Fitness and Makeovers and Nordstrom, oh my!

We are buzzing with exciting new opportunities for our moms (and dads, actually!) as 2011 comes to a close and we prepare for 2012. On December 3rd, we are hosting "Makeover Mama" at Bloomingdale's in Chevy Chase. From 10-11 a.m., mamas of any age and stage can get an "instant pretty" makeover from the experts at Bobbi Brown, get substantive advice from Jen Kogan, area therapist focusing on counseling and support for parents, and nutritionist extraordinaire, Karen Schachter. We'll have munchies and mimosas, fabulous goody bags for our first 50 RSVPs, and raffles to die for -- a Britax B-Agile stroller, a 4Moms Mamaroo, two $50 gift cards to Bloomingdale's, and a 3-month membership to Equinox Fitness!

Oh, and speaking of Equinox Fitness, get this! Just for being one of our mamas (and we use that term loosely -- you don't have to "join" anything or be a VIP member), you can come to FREE monthly classes at Equinox in Bethesda and/or Tyson's Corner (while you husband loses his baby belly with a one-hour customized personal training session or Max 30 structured circuit training program and your children are entertained and engaged at Equinox's Kids' Club -- on the house!). Want more? Our members get an amazing discount at Equinox (did someone say ZERO down, $125/month, and 6 free Kids' Club passes?) if and when they join the club.

In January, we'll be hosting a HUGE breastfeeding event at Nordstrom Montgomery -- details will follow. All you need to bring is your boobs! 

We'll be starting ongoing sessions for mamas-to-be, as well as new mamas and their babies. Email us with your info (due date, baby's age, zodiacal sign?) so we can work with you and get a fabulous group going at a time that works for you!

We've got so much we can't wait to share with all of you. PLEASE sign up for our mailing list to get the latest info and everything we have going on. There's so much exciting news coming up. Stay tuned!

Easing the Shift From Couple To Parents

Welcome our Guest Blogger, Jen Kogan, LICSW!


Is there a way to prepare for the cosmic shift from couple to parents? The answer is a resounding, yes!

Conversations about expectations can help pave the way to start. Talk with your partner about how each of your own parents balanced family responsibilities. Even if your plan is to do exactly the opposite it can help to understand where your spouse is coming from once baby arrives.

How will you share your own joys and frustrations? Come up with a code word to use together when things are tough or terrific so you can know when to drop everything and listen to each other.

Express appreciation, admiration & affection

Research shows that it is vital for couples to express appreciation and validation for each other. This may feel daunting when you are operating on little sleep but it is a surefire way to stay in touch as new parents.

Keep in mind that this is also a time when your sex drives may be out of sync with each other. This stage is a temporary one and everyone goes through it. A good way to stay connected is to add in lots of hugs and snuggling.

Support is Essential

Making sure that there are enough supports in place is essential. This is especially relevant here in DC where many couples don’t have family living nearby. Plan ahead so you can each get a break and find time to go out together without baby. Laying the foundation for your new life as parents may not solve every problem but it gives you the tools you need to stay close and connected.

Jen Kogan, LICSW provides support and counseling to parents in her northwest DC private practice.