We
offer a wide range of classes for all members of the MIT community
and all levels of experience,
including new & expecting parents.
Need help registering? Visit this Help Guide for step-by-step instructions.
Have feedback? We encourage you to share your thoughts anonymously anytime
or contact the Program Manager, Rachel Bigler, at wellness@med.mit.edu.
This live, virtual 15-minute class is a combination of simple stretches to release tension in the body and guided meditation to mentally reset during the day.
It is offered on as a drop-in session to encourage taking a midday break. Register for free anytime and attend as often as you wish. Feel free to invite others to register as part of a stress-reduction routine.
$0.00 Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$0.00 Student/Spouse/Postdoc
This live, virtual 15-minute class is a combination of simple stretches to release tension in the body and guided meditation to release tension in the mind.
It is offered as a drop-in session to help provide an evening transition from “doing” mode to “being” mode. Register for free anytime and attend as often as you wish. Feel free to invite others to register as a stress-reduction routine.
*There is no class on Thursday, July 4, 2024.*$0.00 Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$0.00 Student/Spouse/Postdoc
- The Missing 4th Trimester
- The Calming Reflex
- The 5 S's
- The Cuddle Cure
This class is for the MIT community only.
$0.00 Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$0.00 Student/Spouse/Postdoc
Live classes include:
- A Meditation Vacation — Monday, August 5 from 12–12:45 p.m.
Join Zan Barry for a mental vacation. Learn a variety of guided meditation and relaxation practices that you can use in everyday life to help refresh mind and body. This class will include an overview of the potential wellbeing benefits of each technique. All experience levels welcome. - Active Gentle Yoga — Wednesday, August 14 from 5:30–6:15 p.m.
Join Celeste LeMieux for a yoga practice that is both active and gentle at the same time. In this class, Celeste provides clear instructions and modifications, making it accessible and beneficial to practitioners of all ages and stages of yoga practice and life. You will leave class feeling both stretched and strengthened while also feeling more calm and relaxed. This class is the perfect mid-week reset for body and mind. Come see how less really can be more!
- Qigong Meditation — Monday, August 19 from 7–7:45 p.m.
Join Jim Roselando to practice Qigong Meditation. Qigong is an extremely powerful tool for bringing out ones natural human potential and optimal fitness. Physical health and mental well-being are a direct result of the practice. The effects of this training are rapid with deep therapeutic results producing a unified and balanced 'mind, body, and breath.' - Mind-Body-Breath Yoga — Tuesday, August 27 from 5:30–6:15 p.m.
Join Dan Dietterich and come take a breath, stretch, strengthen, and balance your body through this yoga practice. We begin with a meditative centering, followed by warm-ups, a posture flow, and a time for rest and integration. We finish with a meditative closing and some time for connecting with your fellow yogis. The class is accessible to beginners as well as experienced practitioners.
- Roll Out Your Tension: Calling All Desk Warriors: available from August 1-31
Almost everything we do in our daily work life happens in front of us and often involves a mouse, keyboard, phone or a car. In this session, join Nancy Bellantoni while you use small, pliable therapy balls and stretching techniques to address issues in your hands, wrist, forearm, shoulder and neck... and even the lower back. We will roll the entire arm line from neck to fingertips. Learn myofascial release techniques for self-care on and off the job!
- A Taste of Tai Chi: available from August 1-31
Join Dorri Li for this 30-minute class is an opportunity for you to experience a gentle approach to exercise. Class will start with a warm up of joint rotations and stretching techniques, followed by the introduction and practice of four tai chi movements. Our goal is to learn to move with less mental/physical tension and more mind/body awareness.  A Taste of Tai Chi will leave you feeling energized yet calm, ready to face the day with grace and ease.
$0.00 Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$0.00 Student/Spouse/Postdoc
- We’ll practice feeding, diapering, holding, dressing, and getting our “pretend” model babies to sleep.
- You’ll learn about normal newborn behavior and discuss different ways to handle crying and sleep.
- We’ll also talk about going out and finding support and community.
Cost covers 2 people (mom and support person).
This class will only run if it meets the minimum participant requirement. If this course is unable to run, you would be notified by email and issued a full refund. We encourage you to sign-up to help us know who is interested in this session.
You will leave with contact information for on-going support, pumping and storing, and other handouts.
Cost covers 2 people (mom and support person).
"Breastmilk contains a type of antibody called secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) that provides passive immunity to the breastfed infant. This is especially helpful in the first few months of the baby’s life, when the baby’s immune system is still immature and not yet able to mount a response to common viruses." - Dr. Rosemarie Gordon, Pediatrician in MIT Health's Primary Care.
This class will only run if it meets the minimum participant requirement. If the course is unable to run, you would be notified by email and issued a full refund. We encourage you to sign-up to help us know who is interested in this session.Free free to register even if you are not able to attend all three sessions.
$0.00 Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$0.00 Student/Spouse/Postdoc
This six-week course offers soon-to-be parents full evidence-based information about birth and the ability to learn coping techniques such as relaxation, breathing, position practice, and massage. You will have the opportunity to learn about each of these as well as gain hands-on practice.
Please click the "read more" link before signing up for the class to see details about the cost.
- Classes will cover choices in the hospital and how to understand risk reduction for both mother and baby.
- This class focuses on vaginal birth but also covers what happens in a C-section in case one is needed.
- Partners are encouraged to attend and will leave with a "toolbox" of support techniques. Handouts are provided.
- A small introduction to breastfeeding and early post-partum are covered in this course.
- One registration is good for both the mother and 1 support person.
- The ideal time to take this course is during the late 2nd trimester to early 3rd trimester.
PLEASE NOTE:
- This class is discounted for students/affiliates on the Student Health Insurance Plan.
- If you are on the Student Health Insurance Plan, enter coupon code "SHIP" at checkout for $100 off.
If you are not on MIT's SHIP, which includes MIT's PPO+ and MIT's High Deductible plans, you are welcome to take the class and will be required to pay full price. Check with your health insurance provider to see if you are eligible for reimbursement.
Questions? Please ask before registering: wellness@med.mit.edu
"Childbirth Preparation through Community Wellness at MIT Health is a great resource for soon-to-be parents. Women and their partners find themselves well-prepared for what to expect during labor and birth, and how to communicate their needs to their caregivers." -Jennifer Shark, Certified Nurse Midwife in MIT Health's OBGYN department.
“We wanted to thank you wholeheartedly for the great course. The birth of our little one was tough, but we were aware of all the risks and complications that could come along our way, thanks to the great job you did. Although nothing went as we had hoped or "birth planned", in the end everything turned out just fine.” – Testimonial from 2019 participantChildbirth Preparation Class should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation, or advice from a physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
This class will only run if it meets the minimum participant requirement. If the course is unable to run, you would be notified by email and issued a full refund if you paid. We encourage you to sign-up to help us know who is interested in this session.You will leave with contact information for on-going support, pumping and storing, and other handouts.
Cost covers 2 people (mom and support person).
"Breastmilk contains a type of antibody called secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) that provides passive immunity to the breastfed infant. This is especially helpful in the first few months of the baby’s life, when the baby’s immune system is still immature and not yet able to mount a response to common viruses." - Dr. Rosemarie Gordon, Pediatrician in MIT Health's Primary Care.
This class will only run if it meets the minimum participant requirement. If the course is unable to run, you would be notified by email and issued a full refund. We encourage you to sign-up to help us know who is interested in this session.- We’ll practice feeding, diapering, holding, dressing, and getting our “pretend” model babies to sleep.
- You’ll learn about normal newborn behavior and discuss different ways to handle crying and sleep.
- We’ll also talk about going out and finding support and community.
Cost covers 2 people (mom and support person).
This class will only run if it meets the minimum participant requirement. If this course is unable to run, you would be notified by email and issued a full refund. We encourage you to sign-up to help us know who is interested in this session.
This six-week course offers soon-to-be parents full evidence-based information about birth and the ability to learn coping techniques such as relaxation, breathing, position practice, and massage. You will have the opportunity to learn about each of these as well as gain hands-on practice.
Please click the "read more" link before signing up for the class to see details about the cost.
- Classes will cover choices in the hospital and how to understand risk reduction for both mother and baby.
- This class focuses on vaginal birth but also covers what happens in a C-section in case one is needed.
- Partners are encouraged to attend and will leave with a "toolbox" of support techniques. Handouts are provided.
- A small introduction to breastfeeding and early post-partum are covered in this course.
- One registration is good for both the mother and 1 support person.
- The ideal time to take this course is during the late 2nd trimester to early 3rd trimester.
PLEASE NOTE:
- This class is discounted for students/affiliates on the Student Health Insurance Plan.
- If you are on the Student Health Insurance Plan, enter coupon code "SHIP" at checkout for $100 off.
If you are not on MIT's SHIP, which includes MIT's PPO+ and MIT's High Deductible plans, you are welcome to take the class and will be required to pay full price. Check with your health insurance provider to see if you are eligible for reimbursement.
Questions? Please ask before registering: wellness@med.mit.edu
"Childbirth Preparation through Community Wellness at MIT Health is a great resource for soon-to-be parents. Women and their partners find themselves well-prepared for what to expect during labor and birth, and how to communicate their needs to their caregivers." -Jennifer Shark, Certified Nurse Midwife in MIT Health's OBGYN department.
“We wanted to thank you wholeheartedly for the great course. The birth of our little one was tough, but we were aware of all the risks and complications that could come along our way, thanks to the great job you did. Although nothing went as we had hoped or "birth planned", in the end everything turned out just fine.” – Testimonial from 2019 participantChildbirth Preparation Class should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation, or advice from a physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
This class will only run if it meets the minimum participant requirement. If the course is unable to run, you would be notified by email and issued a full refund if you paid. We encourage you to sign-up to help us know who is interested in this session.You will leave with contact information for on-going support, pumping and storing, and other handouts.
Cost covers 2 people (mom and support person).
"Breastmilk contains a type of antibody called secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) that provides passive immunity to the breastfed infant. This is especially helpful in the first few months of the baby’s life, when the baby’s immune system is still immature and not yet able to mount a response to common viruses." - Dr. Rosemarie Gordon, Pediatrician in MIT Health's Primary Care.
This class will only run if it meets the minimum participant requirement. If the course is unable to run, you would be notified by email and issued a full refund. We encourage you to sign-up to help us know who is interested in this session.- We’ll practice feeding, diapering, holding, dressing, and getting our “pretend” model babies to sleep.
- You’ll learn about normal newborn behavior and discuss different ways to handle crying and sleep.
- We’ll also talk about going out and finding support and community.
Cost covers 2 people (mom and support person).
This class will only run if it meets the minimum participant requirement. If this course is unable to run, you would be notified by email and issued a full refund. We encourage you to sign-up to help us know who is interested in this session.
We have created this spreadsheet for you to download and fill in with your own resources. Researching these resources now, before your baby is born, will help you later if/when you are in need.
$0.00 Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$0.00 Student/Spouse/Postdoc
$0.00 Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$0.00 Student/Spouse/Postdoc
Category | Course ID | Course Number | Course name | Start Date Time | Location | Description | Instructors Name | Start Date | End Date | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mind/*Unwind Sessions/~ | 4030 | 0 | Noon Unwind | Class meets on Tuesdays from 12:00-12:15pm through August 27, 2024. | Online Virtual |
$0.00 - Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$0.00 - Student/Spouse/Postdoc |
This live, virtual 15-minute class is a combination of simple stretches to release tension in the body and guided meditation to mentally reset during the day. It is offered on as a drop-in session to encourage taking a midday break. Register for free anytime and attend as often as you wish. Feel free to invite others to register as part of a stress-reduction routine. |
Susanna (Zan) Barry | 9/19/2023 | 8/27/2024 | |
Mind/*Unwind Sessions/~ | 4029 | 0 | 4:45 Unwind | Class meets on Thursdays from 4:45-5pm through August 29, 2024. | Online Virtual |
$0.00 - Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$0.00 - Student/Spouse/Postdoc |
This live, virtual 15-minute class is a combination of simple stretches to release tension in the body and guided meditation to release tension in the mind. It is offered as a drop-in session to help provide an evening transition from “doing” mode to “being” mode. Register for free anytime and attend as often as you wish. Feel free to invite others to register as a stress-reduction routine. *There is no class on Thursday, July 4, 2024.* |
Susanna (Zan) Barry | 9/21/2023 | 8/29/2024 | |
New & Soon-To-Be Parent Support/*Infant Soothing Techniques/~ | 5109 | 0 | Happiest Baby on the Block - Infant Soothing Techniques | 7/29/2024 12:00 PM | Online Virtual |
$0.00 - Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$0.00 - Student/Spouse/Postdoc |
New babies are such a blessing, but they can also bring with them sleepless nights, crying, and sometimes quite a bit of extra stress. Learn an approach to calm your baby in our Happiest Baby Class. New parents will learn step-by-step how to help babies sleep longer and how to soothe fussy infants. Class information includes:
This class is open to all soon-to-be parents, new parents of babies birth - 4 months, and other family members and caregivers.
This class is for the MIT community only. |
Jennifer Recklet-Tassi
Rachel Bigler |
7/29/2024 | 7/29/2024 | |
Body/Breath of Fresh Air/~Webinars & Workshops/Live Classes/~Webinars & Workshops/Recordings/~ | 5125 | 10 | Breath of Fresh Air | See class description for dates and times of live classes. | Online Virtual |
$0.00 - Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$0.00 - Student/Spouse/Postdoc |
Join Community Wellness for this year's Breath of Fresh Air! You'll have options of live Zoom classes as well as on-demand recorded classes. Attend one or take them all from anywhere with an internet connection! Live classes include:
Recorded classes include:
You will receive a confirmation email when you register. If you do not see this email, please check your spam folder. If it's not there, contact us at wellness@med.mit.edu.  |
Breath of Fresh Air 2024 | 8/1/2024 | 8/31/2024 | |
New & Soon-To-Be Parent Support/*Newborn Care/~ | 5114 | 1 | Newborn Care | 8/1/2024 6:00 PM | MIT |
$45.00 - Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$45.00 - Student/Spouse/Postdoc |
This in-person class covers hands-on care of the newborn and very young infant.
Cost covers 2 people (mom and support person). This class will only run if it meets the minimum participant requirement. If this course is unable to run, you would be notified by email and issued a full refund. We encourage you to sign-up to help us know who is interested in this session. |
Wendy Mackey-Kydd | 8/1/2024 | 8/1/2024 | |
New & Soon-To-Be Parent Support/*Breastfeeding/~ | 5115 | 1 | Breastfeeding Class | 8/8/2024 6:00 PM | MIT |
$45.00 - Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$45.00 - Student/Spouse/Postdoc |
This 2-hour class covers many important aspects of breastfeeding such as: You will leave with contact information for on-going support, pumping and storing, and other handouts. Cost covers 2 people (mom and support person). "Breastmilk contains a type of antibody called secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) that provides passive immunity to the breastfed infant. This is especially helpful in the first few months of the baby’s life, when the baby’s immune system is still immature and not yet able to mount a response to common viruses." - Dr. Rosemarie Gordon, Pediatrician in MIT Health's Primary Care. This class will only run if it meets the minimum participant requirement. If the course is unable to run, you would be notified by email and issued a full refund. We encourage you to sign-up to help us know who is interested in this session. |
Wendy Mackey-Kydd | 8/8/2024 | 8/8/2024 | |
Mind/*Mindfulness Mini-Courses/~ | 5126 | 0 | Monday Mindfulness Mini-Course | 8/12/2024 4:00 PM | Online Virtual |
$0.00 - Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$0.00 - Student/Spouse/Postdoc |
Learn about and practice mindfulness meditation, breathing techniques, stretches, relaxation practices, and skill for daily life to calm mind and body. All experience levels welcome. Free free to register even if you are not able to attend all three sessions. |
Susanna (Zan) Barry | 8/12/2024 | 8/26/2024 | |
New & Soon-To-Be Parent Support/*Childbirth Preparation/~ | 5119 | 0 | Childbirth Preparation Class | 9/4/2024 6:00 PM | MIT |
$125.00 - Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$125.00 - Student/Spouse/Postdoc |
This six-week course offers soon-to-be parents full evidence-based information about birth and the ability to learn coping techniques such as relaxation, breathing, position practice, and massage. You will have the opportunity to learn about each of these as well as gain hands-on practice.
PLEASE NOTE:
Questions? Please ask before registering: wellness@med.mit.edu "Childbirth Preparation through Community Wellness at MIT Health is a great resource for soon-to-be parents. Women and their partners find themselves well-prepared for what to expect during labor and birth, and how to communicate their needs to their caregivers." -Jennifer Shark, Certified Nurse Midwife in MIT Health's OBGYN department. “We wanted to thank you wholeheartedly for the great course. The birth of our little one was tough, but we were aware of all the risks and complications that could come along our way, thanks to the great job you did. Although nothing went as we had hoped or "birth planned", in the end everything turned out just fine.” – Testimonial from 2019 participantChildbirth Preparation Class should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation, or advice from a physician or other qualified healthcare provider. This class will only run if it meets the minimum participant requirement. If the course is unable to run, you would be notified by email and issued a full refund if you paid. We encourage you to sign-up to help us know who is interested in this session. |
Wendy Mackey-Kydd | 9/4/2024 | 10/9/2024 | |
New & Soon-To-Be Parent Support/*Newborn Care/~ | 5122 | 1 | Newborn Care | 10/5/2024 10:30 AM | MIT |
$45.00 - Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$45.00 - Student/Spouse/Postdoc |
This in-person class covers hands-on care of the newborn and very young infant.
Cost covers 2 people (mom and support person). This class will only run if it meets the minimum participant requirement. If this course is unable to run, you would be notified by email and issued a full refund. We encourage you to sign-up to help us know who is interested in this session. |
Wendy Mackey-Kydd | 10/5/2024 | 10/5/2024 | |
New & Soon-To-Be Parent Support/*Breastfeeding/~ | 5121 | 1 | Breastfeeding Class | 10/5/2024 1:30 PM | MIT |
$45.00 - Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$45.00 - Student/Spouse/Postdoc |
This 2-hour class covers many important aspects of breastfeeding such as: You will leave with contact information for on-going support, pumping and storing, and other handouts. Cost covers 2 people (mom and support person). "Breastmilk contains a type of antibody called secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) that provides passive immunity to the breastfed infant. This is especially helpful in the first few months of the baby’s life, when the baby’s immune system is still immature and not yet able to mount a response to common viruses." - Dr. Rosemarie Gordon, Pediatrician in MIT Health's Primary Care. This class will only run if it meets the minimum participant requirement. If the course is unable to run, you would be notified by email and issued a full refund. We encourage you to sign-up to help us know who is interested in this session. |
Wendy Mackey-Kydd | 10/5/2024 | 10/5/2024 | |
New & Soon-To-Be Parent Support/*Childbirth Preparation/~ | 5120 | 0 | Childbirth Preparation Class | 10/30/2024 6:00 PM | MIT |
$125.00 - Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$125.00 - Student/Spouse/Postdoc |
This six-week course offers soon-to-be parents full evidence-based information about birth and the ability to learn coping techniques such as relaxation, breathing, position practice, and massage. You will have the opportunity to learn about each of these as well as gain hands-on practice.
PLEASE NOTE:
Questions? Please ask before registering: wellness@med.mit.edu "Childbirth Preparation through Community Wellness at MIT Health is a great resource for soon-to-be parents. Women and their partners find themselves well-prepared for what to expect during labor and birth, and how to communicate their needs to their caregivers." -Jennifer Shark, Certified Nurse Midwife in MIT Health's OBGYN department. “We wanted to thank you wholeheartedly for the great course. The birth of our little one was tough, but we were aware of all the risks and complications that could come along our way, thanks to the great job you did. Although nothing went as we had hoped or "birth planned", in the end everything turned out just fine.” – Testimonial from 2019 participantChildbirth Preparation Class should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation, or advice from a physician or other qualified healthcare provider. This class will only run if it meets the minimum participant requirement. If the course is unable to run, you would be notified by email and issued a full refund if you paid. We encourage you to sign-up to help us know who is interested in this session. |
Wendy Mackey-Kydd | 10/30/2024 | 12/11/2024 | |
New & Soon-To-Be Parent Support/*Newborn Care/~ | 5124 | 1 | Newborn Care | 12/7/2024 10:30 AM | MIT |
$45.00 - Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$45.00 - Student/Spouse/Postdoc |
This in-person class covers hands-on care of the newborn and very young infant.
Cost covers 2 people (mom and support person). This class will only run if it meets the minimum participant requirement. If this course is unable to run, you would be notified by email and issued a full refund. We encourage you to sign-up to help us know who is interested in this session. |
Wendy Mackey-Kydd | 12/7/2024 | 12/7/2024 | |
New & Soon-To-Be Parent Support/*Breastfeeding/~ | 5123 | 1 | Breastfeeding Class | 12/7/2024 1:30 PM | MIT |
$45.00 - Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$45.00 - Student/Spouse/Postdoc |
This 2-hour class covers many important aspects of breastfeeding such as: You will leave with contact information for on-going support, pumping and storing, and other handouts. Cost covers 2 people (mom and support person). "Breastmilk contains a type of antibody called secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) that provides passive immunity to the breastfed infant. This is especially helpful in the first few months of the baby’s life, when the baby’s immune system is still immature and not yet able to mount a response to common viruses." - Dr. Rosemarie Gordon, Pediatrician in MIT Health's Primary Care. This class will only run if it meets the minimum participant requirement. If the course is unable to run, you would be notified by email and issued a full refund. We encourage you to sign-up to help us know who is interested in this session. |
Wendy Mackey-Kydd | 12/7/2024 | 12/7/2024 | |
New & Soon-To-Be Parent Support/More Local Resources/Postpartum~New & Soon-To-Be Parent Support/More Local Resources/Prenatal~ | 4082 | 200 | Build Your Health Care Team | This resource is available on-demand. | Online Virtual |
Download our google sheet and get started today
$0.00 - Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$0.00 - Student/Spouse/Postdoc |
Prepare for baby's arrival now. Use this resource to research your potential needs before your baby is born. We have created this spreadsheet for you to download and fill in with your own resources. Researching these resources now, before your baby is born, will help you later if/when you are in need. |
12/1/2025 | 12/31/2031 | ||
New & Soon-To-Be Parent Support/More Local Resources/Postpartum~ | 2693 | 2400 | Health Plan: Breastfeeding Benefit | This is for informational purposes. | Online Virtual |
More information can be found in class description
$0.00 - Employee/Spouse/Affiliate
$0.00 - Student/Spouse/Postdoc |
MIT-sponsored Health Plans have a Breastfeeding benefit once your baby is born. You can have a consultation with a Lactation Consultant and be reimbursed for it as many times as needed. We encourage you to research a Lactation Consultant near you before your baby is born, and confirm with your health plan member services that the LC you’ve chosen qualifies for reimbursement. |
12/1/2025 | 12/31/2025 |