SIX NATIONS – Moms and Tots; a program at the Six Nations Birthing Centre where a mom can relax and spend time with other moms in the community while their children are being looked after, is launching an official name change in November — the group will now be known as “Classy Mama’s”.
The group has been around since the early ‘90s and Janet Homer, the cente’s maternity care worker, has been a part of the group for years and thinks it’s time for the group to have a new name.
“The program goes on for six weeks at a time and we have multiple sessions each year,” said Homer. “It tends to have a ‘drop-in’ kind of atmosphere and it’s really just an opportunity for moms to get together and talk, relax, cook a meal together, do a craft and just have a few moments away from the young ones.”
“We asked before if the majority of the moms wanted us to plan activities that included their children or not and most said no, they really appreciated that they could drop off their kids with the child care workers on site and just enjoy the day.
Last week the moms came to the centre and worked together to make a nice meal for everyone to enjoy. One mom made a salad; another peeled apples, one made mashed potatoes and everyone else contributed to the meal in some way.
Homer said that she has different speakers lined up to come in and show the moms cooking tips, health and dental tips and to do group crafts together.
“It’s open to the community, and free,” said Homer. “It’s more of a social gathering for moms to com to. Lots of laughter and advice given between moms.”
The program runs quarterly and has limited attendance; the next session will begin in early November and the group meets from 9:30 a.m. until noon at the birthing centre.
The Six Nations Birthing Centre is in the community to help indigenous families (women and their families) give birth to healthy babies and to promote the seriousness, sacredness and the continued responsibility of giving birth.g after some of the children at last week’s session. Nine-month-old Elaina VanEvery, seven-month-old Rowan Johnson and five-month-old Hayson Hill were all smiles with the workers while their moms were upstairs cooking. Photo by Jayson Koblun
