'Fourth Trimester' group supports new mothers

After three trimesters of pregnancy, birth and sleepless nights, moms are ready to join the club.

It's the Fourth Trimester Club that moms with newborns to age one can be part of for free.

Healthy Life Center at Coconut Point started the program this year to give new moms an opportunity to meet other moms in the same stage of parenting and to learn more about infant care and women's health topics.

The club meets every other Thursday in an informal way. Moms sit on the couch or on the floor and don't have to worry about offending anyone with squealing or crying babies, nursing or dirty diapers.

At a recent clun meeting, Carrie Bloemers, personal health advocate, placed an array of stuffed animals and toys on the floor to entertain 11-month old Sunny while her mom Erica Streets listened to advice on mommy me time.

Leticia Englehart felt comfortable nursing her son Rafael, two months, during the session.

"It is a safe environment to take your baby and connect them with other moms and information," Bloemers said. "We bring moms together. We provide education."

Shannon Wiseley and Julia Thompson, both MSW (Masters Social Work) Registered Interns, led a discussion on things new moms can do to care for themselves.

They told the story of how airlines tell passengers to put their oxygen mask on before helping their child.

"It's the same thing," Thompson said. "What is your oxygen? You can't help them if you have not helped yourself."

Thompson and Wiseley explained some low cost or no cost ways that new moms can feel good about themselves, such as having a nourishing meal, spending time in nature, not wearing the same clothes day and night and humor.

Each meeting has a different guest speaker. There have been experts on lactation, mental health and exercise. They recently did a club meeting on safe ways to do Pilates after birth.

The Fourth Trimester Club also is a place to find resources, such as advice on pediatricians, daycare and other things that might be of interest to new parents.

"We connect them to the experts," Bloemers said. "The Fourth Trimester is so moms can navigate that world after giving birth and to meet other moms in the same stage of life."

The new moms say they enjoy being part of the club.

"It's a place where there is no pressure," Englehart said. "You can arrive late. You can breastfeed and you have other parents with babies like you. It is nice to have some social resources."

Stacy Peterson moved to Fort Myers a short time ago with her 6-month-old daughter Eva. Peterson wanted to meet other new moms.

"It's just being out and being around other moms and babies that are the same age," Peterson said. "I just moved here and it is overwhelming and I didn't know where to start. This is a lovely place."

Streets said relished the opportunity to bond with other women who share her experience.

She also was excited to learn that the Healthy Life Center has a room for moms to nurse and change diapers that anyone shopping at Coconut Point can use, Streets said.

"I usually sit in my car and do it there," Streets said. "It will be nice to come in here."

Bloemers said they turned an old dressing room into this parent room and she encourages anyone shopping at the mall to use the room when needed.

It is right across from the play area in the mall, which makes it even more convenient for parents. The center even has a baby weighing station.

"Moms anytime they are walking through the mall or using the playground across the street they can come over and use our space," she said. "We are trying to be a resource in the mall for moms."

The Healthy Life Center also has a Babes and Fitness Class every Tuesday from 9-10 a.m. for $5 and a free Mommy and Me Yoga class the first Saturday of the month from 9-10 a.m.

Reservations are required for the yoga class and can be made by calling 239-495-4475.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: The Fourth Trimester

WHERE: Healthy Life Center (in Coconut Point Mall), 23190 Fashion Drive Suite 105, Estero

WHEN: From noon to 1 p.m. every other Thursday. Next meeting is June 1

COST: Free

DETAILS: 239-495-4475