FOUNDATIONS

A community-centered, expert-led series of IRL workshops to prepare expectant parents for birth, baby, + beyond.

In interviewing dozens of new moms on what they wished they’d had before, during, and after birth, the answer, unsurprisingly, can’t be found on a registry. 

Over and over again, here’s what we heard: I’m tempted to just go up to other pregnant people who look like they’re due around the same time as I am and ask if they want to hang out, or The first months were so lonely; I would’ve loved to have a friend with a baby the same age to just go for a walk with. 

We took this need for community and paired it with the education and resources these moms wanted.

why foundations?

See a Sample Foundations Schedule

How it Works

  1. We place expectant parents into cohorts of 6-10 other couples based on your due date and where you live 

2. Cohorts meet 4-5 times in person in your third trimester

3. Our workshops are expert-led and designed to give parents the content, conversation, and confidence you need to feel empowered ahead of giving birth

sample workshops

  • Sleep Essentials

  • How to Find, Vet, & Hire Caregivers

  • Partners to Parents

  • Prenatal Workout

  • Infant CPR & Safety

  • Labor & Birth

  • 1:1 with Parental Leave Expert

This cohort is now full. Join the waitlist.

Meet the FACILITATORS

  • Jaqueline Himelfarb

    Jaqueline Himelfarb

    Founder, Ready For Rest; Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant & Newborn Care Specialist

  • Jen Darwin

    Founder & CEO, Golden Gate Doulas Association & The Village Postpartum Retreat

  • Caitlin Ritt

    Founder & CEO, The Lotus Method

  • meagan holden, md, amft

    Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

  • Jacob Glazebnik, AMFT

    Psychotherapist, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

  • michaela parnell

    Birth & Postpartum Doula

  • lynn perkins

    CEO, UrbanSitter

  • olivia hallquist

    Parental Leave Expert

The Schedule

ready for rest

Wednesday, 5/15, 7-9 PM

With Jaqueline Himmelfarb

  • Sleep safety

  • Maximizing sleep for baby and parents

  • Setting schedules & dropping naps

  • Sleep science & setting expectations

how to find, vet, & hire caregivers

Wednesday, 5/22, 6 PM (Virtual)

With Lynn Perkins

  • How to find caregivers and other specialists to support your children

  • How to create a realistic wishlist and communicate it effectively

  • Tips for background & reference checks and hiring

infant cpr & safety

Thursday, 5/30, 6-8 PM

With Jen Darwin

  • Hands-on CPR class focused on infants and toddlers

  • Learn what to do if your infant or toddler is choking

  • Jen will share life-saving techniques for newborns using the latest information and equipment

the lotus method class

Sunday, 6/9, 10 AM

With Caitlin Ritt

  • The Lotus Method is Caitlin’s signature fitness method designed specifically for prenatal and postpartum women. 

from partners to parents

Thursday, 6/13, 7-9 PM

With Meagan Holden & Jacob Glazebnik

  • Common challenges couples face in transitioning from partners to parents 

  • Opportunities for setting expectations and check-ins ahead of time

  • Boundary setting with friends, extended family, etc.

  • Emotionally caring for yourself (birthing partner) and your partner (nonbirthing partner) postpartum 

labor & birth

Wednesday, 6/19, 7-9 PM

With Michaela Parnell

  • Stages of labor, medication options, & what happens immediately after birth

  • Tips for self-advocacy during labor & birth

  • What a birth plan is and tips for creating an effective one

  • Types of support available to you