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.

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
6-week Winter series; Feb. 12 – Mch. 18
$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.

Working Without Weaning

With the inclusion of the “workplace breastfeeding support provision”, Break Time For Nursing Mothers, the U.S. finally joins the rest of the industrialized world in providing breastfeeding mothers with break time and a private non-bathroom location to express breast milk during the workday. Join us to hear one breastfeeding mom’s tips and advice for making the transition back to work as stress-free as possible. Discussion time will include advice on pumping and storing breastmilk, how to talk to your employer about pumping along with this new legal information about pumping at work, and to prepare your child’s care provider for using and storing your milk.

Saturday, March 24th @ 11:15
Free!

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

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 Thursday @ 10:30am
Your children are welcomed.

Cost: Complimentary

RSVP to Iona @ iona.muir@gmail.com

Lactivists!

a bi-monthly breastfeeding Q & A support gathering

If a company developed a product that was a nutritionally balanced and delicious food, a wonder drug that both prevented and treated disease, and cost almost nothing to produce, the announcement of their find would send their shares rocketing to the top of the stock market! Women have been producing such a miraculous substance, since the beginning of human existence – breastmilk! To promote your breastfeeding success one of Cincinnati’s premier breastfeeding experts will facilitate a bi-monthly question/answer session. Nursing “newbie”? You may have concerns about latching, positioning, frequency, co-sleeping, pumping or just need assurance that what you’re going through is normal. If you’re an established breastfeeder your questions may range from pumping at work, dealing with biting, continuing night feedings, keeping your milk supply established, nursing a toddler, and even tandem nursing. Knowledge and support are keys to your success. Join us for both!

Saturday, Feb. 4th; 1:00-2:15
Please bring $5 to help our facilitator cover her expenses.

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
6-week Winter series, Feb. 18 - March 24
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.

Tummy 2 Tummy

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, February 4th @ 11:15
Babies encouraged!
Free!
You may contact Jamee if you have additional questions after attending.

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, March 17 @ 11:15
Free!

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

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: TM1) - open for FlexPass users
8-week Winter Term, Jan. 5 – Mch. 8 (no class 2/16 or 3/1)
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: $80 per term; $120 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; 12:30-1:15 (Class Code: LSY)
10-week Winter Term, Jan. 7 – Mch. 10

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!

6-week Winter series; 11:30-12:15
Saturdays, Feb. 18 - March 24
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.

Chiropractic for Kids

care from birth? yes!

Have a toddler or young child? Ask yourself how many times they’ve fallen down today. Often, it’s at least 5 to 10! How many times in a week, in a month, in a year? Our children’s bodies take a beating at this age!. Parents report three unexpected benefits when their child receives regular chiropractic care: improved sleeping, improved behavior and attitude, and improved immune system function! And studies suggest our babies experience from 30-90 pounds of pressure during a normal birth, with vacuums, forceps, and cesareans adding additional stress, resulting in at least one or a combination of symptoms, – these include colic, breastfeeding problems, poor sleep, reflux, unexplained crying, and aversion to tummy time. Chiropractors, all who are trained in maternity and pediatric care, can treat your newborn, using the amount of pressure you could press on your closed eyelid with without any discomfort. Join Dr. Heather Iannelli to learn more!

Saturday, February 18th @ 11:15
Free!

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

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.

"For a small child there is no division between playing and learning; between the things he or she does `just for fun' and things that are `educational.' The child learns while living and any part of living that is enjoyable is also play."
— Penelope Leach

Parent Testimonials

You are incredible - there is no place in the world like the Center! I really just don't know what we did to deserve you in our lives and in our children's lives. God is good. I just want to let you know that you are so valued, appreciated, and treasured by my family and by us all. Thanks for every thing you do for all of us.
— Bridget

I would like to have my son's first birthday party at the CFEC since he has spent most of his life up to this point at the center taking classes. You all have done such a wonderful job with him, this is a great way for me to continue to support the center!
— Taisha

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

My four month old never napped during the day. After learning how to massage her legs in Tummy Time, she slept for two hours, ate and slept another hour. What a relief!
— new Mom

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