Hi Family,

Thank you so much for getting in touch with me and sending suggestions for new articles! Can you tell I LOVE this?! I now have my next few articles planned, and I get to know that they are about things that YOU probably want to know. 

They say it takes a village to raise a child, and I didn’t believe that at all… until my first baby was born. I know we technically can raise kids on our own, but it’s probably not as safe, and it’s definitely not as easy or fun. I was lucky to have helpful family members around when my kids were young, but I quickly realized that it felt good to be around other new parents. There was solidarity in that, and so much comfort.

I’m working on building that kind of community for myself again now that I have teenagers! As parents, we need to hear that we’re doing ok. We need to hear that other people are having a hard time sometimes too, AND that they’re seeing and doing “weird” things too. 

What usually happens when you find your “village” is that you start sharing your experiences. You figure out that they are doing some of the same “weird” things that you are, so it stops feeling so weird. In this social media age, it can be so easy to see other people doing things perfectly, or at least different from the way you’re doing things. Does this mean you’re wrong or weird? Probably not! 

Finding real people near you who are willing to see you and be seen can be so comforting and helpful. They might not be there to take out your trash or change a diaper in the middle of the night, but they’ll help you feel better about the way you do those things!

If you’re working on building a new parent village, check out Partners in Parenting! 

Ali Weatherford
Childbirth Educator, Parent Education Program Manager

How to Make a Birth Plan

Self-paced Online Course for Only $17.00

The How to Make a Birth Plan self-paced online course is being sold at the introductory price of $17.00 until the end of July!

How to Get Your Baby To Take a Bottle

I want to start this article by saying something comforting. Most babies will accept a bottle when they need to. Most babies don’t show a very strong preference for a type of bottle or nipple. And most babies will continue to breastfeed and drink from a bottle interchangeably without any problem. But sometimes there are problems, and it’s really important to recognize it for what it is when it happens, and get the help you need to be able to achieve your feeding goals. >>

Upcoming Free Support Groups

Bosom Buddies: IN PERSON New Parent Support Group

FREE every Monday, 1:30pm-3:00pm CDT  - In-person Group

Talk about breastfeeding, babies, postpartum recovery, and anything else that's on your mind! Talk it out with peers who know just what you’re going through. In-person at 111 Ramble Ln. Suite 115, Austin, TX 78745  

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Bosom Buddies: Online New Parent Support Group

FREE every Monday, 1:00pm-3:00pm CDT - Live, Virtual Group

Newborn care, sleep, feeding, and more! Talk it out with peers who know just what you’re going through. 

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Belly to Birth: Online Pregnancy Support Group  
FREE every Friday, 1:00pm-2:00pm CDT - Live, Virtual Group
Chat about labor, birth, and postpartum recovery with parents who are on the journey alongside you.
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This Week's Online & In-Person Classes & Groups

The classes below still have a few openings, but are filling up fast! You can find a complete list of our upcoming breastfeeding, birth, and baby care classes on our website.

Keep It Safe: Infant CPR & Safety
Wednesday, July 23, 5:45pm-8:15pm CDT - In-person, Austin
Emergencies can happen at any time and anywhere. This class will help you be prepared. 
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Breastfeeding 101: Introduction To Breastfeeding
Thursday, July 24, 6:00pm-8:15pm CDT - In-person, Austin
Learn about breastfeeding and chest-feeding benefits and techniques to get things off to a great start.
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Belly to Birth: 4-HOUR Quick Class
Saturday, July 26, 2:00pm-6:00pm CDT - Live, virtual class
In this class, you learn the basics of childbirth to help you feel more prepared. You may also uncover some unknown questions and some of your own inner wisdom.  
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Classes are taught either live, online or in-person, as indicated. All times are U.S. Central Time. Many classes are covered by insurance.