Mommy & Me classes offers support for moms

For any mother interested in learning more on how to care for herself and her baby, there’s a helpful educational series coming up in Aitkin.

Riverwood Healthcare Center is partnering with Aitkin Community Education to host a 7-week education series called “Mommy & Me”. Seven one-hour classes will be held at Riverwood in Aitkin on Wednesdays, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., Oct. 4 through Nov. 15. The classes will meet in the Michael Ryan Support Services wing, conference room F.  SEE FLYER

Riverwood and Aitkin County Public Health experts for each topic will do informal presentations with plenty of time for questions and answers.

Oct. 4: Challenges of Being a New Mom Have a relaxed conversation with Nurse Midwife Megan Workman about the challenges of being a new mother.

Oct. 11: Infant Feeding and Lactation Beth Ambuehl, registered nurse and certified lactation counselor, and Mary Belz, registered nurse and OB coordinator, will offer helpful information about infant feeding and lactation.

Oct. 18: First Year of Infant Development Dr. Erik Bostrom, family physician, will present information on immunizations, common infant ailments, behavior stages and developmental milestones.

Oct. 25:  Safe Sleep for Babies and Tummy Time Exercises Learn about safe sleep for babies with Mary Belz, RN/Obstetrics, and the importance of tummy time for preventing torticollis (twisted neck) with Amanda Genz, pediatric occupational therapist.

Nov. 1: Pelvic Health Therapy Jessica Johnson, physical therapist, will describe musculoskeletal changes that happen during pregnancy, postpartum impacts on pelvic health functions, associated pelvic pain and exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles.

Nov. 8: Weight Management and Nutrition Dan Schletty, health & wellness coach, will talk about healthy weight loss goal setting and lifestyle changes, calorie exchanges and functional exercises to strengthen core muscles and improve cardiovascular fitness. Registered Dietitian Megan Perpich will give helpful tips such as making time for adequate nutrition, foods to include/avoid, and gradual weight loss.

Nov. 15: Talking Tots: Your Child’s Speech-Language & Social Development Amanda Rumpca, speech-language pathologist with expertise in pediatric care, will talk about how speech and social skills develop from infancy through the first year of life.

There is no cost for these informal classes, which will include lunch. Attend with your baby and come to one, several or all classes.

For more information or to register, call Riverwood at (218) 927-5188 or email healthyliving@riverwoodhealthcare.org