Anytime. Anywhere. Take a break. Remain active. Practice self-care. Try something new. Stay connected.
Join Community Wellness and Open Space Programming for the first virtual Breath of Fresh Air summer series. Classes are free and open to the public*.
The first four Mondays in August, all registered participants will receive an email containing access to the featured class of the week. You are welcome to take the class whenever and wherever it works for you — as many times as you'd like throughout the week!
The weekly featured class will be available starting that Monday – Sunday (until 11:59pm). Register by Sunday, August 2 to take part in the whole series.
*For community members not affiliated with MIT, please select "Employee/Spouse/Affiliate" on the registration form.
2020 CLASS DATES: MONDAYS IN AUGUST
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Aug 3 — Gentle Yoga with Hadassah Segal
Class participants describe Hadassah's Gentle Yoga classes as relaxing and rejuvenating. The focus is on stretching muscles, aligning bones, and moving with breath. Her material is movement oriented, drawing on a variety of somatic disciplines, as well as her modern dance background. Gentle Yoga is excellent for anyone seeking stress relief, improved flexibility, increased body awareness, and reprieve from aches and pains.
Click here to view all of Hadassah's class offerings.
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Aug 10 — BollyX with Fen Tung from MIT Recreation
BollyX is a Bollywood-inspired cardio dance fitness program open to anyone who wants to unleash their inner rock star! Get ready to smile and sweat to the best music from South Asia! This class is open to all fitness levels; no dance experience required.
If you enjoy working out at home, check out BollyX On Demand or BollyX on YouTube. Click here to view Fen's BollyX bio and schedule of upcoming classes.
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Aug 17 — Mindfulness Meditation with Ashley Norwood
Mindfulness meditation can be a powerful tool for coping with stress, anxiety and depression - and the body is the first foundation of mindfulness. Join us to learn how to use gentle stretching and the awareness of your body as a way to calm your mind.
Click here to view Ashley's website.
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Aug 24 — Creative Dance for Kids (and families) with Jean Appolon and Meghan McGrath
This class introduces children to the art of dance using patterns, movement words, music, and storytelling. Haitian Folkloric rhythms and movements are woven into the class in a child-friendly fashion. Each class has a different theme that guides young participants to hear about and discuss social justice topics and culture through age appropriate literature and conversation. Past and future themes include kindness, acceptance, noticing and appreciating differences, identity, standing up against injustice, and love. This class is co-taught by Company Director/Educator Jean Appolon and Executive Director/Dancer/Educator Meghan McGrath. Recommended for ages 4 and up.
Click here to view online classes with Jean Appolon Expressions. Follow JAE on Facebook and Instagram.
LOCATION & CONTACT
CLASS TIME
August 3, 2020 to August 24, 2020
INSTRUCTOR BIO
Hadassah Segal, M.F.A., Ashley NorwoodCOST
Student/Postdoc/Spouse–$0.00
Traditional Health Plan/Retiree–$0.00
This 2 hour class covers many important aspects of breastfeeding such as: how does breastfeeding work, advantages, getting off to a good start (what to do in the early hours and days with breastfeeding), early days at home (support and trouble shooting), typical newborn and infant feeding patterns, supplies and equipment (pumps, soothing supplies, nursing bras) positioning baby at breast (latch and positions), avoiding latch issues, pumping and returning to work or school, where to get help and more!
You will leave with contact information for on-going support, pumping and storing and other handouts.
Cost covers 2 people (mom and support person).
This class is taught over Zoom. Confirmed participants will receive the Zoom link information via email shortly before class.
LOCATION & CONTACT
CLASS TIME
August 15, 2020
INSTRUCTOR BIO
Wendy Mackey-Kydd, M.Ed., B.C.C.E.COST
Student/Postdoc/Spouse–$40.00
Traditional Health Plan/Retiree–$40.00
New babies are such a blessing, but they can also bring with them sleepless nights, crying, and sometimes quite a bit of extra stress. Learn an approach to calm your baby in our Happiest Baby Class. New parents will learn step-by-step how to help babies sleep longer and how to soothe fussy infants.
Class information includes: The Missing 4th Trimester, The Calming Reflex, The 5 S's, The Cuddle Cure.
This class is open to all expecting parents, new parents of babies birth - 4 months, and other family members and caregivers.
Facilitators: Jennifer Recklet Tassi and Rachel Bigler, Certified Happiest Baby on the Block instructors.
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This class is for members of the MIT community only.
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This class will be presented over Zoom.
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Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. Confirmed participants will receive the Zoom link the day before class.
LOCATION & CONTACT
CLASS TIME
August 15, 2020
INSTRUCTOR BIO
COST
Student/Postdoc/Spouse–$0.00
Traditional Health Plan/Retiree–$0.00
Want to attend a parent group in your pajamas? Want to have the anonymity to ask a very personal question?
Join other new parents to meet and discuss the enormous changes being a new parent brings. Find support and community on such issues as feeding/breastfeeding/pumping, sleep, post-partum challenges, physical changes, exhaustion and new identity/roles. This class mainly focuses on the birth parent's transitions and support, but spouses/partners are welcome to attend. The class is facilitated by a Parenting Educator and Breastfeeding Counselor.
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Participants must register for the webinar here.
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Instructions will be sent via email shortly before the class with the call-in information.
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This is a free, private group for the MIT community only.
LOCATION & CONTACT
CLASS TIME
August 18, 2020
INSTRUCTOR BIO
Wendy Mackey-Kydd, M.Ed., B.C.C.E.COST
Student/Postdoc/Spouse–$0.00
Traditional Health Plan/Retiree–$0.00
This 2 session course offers expecting parents full evidence-based information about birth and the ability to learn coping techniques such as relaxation, breathing, position practice, and massage. You will have the opportunity to learn about each of these as well as gain hands-on practice. Classes will cover choices in the hospital and how to understand risk reduction for both mother and baby.
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This class focuses on vaginal birth but also covers what happens in a C-section in case one is needed.
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Partners are encouraged to attend and will leave with a "toolbox" of support techniques.
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Handouts are provided.
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A tour of Mount Auburn Hospital is included but takes place on a weekend or other evening – the date of which will be determined during the course.
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One registration is good for both the mother and 1 support person.
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The ideal time to take this course is when this class aligns with your pregnancy between 30-37 weeks.
PLEASE NOTE: This class is for members of the MIT Traditional Health Plan, MIT Choice Health Plan with a MIT Medical OB/GYN, and students/affiliates on the Extended Insurance Plan. Questions? Please ask before registering: wellness@med.mit.edu
"Childbirth Preparation through Community Wellness at MIT Medical is a great resource for expectant parents. Women and their partners find themselves well-prepared for what to expect during labor and birth, and how to communicate their needs to their caregivers." - Jennifer Shark, Certified Nurse Midwife
“We wanted to thank you wholeheartedly for the great course. The birth of our little one was tough, but we were aware of all the risks and complications that could come along our way, thanks to the great job you did. Although nothing went as we had hoped or "birth planned", in the end, everything turned out just fine.” – Testimonial from 2019 participant
Childbirth Preparation Class should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation, or advice from a physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
LOCATION & CONTACT
CLASS TIME
August 28, 2020 to August 29, 2020
INSTRUCTOR BIO
Wendy Mackey-Kydd, M.Ed., B.C.C.E.COST
Student/Postdoc/Spouse–$0.00
Traditional Health Plan/Retiree–$0.00
This 5-week course offers expecting parents full evidence based information about birth and the ability to learn coping techniques such as relaxation, breathing, position practice, and massage. You will have the opportunity to learn about each of these as well as gain hands-on practice. Classes will cover choices in the hospital and how to understand risk reduction for both mother and baby.
- This class focuses on vaginal birth but also covers what happens in a C-section in case one is needed.
- Partners are encouraged to attend and will leave with a "toolbox" of support techniques.
- Handouts are provided.
- A small introduction to breastfeeding and early post-partum are covered in this course.
- One registration is good for both the mother and 1 support person.
- The ideal time to take this course is when the first week of the course aligns with your pregnancy between 24-30 gestational weeks.
PLEASE NOTE: This class is for members of the MIT Traditional Health Plan, MIT Choice Health Plan with a MIT Medical OB/GYN, and students/affiliates on the Extended Insurance Plan. Questions? Please ask before registering: wellness@med.mit.edu
"Childbirth Preparation through Community Wellness at MIT Medical is a great resource for expectant parents. Women and their partners find themselves well-prepared for what to expect during labor and birth, and how to communicate their needs to their caregivers." - Jennifer Shark, Certified Nurse Midwife
“We wanted to thank you wholeheartedly for the great course. The birth of our little one was tough, but we were aware of all the risks and complications that could come along our way, thanks to the great job you did. Although nothing went as we had hoped or "birth planned", in the end everything turned out just fine.” – Testimonial from 2019 participant
Childbirth Preparation Class should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation, or advice from a physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
LOCATION & CONTACT
CLASS TIME
July 29, 2020 to August 26, 2020
INSTRUCTOR BIO
Wendy Mackey-Kydd, M.Ed., B.C.C.E.COST
Student/Postdoc/Spouse–$0.00
Traditional Health Plan/Retiree–$0.00
This 6-week course offers expecting parents full evidence based information about birth and the ability to learn coping techniques such as relaxation, breathing, position practice, and massage. You will have the opportunity to learn about each of these as well as gain hands-on practice. Classes will cover choices in the hospital and how to understand risk reduction for both mother and baby.
- This class focuses on vaginal birth but also covers what happens in a C-section in case one is needed.
- Partners are encouraged to attend and will leave with a "toolbox" of support techniques.
- Handouts are provided.
- A small introduction to breastfeeding and early post-partum are covered in this course.
- One registration is good for both the mother and 1 support person.
- The ideal time to take this course is when the first week of the course aligns with your pregnancy between 24-30 gestational weeks.
PLEASE NOTE: This class is for members of the MIT Traditional Health Plan, MIT Choice Health Plan with a MIT Medical OB/GYN, and students/affiliates on the Extended Insurance Plan. Questions? Please ask before registering: wellness@med.mit.edu
"Childbirth Preparation through Community Wellness at MIT Medical is a great resource for expectant parents. Women and their partners find themselves well-prepared for what to expect during labor and birth, and how to communicate their needs to their caregivers." - Jennifer Shark, Certified Nurse Midwife
“We wanted to thank you wholeheartedly for the great course. The birth of our little one was tough, but we were aware of all the risks and complications that could come along our way, thanks to the great job you did. Although nothing went as we had hoped or "birth planned", in the end everything turned out just fine.” – Testimonial from 2019 participant
Childbirth Preparation Class should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation, or advice from a physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
LOCATION & CONTACT
CLASS TIME
September 9, 2020 to October 14, 2020
INSTRUCTOR BIO
Wendy Mackey-Kydd, M.Ed., B.C.C.E.COST
Student/Postdoc/Spouse–$0.00
Traditional Health Plan/Retiree–$0.00
This 6-week course offers expecting parents full evidence based information about birth and the ability to learn coping techniques such as relaxation, breathing, position practice, and massage. You will have the opportunity to learn about each of these as well as gain hands-on practice. Classes will cover choices in the hospital and how to understand risk reduction for both mother and baby.
- This class focuses on vaginal birth but also covers what happens in a C-section in case one is needed.
- Partners are encouraged to attend and will leave with a "toolbox" of support techniques.
- Handouts are provided.
- A small introduction to breastfeeding and early post-partum are covered in this course.
- One registration is good for both the mother and 1 support person.
- The ideal time to take this course is when the first week of the course aligns with your pregnancy between 24-30 gestational weeks.
PLEASE NOTE: This class is for members of the MIT Traditional Health Plan, MIT Choice Health Plan with a MIT Medical OB/GYN, and students/affiliates on the Extended Insurance Plan. Questions? Please ask before registering: wellness@med.mit.edu
"Childbirth Preparation through Community Wellness at MIT Medical is a great resource for expectant parents. Women and their partners find themselves well-prepared for what to expect during labor and birth, and how to communicate their needs to their caregivers." - Jennifer Shark, Certified Nurse Midwife
“We wanted to thank you wholeheartedly for the great course. The birth of our little one was tough, but we were aware of all the risks and complications that could come along our way, thanks to the great job you did. Although nothing went as we had hoped or "birth planned", in the end everything turned out just fine.” – Testimonial from 2019 participant
Childbirth Preparation Class should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation, or advice from a physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
***THERE WILL BE NO CLASS ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 OR WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020.***
LOCATION & CONTACT
CLASS TIME
October 21, 2020 to December 9, 2020
INSTRUCTOR BIO
Wendy Mackey-Kydd, M.Ed., B.C.C.E.COST
Student/Postdoc/Spouse–$0.00
Traditional Health Plan/Retiree–$0.00
Camp Kinda is a free virtual summer experience developed by EdNavigator, designed to keep children in grades K-8 engaged, curious, and having fun. Each weekday from June 1 to September 1, participating families will get 3-4 hours’ worth of daily activities, all connected to a weekly theme and curated by experts with a passion for their topic.
LOCATION & CONTACT
CLASS TIME
June 1, 2020
INSTRUCTOR BIO
COST
Student/Postdoc/Spouse–$0.00
Traditional Health Plan/Retiree–$0.00
Mindful Schools is offering mindfulness classes for kids! Join them for mindful activities, mindful movement, read-alouds and have fun exploring mindfulness together.
Classes will be live streamed on Facebook. For those without access to Facebook, they will post class recordings on their website one day after the live class.
LOCATION & CONTACT
CLASS TIME
March 27, 2020
INSTRUCTOR BIO
COST
Student/Postdoc/Spouse–$0.00
Traditional Health Plan/Retiree–$0.00
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Community Wellness runs six class sessions during the academic year.
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