Posted by Meredith on Tuesday, Apr 4, 2017
Parents expecting the pitter-patter of little feet are invited to the Iowa City Public Library’s Belly Babies, a new program for parents-to-be.
Beginning March 4 and continuing through April 8, Belly Babies will meet from 3 to 4 p.m. every Saturday in the Storytime Room for six weeks. Programs will focus on pre-birth bonding activities, such as songs and stories, and feature special guests who will provide information for families as they prepare to welcome their new addition. This also is an opportunity to meet other expectant parents in the community.
Our complete listing of Belly Babies programs includes the following:
Saturday, March 4: Begin a Reading Ritual
Recent research suggests that babies can hear their parents’ voices as early as 23 weeks. We’ll share literacy tips and practices to start a reading ritual.
Saturday, March 11: Finding Balance with a Baby
A new baby means a new routine. Helen Kudos, MSW, LSW, of Eastwind Healing, will be here to share tips and best practices about keeping the lines of communication open and finding balance during this unpredictable time.
Saturday, March 18: What to Expect When Baby is Born?
Felicia Wagner, RN and Doula, will discuss postpartum mood disorders, the signs to look for, and how partners, friends and family can help. Several new parents will be here to share their own experiences.
Saturday, March 25: The First Three Months
Early childhood educator Siobhan Gordon, MS, will talk about baby’s cognitive and social-emotional development from 0 to 3 months, and discuss tips and ideas for helping to foster and nurture this development.
Saturday, April 1: Breathing Techniques and Infant Massage
Kristin Bergman, LPN, LMT and Doula, of consciousbirthiowa.com, will teach parents how to connect with their babies through massage.
Saturday, April 8: Lactation – What is a Doula?
Professional Birth Doula and Certified Lactation Counselor Kimberly Hendricks takes the mystery out of childbirth and breast feeding with her presentation, “Beloved Bonds Womb to World.”
Programs are free and open to all expectant parents in the community. Registration isn’t required. Older siblings are invited to attend, too.
For more information, call the Library at 319-356-5200.