Please feel free to email us at:
classes@empoweredbeginningsct.com

Prenatal & Postpartum Health & Fitness

Birth Partner Massage

Birth Partner Massage

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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

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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

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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

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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

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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
20+ years of experience

  • IAYT Certified Yoga Therapist
  • Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Instructor
  • 200-YTT (2004)
  • 500-YTT (2007)
Instructor for: Prenatal Yoga and Parent & Baby Yoga
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 Birth Partner Massage Coaching
Julie Robbins
10+ years of experience
  • Licensed Massage Therapist
  • CEO, The Well for Women
Instructor for: Birth Partner Massage Coaching

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