Warm Your Hands & Heart
It's winter and it's cold. But it's so warm at MoCo that we're bubbling over with excitement about how much we have in store for you, both in mom-approved natural parenting gear and in classes, groups and workshops. See below (and see our website, which is being updated all the time) to see what you might be missing out on if you don't hurry and register!
(Yes, we know this is a lot of info, but we hope it's separated well enough that you can see what applies to you...enough people have said they weren't aware of all we have to offer, so we thought it'd be helpful to put it all here...)
Just looking to get out of the house? Come on over to Mothers & Company and warm your hands with some hot tea, warm mulled cider or just enjoy hanging out in our warm and comfy space. Warm your heart by bonding with your baby, sharing experiences with other parents and practicing the art of babywearing.
However, as we think of all the ways we can help you warm your hands and heart at MoCo this winter, it would be impossible to send a note
about those things without first acknowledging the horrible situation
in Haiti. We'd like to help a nd we're sure you do, too. Have you heard that HALF of Haiti's population are children? Let's work together to show our support as a community of parents to help the millions who
are now homeless, injured and suffering as humanitarian assistance slowly flows in to the earthquake-rocked areas. Here are four ways you can help:- donate directly (instead of via cellphone; direct donations are used now vs. much later!) to the Haiti Relief and Development Fund of the American Red Cross.
- donate directly to the Partners in Health. They've been working in Haiti for over 20 years...and PIH is a Boston-based organization.
- donate to an amazing group of medical providers that will provide direct care to Haitians for many months to come, Doctors Without Borders.
- shop at Mothers & Company between Tuesday, January 19 and Tuesday, January 26 and MoCo will donate 10% of all
product sales during that time to the organizations above.
Unfortunately, the media will probably stop covering the devastation after a few weeks, but it will take years to recover from the earthquake. Let's not forget about Haiti.
Meanwhile, we'll also be focusing our attention on our children and on keeping ourselves healthy. February is the month of the heart: get your heart pumping with fitness classes at Mothers & Company while you feel the love pumping through for your children and those around the world.
Question: if we had on-site childcare during our daytime fitness classes, would you sign up for one of our classes? Respond here.
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Get Your Body Movin' in 2010
Whether your expecting a baby, just had one or have a toddler who needs a way to expend some energy...we have the classes to keep you active in the new year!
for Moms-to-be
Prenatal Yoga
Expecting a baby changes your body and your mind. Come work out your muscles while learning how deep yogic breathing can help you relax during pregnancy and labor. You'll enjoy comfortable positions and restorative relaxation while meeting other mommas-to-be. Six-week session starts January 19.
Momma-to-be Boot Camp
Did you know that your placenta actually works better when you get your heart rate up? Come get fit with an Adventure Boot Camp trainer and feel how great you feel while you exercise and afterward! You'll be glad you did! Six-week session starts January 20!
for Moms
Momma & Me Boot Camp
You're home (whether it's for maternity leave or indefinitely)...so bring your baby and get your sneakers on and come work that body! Get back into shape, get your heart beating strong and enjoy some time with an Adventure Boot Camp trainer, other new moms and other babies! You'll incorporate your baby into your workout when needed and otherwise laugh your way to a fitter you! Six-week session starts January 20!
Bellydance for Moms
This is a cool and fun way to get back in shape, work your core muscles and enjoy some time just for you. Whether you're a new mom, experienced mom or GRANDmom, this class is for you! Come learn from a real bellydancer and find out how fun and effective bellydance can be as a form of exercise and enjoyment! Six-week session starts January 20!
Mommy Yoga (Bring Your Own Baby)
Bring your baby and get a real workout while doing Hatha yoga. While your practice will start and end with some deep breathing and centering yourself, you'll find the poses will give you extra strength, tone and endurance over time. Six-week session starts Thursday, January 21.
for Toddlers (and their parents)
Music Together
Music Together classes are based on the recognition that
all children are musical. All children can learn to sing in tune, keep
a beat, and participate with confidence in the music of our culture,
provided that their early environment supports such learning. See description at right. For parents and children (newborn to Kindergarden). 9-week series starts January 19.
Music & Movement for Toddlers
Join other parents and toddlers for a morning of music and movement with Patti, who has 25 years of experience teaching music and creative movement for families.
Itsy Bitsy Yoga Tots
A supportive, fun-loving, and active yoga
class for children who are crawling to age 24 months (with a
caregiver). As a tot's mobility increases, classes offer
tot-centric poses that encourage and support their physical
explorations. Tots become more confident in their moving bodies as they
practice yoga both in and out of class. A four-week intro series starts January 22.
For Babies (and their parents)
Itsy Bitsy Yoga Baby
Contain dozens of unique yoga postures designed to support your
baby's development. Each class is filled with calming, nurturing ways
to enhance bonding and improve baby's sleep.
During the class, the baby is mostly lying on
her tummy, back or in a parent's arms. For parents, this class gives
the special time necessary to bond with and learn about your baby's
emerging personality. A six-week series starts January 19.
Music Together
Music Together classes are based on the recognition that
all children are musical. All children can learn to sing in tune, keep
a beat, and participate with confidence in the music of our culture,
provided that their early environment supports such learning. See description at right. 9-week series starts January 19.
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A Community of Parents Supporting Parents
MoCo exists to make help you do what co mes naturally...
come meet other parents and find common ground, ask questions, compare thoughts and philosophies and, of course, laugh! C'mon, you know you need some support, so come and find your posse!
New Moms Finding Balance
See information at right.
Is motherhood not all smiles and giggles for you? Are you finding
it more challenging than anything you've ever done before? This group
is designed especially for moms who are feeling like being a mom and/or
connecting with their baby is harder than they had expected. You'll
LOVE the facilitator, Lois, she has helped countless moms get their
groove back--come and experience her calming energy and encouraging
spirit yourself!
Register now to reserve your spot--having a set group of
people enables moms to get to know each other and each session builds
upon the last session. A four-week session starts January 21.
Working Moms Group NEW
See information at right.
Breastfeeding Support Group (free)
Want to meet other nursing moms? Have some questions? Trying to figure out whether you need a referral to a lactation consultant or not? Questions about pumping? Come to this group and find your posse and some great suggestions!
New Moms Group (1st time free)
Have a new baby and interested in meeting other new moms? Practice getting out of the house and join other moms going through the same new experiences as you are...find out what other moms are doing about sleep, feeding, vaccinations, housework, not being at work anymore, relationships and so much more. We have two types of New Moms Groups. One for moms with babies 0-6 months and two for moms of all ages of babies.
New Momma Again (free)
Have another baby? Bring just your new baby or your older child and new baby and meet other moms who are experiencing the same thing. How to manage with two (or three...).
Nursing Beyond the First Year (free)
Wondering if you're the only one who still nurses after the first year? You're NOT alone. Come meet other moms and toddlers who are enjoying their nursing relationship or trying to figure out how to gently wean. You all have great knowledge and kinship to share with each other!
Multiple Joys and Challenges (free)
Have twins or triplets and want to get out of the house and meet other parents of multiples? This is a group led by a very experienced mom of twins (and many other kids) where you'll find a safe place to compare the joys and challenges of raising multiples.
Diaper-free Baby Discussion (free)
Curious about the diaper-free revolution? Practicing it and interested in meeting other parents who are doing the same? While MoCo has a huge selection of cloth diapers for purchase, come find out how to either mix cloth diapering with diaper-free times or go diaper-free entirely.
New Parents Gathering
Being Two Moms...a date coming soon
Do you belong to a moms group or parents' group in your community? We invite you to ask us to host one of your groups meetings at MoCo!
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 The Natural Place to Visit During Pregnancy
Did you know that Mothers & Company has all the prenatal classes you'll need to feel empowered, informed and prepared for birth, breastfeeding and parenting? Know anyone who is pregnant? They will thank you if you let them know they should check out our classes. Our classes are held in a super-comfortable place, provide parents and parents-to-be with thorough information and handouts that encourage them to make decisions that feel right to them.
And parents-to-be can do a Baby Registry at Mothers & Company, too!
Natural Childbirth
Get ready for an unmedicated birth in a hospital, birth center or at home. Know what options you have, how to cope with labor using non-medical methods and tools and discuss ways to start parenting naturally with a newborn (and partners, LOTS of great info and practice so you'll feel ready to support her through labor).
Prepared Childbirth
Get all the info and practice you need to give birth with whichever medications or interventions you choose and know how to reduce the risks and side-effects of those things. Birth should be an amazing experience, come learn all the ways you can feel empowered to make decisions that feel right to you and allow you to give birth your way.
HypnoBirthing
Learn and practice the nationally-acclaimed method for natural childbirth.
Movement & Comfort for Labor
A 2.5 hour workshop where you can learn and practice a long list of natural ways to cope with labor through movement, positions and other tools.
VBAC Preparation Workshop
A five-hour workshop (over two Saturdays) that will prepare you to give birth vaginally (both mentally and physically).
Refresher Childbirth Workshop
A four-hour workshop that will help you either review what went right the first time in hopes it will again or find out what to change this second time around so you have a better birth experience.
CPR & Safety for the Whole Family
Learn how to make your home safer for little ones and how to save a life whether it be a baby, toddler or grown-up.
Caring for a New Baby
A 3-hour workshop that covers all you need to know and want to know about the first couple months of parenting a baby.
Breastfeeding a New Baby
A 3-hour workshop that allows you to feel prepared to breastfeed, know the basics of how to make it happen and how to know when and who to call if you need help.
Birth Circle (free)
See information at right.
Planning on parenting naturally? We have a Baby Registry! Come in and register and we'll make sure all the products you want are added to our online store and your online registry is activated. We won't tell you you "need" anything, it's all about choices and options and the parenting lifestyle you plan to lead. We're all experienced mothers, though, so we're happy to share our opinions and thoughts on what is helpful to have...we exist to make parenting easier and more fun!
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 A Facebook Contest
Are you on it?
Did you join the Mothers & Company group page?
And our Fans of Mothers & Company group?
If you love MoCo, please help us spread the word so we can reach out to more mommas just like you!
Suggest our Mothers and Company FB page to all of your friends and you might win this contest! Everyone knows someone with a baby or toddler! Search for "Mothers and Company" and Join This Group.
Here's your challenge, should you choose to accept it:
~ Invite your Facebook friends to become fans of Mothers and Company (try to invite at least 30 people: parents, parents-to-be, grandparents, aunts, uncles and married people who might be thinking about having a baby.
~ Send the invitation to those who are anywhere, whether in MA or not...you never know who might be interested in reading our blog or resource pages for information or shopping in our online store.
~ As you see that your friends are joining (you'll be notified by FB), send us (me) an email with the number of fans you have recruited and their names (we promise we won't bug your friends or share their names with anyone).
~ Once we hit 1000 fans we will randomly choose a NEW fan. Both the new fan and the person who recruited them will win a collection of healthy skin and body care products for the family* valued at $75! Additionally the person who recruits the MOST fans by January 31 will win healthy skin and body products for the family* valued at $100!
We'd also like to see more activity on our Facebook page's Discussion board and the MoCo Blog. Did you see an interesting article in the news or on a blog? Have a question that relates to pregnancy, birth, parenting? Let's make our Facebook page a resource for our community of parents.
Are you a writing momma or poppa who might want to be a contributor on our Momma Wisdom Blog, just let us know!
* healthy body and skin care products for the family that we carry in the Mothers & Company Shop, from our favorite brands: Earth Mama Angel Baby, Indigo Wild, Motherlove, Weleda, Un-petroleum, W.B. Badger and California Baby.
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Yes, there so much to see and do! And we didn't even mention the Shop yet! We're always getting in new stuff in our shop...if you haven't been in lately, COME ON OVER!
Hugs,
the Mommas at Mothers & Company
P.S. Did you see the MoCo ad
in Baystate Parent Magazine? Thanks, Jessica, for the question and
letting us take a photo of your beautiful face and your gorgeous
children! And did you see the TV episode of Soapbox about Mothers & Company? |
January
Special
Offer
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Our friends at Conzo Salon & Day Spa have an amazing offerfor Mothers & Company clients in January only: - 15% off pregnancy massages
- Book a haircut and color and receive a make up application for only $25 (regular price $50). (Bare Minerals Make-up!!!)
- Try our newest treatment Hankasumi Shea Butter Ritual and Take $20 off!
- Take $10 off a Shea Butter Pedicure
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Offer Expires: January 31, 2010
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January 19 - March 23
(skip 2/16)
Tuesdays, 10:00 - 11:00 am
For children (newborn to Kindergarden) and their parents/caregivers.
Music Together is an internationally recognized
early childhood music program for babies, toddlers, preschoolers,
kindergardeners, and the adults who love them. First offered to the
public in 1987, it pioneered the concept of a research-based,
developmentally appropriate early childhood music curriculum that
strongly emphasizes and facilitates adult involvement. Includes a MT book and CD so you can practice between classes.
Our MT program is led by a Pakachoag Music School instructor, Julie Quimby. $15 one-time registration fee plus:
Member
Price: $150 for one child, $260
for two or more
Non-members:
$165 for one child, $286 for two or more
REGISTER NOW
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Infant Massage Workshop
Saturday, January 23 10:00 - 11:30 am Join us to learn the many benefits of infant massage. This fun and
relaxing class is taught by a certified infant massage instructor who
gives demonstration of techniques while you practice with your baby.
Handouts and oils provided, just bring baby and a warm blanket. Led by
an occupational therapist/infant massage instructor/mother.
This is a fantastic class for anyone who cares for a baby, newborn and
up, and can be taken one time or many. Each class will demonstrate
basic techniques for each part of the baby's body.
Register NOW
$35 per family
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Baby Signing Workshop Saturday, January 30 10:00 - 11:30 am
Interested in learning more about signing with your baby or toddler but can't commit to a weekly class? Or don't want to sing and sign, just want to sign? THIS is the class for you! Come learn from an experienced baby signing instructor who is not
only fluent in ASL but also a mom! Learning baby signs is a great
bonding experience that reduces frustration by giving baby tools to
communicate before she can speak. Our instructor, Jocelyn, has been
signing since she was a toddler. You'll leave with a nice packet of
information with signs you can practice daily!
$35 per family
Register NOW
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Sing and Sign
Baby
Mondays, 9:45 am
Toddler
Mondays, 11:00am
8-week series start January 25
A minimum of 100 ASL sign taught as well as 10 songs to sign and sing
to your baby! Language strategies appropriate for this age also
discussed.
For parents and caregivers with babies from newborn to
walking. During each class, parents will will go over many American Sign Language (ASL) signs, learn how to perform each sign, sign and sing some interactive songs that will help you and your child remember and use the signs and Courtney will also be
available for any questions. Register NOW for SandS Baby Register NOW for SandS Toddler
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Thanks to all of you for all your kind words of appreciation, like:
"Thank you so much for making this place--it's been a lifesaver!"
"I wish I knew about you before!"
"This place is amazing!"
"You have so much great stuff, I want to buy everything!"
"I just needed to get out of the house and I love hanging out here."
"I've learned so much here!"
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...NEW...
Working Moms Group
You have been asking for this...it's finally here!
Wednesday evenings
6:00 - 7:15 pm.
Starts January 20.
Bring
your dinner or snacks and whether you bring your baby or not is up to
you! We've got cold water and hot drinks for you. Stroll in a little
early or a little late...
Come
chat with other working moms about how your life has changed since you
went back to work, how to get your life organized now that you are
living in two worlds, discuss issues with daycare, issues with
breastfeeding, pumping or feeding in general...you know the list, you
already have it mind! This is not a formally facilitated group, rather a time to meetup with other moms in the same boat. Free.
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New Moms Finding Balance
A more in-depth moms group where you can be yourself, tell it like
it is and know that you are understood and unjudged. Come chat about
how your life is changed, compare notes with other new moms and learn
from the super-experienced mommas that lead the group. Laughter is
guaranteed... Facilitation of the group is shared by Lois Freedman and
Cindy Morningstar. Lois is a mother of two and maternal mental health
counselor with 20 years of experience counseling women and mothers.
Cindy has a degree in early childhood development and is the mother of
13 children (ranging in age from 24 years to 16 months). A six-week session starts January 21. |
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Lunch with Lois
Is motherhood not all smiles and giggles for you? Are you finding
it more challenging than anything you've ever done before? This group
is designed especially for moms who are feeling like being a mom and/or
connecting with their baby is harder than they had expected. You'll
LOVE the facilitator, Lois, she has helped countless moms get their
groove back--come and experience her calming energy and encouraging
spirit yourself!
Register now to reserve your spot--having a set group of
people enables moms to get to know each other and each session builds
upon the last session. A four-week session starts January 21.
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Birth Circle
Friday, February 5
7:00 pm
Free
Expecting a baby? Have you had a baby? Might have another
someday? Might have another? Come talk about your experience(s), your
impressions, what you wish for, what you would have done differently.
This is a confidential space to share your joy and sadness related to
your birth or ask questions related to a future birth. Facilitated by a
childbirth educator/birth doula. All women welcome, all ages. Babies
welcome.
February 5 is Wear Red Day for heart health awareness, so if you remember, wear red!
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Drop-in or join the series!
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Sitters, Scootchers & Crawlers Playgroup
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Wednesdays 'til 2/17
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Have a sitter, scootcher or crawler? Come drop-in on this developmental play class where you'll have a blast with your wise and entertaining occupational therapist/mom group leader.
After then, check for the next series start date and join the whole series.
$15 drop-in.
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