Savannah Birth and Baby will host the First Annual Birth and Baby Expo Sat., Nov. 23 2019 at River Drive Crossfit in Savannah.

This FREE Birth and Baby Expo aims to provide resources for pregnant families and new parents.

The Birth and Baby Expo will feature classes, raffle prizes, interactive displays, a lactation lounge, food trucks, and a mimosa bar. As part of the event, Savannah Birth and Baby hopes to bring awareness to many of the under utilized birth and baby professionals in the area. Classes will include babywearing, prenatal yoga, baby massage, infant and newborn sleep, labor comfort measures, birth planning, and cloth diapering. In addition to vendors and classes, the event will be raffling off $10,000 in prizes from local Savannah area business. Any proceeds from the event will be donated to PACK Savannah.

Savannah Birth and Baby is a collective of individuals in the Savannah area that are committed to bringing resources to pregnant women and young families.

This week’s SouthernMamas.com newspaper article spotlights the new Free Forest School of Coastal Georgia which promotes more outdoor playtime for kids. Read it here.

This is a free, volunteer-run group for ages 0 to 6 & their parents/caregivers that meets on a weekly basis in Savannah-area nature spots.

Interested in joining? Email ffscoastalgeorgia@gmail.com or join the Free Forest School of Coastal Georgia Facebook group here. 

For more than 10 years,  Summit Gymnastics in Savannah has produced top-quality gymnasts by providing a safe & productive work environment that enhances physical and mental well-being.

Summit Gymnastics is offering a parents’ night out this month so you can enjoy a childfree evening. Open too all ages 4 & older. (Must be potty-trained)

Parents Night Out @ Summit Gymnastics 

7-11PM Sat. Oct. 19 2019

Questions? Email summit.frontdesk@yahoo.com

To register, email summit.frontdesk@yahoo.com or call (912)-921-1034.

Summit Gymnastics, 74 W Montgomery Crossroads, Savannah, 31406, (912) 921-1034, On Facebook here.Summit Gymnastics is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

For more than 10 years,  Summit Gymnastics in Savannah has produced top-quality gymnasts by providing a safe & productive work environment that enhances physical and mental well-being.

Summit Gymnastics is offering a parents’ night out this month so you can enjoy a childfree evening. Open too all ages 4 & older. (Must be potty-trained)

Parents Night Out @ Summit Gymnastics 

7-11PM Sat. Oct. 19 2019

Questions? Email summit.frontdesk@yahoo.com

To register, email summit.frontdesk@yahoo.com or call (912)-921-1034.

Summit Gymnastics, 74 W Montgomery Crossroads, Savannah, 31406, (912) 921-1034, On Facebook here.Summit Gymnastics is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy in Savannah will offer FREE  speech therapy, occupational therapy and autism screenings @ at their Pooler location on Fri. Oct 18, 2019, 9AM-Noon.

No appointments.  Screenings will be on a first come, first serve basis.

Frequently-asked questions:

*What is the difference between a screening and an evaluation?
-A screening is a tool used to determine whether there is a need for further, more comprehensive assessment. An evaluation uses formal, standardized measures to determine the presence and severity of a delay or disorder.

-*What happens if my child fails the screening?
If your child fails the screening, then a full evaluation will be recommended. You have the choice to complete that evaluation completed at Chatterbox or Joye Psychology or with a different provider of your choosing.

FREE Developmental Screenings: Speech/Occupational Therapy & Autism
Fri. Oct. 18, 2019, 9AM-Noon
Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy
110 Pipemakers Cir, Ste 115
Pooler, Georgia 31322

Learn more here.

If you’re looking to join a group of moms for brunch, conversation, crafts, speakers and a little break from the children, Pooler MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) might be just what you need!

Come learn more about Pooler MOPS and sign up for the 2019-20 MOPS session @ the Pooler MOPS Open House, Wed. Aug. 21 2019, 9:30-11:30AM @ First Presbyterian Church of Pooler.

There will be information sessions at 9:45AM & 10:30AM, for moms who want to learn more about MOPS. For moms who already know they want to join, registration can be done anytime during the open house.

No childcare will be provided at open house, but there will be snacks and activities for the little ones while moms fill out paperwork.

Free Admission. Kid Friendly

Pooler MOPS Open House
Wed. Aug. 21 2019
9:30-11:30AM
First Presbyterian Church of Pooler
1115 US Highway 80 E
Pooler, Georgia 31322

Learn more here. 

Online Love & Logic Parenting Class

This interactive online parenting class with Building Blocks Family Counseling in Rincon utilizes the Parenting the Love and Logic Way® Curriculum where parents will discover that their jobs can be really enjoyable, and that they can teach personal responsibility and respect without losing their kids’ love. Class facilitators will guide participants through the Parenting the Love and Logic Way® videos and workbook.

No need to worry about childcare or travel! This interactive online class allows parents to learn new parenting skills from the comfort and ease of their home. Discussion time is built in to each session. Choose from two convenient time options.

3 week course

Thursdays Sept. 19, Sept. 26, Oct. 3: 7:30-9:30PM
Saturdays Sept. 14, Sept. 21, Sept. 28: 8:30-10:30AM

Call 912-349-8043 or email info@buildingblocks.solutions for more information.

Building Blocks Family Counseling, buildingblocks.solutions,  912-349-8043, email ashley.moore.mft@gmail.com, 9390 Ford Ave., Suite 7B, Richmond Hill. On Facebook here. Building Blocks Family Counseling is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Are you needing to create some structure for your kids this summer?

Click here to find out some tips to help those long summer days run a little more smoothly.

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Waters Edge Counseling in Savannah
912-319-5552
Email: christina@watersedgecounseling.com

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Waters Edge Counseling is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

When the heat rises outside, something rises in us too. Not only are our children getting hot, but we find ourselves as parents struggling to keep our own cool.

The summer is a time to relax, yet it is a challenge to keep our children happy and content. Being around one another all day can make tension rise between us and our children, but it does not have to be this way.

Click here to read about some ways that you can help your children and in turn help yourself to manage “hot” moods and stay calm.

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Waters Edge Counseling in Savannah
912-319-5552
Email: christina@watersedgecounseling.com

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Waters Edge Counseling is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Pediatric Associates of Savannah offers newborn care and education classes to expectant families.

Join Pediatric Associates for a fun class that will teach you all about what to expect after the birth of your child and provide you with information to help you care for your new baby.

Dr. Brandy Gheesling, or one of Pediatric Associates other 10 board certified pediatricians, lead these monthly sessions.

Refreshments and a complimentary copy of “Baby Care Anywhere,” which was written by the practice’s own Dr. Ben Spitalnick, will be provided.

Topics include:
Before baby comes
What to expect in the hospital
Office visits with your pediatrician
Feeding your baby
Sleep guidelines
Infant behavior
Immunizations & medications
Common concerns

Classes are free to expectant couples, but registration is required as space is limited.

Classes are offered on the first Thursday of each month at 6PM @ the practice’s main office (4600 Waters Ave, Savannah, GA).

To register, please call (912) 355-2462 or email babybasics@pedsav.com.

Upcoming Baby Basics classes:

Thurs. July 11 2019, 6-7PM

Thurs. Aug. 1 2019, 6-7PM

Thurs. Sept. 5 2019, 6-7PM

Thurs. Oct. 3 2019, 6-7PM

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About Pediatric Associates of Savannah

New to the area & in need of a pediatrician? Pediatric Associates of Savannah has offices in Savannah, the Islands and Pooler. Learn more here.

Stay connected with Pediatric Associates of Savannah & informed about children’s health news, but ‘liking’ Pediatric Associates of Savannah on Facebook here.

Pediatric Associates of Savannah, 4600 Waters Ave, Suite 100 Savannah, 31404-6702, (912) 355-2462, www.pedsav.com On Facebook here.  Pediatric Associates of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Savannah now has an hourly drop-in childcare facility: PlayLand Savannah LLC!

Feel free to visit during business hours to see PlayLand for yourself.  Open 8AM-8PM Mon-Thurs.  PlayLand is open until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights so that parents can enjoy childfree time on weekends.

Also available: a Sitter Services division focused on parents who prefer to book a nanny/sitter (even pet sitters) and have them come to their home.

PlayLand also offers Mother’s Morning Out, birthday parties, a preschool, weekly activities for children up to age 5 such as Story Times, Sensory Play, Tots & Crafts, and Saturday classes such as Sip & Paint (kid style), Slime Making, Toddler Yoga, etc. Learn more here. 

Drop-in childcare

PlayLand offers playcare for ages 6mths – 12 years.

Appointments are not necessary but recommended during busier times to ensure an open spot. Once registered, bring your child while you run your errands, enjoy a date night, or get that much needed childfree time.

PlayLand is a shoe-free facility. Please bring socks.

PlayLand Savannah, LLC
423b W U S Hwy 80
Pooler, GA
(912) 348-3676

Learn more about PlayLand here.

You’re invited to a free Halloween Open House with MOMS Club of Savannah  @ Lake Mayer in Savannah on Tues. Oct. 30 2018, 10AM-Noon.

Come along & meet some other moms in the area and find out what Savannah MOMS Club is all about!

Dress your little ones up for some Halloween fun (Costumes encouraged but not required).

If you would like more information or have questions, please email momsclubofsavannahga@gmail.com

Free Halloween Open House
Oct. 30 2018, 10AM-Noon
Lake Mayer
1850 E Montgomery Cross Rd.
Savannah, GA

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About MOMS Club of Savannah

MOMS Club of Savannah is a group dedicated to the support of moms.

MOMS Club is not solely a group for playdates. The club is run by members and collectively members plan weekly activities, both in the morning and afternoons.

Learn more about the Savannah moms group here. 

There’s a new nonprofit that’s looking to get started in Savannah that needs your input: The Village, an upcoming parent community-and- educational indoor playspace for kids aged 0-7.

The proposed playspace organizers are trying to gauge interest in the project before moving forward & are asking for input from Savannah & Lowcountry-area parents.

Please check out the playspace website here and take a few seconds to fill out the survey linked on the site.

If you’re looking to join a group of moms for brunch, conversation, crafts, speakers and a little break from the children, Pooler MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) might be just what you need!

Come learn more about Pooler MOPS and sign up for the 2018-19 MOPS session @ the Pooler MOPS Open House, Wed. Aug. 22 2018, 9:30-11:30AM @ First Presbyterian Church of Pooler.

There will be information sessions at 9:45AM & 10:30AM, for moms who want to learn more about MOPS. For moms who already know they want to join, registration can be done anytime during the open house.

Childcare will not be provided, but we will have activities for the little ones while moms fill out paperwork.

Free Admission. Kid Friendly

Pooler MOPS Open House
Wed. Aug. 22 2018
9:30-11:30AM
First Presbyterian Church of Pooler
1115 US Highway 80 E
Pooler, Georgia 31322

Learn more here. 

The following is a guest post for SouthernMamas.com by Stacey McKenzie, Physical Therapist
Optim Therapy in Savannah
Pelvic Health & Wellness Program

Your pelvic floor muscles are very important.  They support your internal organs, give you urinary and fecal continence, and help to stabilize your core.  So why don’t we hear about exercise programs for the pelvic floor? Just like your other muscles, you need to work on getting them stronger.

Let’s use our bicep muscle as an example.  When you bend your arm, your bicep muscle has to contract (or shorten) and this will lift your arm.  If you couldn’t lift your arm or you had pain, you’d be very concerned, right?

Can your pelvic floor muscles contract through their full range of motion?  Are you leaking urine or having pain in your pelvic region? It could mean your pelvic floor muscles might not be strong enough or you might not be firing them properly.  As a pelvic floor therapist, I can examine you and teach you the proper way to fire your pelvic floor muscles.

Besides being able to contract a muscle, you also have to be able to relax it.  Going back to the bicep muscle example, for you to be able to straighten your elbow all of the way, the bicep muscle has to relax.  If there are any tight parts in the bicep muscle, it may hurt to straighten your arm or it may feel tight. These restrictions can lead to pain, altered movement, and further dysfunction.   

Your pelvic floor muscles are just like any other muscle in your body.  They have to be able to fully contract and fully relax. The overall tone and mobility of the muscles cannot be hindered or this could lead to dysfunction (i.e. urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, overactive bladder, pelvic pain, pain with intercourse, etc.).

At your first visit to Optim Therapy’s Pelvic Health & Wellness Program, I’ll meet with you for an evaluation in a private, closed-door environment. We’ll talk one-on-one and go over all your treatment options.

Optim Therapy in Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Au Pair in America will be at the Wilmington Island Farmer’s Market, Sat. June 2 2018. Come by to meet Au Pairs from South Africa, Brazil, and Thailand and learn more about the most experienced live-in cultural childcare program.

Au Pair will also have Savannah Banana tickets available for an upcoming SOLD OUT game.

The non-profit works with more than 60 countries to bring international students over as caregivers, offering an affordable and flexible childcare experience. Host families gain peace of mind knowing their children are well loved while gaining a unique experience with cultural exchange.

For more information, visit www.aupairinameria.com or www.facebook.com/APIASAV/.

Use promo code: SAV for $300 off the program fee.

Wilmington Is. Farmer’s Market
9AM-1PM Sat. June 2 2018
Islands High School
170 Whitemarsh Island Road
Savannah, Ga. 31410