Wearing your baby on your back is the single most comfortable, practical and versatile way to wear your baby. From newborns to toddlers, this type of carry is truly universal! Learn how to do it and free your hands! The class includes tips on hip wearing as well.

Our instructor is Eszter Szakállas, a certified babywearing instructor.

The class costs HUF 3500.

When: Wednesday, May 26th 2010, 12 pm to 2 pm

Where: II. Szilágyi Erzsébet fasor 43/b, 3rd floor #3, Életkör buzzer.  (Map)

By public transportation: Városmajor utca stop on the 61 tram.

Parking: Free (but usually unavailable) on Szilágyi Erzsébet fasor, meter parking on surrounding streets.

PLEASE NOTE:

• The location is NOT stroller (pram, buggy, baby carriage, whatever) friendly! Sadly, most strollers will not fit into the elevator. If you have a bike lock with you, you can lock your stroller within the building on the ground floor, but I would highly recommend bringing your baby in a carrier or wrap instead of a stroller.
• You MUST keep pressing the Életkör button CONTINUOUSLY until the door buzzes to let you in, otherwise we cannot open it for you from upstairs.

Happy baby, active mom

This class is for pregnant women and moms with small babies. Learn tips and tricks for how to most comfortably wear your baby in front, and when to make the switch to your back. Ideal for younger/lighter babies. For pregnant women, we include ties to support your belly in the last few weeks of pregnancy.

The class will be held in English by Eszter Szakállas, a Lana-certified babywearing instructor. The class lasts approximately 2 hours. Bring your own wrap or sling if you have one, but slings will also be provided for those who are still trying to make up their minds. There will also be a realistically weighted doll to practice with for those without babies.
Cost: HUF 3500 per family

Where: Életkör, II. Szilágyi Erzsébet fasor 43/b 3rd floor #3 (Életkör buzzer downstairs – need to press CONTINUOUSLY to be let in)

When: Wednesday May 19th 2010, 12 pm to 2 pm

Please spread the word!

I recently wrote an article about the importance of social support for new mothers after a baby is born. Baby blues is a condition that affects most new mothers as hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the sense of responsibility in caring for a new life all take their toll. However, some mothers are particularly vulnerable at this time. Studies have identified a number of risk factors for developing postpartum depression, which is a serious form of clinical depression that can affect mothers in the first months after a baby is born. The one that puts expat mothers at especial risk is the potential lack of social support during this vulnerable time. Lack of social support has been identified as one of the risk factors that are not only correlated with postpartum depression, but may actually cause it. In my experience, the biggest problem is that some mothers tend to underestimate the demands a new baby will place on them, and so do not prepare in advance for the help they will need. Since most of a new mother’s energy and time will be taken up by caring for her baby, somebody else needs to take care of everything else she used to do, from work, errands, shopping, older children, etc. Attempting to keep on meeting these responsibilities after the birth of a baby as if nothing had changed is a one-way ticket towards frustration and possibly depression. Mothers who give birth in a foreign country are especially vulnerable, since they may be far removed from their families and may not have had time yet to develop a network of friends who could help.

To read more about how to identify postpartum depression, how to recognize risk factors, how to prevent or treat it, read my article entitled Expat Moms at Higher Risk for Postpartum Depression.

New time! New location!

Due to popular demand, the time for the Newborn Care class has been changed from Monday the 10th to Sunday, the 9th. Because the class was originally scheduled at this time because the Életkör space we usually use is full on Sunday, we will hold this class in a new location, near Móricz Zsigmond körtér. See below for directions.

3. Newborn Care. Sunday May 9th, 2010 2 pm to 6 pm

Content: what is a just-born newborn like, what does the Apgar score mean, when to cut the umbilical cord, cord blood banking, what do newborn babies expect from the world, why is skin-to-skin contact important, why is early and frequent breastfeeding important, baby’s secretions: what’s normal and what’s not, feeding and expected weight gain, burping, sleeping, dressing, bathing, umbilical cord care, crying and comforting, types of babies, learning, playing, baby wearing, how to survive the first six weeks

Handouts: English-Hungarian shopping list of baby supplies, breastfeeding cheat sheet, registration and maternity benefits information sheet

Location: XI. Vak Bottyán u. 3.  3rd floor #1. (map) Press 60 or Békés on the intercom by the front door.

By car: Approach either from Szabadság híd or Bartók Béla körút. There is plenty of parking in the street.

By public transportation: Check on the Google map for options. Trams #6, 18, 19, 41, 47, 49, 61 and buses #7, 7E, 27, 33, 33E, 40, 40E, 86, 153, 173, 173E, 188E, 203, 240, 240E have stops nearby.

Cost: HUF 5000 per couple

Please sign up in advance so I know how many copies of the handouts to bring!

1. Expecting in Hungary. Sunday April 25, 2010 2 pm to 6 pm

Content: Prenatal care in Hungary, how to find and choose the right hospital/doctor/midwife for you, who is the védőnő and what is her function, what kinds of maternity benefits (if any) are you eligible for, how to register a baby’s birth in Hungary if one or both parents are foreign nationals, what’s your due date and why is determining it correctly important, thinking ahead to your birth experience, and how much you can expect to pay for a birth in Hungary, what hospital routines you can expect in Hungary, what pediatric routines (including vaccinations) you can expect in Hungary

Handouts: list of English-speaking obstetricians in Budapest, list of hospitals and clinics with maternity wards, birth plan worksheet, list of registrars, registration and maternity benefits information sheet.

2. Labor and childbirth. Sunday May 2, 2010 2 pm to 6 pm

Content: mother and baby at term, how does labor start, when to go into the hospital or call the midwife, inducing labor, what are the stages of labor, what to expect during each stage, what does it feel like at each stage, what can the helper do at each stage, the importance of positioning for mother and baby, natural and medicated pain management, how to avoid an episiotomy, what to expect at a Hungarian hospital, what to expect during a C-section, what to expect during a premature delivery, recovery from birth, how to prepare for the immediate postpartum period

Handouts: what to pack for the hospital, English-Hungarian shopping list of baby supplies, birth plan worksheet, What Is Labor Like article, What About the Pain in Childbirth article, C-section article

TIME and LOCATION CHANGE!!!

3. Newborn Care. Sunday May 9th, 2010 2 pm to 6 pm

Content: what is a just-born newborn like, what does the Apgar score mean, when to cut the umbilical cord, cord blood banking, what do newborn babies expect from the world, why is skin-to-skin contact important, why is early and frequent breastfeeding important, baby’s secretions: what’s normal and what’s not, feeding and expected weight gain, burping, sleeping, dressing, bathing, umbilical cord care, crying and comforting, types of babies, learning, playing, baby wearing, how to survive the first six weeks

Handouts: English-Hungarian shopping list of baby supplies, breastfeeding cheat sheet, registration and maternity benefits information sheet

Location for this one class: XI. Vak Bottyán utca 3. 3rd floor #1. Press 60 or Békés on the intercom to be let in. Map.

4. Breastfeeding. Sunday May 16, 2010 2 pm to 6 pm

Content: why is breastfeeding good for the baby, why is breastfeeding good for the mother, how to get off to a good start and avoid problems down the line, how does milk production work, how to ensure you have enough milk, how can you tell whether baby is getting enough milk, feeding on cue versus feeding on schedule, sore nipples and other breastfeeding complication, lots of pictures and videos about how to get the baby on the breast correctly (to avoid damage to the nipples and ensure proper milk flow), when to express milk, how to express milk, how to safely store milk, using artificial nipples (bottles and pacifiers), herbs and foods to increase supply, breastfeeding and illness, breastfeeding and medications

Handouts: breastfeeding cheat sheet

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Fees and organization

Private classes: HUF 10 000 per occasion

Group classes: HUF 5000 per couple for groups

Location: Életkör, II. Szilágyi Erzsébet fasor 43/b, 3rd floor #3 (Életkör buzzer)

Please RSVP so I know how many handouts to bring! And feel free to forward this email to anybody you think may be interested.

Birth Prep classes will be held again in April. Sign up now to reserve your place! Scheduling is still flexible, weekday, evening or weekend timeslots available!

1. Expecting in Hungary

Content: Prenatal care in Hungary, how to find and choose the right hospital/doctor/midwife for you, who is the védőnő and what is her function, what kinds of maternity benefits (if any) are you eligible for, how to register a baby’s birth in Hungary if one or both parents are foreign nationals, what’s your due date and why is determining it correctly important, thinking ahead to your birth experience, and how much you can expect to pay for a birth in Hungary

Handouts: list of English-speaking obstetricians in Budapest, list of hospitals and clinics with maternity wards, birth plan worksheet, list of registrars, registration and maternity benefits information sheet.

2. Labor and childbirth

Content: mother and baby at term, how does labor start, when to go into the hospital or call the midwife, inducing labor, what are the stages of labor, what to expect during them, what does it feel like at each stage, what can the helper do at each stage, the importance of positioning for mother and baby, natural and medicated pain management, how to avoid an episiotomy, what to expect at a Hungarian hospital, what to expect during a C-section, what to expect during a premature delivery, recovery from birth

Handouts: what to pack for the hospital, English-Hungarian shopping list of baby supplies, birth plan worksheet, What Is Labor Like article, What About the Pain in Childbirth article, C-section article

3. Breath and Touch

Content: Practice different labor positions for maximizing comfort and efficiency, try relaxation and massage techniques for loosening muscles during labor, discuss and try various breathing patterns and their usability during labor. This is a very hands-on, practical workshop where we TRY everything. Wear loose and comfortable clothing!

4. Newborn care

Content: what is a just-born newborn like, what does the Apgar score mean, when to cut the umbilical cord, cord blood banking, what do newborn babies expect from the world, why is skin-to-skin contact important, why is early and frequent breastfeeding important, baby’s secretions: what’s normal and what’s not, feeding and expected weight gain, burping, sleeping, dressing, bathing, umbilical cord care, crying and comforting, types of babies, learning, playing, baby wearing, how to survive the first six weeks

Handouts: English-Hungarian shopping list of baby supplies, breastfeeding cheat sheet, registration and maternity benefits information sheet

5. Breastfeeding

Content: why is breastfeeding good for the baby, why is breastfeeding good for the mother, how to get off to a good start and avoid problems down the line, how does milk production work, how to ensure you have enough milk, how can you tell whether baby is getting enough milk, feeding on cue versus feeding on schedule, sore nipples and other breastfeeding complication, lots of pictures and videos about how to get the baby on the breast correctly (to avoid damage to the nipples and ensure proper milk flow), when to express milk, how to express milk, how to safely store milk, using artificial nipples (bottles and pacifiers), herbs and foods to increase supply, breastfeeding and illness, breastfeeding and medications

Handouts: breastfeeding cheat sheet

***********************

Fees and organization

Private classes: HUF 10 000 per occasion

Group classes: HUF 5000 per couple for groups

If you are interested in a group class, please register your interest, and I will start figuring out a schedule that fits everyone once there are at least 2  couples. Smaller groups are also possible, but I then ask that you split the HUF 10 000 fee that I charge for a private class among you.

Location: Életkör, II. Szilágyi Erzsébet fasor 43/b, 3rd floor #3 (Életkör buzzer)

Wearing your baby on your back is the single most comfortable, practical and versatile way to wear your baby. From newborns to toddlers, this type of carry is truly universal! Learn how to do it and free your hands! The class includes tips on hip wearing as well.

Our instructor is Eszter Szakállas, a certified babywearing instructor.

The class costs HUF 3500.

When: Wednesday, March 10th, 12 pm to 2 pm

Where: II. Szilágyi Erzsébet fasor 43/b, 3rd floor #3, Életkör buzzer.  (Map)

By public transportation: Városmajor utca stop on the 61 tram.

Parking: Free (but usually unavailable) on Szilágyi Erzsébet fasor, meter parking on surrounding streets.

PLEASE NOTE:

• The location is NOT stroller (pram, buggy, baby carriage, whatever) friendly! Sadly, most strollers will not fit into the elevator. If you have a bike lock with you, you can lock your stroller within the building on the ground floor, but I would highly recommend bringing your baby in a carrier or wrap instead of a stroller.
• You MUST keep pressing the Életkör button CONTINUOUSLY until the door buzzes to let you in, otherwise we cannot open it for you from upstairs.

Back carry class

Lea.

Learn how and when and why to put your baby on your back using a sling or a wrap. Practice on your own baby or on stuffed dolls provided. Buy a Lana wrap if you like them.

When: October 28th, 12:30 pm to 2 pm.

Where: Életkör (see here for instructions on how to get there)

How much: HUF 3500

Class will be held by a Lana-certified babywearing instructor in English.

Sign up

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Please register your interest, as number of people per class is limited. Contact me or leave a comment below to sign up.

Step 6: Keep your baby with you after birth

It turns out we have a bona fide yoga instructor among the mommies who visit mommy-baby group, and she has offered to hold yoga classes for pregnant moms as well as those with babies. Below are the details. Contact her for further info!

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The Prenatal class is designed for women at all stages of pregnancy and will focus on strengthening the pelvic floor and leg muscles in preparation for childbirth. The class with also place emphasis on celebrating our changing bodies and connecting with the life growing within us! 

Time: Wednesdays 12.30pm – 1.30pm

The Mom and Babes class is designed for women in the postpartum months, beginning four to six weeks after having your baby and usually continuing until babes are walking. The focus is on the mom, rebuilding strength, tone and flexibility, while releasing tension in those over worked areas. The class is relaxed and informal, with time for yourself, as well as attending to the usual nursing, changing and fussiness that comes with the package A short baby massage is included in the end to encourage bonding and playtime. 

Time: Wednesdays 9.30am – 10.30am

I’d like to begin the first class on Wednesday, October 21 and continue to November 25 (my due date!). This gives us 6 classes together. I hope to start back up again Wednesday, January 6 and continue for 12 weeks until Wednesday, March 24. 

The price schedule is as follows:

1 Class (Drop-In Fee) – 2,500 HUF
5 Class Punch Card – 11,000 HUF (2,200 HUF per class)
10 Class Punch Card – 20, 000 HUF (2,000 HUF per class)
**First class is free**

Contact me directly via email for registration at mpanacci@gmail.com

You can also email me directly with questions or post them here.

Hope to see you there and please pass along

xo Mara