Posts Tagged ‘moms’
By Nicole Meltzer, RMT, CHt
Besides questions concerning childbirth, the next most frequent question I am asked by first-time expectant moms is “how do families afford the cut in income while on maternity (or paternity) leave?” From my own experience as a self-employed mom of two boys and from the ideas I received from mypostpartum moms over the years, I have compiled what I consider to be the top 5 ways to save money in the first year of your child’s life.
1. Breastfeed – Besides the well-documented health benefits for both mom and baby, you can’t find a better way to save money. The truth is formula is expensive and breastfeeding is free! Breastfeeding doesn’t come naturally for some women, so if you experience difficulties, seek out some of the fantastic support available from lactation consultants, postpartum doulas and La Leche League. Although there are some women who are unable to breastfeed due to medical reasons, most women, with the right support, are successful with perseverance.
2. Cloth Diapers – Disposable diapers are not only costly for your pocketbook but also for the environment. Cloth diapers are much more economical and are easy to use. If you can’t stomach the idea of washing them, there are cloth diaper cleaning services. However, if you really want to save money, wash them yourself. Once you’ve done it a few times you become desensitized! Anyway, once your baby is past the 3 week mark chances are you’ve already been peed on, pooped on and/or vomited on! My husband and I did a rough calculation on the money we’ve saved by using cloth diapers and it’s over $1000. The best part about using cloth diapers with your first child is, with subsequent babies, you don’t have to repurchase diapers!
3. Make your own Baby Food –The best way to ensure you know what your child is ingesting is to make the food yourself. It’s very simple and is quick if you have the right tools. Take a class to learn how – the investment of time and money will pay off!
4. Join local mom/dad’s groups – There are many groups who meet regularly at each other’s homes. If your days are filled with play dates at parks and others’ homes, you are less likely to feel the need to fill them with costly programs! The benefit too, is the potential for long-lasting friendships – for parents and children.
5. Learn to budget – Budget doesn’t have to be a bad word! Set up a simple spreadsheet with a column for inflow of money and a column for outflow of money. Each time you receive a bill or bank statement, enter it into the spreadsheet. You’ll quickly see where you’re money is going and where you can cut some corners. And as a bonus, you are setting a good example for your children on how to manage money!
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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
When Canadian mom Catherine SoYoung Choi was looking for a diaper bag she couldn’t find one that she loved she took matters into her own hands! Catherine designed and brought to market a fabulous line of diaper bags for the modern mom.
SoYoung Mother is a line of diaper bags and accessories that are stylish and fun as well as practical. We love that is shallow-bottomed so that you can actually see what’s lurking inside.
The contrasting interior with see-through pockets is great so you can see everything in the bag at a glance. It’s big enough to hold all you need and know where it is, but not too big that it’s unmanageable to carry around. The size also allows it to do double duty as a laptop bag, a must for mom entrepeneurs! Go from grocery to a networking event with one bag.
We love that Canadian moms are out there inventing and designing better products for us. The price of the bag ($150) is probably less than what I have spent on bag after bag, trying to find the right one. It also comes with a wetbag, stroller hook, change pad and checklist.
York Region Parent readers can save 10% off their order until October 31, 2008. ENter code YRP when checking out.
As everyone knows, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a reminder for women of all ages to take their health and the health of their breasts seriously.
If you haven’t done a Breast Self Exam before or talked to your doctor about this important topic, now is the time. I’m not a doctor, or an expert in breast cancer, just a mom who knows of too many other moms or moms-to-be with this disease.
Here are some ideas and sites that can help you gain knowledge and become empowered, because knowledge is power.
We are working hard to improve our event listings. We have added many events to our calendar, and if you would like to let us know of an event, just email us and we’ll post your event for no charge. York Region Parent is all about getting parents connected to their community!
