Whether your new baby was long planned or a bit of a surprise, you may still have questions about changes your body is experiencing, or about caring for your baby.  To help with both, Sitrin Health Care Center is pleased to announce a new series, “Mom & Baby’s First Year.”

Taught by specially-trained occupational therapists, the seven-week series will cover a variety of topics including gas and reflux for baby, breast- and bottle-feeding questions, mental health for mom, sleeping patterns for baby, teething, introducing solids, and so much more.

The class is part of Sitrin’s Maternal Health and Infant Wellness Program, designed to make the transition from pregnancy into motherhood and beyond more manageable. It will be held Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. beginning Oct. 1. The cost is $70 for all seven classes, or $15 for those interested in “dropping in” for a particular class.

Elizabeth Lockwood, MS, OTR/L, provides emotional and physical support for women experiencing difficulty with self care, bonding with baby, and new or increased anxiety. As a Perinatal Mental Health certified OT, Lockwood proves screening and guidance around perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (conception to 1+ years postpartum).

Chelsea Darrow, MS, OTR/L, specializes in pelvic floor therapy to help individuals with a variety of pelvic health concerns. Certified in Pelvic Rehab Manual Assessment and Treatment Techniques, Darrow utilizes a whole-person approach, assessing an individual’s posture, body mechanics, strength and endurance. She is also a pregnancy and postpartum corrective exercise specialist.

“We want this class to be a place where moms and babies come together to learn and grow,” Darrow said. “Our personal experiences in the struggles of motherhood – along with our training – inspired us to support others with their transition into becoming parents.”

The series is made possible through a generous grant from the Slocum-Dickson Foundation. For more information or to register, click here.