Family and Newborn Photographer Serving the OKC Metro
New Mom School in Edmond, OK
When you begin the journey into motherhood, along with all the joy and excitement, the path feels filled with unknowns and questions. I was fortunate to begin my motherhood journey with some prior experience from supporting other mothers for several years and growing up in a large family. But still, it’s an entirely different experience when it’s your own child. Along with the endless questions and wondering, “Is this normal?” is a deep need for community. Motherhood can feel isolating, but how do you even begin to make mom friends?
That’s why I’m delighted to share today’s interview with Jacklyn Buckingham, the new owner of New Mom School in Edmond, OK. New Mom School is stepping in to address the significant needs of moms by offering support and resources in several different ways!
What is New Mom School?
New Mom School is a postpartum community for new moms and their babies coming to Edmond in February 2025. Our program combines community, support, and education to create a unique and enriching postpartum experience. We group moms together by their baby’s birth date, fostering connections and understanding. Our small class sizes (8-14 women and their babies) ensure a comfortable and supportive environment.
How did New Mom School get started?
New Mom School was founded in 2012 in Newport Beach, California. Our now President and CEO, Alexandra Spitz, was navigating her own challenging postpartum experience when she identified there was a lack of support, community, and resources for new moms. She set out to change the standard of care for women everywhere and built New Mom School from the ground up. By partnering with doctors and certified experts, she developed an evidence based curriculum that helps equip and empower new moms while at the same time fostering an environment where genuine friendships are formed. Today, New Mom School has served over 7000 moms and has 23 confirmed locations opening across the US, and counting!
How did you get involved in New Mom School?
I used to think I was invincible. I spent my twenties climbing the corporate ladder at a large tech company. When my husband and I decided to try to get pregnant, we embarked on a year-long battle with infertility. We were headed down the road of IUI treatment and right before our scheduled procedure, we found out we had conceived naturally! We were over the moon!
I loved being pregnant. I found it to be such a beautiful, profound, and empowering experience (though admittedly uncomfortable). We awaited our baby’s arrival with anxious anticipation.
Everything seemed to change course at my 40-week OBGYN checkup. I was offered a cervix check, during which my OBGYN broke my water without consent. What followed was an induction and a long, painful labor process. I felt disempowered, violated, and immense grief over the birth experience that I had envisioned.
Sophia was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen and I knew I should be so happy, but inside I felt disconnected and deeply sad. As sleep deprivation took its hold over the next several days I sunk into a dark fog I now know was postpartum depression.
I found comfort and encouragement through connecting with other new moms in my network. They pointed me towards the resources I needed and offered a judgement-free, safe space to share my struggles. It was truly life saving.
When I moved to Edmond I learned about New Mom School’s plan to expand across the US and I knew I had to bring it to Oklahoma. A few close friends had gone through the program and I saw what a difference it made in their motherhood journey.
I am so excited to see how this community touches the lives of young families here in Oklahoma. We are on a mission to change the standard of care for mothers and I could not be more proud to be a part of this movement.
What types of classes does New Mom School offer?
We offer classes for every stage of that challenging first year of motherhood – Newborn (0-3 months), Infant (3-6 months), Rising Toddler (6-12 months), and Second Time Moms. We partner with certified experts to provide premium education on essential topics like sleep foundations, pelvic health, and postpartum anxiety. Our trained instructors lead each 8-week class series, and an on-site lactation consultant hosts a free weekly breastfeeding support group. Members also enjoy additional resources, workshops, and pop-up events.
When should a mom sign up for New Mom School?
The best time for a mom to sign up is during her pregnancy. Not only is it $50 cheaper to do so, this allows us to track her due date and ensure she is slotted into the best newborn class schedule whether her baby arrives early, late, or on time. We have found that moms have so much going on once the baby arrives. It is SO helpful to have her postpartum support plan established ahead of time.
How long does a mom stay with New Mom School?
We have moms that start with the Newborn series and continue on through the Infant, Rising Toddler, and even Second Time Mom course offerings! That said, moms can join in on any of the individual series.
If you are a new mom and looking for parenting classes in Oklahoma City then definitely check out New Mom School!
other helpful posts…
– pregnancy and postpartum resources for new parents in OKC
author bio:
Charis of Charis Elisabeth Photography is a professional newborn photographer serving the metro OKC area during newborn photoshoots in the area of OKC, Edmond, Midwest City and more. In home, relaxed newborn sessions are her speciality and she would love to serve your family! She is a member of PPA, NAPCP and a recent Shine Photo Award Winner.
