Twelve years ago, Kelli DeFlora envisioned a community space for expectant and current parents to address all their needs, and Montclair B.A.B.Y. (Birth, Advocacy, Breastfeeding, Yoga) was born. Located at 113 Walnut Street in Montclair, the cozy and welcoming studio houses numerous workshops and support groups for those at all stages of the parenting process. Read on to learn more about this incredible resource right here in Montclair.
About the Founder
Kelli DeFlora, the founder and director of Montclair B.A.B.Y., is a yoga instructor, Lamaze childbirth educator, doula, and lactation counselor with over 30 years of experience. Kelli brings her own experience to Montclair B.A.B.Y. as well as many others including therapists, speech and language therapists, exercise specialists, authors, and more. The wide range of services that Montclair B.A.B.Y. provides is rare to find in one space and community.
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Offerings at Montclair B.A.B.Y.
Expectant parents can benefit from classes such as CPR/First Aid certification, Lamaze Childbirth, and many different prenatal courses. There is even an option for couples to take a prenatal course together. Montclair B.A.B.Y. offers an alternative to traditional hospital-based childbirth classes by hosting a four-week series that features a mind-body-spirit approach to childbirth and Lamaze.
Kelli reflected upon the success of these courses and said, “It is nice to see parents leave a class and spend time together bonding in the community at local coffee shops or restaurants.” Many friendships have been initiated by the Montclair B.A.B.Y. community. Kelli went on to describe the holistic nature of her studio by explaining that her community is unique as a pregnant person may attend to prepare for birth and end up remaining in the community through her baby’s toddler years. This unique array of offerings allows for long-standing friendships and bonding opportunities.
New parents can join therapist-led support groups through Montclair B.A.B.Y. for new parents and a second-time-around support group that services parents with two or more children. These support groups run for six weeks and allow for a judgment-free, supportive environment led by a professional in a warm and caring space. In addition, there are newborn sleep workshops, breastfeeding courses, and baby and me yoga classes. Currently Rebekah Diamond, author of Parent Like a Pediatrician teaches a course based on her experience as a pediatrician. Another popular workshop/workout is a four-week series focusing on postpartum recovery and strength building.
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Montclair B.A.B.Y. even offers classes and workshops geared toward toddlers such as a feeding course, a music class, a sign language class, and toddler yoga. Kelli will host a mix and mingle in January 2024 which is a free event that invites the community to learn more about Montclair B.A.B.Y.’s offerings as well as community services geared for the parent community. For more information regarding the studio’s offerings, visit Montclair BABY’s Instagram at @montclair_ baby.
