By Rivky Boyarsky, Certified nurse and midwife, facilitator and creator of the 4th Trimester Class
Crown Heights is where many young Chabad couples start off their married lives. Whether Crown Heights is their long-term address or moving elsewhere, many have their first baby in this neighborhood. Due to the globalization of the Shlichus network, that doesn’t mean they have family here.
It is self-understood that diving into parenthood is a difficult adjustment with lots of new skills that need to be mastered. Couple that with the inborn emotional upheaval that dropping hormone levels and sleepless nights bring and you have a recipe that is ripe for support. Many new moms are not local to their families of origin and may not have ready-made access to support.
Enter The 4th Trimester program at Miriam’s Motherhood Center. This group was designed after a midwifery model of antenatal care called Centering Pregnancy. It provides access to professionals who can assess, direct and educate mothers on vital components of parenthood. The women meet baby feeding specialists, a therapist, a pelvic floor PT, a nutritionist, a parenting coach, and many other professionals. They are served a nutritious breakfast and are offered childcare during the sessions.
Throughout the six week program, the women get to know each other and become support systems for each other. When the babies are 6 months old they meet again and have a session with an Occupational and Play Therapist who gives them guidance on their child’s development.
Mothers who have had past experience with Postpartum Depression and Anxiety have reported that the support received from this group changed their postpartum experience. Every mother reported that Wednesdays became their favorite day of the week. Creating this space allows us to support entire families, as the women learn skills to better cope and feel supported throughout their parenting journey.
This 6 week course takes place 4 times throughout the year. The upcoming course begins next week, October 26. Gift this to yourself or someone you care about
Really important.
Really enjoyed! Rivky is the best!
Thanks Mushka Leiter for putting together such vital resources for women in our community!
New Moms need this! So special Chaim and Mushka Leiter for opening the motherhood center. Women deserve a haven + a pretty place with educational and exercise classes for moms! Keep up the good work.
I Hope the community supports the Center so it remains open.