Preparing for our Groups
Welcome to our community space where you will feel heard and held. Whether you are navigating the early days of a new latch or wondering if your baby’s sleep is normal, you’ll find your place at one of our groups. We are here to facilitate group discussion and answer basic questions about your new family’s feeding and sleep.
This guide is designed to help you learn what to expect at each of our groups. Check out each group’s descriptions to find out more.
We can’t wait for you to join us!
Baby Bistro - Drop in Infant Feeding Support
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Relax, drop in, & hang out!
Older children welcome!
Partners may accompany you for drop off and pick up only at this time. This is for the privacy and comfort of nursing parents-thanks for understanding.
Partners are welcome to stay at the NAPTRAPPED group!
If you are a current client of Essential Lactation or The Latchmaker and are looking for a quick weight check with your partner included, please reach out to us directly.
This space is for you! Our hope is that you will be able to meet other new parents and build your community.
Sara and Briana are here as facilitators and are available for basic feeding questions. We may refer you back to your pediatrician or IBCLC depending on your support needs.
If you need 1:1 support, just reach out to us!
We hope you find your people here 😊
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This is a community drop in group facilitated by Sara Manske IBCLC of Essential Lactation and Briana Hodgson IBCLC of The Latchmaker. Our goal is to provide a group for primary feeding parents to connect with each other. One (or both!) of us will be present at each group and an infant scale will be available for you to weigh your baby.
This is an inclusive group and families present may use different terms to describe infant feeding (examples: breastfeeding, nursing, chestfeeding, bodyfeeding, bottle feeding…) or themselves (examples: parent, mom, baba, zaza…). Please respect other families and ask if you don’t know. We will use neutral terms when talking generally and your terms when talking with you one on one.
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Suggested amount $0-$20 based on your current financial ability to contribute. No questions asked, no one turned away! Community support is vital for all of us regardless of income. Funds go towards rent of our space and time, snacks for group, and professional guest attendees.
You can donate HERE or during group!
Thank you 🤗
NAPTRAPPED: A Baby Sleep Support Group
with Sara Manske and Heron Paulson-Quick!
A monthly sleep support group for parents happening on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 12-1:30pm
119 N Commercial Suite #860, Bellingham, WA 98225
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Peer support
General sleep Q&A
Education about normal sleep based on age and family situation
Connection
The occasional guest speaker!
Sleep can be a challenge when you are raising children at any time, but it feels especially important to have a place to connect, vent, celebrate, and share with other families in our community during our present times.
We are an inclusive space and recognize that not all families identify the same or in a binary way. We strive to provide a supportive environment for all families. Older children, partners, and support people welcome-just let us know how many will attend.
We can’t wait to be in community with you 😴
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Join us once a month for an open and honest conversation about your family’s sleep.
This is a safe space to bring your questions, challenges, and to share your wins with other parents just like you! We will begin sharing at 12:15 so come early to check in and get comfy.
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Suggested amount $0-$20 based on your current financial ability to contribute. No questions asked, no one turned away! Community support is vital for all of us regardless of income. Funds go towards rent of our space and time, snacks for group, and guest speakers.
You can donate HERE or during group!
Thank you 🤗
The Fine Print
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Our Shared Health & Safety Commitment
1. Wellness & Rescheduling
The health of your family is our priority. If you or any member of your household is experiencing symptoms such as a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, please plan on skipping group that day.
2. My Clinical Standard of Care
Sanitization: All clinical equipment (including the infant scale) is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after every use.
Hand Hygiene: We practice strict hand-washing and sanitization protocols before and after any physical contact with you or your baby.
Personal Protection: For your added protection, you may request we wear a mask during our time together. We’re happy to facilitate mask -wearing at our groups too-just reach out and let us know!
Practitioner Wellness: We maintain the same standard we ask of families—if we develop any symptoms of illness, we will cancel or have an alternate facilitator present at group.
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Visiting the Office: Bellingham Towers 119 N Commercial St Ste #860
Located inside the Birth Story office.
Finding Your Way
Address: You’ll find us in the heart of downtown at the Bellingham Towers.
Parking: * Street Parking: Readily available and free until 11:00 AM.
Towers Lot: You are welcome to park in the dedicated Bellingham Towers lot. To avoid ticketing, please follow the payment instructions posted within the lot or use the mobile payment app as directed.
Transit: We are a brief 2-minute walk from the Champion & Grand bus stop.
Accessibility: The building is fully equipped with elevators, and our office space has limited room for stroller parking, so be ready to fold it down if possible.
Arrival & Your Comfort
Once you arrive at Suite #860, please make yourself at home.
Relax: Grab a seat on the couch and help yourself to a warm tea or a snack from our kitchenette.
Need Help?: If you have any trouble finding the office, please call Sara at 360-336-6468.
What to Expect: See each group description above!