ML Interest Tag: post-natal

14 Things You Must Do in Seattle Before Baby Turns One

by Allison Sutcliffe

First smiles. First words. First full night’s sleep… we can dream can’t we? Find out what Seattle firsts your newly minted mini needs to do sometime after her splashy scene entrance and before she smashes some cake at her one-year bash.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe 

1. Meet the Moose. Babies and baseball. Add a few brews in and an M’s win and it sounds like the makings of a great spring day. Don’t forget to hit the Moose Den with your newly minted M’s fan to snap a keepsake pic with the Mariner Moose. Mission complete!

photo: Jolene Hufty

2. Tiptoe through the tulips. A trip to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is a must-visit for baby’s first spring. That colorful sea of tulips? Best backdrop ever for post-worthy baby pics. Plus, your sidekick can’t get super muddy… yet!

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

3. Dip toes in Puget Sound. All it takes is one gloriously sunny summer day for you and your little squirt to cross this one off the list. No suits needed!

photo: Angela Barton

4. See a kindie rock concert. When you’re born in the land of Hendrix, Nirvana and Pearl Jam, rock ‘n’ roll is part of your heritage. Acquaint baby with his or her roots at a Kid’s Rock Series concert at the Mount Baker Club. Start ‘em young!

photo: Kindiependent website

5. Climb a mountain. Hold on baby, because this one’s really for your parents. Strap on your little bundle, then start your ascent up Little Si. It’s the perfect sized hike for your petit!

photo: Sarah Lenssen

6. Wade in the water. Nothing beats those gleeful giggles and silly splashes of kiddos hanging at the International Fountain. Whether you escort your almost-walker into the deluge or watch with him in utter fascination from the sidelines, this is one that shouldn’t be missed.

photo: Jen Morris

7. Take the plunge. Prepare your little mariner for a life by the sea with some swimming lessons. We’ve got the scoop on the best lessons in the area for those under 12 months.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

8. Stretch your limits. You and your newly minted mini can strike your best “baby poses” together at yoga. We love the baby class at Limber Yoga and 8 Limbs Yoga’s post-natal class which will leave you and your wee one feeling fine.

photo: Limber Yoga’s website

9. Make new friends. You’re never too young to network! Expand your tiny socialite’s circle at a fabulous parenting group. Both of you can make friends, find support and share your best diaper blowout stories among your parenting tribe.

photo: PEPS Program Facebook page

10. Take in a flick. Bring your future film buff to a kid-friendly matinee on a rainy Seattle day. Because that sweet window, where the wee one sleeps while you watch, only stays open for so long. Catch the latest blockbuster during Mommy and Me times at the Cinemark Lincoln Square in Bellevue while you can!

11. Meet some animals. Old MacDonald and his animal friends are all the rage in your little bundle’s world. That’s why the Woodland Park Zoo’s Walkin’ and Rollin’ class made our list. Your mini me gets to hang with the biggest “stars” in town, while you bond with other parents over sleepless nights and diaper duty.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

12. Make music at the symphony. Put attending a Tiny Tots concert at the Seattle Symphony on baby’s list of memorable, must-do firsts. Linda and Lisa bring music to life, even for the tiniest audience members.

photo: Tracey Marshall Photography

13. Take a ferry ride. Before she turns one, your little eco baby needs to take her first ride on Seattle’s most unique form of public transportation. It’s all about the journey with this one!

photo: Elizabeth LaFever

14. Follow the lead. Check out other cool Seattle families and compare notes. These favorite PNW ‘gramers will help lead the way!

photo: @margejacobsen

What’s on your Seattle baby’s bucket list? Spill in the Comments below!

— Allison Sutcliffe

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Why It’s Great to be Pregnant in D.C.

by rthilaryriedemann

We usually talk about why D.C. is great for kids and families, but we thought it might be fun to ask the area’s main movers and shakers (AKA moms-to-be) why the District is such a great place to be whilst carrying a wee one. We staked out some local hot spots and asked pregnant mamas to bestow some insight into why they love bumping around the Nation’s Capital.

Photo: Aina Vidal via flickr

  1. You’re never the only pregnant lady. “It’s a perk living in such a populated area, because you can find almost anything you need (advice, gently used belly support bands, etc.) on a Facebook group, email list serv, large consignment sale, meetup group, etc.” —Meghan M.
  1. You don’t have to get on a plane to go on a babymoon. “There are lots of local ‘mini babymoon’ options, like the hotels in DuPont Circle, Shenandoah Valley, and Harper’s Ferry.” —Renee W.
  1. It’s a pregant foodies paradise. “No matter what food I’m craving, I can find it within a 10 minute walk or drive of my house (and usually they deliver!). Even if it is ice cream and pickles at 2 am. ” —Jessica A.
  1. Two words: breastfeeding support. “Easy access to the Breastfeeding Center in downtown, which is fantastic.” —Liz B.
  1. You can dress cute (so can your kids) without spending a bunch of money. “There are tons of fashionable baby boutiques to help build my maternity wardrobe!” —Marie T.
  • Pre- and post-natal yoga options are endless. Just endless. “The access to lots and lots of prenatal yoga, which I still credit with helping me deliver a giant baby!” —Meghan S.
  • Middle of the night diaper runs are no biggie. “No matter what I need—be it clothes, food, gear, gizmos—I can usually find it within 15 minutes of my house.” —Mary G.
  • Dairy Godmother. “My bump loves their custard!” —Melissa I.
  • The photo ops are so fun. “Some of the most awesome bump pictures can be snapped at the memorials!” Sarah M.

What did we miss? Why else does it rock to be pregnant in D.C.? Tell us in the comments section below. 

—Hilary Riedemann

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Postpartum Perks: Surprising Ways Hospitals Are Pampering New Moms

by Lauren Hill

Welcome to the modern maternity ward. From hairstylists to gourmet meals, hospitals around the country are offering luxury services and accommodations to help new moms feel a little more at home (or like they’re spending the night at a five star hotel). Whether you’re a first time mom or a delivery room vet, check out these postpartum perks – and prepare for some serious pampering.

photo: Dr. P Phillips Baby Place at Winter Park Memorial Hospital

Gourmet Meals
Post-delivery, you’ll have likely gone more than 24 hours without a meal. So forgo the Jell-O appetizer and treat yourself (and the new Dad) to a gourmet meal. The Dr. P. Phillips Baby Place at Winter Park Memorial Hospital in Florida offers new moms dinner for two from local Ruth’s Chris steakhouse, while parents in the luxury suites at the Rose Medical Center in Denver can enjoy culinary creations prepared by a private chef.

Salon Services
Curious how labor looks so glamorous on TV? Envy Duchess Katherine’s perfect postpartum coif? Before greeting your eager public, relax with an in-suite manicure, pedicure, or blow dry. The hospital’s team of stylists will leave you refreshed and camera ready.

photo: Rachel V. Photography 

Professional Photos
Ready for baby’s first photo shoot? Many hospitals now offer the services of professional shutterbugs. And while studio portraits of your newborn have become standard practice, private photographers are also available (when booked ahead of time) to capture mom’s first moments with baby. Rachel Vasquez of Rachel V. Photography, one photographer that offers these services in Orlando, calls these unique sessions Fresh 48. A good reason to take advantage of those in-house salon services!

Around the Clock Concierge
You’ve enjoyed nine months of dad-to-be at your beck and call. During your hospital stay, give him a breather and employ the services of the hospital’s on-call concierge. Depending on the facility, these modern Jeeves can organize everything from a delivery from your favorite restaurant to having your car detailed before departure.

photo: Nurture in Hospital Massage

Post-natal Massage
In addition to relaxation, post-natal massage can actually regulate hormones, reduce swelling, improve sleep and help with breastfeeding (just to name a few added benefits), and companies like Nurture In Hospital Massage in Seattle offer this therapeutic treatment for women in the comfort of their hospital rooms. So tend to those sore feet, neck, back, etc., and if you’re feeling extra generous, sign Dad up for a chair massage, too.

Integrative Therapies
Forget that cold, sterile hospital smell and breathe in the lovely scent of essential oils. From aromatherapy to acupuncture and hypnobirthing, hospitals are utilizing more holistic methods of relaxation for new moms and moms-to-be. At Emerson Hospital in Massachusetts, moms can engage in complementary Reiki, a Japanese technique for relaxation and stress reduction.

photo: Mercy Hospital St. Louis

Private Bathrooms
Not so keen on sharing a bathroom with your fellow moms? Many modern maternity wards now boast private bathrooms. Some hospitals, like Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, even include full-sized tubs in several of their birthing suites. Equipped with wireless, waterproof fetal monitors, moms-to-be can relax in a warm bath during labor while still monitoring contractions and their baby’s heart rate.

Upgraded Linens
Since hospitals are known for their scratchy sheets, upgrading to nicer linens is an easy way to make your hospital stay a little more comfortable. Some hospitals even offer comfy robes, but we’d still recommend bringing a pillow from home.

Did you enjoy any luxe services post-delivery? Share with us in the comments below. 

–Lauren Hill

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The Mother of Invention: 6 Atlanta Mompreneurs Share Their Mommy Musts

by Phebe Wahl

They say that necessity is the mother of invention. And who has more moxie than moms? In honor of Mother’s Day, we polled some of our favorite “mompreneurs” for their mommy musts. These make-it-happen moms navigate the big A with tots in tow, and have built their own businesses to boot. Here’s to all Atlanta moms that are brining up their babes—like a boss! Cam Reynolds
As the co-owner of Gramercy Home in Buckhead, Cam Reynolds is all about keeping it chic, even amid chaos. As if running a stylish shop isn’t enough to keep her busy, Reynolds is also mother to three boys—Whit (age 5), Davis (age 3) and Hart (7 months).

Favorite spot in Atlanta to take the kids?
The Fernbank Museum. My boys love the dinosaurs!

Must-have mom item?
 A versatile bag that can serve as both a purse and diaper bag. 

What do you love about being an Atlanta mom?
There are so many fun and cultural experiences to do as a family since we are in a big city, yet many areas of town still have a great neighborhood feel.

Agatha Achindu
Ranked as the #1 baby food by Martha Stewart Magazine, Atlanta-based Yummy Spoonfuls was founded on the principal that healthy babies are happy babies. The frozen organic food line began in the kitchen of founder and CYO (Chief Yummy Officer) Achindu who now travels the country to offer healthy eating seminars. The mom of boys Malcolm (age 16) and Jared-Zane (age 9) says that Atlanta reminds her of her childhood in Cameroon, West Africa. “I am a farmer’s daughter, so living in a city with rural benefits is one of the many advantages Atlanta provides,” she explains.

Favorite spot in Atlanta to take the kids?
 We love Piedmont Park, Marietta Square, skateboard spots and the Georgia Aquarium.

Must-have mom item?
 My planner.

What do you love about being an Atlanta mom?
I love the cultural diversity. I love the green space—all the beautiful trees, parks and outdoor farmers’ markets make Atlanta an amazing place to bring up my boys. The fact that I can drive up to a local farm with my sons and get anything from fresh milk to eggs and vegetables is such an added bonus. It’s a wonderful community and it’s a beautiful city that still has it’s forest.

Cinda Boomershine
After sharpening her skills as an interior designer and a design expert for TBS’s Movie and a Makeover, Cinda Boomershine launched the cinda b brand in 2004. Proudly made in the USA, Boomershine’s bags combine modern prints with chic functionality. The mom to Belle (23 months) and Rex (1 month) makes it all happen with the help of friends and family—and, of course—a great bag!

Favorite spot in Atlanta to take the kids?
Tanyard Creek Park has two great playgrounds and lots of space to run around. Plus, it is the park I went to as a child, so it is a sentimental favorite.

Must-have mom item?
My cinda b Neptune Beach Bag. I use this bag for toting everything all the time. It is huge with plenty of pockets to organize all my little ones’ toys, supplies and goodies.  And like all cinda b bags, it is stain resistant, water resistant and machine washable—which is essential in a Mom bag.

What do you love about being an Atlanta mom?
The best part about being a mom her in Atlanta has to be all the friends and family that I have here.  I am so blessed and lucky to have such a wonderful support network here.  I couldn’t run my business and raise my kids without them.

Paige Perkins
As founder of Buckhead’s buzzy new blowdry bar, GlowDry, this brainy beauty is also mom to Mia (age 6) and Ella (age 3 and a half). We love Perkins for providing a spot for fellow moms to sneak in some much-needed “me” time—and score some seriously hot hair!

Favorite spot in Atlanta to take the kids?
Nancy Creek Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta and SkyZone

Must-have mom item?
A helpful spouse.  Having opened my first business last August while raising two young, active kids, I couldn’t have survived the last year without my husband.  While he’s not an “item” per se, if I could package, market and sell him—I’d be a very successful woman!

What do you love about being an Atlanta mom?
There is always something fun to do, rain or shine.  And, always an adventure to have with the kids.  It’s easy to get around and we never have to plan our adventures too far in advance.  I love waking up in the morning and asking the girls “do you want to go Strawberry Picking today?” or “should we go to the aquarium?” and just hopping in the car and going without a second thought. 

Jackie Phillips
After struggling to find their proper preschool for her own peanut, the mom—to Rudd (age 5) and Holland (age 1 and a half)—founded beloved, Buckhead “boutique” educational program, The Little Nook. Encouraging creative and imaginative play (and sending home some pretty darn cute craft projects to boot), Phillips’ “Nook” also is a popular spot for picture-perfect birthday parties. Just check out her adorable blog for evidence.

Favorite spot in Atlanta to take the kids?
My perfect day: Ice skating at Centennial, Children’s Museum then off to ride the Ferris Wheel, eat dinner at Vinny’s Pizza on 14th.  They let kids play with the dough.

Must-have mom item?
Otter Box on my iPhone, Aden and Anais Swaddle Blankets, Phil and Teds Lobster High Chair

What do you love about being an Atlanta mom?
I know it’s hard to think about while we are covered in thick yellow pollen, but I think we are so fortunate to have great weather in Atlanta and live in such close proximity to parks, trails, hunting, fishing and camping spots.  My favorite place to be with my children is outside.

Ann Short
Mom to Caroline (age 6) and Lilly Grace (age 8), Short spent five years teaching moms with Stroller Strides and has now set out on her own with Ann Short Fitness. She specializes in pre and post-natal fitness and provides personal training sessions as well as classes. Her stroller-friendly boot-camp style class is geared specifically towards moms who need to get their workout on, but don’t have childcare. No excuses!

Favorite spot in Atlanta to take the kids?
We love the Georgia Aquarium!  We like to go when the crowds are low in the late afternoon for a quick getaway to the “ocean.”

Must-have mom item?
A huge bag!  I’ve tried carrying a small, cute purse, but I always end up with someone’s coat, snacks and art project in my purse—go figure!

What do you love about being an Atlanta mom?
I love raising my girls in Atlanta because they learn manners and southern hospitality.  There is a sense of decorum here that you don’t find outside of the South.  Plus it is a beautiful city with lots of hidden gems to explore with the kids.

Who is your favorite Atlanta Mompreneur? Give them a shout out in the comments section below!

—Phebe Wahl

Photos courtesy of subjects and Kaylan Bradley of Happy Everything Co.

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The “Get Out of The House!” Guide for New Moms

by Erin Feher

Who knew endless naps and snacking would get old? If you and the babe are ready to get out (get dressed), and greet the world, we’ve rounded up the best activities for mom and her little bundle, from newborn-friendly yoga, to baby music workshops to storytimes for the smallest of the small.

Photo courtesy of Le Petit Baleen

Swim!
There’s a reason your little one loves the bath—he or she has probably spent more time in water (9 months?) than they have on dry land, so it’s never too young to get ‘em swimming and splashing. Le Petit Baleen and American Swim Academy offer classes for babies as young as 8 weeks, and with their extra warm indoor pools, friendly instructors and viewing benches (grandma and grandpa will want to see this), it makes for the perfect activity (and photo op) all year round.

American Swim Academy
6948 Sierra Ct.
Dublin, Ca
925-479-7946
Online: americanswimacademy

Le Petit Beleen San Francisco
933 Mason Street
San Francisco, Ca
866-896-3603

La Petite Baleen San Bruno
434 San Mateo Avenue
San Bruno, Ca
866-896-3603

La Petite Baleen Half Moon Bay
775 Main Street Half
Moon Bay, Ca
866-896-3603

LaPetite Baleen Atherton
60 Fifth Avenue
Redwood City, Ca
866-896-3603
Online: swimlpb.com

Photo courtesy of Pretend City

Read!
Your nearest public library undoubtably offers a weekly baby-and-me class aimed to introduce little droolers to the joys of reading though music, movement and lots of cuddles. The (free!) classes also offer new parents and opportunity to relearn all those sweet kiddie songs that they probably haven’t heard in a few decades, and to bring home a few new books to keep that bedtime routine interesting.

Baby Rhyme Time and Playtime
San Francisco Public Libraries
Mission: Mon., 1:15 p.m.
Ocean View: Mon., 2 p.m.
Sunset: Mon., 2 p.m.
West Portal: Tues., 10:30 a.m.
Ortega: Wed., 3 p.m.
Presidio: Thurs., 10:15 a.m.
Mission Bay: Thurs., 10:15 a.m.
Bayview: Thurs., 11 a.m.
Main: Thurs., 3: 30 p.m.
Online: sfpl.org

Babies and Books
Larkspur Public Library
Wed., 9:30 a.m.
400 Magnolia Ave.
Larkspur, Ca
415-927-5005
Online: ci.larkspur.ca.us

Baby Bounce
Oakland Public Libraries
Main: Tues., 10:15 a.m.
Golden Gate: Tues., 11:15 a.m.
Diamond: Wed., 10:15 a.m.
Lakeview: Wed., 11 a.m.
Montclair: Thurs., 11: 30 a.m.
Online: www.oaklandlibrary.org

Just Baby and Me
Burlingame Public Library
Fri., 10:30 a.m.
480 Primrose Rd.
Burlingame, Ca
650-558-7400
Online: burlingame.org

Baby Lapsit
San Jose’s Martin Luther King Library
Thurs., 11:30 a.m.
150 E. San Fernando St.
San Jose, Ca
408-808-2183
Online: sjlibrary.org

Photo courtesy of Pomegranate

Stretch!
Those first few months with baby are a serious workout, and you’re likely to be feeling sore in places you didn’t even know existed. And your babe is probably still unfolding from his or her time curled up in your belly. Take some time to stretch it out at one of these relaxing mom and baby yoga sessions. Crying little ones are par for the course, so don’t stress about your babe being on their best behavior!

Post Natal Yoga with Jane Austin
Yoga Tree
1234 Valencia St.
San Francisco, Ca
415-647-9707
Online: yogatreesf.com

Mom and Baby Yoga
Pomegranate
25 Tamalpais Ave.
San Anselmo, Ca
415-785-3173
Online: pomcenter.com

It’s Yoga, Baby + Massage
It’s Yoga Kids
569 Ruger St.
San Francisco, Ca
415-750-9990
Online: itsyogakids.com

Postnatal Yoga (with childcare!)
Yogalayam
1723 Alcatraz Ave.
Berkeley, Ca
510-655-3664
Online: yogalayam.org

Mom & Baby Yoga
Blossom
299 S. California Ave., Ste. 120
Palo Alto, Ca
650-321-2326
Online: blossombirth.org

Mom and Baby Yoga
Yoga at Change
400 Ben Franklin Ct.
San Mateo, Ca
650-340-9642
Online: yogaatchange.com

Photo courtesy of Music Together

Sing!
Whether or not you can carry a tune, your voice is still the sweetest sound your baby hears. Learn some songs, explore different instruments and give your baby the gift of music during his or her first months.

Music Together
Hundreds of classes in Bay Area locations everywhere.
Find a class here: musictogether.com

Mini Music Time
Inner Rhythms
518D Tamalpais Dr.
Corte Madera, Ca
415.895.6144
Online: minimusictime.com

Baby Move & Groove
Ark Row Kids
122 Main St.
Tiburon, Ca
415-435-2200
Online: arkrowcenter.com

Kindermusik Sing and Play
Piedmont Center for the Arts
801 Magnoila Ave.
Piedmont, Ca
510-531-3190
Online: nanmusik.com
Music at Gymboree
925 Blossom Hill Rd.
San Jose, Ca
408-629-5813
Online: gymboreeclasses.com

 Do you have a favorite activity to do with your new babe?

—Erin Feher

 

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6 Fitness Classes You Can Bring Your Kid To

by writerredtri

Pregnancy came with some sweet benefits. We’re talking justifiable Dairy Queen splurges and late-night leftover pizza binges. Now you’re ready to pretend it never happened, but between naps, diaper changes and mealtimes, when do you fit in fitness? When you can bring baby with you, that’s when. Click through our album to find six group exercise classes that welcome your child, too.

For Stroller-Friendly Workouts: Fit4Mom

The long-running Stroller Strides classes are the signature of Fit4Mom's pre- and post-natal fitness classes, which are open to any mom after the OB gives you that six-week-checkup thumbs-up. No mere strolling, though: You’ll be power-walking that baby, with stops for strength-training and toning exercises that incorporate tubes and the stroller. A few well-timed songs and activities keep baby engaged, too. Moms say it’s a great workout, but also a great way to make friends for life.

Free preview class (registration required); 10-class punch card $150; unlimited monthly pass $79; one-time $50 enrollment fee (knocked down to $25 if you enroll at the end of your preview class). Meets at Diversey Harbor, Montrose Athletic Fields, Kidville and other locations. Call 773-593-3915 or go to chicago.fit4mom.com.

x
Have you tried a mommy-and-me fitness class? Tell everyone about it in the Comments!

— Elisa Drake

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Where to Get Fit & Connect With Other Moms

by Abby Biernat

Between rearranging your life schedule for baby and taking care your new bundle of joy, fitness often gets kicked down low on your priority list…unless you’ve signed up for Fit4Mom. Started in 2012, this Marin fitness franchise works with moms (and families) who want to keep pre- and post-natal fitness on their fun radar. You can take your baby for a stroller jog, connect with other moms through Our Village and exchange sage advice, or just focus on building your strength and flexibility until it rivals your baby’s leg lifts. With Fit4Mom, working out just became hip, easy and fun again.

We sat down with Karin Collins, mompreneur of the Fit4Mom Marin franchise, to get an insider’s look on how she manages to stay fit all while being a full-time mom.

RT: What neighborhood/borough do you live in?

KC: Terra Linda

RT: What is your favorite “escape hatch” to get some “me” time and recharge?

KC: Years ago, I studied yoga and I try to sneak in a 30-minute session in the mornings before my 2 year old daughter wakes up. I also love to go on long runs or hikes by myself. It helps me clear my mind and I often come up with great ideas.

RT: What does the perfect Bay Area Sunday morning look like?

KC: Almost every Sunday is a perfect Sunday for me because I get to do what I love to do. Morning typically starts with morning snuggle with my family and then I teach a Stroller Strides class, which is a fitness class that moms can do with their Stroller aged children. Sundays is a special class for the whole family and so not only do I get to see my lovely mom’s but I also get to see many of the dad’s. Classes are twice the size and twice the fun! After class we walk over to the Civic Center farmer’s market to eat a yummy lunch and buy fresh fruits and veggies for the week.

RT: What is your latest obsession?

KC: On a recent trip to Sweden visiting my family and friends, I was connected with Sami Pharmacy. They offer a variety of organic super foods such as crowberries and wild blue berries. I am obsessed with their yummy products so much that now I’m going to be distributing their wonderful products here in the US.

RT: What’s your secret to balancing work and family life?

KC: The secret is that I have an amazing job, which allows me to integrate business, family, friends and fun all in one. I can bring my daughter when I teach my classes. She is my little workout buddy. My husband is also very supportive and appreciative of all the hard work I do in the home and for my company. Most importantly, I love what I do and so it really doesn’t feel like work.

RT: What is your proudest parenting moment so far?

KC: It is impossible to only mention one moment. There are so many little moments every day that make me so proud of my daughter. She shows a great deal of empathy towards other people, eats leafy green salads, helps me make lunches for her dad… the list goes on!

Have you checked out Fit4Mom? Follow them on Facebook for updates and Instagram for motivational pics!

Stroller Strides® is a stroller-based fitness program designed for moms with little ones. Each 60-minute, total body workout incorporates power walking, strength, toning, songs and activities. Certified fitness instructors offer a variety of fun class formats both indoors and outdoors. All locations also offer a free Plum Moms Club so moms can form lasting friendships with other moms through organized playdates, moms’ nights out, and activities for the whole family.

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Two’s Company: Six Mommy and Me Classes for You and Your Babe

by Phebe Wahl

Let’s be honest. Other than sharing a body for 40 weeks, we just don’t have that much in common with our littlest littles. He likes drooling and refuses to sleep when you want; you’re into saliva control and getting as much tummy time (under a down comforter, preferably) as possible. She prefers an all liquid diet to your sushi (again! finally!). The list goes on and on. But rather than get hung up on all the mismatched pieces of motherhood, find a common cure and go with it. Check out these six Mommy and Me classes for your prescription to bond with that cute but demanding stranger who’s crash landed into your life.

Oh Baby! Fitness
Want to make sure your instructors know what they’re dealing with when it comes to post-natal fitness challenges? Look no further. All instructors at Oh Baby! Fitness are nationally certified to help you adapt a normal workout, build strength, and lose weight. Hit one of their Mommy and Me Fitness classes (cardio, strength training, and ab work), or put those yoga pants to the test in a Mommy and Me Yoga or Pilates class. They won’t mind the formula stains or the crusty peanut butter on the knee. These are our people.

Details: Oh Baby! Fitness, Multiple locations (click here to see today and tomorrow’s schedule), Prices vary by class

Atlanta Ballet
Can your 2 year old shake it (like a Polaroid picture)? Thinking about channelling those gyrations into something a little more, well, classical? Both the Buckhead Studio and the Atlanta Ballet headquarters offer Mommy and Me classes, but don’t be intimidated. This is an introductory class aimed at acclimating the tiny tots to movement and music. You can keep your Nutcracker costume in its box in your closet. For now.

Details: Atlanta Ballet, Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre, 1695 Marietta Boulevard NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, 404-873-5811 and Buckhead Centre, 4279 Roswell Road, Suite 703, Atlanta, GA 30342, 404-303-1501, One session (roughly two months of weekly 45 minute classes) is $168

The Music Class
Are your kids miraculously soothed when they hear November Rain playing on the radio while stuck in traffic? Does your lullaby CD collection include both the musical adaptations of U2 and Dolly? If you’ve answered yes to either of these questions (or just have a kid who digs a good tambourine), then step right up for the nearest Music Pups Mommy and Me class. Suitable for infants through four year olds, this 45 minute session comes with take-home CDs for cruising tunes, plus plenty of ideas to enrich your child’s life with music when you’re not rocking in The Music Class together.

Details: The Music Class, Multiple locations (Click here to find one near you), 4 week sessions $72 or 10 week sessions $165 (discounts apply for siblings)

Purple Hippo Art Studio
So you’re a creative type who also happens to keep a really, really clean house. Pack up the kids (ages 2 through 4) and head to the Purple Hippo Art Studio to get your creative juices flowing (and glue sticking, and glitter sprinkling, and quick- get me a paper bag to breathe in!). Every Thursday at 10:00 a.m. from February 6 to March 27, you and your littles can enjoy an artistically themed story time, followed by a guided art project. Glue, paint, splatter, and cut to your heart’s content, then head home to a clean house.

Details: Purple Hippo Art Studio, 5517 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, Georgia 30338, 770-730-0605, $160 for 8 Sessions

Buckhead Gymnastics
2 year olds and their moms (or dads, or caregivers) can hit the mats for a 45 minute Mommy and Me session dedicated to beginning strength, balance, and movement (and rolling, skipping, and playing together). Not to be confused with parallel bars for babies, this class will ease your tyke into the world of physical awareness and ability at their own pace, and with you right beside him to help.

Details: Buckhead Gymnastics, 2351 Adams Drive, Atlanta GA 30318, 404-367-4414, Thursdays at 11:15 and Fridays at 10:00 a.m., $140 per session (February 17 – May 24)

Sarah’s School of Fish
Saturday mornings with kids ages 3 months to 2 years old aren’t getting any shorter, so why not head to one of the indoor winter swim sessions at Sarah’s School of Fish to guarantee a golden afternoon nap hour (and increase your kiddo’s comfort in the water, basic water safety, and early swimming skills)? New sessions begin in March and are available some weekdays, in addition to the Saturday classes.

Details: Sarah’s School of Fish, 1318 Concord Road, Smyrna, GA 30080-4361, 770-434-6914, $40 one-time family registration fee, $198 two month session

Where do you and your baby go for some mommy and me time? Share with us below!

—Shelley Massey

Photos courtesy of Oh Baby! Fitness via Facebook, The Music Class via Facebook, Purple Hippo Art Studio via Facebook, Buckhead Gymnastics via Facebook, Sarah’s School of Fish via Facebook, and the author

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Get Yoga! Best San Francisco Yoga Resources for Moms

by Renee M. Rutledge

Whether you’re pregnant, post-natal, or looking for the right way to exercise, yoga is calling your name. The benefits include strengthening muscles used in childbirth, stretching the body to enhance flexibility, increasing circulation, and decreasing pregnancy-related discomforts like nausea, swelling, and joint sensitivity. If you’re already hooked on yoga, you probably don’t want to stop just because you’re pregnant, but it’s critical to find the right instructor who understands prenatal (and postnatal) techniques and considerations.

Luckily, San Francisco Prenatal Yoga has put all the information you need about pre- and post-natal teachers, classes, workshops, and products in one place. If you’re looking for a class, S.F. studios from Bernal Heights to Glen Park to SOMA are listed here, including the date and time information for the classes and links to contact info. You can also search by teacher, finding a certified instructor by specialty, level of experience, or the special vibe you get from reading their bio. If you’ve already had that bouncing baby and he looks ready to throw in some mind, body, and spirit moves of his own, search San Francisco Prenatal Yoga under “Workshop” to find the “Parent and Baby” category.

The site focuses on studios in San Francisco, but we’ve got some favorite yoga studios outside the city, too. Yogaworks has light-filled, zen-like studios in SF as well as Larkspur Landing, Mill Valley, and Walnut Creek. East Bay moms go for the prenatal yoga classes at Piedmont Yoga Studio in Oakland or Namaste Yoga on College Ave. (and opening their Grand Lake location this fall!). Down on the Peninsula, Blossom Birth in Palo Alto does everything from prenatal to Mom-and-Toddler yoga. Let us know where you like to get your yoga on!

p.s. Got a big birthday coming up? Consider throwing a yoga birthday party at It’s Yoga Kids in the Presidio, where a 45-minute yoga class, refreshments, and a dance party are all part of the package.

-Renee Rutledge

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