Our Philosophy
At Montclair B.A.B.Y., we support new and expectant families through all the stages of their family’s growth.
We believe childbirth is a sacred Rite of Passage, not just a “medical event,” even when medical intervention is necessary. At Montclair B.A.B.Y. we have witnessed the transformative experience of a safe, healthy and satisfying birth and honor the importance of that experience as the beginning of your parenting journey.
Holistic birth preparation provides tools for a mindful birth experience. Because birth preparation is also, parent preparation, families should be informed, respected and supported in the decisions they make for their families throughout their birth journey.
The postpartum period embraces a delicate passage into parenting that should be held sacred. There is a transformative change in multiple domains of one’s life – nothing will feel the same again. This is a tender time in which families should be honored and nurtured.
One of the best parts of Montclair BABY is seeing community gather and provide each other with peer to peer support. Watching relationships that have grown among pregnant couples and new parents in our community would have to be one of the highlights of my career. I love hearing stories from parents about how they found their mom friends, their tribe and that they still hold those connections near and dear to their hearts even long after they first came to Montclair BABY. I also love seeing babies being born, mothers being born as mothers, fathers being born as fathers and families growing and evolving.
What People Are Saying
“The birth of my babies (not just their actual birth, but all that led up to it!) was an amazing, beautiful experience and in a large part thanks to you!”
“I couldn’t possibly state the degree of positive impact that Kelli DeFlora has had on my life as a new mom. I met her when I started taking her prenatal yoga classes, and she helped me find peace through the physical, emotional, and mental challenges of pregnancy. I took her birthing and parenting classes, and she provided me with information to make informed choices about my birthing plan and to have healthy, practical expectations for early parenting experiences. I still have the many notes I took during those sessions! I was also blessed with having Kelli as my doula, where she helped me through what ended up being a rapid, intense natural childbirth. My husband and I really appreciated her expertise in natural ways to manage pain and her compassion when I was in the depths of labor. She used her vast knowledge of the birthing process not to impart her personal opinions, but to help me find my own way. Finally, I took Kelli’s Mothering-in-Awareness series, and she helped me work through the roller coaster of experiences that I had during the first few months as a new mom. One of the most important aspects of the series is that it introduced me to an amazing network of women. People I now consider to be very good friends of mine. Kelli does more than providing resources for new moms – She helps to build communities. The type of community I have not found anywhere else. Thank you Kelli for everything!”
Almost everyone we know dreaded the typical birth classes at the hospital, so much so that they often skipped them altogether. Not us. We signed up for Kelli’s 5-week series and were so pleased by our decision. Not only did we make amazing friends, all of whom are in touch 2.5 years later as we work on round number two of new additions, but the content was presented in a personal, realistic and non-threatening way. We had a mix of women planning hospital births with epidurals to birthing centers and myself, a home birth, but Kelli was able to address all of our questions and concerns in a way that made each of our plans welcome and accepted. Dad’s participated fully in the discussions and activities and I have no doubt that my successful home birth was aided to a large extent by having my partner feel confident, comfortable and knowledgeable. If you are looking for a way to prepare for birth without fear, attend one of Kelli’s classes.”
“Your Mothering In Awareness series was one of the best things I did for myself as a new mom. It was so comforting to have a safe place to learn, ask questions and share thoughts on the weekly topics like breastfeeding, sleeping (or lack thereof), healing and parenting. It also helped form such a special bond between the new mothers too. Many of us continue to keep in touch two years later. It is hard to believe that our little newborns have grown into walking, talking toddlers. Thank you for providing such a wealth of information and the opportunity to gather and share with such a wonderful group of women and babies. It was a truly special time in my life and helped me gain confidence and clarity in my parenting. Best of luck to Montclair B.A.B.Y. Thank you for bringing these much needed resources together to support expectant mothers and families on their journeys. Many blessings to you!”
“When choosing a home birth for our first baby, we knew that assembling the right support team would be essential to the birth we envisioned. After meeting with Kelli in her home (and enjoying the most spectacular prenatal massage), I knew that her calming, supportive energy was exactly what I needed. She was our first call when active labor began and didn’t hesitate to say, “I’m on my way” when I said I think she should come over. Once she arrived, she was empowering and encouraging and was almost an invisible presence until I needed her. She has a way of knowing when to step back and let mom and dad be together in the process, and when to step in with a few words, a gentle (or in some cases firm pressure!) touch and an endless amount of ice water. Our daughter arrived shortly after the sunrise, surrounded by a room full of amazing women. And in 5 short weeks, we will welcome our second child and are thrilled to have Kelli join us again.”
“I wanted to thank you for organizing the infant massage for this week’s playgroup. It was the first time I have been exposed to this kind of instruction and it was fantastic. Kelli was kind and patient and her instructions were very easy to follow. Her attitude reflects the warmth of the group and worked really well with the group dynamic. It’s not always possible either for financial or practical reasons to attend this kind of workshop and I really feel lucky that we could have it.”
To that end I also wanted to thank you for creating such a welcoming and supportive environment with our group. I hadn’t realized how much I needed a group like this. As a second time mum you come to expect that you should be able to figure things out on your own – or at least that is what I’ve done without a group like this. It’s been a wonderful and much needed change to have the support of other mothers for my life as a mother of two children. Your judicious guidance has not only helped us along, it has helped us to open up, without bringing didactic or imposing ideas.”
“I do hope the group can continue for us and that it is in place for future years.”
Meet our teachers
Have a question?
We would love to hear from you!
Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on classes, workshops and upcoming events.