Please feel free to email us at:
classes@empoweredbeginningsct.com
Prenatal & Postpartum Health & Fitness
Birth Partner Massage
Birth Partner Massage
Format: In-person at 3074 Whitney Ave, Bldg 2, Hamden, CT, 06418
Price: $100 per couple
Day & Time: Saturday from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
This hands-on class allows your partner or support person to learn how to be actively involved in easing the discomforts of pregnancy. Prenatal partner massage covers relevant anatomy, contraindications, techniques for relief of common pregnancy muscular discomforts, and massage ergonomics. We’ll also go into the best massage techniques for lower back pain, a common issue during pregnancy, so that you can unwind at home.
What to bring: Dress in comfortable clothing that can allow for a variety of positions. Please let us know before class of anything we should be aware of so we can offer modifications if necessary, or if you do not wish to be physically corrected.
Hello First Trimester
Hello First Trimester
Format: Online via Zoom
Price: $50 per couple
Day & Time: Thursdays at 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Note: Recommended before you reach 20 weeks.
This one-session, online class is appropriate for anyone needing support and information about what to expect during pregnancy.
Topics:
- Physical changes
- Pregnancy comfort
- Fetal development
- Models of care and how to communicate with providers
- What to expect at OB appointments and things to consider
- How to enhance partner connection
- Mental health
- Nutrition & fitness
- Warning signs
- Support options
Infant Massage Class
Infant Massage Class 5-Week Series
Format: In-person at 3074 Whitney Ave, Bldg 2, Hamden, CT, 06418
Price: $100 per family (parents and infant)
Time & Day: Wednesday, Beginning May 8th from 11am-12pm
Note: May 8 – June 12, 2023 (no class 5/29)
Learn different massage strokes and relaxation techniques for your infant! Nurturing touch comes with a plethora of benefits for both parents and their baby. Studies have shown regular infant massage can improve baby’s digestion, quality of sleep, muscle tone, coordination, self-regulation, and body-awareness, while also reducing stress and encouraging attachment. Caregivers will learn massage styles, positioning, appropriate pressure and rhythm, reading your baby’s body language, and bonding techniques. This course is best for non-mobile infants.
Parent & Baby Yoga
Parent & Baby Yoga
Format: In-person at 3074 Whitney Ave, Bldg 2, Hamden, CT, 06418
Price: $20 per class or $75 for 4 classes (good for 3 months)
Day & Time: Tuesdays from 1:15pm to 2:15pm
Note: You are welcome to sign up for more than one series if desired. Please let us know before class of anything we should be aware of so we can offer modifications if necessary, or if you do not wish to be physically corrected.
Whether you are 6 weeks or 25 years postpartum, this class will help you! This class is designed to re-tone and reconnect to the pelvic floor and to create a stronger container in your core and back. We will undo the imprint of the pregnant body and re-introduce and re-center the body to its natural state. We will also work to counteract the repetitive positions from caring for your child. Join us to strengthen your body so that you move about in the world with more connection and awareness from within. These practices not only help us in our physical bodies, but also in our mental, spiritual, and emotional bodies, too!
What to bring: Dress in comfortable clothing that can allow for a variety of positions. Bring your yoga mat, water, and a towel that can be folded to allow for comfortable sitting on the floor. Classes can be taken with or without your baby present.
Prenatal & Postpartum Group Fitness
Prenatal & Postpartum Group Fitness
Format: In-person at 3074 Whitney Ave, Bldg 2, Hamden, CT, 06418
Price: $25 per class
Day & Time: Monday, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Note: Please let me know before class of anything we should be aware of so we can offer modifications if necessary, or if you do not wish to be physically corrected.
This small group class will offer a mix of movements with a focus on strength training for those in any stage of parenthood – preconception, pregnancy, or postpartum. Take the stress out of searching for the list of “safe” exercises or skipping out on your favorite moves. Your coach will take you through a heart-pumping, sweat-building workout that provides scaled options to build strength and confidence no matter where you are starting from.
Prenatal Yoga
Prenatal Yoga
Format: In-person at 3074 Whitney Ave, Bldg 2, Hamden, CT, 06418
Price: $20 per class or $75 for 4 classes (good for 3 months)
Day & Time: Tuesday, from 12:00 to 1:00pm
Note: You are welcome to sign up for more than one series if desired. Please let us know before class of anything we should be aware of so we can offer modifications if necessary, or if you do not wish to be physically corrected.
Connect with your ever-changing pregnant body with asana and restorative yoga in this 5-week series. Practicing prenatal yoga is associated with a range of physical and mental health benefits, including boosting strength, flexibility, balance, and easing pregnancy-related discomforts. As important moderate exercise is during pregnancy, knowing how to rest deeply and rejuvenate is equally important. This class merges these two aspects to help prepare you for labor, delivery, and postpartum adjustment.
What to bring: Dress in comfortable clothing that can allow for a variety of positions. Bring your yoga mat, water, and a towel that can be folded to allow for comfortable sitting on the floor. If you have a high risk pregnancy or other special circumstances related to your health, consult with your OB provider to make sure this class is right for you.
Our Instructors

Saskia Bergmans Smith
- IAYT Certified Yoga Therapist
- Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Instructor
- 200-YTT (2004)
- 500-YTT (2007)

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

Julie Robbins
- Licensed Massage Therapist
- CEO, The Well for Women