Blossom Provider Community Talks
at OFJCC in Palo Alto, in the Jeff Center for Families (Room G106)
- Suggested donation $20 | Donations go towards Blossom -
Come join Blossom's FREE provider community talks! These one hour talks are a chance to learn from professionals, find resources, and connect with others. Each month will feature a different Blossom Provider, who will speak on a special topic in their field of expertise, and share about their business & services.
Topic: "Strong Beginnings: The Do's and Don'ts of Prenatal & Postpartum Fitness" (Wed. 1/29/2025 @ 6:30-7:30pm)
with Rachel Kitt from FIT4MOM SV
Join us for “Strong Beginnings: The Do’s and Don’ts of Prenatal & Postpartum Fitness,” led by local prenatal/postpartum fitness expert, and FIT4MOM SV owner, Rachel Kitt. This practical and empowering talk will guide you through essential fitness tips for every stage of pregnancy, including your first months after giving birth.
Rachel will cover the best exercises to keep your body strong and energized during pregnancy, along with effective recovery techniques for after baby arrives. Discover key moves to embrace, common mistakes to avoid, and how to adapt your routine as your body changes. Perfect for moms-to-be and new moms, this session will help you stay active, safe, and confident on your fitness journey.
About Rachel
Rachel Kitt is the proud owner of FIT4MOM SV, a seasoned prenatal/postpartum fitness professional, and a mom herself. With over 8 years of experience in the health and fitness industry, Rachel specializes in prenatal and postpartum fitness, helping moms feel strong, connected, and empowered at every stage of motherhood. Starting as a FIT4MOM client, Rachel was inspired to create a supportive community in her hometown, where women can focus on both their physical and mental well-being. Her expertise and personal experience as a mom make her an empathetic and motivating guide for mothers from pregnancy and beyond.
Topic: "Intro to Tantra/ Connecting Deeply with your Birth Partner"
(Wed. 2/26/2025 @ 6:30-7:30pm)
with Mari Exline Freitas from Doula by Mari and Embrace Tantra
Mari Freitas, A Tantra practitioner since 1995 trained by Renowned Tantra Guru Margo Anand DONA certified, prenatal specialties and trained with 27 years massage therapy…. Will have you in a divine space together.
Do you want to connect deeply with your partner before bringing home, baby? Learning the three key principles of Tantra that can help you have a more connected , loving , spiritual and empowered birth experience . You and your partner will learn to create your own sacred ”Birth dance “ using breath, movement and sound. Connect deeply with skills like deep eye gazing, conscious touch, creating sacred space, and honoring one another. This evening will connect you deeply like never before !
About Mari
Mari has studied the art of Tantra since 1995 with renowned practitioners from around the globe. Mari also , known as the “Massage Doula” , will teach you skills, not only to support your Birth journey , but enhance your loving relationship. With 29 years of massage expertise, be prepared to learn some incredible techniques to connect you deeply with your beloved.
Topic: "Surviving the First weeks with a Newborn and Getting Breastfeeding Off to a Good Start"(Mon. 3/31/2025 @ 6:30-7:30pm)
with Rotem Pearlson from Rotem Pearlson - Postpartum and Lactation Services
Coming soon!
About Rotem
Coming Soon!
Topic: "Benefits of Adjunctive Therapies During Pregnancy & Postpartum -Craniosacral Therapy, Massage, Naturopathic Medicine"
(Wed. 4/30/2025 @ 6:30-7:30pm)
with Michelle Kwock from Allay
Pregnancy and postpartum are transformative times that come with unique challenges for both moms and babies. At Allay, we believe in the power of adjunctive therapies such as Craniosacral Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, and Massage Therapy to support your body’s natural healing process. These gentle, holistic treatments help ease discomfort, promote relaxation, and restore balance during such an important transition. Whether it’s relieving physical tension, managing back pain, alleviating headaches, reducing stress and anxiety, or supporting conditions like pelvic pain, sciatica, and postpartum recovery, these therapies provide essential care that complements your overall wellness journey.
For your baby, these therapies can help with issues like breastfeeding difficulties, colic, gastrointestinal issues, and developmental challenges. Taking the time to nurture yourself and your baby with these therapies isn’t just about feeling better—it’s about honoring your body’s incredible capacity to heal and adapt.
About Michelle
Michelle is a dedicated Craniosacral Therapist focusing in pregnancy, postpartum, and infant care. She has completed advanced education programs in human lactation and naturopathic medicine, and is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and naturopathic doctor.
Through craniosacral therapy, Michelle has supported babies with conditions such as tongue tie, torticollis, muscle tension, colic, breastfeeding difficulties, and gastrointestinal issues, Michelle is passionate about enhancing birth outcomes, improving pregnancy and postpartum care, and promoting infant comfort as well as breastfeeding success.
Topic: "Promoting Your Baby’s Development from Birth"
(Wed. 5/28/2025 @ 6:30-7:30pm)
with Laura Todd (LPCC) from Laura Todd Mental Health Services
How can you start your child’s development on the right foot from day 1? What activities and interactions can help promote your child’s progress towards reaching important milestones in the first year? How will you know if your child is on the right track for reaching important milestones at the appropriate time?
This talk will focus on age appropriate activities and engagements you can have with your baby starting from birth and feel confident that they are making progress towards their developmental milestones. You will also learn about the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, a parent reported assessment, that can guide you on your child’s progress in their developmental from birth to 5 years old. Come and learn about your child’s development and gain the insight and confidence you want as a parent.
About Laura
Laura Todd (LPCC) is a mental health therapist and infant and early childhood mental health specialist with 10 years of experience in the field. Laura has helped hundreds of families throughout Santa Clara County with addressing issues of development, parent-child relationships, attachment, and trauma for children birth to 5 years old. Laura opened her private practice focusing on perinatal mental health in order to help parents start on the right path to becoming the parents they want to be before issues arise. She is passionate about mothers and fathers feeling positive and confident about how they are showing up as the parents they want to be for their children.
Topic: "Embracing Baby & Toddler Emotions"
(Wed. 6/25/2025 @ 6:30-7:30pm)
with Maria Abilock from PreSchool Family
Little ones can have such big feelings, seemingly out of nowhere. In this session, we will explore your experience with feelings, discuss your child's emerging feelings and baby/toddler emotional development, including the role of temperament.
Participants come away with simple and effective strategies such as developing a family vocabulary of feelings, active listening, sportscasting, and taking calm down breaks to support baby & toddler emotional development and family emotional health.
About Maria
Credentialed Parent Educator, Palo Alto Adult School; Infant-Toddler-Twos Lead Teacher with 20 years of experience at PreSchool Family