Mind, Body & Birth

Some of the city's best prenatal and postnatal classes and support groups There is perhaps nobody with more questions-and the need for support-than a pregnant woman or new mother. To help, we've compiled a list of some of New York City's best classes, venues and experts for maternal health and well-being. Mind: Education, Information & Advice A group of trained HypnoBirthing practitioners based in Brooklyn, A Mother's Instinct specializes in HypnoBirthing, doula services, fertility hypnosis and belly casting. Birthing while under hypnosis is taught in a series of five weekly classes; groups are limited to eight couples. Classes are taught in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and North Jersey. amothersinstinct.com Founded by two trained doulas and Lamaze educators, Birth Day Presence has a bit of everything on offer, including childbirth education, breastfeeding and newborn care instruction, belly basics, CPR and even prenatal belly dance and photography services in their Park Slope and SoHo studios. birthdaypresence.net BklynBirth classes, led by local midwives, promote positive, safe birth experiences by informing women and their partners of all available options. Recognizing that the transition to becoming a parent is always unique, BklynBirth combines various schools of thought with professional and life experience to provide comprehensive guidance. Group and private classes available. bklynbirth.com Caribou Baby in Brooklyn sells baby supplies and toys focused on simple, healthy living, in addition to hosting events and expert-led classes like breastfeeding support, prenatal yoga, prenatal and post-pregnancy Pilates and postpartum support groups. Check out the store's very full calendar online. cariboubaby.com From pregnancy through childbirth and parenting, Ellen Krug's Choiceful Birth and Parenting offers information-seeking parents advice on how to make the most informed choices. Individualized counseling and psychotherapy offers parents the chance to explore various topics in a nurturing environment. choicefulbirth.com Choices in Childbirth is an education, outreach and advocacy organization that assists mothers-to-be in considering their prenatal options, choosing a provider and creating a birth philosophy and support team. Alongside comprehensive childbirth education and workshops, postpartum services are also available. choicesinchildbirth.org Destination Maternity on the Upper East Side has more than just great clothes. Classes in prenatal yoga, Pilates, breastfeeding and childbirth are held on a daily basis, as well as mom support groups. destinationmaternity.com In small evening classes limited to eight couples, Ellen Chuse Childbirth provides moms and dads with the necessary information on labor, birth, breastfeeding and newborn care. Mother's Meetings are a great place to share experiences and gain insights. Classes are held in Manhattan and Brooklyn; private classes also available. ellenchusechildbirth.com The Tribeca Parenting education center offers a variety of classes like Expecting Reassurance, Preparation for Childbirth, Essential Baby Care and Breastfeeding Preparation. New parent classes include a Meeting Other Mothers series and Raise a Good Sleeper. Locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Jersey City. tribecaparenting.com Twiniversity has (you guessed it!) classes for parents of multiples. Courses like Twins Prep 101 and the follow-up 201 Intro to Twins offer plenty of tips and tricks on how to prepare and adjust for multiple bundles of joy. Private Skype sessions and home visits are also available. twiniversity.com The Upper East Side's Yummy Mummy is a one-stop destination for information, products, services and classes devoted to the breastfeeding experience. Daily and weekly pre- and postnatal classes, including yoga, are offered for moms seeking support and guidance. yummymummystore.com Body: Exercise & Fitness In addition to classes focused on transitioning into parenthood, baby safety and caring for a newborn, 92Y hosts New Dad Boot Camp, prenatal Pilates and prenatal yoga. 92y.org An eight-week weightless, water-based workout may be just the ticket for expectant mamas at AquaMom. These prenatal pool sessions promote strength, endurance, flexibility, better sleep and weight control. Small group classes are offered at private pools in the Midtown Sheraton Hotel and Léman Preparatory School in the Tribeca/Wall Street area. aquamom.com An experienced fitness instructor, Pamela Keefer founded Baby Body Boot Camp for full-body conditioning targeted at moms and moms-to-be at all fitness levels. Classes are held outdoors in Battery Park City and personal training consultations are available. b3nyc.com In its 10th year, Core Pilates NYC is conveniently located near Union Square and is open seven days a week. With classes in prenatal tower and prenatal props mat, pregnant women can focus on targeted muscles and challenge their bodies in new ways. All students can pay per class or buy packages. corepilatesnyc.com Spearheaded by Julie Tupler, Diastasis Rehab offers the famous Tupler Technique for losing the mummy tummy after baby. Her maternal fitness offerings are conveniently packaged in books and DVDs. You can also attend local seminars in Manhattan or Brooklyn or take part in online sessions from the privacy of your own home. Individual consultations are also available. diastasisrehab.com The first yoga center of its kind in NYC, the Prenatal Yoga Center's schedule includes Pre- and Postnatal Yoga, New Mother's Support Groups, Childbirth Education and a Breastfeeding Support Circle, all conducted in a calm, peaceful environment. Locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn. prenatalyogacenter.com The great outdoors becomes a parent's perfect playground at Strollercize classes in all five boroughs. Founded over 20 years ago by retired ballerina Elizabeth Trindade, Strollercize has a calendar full of postnatal exercise classes, as well as a prenatal fitness program called Preparing to Push. Classes are membership based.strollercize.com Use your stroller to get a total body workout while spending time with your baby at Stroller Strides. If you're expecting, try the Fit4Baby class to get in shape while pregnant, while Body Back offers high-intensity workouts for women at any stage of motherhood. Classes are held in the morning and on Saturdays in Manhattan and Brooklyn. strollerstrides.com And don't miss our New York Baby Show on the weekend of May 19 and 20 in New York City. For event news and ticket sales, visit newyorkbabyshow.com or email newyorkbabyshow@manhattanmedia.com.