Transitioning to parenthood is difficult for every new mother, but for some it can bring along feelings of depression and/or anxiety. At least 20% of all new mothers suffer from postpartum depression and/or anxiety, and sometimes the best medicine for feeling better is being around other moms that are struggling just like you. Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays- Starting Thursday (03/10) we will be offering a virtual PMAD Support Group. Please check this page regularly as we update it with registration and more details. Time: 3:15 to 4:15 pm Cost: $25 per class Instructor: Paige Bellenbaum, LMSW Paige Bellenbaum, LMSW is the Program Director of The Motherhood Center of Manhattan. After Paige’s first son Max was born, she suffered from severe postpartum depression that almost cost her her own life. Once she began to heal, she became committed to fighting for education, screening and treatment for postpartum depression so that no more women would have to suffer silently. She drafted legislation in New York State that was championed by State Senator Liz Krueger, mandating education and strongly encouraging screening of all new and expecting mothers that was signed into law in 2014. Paige has been an outspoken advocate on the issue of postpartum depression, and uses her own story as a tool for change. She has appeared on the Today Show, NPR, PBS Newshour and in Women’s Health Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and several other print publications.

Prenatal yoga addresses the unique needs of your pregnant body. Whether you are in your first or third trimester, are new to yoga or are an experienced yogini, learn to add modifications and variations to your yoga practice, guiding you towards a deeper understanding and appreciation for all of the changes of pregnancy, aiding in a more confident birth and postnatal experience, offering the opportunity for the deep relaxation that the body needs during this time. You will can enable audio to interact with the instructor. LIVESTREAM: Enroll for a class as you normally would. Download Zoom. You will be emailed the zoom meeting code 10-20 minutes prior to the class start time. Login and hang/chat before class starts if you'd like.

These are challenging times for everyone, but for parents trying to juggle homeschooling, cleaning, cooking, work commitments and the ordinary demands of life with children, each day can feel overwhelming. What I've found time and time again is that we humans do better when we feel a sense of connection with others as we navigate difficult times. I've been touched by how uplifting our weekly Better Together Monday gatherings have been. It's been wonderful to connect with parents from around the world, answering questions, offering homeschooling tips, and sharing ideas for combating feelings of loneliness and isolation. If you've been feeling a little wobbly or would simply like to feel that you're part of a network of parents around the world going through some of the same things you're dealing with, please join me each Monday at 11:00 am Pacific time--or watch the replay soon after each get together. These are free events and our gatherings are every week. Please note: I am a family therapist with many decades of experience working with parents and children. I am NOT an expert on Coronavirus and will not be sharing medical information. My intention is simply to create a safe space for parents to come together and find support.

The Session Grounding and Centering We open the session with a special guided meditation to get us focused and grounded. The purpose of breathwork is for you to connect to you. Teaching Next I will give a short dharma talk and ask you questions for you to reflect on, write in your journal about and set intentions for the breathwork session. I will teach you the 2-part pranayama breath. You will feel comfortable and you will fully understand how to do it. Breathing Once you fully understand the breath, you will lie down and breathe. The active breathing part of the session can last up to 35 minutes. That is including about a 7 minute "resting" or "acclimation" breath at the end (sort of like Savasana in yoga). Integrating Most people need a few minutes to "come back", just like after yoga, getting a massage or acupuncture treatment. There may or may not be a small share at the end of the session. But really, we keep it brief. You've just spent a good amount of time getting in your body. We want you to stay there and over analyzing what happened is a sure why to undo what we just did! That's it. We say a prayer and our goodbyes, and you take really good care of yourself the rest of the day!

A safe space to feel all the feels of new parenthood. In this free virtual offering, we will discuss whatever is on everyone's mind. From feeding, to sore tushies. From diapering tricks to wearing your baby on those long walks... We will laugh and cry and laugh again...better together! xx - CHB

Pregnancy is often a joyful but uncertain time. This is especially true with the unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. This group will provide space for your to process your feelings, gain skills for coping and connect with others during your pregnancy. We will discuss the challenges of COVID-19 as well as anything else related to pregnancy.

Baby and Me Yoga focuses on strengthening the spiritual, emotional, and physical bond between parent (or caregiver) and child. Using interactive, slow-moving postures, the class is ideal for adults and babies 4 weeks to crawling. Class includes infant touch and various exercises that assist the development of your child’s motor skills. Baby and Me will help carry you smoothly through the busy early months of caring for a new baby.

Virtual Birthing Parents Group (AKA Moms Group) A space to find camaraderie and resources in this new season of life. ​ This group is a 6-week series for you and your child, 12 months or younger. Originally an in person way to connect and build community, we have now moved this special group online and will return to face-to-face meetings when safe to again meet. You may be a fresh first time parent or a third time parent, we welcome you. This group is open to birthing parents anywhere in the world. We need each other at this time. Bring your friend from interstate or overseas, lets find the silver lining during this trying and challenging time. This group will be facilitated by A'Maya Ettien, an experienced and nurturing midwife and mother. This group intends to help you find your village, connecting with other new parents, sharing knowledge and space for discussion, questions and laughs. We are here to help you thrive as a new parent. Each group meeting will offer time to connect, share triumphs and challenges. Each week a specific topic will be covered some of these include infant sleep, postpartum recovery, nursing and infant feeding, and tips and tricks to support you as you journey through your first months as a parent. We have special guest speakers join for some of the sessions, movement and meditation throughout the weeks. Special attention will be given to the new challenges parents and families are facing with Covid-19. ​ Please note: No one is turned away for lack of funds. If you would like to participate on a sliding scale position please contact us through our contact page. ​ Facilitated by A'Maya Ettien Thursdays from 1 to 3p Opening Special: $150 (normally $200) for 6-week series

Every Thursday at 7:00pm (EST), we are offering complimentary virtual online support groups for all mothers. You do not need to be experiencing anxiety or panic due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to join the group! Many mothers, especially pregnant women, need a safe space to express their thoughts about daycare/school closures, changing family dynamics, the uncertainty of our country, or anything else that’s on their minds. The virtual support group will be facilitated by a licensed counselor from Postpartum Wellness and will focus on ways to manage this difficult time. We look forward to your participation!

There's lots of uncertainty ahead and planning for the future can now mean planning for something practical, deliverable and what works ... 'for now'! School schedules, summer plans, finding childcare and managing kids under foot has easily frazzled every parent. If planning ahead meant 6 months ahead, we may need to change the paradigm to mean '3 weeks from now'. ‍ Join us live for a panel discussion where Alyce Desrosiers, founder of The Institute for Families and Nannies (TIFFAN) and Lynn Perkins, founder of Urbansitter are joined by clinical psychologists Dr. Juli Fraga, PsyD and Dr. Noelle Cochran, PsyD to give a roadmap to planning for work, family and childcare needs in these uncertain times ... one step at a time. Specifically we will discuss: Establishing and adjusting a plan for your work, family and child care needs in uncertain times Conflict resolution and ways to support each other Understanding the impact of these decision on children and how to prepare them