Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 3, 2018

By Andrea Nagel Becoming a mother, whether it’s for the first time or the fifth, comes with new joys, challenges, routines and moments of feeling a bit overwhelmed. Moms are often looked to as a source of support and guidance for their family, but sometimes moms could use a bit of support and guidance themselves. Enter Mommy and Me Social Hour, a new opportunity for moms across northern Idaho to connect and socialize in a safe, engaging environment. “It’s a group of moms getting together to discuss their baby’s development, socialize, and ask questions or just hang out,” said Eileen Bagan, RN, lactation consultant and group facilitator. “It’s not structured; it’s a safe place where you can collaborate, or commiserate, in a nonjudgmental environ- ment. Some women are lucky enough to have family members or friends who are having children around the same time, but that’s not the case for many women.” Hosted twice each month, the group provides an opportunity for women A new group offers friendship and support for moms with babies to discuss motherhood, ask each other questions, and receive advice and recommendations from other participants as well as from Eileen and co-facilitator Doree Hanford, a childbirth educator. Eileen and Doree share their knowledge and experience, discussing topics such as breastfeeding, sleep and sleep deprivation, developmental milestones, play, and interaction. “So many women join online groups to share stories and ask questions, which can be a great resource, but it doesn’t replace face-to- face interaction,” Eileen said. “The first couple of weeks following birth are all about the baby’s health and feeding. But in the weeks following, it’s time to grow and get out into the world again.” Mommy Making Time for 8 Learn and grow together! Mommy and Me Social Hour is offered the second and fourth Friday of each month at the Kootenai Clinic building in Coeur d’Alene, 1919 Lincoln Way. To learn more or sign up, call (208) 625-5086 .