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parenting support | online discussion groups | breastfeeding support | adoption | classes

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Parenting Support

Baby College
The Montessori School, 750 Howard St, Kalamazoo & 6274 N. 32nd St, Richland
(269) 349-3248, Donna@themontessorischool.org
Parenting is the most difficult and most important job any of us will ever have. And it's the position for which we are the least prepared. Monthly Baby College meetings offer a brief presentation followed by a social session.  Parents have learned about brain development, toilet training, taking care of themselves and so much more in past meetings. The Montessori School offers two convenient locations for their Baby College meetings, in Kalamazoo and Richland.

Birth Kalamazoo
info@kalamazoodoulas.com
For new parents and parents-to-be, Birth Kalamazoo offers natural childbirth classes and birth and postpartum doula services.

Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency
 1819 East Milham Road | Kalamazoo, (269) 385-1500
KRESA offers educational and parenting support and classes throughout the Kalamazoo area.  Their Great Start / Early Childhood program offers home visits, developmental screenings, and playgroups (call 488-7599 for your reservation) throughout the area for parents with children ages birth through age 5.  

MamaKazoo
leigh@mamakazoo.com
Services include personal breastfeeding and childbirth education, postpartum doula support, pregnancy & infant loss support, personal gift and buying-new-baby-stuff consultant.  Products available include baby slings by ZoloWear, natural skin and body care products for pregnancy & birth by Earth Mama Angel Baby, and Circle of Sentiments custom jewelry.

MOMS Club International
 MOMS:  Moms Offering Moms Support.  MOMS Club is an international, nonprofit organization, and is a network of support groups designed for the at-home mother of today. You are interested in the world around you, want a variety of activities for you and your children, and are proud of your choice of at-home mothering for your families. 

  • MOMS Club of Kalamazoo is a local chapter which has meet ups, play dates, moms nights out, etc.  Visit their website to request a list of other local chapters.  Their local chapter also has a very active yahoo online discussion group (for paid members only).

  • MOMS Club of Portage is a local chapter that allows their members to interact, and their children to play and grow, in a healthy and safe environment.  They offer a variety of activities: playgroups, fieldtrips, moms' night out, family activities, service projects, and much, much more.  For more information, please send an email inquiry to  momsclubofportagememberinfo@yahoo.com.

MOPS: Mothers of PreSchoolers
 MOPS is a national Christian-based mothers' support group that meets regularly in local churches, and meetings usually include childcare.  There are many groups located throughout the greater Kalamazoo area:

  • Southridge Reformed Church, 6726 Texas Dr, Kalamazoo, MI, (269) 353-2700
    www.southridgechurch.com

  • Third Reformed Church, 2345 N 10th St, Kalamazoo, (269) 375-4815 

  • Westwood Reformed Christian Church, 620 Northampton Rd, Kalamazoo, (269) 381-8691

  • Lake Center Bible Church, 805 E Osterhout Ave, Portage, (269) 327-1004
    www.lakecenter.org/mops

  • Richland Bible Church, 8643 Gull Rd, Richland, (269) 629-9622 

Natural Families of Kalamazoo
 NFK is a diverse group of local parents who wish to make conscious, compassionate, and informed choices for themselves and their families.  While they don't hold regular meetings, they do have an online discussion group where parents can share ideas, ask questions, arrange get-togethers, and overall, find support from others who share similar parenting values.

SAHM's Club of Portage
 A group for Stay-at-Home Moms in and around Portage. . . . because being a stay-at-home mom doesn't mean you need to stay at home!  This is a great place to meet other moms and introduce your child to his/her new best friend(s)! New mommies are welcome to join the group--infants love watching the bigger kids play and the moms would love to chat with you!

Greater Kalamazoo Mothers of Multiples
 The Greater Kalamazoo Mothers of Multiples (GKMOMs) organization provides emotional support for families with twins, triplets, quadruplets, and more. GKMOM members have the opportunity to participate in and share results of current educational research, as well as share personal experiences and advice on raising multiples. Plus they have a little fun through outings, parties, playgroups, and much more!  GKMOMS meets the first Thursday of every month (except July) at The Gilmore Center at Bronson Hospital, 7 Healthcare Plaza Kalamazoo. General meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. New/expectant moms and visitors are welcome to arrive at 6:45 p.m. for a brief introductory session.  They also have a yahoo online discussion group.

Stroller Strides
 Stroller Strides is a total fitness program for new moms that they can do with their babies. It includes Power Walking and intervals of body toning using exercise tubing and the stroller. Taught by specially trained instructors, it's a great workout for any level of exerciser. Stroller Strides is proud to partner with LUNA in hosting the LUNA Moms Clubs. The Kalamazoo LUNA Mom Playgroup has regular meetings as well as other activities.

  • The Courthouse Athletic Center, 7365 S. Sprinkle Rd, Portage, (269) 978-7079

  • Crossroads Mall, 6659 S. Westnedge, Portage, (269) 978-7079
    Meet upstairs at the Carousel entrance of the Crossroads Mall at 8:45. If running late, meet at Burlington Coat factory for warm up.

Moms & Tots through the Portage Area Newcomers Club
 Here's the playgroup you've been looking for. Adult conversation, and an activity to keep the kids happy!  Contact the Portage Area Newcomers Club for more information.

Online Discussion Groups
 These are a few LOCAL groups, providing online communication/support for local parents, and usually also created to help instigate face-to-face gatherings.

Breastfeeding Support

Bronson Breastfeeding Center
 601 John St, Suite N-1300, 1st Floor, North Pavilion, Kalamazoo, (269) 341-8849
Breast milk is the best nutrition for babies. But breastfeeding isn't always easy. The Bronson Breastfeeding Center's registered lactation consultants can give you the education and advice to successfully breastfeed.

Kalamazoo County Breastfeeding Initiative Program
 (269) 384-8064
Trained Peer Counselors provide WIC Eligible women with breastfeeding knowledge, encouragement and support. The peer counselors are available to visit new mothers in the hospital, at the WIC clinic or in their own home. There is no fee for eligible clients. Breastfeeding Peer Counselors are only a phone call away to offer critical assistance.

La Leche League of Kalamazoo & Vicinity
 Visit website for LLL leader contact information or to request meeting information.
Mother-to-mother breastfeeding support.  All breastfeeding mothers and mothers-to-be interested in breastfeeding are welcome to come to their meetings or call one of their Leaders for breastfeeding help or information. Babies are always welcome at meetings.

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Adoption Services

Parenting Classes

Ready for the World, Inc.
Maureen Corts, 269-998-1859, macorts@charter.net
Maureen Corts leads classes and workshops throughout SW Michigan:  "Becoming a Love & Logic Parent" and "9 Essential Skills for the Love & Logic Classroom."  Ready for the World, Inc. was created to help parents learn strategies to prepare their children for the real world, which is really our ultimate goal as parents. We believe that the "Becoming a Love and Logic Parent" Workshop teaches strategies that can help parents be more successful and can increase the odds of raising responsible, respectful children who are ready for the real world.

Family and Children Services
 Kalamazoo (269) 344-0202; Battle Creek (269) 965-3247
Parents receive support and education through Parenting Support services.  They offer a Parent Infant Program which serves families in which either the parent or child is struggling with mental health challenges, offering support from pregnancy through age three. They also offer a Teen Parent Program designed to provide services and teach parenting skills to pregnant and parenting teens (up to the age of 21) in their home. 

Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency
 1819 East Milham Road | Kalamazoo, (269) 385-1500
The Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency is committed to providing a wide variety of quality, educational support services and programs across Kalamazoo County and around the state. KRESA offers educational and parenting support and classes throughout the Kalamazoo area.  Visit their website for information about any current parenting classes or workshops.

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Please use the information we've gathered here as a "spring board" for your research and interview each business or organization to make sure that it's safe and that it is a good fit for your family. The information presented here is for informational purposes only and although every effort has been made to present accurate information, we do not in any way accept responsibility for the accuracy of or consequences from the use of this information or for the businesses and organizations presented herein. We urge all parents to confirm any information given herein and consult with your doctor or an appropriate professional concerning any information of question. The views and opinions expressed by the writers, event organizers and advertisers do not necessarily represent those of Kalamazoo for Kids, its officers, staff or contributors.