friendships, old friends, childless friends, new friends, those with different parenting philosophies
What topic would you bring up?

June & July Classes: Childbirth & Breastfeeding

05.21.2013 in Birth Education | by | Leave a comment

Classes that still have spaces:

FULL CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION SERIES:

Saturdays, July 20th, MindBodySoul Yoga Healing Center (Washington Heights), 5:00-8:00pm

$400 per couple (sliding scale always accepted)

These Childbirth Classes are the most comprehensive available. In 24 hrs of total classtime, we get to explore the stages of labor, anatomy & physiology of how birth works, and truly understand the range of normal that birth entails. Through practice, videos and stories we will come to understand the emotional signposts of labor, how to best support a laboring mother and how to make the most of your birth experience.

—————————————————

BREASTFEEDING 101:

Sunday, June 2nd, Inwood location (207 & Seaman Ave), 1:00-4:00pm(2 spaces left)

NEWLY ADDED!!Sunday, July 7th, MindBodySoul Yoga Healing Center (Washington Heights), 1:00-4:00pm(newly added – slots go quickly!)

Saturday, July 13th, MindBodySoul Yoga Healing Center (Washington Heights), 5:00-8:00pm(FULL!!)

$100 per couple

This is unlike any other breastfeeding class you will find. Join us as we go through the newborn care procedures post birth, explore the first hour of skin-to-skin contact, and explain the 5 essential keys to breastfeeding success. We also discuss why breastfeeding fails and identify ways to solve those issues.

See previous posts for details about my other classes!
Weekend Childbirth Intensives, Babywearing Workshops and Childbirth Refreshers.
Here’s to happy birth-days!

TODAY!! Mamapalooza, come rain or come shine

05.19.2013 in Babywearing, Birthy Events for All!, Events | by | Leave a comment

Join me today, rain or shine, for Mamapalooza! I’ll be answering questions about doulas, birth, babies & babywearing! plus I’ll tweet pics of our new accessories.

See you there!

20130519-084106.jpg

20130519-084119.jpg

Mother’s Day Celebration

05.09.2013 in Babywearing, Birthy Events for All! | by | Leave a comment

A Mother’s Day Celebration for mothers-to-be AND current mommas!

In Association with Urban Babywearing, I’m doing a FREE Goody Bag giveaway on Sunday morning, May 12th, Mother’s Day, 10-12:30, at the new Dichter’s Pharmacy & Soda Fountain!
Located near the corner of 207 & Broadway (past the plywood scaffolding).

This is not just to spread babywearing love & info, and not just for the coupon for a free scoop of ice cream Manny is letting us make & pass out exclusively for caregivers with kiddos in tow. … But while I’m there …

So bring in your belly, your baby, your carriers and strollers! Check out Manny’s new place, while feeling free to ask me questions about anything: babywearing, Breastfeeding, doulas, etc. Or simply grab & go. Either way, its FREE!

What’s included?
You know I just couldn’t resist the temptation to spread some birthy love & information. I encourage you to give what you might otherwise throw away to someone who can use it:
- NYC Healthy Birth Guides
- La Leche League Manhattan Meeting dates for the next quarter
- my own business card, Uptown Birth
- BirthFocus postcard, to help find a doula
- Milkin’ Mamas Breast Milk Donation brochure & convenient refrigerator magnet outlining breast milk storage guidelines

And OF COURSE it also includes:
- Urban Babywearing stuff (product brochure, 10% off any carrier coupon, event stuff)
- Dichter Pharmacy coupon, good for one single scoop of ice cream on a cone for any caregiver who comes in with a child. sweet
- Mamapalooza flyer, happening May 19th. Yes, we’ll be there too, but with ALL our products.
- Darling Coffee frequent addict, err, customer card
- Sample satchets of Weleda products AND coupons. A very generous company, and in stock at Dichter’s.
- Chloe the Yogi cards, yoga for kids – As an app!! (Sponsored by Land Yoga)
- Mind Body Soul Yoga & Healing Center info (Another place we teach & will have stock at for your convenience)

More to be listed as we fill up our bags!!! So come back to check for updates & additions to the list!

See you Sunday!

UrbanBabywearing Workshop, hosted by Manhattan Doula NYC

05.03.2013 in Babywearing, Birthy Events for All! | by | Leave a comment

In partnership with Urban Babywearing, Manhattan Doula NYC (Tanya Wills) hosts our Babywearing Workshop!

Interested in Babywearing?
Looking for an introduction without feeling overwhelmed?
Is every friend you have recommending a different carrier?
This class is for you!

Expectant parents as well as those with babies (up to walking) are invited.

Saturday, June 1st, Upper West Side Location (106 & Columbus Ave)
10:00am-1:00pm
-AND-
Sunday, June 9th, Upper West Side Location (106 & Columbus Ave)
10:00am-1:00pm

$40/couple, $30/single
with pre-registration strongly suggested due to limited space

Designed for everyone, whether you want to come alone or with your partner, our Babywearing Workshop will review:
- parent-child clinger aspects and why we babywear
- proper positioning for the correct development of your baby – as well as comfort for you both!
- feeding your baby with the carrier, whether its breastfeeding or bottle feeding, and in public!

And of course we’ll be reviewing the types of carriers:
- Ring Slings
- Mei Tai’s
- Wraps
- Soft Structured (think buckles)

Participants are encouraged to bring carriers they already own to get practice and learn how to make adjustments. If you’re without a carrier, any purchases made on the day of the class – including custom preorders, outerwear, and our amazing selection of handmade accessories – are 10% off!

To sign up, use the eventbrite page for the class you want:
Saturday, June 1st

https://babywearingworkshopsat.eventbrite.com

Sunday, June 9th

https://babywearingworkshopsun.eventbrite.com

Or feel free to contact Gillian or Rachel with any questions!

Info@urbanbabywearing.com

Expecting …. again? Childbirth Refresher Courses

05.03.2013 in Birth Education, Uncategorized | by | Leave a comment

Now enrolling for the following:

May 4th & 11th, 11:30-2:30pm, consecutive Saturdays.

This class covers:

•Stages of Labor, a review of the Emotional Signposts and Physical Attributes of Labor

•Natural Pain Management Techniques: Massage, Positions, Affirmations

•Processing Your Previous Birth to Prepare for Your Next

•Postpartum Care

•Childcare Strategies

Birth Focus is pleased to announce its much asked for Childbirth Refresher Course! Taught by Gillian Foreman, this course is designed specifically for those 2nd (or 3rd or more!) time parents looking for a quick refresher on childbirth as they prepare themselves and their family for another baby. Introductory rate of $200 per couple, $50 due upon enrollment to hold your spot in the class with the remainder due the first day. Sliding scale spots available upon request; space is limited and class size is kept small.

This is perfect for those switching to a Homebirth, trying for a VBAC, or otherwise looking for an empowering experience. And for some, a great place to concentrate on bring pregnant again together, without interruption.

Please note this course is in no way intended to replace a full series and is intended for those who DID take a course previously. Breastfeeding is not included but is offered separately at 1/2 off for those interested.

If you have any questions or would like to register for this course contact me!

UPDATE: March, April & May Classes

02.27.2013 in Birth Education | by | Leave a comment

Classes that still have spaces:

FULL CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION SERIES:
**CHANGED**Saturdays, Mar. 16th, MindBodySoul Yoga Healing Center (Washington Heights), 5:00-8:00pm

**CHANGED**Sundays, April 14th, Riverdale Jewish Center, 1pm-4pm

**CHANGED**Saturdays, May 11th, MindBodySoul Yoga Healing Center (Washington Heights), 5:00-8:00pm

$400 per couple (sliding scale always accepted)

These Childbirth Classes are the most comprehensive available. In 24 hrs of total classtime, we get to explore the stages of labor, anatomy & physiology of how birth works, and truly understand the range of normal that birth entails. Through practice, videos and stories we will come to understand the emotional signposts of labor, how to best support a laboring mother and how to make the most of your birth experience.

—————————————————

BREASTFEEDING 101:

Sunday, March 24th, Riverdale Jewish Center, 10:00am-1:00pm(5 spaces left)

**CHANGED**Saturday, May 4th, MindBodySoul Yoga Healing Center (Washington Heights), 5:00-8:00pm(all spaces left)

$100 per couple

This is unlike any other breastfeeding class you will find. Join us as we go through the newborn care procedures post birth, explore the first hour of skin-to-skin contact, and explain the 5 essential keys to breastfeeding success. We also discuss why breastfeeding fails and identify ways to solve those issues.

An Evening with Gena Kirby, on Holistic Labor Stages

02.26.2013 in Birth Education, Birthy Events for All!, For Birth Professionals | by | Leave a comment

I’m a Childbirth Educator. I LOVE teaching couples about partner based, natural births, had two amazing births (I feel against many odds) because of the full spectrum of education my own courses gave me. As an educator, I charge myself with delivering confidence to my expectant parents in the birth process, knowing the lens I view information with can color their decision making; how I choose to phrase or label things can be carried through to another, unsuspecting ear, like their not even pregnant sister-in-law. Sorry about that. Thus, I teach the stages of labor, clearly defined junctures where hormones and anatomy coalesce into easily defined periods.

But is that how labor really works? Are they really defined strictly, or this a general framework we use to make sense of a highly intense, emotional journey?

The more and more births I go to the more I can say with confidence that labor stages exist, absolutely, but they are anything but clearly defined. A woman’s individual temperment provides the backdrop, the hormones provide the shifting of her into a different, mammalian brain space, and here we are, an entire person going through labor. Not just a list of symptoms.

Gena Kirby is coming to NYC to teach her Rebozo Technique Workshop for us again, and BirthFocus is taking this opportunity to charge you with joining us for an intimate evening to discuss the “Holistic Stages of Labor.” As an extremely well qualified and experienced doula, childbirth educator, and mom she presets this as a shift in viewpoint. Her passion for her work is a jolt of energy to recharge your own mission.

I think this is just as perfect for new doulas starting out as it it for seasoned educators looking for an educating and enlivened perspective. And what better way for us to embrace self care for each other’s work by joining together, increasing our knowledge to pass on to our own clients and students, and maybe drink a little wine.

So after she goes to speak at the U.N., yup, that kind of important person, we have this opportunity. I hope you’ll join us.

March 8th, 6:00-8:30pm, Downtown Hotel TBA upon registration, $45

Gena Kirby

Rebozo Technique Workshop, via BirthFocus

02.26.2013 in Birth Education, Birthy Events for All!, For Birth Professionals | by | Leave a comment

I LOVED her (& the Rebozo Workshop) so much the first time, BirthFocus is proud to bring her back!

Image

Gena teaches us how to use our CORE and the Rebozo in effective pushing.

March 9th, 10am-4pm

Classical Wellness Center

Early Bird tickets are **SOLD OUT**!

Expectant couples looking to add this amazing resource to their knowledge toolkit in labor are offered the course at an unbelievable $75

Professional attendee tickets are still available for $125 – but limited!

See the BirthFocus post here for more information or register directly via Eventbrite here.

Most commonly asked questions:

Course Credit? Yes, 6 ICEA CEUs are offered with this course.

Can I bring my baby? Nursing babes in arms are always welcome in Gena’s class. Expect them to get held and cooed at. You’ve been warned.

What if I get called to a birth? Gena’s a doula too. Full refunds are available for births, via Eventbrite if before the class and PayPal if afterwards.

There’s also a special event happening the night before, more on that here.

Contact Me

Gillian Foreman gillian@uptownbirth.com 347.565.5597

Now Registering:

2Day Weekend Intensive:
June 8th & 9th, 2:30-6:30pm each day

Babywearing Workshops, choose:
June 1st, 10am-1pm
June 9th, 10am-1pm

Full Childbirth Ed Series, 8 weeks:
May 11th, 5-8pm *FULL*
July 20th, 5-8pm

Breastfeeding Class
June 2nd, 1-4pm
July 7th, 1-4pm
July 13th, 5-8pm *FULL*

Contact me with any questions!

Cause you can’t get enuff:

Now teaching Babywearing!!

Uptown Birth has expanded its reach to include Babywearing! Look for Urban Babywearing in Harlem, Inwood, Riverdale, and Upper East Side! UrbanBabywearing.com

Contact NFP

Nurse-Family Partnership Andrea Albert e-mail 917.440.2962
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.