Maternity Classes and Support Groups
Emerson offers a wealth of community programs to support you throughout your pregnancy and beyond. Our resources include classes and groups designed to educate and empower you as you prepare for birth and adjust to life with a new baby.
Classes and Education
The Steinberg Wellness Center: Offering in-person and online classes to support you through pregnancy, delivery, and beyond.
- Childbirth and Infant Care Classes: Learn about pregnancy, labor, delivery, and caring for your newborn. We also offer CPR and breastfeeding classes.
- Wellness Programs: Yoga, meditation, and other classes designed to promote mental and physical well-being during pregnancy and beyond.
First Connections: Ongoing classes for expectant parents, available both online and in-person, to help you connect with others in similar situations.
Support Groups
Emotional well-being after baby: A free support group that meets every Thursday, 9:30-11 a.m.
Emotional challenges are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, yet parents often feel isolated and ashamed if they are struggling. Parents experiencing anxiety or depression in the postpartum year can come together in this supportive, nonjudgmental, confidential group to share stories, learn from each other, and acquire coping skills.
- While this is an ongoing group, before attending for the first time please contact the facilitator, Heather O’Brien, LICSW, at hobrien@jri.org.
- Currently meeting via zoom, with one Thursday per month meeting in person in Acton.
- Individual assistance with finding a postpartum therapist can also be provided. For more information, please call 978-429-8284 or visit the First Connections website.
New Mothers Group: A free weekly group held on Wednesdays from 1-2:30 p.m.
- Facilitated by Mary Beilman, CLC, this open discussion group is a forum for you to share experiences, connect with other new mothers, and seek guidance about any concerns you might have.
- Receive support around feeding and find out about community resources.
- Currently meeting via zoom, with a monthly in-person meeting at the Littleton Library.
- Email mbeilman@jri.org for the link. Email lmatthews@jri.org to RSVP for the in-person group.
- For more information, please call 978-429-8284 or visit the First Connections website.
First Connections: Ongoing classes for expectant parents, available both online and in-person, to help you connect with others in similar situations.
Additional Options
Click on the link below for a list of additional local and virtual support group options for perinatal and postpartum parents. This list was developed in cooperation with Emerson’s behavioral health department and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Central Middlesex.