Parents expecting the pitter-patter of little feet are
invited to the Iowa City Public Library’s Belly Babies, a new program for
parents-to-be.
Beginning March 3 and continuing through April 7, Belly
Babies will meet from 3 to 4 p.m. every Saturday, (except March 24)
in the Storytime Room. Programs will focus on pre-birth bonding activities,
such as songs and stories, and feature special guests who will provide
information for families as they prepare to welcome their new addition. This
also is an opportunity to meet other expectant parents in the community.
Our complete listing of Belly Babies programs includes
the following:
Saturday, March 3:
Begin a Reading Ritual
Recent research suggests that babies can hear their
parents’ voices as early as 23 weeks. We’ll share literacy tips and practices
to start a reading ritual.
Saturday, March
10: The First Three Months
Early childhood educator Siobhan Gordon, MS, will talk about baby's cognitive
and social-emotional development from 0 to 3 months, and discuss tips and ideas
for helping to foster and nurture this development.
Saturday, March
17: Finding Balance with a Baby
A new baby means a new routine. Helen Kudos, MSW, LSW, of
Eastwind Healing, will be here to share tips and best practices about keeping
the lines of communication open and finding balance during this unpredictable
time.
Saturday, March 31:
Lactation – What is a Doula?
Professional Birth Doula and Certified Lactation
Counselor Kimberly Hendricks takes the mystery out of childbirth and breast
feeding with her presentation, “Beloved Bonds Womb to World.”
Saturday, April 7:
Prenatal Yoga
Come join Kelli Jackson Amato, from Zen Den Yoga Studio!
Kelli will teach you prenatal yoga postures, breathing, and meditation to help
ease pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum recovery. This is the last program of
our Belly Babies Series.
Programs are free and open to all expectant parents in
the community. Registration isn’t required. Older siblings are invited to
attend, too.
For more information, call the Library at 319-356-5200.
