First Year of Life New Parent Support Group

Our free FYOL Group is facilitated by Emily Fiorini, M.A., who is a mental health counselor specializing in infant and parent mental health. Parents in the postpartum year can join this free weekly group to receive support for their own emotional wellbeing, recovery and transition into parenthood. Baby's development, feeding and sleep, as well as community resources, will also be addressed. This group meets every Thursday, 9:30-11:00 via zoom, with one week per month meeting in person. To be added to the weekly Zoom link reminder, email Emily: efiorini@jri.org. To RSVP to the next in-person group, email Linda: lmatthews@jri.org. Spring 2025 in-person groups: April 3, May 1, June 5 in Concord

Starting Solids: Thursday, June 12, 10-11:00, presented by Julia Hurd, SLP

Starting solids can be such an exciting step as your baby is learning and growing. But it can also be stressful when you may not be sure how to begin. The Starting Solid’s presentation will be geared towards those with questions on how and when to begin solids to decrease that stress! We will go over the various readiness signs for solids which typically begin to appear around 6 months but this may differ from baby to baby. We will also dive into which method may be best for you and your baby, baby lead weening or the traditional path. Tips, tricks, and tools will be integrated at each part of the conversation to try and make this process as smooth as possible. Each baby and family will be different but the information given by a licensed speech and language pathologist who works with babies move through this next step, will help you determine what your baby will need and what you can expect on this new journey with your child!Starting solids can be such an exciting step as your baby is learning and growing. But it can also be stressful when you may not be sure how to begin. The Starting Solid’s presentation will be geared towards those with questions on how and when to begin solids to decrease that stress! We will go over the various readiness signs for solids which typically begin to appear around 6 months but this may differ from baby to baby. We will also dive into which method may be best for you and your baby, baby lead weening or the traditional path. Tips, tricks, and tools will be integrated at each part of the conversation to try and make this process as smooth as possible. Each baby and family will be different but the information given by a licensed speech and language pathologist who works with babies move through this next step, will help you determine what your baby will need and what you can expect on this new journey with your child!

To join us for this zoom presentation, email lmatthews@jri.org for the link.

Parent & Family Consultations - by appointment

First Connections' professional staff provide one-on-one consultations for parents who have questions or concerns about postpartum adjustment, infant development, breastfeeding, or sibling-adjustment issues free of charge. Meetings most often take place virtually but can be arranged in our office or outdoors.  This service is available to residents of Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Harvard, Hanscom Air Force Base, Littleton, Lincoln, Maynard, Sudbury, and Westford.

First Connections' programs support all new parents. Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding, parenting solo, partnered or married, an adoptive or biological parent, have one baby or more, you are welcome here. 

First Connections is a Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) program with primary funding from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.  With additional support from generous individuals and organizations, First Connections' wide range of family services are offered at no charge.  

Additional support for our fiscal year 2025 programs and services comes from: 
     Nordblom Family Foundation
     Sudbury Foundation
     Concord Carlisle Foundation
     Schrafft Charitable Trust
     Acton Congregational Church
     Trinitarian Congregational Church 

This work is also made possible by donations from local families and individuals.