The Parenting Center at Ali's Wagon

Class Descriptions and Information

My Baby, My Self

The first year of your baby's life and your first year of life with a baby

Having a baby is a joyous experience but it can also be an incredibly tough time of transition and anxiety. A baby brings new and often confusing (not to mention exhausting!) changes to our bodies, our focus and our careers as well as our relationships with our partners and friends. This facilitated discussion group will alternate weeks meeting with a pediatrician and with a post-partum adjustment counselor to discuss topics of interest and concern to new parents.

Dr. Isa Thibault is a board certified pediatrician who graduated from Cornell University Medical College and trained at Sr. Christopher's Hospital for Children. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and is currently in private practice. Her most important training, however, is her role as mother to Berkeley, 18 months. Join Isa to discuss questions and concerns that plague all first time parents who aren't sure what is "normal" to expect in the first months. This group is not meant to be a replacement for advice or care given by a family pediatrician but rather new parents will gain education, guidance and support around topics of newborn care, nutrition and common childhood infections.

Andrea Elovson is a writer and a post-partum adjustment counselor who is currently completing her post-partum doula training through The Doula Organization of North America. Andrea's parenting articles have been featured in Parenting, Kiwi and on babyzone.com. Andrea also brings the necessary on the job experience as mother to two boys, ages 17 months and 3 1/2 years, to aptly discuss issues that come with early parenting such as surviving sleep deprivation, easing up on perfectionism and staying physically and emotionally healthy. Bring your baby, kick up your heels, and ask away while meeting other first time parents.

Cindi Ratner has been a Physician Assistant for 7 years specializing in Emergency Medicine and Pediatric Emergency Medicine. She works at St. Medical Center, Langhorne, PA where she is the Lead Physician Assistant. Cindi is a member of the Fairmount community and the loving Mommy to Madeline.

Dr. Alexis Lieberman has been a pediatrician since 1996, caring for babies, children and teens. She is an Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at Thomas Jefferson University, and brings an educator's high standards, attention to detail, and in-depth inquiry to her practice. She loves the communication aspect of pediatrics, spending time with families and connecting with children. Dr. Lieberman has a young daughter herself, and understands the challenges faced by parents. Dr. Lieberman will be opening her own practice in Fairmount, and she is thrilled to be in her own practice.

Rachel Margolin, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with over fourteen years experience working with children and their families and specifically with adoptive parents and adoption agencies for nine years. She also has extensive experience working with families with children with delays and disabilities. Currently she works part-time for Madison Adoption Associates and is in private practice as a Parent and Life Coach (please see more on her website www.LifeCoachRachel.com) . Most importantly, she is the lucky mother of Sadie, an adorable four-year-old born in China.

Co-facilitator Wendy Horwitz, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist who provides consultation, testing, and therapy to children and families in the Philadelphia area.

11:00-12:00 every Friday. $10 per session - includes New Mom's Group immediately following.

Upcoming Special Topics:

Friday January 8, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Andrea Elovson will discuss Easing the Transition Back to Work
Friday January 15, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Dr. Alexis Lieberman will discuss Vaccines: Rotavirus, Hib, Prevnar and Pertussis
Friday January 22, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Dr. Alexis Lieberman will discuss Vitamin Supplements
Friday January 29, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Andrea Elovson will discuss Beating the Winter Blues
Friday February 5, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Dr. Alexis Lieberman will discuss Asthma and Bronchiolitis
Friday February 12, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Dr. Alexis Lieberman will discuss Colic: What Can Be Done
Friday February 19, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Andrea Elovson will discuss Finding Quality Childcare
Friday February 26, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Andrea Elovson will discuss Breastfeeding Q & A
Friday March 5, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Dr. Alexis Lieberman will discuss New Studies on Introducing Food
Friday March 12, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Andrea Elovson will discuss Asking for Help: Good for You, Good for Baby
Friday March 19, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Dr. Alexis Lieberman will discuss Homeopathic Remedies
Friday March 26, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Andrea Elovson will discuss Letting Go of Perfectionism
Friday April 2, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Andrea Elovson will discuss Yes It's Your Hormones: Ways to feel better fast.
Friday April 16, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Dr. Alexis Lieberman will discuss Baby proofing
Friday April 23, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Cancelled Due to Illness
Friday April 30, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Dr. Alexis Lieberman will discuss All about teeth and teething
Friday May 7, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Andrea Elovson will discuss Getting More Help From Your Partner
Friday May 14, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Dr. Alexis Lieberman will discuss Pet safety With Your Infant
Friday May 21, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Andrea Elovson will discuss Tips on Traveling With Baby
Friday May 28, 2010, No facilitated group this week - drop-in group will meet at 12:00
Friday June 4, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Dr. Alexis Lieberman will discuss Summer Rashes
Friday June 11, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Dr. Alexis Lieberman and Dr. Wendy Horwitz will discuss Separation Anxiety
Friday June 18, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Andrea Elovson will discuss Finding Time for Yourself
Friday June 25, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Andrea Elovson will discuss Tips on Traveling With Baby
Friday July 2, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Andrea Elovson will discuss Finding a Great Daycare
Friday July 9, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Dr. Alexis Lieberman will discuss Sun Safety
Friday July 16, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Andrea Elovson will discuss Why New Moms Need Sleep
Friday July 23, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Andrea Elovson will discuss Tips for Surviving Family Advice
Friday July 30, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Dr. Alexis Lieberman will discuss Bug Bites
Friday August 6, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Dr. Alexis Lieberman will discuss Over-the-counter Medications that are OK for babies
Friday August 13, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Andrea Elovson will discuss Getting Things Done With a Baby
Friday August 20, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Dr. Alexis Lieberman will discuss Fall Viral Illnesses
Friday August 27, 2010, 11:00-12:00, Andrea Elovson will discuss Letting Go of Guilt and Perfectionism

Sign With Me Workshop

Taught by M. Davi Chandrasekaran of Sign With Me, this is a two-hour focused workshop created for parents/caregivers. Little ones from "baby in the belly" to toddler age are welcome. Attention is given to the following: when and how to incorporate signs while communicating with infants/toddlers for optimal benefit, learning and practicing more than 50 basic signs, and strategies for introducing beginning words, snack/mealtime signs, and bedtime signs through daily routines, songs, play, and fun activities. Handouts with workshop notes, list of signs, songs, and resources included. The recommended text used is SIGN with your BABY, by W. Joseph Garcia. It is available at most bookstores or can be ordered through the Sign With Me Shop Online. It will be available for purchase ($15) at the workshop. Registration is required for the workshop, and space is limited to 10 adults. The fee for the workshop is $40 for one parent/caregiver and child, $60 for two parents/caregivers and child.

Workshop Dates:
Sunday January 17, 2010, 2:00-4:00
Sunday February 21, 2010, 2:00-4:00
Sunday March 21, 2010, 2:00-4:00
Sunday April 18, 2010, 2:00-4:00
Sunday May 23, 2010, 2:00-4:00
Sunday June 27, 2010, 2:00-4:00
Sunday July 18, 2010, 2:00-4:00
Sunday August 22, 2010, 2:00-4:00
Sunday September 19, 2010, 2:00-4:00
Sunday October 17, 2010, 2:00-4:00
Sunday November 21, 2010, 2:00-4:00

Davi has led many successful Sign With Me workshops at Ali's Wagon, and plans to schedule workshops approximately monthly at Ali's Wagon.

VBAC Preparation

A workshop to prepare mothers and their partners who are planning a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Benefits and risks will be discussed as well as hospital protocol and pain management strategies for labor.

Workshop Dates:

February 27, 2010, 3:00-5:30
April 10, 2010, 3:00-5:30
$90 per couple

Register at Ali's Wagon by making full payment to secure space. Spaces are limited, though more classes may be added as demand increases. For specific information about the course please contact instructor Maria Brooks directly at 646.247.8841, or visit her website.

Refresher: Childbirth Preparation for the 2^nd (or 3^rd) time around

For those who have completed a childbirth preparation series, a great review of relaxation techniques, breathing, natural comfort measures, and the role of the support person. Opportunity for couples to discuss the joys and frustration of your past births and make plans for the next, a time out from parenthood to refocus on birth. Other topics include normal labor and common variations, hospital procedures, medication, cesarean delivery, and postpartum care.

Workshop Dates:

March 13, 2010, 6:00-8:30pm
May 22, 2010, 10:00-12:30
$90 per couple

Register at Ali's Wagon by making full payment to secure space. Spaces are limited, though more classes may be added as demand increases. For specific information about the course please contact instructor Maria Brooks directly at 646.247.8841, or visit her website.

Cesarean Healing Circle

The healing circle provides a safe place for women to share their stories, begin healing, remove emotional scars, and celebrate themselves as birthing women. By use of visualization techniques and symbolism participants will find common ground and support while sharing their own unique birth stories in an environment that is supportive and understanding.

Workshop Dates:

March 7, 2010, 3:00-5:30
May 16, 2010, 3:00-5:30
July 10, 2010, 10:00-12:30

$25 per person

Register at Ali's Wagon by making full payment to secure space. Spaces are limited, though more classes may be added as demand increases. For specific information about the course please contact instructor Maria Brooks directly at 646.247.8841, or visit her website.

Communication, Compromise and Co-Parenting: A Workshop for Couples

Have you ever yelled at your partner because he didn't put the baby's diaper on right? Or longed for the days when you and your spouse could just jump on your bicycles and go? If so, you're not alone. One of the toughest, least acknowledged, issues of first-time parenthood is how it changes your interactions as a couple.

This three week course offers new parents a chance to discuss and work through common obstacles to closeness and communication. Topics include:
-How long-term sleep deprivation exacerbates anger/anxiety
-Debunking the myth of the "bumbling" father& the "natural" mother
-Easing up on control and perfectionism
-Grieving the loss of your lives together pre-baby
-Finding easy, inexpensive ways to reconnect as a couple

Babies six months and younger are welcome to attend.

Moderated by Andrea Elovson. Andrea Elovson is a mother of two and a New Parents' Educator. She provides first-time parenting classes at Ali's Wagon, the Maternal Wellness Center and the Mount Airy Learning Tree. Andrea is currently completing her certification as a Post-Partum Doula through DONA, the Doula Organization of North America.

Next workshop date to be announced
10:30-12:00
$100 dollars per couple. Space is extremely limited, please register early.

Get More Sleep For You and Your Baby

No one expects a newborn to walk out of the womb or sing her ABC's on the delivery table, but many new parents are surprised that their newborns don't sleep like adults.

What many first time parents don't know (because no one told them)...is that a baby's sleep pattern is a developmental issue that changes over time. Although no baby is identical, the majority of healthy babies progress along a fairly predictable sleep continuum in the first year. Knowing what "normal" or "typical" sleep really is can save you unnecessary worry and aggravation.

Workshop topics include:
-Understanding your baby's sleep patterns month-by-month
-Safe, gentle ways to help your baby develop healthy sleep habits
-Age appropriate bed-time and nap schedules
-Keeping yourself and your partner rested and debunking popular sleep myths

Babies six months and under are welcome to attend.

$80/couple, $60/individual
Workshop Dates:

Saturday April 24, 10:00
Saturday May 29, 10:00
Saturday June 19, 10:00
Saturday July 17, 10:00
Saturday August 14, 10:00
Saturday September 11, 9:00-11:00

Attachment Parenting: How To Make It Work For You

Co-Sleeping? Breastfeeding? Babywearing? Attachment Parenting? Birth Bonding? What does this all mean? Do I have to follow all the rules of Attachment Parenting to do it right? Will I be able to go back to work? How does Daddy fit into all of it? Will I loose time for myself? HELP!!!!!

Join Brandi Davis to learn about Attachment Parenting and how to make it work for you. Be introduced to what Attachment Parenting is and the basics of what is involved. Discover how Attachment Parenting promotes the brain development of your baby and decreases your baby�s crying while increasing closeness and parental awareness about what your baby is saying. Find out how Attachment Parenting lays the groundwork for less disciplinary need for your child in the future. Parents will be introduced to the tools of �AP� and together we will find the right ones for your parenting tool belt.

Parenting Coach Brandi Davis uses her Bachelors of Science in Child Development and Family Studies, her Associate Certified Coach Designation, and her 14 years of joyously teaching young children to help families smooth out the sometimes-bumpy road of parenting. As a Parenting Coach Brandi wears the hats of: Sounding Board, Brainstorming and Roll Playing Partner, Child Development Resource and more, for parents interested in finding new strategies to tackle their parenting road bumps. Parents can also find Brandi teaching Parenting Classes at Montgomery County Community College and on her web site, www.childandfamilycoaching.com .

Saturday August 22, 2009
11:00-1:00
$20/individual, $30/couple
Please register by calling Ali�s Wagon or in person at the store.

I Asked For a Bike Not a Baby; Introducing a Big Brother or Sister to the New Baby

�I hate the baby� �Those are my clothes� �Why do you need another kid?�

You may be more than ready and excited to add to your wonderful family but perhaps there is someone in your house who is less than thrilled about the occasion. Young children do not like to share, especially their parents. I Asked For a Bike Not a Baby will give you ideas and help to prepare you for what lays ahead for your family when you bring home baby.

Join Brandi to see the �excitement �of a new baby from the side of the sibling. Regression, strong feelings, and sibling preparation activities are just a few things that will be covered in this class. After stories, book recommendations, roll playing and class discussions parents will leave with a new outlook on what to expect and how to work with their children to make bringing home baby as positive a experience as possible

April 11, 2010
11:30-1:00
$40/individual, $50/couple
Please register by calling Ali�s Wagon or in person at the store.

Baby Basics Workshop

The birth of a new baby is one of life�s most joyous experiences. But caring for a newborn can feel intimidating to many first time parents. This hands-on workshop will teach you the proper techniques needed to handle your new baby safely and with confidence. Topics include: Mastering the art of swaddling your baby for sleep, umbilical cord and circumcision care as well as holding, diapering, bathing and burping your little one. In the second hour I will discuss how to protect your infant from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) as well as other common household dangers. We will wrap up the workshop with information on choosing the right carriers, bottles, pacifiers, and co-sleeping gear for your growing family.

Saturday September 11, 2010 11:30

$60 per couple, $40 per individual

Healthy Start for a HappyBaby

Free Seminar Saturday, September 12 at 11:00

Ages Newborn to 15 months

The Healthy Start for a HappyBaby Seminar will be given by Trina O'Boyle. Trina works for HAPPYFAMILY an organic food company that specializes in baby and children's food. HAPPYFAMILY wants to teach parents the benifits of feeding their children organic foods and that healthy foods can be tasty too.

Trina will demonstrate how to prepare a variety of, easy to make, baby food recipes and provide a list of essential tools, ideas and shopping lists that will be necessary when making your own baby food at home. Each parent will receive recipes, coupons and samples of some of HappyFamily products.

For more information about our products please visit us at www.happyfamilybrands.com or www.happyfamilyshop.com

Picky Eaters Seminar

Seminar Saturday, November 21 at 11:30

Registration is required for this seminar. Please call (215.232.8170) or stop by Ali's Wagon to pay the $10 registration fee.

From the ages of toddlerhood and beyond

The Picky Eaters Seminar will be given by Trina O'Boyle. Trina works for HAPPYFAMILY, an organic food company that specializes in making yummy meals and snacks for babies and children. Trina will demonstrate to parents the different ways you can "sneak" healthy foods into your regular daily meals. All parents will walk away with different recipes, essential tools, ideas and shopping lists that will be necessary to keep the magic alive at home. Trina will also have samples for the parents to taste and coupons for all parents to take.

For more information about our products please visit us at www.happyfamilybrands.com or www.happyfamilyshop.com

Interactive Workshop For Adoptive Parents

Adoptive parents know that ninety-nine percent of their time parenting is the same as parents raising biological children�But that one percent of difference brings with it unique challenges and wonderful rewards. So let us take some �time-out� to talk about the one percent. Let us talk and listen to each other as we discuss and celebrate the special issues that link adoptive families.

Our hope is that this workshop will be the first of many on adoption. What we hope to focus on first and foremost is what you bring to our discussion. This is a general workshop. Where we hope parents will come ready to ask questions, share their thoughts, and learn some new ways to approach adoption with their children.

We will cover the following topics:

Abandonment issues and developing secure attachments
Communicating about biological parents
incorporating their culture into ours� (if different)
Equipping adoptive children with the tools to respond to questions about their life story with pride?
The common feeling and concerns of adoptive parents

This course will be facilitated by Rachel Margolin and Julie Hanssen who have created an information and support resource together.

Julie Hanssen MSW - Julie Hanssen is a masters level social worker with over 10 years of experience assisting families who have been affected by developmental delays and disabilities. In addition, Julie has worked with families of adoption, facilitated adolescent anger management programs and provided outreach to disadvantaged youth.

Rachel Margolin, LCSW - Rachel is a licensed clinical social worker with over fourteen years experience working with children and their families and specifically with adoptive parents and adoption agencies for nine years. She also has extensive experience working with families with children with delays and disabilities. Currently she works part-time for Madison Adoption Associates and is in private practice as a Parent and Life Coach (please see more on her website www.LifeCoachRachel.com) . Most importantly, she is the lucky mother of Sadie, an adorable four-year-old born in China.

Thursday, October 8, 2009 6:30-8:30PM
Saturday, October 10, 2009 11:30AM-1:30PM

$40/individual, $60/couple

Please register by calling Ali�s Wagon or in person at the store.

The 411 on Developmental Delays and Disabilities

Very few people plan to parent a child with developmental delays or disabilities. So let us support each other and candidly share feelings about how quickly life may have shifted.

Suspecting that a child in your life may have a development delay can be overwhelming and frightening. As is the initial diagnosis phase and all the information and language that comes with it. This workshop is designed for people who want initial and general information about developmental delays and disabilities with regard to the children in their lives. It is open to parents, grandparents, relatives and professionals.

We will cover the following topics:

Developmental milestones and when a delay may be a concern
Steps to take if a delay is suspected
The Early Intervention process
Various diagnoses (including PDD, low tone, sensory integration)
All the emotions and concerns that occur along the way

This course will be facilitated by Rachel Margolin and Julie Hanssen who have created an information and support resource together.

Rachel Margolin, LCSW - Rachel is a licensed clinical social worker with over fourteen years experience working with children and their families and specifically with adoptive parents and adoption agencies for nine years. She also has extensive experience working with families with children with delays and disabilities. Currently she works part-time for Madison Adoption Associates and is in private practice as a Parent and Life Coach (please see more on her website www.LifeCoachRachel.com). Most importantly, she is the lucky mother of Sadie, an adorable four-year-old born in China

Thursday, September 24, 2009 6:30-8:30PM
Saturday, September 26, 2009 11:30-1:30PM

$40/individual, $60/couple

Please register by calling Ali�s Wagon or in person at the store.

How to Talk to Your Child About the "Birds and Bees"

Have you struggled with finding a way to talk to your middle schooler about getting her period? Have you been embarrassed by blunt questions by your little one in public? Do you fear your teen might be having sex but you don?t know how to broach the subject? Do you want to teach your child how to protect themselves from sexual abuse?

Having ?the talk? is one of the most anxiety-producing aspects of parenthood, but you are not alone! Join other parents to learn ways to effectively talk to your child of any age about S-E-X.

This class is facilitated by Jill McDevitt, who has her B.A. in Sexuality, Marriage, and Family and is currently completing her M.Ed. in Human Sexuality. She is the owner of Feminique Boutique, a female sexuality boutique and education center in West Chester, PA.

Tuesday October 27, 2009, 6:30-8:30
Tuesday January 5, 2010, 6:30-8:30
$45/person or $60/couple

How to Feel Sexy Post-Pregnancy

After pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and lack of sleep, feeling sexy is the last thing new moms think about. Now is the time to relearn how to feel like the beautiful woman that you are! Come in to discuss issues of body image post-pregnancy, ideals of beauty, and feeling sexy inside and out during this empowering workshop every woman needs to take. How to Feel Sexy Post-Pregnancy makes for a great bonding experience with friends so bring some of your closest girlfriends along too. You deserve to feel great!

Tuesday November 3, 2009, 6:30-8:30
$45/person

Marital Intimacy Post-Pregnancy

Intimacy is difficult when you are irritated at your spouse, exhausted, and struggling with the sexuality concerns many couples face after childbirth. In this workshop for couples, develop an understanding of your partner?s perspective on your post-pregnancy intimate lives, and learn the answers to the sensitive questions you may have been too embarrassed to ask. Studies show participation in a postpartum sexuality class such as this one has many positive outcomes, including increased marital satisfaction- so don?t be shy!

Tuesday May 4, 2010, 6:30-8:30 $45/person or $60/couple

Lamaze Childbirth Preparation

Lamaze classes support, promote, and protect Safe, healthy, and natural birth, by teaching women and their family practices that ensure the best care for them and their babies. The series focuses on preparing for labor and delivery. Relaxation, breathing, natural comfort measures, and the role of the support person are emphasized. Other topics include common variations of labor and birth, hospital procedures, medication, cesarean delivery, and postpartum care.

Lamaze Philosophy teaches:

Birth is normal, natural and healthy.
The experience of birth profoundly affects women and their families
Women's inner wisdom guides them through birth.
Women's confidence and ability to give birth are either enhanced or diminished by the care provider and place of birth.
Women have a right to give birth free from routine medical interventions.
Birth can safely take place in birth centers and homes.
Childbirth education empowers women to make informed choices in health care, to assume responsibility for their health and to trust their inner wisdom.

This workshop will be facilitated by Maria J. Brooks. Maria is a proud mommy of two, a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator and a DONA Certified Labor Doula. She and her family moved to Philadelphia in October of 2006 after ten years living in New York City . It was in New York she found her perfect "job". After the life-changing birth of her daughter, she found the role of a doula, advocate and teacher to be an appropriate fit for her gifts of compassion and joyfulness. Maria is also fellow of the American College of Childbirth Educators and in the past served as a member of the Board of Directors or Lamaze International. She continues to teach in Manhattan as well as the Philadelphia area, helping women to trust their body and find their voice and power to labor and birth in a safe and sacred way. She believes in the importance of a mother trusting her own inner wisdom to guide her choices in childbirth. You may contact Maria directly at Maria@BirthMuse.org or 646-247-8841.

The class will meet every evening for 4 weeks. The fee is $250/couple.

Workshop Dates:

Wednesdays June 2 - June 23, 2010, 7:00pm
Fridays June 25 - July 16, 2010, 7:00pm
Tuesdays September 7 - 28, 2010, 6:30pm