When I was on the Bowmanville Garden Walk last year, before I even got pregnant, I noticed Family Picnic in the neighborhood as I was walking around. I made note of it in hopes that I'd successfully achieve a pregnancy and might check out the programs here, and once I was pregnant signed up for their mailing list. They offer a variety of services from doula and lactation support, childbirth and early childhood classes, to various parent & baby groups. I was here because I attended a music program for babies that was held here and hosted by a partner organization. The space is really lovely and welcoming to parents and children; there are gathering spaces, chairs, pillows, and whatnot. You'll need to take your shoes off when you enter so don't wear lace up thigh high boots! There are great east facing windows that let in enough light that I think when I was here we didn't even have the lights on. I'd like to attend a group that they have here (and as of September 2023 they have a check-in offer for just that, so I hope to use it soon!). The other two parent/baby groups at the music class we went to have been in attendance here because they knew one another, and it would be great to have a community closer to my neighborhood. Parking is ample--it's not a permit zone on Damen itself, though I'm not sure about the side streets. I'd encourage any new parent to see what they have to offer. read more

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My husband and I recently took the 5 week labor class, a breastfeeding class, and a new parent class, and it was a wonderful experience all around. The owners/class facilitators are so welcoming and kind, and we learned so much as soon to be first time parents. I really liked the small group feel and that there was no judgment, they really encourage everyone to make choices that work best for them and their baby. It is also very affordable compared to some other classes I looked at. I would highly recommend all of the classes, especially the 5 week series, to any new parents in Chicagoland that want to understand the labor and delivery process better and learn about all the potential choices you'll be making together, read more

there are many questions that a couple has when they are expecting, many We took their 5 week Childbirth Class with the Breast Feeding add on. What a great experience. With a small class size and 5 other engaged couples we all benefited from the information shared. On a weekly basis we built community and were given information in easily digestible chunks with fun couples homework that gave us time to chat and reflect over the week at home about the fun to come with notes to carry us forward as advocates for ourselves. Despite our birth-plan not going exactly as planned, because they never really do, we had tools in our mental bag to be able to roll with it. Absolutely worth the time and money spent. read more

We took the Weekend Intensive Birthing Class with Sue and it was outstanding! This is the birthing class you are looking for! They offer it in a 6 week session on Wednesday nights, which would give you the most time and focus, or a weekend class from 1-5 on Sat & Sun, for those of you like me that have to drive in from the suburbs. Bring your husband/boyfriend/partner/birthing partner along with and get them fully ready to support you and how you develop your birth plan with positions, pain relief tips and advocacy skills. The class draws on the learnings from Informed Beginnings, BirthWorks, Lamaze, Bradley, Evidence Based Birth and more! And as part of the class, you get a 4th trimester "post-partum class with baby" included as well! I can't wait to come back for that! read more

Money EXTREMELY well spent in preparing for birth and parenthood! Long overdue review of the wonderful team and services at Family Picnic! My husband and I took the Power of Birth class, along with Breastfeeding 101 this past winter before my son was born. Best thing we did. To say we learned a lot is putting it mildly and more importantly it helped us to frame what was important to us for the birth. It empowered us knowing what we could change and affect - and of course what you cannot, which is a lot with birth! By having the knowledge to make choices as they arose I felt more at ease with the loss of control that comes along. One of the most valuable support systems I had post baby was Sue and Rebecca with their knowledge and support around breastfeeding. Sue came for a visit when my son was just three days old to make sure he was latching and things were looking good and let us know what we should be looking for, how long he should feed for etc etc. It was so reassuring to have her in our home for the visit to see how things were going. In the months after she and Rebecca were always available via text or email when I had a question about breastfeeding or pumping. I credit Sue with keeping me calm and encouraging me to trust my motherly instincts when it came to feeding. And as an added bonus they are both just such great people! read more

My husband and I took a class that met over a series of weeks when expecting our first child. Sue made us feel like we could ask anything. We made good first friendships for our little one and have met up with some of our classmates in the year since baby has been born! We felt prepare for all scenarios that played out in the delivery room especially advocating for ourselves and having the support of each other. In speaking to other new moms they wish they had taken this class. read more

My wife and I had a great experience with Family Picnic's 5 week and breast feeding/newborn care program. We both had many questions about so much of the process and feel the answers that we received were non-biased and actually responded to them from many perspectives. Ranging from hospital to home births and the complications and "routine" procedures included (or not). We wanted a very hands off pregnancy and birth, i.e. no ultrasounds, natural (if possible), little to no intervention for mom or baby. We still had great concerns with this approach and Family Picnic truly helped us form our opinions and birth wishes and gave us sound advice and relayed the risks involved and the reasons certain procedures are in place. The biggest part for mother and partner; Be an advocate for Mom and Baby! And we were very honored to come back and give our birth story to one of their next groups. Thanks Sue and Rebecca. David, Eva and baby Cecil read more

My husband and I took the Childbirth Education Class with Sue at Family Picnic leading up to the birth of our first child in September 2017. We had such a positive experience that I continued on in a mothers and babies group and continue to participate in play groups. As a result of taking the Childbirth Education Class, I felt empowered to ask questions of our healthcare providers and take the time to determine the right choices for our family. When giving birth, everything can seem very urgent. Sue taught us how to respectfully ask for the information and time we needed to make effective decisions and advocate for ourselves. As a result, we had a birth that was just right for our family and situation despite some minor complications that might have otherwise been overwhelming. I appreciated that Sue never implyed that a decision or intervention was right or wrong, but encouraged us all to get the information we needed to decide if it was the best decision for us. That was just what I needed! After the birth when we were having difficulty with breastfeeding, Sue even came to our home to help. She brought some supplies that were incredibly useful (she even refused payment for them!), affirmed all of the things we were doing right, and offered some helpful tips. I still get together with other families that I met through Family Picnic. It continues to be an accepting and nurturing environment for us and I highly recommend all of their classes. read more

We love the toddler playgroup at Family Picnic! Rebecca is a wonderful facilitator and my daughter really benefited from our time there. The space, toys, planned activities, and circle time are very engaging (and clean!). read more

My husband and I attended the childbirth and breastfeeding classes. Afterward we both said we cannot imagine how lost we'd have been without it! Rebecca and Sue are incredibly knowledgeable and genuine people. We are eternally grateful for having their influence and insight as part of our birth experience. If you take both classes one of them will come to your house for breastfeeding consult/support - also invaluable. Any first time parents looking for unsolicited advice - take all of the professional help and support you can find! read more

Very informative, friendly environment. We really connected with our group and, months later, we are still in contact with nearly all of them. I definitely recommend! read more

Had a wonderful experience with Sue and Rebecca in both the childbirth class and new moms group. Very detailed, caring, and comprehensive, and I made some great new friends. Could not recommend more highly! read more

Family picnic is great! We took a prenatal class there and then took our child to the drop in play groups for toddlers and she loved it. Rebecca has great energy and interaction with the kids and there's always plenty of activities to keep them entertained. read more

We took the 4-week childbirth class in December, and our son was born in mid-January. I have to admit, the class seemed a little boring at first, but proved absolutely invaluable in preparing us for and getting us through our birth experience. I cannot emphasize enough how grateful I am for Sue's experience, wisdom, and kindness. Take this class. I'm not just recommending it, I'm telling you, do it. read more

Sue and Rebecca are truly one of a kind. Even with COVID, they have created a community for parents that is indispensable. My partner and I took their childbirth class hired Becca and Becca as our doulas, I participated in their new mom group, and had a lactation consultation. I have felt like I've had support every step of my pregnancy and post partum journey. I had a crazy 36+ hour induction that was not what I planned but with the childbirth class providing essential knowledge and the support of the Becca's, I had an amazing birth I'm proud of. I felt empowered. The new mom group was such a gift. We as mom's do not receive enough support after birth, and Sue and Becca created a safe space for us to share and learn from each other. Finally, my baby stopped nursing at 5 days old. When she finally started nursing again at 5 weeks, Sue was right there for much needed lactation support. I'm so glad I discovered Family Picnic. They have provided my partner and I so much already, and I truly feel like we have support we can rely on for years to come. I'm looking forward to the new space and the return of play groups. Thank you Sue and Becca for everything!!!! read more

Susan and Rebekah are warm, knowledgeable and extremely supportive. We attended their birthing class, nursing class and mom and baby class and have positive experiences every time. Family Picnic is truly a special place. read more

I've thought a lot about whether or not I should post this review. I rely heavily on reviews when looking for services, and therefore I think it's important people are informed on the dangers of the misinformation provided by the "Breastfeeding and Baby Care" class that I took last summer. I also took the one day prenatal class, which I found incredibly irritating as a healthcare provider, because there was quite a bit of fear mongering about very benign medical procedures or hospital policies (IV insertion, wearing a hospital gown, etc.) and was constantly bashing hospital medical staff, but that is not why I'm writing this review... During the class breast-feeding class, Sue (a lactation consultant and doula-not a healthcare provider) encouraged parents to refuse vitamin-K injections for newborns, which is incredibly dangerous and can have catastrophic consequences. As a new parent, you are inundated with information and opinions on how to care for your new baby; some of it can be misleading and confusing. Please, if you have questions on vitamin K injections, or any other medical practices, please consult with your OB/Midwife. These women are not qualified to be presenting this information. *side note- left breastfeeding class feeling like I knew nothing about breastfeeding....they pretty much played a video showing moms nursing and had us practice with dolls. The rest of the class was devoted to providing incorrect medical information on vit k injections, erythromycin eye ointment, etc and a 20 minute plug for an infant massage class* https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/vitamink/facts.html https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-for-the-vitamin-k-shot-in-newborns/ read more

Family Picnic does a great job at preparing families for the childbirth experience, whichever way that journey may take them. I work as a L&D nurse at a local hospital and I often find that I can recognize families who took childbirth classes with Picnic by how knowledgeable and confident they are when coming in labor. My husband and I are also graduates of Sue as we took her childbirth class over 7 years ago when I was pregnant with my first child and were able to recall and utilize much of that knowledge for our second birth 4 years ago. I have always believed that knowledge is power; Picnic provides a great childbirth education experience for families for their labor and delivery experience. read more

Sue and Rebecca are warm and knowledgeable and have created a nurturing environment for both prenatal and postnatal families!

Sue, Rebecca and the team of experts at Family Picnic gave me so much confidence as a new parent and provided me with extensive tools, resources and help when I needed it most. I took their parenting class, new mothers class, baby massage and most recently a potty training class (don't laugh until you've been beat down by a toddler refusing to part with diapers!) I have recommended Family Picnic to numerous friends since I found their thoughtful and heartfelt approach so reassuring during this stressful time of life. What I learned most of all was to trust myself and my ability to parent. Please consider Family Picnic if you are new or soon-to-be parent! read more

I love Family Picnic! I attended the Weekend Intensive Birthing Class, the Breastfeeding Class, and the Mom and Baby Group at Family Picnic. Sue and Rebecca create a very supportive and welcoming environment. The birthing class made my husband and I feel empowered, informed, and prepared about the entire birthing experience. I walked out of the birthing class feeling excited rather than scared about giving birth. The Mom and Baby group has also been an amazing experience and a great way to meet other new moms and share experiences and struggles. I would highly recommend any of the classes at Family Picnic! read more

We took the pre-bury classes here and it was excellent; Sue and Rebecca deliver a huge amount of information in a way that you can actually understand. They allow time for you to share your ideas and opinions and will answer any questions you have. We have also had Sue visit us at home since our daughter was born to follow up on a few things and she great - we had some issues with feeding and she listened carefully to our concerns and offered some superb advice and followed up with us several times afterward. read more

I can't imagine going into the experience of having our first child without the info and resources provided by the birthing class at Family Picnic. I can't recommend them strongly enough. The classes and other resources provided by Family Picnic are well worth the time and money. read more

We attended the six week childbirth education classes with Family Picnic and found it to be very helpful in our preparation for labor and birth. We also attended the breastfeeding and newborn care class. The in-home lactation support visit was really fantastic in that early postpartum time. We enjoyed our time learning with Rebecca and even went back to share our birth story with a class of expectant families. read more

Family Picnic has been a very crucial element for my husband and me to transition from a couple to a family of three. We took the 6 week childbirth education class with Sue along with the breastfeeding and bringing baby home workshops. As other reviewers mentioned, I really cannot say enough good things about the experience. I started as a really anxious expecting mom but was able to leave the class with a more relaxed and flexible mindset. The class comes with one in-home breastfeeding consultation which was of BIG help when I had difficulties with breastfeeding (in addition to other postpartum challenges). Sue is a fantastic educator and a listener, and I feel truly fortunate to have been able to get her help during the very challenging first few weeks after the childbirth. To this day we continue to take advantage of the classes and gatherings in Family Picnic. We were in the mom and baby group, infant massage class, rock-a-bye dance class, and the WeeGroove concert to list a few. They are so much fun and the baby loves them! As for me, I feel that I am learning about parenting from these classes. Though these classes are not explicitly about parenting, I am learning how to talk to and play with my baby and how to build a trusting and loving relationship with her. We are learning how to be a family. In summary, I think Family Picnic has something wonderful to offer whether you are a parent expecting your first child or a new mom in need of support or a parent looking for fun activities to engage with your infant or toddler. read more

Picnic has been such a wonderful and important part of our parenting journey! From birth classes to mom and baby groups, lactation support, and activities for small children; Sue and Rebecca have helped us through welcoming three kids into our family. Picnic is a lovely, inviting space for all. It was here we found support, engagement and community as parents. read more

Rebecca is incredibly thoughtful, makes the entire experience feel very personal to you, she fosters a very family-like energy during her classes which make for a very relaxing and fun experience! She's very knowledgeable, approachable and down to earth. Would recommend any of her classee to everyone I know! read more

We did our pre-natal classes here in 2015 and then after our son was born did baby massage. We loved both experiences!! Incredibly supportive and understanding teachers/directors, wonderful community created with classmates (still in touch with some 5 years later!), learned so many useful things about labor, pregnancy, relationships, life!!! Could not have felt more welcomed or accepted. Diverse class also appreciated. We have since moved overseas or else would still be participating in reunions and other activities. Love this place!!! read more

I had such a wonderful experience in the mom and baby group I attended. Rebecca did an incredible job of fostering a supportive environment where we could be honest and vulnerable, and hearing so much of what I was experiencing echoed by other new moms meant the world. read more

My partner and I took the 5 week Childbirth Class with Becca N and it was a wonderful experience! It's been challenging being pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic and halfway through our 5-week course, classes transitioned online. Despite that, each class was filled with great information and my partner and I gained the knowledge we needed to feel confidence about the birth process. Becca is super knowledgeable, but she also encourages us to follow our intuition since birth is a natural, not a medical, process. We took the online breastfeeding class as well and we've even decided to work with Becca N and Becca B as our birth doulas. The folks at Family Picnic are providing a labor of love. I can't recommend them enough! read more

I went to Family Picnic for birth classes and a mom's group after my baby was born. I love the community they have created. I would highly encourage parents-to-be and new parents to look into all Family Picnic has to offer. read more

We signed up for the Family Picnic Childbirth class because it was honestly the only natural childbirth course that fit into our schedule. I am so happy that it worked out that way because it was the best class we could have taken. Sue was incredibly helpful in every way - she supported us in preparation for labor and delivery as well as dealing with postpartum concerns and healing. She does a wonderful job sharing her knowledge and experience while making time for any and all questions. She encouraged participation and fostered amazing relationships among the parents-to-be as well as with her. I can't wait to attend more classes at Family Picnic and visit Sue at the weekly drop-ins. read more

My husband and I took the 4-Week Childbirth class and the Breastfeeding & Baby Care Workshop and are so happy we did! We got the perfect information to help us feel prepared for the birth of our first child and the days and weeks immediately following. The childbirth class was a mix of various methods and strategies for coping in labor as well as info on the stages of labor and delivery and how to best prepare your body and baby for labor. I felt empowered and ready (well, as ready as one can feel) when I went into labor. We would also recommend the BF & Baby Care Workshop, which covered the basics of breastfeeding and the procedures a newborn might undergo in the hospital and how to care for the baby once home. Both courses also came with excellent printed materials we referred to often, even during labor. We had already hired a doula by the time we were searching for childbirth classes, and she recommended Family Picnic. Sue was actually our doula's doula! She is a fount of knowledge. Sue was a great instructor, so kind and caring about all her students and their physical and mental well-being. She never judges, and Family Picnic is such a welcoming environment to all kinds of families (I appreciated our very diverse class!) choosing all kinds of births (birth center, hospital, epidural, unmedicated, etc.). After our son's birth, he had pretty severe jaundice, and we were having trouble with breastfeeding in the early days, due to significant lip and tongue ties. Sue was on vacation, but she immediately answered our panicked, new-parent emails to relay her wisdom. It was so very appreciated. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND FAMILY PICNIC! read more

We participated in the Mom and baby group as well as the newborn sleep class. I LOVE the mom and baby group! I just wish it was longer than 5 weeks. Rebecca is so kind and knowledgeable. My daughter loves interacting with the other babies and moms in such a warm and safe space. read more

I took the childbirth education class with my wife and it was a great experience. Not only was the class super helpful in preparing for our birth but the people we met in the class became some of our closest friends. Sue is a great teacher and just a wonderful person. read more

Family Picnic's Birthing class was one of the best decisions my husband and I made to help prepare us for our first pregnancy and labor. Sue has so much knowledge to share from years of experience and everything we learned from her helped to ease first time nerves. Sue teaches on a variety of topics including having a healthy pregnancy, communication between partners, relaxation techniques, tips for dealing with labor discomfort, understanding the physiological changes in your body when in labor, and most importantly helping you understand your options and being confident with your labor decisions. There were also parents from previous classes who came to share their birth stories. We also attended the Breast Feeding Workshop and had Sue visit at home once we had our little one to help with any breast feeding struggles. This was extremely helpful! Our hospital is very baby friendly and pro breast feeding but it does not compare to having someone help you once you bring baby home. She gave us resources for breastfeeding that I have used to make sure baby and I are on the right path. I would recommend Family Picnic to anyone who is pregnant for the first time or anyone who was not happy with their previous birth experience. It is a very comfortable and safe place to talk about concerns without judgement. The classes become your own little community! read more

My husband and I loved the childbirth preparation classes we attended at Family Picnic. Sue is a wonderful educator! We enjoyed meeting the other soon to be parents and sharing questions, concerns, and information. I feel completely confident (as much as I can be, not knowing exactly what nature has in store) going into the birth process with the knowledge I gained from this class. They have a lot of other great classes that we are excited to check out as well as a weekly drop in group for parents and babies. If you're expecting I highly recommend this class. read more

Picnic is an amazing place. Sue is absolutely someone every pregnant woman needs in her life! I took the 6-week Power of Birthing class, the breastfeeding workshop and the Bringing Baby Home workshop. The classes were full of the practical information I needed and touched on deeper issues like fears, expectations and communicating with your partner. Sue and Rebecca are so thoughtful with how they structure the classes and convey information. Since I took the series and the breastfeeding workshop, Sue also did an in-home breastfeeding consultation within a few days of my baby's birth. Plus, she has been there for me by phone several times since. To top it all off, we made several friends from the classes who we've kept up with now that we have all little babies. I feel so lucky to be a part of Picnic! read more

The ladies that run Picnic are super nice and child centered while still being laid back. Definitely a unique spot for families to check out, especially when it's hard to find activities in the cold cold winter! read more

I can't say enough good things about Family Picnic! My husband and I attended the 6 week Power of Birth class before our baby was born and then I attended a mom and baby group on my maternity leave. The Power of Birth class was a wonderful mix of concrete information and space for talking through our feelings. The group is small enough to develop relationships with the other couples and the space is cozy and intimate. What makes Family Picnic really stand out is that there's no judgement or agenda. The birthing class prepared us for a natural birth, while still giving plenty of information on epidurals, induction, c-sections, etc. In the mom and baby group, some of the moms breastfed and others formula fed, some had epidurals and others didn't, some used disposal diapers and others cloth, etc. There was an emphasis on making the best choices for you and your family and supporting each other. Rebecca and Sue go above and beyond to make this a safe space for new parents! read more