Mothers do so much to take care of their families, putting others’ needs first and often sacrificing their own desires. New mothers, especially, can feel a lack of support when they step into their role as a mom for the first time.
New Mom School was born from one woman's determination to address women’s need for community and guidance during this new stage of life.
Since its founding in 2012, New Mom School has helped more than 10,000 mothers find support and assistance as well as friendship.
“We’re on a mission to fundamentally change the way that mothers are cared for,” says Owner/Instructor Stephanie Karlubian, who celebrated the grand opening of her New Mom School franchise in Westlake Village last month on April 26.
“I remember that after I had both of my baby girls, I had postpartum depression, but I didn’t know that’s what it was at the time,” shares Stephanie. “If New Mom School would have been around then, it would have changed how I felt. I wouldn’t have felt so alone and isolated,” she says, noting that an estimated 80% of women in the U.S. experience some form of postpartum distress.
Given the lack of social support and the unrealistic expectations placed on new moms, it’s no wonder so many mothers struggle with the baby blues, explains Stephanie.
“After giving birth, the baby receives pediatric care while mom only has one checkup with her OB between 4 to 6 weeks, clearing her to go back to regular activities as well as her new life as a mother. There is no training for your most important role in life, and New Mom School is here to change that,” says Stephanie, a mother of two girls, 2 and 4 years old.
Alex Spitz established New Mom School about 13 years ago in Orange County with the goal of creating community and educational support for mothers. Courses are geared for moms with babies up to 12 months old, grouped according to age and developmental stage: newborn (0-3 months), infant (3-6 months), rising toddler (6-12 months) and second-time mom for those with more than one baby. Each course consists of 8 weeks of sessions focusing on different topics for 14 mothers and their babies, as well as a visiting expert in almost every class.
“We have an in-house IBCLC (lactation consultant), who definitely could have helped me as a new mother. I exclusively pumped because I couldn’t get my girls to latch,” shares Stephanie.
Additional offerings at New Mom School include a complimentary breastfeeding support group, mommy and me yoga and prenatal yoga.
“Being a mother is my favorite job and I feel very passionate about it,” says Stephanie.
New Moms School is located in the Water Court Complex at 880 Hampshire Road, Suite D. Call 818.452.1307 or visit NewMomSchool.com/westlake-village-ca for more information.