At And Along Came Baby we believe that education and support are essential to ensuring that you and your baby have the best start possible. In summer 2007 we plan to open our brick and mortar store where all of the wonderful products offered here in our online store will be available. But even closer to our heart, we will be able to provide a wide range of supportive classes and opportunities for expecting parents and new families. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

All classes are taught by highly qualified and compassionate instructors. All of our instructors have attended extended training to specialize in their field of expertise. Following is a sample of the classes we plan to offer.

Childbirth Preparation: This is an all inclusive class given in a warm and supportive environment. We explain the anatomy of pregnancy and birth, stages of labor, options and interventions and most importantly comfort measures for labor allowing you to focus on the joy of the birth process. Teaching methods include lecture, video and hands on participation. Instructor is a certified Labor Doula and Childbirth Educator.

HypnoBirthing® - The Mongan Method is based on the belief that birth is natural, normal and healthy, not a medical incident. HypnoBirthing therapists teach women how to self-hypnotize and use very slow breathing methods – “no huffing and puffing” – that coincide with the body’s natural “surges,” otherwise known as contractions. “We teach them to actually relax their body to the point it can work the way it was designed to work,” Mongan says.

Breastfeeding Basics: Breast is best for mom and baby. Come learn why as well as many helpful tips from getting started in the hospital to managing common concerns of the first few weeks at home. Let us help you get off to a good start and encourage a successful breastfeeding relationship. Taught by certified Lactation Educators.

Breastfeeding for the Metro Mom: Working moms face even more challenges than stay at home moms when it comes to breastfeeding their babies, but they benefit perhaps even more from the wonderful bonding experience that nursing her baby gives them. Come and learn all about breast pumps and how to integrate breastfeeding into your work schedule. Taught by certified Lactation Educators.

Babycare Basics: Bringing home a new baby is very exciting but it can also be overwhelming to new parents. In this class you will learn what to expect when you bring your new little bundle home from the hospital and provide helpful tips on bathing, diapering, swaddling, bedtime and more.

Happiest Baby on the Block: Dr. Harvey Karp has developed a foolproof way to soothe your babies crying. There are 5 components to this method which, when used together, work amazingly well to calm your crying baby and in many cases help your baby go to sleep with no fuss. Using cross-cultural techniques combined with his own research, Dr. Karp has developed the "five S's system". Some babies will need all five, others just a few to help induce what he calls the "calming reflex." These steps sound pretty easy, but seeing them done properly, in conjunction with each other, is the key to relieving your baby's colic symptoms and making Mom, Dad, and baby less stressed and much happier!

Infant Massage: Caring touch is good for everyone, and infants especially benefit from the reassurance of someone special being there and giving them loving touch. Come learn the benefits for baby and for mommy/daddy while having a wonderfully relaxing time with your little one.

Baby Signs®: Have you ever wondered what your baby is thinking? Or why your baby is crying? The Baby Signs® Program teaches babies to use simple, easy-to-do gestures for communicating with their parents and caregivers. These gestures or "signs" represent an item or concept, like "cat," "eat," or "all gone." Come learn how to help your baby communicate and ease their frustration while having a great time playing with BeeBo™ the Baby Signs® Bear and singing delightful Baby Signs® songs.

Sibling Preparation Class: Help big brother or big sister get ready for their new little baby. We will help them learn what to expect with the arrival of baby and excite them about their new role as the “big kid”. Class will include a craft for kids to make as a gift for the new baby.

Fit To DeliverTM is the first program to be developed by a physician (Dr. Karen Nordahl), personal trainers (Sarah Arscott, Martha Sirdevan, Wendy Foo) and physical therapist (Carl Petersen). This program is based on the belief that women can and should remain active during pregnancy – and in doing so, reap the rewards of a more comfortable pregnancy, easier delivery and a healthier baby. The practical program outlines exercises for each trimester focused on three key principles – Prevention, Preparation and Restoration. Tailored for different fitness levels and stages of pregnancy, the program incorporates postural reminders, stretching techniques, smart aerobic guidelines, strength training, core stability and nutritional information. Fit To Deliver is the pre-and postnatal expert source for ivillage.com, Fit Pregnancy and Living Fit

Prenatal Yoga: This age-old practice keeps you limber, tones your muscles, and improves your balance and circulation, with little, if any, impact on your joints. Yoga is also beneficial because it helps you learn to breathe deeply and relax, which will come in handy as you face the physical demands of labor, birth, and motherhood.