Life With a Baby Inc. in partnership with East Gwillimbury Public Library is offering this free six week Parenting Confidently program to expectant and new parents/caregivers, which covers a range of practical information topics that enhance confidence and reduce anxiety and nervousness that new parents face.
Topics include infant sleep, infant nutrition, breastfeeding, infant massage, newborn care and early literacy
You’ll leave armed with health skills taught by experts and practitioners. Boost your confidence and quiet much of the anxiety and nervousness new parents face by learning everyday, hands-on skills to keep your children healthy, safe and having fun.
You will need to register once to attend all sessions within the workshop.
For ages: 0-24 months babies are welcome to attend with you.
Not an LWAB member - please sign up for our free membership here https://www.lifewithababy.com/sign-up
Week 1 - November 5 - Infant sleep with Cheryl McCart
My name is Cheryl McCart, and I am currently completing my Perinatal Support Worker Practicum through Mohawk College. I have a diploma in Child and Youth Work and have spent over two decades supporting children and families in schools and group homes. I am also employed as a Personal Support Worker at Southlake Hospital, where I assist individuals and families through various stages of life.
However, my most valuable education has come from being a mother to my four children. My three young adult daughters and my angel son, Parker, have taught me life’s most important lessons. Parker, in particular, showed me the meaning of perseverance, courage, and the ability to live fully, even in the face of challenges.
I strongly believe that raising children takes a village and that every family deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported. Children are our future, and I am dedicated to providing compassionate care and creating a nurturing environment for families on their journey through parenthood.
Week 2 - November 12 Infant nutrition/breastfeeding with Denise from La Leche
Denise has been a La Leche League Canada Leader www.LLLC.ca with the Newmarket Group in Ontario for 21 years and is the Administrator of Leaders for Canada. Providing volunteer peer to peer, parent to parent, mother to mother group facilitation and one on one breastfeeding support and information is at the heart of community connection.
She holds certificates in Adult Education, Breastfeeding, and Prenatal Education from Humber College and Women's College Hospital and has taught prenatal education for over 20 years. She has been the Regional Lead in a Best Start Health Nexus project, a York Region Coalition member, and a member of the Patient and Family Advisory Council in Maternal Health. Denise is also a certified clinical individual and group hypnotist (U of T) as a member in good standing with the National Guild of Hypnotists.
She is the mother of three grown children, 4 grand puppies and excitingly an expectant grandparent in 2025.
Although she receives fees for teaching and birth and postpartum services as a doula which she has been for over 24 years she does not have any affiliations with any persons or entities that are or could be perceived as having a bearing on her presentation.
Week 3 - November 19 newborn care with Petra Nobel
Petra is one of the co-owners and founders of Thornhill Doulas. She is trained and certified as a maternity care nurse to assist midwives during home and hospital births and to support parents with the challenges of growing into a bigger family. She worked not only at an in-home setting but also at a hospital in which midwife students were trained. Petra has supported hundreds of families during their postpartum journey.
When Petra arrived in Canada in 1998 she started volunteering as a birth and postpartum doula. She quickly witnessed the need for postpartum support for new and expanding families. She trained and certified with CAPPA, Childbirth And Postpartum Professional Association. Being a postpartum doula is her passion and it is her foundation for all the support she gives to her clients.
Her 30 years of experience combined with her continued education in the postpartum and infant and child sleep field makes her the well rounded support person many of her clients have appreciated and make sure their family and friends connect with as soon as they find out they are expecting their baby.
Week 4 - November 26 Dealing with the super mom complex with Connie Butera
Connie Butera is a Registered Psychotherapist dedicated to supporting mothers as they navigate the many demands of early motherhood. Connie’s private practice in Newmarket focuses on maternal mental health, including the unique stressors and emotional challenges that come with the postpartum period. As a mother and a special needs parent herself, she understands both the joys and the pressures that come with raising a family.
In this session, we’ll take a real look at the postpartum period—normalizing its ups and downs, and building a supportive village of moms right here in our community. We’ll explore practical tips and tricks for managing the maternal mental load, share ways to offload stress, and find encouragement in shared experiences. Together, we’ll dive into strategies to make motherhood feel a little lighter, and foster connections that remind us that no mom has to do it alone.
Week 5 - December 3 Please note there will be not session on this date
Week 6 - December 10 early literacy with the Library staff
We hope you can join,
LWAB Team and East Gwillimbury Public Library
