Mommy and Me Classes

Getting the Most from Mommy and Me
by Tamara Starr

Being an expecting mom can not only be exciting, but it can also be one of the most nerve-wrecking experiences a woman can go through. From the morning sickness, to the unpredictable mood swings, it’s no wonder why we are so desperate to know what the heck is going on with our bodies.
Whether it’s your first child or your first multiple birth, the amount of information out there can be mind boggling. Will my child be born healthy? Can this one cup of coffee really hurt? Should I deliver in a hospital or in the comfort of my home? How long should I wait until I bring the baby outside? (Because God forbid they die from pneumonia right?)
Believe it or not, Mommy and Me centers can be the best place for moms to go, even if it’s your fourth child. You will not only get some good advice, but you will also receive the confidence that’s needed for parenting.
“You don’t want to just hear the research of good parenting,” says Marena Burnett, Program Manager for Early Parenting, Isis in Boston, MA.
For Burnett it is very important that a Mommy and Me class provide an environment with no judgment.
“The last thing you want to hear is someone telling you what ‘good parenting’ is,” Burnett said. “We all have that maternal instinct within us and we need to learn how to trust that- you get to determine what’s right for the baby.”
It’s easy to assume that Mommy and Me classes are just for moms and their tots. However, classes can start as young as 2 weeks.
The goal goes beyond creating a bond with the baby; the goal is to create a trust that you know what you are doing.
“This maybe the first time they will leave the house alone with the baby,” Burnett said. “And the goal will be to create confidence with the newborn.”
As the baby gets a little older, it’s never too early to start socializing. Jill Lemberg is the director for one of the My Gym locations in Boston and she was very excited to bring her own daughter to a Mommy and Me class. For Lemberg it’s just seeing the development of these young tikes that inspire her.
“You see them when they first come in as a tike, and then all of sudden they are recognizing sounds or even learning to do tumbles... It’s exciting!” Lemberg said.
Especially during the winter, Mommy and Me classes can be very beneficial in unleashing that extra energy from your child.
Jenny Crowly has been bringing her 18-month-old daughter, Piper, to Mommy and Me classes and agrees that it has been the best thing for both of them.
“It’s great when they are playing around with the other kids, and it’s nice to see how the moms are doing,” Crowly said. “It helps them build confidence in doing other activities in a safe environment.”
According to Women’s Health Works, a local gym, Mommy and Me classes are a good place for new moms to bring a good amount of fitness into their daily routine while parenting. Unfortunately, only non-crawling babies are allowed in their yoga class. So if you’re looking for a good workout that involves your child- the park is going to be your best bet, but if you are more focused on getting your child active, then any center with a Gymboree will help release that extra energy.
If you would like to know more about Mommy and Me classes, you can visit your local maternity store for more information. Another resourceful guide is TheBump.com. There are links to Gymborees in your area along with useful tips for moms-to-be.