By Nick Casey

Los Altos resident Dorothy Goor says help is on the way for new and expectant mothers. Today marks the beginning of her tenure as director of education and services of the Palo Alto branch of DayOne Center, which opens Thursday at Town & Country Village.

“It’s a one-stop concept,” said Goor. “We are trying to make life as easy for parents as possible.”

DayOne offers an innovative balance of classroom, library and natal supply store that attempts to simplify pregnancy by combining a variety of services under one roof.

Talking amid boxes containing inflatable balls and breast-feeding pillows, Goor said she was looking forward to the Thursday opening and the opportunity to bring the organization’s services to the Peninsula.

“Parents are overwhelmed during this time,” she said. “Many people have just arrived in the area and don’t have the structure of family and friends to support and advise them. DayOne is here to create a community for people during this time.”

Goor moved to Los Altos six years ago and is raising her three children in the community.

Classrooms in the back of DayOne will offer a variety of workshops including instruction in basic childbirth preparation, beginning sign language and infant massaging. Goor also anticipates a class about sex and parenthood, often, she said considered a taboo topic.

“The center is to be a destination, a place for people to build strong ties to one another while they go through similar processes,” she said.

Lactation consultants will be on call seven days a week, offering same day appointments - a service, Goor said which is essential for mothers whose schedule is not limited to the typical business week.

DayOne will also sell maternity and baby products - such as carriers, slings and humidifiers - not easily found in stores.

“As far as products go,” Goor added, “we try to keep varieties to a minimum, no more than two or three. We like to say that we do the research for the parents.”

Goor, who has experience as both a childbirth educator and a birthing doula, looks forward to her new directing role in the Palo Alto center.

“The stars were aligned for me on this one,” she said. “We’re hoping to create a great atmosphere here, just like a parent’s own living room.”

DayOne Center will open Thursday at #27 Town & Country Village in Palo Alto. For more information, call 322-3291 or visit www.dayonecenter.com.