How Does Mom Know Best?

When a baby is born, a new mother gets plenty of advice from well-meaning family and friends. Often, opinions conflict – and how’s a mom to know what’s best? She can try books and the Internet, but the sheer volume of information is overwhelming.

Wouldn’t it be nice if moms had an easy way to sit down with the experts and chat? The Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF), formerly known as Camino Medical Group, has introduced a “Mom and Baby New Beginnings” group that does just that. With other moms attending, there is also plenty of time for women to network and share their own feelings and experiences.

“There are many other mother-baby groups around, but what’s different about ours is that we usually have an expert speaker, such as a lactation consultant, pediatrician or dietitian,” says Maria Ord, R.N., BSN, the group’s instructor, who is a labor and delivery nurse and the mother of a 9-year-old.

PAMF obstetricians and pediatricians are enthusiastic about the new class. “This group gives moms confidence and a reason to get out of the house for some fresh air and fresh perspectives,” says PAMF Obstetrics and Gynecology Physician Hector Medina, M.D.

According to Dr. Medina, one of the best commentaries came from a mom who attended the first New Beginnings group and said, “I like the mix of expert appearances and time for the moms to talk with each other -- Maria is also great at leading discussions.”

The class is held on Mondays from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at PAMF’s Mountain View Center. The cost for six sessions is $90. For a list of start dates or to register, visit the Health Education Class Web site or call 408-523-3222.