Archive for the ‘expecting’ Category

Finest Expressions - Designer Gifts & Gift baskets specializes in unique and beautiful handcrafted baby gifts. Gifts to suit every budget and theme include:

• Finest Blossoms: Beautiful arrangement of baby clothing presented in a bouquet style. Contents include baby layette sets, blankets and towels.

• Baby Blooms: These are incredibly delightful baby sock bouquets presented in long stem roses’ style, complete with baby’s breath and flower box.

• Diaper Cakes: Baby cakes are non-edible delights made out of premium brand name diapers. Special baby treats include baby clothing, toys, blankets and baby toiletries.

• Candy Bouquets: Give these delicious treats as a new baby or birthday gift. Better yet, have them as centrepieces at your next baby shower or special event!

Finest Expressions also custom designs gifts using your theme and budget! Special Offer: For limited time only; 10% off all custom designed diaper cakes.  Just mention York Region Parent when you order.
Also available are DIY Baby Shower Favour Kits.

I find writing reviews on clothes hard to do, because isn’t a shirt just a shirt?  That is what I thought until my package from barley and birch arrived. I have bought lots of organic clothes for my kids,but these are my favourite.  As a mom, the “cool” factor is important to me, but so is the fact that a shirt will last a long time and look good!  And  can say many, many washes our barley and birch gear is a favourite of both me and the kids.

Our 4 year old loves the cactus tshirt we got him, and I love no matter what the stain is (strawberries, grass or something that we have no idea what it is!) it comes out with no effort what-so-ever.

Other than looking super cool in our gear, we know that buying from barley and birch is a good idea for the planet.

Environmentally, we decided to make every single facet of the line carbon neutral. Not only do we offset any emissions created by production and shipping, but we work with manufacturers and suppliers that are largely powered by solar energy. We chose only certified organic cotton and water-based inks, so we do not pollute the air and water with chemicals. We are made in the United States, so we do not emit the massive amount of carbon associated with trans-ocean shipping. We are largely paper-free and any paper involved with the line is 100% post-consumer recycled. Essentially, we chose to go beyond the level of convenience to be fair to our planet and to our customers.

Check out the stores below to purchase your barley & birch:

eConscious Market
www.econsciousmarket.com/site/Vendors/barley_and_birch/

fawn&forest
http://www.fawnandforest.com/designers/239/products

Gretchen & Grace
www.gretchenandgrace.com

Saturday May 2, 2009 @ 10:30 a.m.

Wild Child Baby Boutique - 262-Main Street South, Newmarket www.mywildchild.ca

There’s nothing in the world that compares to having your baby in your arms - the feeling of a sleeping child against your chest, the sweet-smelling, down-covered head under your nose. In the early days with a newborn, mothers have time to enjoy these moments. Then reality sets in.

Baby is still dependent on you for nourishment, care, and comfort but everyday tasks and errands demand your attention. And you may have other children who need you. Life goes on, and there is always too much to do. But busy mothers do not have to give up the bliss of keeping baby close. They can accomplish those tasks that need to be done and still enjoy their baby’s companionship by “wearing” the baby in a carrier. According to Dr. William and Martha Sears, “Baby wearing does good things for babies, and it makes life easier for mothers.”

Join Denise Martin, CD(DONA), Postpartum Doula, Childbirth Educator, Certified Breastfeeding Councillor and La Leche League Leader as we discuss and evaluate the benefits of baby wearing.  You will have the additional opportunity at Wild Child to practice using a sling and evaluate which style of infant carrier meets your fashion sense, and lifestyle.  If you purchase a sling on that day, you will receive a 15% discount on your purchase.

Though this is a free event, space is limited so please contact Wild Child to confirm your spot

@ 905-853-0500 or tazra@rogers.com

Our friends at Once Upon a Child In Newmarket have a fun coupon for March.  Take a peak and print it off to receive your discount.

Article By: Nicole Meltzer, RMT, CHt

When choosing which prenatal classes to take, the various options can be overwhelming.  Here are a few questions to help you focus on what classes will fit your specific needs.

Is this your first child?  Most classes are geared towards first-time parents.  Many people don’t realize there are classes for second, third, etc. time parents who just need a refresher on the basics of birth and newborns.

Where (& how) are you planning to give birth?  If you are planning a home birth, a hospital-oriented prenatal class is probably not for you!  Likewise, if you are planning a Cesarean, you may want to find a class that does not spend the bulk of its time on natural birth options.  If you are planning a medication-free birth (at home or in the hospital) you will want to research available classes in your area that focus on pain management.  These can include hypnosis, massage techniques, breathing techniques, yoga, as well as prenatal classes using the Bradley method or Lamaze.  The internet is a great resource to read about various options and to make an informed decision.

If this is not your first birthing experience, what would you change about your previous experience(s)?  Many parents look back on their first birthing experience and think about what would have worked better for them.  Most of the time this involves choices regarding pain management.  If you received an epidural and were dissatisfied with the experience you may want to consider classes in natural pain management such as the ones mentioned above.  

What information are you hoping to obtain from classes?  Are you looking for information to get you through labour and delivery only; or do you want information about newborn care?  Be sure to ask the organizer of the course for a list of topics covered.

Do you have a special need or circumstance?  Are you having multiples?  Do you have gestational diabetes or other health concerns?  Are you over the age of 35?  There are many classes specifically designed for different high-risk pregnancies.

Are you looking for a quick class with little time commitment; or are you looking to develop friendships with your fellow classmates?  Accelerated programs are often available for parents who are close to their due dates or have time constraints.  If you have time though, you may want to choose a class that covers the material slowly over the course of many weeks.  These classes often arrange a reunion after the babies are born.

Do you want to take a class as a couple or individually?  Traditionally, prenatal classes are geared towards couples.  Now we are seeing mom-based and dad-based classes.  They generally act as support groups where topics are discussed which may not be approached in co-ed atmospheres.

How many classes can you realistically commit to?  Money and time are generally your deciding factors for what you can or cannot do.  Narrow your needs down.  What must you learn?  What is a want versus a need?  Many parents choose to commit to one generalized prenatal class, such as with a doula or nurse, and one or two specialized classes, such as pain management classes or support groups.

I recommend parents do their research on available classes in their area during their first trimester and sign up for these courses as soon as possible.  They tend to book up fast as many are small classes.  That doesn’t mean you are too late if you are in your second trimester, but you may not get your first choice of times or classes.  Planning ahead, knowing exactly what you want from your classes, and researching all your options will ensure that you feel prepared and informed heading into this incredible time of your life.    ________________________________________________________________________

Nicole Meltzer, RMT, CHt is co-founder of Balanced Body Mind Spirit.  Through her specialization in fertility issues & prenatal care she helps parents conceive and achieve balance while on their journey into parenthood.  Nicole offers pre/postnatal & pediatric Massage Therapy; Hypnotherapy for children, fertility and childbirth; Reflexology; & Reiki.  She teaches a variety of classes including, Hypnosis for Childbirth, Tools for the Birthing Partner, Focused on Fertility, and Infant Massage.  To learn more, visit www.balancedbodymindspirit.com 

For moms and dads in and around Markham, Extraordinary Beginnings is a studio for infant inspirational play.  If you are looking for mom and tot classes or other fun things to do with your baby you should check out their web site for new exciting events. Their Mom’s Coffee Hour hosts different professional speakers every 2nd week concerning parenting.  As well, offering classes in Mandarin and Cantonese studio classes for children 0-5 years of age, and great inspirational classes for Infants and parents.

Call 905-471-6260 or visit our web site at www.extraordinarybeginnings.ca for more information and to try a FREE CLASS when you mention York Region Parent.

We have an extensive list of things to do in and around York Region this Family Day!  So check out our events and activities page and enjoy your day with your family this Monday Febraurt 16, 2009.

Attend a great event for new dads!

Free Prenatal Education Event - Whatʼs A Father To Do?  

Getting Dad Ready For Labour, Birth and the Postpartum Period

Dates:  Thursday February 26, 2009 @ 7:00 p.m. @ Prenatal Plus Pregnancy and Parenting Centre

Join Expectant Couples for the free Educational Event:  

Whatʼs A Father To Do?  Getting Dad Ready for Labour, Birth and Postpartum

This fun and interactive session will address and explore the following topics;

• Coping With Your Partnerʼs Pain
• Pain management techniques to practice together
• Communication during labour, birth and postpartum
• Helpful reminders for fathers and other birth companions
• How you can be an active and supportive dad 
• Taking care of your needs

Though this is a free event, please confirm your attendance indicating location and date to Denise (905) 836-4342 or denisemartin@rogers.com to assure comfortable seating. This free event is brought to you by York Region Doula CARE.

Watch the new director of Infant Mental Health Promotion (IMP), at SickKids, Chaya Kulkarni with host Cheryl Jackson of TVOntario’s show Your Voice, in a discussion “The Importance of Attachment - how attachment affects everything from learning to relationships” with panelists Kathy Jacyniak, a public health nurse with Make the Connection, Toronto Public Health, and Dr. Jim Sears, a pediatrician in California, author, and co-host of the television show, The Doctors.

You can view the video online here. 

Tune in to find out what attachment is, why it’s important, and what parents can do to form secure attachments with their children.

The episode will air live online at www.tvoparents.com Tuesday January 21, 2009 at 9pm, and will be broadcast on TVO January 25 at 6pm.
The episode will air live online at www.tvoparents.com TODAY at 9pm. It will also be broadcasted on TVO January 25 at 6pm

By Nicole Meltzer, RMT, CHt

As a Registered Massage Therapist of 7 years, I am still shocked by the number of people who view massage therapy as an indulgence.  Really – if it is an indulgence do you think insurance companies would spend millions of dollars on it each year?  Maybe it’s the misconception we have that everything good for us has to feel bad.  Massage therapy not only feels great but has many benefits during all stages of life – from birth to palliative care.  Pregnancy is one of the most crucial times in life when massage therapy can have the biggest impact on one’s wellbeing.

Each trimester has its challenges and massage can address most of them.  In first trimester, fatigue and nausea are the biggest complaints.  Massage in this trimester tends to have a relaxation focus; helping the body to rest and focus its energy on baby-building.  There are many pressure points and referral zones throughout the body which are avoided to prevent a miscarriage.  For this reason, it is best to only receive massage during first trimester if you are seeing a RMT with specialized prenatal training.

Second trimester looks completely different, treatment-wise.  For one, you are now unable to lie on your stomach, so treatment is done while lying on your side.  (Special note: Some therapists use a “pregnancy table” which has an opening for the belly so that you can lie on your stomach – feel free to e-mail me for my opinion on this!!).   In second trimester we start to work on preparing the body for delivery.  Your hips are moving; your ribs are expanding; and you may already be experiencing some swollen joints.  All of these discomforts of a rapidly changing body can be addressed.

Third trimester we become more aggressive in the preparation for childbirth.  All aches and pains and swelling are addressed.  As you get closer to your delivery, you may find that you need to shorten your treatments but receive them more often.  Once you are in your final week (or past your due date), with the permission of your midwife or OB, we can activate pressure points that can be labour-inducing.  This feels much better than having labour induced at the hospital with medication!  

Although massage therapy is great at alleviating the discomforts of pregnancy, there are also other benefits to receiving care throughout your pregnancy.  You have another set of hands monitoring the progress of your pregnancy.  The therapist can teach you helpful breathing techniques to be used during labour, as well as helping you isolate your strongest abdominal muscles.  In my experience, the babies of mommies who received massage during pregnancy also love massage and are quickly soothed by it.  This, alone, is reason enough to receive massage during pregnancy!

All registered massage therapists in Ontario are trained in the basics of pregnancy massage.  It is recommended though, to be treated by a RMT with specialized training in prenatal care.  This is especially important if you have any medical conditions (either pregnancy-related or not). 

So, back to our original question - is massage therapy during pregnancy a treatment or a treat?  I’d say both!

________________________________________________________________________

Nicole Meltzer, RMT, CHt is co-founder of Balanced Body Mind Spirit.  Through her specialization in fertility issues & prenatal care she helps parents conceive and achieve balance while on their journey into parenthood.  Nicole offers pre/postnatal & pediatric Massage Therapy; Hypnotherapy for children, fertility and childbirth; Reflexology; & Reiki in York Region.  She teaches a variety of classes including, Hypnosis for Childbirth, Tools for the Birthing Partner, Focused on Fertility, and Infant Massage.  To learn more, visit www.balancedbodymindspirit.com