Motherhood comes with a lot of questions—and let’s be real, late-night Google searches usually leave you more overwhelmed than reassured. That’s why we created New Mom School Newport Mesa: to replace the confusion with expert guidance, research-backed support, and a community that truly gets it.
Today, we’re excited to introduce you to Becca Kushner, the incredible owner behind New Mom School Newport Mesa In this Q&A, Becca shares what inspired her to continue bringing this special community to life, plus answers to some of the top questions new moms ask about our programs.
Let’s dive in!
Why Did You Decide to Own New Mom School Newport Mesa?
Hi! I’m Becca, mom of two and owner of New Mom School Newport Mesa. In 2018 I earned my Master of Occupational Therapy and started working in pediatrics. I loved it, especially working with families who needed and wanted lots of education about their child and their needs. I continued working as an OT when I had my first daughter, Ayla, in December 2020.
When Ayla was born, many of my friends were also giving birth, and with limited access to resources during the pandemic, I noticed lots of my friends seeking advice from me. My husband always said it was because I would share my experiences honestly, openly and gently, both from the perspective of a new mom and a therapist.
I was working part time and wanted to expand a little. A close friend of mine had built her community at NMS a few years prior and connected me to Alex to teach a playgroup. It worked well with my expertise and my schedule, so I thought, why not?
In 2022, I had my second daughter, Romy. I was more immersed in the NMS community and began to shift more toward teaching here than working with clients. I was able to use my skills as an OT while truly connecting with moms and babies during such fragile times of life.
When the franchising opportunity came up, I knew it was the right move for me (and my family!). To be honest, I never saw myself in this position. I really struggled with the fact that I’d completed this higher education degree and wasn’t going to be using it in the traditional sense anymore. But, I realized, motherhood is an occupation, and this is the place where it starts.
Every New Mom School owner shares a common passion: making sure new moms never feel alone. Whether it was navigating postpartum recovery, building confidence, or finding a village of supportive friends, Becca’s story will inspire you to see what’s possible when moms have the right support.
What Topics Do New Mom School Newport Mesa Classes Cover?
Our signature 8-week series (one 90-minute session per week) covers everything new moms need to thrive, including:
✔️ Postpartum recovery and self-care strategies
✔️ Newborn sleep and feeding guidance
✔️ Mental health and emotional well-being
✔️ Finding your identity beyond motherhood
✔️ Navigating relationship changes and communication
✔️ Plus much more!
Every week, we bring in trusted professionals like pediatricians, lactation consultants, sleep specialists, and mental health experts to share insights—and answer every real-world question you have.
At the end of each series, we ask the moms if they’d like to reflect on their time in class and share something that stood out to them. Aside from the community and support they gained, they share how much they appreciated the information provided by our visiting experts. A mom once said, “this was the closest thing to a manual I’ll ever get”.
Can I Join New Mom School Classes if I’m Pregnant?
Yes— and it’s actually encouraged!
While our classes officially begin after your baby is born (starting around 3 weeks old), we recommend pre-registering while you’re still pregnant. Here’s why:
- You lock in your spot (classes often fill quickly!)
- You receive a $50 expectant mom discount
- It’s risk-free: we offer 100% refunds if your plans change
Expecting moms already have so much on their to-do lists. Checking off “register for New Mom School” provides the peace of mind that they’ll get a spot in class after their baby arrives!
You might also be interested in: Why Pre-Registering for a New Mom School Class Before Baby Arrives Is the Lifeline You Didn’t Know You Needed
How Big Are the Class Sizes at New Mom School Newport Mesa?
We keep our groups intentionally small—typically between 10–14 moms—to create a safe, supportive space for real conversations, shared experiences, and lasting friendships.
Many of our moms go on to form lifelong bonds that extend well beyond the 8-week series. In fact, so many groups continue getting together yearly to celebrate their kids’ birthdays and their growing families. It’s one of our favorite things to see!
What Local Experts Will I Have Access to By Joining New Mom School Newport Mesa?
One of the things that makes New Mom School Newport Mesa so special is the incredible lineup of Visiting Experts you’ll meet along the way!
I’ve personally vetted and hand-selected some of the top-rated experts in our local community across all the critical areas new (and second-time!) moms need support in. These trusted professionals bring essential care, education, and real-world advice to help you thrive during one of life’s biggest transitions.
By joining our classes, you’ll have direct access to this amazing all-star lineup:
- Pediatric Sleep Consultant – Heather Steffens, Certified Sleep Coach (Bonne Nuit Baby)
- Mental Health Therapist – Keira Merkovsky, LCSW, PMH-C (Counseling With Keira)
- Pediatric Occupational Therapist – Liz Koren, OTR/L, SWC (Pure Pediatrics)
- Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy – Hoag Pelvic Floor Therapist Team (Hoag Pelvic Floor Program)
- Psychologist – Meredith Hansen, Licensed Clinical Psychologist (Dr. Meredith Hansen)
- Marriage & Family Therapist – Chelsea Crow-Fuentes, LMFT, PMH-C, SEP (Fuentes MFT)
- Marriage & Family Therapist – Emily Pelky, LMFT, PMH-C (Emily Pelky Therapy)
- Pediatric Occupational Therapist – Brittany Glass, OTR/L, SWC, CLC (Eat Play Love OC)
- Parenting Coach – Hayley Goldberg, LMFT (Heart of Connecting)
- Professional Home Childproofing Service – BooBoo Busters (BooBoo Busters)
In addition to our wonderful visiting experts, we have the pleasure of holding two free support groups on a weekly basis:
Postpartum Adjustment Support Group – Tuesdays at 2:00pm with Marina Braff, LMFT, PMH-C
Breastfeeding Support Group – Wednesdays at 1:30pm with Shelly Jacobs, IBCLC, & Aarani Montanari, IBCLC
(And yes—every single one of them is passionate about helping new moms feel empowered, informed, and supported every step of the way!)
Can I Get the Cost of Classes Covered by Insurance or My Employer?
Often, yes! Many health insurance plans and employer education funds cover part—or sometimes all—of the program cost.
We’ll happily provide the paperwork and receipts you need to submit for potential reimbursement. It’s always worth checking with your HR department or insurance provider!
My Partner’s Skeptical About the Cost. What Can I Say?
It’s completely normal for partners to have questions. Here’s what we tell them:
When a mom feels confident, supported, and emotionally healthy, the whole family benefits.
- Mom’s mental and emotional health improves
- Partner relationships are stronger
- Babies feel more secure and connected
Our program isn’t just an investment in mom—it’s an investment in the entire family’s well-being.Still Have Questions? We’re Here for You!
If you have more questions about New Mom School Newport Mesa, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to walk alongside you during one of the biggest transitions of your life—with real support, expert advice, and a village that lifts you up.
💛 Pre-register today and join a community where you—and your new baby—can truly thrive.