Becoming a new parent can be so overwhelming. The shift from who you thought you were going to be as a parent to who you actually are is huge. To lessen that overwhelm just a bit, we have created this list of tried-and-true resources for new parents in the Ferndale/Royal Oak area. Did we miss something? Let us know!
Community + Connection
- Honey: Space for Moms + Moms to Be. 3136 Hilton Rd., Ferndale. http://www.honeyformoms.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/honeyformoms/ . An inclusive space that offers support groups, pelvic floor/core exercise, drop-in workspace, drop-in childcare (you must stay on-site), lactation support and more.
- The SheHive. 1840 Hilton Rd., Ferndale. http://www.theshehive.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/SheHiveDET/ . A space for women at all life stages. Offers empowerment groups, support groups, book club, discussion groups, crafts + cocktails and more.
- Nature's Playhouse. 318 W Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale. http://www.naturesplayhouse.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/Natures-Playhouse-273887115974561/ . An all-natural space in downtown Ferndale with programming that includes parenting support groups, drop-in play for children up to age 4, baby sign language, reiki and more.
- MOMS Club. Locations vary. https://www.momsclub.org/ . MOMS Club groups are based on your geographic area. The groups are run by and for local moms, and include weekly or daily programming including field trips, play dates and more.
- La Leche League. Local meetups include La Leche League Royal Oak, which meets at 2119 Catalpa Rd in Berkley, and La Leche League Ferndale/Oak Park, which meets at the Ferndale Library. Find breastfeeding support and community.
- Hike It Baby of Metro Detroit. https://hikeitbaby.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/groups/hikeitbabydetroit/ . Local moms sign up to lead urban or nature hikes all year round.
Playtime + Learning
- Backyard Playroom. 2119 Catalpa, Berkley. http://www.backyardplayroom.org and https://www.facebook.com/backyardplayroom/ . Volunteer-run free play and meetup space for moms and little ones.
- Library Story Times.
- Baby Size story time at the Royal Oak Public Library, 222 E. Eleven Mile Rd. 30 minute story and play for babies and their caregivers. See our calendar for upcoming times or visit the library's website.
- Tree Buds story time at the Ferndale Area District Library, 222 E. Nine Mile Rd. 20 minute story time for infants and caregivers.
- Lapsit Story Time at the Berkley Public Library, 3155 Coolidge Hwy., Berkley. Story time and finger play for babies and caregivers.
- Motor City Music Together. Held at Suzuki Royal Oak Institute of Music (30701 Barrington St., Ste 125, Madison Hts) and Agora Arts (646 E. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale). http://motorcitymusictogether.com/index.htm and https://www.facebook.com/motorcitymusictogether/ . Weekly music and movement classes led by trained instructors.
- Parent-Baby Swim Lessons at the South Oakland Family YMCA. 1016 W Eleven Mile Rd. http://ymcadetroit.org/south-oakland/
Shops
- Modern Natural Baby. 200 W Nine Mile Rd., Ste B., Ferndale. http://www.modernnaturalbaby.com/ . Cloth diapering and babywearing necessities, along with many other toys, clothing and accessories for mom and baby.
- Restyle Child. 2123 Cole St., Birmingham. http://www.restylechild.com/ . Boutique and gently used name-brand baby clothing, along with teethers and gift options.
Types of Service Providers
There are many types of service providers that can help assist new moms -- some you might not have realized even exist! We don't have specific recommendations (yet!) but some types of services to consider include:
- A postpartum doula is a service provider who can come to your home and help you and your family transition after a new baby. Armed with expertise around infant feeding and soothing, bonding and more, the postpartum doula can help over adjustment humps.
- A lactation consultant can help you troubleshoot any breastfeeding issues, help you prepare to return to work with a pumping schedule, and more.
- A sleep consultant can work with your family through sleep challenges.
- Also consider hiring (or asking as a gift) services that can take some of the load off your shoulders -- a cleaning service, a meal planning service, a cloth diaper delivery service, a grocery delivery service, etc. are great ways to focus less on chores and more on your new little one. We love Kroger's ClickList service and Door to Door Organics for fresh vegetable and fruit delivery.
- Babysitters! Getting out on your own or with your romantic partner is really important to your mental well-being.
