First Friends (Late Fall Series)
First Friends
Fridays | 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
Five-Week Series | $75 ($15 per gathering)
Hosted by Vivian Speen, IBCLC
Some of your baby's very first friends might be here. And you just might find a few of your first mom friends, too. 🤍
For Moms & Babies Ages 0–6 Months
Fridays | 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
Five-Week Series | $75 ($15 per gathering)
Hosted by Vivian Speen, IBCLC
Some of your baby's very first friends might be here. And you just might find a few of your first mom friends, too. 🤍
The early months of motherhood can be beautiful, overwhelming, exhausting, and everything in between. Sometimes, it helps to spend time with other moms who are right there with you.
First Friends is a welcoming five-week gathering where moms and their babies can connect, share experiences, and build genuine friendships. It's not a traditional baby class or formal support group, but a relaxed space to show up as you are, enjoy meaningful conversations, and spend time with others navigating the same season of life.
Whether this is your first baby or your third, there's a place for you here!
What to Expect
Each Friday, our small group of moms and babies will come together for 90 minutes of conversation and connection, with a gentle weekly theme to help spark discussion.
There's no formal curriculum, no pressure to participate in a certain way, and no expectation that your baby will be content the entire time. Feed, change, soothe, or snuggle your little one whenever needed!
Here's what makes First Friends special:
Meet Your Host: Vivian Speen, IBCLC
- Familiar faces each week: The same small group attends all five gatherings, giving friendships time to develop naturally.
- Thoughtfully guided conversations: Our facilitator introduces gentle discussion topics while leaving room for the conversations that matter most to you.
- Connection beyond River & Root: We'll also organize 1–2 casual, facilitator-led outings, like a coffee date or stroller walk, so families can continue getting to know one another outside our space.
Vivian is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and mom of two.
Before becoming an IBCLC in 2020, Vivian spent seven years working as a maternity nurse. She went on to support families through hospital-based lactation care and Baby Café, a breastfeeding support group.
With years of professional experience and a new baby of her own, Vivian brings both expertise and a personal understanding of the early months of motherhood. She's excited to help moms connect, share experiences, and find community during this special season of life.
All feeding journeys are welcome. First Friends is a community gathering, not a breastfeeding class or clinical support session.
Series Details
Ages: Moms with babies 0–6 months
When: Fridays, 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
Length: Five weekly, 90-minute gatherings
Where: River & Root, Barrington, NJ
Host: Vivian Speen, IBCLC
Cost: $75 for all five weeks ($15 per gathering)
When: Fridays, 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
Length: Five weekly, 90-minute gatherings
Where: River & Root, Barrington, NJ
Host: Vivian Speen, IBCLC
Cost: $75 for all five weeks ($15 per gathering)
Your registration includes: Five weekly gatherings with the same small group, guided conversations, and 1–2 additional facilitator-led social outings.Registration: We're currently offering full-series enrollment only, rather than individual drop-ins, to help families build relationships over time.
A Few Things to Know
- First-time moms and moms welcoming another baby are equally welcome.
- Feeding, changing, and soothing your baby are always welcome.
- All feeding methods are welcome.
- We encourage attending all five weeks whenever possible. Missed gatherings are nonrefundable and cannot be credited toward another class.
- Details for our additional outings will be shared with enrolled families.
Your baby is just beginning to discover the world. You deserve a little community along the way, too. 🤍
Validity
From 11/13/26 until 12/17/27. Visits must take place within this period.