PRENATAL EDUCATION PROGRAM OFFERED ISLAND-WIDE
Expecting mothers are learning about pregnancy, postpartum, & positive parenting education!
The free five-session program is offered island-wide in Hilo, Waimea, Kona, Kaʻū, and Puna areas.
The engaging and educational curriculum is designed to help mothers throughout pregnancy and after birth.
Session 1: Mālama Ola Kino Hāpai, focuses on “Taking Care of my Pregnant Body”, and ways to cope and stay healthy 
during pregnancy.
Session 2: Mālama ‘Ohana, focuses on “Taking Care of my Family”, discussing positive parenting, managing stress, preterm labor, and an introduction to breastfeeding.
Session 3: Ho‘omākaukau No Ka Hānau ‘Ana, focuses on “Getting Ready for Birth”, teaching participants about preparing for labor and birth.
Session 4: Ho‘omākaukau No Ka Pēpē, focuses on “Preparing for Baby”, reviewing basic baby necessities, creating a postpartum plan, and discussing postpartum depression.
Session 5: Mālama Keiki, focuses on “Caring for my Child”, providing newborn care, safety, and infant massage information. All program participants receive a free pregnancy journal and calendar as well as an opportunity to win an infant car seat or breastfeeding pillow.
The Healthy Hāpai classes are facilitated by Leila Ryusaki who joined Hui Mālama in July 2017 to develop the Healthy Hāpai prenatal program initiative. Leila started her career in the healthcare field 20 years ago as a Pharmacy Technician in Hilo. In 2007, she accepted a position at North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital where she worked for 10 years. It was her work at the Waimea Women’s Center that piqued her interest in prenatal care. Leila worked in the ob-gyn clinic with four Certified Nurse Midwives to conceptualize and start a prenatal care group called Centering Pregnancy. She worked as Program Coordinator and Facilitator for Centering Pregnancy for five years. During her time as Program Coordinator, she furthered her training and knowledge by becoming a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), Childbirth Educator (CBE), Indigenous Breastfeeding Counselor (IBC), and Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT). Leila’s dedication and passion for prenatal and postnatal education has been integral in the planning the Healthy Hāpai program of Hui Mālama. She explains, “Pregnancy is not only about the birth of the baby. It’s also about the birth of the parents. We’re here to help with that transition.”
Learn more about Leila here.
MAMA TO MAMA BREASTFEEDING HAPPY HOUR
Let’s be Breast Friends! Connect online with other Mama and Mama-to-be. We’ll discuss all sorts of Breastfeeding and Parenting topics, so get your questions answered, share your experiences, and create community! This drop-in support group is FREE and open to pregnant and breastfeeding moms with babies from birth to 1 year old. To sign up, visit hmono.org/services.
Healthy Hāpai and Mama to Mama Breastfeeding Happy Hour are hosted and led by Leila Ryusaki
Interested in joining or learning more about these services? Sign-up here and we will contact you. Or call us at (808) 969-9220.