In traditional cultures, extended family, friends, and community surround the new family after a baby's birth. They assist with everyday tasks, such as going for that dreaded midnight walk with a sleepless infant. It's a uniquely modern-era phenomenon for a mother (or father) to be alone with a baby.

Yet, sometimes the sheer act of getting out the door - with baby carrier, pacifier, stroller, diapers, wipes, toys, and any other essential gear - can feel like a feat of strength, not for the uninitiated. Plus, you never know when a crying fit or naptime might suddenly strike.

Why not stay close to home, in Ballard?

Here are Ballard resources and classes for new parents. Get out with the new addition, show her off, and make a few new friends to help with these exhausting and exhilarating times.

Support Services:

Footsteps for New Moms meets weekly on a drop-in basis. Staff members facilitate discussion and invite experts to share on topics such as ergonomics, breastfeeding, work-life balance, and other practical aspects of new motherhood.

Cost: $5 per meeting

Schedule: Tuesdays from 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

Register: No registration required, drop-in. Call 206-781-9871 for more information.

Location: Gracewinds Perinatal Services, 1421 NW 70th St.

Lactation Consultants are available to help when breastfeeding doesn't go easily. Advice on positioning, infant weight gain, supply, and other challenges.

Cost: $160 for initial visit, $140 for follow-up visit; Some health insurance plans cover lactation consultations.

Schedule: Monday through Saturday, by appointment

Register: Call 206-781-9871 for information and appointments.

Location: Gracewinds Perinatal Services, 1421 NW 70th St. or in-home

Listening Mothers is an eight-week program for new moms. A trained facilitator leads in-depth topic discussions on the emotional aspects new motherhood. Day and evening options available.

Cost: $96 for 8 week series.

Schedule: Varies, call for moreinformation

Register: Call 206-275-0104 or visit http://www.listeningmothers.org.

Locations: Gracewinds Perinatal Services, 1421 NW 70th St; and Ballard Pediatrics, 7554 15th Ave. NW

MOMS Club Playgroups are organized by birth dates, and held weekly in member homes. Monthly meetings at the Ballard library, bookclubs, and park dates are just a few of the other options offered.

Cost: $25 per year

Schedule: Varies, contact for more information

Register: See website http://www.momsclubseattlenw.org/

Location: Varies, contact for more information

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Meetings provide support from a Christian perspective, to moms of newborns and up.

Cost: Suggested donation of $5 per week

Schedule: Every other Wednesday, 9:45 a.m. to 12 p.m., starting in September

Register: Drop-in, call 206-781-5154 for more information.

Location: Westside Church, 7758 Earl Ave. NW

The New Moms' Support Group includes speakers who discuss a variety of topics concerning the health and well-being of moms and babies. 90-minute meetings take place once a week, for eight weeks.

Cost: $40

Schedule: Varies, call for information

Register: Call 206-781-6051

Location: Swedish Medical Center - Ballard, 5300 Tallman Ave NW

PEPS Newborn Groups run in 12 week-sessions for new parents, including moms, dads, and couples. PEPS groups are organized by area, meaning Ballard's baby boomlet is well-served. Morning, afternoon, and evening options available.

Cost: $125 for one parent, $175 for two parents to join a Newborn Group. Scholarships available upon request.

Schedule: Varies, depending upon group and leader

Register: Call 206-547-8570 Ext. 10 or http://www.pepsgroup.org/programs/join.htm

Location: Member homes

Classes for New Parents

Baby and Me is a gentle exercise class focusing on regaining strength in the abs and back after childbirth.

Cost: $35 mo/$8 class drop in

Schedule: Tuesdays 11:15-12:15 p.m., Thursdays 1:15-2:15 p.m.

Register: Call 206-781-6121

Location: Swedish Medical Center - Ballard, 5300 Tallman Ave NW

Ballard Infant Safety and CPR gives parents the skills to prevent safety risks and aid choking infants.

Cost: $40 per couple

Schedule: Offered three times per month, 2.5 hours, call for dates and times

Register: Call 206-215-3338

Location: Swedish Medical Center - Ballard, 5300 Tallman Ave NW

Baby Wearing is all the rage. What's the difference between a sutemi carrier and a rebozo wrap? Attend a baby wearing class to find out.

Cost: Free

Schedule: First Saturday of every month

Register: Call 206-781-9871

Location: Gracewinds Perinatal Services, 1421 NW 70th St .

Gymboree classes are rich with music, play, and sensory exploration. Parent discussion time included to help address new-baby issues.

Cost $198 per session (12 weeks).

Schedule Monday, Wednesday, or Friday at 1:15 p.m.

Register: Call 206-783-3741

Location: Gymboree Ballard, 2622 NW Market St.

Happiest Baby on the Block uses the techniques of Harvey Karp, M.D. to help new parents learn calming techniques with newborn, providing a solution to fussy nights.

Cost: $45

Schedule: Quarterly, next session starts July 21, Sep 22, Dec 1

Register: Call 206-781-9871

Location: Gracewinds Perinatal Services, 1421 NW 70th St .

Infant Massage encourages attachment and helps digestion. What more could a new mom ask for?

Cost: $85, includes handouts, oils.

Schedule: From 10:30 a.m . - 12:00 p.m. for 5 weeks, August 24 -Sep 21, Oct 5 - Nov 2

Register: Call 206-781-9871

Location: Gracewinds Perinatal Services, 1421 NW 70th St .

Mom and Baby Yoga provides a gentle workout for mom. Best of all - baby noises won't disturb the vibe of these yoga classes, so bring your littlest yogi with you.

Cost: $15

Schedule: Tuesday 1:45 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Register: Call 206-781-9871

Location: Gracewinds Perinatal Services, 1421 NW 70th St.

Lora Shinn is a Ballard freelancer and may be reached via bnteditor@robinsonnews.com