Our Programs for Parents

emily-and-misha.jpgThe Center for the Childbearing Year offers a comprehensive selection of classes and cutting-edge resources designed to help you have the best possible birth experience and ease you through the early weeks of caring for your newborn baby. We provide an environment that encourages a sense of community with other expectant couples and new parents. Support groups, lending library, and ongoing opportunities for you to enhance your family’s health through education are available. Learn more about the values that inform our programs.

The People’s Food Coop is sponsoring presentations by Patty Brennan this fall.

Two free lectures, with time alloted for Q&A are offered. Both sessions will take place at the Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room on S. Main St. in downtown Ann Arbor.

Choices in Childbirth
Tuesday, 7–8pm, November 4

This session will present the wide variety of choices faced by pregnant women and their partners regarding care providers, birth locations, and insurance concerns. What are the differences between hospitals and birth centers, between doctors and midwives, between certified nurse midwives and lay midwives? What does the evidence say about the safety of homebirth? What is the difference between community-based childbirth education and classes offered by your local hospital? Get your questions answered and make an informed choice.

A Playful Approach to Nutrition for the Childbearing Year
Tuesday, 7–8pm, November 18

This session will cover the nutritional needs of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. We will focus on qualitative rather than quantitative information. No food pyramids, charts, or tables here. Just a non-dogmatic, common sense, and playful approach to optimizing your nutritional choices during this vital time. We will discuss common myths, basic needs, the connection between nutrition and complaints or complications of pregnancy, the role of vitamins and supplements, safe use of herbal teas, and supportive strategies. Come and be nourished with information and encouragement to optimize the health of mom and baby! Partners encouraged to attend as well.

To sign up:

Contact the People’s Food Coop, www.peoplesfood.coop (to ensure we have enough handouts on hand). For more information on Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room, go to www.crazywisdom.net.