Pregnancy & Beyond

Pregnant and new parents need a place where they can go to assist them in their search in making the best choices possible during pregnancy, birth, and early parenting for themselves and their babies. We certainly don’t have all the answers, because there is no one right way to birth or parent, but we hope our programs and products will be helpful and enlightening, assisting you on your journey of self-discovery. We want you to be empowered, feeling confident that you are in charge of your choice-making, whether it’s preparing for your fantasy birth experience, advocating for your newborn, or making safe and healthy first-year parenting choices. We strive to provide an open-eye environment, that is nonjudgemental, unbiased, and affirming.

Nurturing Lactation

professional breastfeeding support

An lactation consultant can help mothers get breastfeeding off to a good start, help with low milk supply or slow weight gain for baby, help resolve latch issues, help with relactation or adoptive breastfeeding, help mothers resolve nipple or breast pain, and much more. International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are specifically educated in breastfeeding management and counseling to work with mothers to prevent and solve breastfeeding problems. They must pass an International Board Exam and recertify every five years, so they must also keep their knowledge and skills up to date.

The CFEC is proud to offer lactation services by Wendy McHale. She sees clients on site, as well as making home visits. Wendy is an IBCLC with over nine years experience helping mothers and babies with breastfeeding. She also has a selection of pumps, accessories and breast care products available upon request

Please call 295-4101 or email Wendy to schedule an appointment. You can visit her web site at www.nurturinglactation.com .

Apothecary’s Atelier

medications & the new momma

Building a relationship with your pharmacist is equally important as your relationships with your obstetrician/midwife and baby’s physician. The pharmacist is an accessible provider and will happily support dad/partner as they’re sent off to the corner store! At this pharmicist-led workshop learn questions to ask in establishing this relationship. Prescription and over-the-counter medications during pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding, and for baby, as well as non-medication alternatives will also be discussed. Attendees will receive a list of recommended healthcare items for the new momma and baby that may possibly save a trip to the drugstore those first few tiring weeks. Special topics include the practice of evidence-based medicine, interpreting and managing pregnancy and lactation safety categories, use of herbal products, and gluten-free and vegan medication resources.

Saturday, June 16th @ 12:45
Free!

If you’re learning about this event less than 48 hours prior, please call 591-2332 to confirm that it’s being held.

Womb With A View

prenatal art exploration

Celebrate the wonder of your pregnancy – you are growing a life! Creating birth art is a stress-releasing way to give life to the emotions you’re feeling about your pregnancy, upcoming birth, and early parenting. It’s fun, spontaneous, and often surprising – revealing fears, inhibitions, hopes, dreams, and wishes, all which carry messages from our subconscious mind. Your art, like your labor, doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s as raw, honest, and spontaneous as birth itself. You are unique and your artistic expression will be unlike anyone else’s – just like your birth!

Sundays, 2:30-4:00
next series coming soon!
$300 (includes cost of supplies & BlessingWay)
Enrolled in HypnoBirthing or Belly Bliss? Your price is only $275!
No artistic “talent” needed!

Each class begins with a guided imagery relaxation time, followed by a unique art project. Our final class together is a BlessingWay ceremony to which your partner, or someone of special significance is invited.

Blessingway Ceremony

a pregnancy celebration

Giving birth is a key life passage for women. But modern culture has become preoccupied with the arrival of the baby-to-be and has lost touch with birth’s profound impact on the expectant mother. The Blessingway is a mother-centered ceremony that honors a woman as she prepares to transition through pregnancy and birth into motherhood. Presently, our society marks this transition time by having a baby shower. The addition of the Blessingway can “round out” the experience; instead of the focus being solely on the baby, it is on the role of the family, particularly, the mother.

The Blessingway encircles the mother-to-be with love and support from the most important women in her life and is a custom-designed ceremony with a variety of joyful and sacred rituals that honor and pamper the mother-to-be, instilling a sense of power and confidence, encouraging the mother to prepare mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for the work of birthing, opening her to her instinctive abilities.

The CFEC would be honored to host your Blessingway. Please contact our ceremony facilitator at cfec@fuse.net

Mom-to-Mom

a weekly encouragement gathering for moms

You made it through the birth – now what?! Being a new mom is like riding a roller coaster. One day you’re on the top of the hill feeling confident and happy, the next day you’re flying down the hill feeling out of control and at a loss of how to cope! You may even secretly be thinking, “Let me off this ride!”. Where can you turn to for support, encouragement, and understanding? The CFEC! We’re here for you. Join us weekly for as long as you need the companionship of other new parents struggling with the same issues as you. We understand; we’ve been there.

every Monday @ 10:30 – for 16 month olds & up
every Thursday @ 10:30 – from Birth to 15 months
Children encouraged!

Cost: Complimentary

RSVP to Iona @ iona.muir@gmail.com

BellyRobics!

belly dancing – from pregnancy through life!

Belly dancing has a long history of exercising the muscles that are used during childbirth and to strengthen and maintain muscle tone as we mature. Taking cues from Tribal Fusion Belly Dance, a combination of Middle Eastern Belly Dance, Flamenco, Classical Indian dances, North African and Salsa dances, this fun alternative exercise option teaches how to connect to the feminine aspects of strength, power and confidence. Join us as we prepare our bodies for the journey of childbirth or revel in whatever stage of motherhood you’re currently experiencing! Women at all stages of life welcomed.

Saturdays; 9:30-10:15
Summer Term TBD
Sling-worn babies welcomed.
No special clothing is necessary.

*It is advised that mothers not return to class before 6 weeks postpartum. Please consult caregiver before attending.

Tummy2Tummy

choosing & using a baby sling or carrier

Social conditioning has led parents to believe that if a baby is held or carried too frequently they’ll be spoiled, clingy, or demanding. Modern research reveals quite the opposite! Babies worn in slings are less clingy and tend to initiate separation much earlier than babies less frequently held. The close proximity of the baby enables parents to respond to ‘non-crying’ signals, which results in less frustration and stress, and most of all… less crying – 40 to 50 less compared to unworn babies! BabyWearing calms the fussiest of babies whether due to a higher-needs personality, aiding good digestion by easing the symptoms of colic and reflux, and promoting better sleep patterns. BabyWearing not only promotes an intimate connection between parent and baby, it is one of the most important factors in the healthy social, motor, and intellectual development of infants. BabyWearing allows parents the freedom to go about their normal daily routine while allowing their child to be at the center of activity not the center of attention, providing the physical and psychological benefits of a sense of security, emotional contentment, and the building of a solid sense of self-esteem. But how do you choose the right sling, wrap, or carrier for you? Our baby-wearing moms and experts will share their favorites with you and assist you in trying out a variety of choices at our next demo!

Saturday, June 9th @ 11:30
Babies encouraged!
Free!

If you’re learning about this event less than 48 hours prior, please call 591-2332 to confirm that it’s being held.

These aren’t Your Momma’s Cloth Diapers!

Did you know there are almost 60 different chemicals in a disposable diaper? The average child uses 10,000 diapers before learning to use the toilet. If your baby is in disposable diapers for 2 1/2 years, you’ll use 20 trees and 420 gallons of petroleum. We throw away 18 billion disposable diapers a year, and it takes hundreds of years for them to decompose, meaning every disposable diaper ever used is still out there! Keep chemicals off your baby, save money, and help the environment – consider cloth diapers! Worried it will be too hard, too inconvenient, too messy? Today’s cloth diapers use no pins, no rubber pants and need no rinsing, and if you use a diaper service it’s as simple as taking out the trash. Best news of all - babies diapered in cloth learn to use the toilet about a year earlier than kids who wear disposables! Want to know more? Cloth diapering mom/expert and owner of our city’s only diaper service, Good Natured Baby, will be on hand to answer all your questions.

Saturday, May 19 @ 11:30
Free!

If you’re learning about this event less than 48 hours prior,
please call 591-2332 to confirm that it’s being held.

Attachment Parenting Family Gatherings

In the last 60 years, the behaviors of attachment have been studied extensively by psychology and child development researchers, and more recently, by researchers studying the brain. These studies revealed that infants are born “hardwired” with strong needs to be nurtured and to remain physically close to their primary caregiver, usually the mother, during the first few years of life. The child’s emotional, physical, and neurological development is greatly enhanced when these basic needs are met consistently and appropriately. Attachment Parenting promotes parenting practices that create strong, healthy emotional bonds between children and their parents – for life. So they can take those bonds with them into their adult lives and share them with their children – and their children can do the same. A life cycle of compassion and connection.

This is just one of many parenting styles/philosophies. If you feel it might be right for your family, visit their next gathering.

2nd Saturday of every month; 4:00 – 6:00
to RSVP or inquire about AP contact Bethany

HypnoBirthing

beautiful, peaceful, empowering birthing!

This natural childbirth education course explodes the myth that suffering must accompany labor! HypnoBirthing is a philosophy of birth, emphasizing mind & body harmony. Combining guided imagery, self-hypnosis, & relaxed breathing, you’ll learn how to eliminate the fear & tension that cause long, painful labors, replacing them with self-confidence, calm, & comfort.

*Rated “Best Childbirth Class in the City”, by City Beat Magazine!

What a few Cincy Moms have to say…

“The greatest gift of the HypnoBirthing course was the possibility of childbirth without fear. I credit these classes for helping me have an amazing birthing experience – free of drugs, full of strength, hope, and joy!”

“On a 0 -10 pain-rating scale, I was a 0. I was so relaxed I felt like I was asleep !”

“The experience of laboring and birthing in such a natural way was so breathtaking I can’t adequately describe it with words! It was so empowering! HypnoBirthing has changed our lives and I never miss an opportunity to tell every pregnant woman I meet about it!”

Classes offered at Bethesda North Hospital. To register, visit www.trihealth.com. Questions about class content or philosophy? Call Sharon at 683-6990.

Birththru4 months

TummyTime!™

time on their tummy – essential for good health!

Teach your baby to love “tummy time”! Babies need to develop core (tummy) strength to lift their heads, roll over, focus their eyes, crawl, and even to form speech! Over the course of this unique class, you will learn how tummy time promotes optimal health for your baby and discover creative ways to engage your baby in tummy time activities that are fun and supportive of motor and sensory brain development. Baby yoga poses and activities are incorporated in each class, as well as baby massage and reflexology techniques which promote brain development, lessen reflux/colic symptoms, enhance sleep patterns, and promote bonding between parent and child. Bring your “new mom/dad” questions and concerns to class for group discussion and guidance from your instructor certified in Infant Behavioral Assessment.

Age: Birth to 4 months
Thursdays; 9:30 – 10:15 (Class Code: TM).
6-week Summer Term, June 7th – August 9th (no class 6/14, 7/5, 7/26, 8/2)
Please bring a blanket for your baby.

*If you’ve just had your baby and we’re in the middle of a term – no worries – call us about jumping in!

*Taken this class already? ”Head & Shoulders” is the perfect next step!

Cost: $60 per term; $90 for 2 children

*Please include your Class Code & phone # when registering.

BirththruPre-crawling

Little Sprout Yogis

“baby & me” yoga

This “new parent & baby” yoga class focuses on strengthening the physical, spiritual and emotional bond between parent and child. We will use slow moving, interactive yoga postures ideal for parent and babies 6 weeks to pre-crawling. Class will also include concepts of infant massage and swaddling to ease the transition from womb to world for both parent and baby and gracefully carry you through the first busy months of caring for a new baby.

Ages: Newborn to Pre-crawling
Saturdays; 10:30- 11:15 (Class Code: LSY)
10-week Summer Term, June 9th – August 11th

Cost: $100.00 per term [includes parent(s) and one child]

*Please include your Class Code & phone # when registering.

*It is advised that mothers not participate in yoga before 6 weeks postpartum. Dads/Partners are welcome with their newborn at any time.

Tree of Life

prenatal yoga (husbands/partners encouraged!)

Yoga is an ideal way for pregnant moms (and partners!) to powerfully connect emotionally and physically with their little ones. You’ll increase your flexibility, strength, circulation, balance, and inner peace, allowing Mom to adapt more gracefully to the many physical and emotional changes of pregnancy. The ability to be present and breathe into the sensations of stretching or of holding a pose allows for the type of yielding, opening and letting go that directly applies to the experience of birthing and new parenting. Enjoy the unique camaraderie with other women and couples that only parenthood brings!

Saturdays; 1:30-2:15
Summer Term TBD; please check back
no special clothing is necessary
adults only please

Cost: $10/class/woman, or $15/couple

*If your baby arrives before you complete the series you may use the remaining classes you paid for in the Little Sprout Yogis series or BellyRobics.

Massage for Conception, Pregnancy, & Postpartum

Fertility Massage

Our goal with fertility massage is to cleanse, balance and open the body in preparation for pregnancy. It clears the body of energetic blockages and increases blood flow to the pelvis. We accomplish this with a combination of cranial sacral therapy, reiki, reflexology, abdominal massage, acupressure and Swedish massage techniques. This powerful massage is considered helpful in many conceptions and is designed to support your body’s natural reproductive processes and rhythms. It is ideal for all women who have the desire to get pregnant.

90 minutes – $90

Pregnancy Massage

Touch is vital to a new mother’s physical and emotional well-being as she adapts to her new body image. Massage during pregnancy is therapeutic bodywork which focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be as your body goes through the dramatic changes of pregnancy. Among its many benefits, pregnancy massage improves circulation, relieves fatigue, eases digestive problems, helps control blood pressure, reduces stress and tension, and boosts energy levels. We combine the following techniques – deep tissue, abdominal and Swedish massage, reflexology, lymphatic drainage, reiki, acupressure, and stretching as needed, to complete a comforting, healing and relaxing massage. This is a necessity, not a luxury.

60 minutes -$70
90 minutes – $90

Postpartum Massage

Postpartum massage focuses on helping to restore the body to its pre-pregnancy condition and to address the demands of breast feeding and the physical and emotional stresses of carrying and caring for a newborn. Receiving a massage within the first week after birth is a special treat and a great way to relieve any physical or emotional stressors from the pregnancy, labor and birth. It helps to speed a woman’s recovery by restoring muscle tone, enhancing the realigning process of the pelvis, increasing circulation which promotes successful breast feeding,and helps reduce fatigue. New Moms benefit greatly from postpartum massage through their baby’s 6 month. Sleep deprivation, hormonal changes, and postpartum blues can all be reduced through massage. New Moms need mothered!

60 minutes – $70

**Please e-mail Lauren Wales, L.M.T., to schedule an appointment at the CFEC.

*Massage Therapists are not physicians, and do not diagnose, prescribe or treat for any illness or injury. Lauren is certified in preconception, prenatal and postpartum massage.

Gift Certificates

Experiences are such amazing gifts! Think of all the ways a CFEC gift certificate could be used: a Tummy Time class for a shower gift, a children's series as a birthday present, a parent workshop for a spouse, a membership for a friend. And as a thank you to the purchaser, you'll receive one free class of your choice! Stop by the center today to pick one up for your next special event.

"There are no hands so small that they cannot make a difference in the world."
— Author Unknown

Parent Testimonials

I absolutely love the center! It is such a great gift and much needed in this area. With the economic environment, it is such a gem! We especially love the signing class; it's unbelievable that Melody can hold our 6 month old's attention the whole class!
— Erica

I told my husband that CFEC is just a place that you know you want to be a part of as soon as I walked in the door...you can feel that you just do good things. I could feel the warmth of friendship, support, and a real sense of nurturing. I just left feeling like I had to be more involved.
— Stephanie

The CFEC is the best thing that has happened to me and my kids! I don't know where Eric would be right now if he didn't take your signing classes. I am personally going to do all I can to make it into the dream you have been envisioning for years!
— Erica

Your teachers are second to none!
— Susan

Thank you for making me feel so welcome during our first visit last Thursday! It was great to be able to spend time focused on Ivy while Emory played happily in a new place. Your center is so bright and beautiful and we really enjoyed storytime and then some time in the sunny weather out on the deck.
— Michelle