Posted by Meredith on Wednesday, Sep 27, 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 October 7 and continuing through November 18, Belly Babies will meet from 3 to 4 p.m. every Saturday in the Storytime Room. Belly Babies will not meet on November 11 because of the Totally Tweens Chess Tournament.
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, October 7: 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, October 14: 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, October 21: 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, October 28: 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. Siobhan is mom to 4 year old Theo.
Saturday, November 4: Staying Fit & Feeling Fabulous
Kelli Rice, Coe College Wellness Professor, will discuss creative ways to eat healthy & stay active despite appetite changes and fatigue throughout all stages of pregnancy. Kelli is mom to 1 year old Delaney, and is expecting baby #2 in February.
Saturday, November 18: 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.