Please feel free to email us at:
classes@empoweredbeginningsct.com
Infant Care Classes
Babies Music Class: Music Folk
Babies Music Class: Music Folk
Format: In-person at 3074 Whitney Ave, Bldg 2, Hamden, CT, 06418
Price: Please click here for price
Day & Time: Tuesday at 10:30am or Sunday at 1:15pm
Note: Have you noticed that your baby can sing, or “coo” to you already but can’t speak yet? Studies show that they can match pitch as early as 2 weeks old. Try singing to them and listen for the sounds and reactions they make. Most parents don’t realize that their babies come into the world wired to make music. They are born ready to make music!
In fact, “babies who participate in music classes with their parents/caregiver in the first year of life, smile more, communicate better and show earlier and more sophisticated brain responses to music” (Study from McMaster University). Not to mention all the other benefits by starting music as a baby. They develop so many skills; cognitive, social, emotional growth, language development, fine motor skills as they embark on their lifelong musical journey. This is such a wonderful activity to do with your baby to start to stimulate their brains and bodies and share the joy of music making and bonding with them as a baby. In this class we will not only learn music, but also some baby signs as well.
Breastfeeding Basics
Breastfeeding Basics
Format: online via Zoom
Price: $50 per couple
Time & Day: (Online) Wednesday, 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Note: This is a one-session, online course that covers all the essentials for breastfeeding. It is appropriate for those new to breastfeeding who are unable to attend the in-person version and those who need a refresher for their next baby. Partners are highly encouraged to tune in as well!
Topics:
- Benefits of breastfeeding
- Getting a good latch
- Positioning techniques
- Establishing and maintaining your milk supply
- Troubleshooting
- Debunking myths and outdated advice
- Pumping tips and tricks
- How partners can help
Comprehensive Guide to Breastfeeding
Comprehensive Guide to Breastfeeding
Format: In-person at 3074 Whitney Ave, Bldg 2, Hamden, CT, 06418
Price: $80 per couple
Time & Day: Saturday, 9:30-11:30
Note:
This is an in-person class that covers all the essentials for breastfeeding. Class includes hands-on activities with infant models to get a better feel for positioning as well as the opportunity to examine the equipment and supplies that will help you along the way. Partners are highly encouraged to attend!
Topics:
- Benefits of breastfeeding
- Getting a good latch
- Positioning techniques including hands-on practice with infant models
- Establishing and maintaining your milk supply
- Troubleshooting
- Debunking myths and outdated advice
- Pumping tips and tricks including demonstrations of how the equipment is used
- How partners can help
Comprehensive Infant Care Package
Comprehensive Infant Care Package
Format: Virtual & In-Person
Price:
Non-Clients: $225 ($15 savings)
Doula Clients: $210 ($30 savings)
Day & Time: TBD, this will be determined per class
Note: This package is great for first-time parents as well as parents returning to the infant scene after a long hiatus. Classes are in-person and include:
- Comprehensive Guide to Breastfeeding (worth $80)
- Infant CPR and Safety (worth $80)
- Newborn Care (worth $80)
Infant Safety & CPR Class
Infant Safety
Format: In-person at 3074 Whitney Ave, Bldg 2, Hamden, CT, 06418
Price: $80 per couple
Time & Day: Saturday from 9:30am to 11:30am
Note: This class is for educational purposes only and is not for CPR certification.
Keeping your new baby safe will be a top priority before he or she is even born. This one-session class reviews two important yet often overlooked topics – infant CPR and infant car seat safety. It can be taken before or after pregnancy, and is recommended for parents and any regular caregivers (grandparents, etc.). It is also appropriate for couples adopting a newborn baby. Bring your baby’s car seat with you to have it professionally installed by our certified child passenger safety technician at the end of class!
Topics:
- Recognizing an infant needing emergent intervention
- How to provide choking relief for an infant with an obstructed airway
- How to perform CPR on an infant
- Safe sleeping and protecting against SIDS
- Car safety
- Proper use of car seats and buckles
- One-on-one help with installing your baby’s car seat
Newborn Care Class
Newborn Care Class
Format: In-person at 3074 Whitney Ave, Bldg 2, Hamden, CT, 06418
Price: $80 per couple
Day & Time: Saturday, from 9:30am to 11:30am
Note:
This one-session, in-person class reviews normal growth and development in infants from birth to 6 months of age. It is a fun, interactive class that will help reduce any anxiety you might be feeling. Activities include hands-on demonstrations and opportunities for practicing swaddling, diapering, and other infant care. This class may be taken during pregnancy or shortly after giving birth. It is also appropriate for couples adopting a newborn baby.
Topics:
- Sleep habits
- Feeding
- Swaddling
- Diapering
- Baby wearing
- Calming a crying baby
- Family values clarification when facing unexpected challenges
- Managing stress as new parents
- Dispelling myths of early parenting
Parent Coaching
Parent Coaching
PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM TO BOOK
Format: Virtual
Price: $100 per couple
Day & Time: TBD, this will be decided with Ashley Minihan
Note: This is an in-person, private session
Your doula or pediatrician is a great source for advice after you have your baby, but some families are looking for a little bit more support. Through our Parent Coaching program, begin to anticipate your baby’s needs. Our Parent Coaches provide you with evidence-based infant and child development education, and partner with you to help navigate your way into parenthood. We will discuss sleeping, feeding, crying, discipline, typical and atypical development, and how to support your baby’s advancement through all of their growth stages. Parents can also monitor baby’s development through Ages and Stages screenings. Here you and your baby engage in activities that help track progress as well as be provided a referral for more in-depth assessment if there is concern.
Our Instructors
Asha Evans
- RN, LCCE, CLC
- Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator
- Lactation Counselor
- Labor & Birth Nurse
Ashley Minihan
15+ years of experience
- CD(DONA), CLC, CPST, ICCE
- Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician
- Certified Lactation Counselor
- Certified Childbirth Educator
- Certified Spinning Babies® Parent Educator
- DONA Certified Doula
Instructor for: Childbirth, Breastfeeding, Hello First Trimester, Mindful Birth, Spinning Babies, and Advanced Coping Strategies
Samantha Heenan
5+ years of experience
- CD(DONA), CPST-I, CPES
- Certified in Child Passenger Safety
- Certified in Placenta Encapsulation
- DONA Certified Doula
Instructor for: Infant Safety & CPR and Breastfeeding
Rebecca Greenberg
5+ years of experience
- CD(DONA)
- DONA Certified Doula
Instructor for: Early Parenting and 4th Trimester Support Group
