New post partum exercise classes

Due to the great turnout to our post-partum classes we will be offering additional classes for summer.

Postpartum fitness classes to ease your way through the early days of mommy hood…come on down and check it out!

ITTY BITTY YOGA - yoga for mom and baby
BABY BOOT CAMP - fitness and exercises to do for yourself and with your baby

Sign up for the Summer!

Tuesdays 9:30 AM
May 6, 13, 20 & 27
June 3, 10 & 17
July 1, 8, 15 & 29
August 5, 12, 19 & 26

Cost for the entire summer is $125.00
That's about $8 per class - cheaper than many gyms and studios!

Babies are required for these classes.

Wear comfortable clothing, bring a water bottle, blanket, stroller and of course your baby!

For more information call 978-738-8080

Infant and Child CPR class in May

Maternal Health and Fitness is happy to announce they will be offering an infant and child CPR class. This course teaches participants how to recognize and care for breathing and cardiac emergencies in infants and children age 12 and younger.

Take INFANT/CHILD CPR with Priscilla Musiitwa, American Red Cross Instructor/Trainer Saturday, May 10, 2008
11:00am-2pm
$40. per person

Please call 978.738.8080 to register.

Maternal Health and Fitness at March of Dimes Lowell

Saturday, April 26, Maternal Health and Fitness contributed to the March of Dimes, March for Babies in Lowell, MA. Over 1000 walkers showed up for the event. MHF had a good turn out too!

We raised $2,135 - exceeding our original goal by over $1,500!

Welcome Mom & Baby fitness

With the onset of nice weather, we've begun regular classes outside. Itty Bitty Yoga (yoga you can do with your babies and some post-natal exercise for mom) and Baby Boot Camp (walking and weight training for moms and babies in strollers).

Maureen with Joy and her son Carson.


Michelle and her son Braeden.


Jacqui's daughter Sydney lifting some weights. (and some goldfish)

Maureen and Melissa's daughter Aine taking a moment in the sun.

Classes tomorrow 4/22

Tomorrow we will have two classes at MHF:

Baby Boot Camp
9:30 am

I'm a mommy...now what?
12:30 pm
Topic: Infant Massage

Babies required for both classes ;)
Water, comfy clothes and strollers also recommended (esp for Baby Boot Camp)

See you there!

Itty Bitty Yoga & Baby Boot Camp

“ FREE “
ITTY BITTY YOGA - baby yoga for babies and mommies
BABY BOOT CAMP - exercise for mom and baby

9:30 AM
Tuesdays April 15th and 22th
Thursdays April 17th and 24th

Babies “R” required for these classes
Postpartum fitness classes to ease your way through the early days of mommy hood…come on down and check it out at 3 Dundee Park!

Wear comfortable clothing, bring a water bottle, blanket, stroller and of course your baby!
For more information call 978-738-8080

Doula Certification Workshop

Maternal Health & Fitness will be hosting a "Doula Certification Workshop" right here in Andover. We are very excited about this and already have women signed up!!

If you're interested, visit the link above or for more information contact Jacqui @ 978-258-9890.

Wrap it up

Last Tuesday, we met for "I'm a mommy...now What?" session on Baby Wearing.

What is Baby Wearing?

Baby Wearing is a term used for moms (and dads, and grandparents, and caregivers) who choose to carry their baby in a sling, pouch, or other form of baby carrier for at least a couple hours a day.

Though largly associated with "attachment parenting", baby wearing is a technique that can be used by anyone looking for a way to keep doing chores around the house with an infant, go on walks or hikes without a carriage/stroller, or even zip out to the grocery store without having to juggle a car seat and grocery cart at the same time. It's also a great way to calm fussy babies, help babies who are failing to thrive, get babies to sleep who are having trouble, and, of course, bond with your baby.

A few of our mom favorites:

• Sling:
  A band of fabric, sometimes with rings, sometimes without, that forms a pouch. This is great for use with newborns especially, though you can carry larger babies and toddlers with it too. A few common slings: Peanut Shell , Hotsling, and the Kangaroo Pouch. The Maya Wrap has an ajustable pouch as well that has rings.
  
• Wrap:
  This is a large band of fabric wrapped strategically around mom to carry the baby. This is particularly great for winter babies or babies who need special care. The most common one is the Moby Wrap. Though there are others out there.
  
• Carrier:
  This is usually a more complicated piece involving ties, loops, rings, padding, etc. Originally based on an asian-styled carrier, this option has evolved. The one with ties is called a Mei Tei Carrier. But you may be more familiar with a brand called the Baby Bjorn. Others also include the ErgoCarrier and Porta-Me Carrier.

Our next "I'm a mommy...now what?" meeting will be Tuesday, April 8 at 12:30 at MHF.

MHF does not have an affiliation with Dr. Sears or any of the companies or sling styles listed here. This is purely for informational purposes only. Please consult your physician if you have any concerns about Baby Wearing. We're hoping the companies we mention won't mind a nod in their direction.