Please join our postpartum support group to find the village you deserve! You will get to meet other new moms and find out that many of the struggles you may be experiencing are common and you are not alone. You will also get good ideas for coping. We vent, we celebrate, we cry, we encourage, we drink coffee and eat snacks! You can weigh your baby here and ask any questions at all to another mother or a nurse. 

The group meets every Wednesday morning at 10:30am at MidCoast Hospital in Conference Room 1, right next to the cafeteria. If that room is not available, our back up location is the waiting room outside the Maternity unit. The group is led by our breast/bottle feeding specialists. Mothers will children 0-12months are welcome. 

In this 3 hour virtual course, we talk about how to care for your newborn when you bring them home, what to expect during the first few months, and how to be well prepared. Topics include: 

• Sleep habits
• Laying a strong sleep foundation
• Bottle and formula feeding (separate breastfeeding class)
• Diapering & Digestion
• Soothing techniques
• Safety Guidelines
• Common ailments
• Postpartum Coping and Preparation

We recommend taking this between 30-35 weeks if possible. Only one parent needs to register, but all can attend. Please join us to build your confidence in caring for your newborn!

You will receive an email from the instructor with a zoom link 1 week prior to the scheduled class. 

Join us for an in-depth discussion of what to expect when the time comes to give birth to your baby!

Part 1 is in-person at MidCoast Hospital. During this 3 hour session, you will learn about the three phases of labor, how to cope, and how to be a supportive partner. We will discuss many coping strategies, as well as practice laboring positions and hands-on support techniques. This session also includes a tour of the maternity unit and birthing rooms. Session 1 is from 9:30am-1:00pm.

Part 2 is held the next day via zoom. During this 2.5 hour session, you will learn about the various pain medication options that are available, what is involved in inductions and c-sections, what to expect with your newborn and your hospital stay, as well as how to be more prepared for the postpartum period. Session 2 will be from 3:00-5:30pm. 

Partners/support people are encouraged to attend but do not need to register online. We recommend taking this course between 30-35 weeks if possible. Our hope is that you will leave this educational weekend feeling like you have the knowledge you need to make informed decisions, and the confidence to navigate the transition from pregnancy to parenthood. We look forward to working with you!

You will receive an email from the instructor 1 week prior to the scheduled class with the zoom link for part 2. 

Join us for a 3 hour virtual session loaded with all the info you will need to get breastfeeding off to a great start! 

Topics will include: 

• What to do to prepare during your pregnancy
• How to get a good latch
• How to establish a strong milk supply
• How to navigate bumps in the road
• How to introduce pumping and bottlefeeding
• Postpartum resources available 
• So much more!

Partners are encouraged to be present as well but do not need to be registered. We recommend taking this between 30-35 weeks if possible. Join us to feel empowered about starting your feeding journey!

You will receive an email from the instructor with a zoom link 1 week prior to the scheduled class. 

This virtual session allows you to discuss how your feeding journey has gone so far and how you would like it to go moving forward. The topics include: 

• Pump/flange education
• Setting up a pumping schedule at work
• Conversations to have with your childcare provider
• Bottle feeding
• Building up a milk stash
• Maintaining a milk supply
• Helpful products and resources

We recommend taking this session at least 5 weeks prior to returning to work if possible. Please email Erin Kirkpatrick at midcoastvillagedoula@gmail.com to schedule your session.