Free classes and support groups
St. Luke’s offers a comprehensive selection of free classes and support groups not only for mom, but for dad, baby and older siblings. Watch video
Classes For New Parents
Mommy & Me
This special weekly program is for mothers and babies up to one year of age. This is a time to check baby's weight, learn focused baby massage and meet other moms. Mom will enjoy informational topics and opportunities to have a nurse answer your questions. Your baby will enjoy the playtime and stimulating toys.
• Newborn to four months: Meets every Monday morning from 10:30-11:30 a.m., or Monday afternoon from 12:30-1:30 p.m. These sessions are offered free of charge.
• Four to eight months: Meets every Thursday morning from 10:30-11:30 a.m. There is a one time fee of $25 for the four month series.
• Eight to 12 months: Meets every Thursday afternoon from 1:30-2:30 p.m. There is a one time fee of $25 for the four month series.
Preregistration is not necessary. For more information, please call 319/369-7580.
Mommy, Daddy & Me
This is just like the Mommy & Me group - only we invite Daddy to come along. The group meets the first Saturday of the month (except major holiday weekends) from 1:30-2:30 p.m. There is a fee for this class of $20 for a year of monthly classes, or $3 for each class. Preregistration is not necessary. For more information, please call 319/369-7580.
HeartSaver Baby
This class provides information about child safety, first aid and how to perform CPR on infants and children. It typically meets twice a month at 6:00 p.m. There is a cost for the program and preregistration is necessary. Call 319/369-8884 for more information.
Support Groups
Breastfeeding Friends
This group is for breastfeeding moms and babies, newborn to one year of age. Meet with a Lactation Consultant/Breastfeeding Educator and other mothers to share experiences, discuss breastfeeding questions and find solutions to common problems. Babies will receive a weight check. This support group meets weekly on Tuesdays from 4:15-5:45 p.m. Preregistration is not necessary. For more information, please call 319/369-8944.
New Beginnings - Adjusting to Motherhood
Becoming a new mother is an immediate and sometimes overwhelming life change. In fact, it takes almost a year for parents to adjust to becoming parents. You may find this first year more emotional than you had expected. Many mothers are surprised that they feel joy and happiness, yet feel overwhelmed, anxious or confused. This mixture of feelings may last a couple of weeks after birth (baby blues), or may have a sudden onset that can last much longer (postpartum mood disorders).
Many topics are discussed including coping with changing relationships, postpartum depression/mood disorders (screening will be done weekly), getting organized, how to feel better about yourself and many others. You can share experiences, discuss questions, develop skills and find alternatives to work through the adjustments of becoming a mother. If you would like to get together with other moms and their babies to discuss the adjustments to motherhood, please plan to attend this free weekly support group anytime during your baby’s first year. The group meets weekly on Wednesdays from 4:00-5:30 p.m. Preregistration is not necessary. Call 319/369-7580 for more information.
Parents With Empty Arms Support Group
This group serves families grieving a pregnancy loss through miscarriage, stillborn or death of an infant. Monthly group meetings and one-on-one counseling are available. This group meets on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. New location for 2012: Schwartz Center A. Preregistration is not necessary. For more information call Spiritual Care Services at 319/369-7347.
