As conversations around postpartum depression, maternal mental health, and the importance of support for new parents continue to grow, the Demakes Family YMCA is creating a new place for local families to connect.
This fall, the Demakes Family YMCA in Lynn is launching Baby & Me, a free series for parents and caregivers with children from birth to age 3. The program brings families together for age-appropriate activities, helpful discussions, and something many new parents need just as much: the opportunity to meet others who are navigating the same stage of life.
For Karina Teixeira, Senior Executive Director of the Demakes Family YMCA, the program is also personal. “After I had my daughter, I was fortunate to have a support group like this, and I remember how much it helped me,” said Teixeira. “It gave me a place to connect with other new parents, talk about what we were experiencing, and realize I wasn’t navigating this new stage of life alone. That experience stayed with me, and it’s a big part of why I’m so excited to bring Baby & Me to families in our community.”
Baby & Me is designed to provide a welcoming environment where children can play and develop while parents and caregivers build friendships, exchange experiences, and learn about topics important to their growing families. The program is not a clinical mental health service, but rather another way the YMCA can help families create connections and build a community of support.
“We want Baby & Me to be that welcoming place for families,” Teixeira added. “A place where children can play and grow, parents can build friendships, and families can find a community of support at the Y.”
Groups from ages 0-18 months and 18-36 months meet every other week and explore topics on the Baby & Me fall schedule, including:
Introductions
A welcoming first session for families to meet, connect, and become comfortable with the group.
18–36 months: Thursday, October 8 | 1:00–2:00 PM
0–18 months: Friday, October 9 | 10:30–11:30 AM
Developmental Milestones
Explore how babies and toddlers grow, learn, communicate, and develop through everyday play and interaction.
18–36 months: Thursday, October 22 | 1:00–2:00 PM
0–18 months: Friday, October 23 | 10:30–11:30 AM
Safety Around Water
Helpful information and activities to introduce families to water safety and the importance of developing safe habits around water from an early age.
18–36 months: Thursday, November 5 | 1:00–2:00 PM
Mental Health & Self-Care
A supportive conversation about parent and caregiver well-being, connection, self-care, and finding support while caring for a young child.
18–36 months: Thursday, November 19 | 1:00–2:00 PM
0–18 months: Friday, November 20 | 10:30–11:30 AM
Music & Movement
Play, sing, move, and explore rhythm together while encouraging development and having fun.
18–36 months: Thursday, December 3 | 1:00–2:00 PM
0–18 months: Friday, December 4 | 10:30–11:30 AM
Reading & Early Literacy
Discover simple ways books, stories, songs, and conversation can support early language and literacy.
18–36 months: Thursday, December 17 | 1:00–2:00 PM
0–18 months: Friday, December 18 | 10:30–11:30 AM
All Baby & Me sessions are free to Members and $5.00 for the community and held at the Demakes Family YMCA in Lynn. The YMCA is also looking to partner with new-parent groups, pediatric and maternal health providers, early childhood organizations, family resource programs, and other community partners to help more families learn about and participate in the program.
New parents and caregivers are encouraged to join at any point in the series.
For more information about all our parent support programs, go to: http://www.ymcametronorth.org/parent-support-group