Isis Parenting, which provided classes, consulting and products for expectant and new mothers, announced yesterday it's closing all of its centers in the area - Back Bay, Arlington, Needham and Hanover.

The chain, which started in Brookline in 2003 - and which provided pre-natal classes for a number of local hospitals - broke the news on its Facebook page last night:

With heavy hearts, we announce the extremely sad news that Isis Parenting must close. Effective immediately, no classes or phone consults will take place.

A number of mothers said they were crying or near tears at the news - and some even offered to raise funds - on top of the fees they were already paying: