A fab
mocktail
April 2019
The
i n r e t Ma
from a local mixologist Page 22
I ue!
Home birth
Everything you need to know Page 24
Sibling, meet Baby What to do after
the bi h Page 36
Pregnancy
Your most-asked ques оs answered Page 18
Infertility, miscarriage, adoption, birth
One mom’s story of
sur ng it a
Page 30
Geta of Brooklyn Park: Meet her newborn, Elena, on Page 5.
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The Tin Forest
Sun May 12 1pm & 3pm Akiko Fujimoto, conductor H. Adam Harris, host Emma Taggart, piano Lynne Warfel, narrator
The beloved children’s book The Tin Forest comes to life in this magical concert. Perfect for families and audiences of all ages that enjoy music and storytelling.
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612-371-5656 / minnesotaorchestra.org / Orchestra Hall / #mnorch PHOTOS Orchestra: Greg Helgeson; Fujimoto: Travis Anderson Photo.
APRIL
The
VOLUME 34 /// ISSUE 4
! e u ss I ty Mater ni
6 FROM THE EDITOR
Birth daze
Finding confidence to birth without fear isn’t so easy. 8 CHATTER
Do not disturb
A new app by an Edina mom helps parents unplug. 10 BUMP, BIRTH AND BABY
One of each
My hospital birth was great. My home birth was amazing. 12 THE UNCENSORED TODDLER
Less is more
A 1970s frame of mind might save your sanity. 14 SCHOOL DAYS
Know your values
Home birth 101
24
Everything you ever wanted to know about having your baby at home (well, almost)!
30
Infertility times two Arriving at a family of four can involve many twists and turns.
& About 52 Out CA L E N DA R
Crafting a family mission statement just got easier.
16 WORLD’S OKAYEST MOM
Double duty
Doing it all is the expectation for women — and it’s brutal. 18 ASK THE OBGYN
Doctor’s orders
Here’s what to do (and not do) during pregnancy. 20 BOOKSHELF
Women to know
Stories for kids about female role models abound these days. 22 IN THE KITCHEN
A fab mocktail!
Sibling bonding!
36
Our Charmed blogger (a mother of four) has discovered 10 ingenious ways to get kids invested in — and deeply in love with — a new baby.
ALSO INSIDE 4
April 2019 • mnparent.com
Baby 42 Camp 51 L I ST I NGS L ISTIN G S
The key ingredient in this drink is tea.
58 FROM OUR READERS
Hop to it
Check out your kids, happily basking in all things Easter.
CORRECTION In the March issue of Minnesota Parent, Dr. Tara Gustilo’s column on acupuncture was inadvertently labeled Ask the Pediatrician. Dr. Gustilo is the chief of obstetrics and gynecology at Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis.
About our Cover Star Name: Geta Devi Ramdihal Husband: Navendra Ramdihal Baby’s name: Elena Divya Ramdihal City: Brooklyn Park Due date: Feb. 14, 2019 Delivered on: Feb. 9, 2019 Baby’s weight: 6 pounds, 7 ounces Baby’s length: 19 inches Birthed at: Maple Grove Hospital Pregnancy cravings: Subway, waffles and cookies Birth story: My water broke at home; we went to the hospital and my doctor induced labor. After I did some good pushing, Elena came out crying with a full head of black hair. After seeing her, my heart was full of joy; it was the best thing that’s ever happened to me. She is God’s blessing.
What has surprised you most? She is here — with her smile and all her little stretches, which make me love her more and more. What’s more amazing is to see my Elena getting used to our family and our surroundings. I’m eagerly looking forward to the months and years ahead with my little angel, Elena. Advice for new mamas: Eat your vegetables and protein; drink your milk; take your vitamins. Keep all your doctor appointments. Always be close to your family and friends. And always remember to ask if you don’t understand something. Cover photo by Tracy Walsh Photography tracywalshphoto.com
JOIN THE REVOLT! mnparent.com • April 2019
5
FROM THE EDITOR
Birth without fear? P mnparent.com
PUBLISHER
Janis Hall • jhall@mnparent.com
SALES MANAGER AND CO-PUBLISHER Terry Gahan • tgahan@mnparent.com
GENERAL MANAGER
Zoe Gahan • zgahan@mnparent.com
EDITOR
Sarah Jackson • editor@mnparent.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Megan Devine, Katie Dohman, Ed Dykhuizen Shannon Keough, Christina Ries, Dr. Erin Stevens Susan Wangen, Tracy Walsh, Jen Wittes
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Valerie Moe • vmoe@mnparent.com
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Micah Edel
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Brenda Taylor
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Amy Rash • arash@mnparent.com
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April 2019 • mnparent.com
arents and parents-to-be: Welcome to our annual Maternity Issue! I’m so glad you’re reading this magazine. It’s filled with stories about the amazing phenomenon we call pregnancy as well as the miracle of birth. But to tell you the truth, I’m a bit conflicted about this issue, too. You wouldn’t believe how many stories we couldn’t fit into the magazine! So many local families shared their stories with me — and every Sarah with her son, Sam, at 2 days old. single one was beautiful and unique. Alas, I had to choose just a few. (Don’t worry, the rest will be coming out in future issues.) One that I chose was a remarkably thorough piece on home birth by postpartum doula and longtime Minnesota Parent writer Jen Wittes. In the article, Wittes quotes St. Paul-based birth photographer Raven Ivory about the single biggest influence on a person’s birth journey — fear. “Fear has the ability to intensify all sensations, the ability to shut down labor. Think of a giraffe in labor on the savanna. If a lion approaches, the baby doesn’t just fall out. The introduction of fear is great enough to cease labor long enough for the giraffe to escape. For me, birthing where I felt safest was my main priority. And I felt safest at home, surrounded by the things and people I love.” Yes! I love this comparison. And I love that we’re getting back to a time when we see birth as a natural process instead of a “medical emergency by default” as Ivory put it. And yet, I don’t want us to oversimplify all the emotions we might have around birth. Mantras like, “She thought she could, so she did,” can create unnecessary pressure and overly high expectations among parents. Choosing a place where you feel safe to birth might not take away all your fear. I follow a lot of birth centers and birth-oriented accounts on Instagram — such as Birth Without Fear and the Empowered Birth Project — and they are so informative and inspiring. They tell real stories and show vivid photos of what the birth and postpartum experiences are really like! And yet, they might not take away your fear. Labor is work. And it can be fairly painful work. Birth can be complicated. And it doesn’t always go exactly as planned. You might be afraid, even when you’ve done everything you can to get ready. The key is this: Don’t listen only to that fear. Don’t give fear a driver’s seat in your labor and delivery. Find strength in the fact that birth is natural. And you CAN do it, despite harboring doubts. You really can. In the end — like a wedding is to a marriage — your baby’s birth (or adoption!) will be just the beginning of something big, beautiful and life changing. And we’ll be here to help you every step of the way.
Sarah Jackson, Editor
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CHATTER
An app for peace of mind When you’re a parent — and you’re away from your kid a lot — it’s not easy to turn off your phone. What if there’s an emergency and your child really needs you? On the other hand, research shows that an always-on mentality isn’t healthy. Will you really gain all the benefits of that massage, yoga class or date night if you’ve got one eye turned toward your lock-screen notifications? And what about business meetings in which you need to be 100 percent focused or when you’re at the doctor’s office? Well, a Minnesota mother of four — Susie Melnick of Edina — has created a new app designed to allow parents, caregivers and employees to put down their phones and be more present in their lives — without neglecting their responsibilities. The StatusNow app allows users to customize real-time information about their availability for family, friends, coworkers, teachers or anyone who might need to reach them during the day. Users first set up private preferred contacts. They then create customized statuses, made easy with seamless calendar integration. When connections check the app, they can see the messages assigned for that time frame, such as: “I’m in a meeting until 5 p.m. If this is urgent, please call the front desk at 123-456-7890,” or “Please contact my child’s grandparents at 123-456-7890 if there’s an emergency.” The only tricky part of StatusNow is that preferred contacts must also download the app and create their own profiles before they can use it to check statuses (and vice versa). Fortunately, StatusNow provides templated introductory explainer text, plus downloadable introductory forms for schools and employers. “I felt an obligation to be available via phone 24/7,” Melnick said on statusnowapp.com. “There was a constant worry, if my phone’s ringer wasn’t on or if it wasn’t in my hand, that I’d miss a critical call. I look at my son who will soon be getting his first phone. I don’t want him living with his phone in his face. This is my desire — that StatusNow helps you stay connected when you disconnect.” The app is free for a limited time via Google Play and the Apple Store.
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April 2019 • mnparent.com
A maternity board book for parents Need a gift for that upcoming baby shower? Or maybe something fun for your pregnant self? Check out the brand-new, soon-to-beclassic: The Fruits of Your Labor: A Baby-Sized Guide To Your Baby’s Size. This 72-page, 6-by-6-inch board book begins with a sweet pea and continues to a watermelon. Each week of pregnancy is documented with endearing illustrations and playful quips that feature adult humor, but read as if directed toward the baby. Week 15, for example, reads: “This week you are the size of an: Orange. The name of the fruit was coined in the 1300s. Before the color was named in the 1500s. It literally took two hundred years.” Week 20: “Sweet potato. Sweet potatoes are roots. Wonder if they’ve ever met Questlove.” Learn more at powerhousearena.com.
Jen Wittes
BUMP, BIRTH AND BABY
My awesome home birth A
fter writing this month’s feature story on birthing at home (see page 24), I was inspired to continue the discussion here with my son’s birth story. Almost 12 years ago, my son was born at our then home in Poughkeepsie, New York. Two midwives, both named Susan, were in attendance and our street was lined with snowbanks 4 feet high after a massive blizzard. I walked through my early contractions — outside, in the middle of the night, parka over pajamas, senses heightened. I smelled the snow and even smelled spring beneath. It’s one of the clearest and dearest memories I possess. My decision to birth at home actually came in the second trimester, 18 weeks along or so. It wasn’t a firm belief in the practice or reading an Ina May Gaskin book that inspired the choice. The idea kind of seeped into the back of my brain, and eventually my gut — something I initially shooed away and then, finally, could not ignore.
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April 2019 • mnparent.com
I had a great hospital birth with my daughter — natural and without complication — but it was fast. I woke with a start, two minutes from the hospital, and showed up about 8 centimeters dilated. The second time around, fear of driving to my chosen birth center in New York, 40 minutes away, coupled with the knowledge that my body had done this well before, made home birth a reasonable choice. And though I did love my hospital birth and the amazing labor and delivery nurse on duty, I met the doctor who delivered my daughter only about five minutes before meeting my daughter myself — and then never saw the doc again. I didn’t sleep a wink in the hospital after birth — so many noises, tests and questions. Though initially a bit afraid, I pretty quickly cozied up to the idea of knowing my care providers well and sleeping well in my own bed, with Baby’s big sister nearby and welcome. It’s without judgment of other birth
choices that I tell you I’m intensely proud of my home birth. It still makes me feel like a badass, many years later. Why? Because I took the road less traveled and followed my instincts, in spite of worried comments from neighbors and fear-mongering from relatives. More than that, the experience itself is one that allowed me to connect to my own biology in a way that was more difficult in the hospital. I trusted the safety net that my midwives had woven beneath me, knowing that they would be all over me in the event of even the littlest sign of abnormality. Instead, they high-fived when I cursed at them and told them to stop telling jokes — because it meant that labor was progressing to transition. During labor, I walked in and out of the shower, free to wear as little or as much clothing as I wanted. I played a little Yahtzee — I remember distinctly — while watching a middle-of-the-night airing of Oprah. She was on a road trip with her best friend, Gayle, in pigtails. Engraved on my brain, forever — a silly part of my son’s birth story — Oprah, in pigtails. I drank tea and ate toast. We looked at our wedding album with the midwives. I settled into the delivery in my daughter’s Hello Kitty-themed room. (She had fallen asleep in our bedroom watching a movie.) I decided, at that point, that I was afraid — not of home birth — but of having two kids. In that crazy, doubtful haze of late-stage labor, I told one of the Susans, “I don’t think I can handle two.” Knowing me and birth and women so well, she replied, “You can’t walk away from your baby. You are pushing right now. Here — lean on my shoulders — bear down on me.”
EXERCISE PREGNANCY STUDY The University of Minnesota is seeking women who are currently less than 20 weeks pregnant to participate in a research study examining the effect of exercise and wellness on mood following childbirth.
BABY STUFF
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ESTUDIO SOBRE EL EJERCICIO DURANTE EL EMBARAZO La Universidad de Minnesota está buscando mujeres con menos de 20 semanas de embarazo para participar en el estudio de investigación que examina los efectos del ejercicio y la salud del estado de ánimo posterior al parto
• Program delivered to you via the mail and phone
• Programa ejecutado vía correo o teléfono
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Debe ser mayor o igual a 18 años de edad
• Must not currently exercise regularly
• No debe hacer ejercicio regularmente
• Must not take antidepressants
• No debe tomar antidepresivos
• You will receive $100 & a FitBit for your time (you will be allowed to keep the FitBit after the study is over)
• Usted recibirá $100 y un FitBit por su tiempo (será permitido quedarse con el FitBit después de la culminación del estudio)
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• Must be considered low-income, defined as: - Enrollment in any government assisted program (e.g., WIC, SNAP) AND/OR - Annual income that is considered low (less than $45,510 for a family of four, less than $30,044 for a family of two, and less than $22,311 if single). English: Call or TEXT to 612-345-0325 or mompro@umn.edu to see if you qualify for this research study.
U of M - Kinesiology Dept MNP 0318 S3.indd 2
- Inscripta en cualquier programa asistencial del gobierno (por ejemplo, WIC, SNAP) Y/O - Ingresos anuales considerados como bajos (menos de $ 45,510 para una familia de cuatro, menos de $ 30,044 para una familia de dos y menos de $ 22,311 si es soltera). Español: Llamada o TEXTO 612-237-1004 o mompro@umn.edu para ver si califica para éste estudio.
2/14/18 11:13 AM
$12–$24 • vivaiodays.com
When I became annoyed — insert expletives — with all the Hello Kitty in the room around me, I went downstairs and the midwives, of course, followed me. Then, because it seemed like the right thing to do, I got down on my knees on the woven, sunset-colored rug on the hardwood floor, leaned my upper body on the oversized armchair and gave birth to my son, eyes pressed to the faded fabric. I didn’t look up once — didn’t wonder about the mess, didn’t worry who would catch him or if he would be OK. The Susans had me. I had me. I had this. And it was extraordinary. Jen Wittes is a marketing director, writer, certified postpartum doula and mom of two living in St. Paul. mnparent.com • April 2019
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Shannon Keough
THE UNCENSORED TODDLER
A parenting philosophy of less I
n this world of modern parenting, there are certainly plenty of things we “should” be doing for our children — such as providing healthy, home-cooked meals; urging them into the great outdoors for “unstructured play;” and enrolling them in empowering martial arts classes, to name just a few. There are also things we most certainly should not be doing — like allowing them to indulge in too much “screen time;” feeding them Spaghetti-Os by the hour; and staging elaborate public spanking rituals in the kindergarten classroom. (In other words, the things that “built character” — and precipitated antidepressant prescriptions — for my generation.) With all these requirements, it’s only natural that we parents often become little more than service providers. After a typical day of preparing various meals, working, enforcing the completion of worksheets, encouraging states of boredom that will surely lead to creative innovation and staring in despair at my List of Things To Do (1: Dispute the property tax assessment that increased our mortgage by $400 a month. 2: Dump Comcast. 3: Schedule all “yearly” exams that have been on hiatus since 2011. Etc.), I often find myself wondering, “Do I even exist?” I don’t think I’m alone in feeling more like a 24-hour task-robot than an actual human with a purpose in life that extends beyond making enough money to pay the monthly installment-plan medical bills. Wherever I look, I witness the anxiety of over-extended parents wondering how everyone else “does it.” (Theory: Most don’t.) But visit any parenting-related Facebook group and you’ll find an endless array of well-meaning suggestions for streamlined parenting success: Hire a housecleaner!
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April 2019 • mnparent.com
Order meal delivery kits! Hire a babysitter to drive your kids to their many activities! Of course, these things cost money and also come with their own hidden labor costs — finding the housecleaner, negotiating the price, figuring out how to cancel the automatic payments on the meal-kit service that failed to revolutionize your life, etc. For this reason, I’ve chosen to embrace a parenting philosophy of less. I’m lowering the bar. I’m trying to get down to brass tacks.
teddy bear theme, extreme parent involvement is de rigueur these days. But it doesn’t always have to be that way. When you need to do something with your kids, try playing this game: “What would a 1970s parent do?” The answer is almost always, “Very little.” In other words, wordlessly hand your children a ball and send them into the backyard. Remember, it’s good for them to make their own fun. You’re making them resilient!
Case study: The Great Outdoors
Case Study: Food
Many outdoors-y kid things seem to require so much effort. Whether you’re dragging their skiing equipment half a mile over a sheet of ice to their lesson on “Mount Como” or driving all the way to Stillwater to visit some playground with a
I care about feeding my kids healthy food. I really do. I want them to eat well. I want them to “try new foods because it might taste GOOO-OOOD!” (Thanks, Daniel Tiger.) But I don’t need to become a chef about it. I’m so bored of reading judge-y food journalism that proclaims we all “must” learn how to properly roast a chicken or make stock or whip up homemade crust because the frozen kind is “tragic.” When it comes to making food for your children, I would like to promote the “one thing” rule. Basically, this means every meal should feature “one thing” that’s fresh, homemade or otherwise “healthy.” So for example, you could supplement a sad meal of Chilitos from Zantigo with a salad or a sliced-up apple. Fancy up a grocery store rotisserie chicken and some 90-second-ricefrom-a-bag with some roasted broccoli (400 degrees, 15 minutes-ish, with garlic, olive oil and lemon juice). Take the time you would’ve spent agonizing over some squash risotto or whatever and plot how you’re gonna stick it to Comcast instead. Shannon Keough lives in St. Paul with her husband and two children. Send questions or comments to skeough@mnparent.com.
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mnparent.com • April 2019
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Our family mission statement There’s some discussion about the piles until a set of clear winners emerges. Then families flip the cards over and choose from an action that shows how they’ll carry out the value. For example, the Authenticity card includes the following statements: ⊲ We are real. Photo by Sarah Glad
Y
ears ago, I was a member of a strategic planning committee that was revamping our school district’s mission statement. The process was empowering and thoughtful and helped our district faculty and staff clarify the commitments we wanted to make to our students. I was impressed by one of my colleagues, who took the process home and facilitated the creation of his own family mission statement. At that time, I was in the thick of the baby world, just keeping my head above water, providing for the needs of four young children while working full time. The idea of creating a family mission statement sounded great, but seemed a bit overwhelming. Now that my children are all school-age, my husband and I are still providing for their needs, but we’re also working, with intention, to parent with purpose. We’re striving to make strong connections with our kids and to instill strong values so they can grow into stable, productive and contributing members of society.
There’s a kit for this! I was recently inspired — by Sarah Glad, a Burnsville mother of three — to revisit the idea of creating a family mission statement
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April 2019 • mnparent.com
in a simplified, meaningful and creative way with one of her family mission statement kits, which she offers at whowearefamily.com. Glad said her desire to get clear about her family’s values inspired the kits. “Through our parenting journey, I’ve been interested in clarity — and the confidence that comes with it,” she said. “I craved a framework that would serve as a checkpoint, a decision-making filter and a way to concisely convey our family identity.” Our family gave it a go and found the process manageable and fun — and we’re delighted with the sign that we have displayed proudly in our home. See a photo of it with this story at mnparent.com/meg.
The process The kits come simply and attractively packaged with instructions and a set of value cards. Glad said her son, Jack, had the idea to use the cards, which state a value on one side and list actions that demonstrate that value on the other side. The result is a concrete, engaging and efficient process for narrowing down the values you hold most dear: Families sort the cards into yes, no and maybe piles, reflecting the importance of a particular value.
⊲ We respect ourselves and others. ⊲ We own our mistakes and learn from them. ⊲ We hold ourselves to a standard of grace, not perfection. ⊲ We let our light shine. Families choose a statement that sounds like them, or write their own. Through this process, families end up with a set of action statements related to the values they chose. When the process is finished, you process your order by submitting your family mission statement to Glad’s website.
Paying up front Glad designed her products so that displayable signs of the family mission statements are included with the purchase of the kits. You can choose a poster ($75), a poster with a frame ($100) or a birch wood sign ($125). “It’s a way to motivate families to make time to create their statement,” Glad said. “Additionally, the mission statement isn’t useful if it’s not displayed where everyone can see it every day. We use ours for parenting and financial decisions. It also helps us feel a sense of unity, and guides us as we create goals.”
SCHOOL-AGE STUFF
Family poster kit If your family is into crafting, you might consider the Craft-tastic Make Together “Who We Are” Poster Kit from Ann Williams. Families choose from three different designs, cut out the words that describe their family and decoupage them however they choose on the poster. $19.99 • creativekidstuff.com
The whole process takes about an hour. Our family shared the conversation starters and determined our family values and actions over the course of three dinnertime conversations. It was fun and meaningful to go through this process with our kids ages 7, 9, 11 and 13, as everyone had a voice and contributed to the product. This was a great family activity and would be fun gift idea, too.
Finding your values Glad said the kits can work well for families with kids of any age — or even for couples expecting their first child or blended families working to create new shared value systems. Some parents have chosen to complete the steps as a couple and then share the results with their younger kids; others have included younger children and then adjusted the wording to make it understandable. Many of Glad’s clients have commented that not only do they love having a mission statement, but they also enjoyed having rich, deep family conversations — and we all know that can be hard to do organically! Megan Devine is an elementary school teacher who lives in Northeastern Minnesota. Follow her blog — Kids, Lakes, Loons and Pines — at megdevine.com. mnparent.com • April 2019
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Katie Dohman
WORLD’S OKAYEST MOM
The double shift persists I
found out I was in preterm labor with my first child about 31½ weeks into my pregnancy. So I spent seven weeks on bedrest working from my laptop — I was even supposed to limit my trips to the bathroom — because I had to save my shortterm disability pay for maternity leave. The possibility of a NICU stay was looming, so I was scrimping and saving each hour as best I could. Luckily, her birth was early term, we didn’t need the NICU and back to work I went after 12 weeks. By the time I got pregnant with Remy, I had “quit my job” and started freelancing. During that second pregnancy, I had debilitating nausea right up until the labor, so I often stopped writing to puke for a while. I spent more weeks on bedrest. After he was born, I took about 48 hours off, and then was back working, a new
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beautiful baby sleeping on my chest. There was no short-term disability (a term I abhor for maternity leave) and no benefits. This was called a certain kind of freedom. Both children, meanwhile, fought the bottle with everything they had. With Ruby, I was called away from my office job to feed her. My milk started to tank from the stress. Remy started reverse cycling, so I was up all night feeding him. Then he refused to sleep at daycare. Totally sleep deprived and freaking out, I pulled them both out of daycare — her at age 3 and him at 6 months — and resolved to work from home with both of them in tow. I was supposed to be grateful. When I was in preterm labor with our third, Eero, I called a client from my hospital bed, because we were under a tight deadline for a huge launch and I didn’t want to lose the project. (To their
credit they called me “nuts,” but I had learned from prior experience with others.) I took a “luxurious” two-week break, and then worked from home with him until he was 9 months old. Writer Amy Westervelt tweeted recently: “We expect women to parent like they don’t work, and work like they don’t parent.” Hooooooo, did I feel that. I’ve lived this. And I fully acknowledge the privilege I have, being able to set my hours, to make enough to live on, to be able to cover my medical bills with some careful money management, to not be held to an hourly job where one missed shift means your timecard is burned. But I’ve been moved off projects because of my kids’ needs, including our family’s serial influenza/pneumonia/RSV extravaganza of 2018. I’ve struggled to balance all the demands, despite an ever-present, task-sharing partner. I’ve also done some of the very best, most creative work I’ve had the privilege to do. I’m better at my job — which does feed my soul — than I have ever been. I saw a piece by Emma Jacobs recently in the Financial Times that acknowledged how women’s issues, particularly parenting, have always been examined with a lens that considers them “twee.” Until you live it yourself. There’s literally nothing fluffy about being a working parent. It’s hard as hell, even when you have it easy. I know parents who have had to go back to work after two weeks, after six weeks. As the podcast The Double Shift recently acknowledged, even dogs get more time with their puppies BY LAW than humans do. But neither side of me ever turns off.
MOM STUFF
Cultural solutions I cannot wait to read Amy Westervelt’s book: Forget Having It All: How America Messed Up Parenthood — And How to Fix It. Read with me. Follow her on Twitter: @amywestervelt. $27 • amazon.com
My life informs my writing, even when I’m not writing this column. And my reflections that come from my working ideas inform my parenting, too. Plus, my work feeds my children and I love and worry about them every moment of every day. I am not one without the other. None of us are. I am stronger, smarter, more compassionate, more creative because of that. And that’s why we need to be loud and demand to be respected and acknowledged. Don’t make yourself small. Parent and work, work and parent, we are WHOLE pieces. We cannot be halved.
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Katie Dohman is currently living in the midst of a total full-house renovation with her three kids, two pets and one husband. Follow her adventures at instagram.com/dohmicile.
mnparent.com • April 2019
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Dr. Erin Stevens
ASK THE OBGYN
You’re pregnant! Now what? You might be equal parts thrilled and terrified, and will likely have a lot of questions when it comes to nutrition, activity, the latest dos and don’ts, and everything else surrounding pregnancy, labor and delivery — never mind parenting. We’re here to help with some of the top questions we see in our practice:
Q What vitamins and supplements should I be taking? A We encourage women trying to get
pregnant, who are pregnant or who are breastfeeding to take a daily prenatal vitamin for women. The most important component of this vitamin is folic acid or folate, which is a B vitamin needed to support normal development of a baby’s brain and spinal cord. Folate is the natural form of this vitamin, which doesn’t require extensive metabolism and is more fully absorbed. It’s found in leafy green vegetables and beans as well. Most prenatal vitamins also contain DHA, another important element for the baby’s brain development. DHA can also be found in fish and some milk and eggs. If your prenatal vitamin doesn’t contain iron (most gummy versions do not), make sure you’re taking an additional iron supplement. Finally, it’s important to consume an adequate amount of calcium for development of your baby’s bones, teeth and muscles. This is a component of prenatal vitamins and can be found in dairy products, dairy alternatives, broccoli and kale.
Q What products should I avoid? A Many products we use every day
contain chemicals, and we don’t have enough good research that assesses exposure to all of these chemicals in pregnancy. For most chemicals, high levels of exposure — that go beyond a
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typical person’s level of use — would be required to cause birth defects. It can be helpful to limit use of some items out of caution and opt for more “natural” alternatives. ⊲⊲Talk with your health-care provider about all medications you’re taking as soon as you know you’re pregnant. Bisphenol-A (BPA) is found in many plastic food containers and may increase rates of miscarriage and birth defects. ⊲⊲Parabens, phthalates and phenols — which are found in many soaps, lotions and hair products — can disrupt fetal hormones, so much so that a recent study showed a correlation with early onset of puberty in female offspring. ⊲⊲Excess vitamin A is linked to birth defects. Isotretinoin (also known as Accutane) is a vitamin-A-derived medication used for skin conditions, including severe acne and is associated with significant birth defects and developmental problems. ⊲⊲Do not smoke during pregnancy, and avoid second-hand smoke as much as possible. ⊲⊲Do not use illicit drugs in pregnancy. ⊲⊲Do not consume alcohol during pregnancy. Because it’s extremely difficult to create a controlled study of alcohol use in pregnancy, no one
can recommend any safe amount at any time during pregnancy. ⊲⊲Caffeine consumption of about 200 mg daily (think one to two measuring cups of coffee) is thought to be generally safe. If you can avoid it altogether, that’s likely best, since more recent evidence suggests smaller amounts may have some effects on the growth of a baby. ⊲⊲If you have a cat, someone else should be in charge of managing the litter box. Taking on that role may expose you to a parasite called toxoplasma, which can damage a baby’s organs, especially the brain and eyes, and lead to stillbirth. ⊲⊲If your job or home life exposes you to lead, pesticides or radiation, discuss precautions with your healthcare provider.
Q What vaccinations should I receive?
A During flu season, a flu shot is recommended for pregnant women at any stage in pregnancy. Pregnancy makes a person more susceptible to the flu in general and to much more severe complications from the virus. Pregnant women and their babies can die due to severe illness from the flu. The Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccine is also recommended for all pregnant patients between 27–36 weeks of pregnancy. The most important component of this is protection against pertussis, most
commonly known as whooping cough, which can be deadly for babies. A mother’s vaccination provides some passive immunity to the baby, so the baby has some protection from the condition in the vulnerable newborn period. This vaccination is recommended for patients regardless of when they last received a “booster” shot (typically every 10 years for non-pregnant adults).
Q How should I change my diet? A Avoid large fish (think swordfish and
tilefish) as they can contain large amounts of mercury, which in excess can contribute to developmental problems for the baby. Smaller fish like salmon are OK and can be helpful for a baby’s brain development. A dangerous bacterium called listeria can be found in deli meats and hot dogs. If you have extreme cravings and cannot avoid these foods completely, make sure you cook them either in a frying pan or in the microwave until they’re visibly steaming hot. Make sure all dairy products you consume are pasteurized (versus raw). During pregnancy, it’s important to wash all foods and vegetables thoroughly and cook all meats completely.
Q Can I travel by air? A Most airlines will allow pregnant passengers to fly until about 36 weeks. On flights and long car rides, make sure you get up frequently to stretch your legs to prevent blood clots. Nobody (including
yourself!) wants you to have a baby in the air, so be safe and don’t board a plane if you’re having labor symptoms. Be aware there’s still a high risk of Zika virus in many countries. Exposure to this virus can be severely detrimental to a baby’s growth and development, particularly brain development. Refer to the Centers for Disease Control website for country-specific information and recommendations regarding potential Zika exposure. Note that Zika exposure among male partners throughout the pregnancy can also affect the baby.
Q How should I sleep? A By around 20 weeks of pregnancy, you should avoid sleeping flat on your back. By this time, your uterus is large and pushes down on the big vessels in your belly, which can interrupt blood flow — and thus oxygen delivery — to your heart, your brain and the placenta. Try using body pillows to help position yourself so you don’t roll onto your back while you’re asleep.
Q How many ultrasounds will I get? A Although it can be fun to see images of
the baby, frequent ultrasounds aren’t medically necessary for most pregnancies. Often an ultrasound will be obtained midway through the first trimester to confirm the timing of the pregnancy and assess the number of fetuses: You’ll likely
want to know if you have twins — or more — early in the pregnancy! A heartbeat is first typically visible after six weeks and often better assessed after seven weeks. Obtaining an ultrasound earlier is generally not helpful unless you’re experiencing significant pain or bleeding that requires assessment. An ultrasound at the end of the first trimester is optional depending on what (if anything) you decide you’d like to do for genetic screening. Midway through pregnancy, an ultrasound is recommended between 18 to 22 weeks to assess growth and anatomy as well as the position of the placenta and the amount of amniotic fluid. This is also when many people choose to learn the sex of their baby. In a normal, healthy pregnancy, no further ultrasounds would be needed after that point. Patients with medical problems or pregnancy complications sometimes require more ultrasounds to evaluate the baby’s growth and wellbeing throughout the pregnancy. Of course, it’s important to have a thorough discussion with your health-care provider about any questions or individual concerns. Your personal circumstances may lead to specific recommendations to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible! Dr. Erin Stevens sees patients at the Edina location of Clinic Sofia, an OBGYN clinic known for its personalized approach to women’s health care. Learn more at clinicsofia.com. mnparent.com • April 2019
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Ed Dykhuizen
BOOKSHELF
Stirring her-story The runaway success of Chelsea Clinton’s She Persisted has ushered in a golden age of children’s books about inspiring real-life women. No matter what your kid’s interests are, you can find a relevant story with a female role model.
The magic of this biography has to be experienced to be believed. It reads like the Pulitzer-winning poet’s own works, imbued with a dignified warmth that’s perfectly complemented by Xia Gordon’s tender, graceful illustrations. See if you can get to the end without a tear in your eye. Ages 5 and up • $16.95
This is a long one, but it tells a fascinating story: In the 1930s, Hedy Lamarr was a gorgeous movie star who had a secret passion for science and inventing. During World War II, she developed a system that helped the Allies keep their communications secret, a system that still underpins cell phones and other modern technology. STEM-focused kids will especially love the in-depth exploration of Lamarr’s invention. Ages 5 and up • $16.95
Typically, this genre is comprised of longer books telling complex, fascinating life stories. In this board-book adaptation of her best-selling Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History, Vashti Harrison demonstrates one way to bring in the toddlers by introducing 18 trailblazing black women with one pithy sentence each. Ages 0–3 • $18.99
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In the 1950s, Helen Frankenthaler overcame sexism and plenty of “mansplaining” — before that became a term, of course — to become a leader of Abstract Expressionism. Young artists can try out her groundbreaking soak-stain technique with an activity at the end of the book. Ages 4–8 • $18.99
No compilation of books about real-life heroes is complete without at least one entry from Brad Metzler’s Ordinary People Change the World series. This latest one touches on issues of sexism, sexual orientation, social activism and more in an approachable style, using illustrations that look like old Calvin and Hobbes comics. See also: I Am Sonia Sotomayor. Ages 5–8 • $14.99 Ed Dykhuizen is an associate editor at Minnesota Parent and father of three who lives in St. Paul.
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mnparent.com • April 2019
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IN THE KITCHEN
MOCKTAIL
Need an alcohol-free beverage that drinks like a craft cocktail? Don’t underestimate the power of tea. In cocktails, tea syrups (brewed tea mixed with white sugar) can impart a variety of balanced yet complex flavors to homemade mocktails and — eventually, mamas-to-be — cocktails, too!
Photo by Alessia Stornetta
A FOR MAMA
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BLUEBERRY BLOSSOM 2 tea bags of Rishi Blueberry Hibiscus tea (or any tea) 1 cup boiling water 1 cup white sugar 1 pinch of salt Ice 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) fresh lemon juice 5 ounces (about ½ cup) soda water or still water Lemon wheels, thinly sliced Find Rishi teas at The Vitamin Shop, Cost Plus World Market or on Amazon. Steep 2 tea bags in 1 cup boiling water (removed from heat) for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags. Add 1 cup sugar and a pinch of salt. Stir until sugar dissolves and let cool. Pour 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of the syrup into a tall glass with ice and add lemon juice and soda water. (Remaining syrup — enough to make 14 more mocktails! — can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in a glass container.) Stir to incorporate all ingredients. Garnish with lemon wheels and serve. Jon Robinson is the beverage director at The Bungalow Club in Minneapolis (where this mocktail is served). He’s worked in restaurants for more than 25 years and has developed cocktail lists for numerous restaurants around Minneapolis. He owns Sunshine Consulting, which trains bartenders and servers, and is writing a book about bartender knowledge and health.
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Home birth 101 Everything you ever wanted to know about having your baby at home (well, almost)! By Jen Wittes
I
Holly Palkowitsch of Eagan gave birth to her daughter, Wilhelmina, with her partner, Chris, by her side, as well as midwives Emme Corbeil and Clare Welter with Trillium Midwifery Care in the Twin Cities. Photo by Danica Donnelly / danicadonnelly.com
t wasn’t so long ago that birthing at home was the norm, with the first maternal hospital opening in 1914 and hospital birth not becoming widespread until the 1930s. American birth culture has gone through many phases of development in the last century — from the disturbing use of “twilight sleep” for pain management (essentially knocking the mother unconscious) to the epidural as the choice du jour (which allows the birther to be mentally present). Various levels of intervention have prevailed, with noticeable peaks in both the 1930s — when hospital births first accounted for the majority of births — and the 2000s, when the U.S. C-section rate reached 30 percent. To put this number in perspective, the World Health Organization (WHO) considers the ideal rate to be between 10 and 15 percent. Right now, birth culture is a mixed bag of choice and intervention. Natural birth and mother-child bonding after birth are generally supported. Though C-sections are life-saving when necessary, elective use of the procedure (scheduling Baby’s birth for convenience) and overuse of interventions (such as labor induction or augmentation with Pitocin) are what push the rate above the WHO recommendation. As with any major surgery, there are several risks to the mother associated with a Caesarean delivery, including but not limited to blood clots, hemorrhaging and reaction to the anesthesia. Recovery is also more of a process (often three to five days in the hospital) due to the incisions in the abdominal wall and the uterus. In many ways, now is the very best and the very worst time to give birth. Breastfeeding is supported, doulas are the norm, non-narcotic pain management is available, many hospitals have birthing tubs, and the terms “birth choice” and “birth plan” are now common phrases.
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Home birth 101
Home-birth myths: Busted However, the C-section rate isn’t going down. It’s at a whopping 32 percent in the U.S., and rising swiftly internationally to more than 50 percent in some countries. In Minnesota, the rate was 27.4 percent by the CDC’s last count in 2017.
Making the choice While less than a century ago, everyone gave birth at home, today the home-birth rate in the U.S. is less than 2 percent — though between 2004 and 2014 the Minnesota out-of-hospital birth rate (at both homes and birth centers) grew by more than 300 percent. Though some still think of home birth as alternative or crunchy, it’s steadily becoming a choice that’s accepted, if not mainstream. There are many reasons a family might choose home birth: • A desire to birth without medical intervention; • A desire to give birth in a comfortable, familiar environment; • Cultural or religious beliefs;
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• Unhappiness with or mistrust of hospital care, possibly from a previous birth experience; • Convenience of cost and/or transportation to a hospital. Many home-birthing families choose home birth to allow for freedom and control over the birthing experience — and because they believe in the midwifery model of care. Many simply believe that birth is (usually) a non-medical event. “I was born at home in the ’80s,” said Twin Cities birth photographer Raven Ivory, whose mother is a longtime midwife. “I feel strongly that home birth should be the default, the norm. Birth is a normal, physiological event — that we treat as a medical emergency by default. I often wonder how different our society would be if we all grew up with stories and images of empowered, beautiful, intense-but-not-painful birth.” Sasha Sobaszkiewicz Griner, a Hastings mother of three, said her home birth was extraordinary.
Myth: Midwives are not trained. Midwives are extensively trained and committed to staying up to date on certifications and research. Myth: Midwives are against hospital birth and therefore unable to recognize situations in which birth would be safer in a hospital setting. Midwives know there’s a time and place for medical intervention and they take that decision-making process seriously. Myth: Home birth is messy. Home birth supplies include ample pads and coverings and midwives are good at managing mess, leaving without a trace. Myth: Home birth is expensive and not covered by insurance. Home birth is often less expensive than a traditional birth and is insurance usually covers the majority of the cost. Myth: Home birth is for hippies. In the 1970s, maybe. Now a variety of families are choosing home birth. Myth: Home birth isn’t safe. The C-section rates and maternal and infant mortality rates are lower for home birth, making it a safe choice for low-risk pregnancies.
←←Many families in Minnesota are choosing home birth (often with the aid of portable birthing tubs), which allows women to labor in a comfortable, familiar environment, typically without major medical interventions. Photo by Raven Ivory / ravenivory.com
“It was the most raw, genuine experience I have ever had in my life,” she said. “Nothing compares to it and I was left with a sort of ‘birth high’ for about a week — something I didn’t experience with either of my other children.” Tracy Walsh Photography MNP 0419 H6.indd 1
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The myths, the reality Home birth is not a wild and crazy ritual that happens in the woods, under the moonlight. The 98 percent of Americans who choose not to birth at home might ask: Isn’t it dangerous? Isn’t it messy? Some would argue that home birth, in a low-risk pregnancy, is actually safer than a hospital birth. The reasons are: reduced exposure to infection, reduced rates of intervention and reduced rates of C-section. Emme Corbeil, a certified professional midwife licensed by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice, said most home-birth midwives have C-section rates well below 10 percent. “My Cesarean rate for 2018 was 5 percent,” she said. Midwifes, to be clear, don’t actually perform C-sections. C-sections happen in hospitals — and are performed by obstetricians/surgeons. But most midwives keep track of the number of their births that end in C-sections. What many parents-to-be don’t realize is that home birth is surprisingly more “medical” or at least more procedural than mythology might imply. During prenatal care, midwives can and do test the mother’s urine, blood and blood pressure — and the baby’s measurements and heart rate. They’re highly trained, certified and continuously recertified, and are adept at recognizing signs of illness, complication or irregularity in pregnant women.
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Home birth 101 They have a strict board of review and take their licensure seriously. Most recommend hospital birth or emergency transfer sooner rather than later, if needed. At the home, during labor and birth, midwives carry oxygen, may administer Pitocin for hemorrhage, can provide local anesthesia for sutures and can repair a torn perineum. They can give antibiotics, vitamin K and RhoGAM in cases of Rh issues. Midwives carry and are able to provide IV fluids and can treat an allergic reaction. Everything encountered at a normal, low-risk, natural hospital birth is present at a home birth. What elevates midwives’ skill set more than this checklist, however, is the fact that they take ample time with each client throughout the pregnancy, so that there’s a foundation of knowledge and familiarity that’s unparalleled. The midwifery model dictates that each prenatal appointment last an hour, assessing the big-picture health — and therefore candidacy for home birth — of the expectant mother. By the time labor kicks in, the birthing mother has a deeply rooted trust in her care provider, and she won’t
have to worry over whether her chosen provider is the one on call at time of birth. Likewise, the midwife knows her client well and knows when (and when not) to intervene.
Bonding after delivery Home birth can often have a positive, healthy influence on the postpartum experience. Uninterrupted and literally at home, a mother is free to bond with the baby on her own terms, in her own bed. Danielle Downs Spradin of Oasis Lactation Services in Eden Prairie said there’s a statistically lower incidence of breastfeeding difficulty among home-birthing families. “While most hospitals in the Twin Cities are supportive of steps to establish breastfeeding early, this isn’t the case in all rural hospitals or in hospitals across the country,” said Spradin, who is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and a Certified Lactation Counselor. Separation immediately after birth to handle non-urgent tasks such as bathing and weighing the baby can interfere with the immediate, instinctive interaction that takes place between mother and baby, which leads to breastfeeding. Bathing also washes off the amniotic fluid, making the scent part of Baby’s breast crawl more difficult. (To learn more about the natural process that is the breast crawl, go to mnparent.com/golden-hour.)
Home birth can be an amazing and empowering experience for those who want it. It is not the ‘better’ choice. It is not the ‘right’ choice. It is a choice that feels right to some expectant parents.
Well-care nurseries and frequent interruption also mess with the already clumsy dance between the nursing mother and child. IV fluids, pain medication, anesthesia and forceps (which can have a temporary effect on the baby’s facial muscles) can also interfere with breastfeeding success.
Reasons not to home birth Home birth, Corbeil said, is for “healthy birthing people with a healthy, low-risk pregnancy. Home birth isn’t for everyone.” Midwives take this philosophy seriously. Most births are “normal” and healthy and the vast majority of people can happily birth at home. Some can’t. And that’s OK. Home birth isn’t appropriate when: • Pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes or severe preeclampsia are present; • You think you might want pain medications; • Your baby is at risk — or you feel that he or she might be; • Home birth is a source of significant contention between the birthing parent and her partner. Some conditions such as VBAC (vaginal delivery after Caesarean), breech delivery and multiples are up for debate. Do plenty of research and vet several birth teams and birth locations to find what feels right. Home birth can be a lesser-known path to VBAC when your local hospital has a policy against it.
Learn more! In this issue: To read a personal account of a home birth (after a pervious hospital birth), check out the Bump, Birth and Baby column in this issue on page 10 and at mnparent.com/bump-birth-baby.
Evidence Based Birth: This online childbirth resource at evidencebasedbirth.com, informs expecting parents and birth-care practitioners on the latest evidence-based care practices.
MCCPM: For a directory of local midwife services and home-birth friendly providers, check out the Minnesota Council of Certified Professional Midwives at mccpm.org.
Tell your story: Jaime Fleres’ new book, Birth Your Story, encourages parents to remember, process and honor their birth experiences through writing. Learn more at jaimefleres.com.
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WHAT’S A BIRTH CENTER? Many consider birth centers to be a happy medium between a home birth and hospital birth. They’re known for cozy, cushy birth suites that feel homelike, but also have the exact same capabilities and equipment a midwife typically offers. Some birth centers are close to, attached to — or have acquired privileges at — a hospital, making transfers quick and seamless. Learn about local birth centers and the pros and cons of other birth options (including hospital births) at mnparent.com/where-to-birth.
When things don’t go as planned If you’ve considered home birth, but are afraid of “something going wrong” or that you’d have to undergo a hospital transfer, understand this: Transfer is rare. But in a true emergency, midwives are fully
capable of holding down the fort until first responders arrive — and midwives tend to make a call long before a full-on emergency is in play. Upon transfer, you can expect the same excellence of care from your midwife team that you received throughout pregnancy. Amey Haas of Minneapolis transferred after three days of unproductive contractions and subsequent exhaustion, eventually learning that her baby was both posterior (face up) and asynclitic (head tilted and misaligned with the birth canal). “Our midwife had our records transferred to the hospital midwife before we even got there,” Haas said. “Our midwife and our doula both stayed until after the baby was born. They helped with every facet of labor.” Haas said even her “very hospitalpreferring wife” has been considering a home birth of her own, despite Haas’ transfer during her home birth.
The problem with fear Home birth can be an amazing and empowering experience for those who want it. It is not the “better” choice. It is not the “right” choice. It is a choice that feels right to some expectant parents. “Perhaps the greatest influence on a person’s birth journey is the presence or absence of fear,” Ivory said. “Fear has the ability to intensify all sensations, the ability to shut down labor. Think of a giraffe in labor on the savanna. If a lion approaches, the baby doesn’t just fall out. The introduction of fear is great enough to cease labor long enough for the giraffe to escape. For me, birthing where I felt safest was my main priority. And I felt safest at home, surrounded by the things and people I love, in my own clothes, with the ability to move and eat as I needed.” Jen Wittes is a marketing director, writer, certified postpartum doula and mom of two living in St. Paul.
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Finding a path to
FAMILY
A local mom tells her incredible story of infertility, birth and adoption ďŹ lled with heartbreak, joy and gratitude.
By Susan Wangen
As
I walked into work, I held the door for two different coworkers sporting different progressions of baby bumps. I smiled wide and simultaneously winced as my work bag swung against my backside — sore from rounds of painful progesterone shots. Sitting down at my desk in my classroom, I sipped my decaf herbal tea and opened my email. My stomach dropped as I saw the subject line “Big News” from another expecting coworker. I was so happy for their family, but I began to wonder how much more I could take. Having been through infertility treatments to have my first child, I was no stranger to this game. A diagnosis of endometriosis a couple months before my wedding led to a quick progression of surgeries, tests, Clomid, blood draws (hundreds), shots and eventually IUIs (intrauterine inseminations). After two chemical pregnancies — in which the egg and sperm connected, but didn’t “stick” — we set off down the road to IVF (in vitro fertilization). Luckily on my fifth IUI, in planning for IVF, we found out it worked and we were pregnant. I remember feeling so relieved and thankful and terrified all at once. I wasn’t terrified at the thought of parenting. (I’m a teacher; I’d been “practice parenting” for years.) I was terrified that something would go wrong.
Worried and anxious I realized, in hindsight, I should have bought pregnancy tests in bulk. I went through a phase where I took multiple tests a day — just to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. My need for constant reassurance became amplified by the time I was far enough along to get ultrasounds.
Susan and Scott Wangen of Savage pose with their daughter, Charly, and son, Auggie, shortly after his birth in 2015. University Relations MNP 0219 S3.indd 1
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Finding a path to
FAMILY
Feeling like something was “not right,” I’d call the doctor’s office for a checkup. One day I confessed to a kind nurse practitioner about my consuming anxiety that something would go wrong. I’ve held tight to her wise words the entire last decade. “Oh, honey,” she said sweetly, looking in my eyes, “being a mom means always worrying about something. When they’re born, you worry about SIDS, then you worry when they’re toddlers, and then they’re driving.” After that, I tried to let my faith and trust lead me more. I made the choice to be thankful for morning sickness — glad for the reminder that all was normal. I celebrated through rites of passage like prenatal yoga and hospital parenting classes, and I got regular massages. Our sweet girl arrived almost four weeks early — a healthy, perfect and ready-forthe-world 6 pounds, 12 ounces. Choosing to get an epidural, I loved being pain free enough to be truly present for her birth. I pushed through four contractions and she was here. I figured since I struggled to get pregnant, I was paid back with an easier pregnancy and delivery. As I was rocking my miniature miracle at 2 a.m., I shook my head in disbelief that my parenting dream had come true.
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Too many IUIs to count When it came time to try for a second child, I assumed it would follow the same timeline: We’d struggle, have to do some interventions and then it would work again. Right? And then there’s all the things people tell you. Everyone knows someone who went through infertility. The woman who couldn’t get pregnant for forever, and then cranked out seven kids. The couple who had difficulty with their first, but after that, “Your body just knows what to do.” And the worst one ever: “It just happens when you relax.” Looking back on the entire process has led me to realize no two journeys are the same. When you’re struggling, it’s so hard to wonder why things happen easily for some and not for others. When we were trying for our second child, I lost count after our 10th IUI. I know there were more — I really just stopped counting. There were more surgeries. And waiting. I began to look at making diet modifications — gluten-free and dairy-free — and exercise. Our insurance kept changing, so we kept finding coverage for a couple more IUI rounds, and paid for a couple out of pocket, too. (IUIs for us cost $1,000–2,000.) The longer the time went on, the harder the mind game became. Our daughter kept getting older, lessening the “close in age” sibling experience. And, of course, I kept getting older, too. Terms like “advanced maternal age” (35 and older) are not comforting.
IVF ups and downs Convinced that the only way I would get pregnant would be IVF, we began the expensive and invasive process. And we were overjoyed when the first one worked! But then, at eight weeks, we miscarried. I was numb with shock and devastation for weeks. When it happened, it was Memorial Day weekend, and I couldn’t bring myself to go to the cabin with the extended family because my sister-in-law
Get support! Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Minnesota ppsupportmn.org/infertility
The National Infertility Association resolve.org Twin Cities Infertility & Support Group sponsored by Twin Cities Moms Blog tinyurl.com/tc-infertility Jennifer Colletti Yoga Wellness & Health Coaching jenyoga.net MN Adopt mnadopt.org
was pregnant, and here I was heartbroken and surviving on extra-strength Advil to get through the cramping pain. I know people miscarry. I didn’t feel quite as alone in that. I’d had friends who had miscarried, too, and had seen its crushing blows. But it’s a whole other level to miscarry after paying over $10,000 and going through months of preparation and fertility drugs (and their side effects). As I look back on this now, that was one of the hardest parts: I felt so unrelatable. But we kept at it — with three more subsequent rounds of IVF. We had another chemical pregnancy on the third, and didn’t even end up completing the fourth due to poor embryo condition before the final placement. I’ll never forget getting the call from the doctor letting us know the fourth round of IVF was off. As I ended the call, I sunk down on the stairs, right where I stood, and looked up at my husband through a blur of tears and said, “I’m done.” I know that some people do way more than four rounds of IVF. (And some people can’t bring themselves to morally get to IVF in the first place.) But I needed off the train. I’d been on this ride for over four years. The thought of starting another
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month of hormone shots and borrowing more money — for something that wasn’t 100 percent guaranteed — made me weak with exhaustion. That night my husband and I went out for dinner and I had the first two glasses of wine I’d had in a long time. The relief I felt to know that I had my body back and was off the roller coaster was so sweet. Little did we know we’d be getting off one roller coaster and getting on a whole different one.
Deciding on adoption That very night at dinner we made the decision to adopt. I don’t think I’ve ever felt such a feeling of anticipation and relief simultaneously. I knew that eventually, if we were patient, we would add another child to our family. We quickly found out that the same dynamic of long and winding roads applied to adoption — no two paths are the same. We were encouraged by couples that were chosen by the birth parents within two weeks, and disheartened by the ones who
↑↑Scott and Susan Wangen of Savage became parents a second time when they adopted their son, Auggie, immediately after his birth. Do Good Diapers MNP 0918 2-3.indd 1
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Finding a path to
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were still waiting. We traded syringes and hormones for paperwork and legally mandated counseling. We endured having to answer intense questions about the age, race and cognitive and physical abilities of our future child. And then we waited. After a year, when it came time to update our application (it’s valid for only a year), the old dark anxiety began to surface. I realized our sweet daughter wouldn’t be even remotely close in age to her sibling, and my husband and I kept getting older. We had a couple leads that fell through, when finally, two and half years since that relieving night out to dinner, we got a life-changing call. My aunt worked in an OB office one state away 5:46 PM and had met a pretty amazing birth mom. She was healthy and beautiful, seven months along and had yet to choose an adoptive family.
Meeting our son The amount of grace and thankfulness I feel as I look back on meeting our boy cannot be put into words. After weeks of meeting and talking with the birth mom, she called me on Labor Day and told me she chose us. In tears of joy, I walked into the room where my husband and daughter were sitting. My daughter took one look at my smiling tears and asked, “Did she choose us?” The next few weeks were a whirlwind of elated joy, of preparing and protecting our hearts. We’d heard all the horror stories of birth parents changing their mind. It felt a little like trying to walk confidently on thin ice. I’ll never forget sitting in the maternity waiting room with our child’s biological grandfather. It was one of the most awkward and heartwarming conversations I’ve ever had. We laughed uneasily at surface-level stories, all the while thinking, “This person and I will forever be connected.” The biological grandmother stuck her head through the door that connected to the labor and delivery hallway. Her shining smile cut through the tension as she looked at my husband and me and asked, “Would you like to meet your son?” I will always hold those few days in the hospital sacred. How strange to be fully healthy (not having just survived giving birth) and caring for this beautiful newborn boy. I cried with the birth family as they said goodbye and looked down in complete gratefulness for the tiny miracle we held. Our family finally felt complete.
It’s YOUR family
↑ Charly Wangen meets her new baby brother, Auggie.
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I don’t know anyone else who has our exact story. Our journey to our family has been painful, and joyful, and the absolute reason I feel closer to God in my life. My heart will forever ache for families dealing with infertility and the anguish of secondary infertility (having one and struggling to have more).
My heart will forever ache for families dealing with infertility and the anguish of secondary infertility.
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↑ The Wangens found their path to a family of four after miscarriage, fertility treatments, birth and adoption. Photo by Chad Pederson Photography
I’m convinced we need to hold each other up and remember that everyone has their battles — their struggles with fertility, adoption, marriage/divorce, disease, mental health and just life. Writing this has been hard. It’s tempting to cover those dark times in our lives and pretend it’s always been perfect. But the truth is, I wouldn’t trade one moment away. I’m so thankful for the growth, perspective and strength I’ve gained in the route to my family.
To those who are in it right now: Don’t worry about anyone else. This is YOUR family. It’s YOUR story — and every step has a purpose. “In a forest of a hundred thousand trees, no two leaves are alike. And no two journeys along the same path are alike.” — Paul Coelho Susan Wangen is a Minnesota native and a fourth-grade teacher in the southwest suburbs, who contributes regularly to Minnesota Parent.
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Siblings, meet Baby 10 ways to cultivate bonding after the birth By Christina Ries
B
ehind the curtain, I could hear giggles. The kids were waiting for the big reveal — to meet their new sibling. Nine hours after her birth, they arrived at the hospital, got the cue and bolted into the room, breathless with excitement. “It’s a girl!” Euphoria. Since that moment, the kids’ affection for Baby Kate has continued to swell. I couldn’t have hoped for a warmer embrace — and I’m hardpressed to identify which sibling is most obsessed with her. It usually feels like a threeway tie. Kate is their first inquiry when they rise and their final request before they fall asleep. Conventional wisdom suggests certain measures during pregnancy to prepare a young child for a new sibling — read books about welcoming a baby, provide a baby doll, talk often about the pregnancy. But in our experience, these steps only go so far. Everything is just so abstract until Baby arrives. That’s when the real groundwork begins to open the hearts of big siblings. Here’s what’s worked best for us.
Earlier this year, Christina Ries and her husband, Ted, invited their three children to the hospital to meet their baby sister, Kate. Photos by Rebecca Studios / byrebeccastudios.com
Siblings, meet Baby Make the hospital visit special. Let them wear a fun outfit, bring a balloon and convey excitement. Ask if the hospital has big-sibling wristbands or stickers to signify their special status. (The Mother Baby Center at United Hospital in St. Paul has both, and my kids loved them.) Let them in. It can be scary to allow toddlers up close — especially when their sticky hands gravitate to Baby’s eyes or mouth — but as long as you’re right there, guiding and redirecting, you should be fine. Being able to touch Baby is a crucial part of bonding. Let them hold the baby in supported settings. Encourage gentle hugs. Lay the baby in the big sibling’s bed at night for a minute. Give a present from the new baby. I wrapped and packed a gift in our hospital bag — a Melissa & Doug wooden stable with horses. It was a hit. It’s as simple as it is effective for young kids: A gift from the new baby creates a positive association. It can remind, in the ensuing weeks, that an often demanding baby will not only be taking but also giving. Play up Baby’s responsiveness. You might not have much to work with in the early weeks, but favorably interpret every little face and sound: “Oh, the baby liked that!” “You made the baby happy!” “You calmed the baby down!” My kids have active imaginations when it comes to deciphering what their newborn sister is communicating. What they’re looking for — whether or not it’s there! — are the makings of relationship building. Once your older child comes to see the baby as a captive audience, always there to observe her performances, you’re golden.
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↑↑Supervised touch is a crucial part of bonding between all family members — yes, even sticky toddlers — after the birth of a baby. Photo by Rebecca Studios / byrebeccastudios.com
Leave the hospital together. It will be more work, but if you can discharge and ride home together, do it. It helps delineate a before/after: We are now an expanded family, going home as one unit. Again, try to make it fun. Our oldest two wanted to ride in the provided wheelchair with Baby Kate and me on our way out of the hospital. My first instinct was to say no — at least to the biggest one. But that would’ve made her feel left out. Those first responses can be so influential in how an adjusting older sibling feels about her new reality. Our packed wheelchair ride provided an early opportunity for bonding and created a great memory. Print pictures for home and school. Tape a couple pictures in their bedrooms, on the fridge — and let older siblings share a few photos at school. For their first day back at kindergarten and preschool, Maria and Jane brought a few pictures of Kate to show the class —
a close-up of the baby, a picture of them holding their new sibling and a snapshot of the wheelchair ride. Sharing the baby news with classmates — who will likely gush over the “cute” baby and envy the new addition — can be a rewarding experience. Jane is typically shy at preschool, but telling her classmates about her new sibling was the chattiest she’d been, according to her teacher. Maria’s teacher even taped a picture on the wall, so now Kate is right there with her during each school day. Later, once you’re over the initial postpartum daze, you could take this to the next level by conferring with your child’s teacher and bringing Baby in for a visit. Engage and empower. Again and again. That’s the name of the game. Involve your older children in newborn activities and affirm their role. “You gave the baby his first bottle!” “You’re such a helpful big brother!”
Let your older child hear you bragging about him or her. Right before Kate’s birth, I visited Maria at lunch and told her classmate, Will, how she would be “in charge of” the baby, from picking out its clothes to caring for it. I must’ve been more thorough than necessary. Will looked confused and asked, “Where will you be?” There are many ways to engage a big sibling — choosing the baby’s outfit, helping change a diaper, wrapping in a blanket, bathing, reading or singing. Encourage mature behavior. You can use this transition to your advantage by encouraging your older child to be the teacher and demonstrate the proper way to do something: “Show the baby how you get into your pajamas and cooperate before bed.” This can also confirm that familiar routines will continue: “We always sing this song before bed,” you might tell the baby.
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“Our family loves to have dance parties.” When an older sibling explains a family custom to a newborn, he can have the heady experience of being a teacher and come to recognize all that remains the same amid a major change. Seize one-on-one time. It can feel impossible to carve out time with an older sibling when you’re newly postpartum, exhausted and overwhelmed. But those times when you can pay close attention to your firstborn, be silly with her or act like your old self can provide great comfort during the major transition — and may ward off possible feelings of jealousy. Show that you’re still available to the older kids and value those relationships. Reminiscing about their time as babies can help connect the dots and reinforce your bond: “Oh, I remember when you wore this sleeper!” or “You used to take a bath in the kitchen sink, too! You were so cute and tiny!”
Highlight Big Kid status. Now is the time to play up the perks of being an older sibling. Point out all the privileges that come with age. “The baby has to take another nap, but you get to stay up and play because you’re older.” “The baby isn’t old enough to have a library card like you do.” “I bet the baby would like that delicious apple you’re eating. But he can’t eat it; he doesn’t have teeth!” In the first weeks, these constant efforts to help siblings bond can feel unnatural. But soon they will become second nature. And the payoff is profound. Witnessing the ever-deepening ties among siblings is one of the sweetest rewards of parenthood. Christina Ries is a freelance writer who lives with her husband and four children in Inver Grove Heights. Read all her posts at mnparent.com/charmed.
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YMCA Programs & Camps YMCA OVERNIGHT CAMPS CAMP ST. CROIX / Hudson, WI Ages 7-17 Campers participate in a wide variety of traditional camp activities or select a specialty camp such as horseback riding, rock climbing, sailing and canoeing. Three-day, one-week or two-week sessions.
CAMP ICAGHOWAN / Lake Wapogasset Ages 7-17. Icaghowan offers traditional camp and a variety of unique specialty camps focused on activities such as horseback riding, and canoeing. Three-day, one-week or two-week sessions. CAMP IHDUHAPI / Lake Independence Ages 7-17 Ihduhapi offers youth a traditional experience or specialty camps such as horseback riding and climbing. Three-day, one-week or two-week sessions.
CAMP WARREN / Half Moon Lake Ages 7-17 Camp Warren offers girls-only sessions the first part of the summer and boys-only sessions later in the summer. Camp Warren has a strong tradition of progressive activities including sailing, archery, tennis, photography and horseback riding.
YMCA FAMILY CAMPS CAMP DU NORD / Ely, Mn CAMP NORTHERN LIGHTS / Babbitt, Mn All Ages Our family camps offer a totally unique 3-day, 4-day and week long camping experiences for families. Cozy cabins range from rustic to upscale. Tent camping sites are also available. Hiking, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, nature and arts programs are offered as family activities and for children’s age groups. Relax at days end with a sauna.
YMCA TEEN WILDERNESS ADVENTURES CAMP MENOGYN / Gunflint Trail Ages 12-18 There are no roads leading to Menogyn, so all campers cross West Bearskin Lake by boat to arrive at this beautiful wilderness setting. Our focus is on the small group guided wilderness canoeing, backpacking and rock climbing trips that are safe, fun and enriching.
YMCA DAY CAMPS Ages 4 - 14 With camps located at 10 accessible sites throughout the metro area, YMCA Day Camps provide a week full of exciting camp activities like canoeing, archery, fishing, camp crafts, cookouts, swimming and more! Day camps facilitate a great introduction to camping in a safe environment. Kids are home each night. Bus transportation is available.
SPECIALTY CAMPS Develop a greater passion for the things you love, or try out something new at one of our YMCA specialty camps! Campers spend approximately 2 hours each day in their specialized activity. The remainder of the day is spent enjoying traditional camp activities.
CAMP WIDJIWAGAN / Burntside Lake, Ely Ages 11-18 Widji offers high-quality canoe and backpacking adventures in the BWCAW and throughout North America. Widji wilderness trips are focused on respect and values that build skills for life and a relationship with the environment that is unparalleled.
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CAMP RESOURCES ADVERTISER LISTINGS Groves Academy Summer Programs Groves Academy offers summer programs for students entering grades 2–11 from the community with learning and attention challenges. Taught by Groves trained teachers, our small class sizes and specialized instruction build success and confidence. Both academic and enrichment programs are available. St. Louis Park • 952-920-6377 grovesacademy.org
Hill-Murray School There is something for everyone at HillMurray School this summer, grades 2–12! Samples of our Academic offerings include: Virtual Reality, Intro to Coding, Intro to Aviation, Jump Start & Study Skills, Summer Slide Math & Reading, ACT Prep, Driver’s Ed. Register today—space is limited! Maplewood • 651-777-1376 hill-murray.org/summer
Historic Cahill School & Minnehaha Grange Hall Day Camps Travel back to 1888 at Homestead Camp through stories, games, chores and play. And at Tea and Manners Camp, experience authentic learning and good manners in a social setting, culminating in a splendid afternoon tea. June 10–25, $195/session.
Academic
Art of Sciences Camp The Art of Sciences camp aims to inspire students to pursue various STEM fields, including math, physics, chemistry, computer science, and analytic writing, and to promote Olympiad competitions. This residential camp is hosted at St. Olaf College from July 27– August 3. Our faculties include professors and past Olympiad competition gold medalists. Northfield contact@rmc-academy.org rmc-academy.org
The Bakken Museum Explore the exciting world of innovation and creativity through hands-on activities like magic tricks and team-building challenges. Campers learn the invention process by designing and building their own take home project using real tools and materials in the museum makerspace. Spaces fill fast, so register early! Minneapolis • 651-926-3878 thebakken.org
Camp Invention Unmask your child’s creativity this summer in the all-new Camp Invention program, Supercharged, where children transform their wild imaginations into epic creations.
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Campers in grades K–6 will code robots and use collaboration and creative problem solving during hands-on STEM activities. Use promo code PLAY15LISTING to save $15 (expires 5/10). Multiple locations • 800-968-4332 invent.org/camp
Code Ninjas Code Ninjas provides STEM-based learning for ages 7–14. Kids learn and have fun while building and coding games, robotic, and drones. Beginning JavaScript, Game & APP Builders' Club, Roblox & Minecraft Create, Snap-It-Together and Code Drones are just a few of 11 summer camp offerings. Where kids have fun! Parents see results! Multiple locations • 952-206-7836 codeninjas.com
GoSolar! Kidz (GSK) GoSolar! Kidz is the #1 green energy educator for youth. GoSolar! Kidz taught more youth about green energy than any other organization in the world. GSK offers afterschool classes, summer camps, and in-school workshop on renewable energy and gardening. Bloomington • 1-800-SOLAR-01 gosolarkidz.com
Edina • 612-928-4577 edinahistoricalsociety.org
ICC Summer Engineering Camp Explore the world of engineering through hands-on project work, industry tours, and engineering design challenges. Live and work at Wenger Engineering Center; enjoy campus life and recreational activities while learning about a great career field. Sr. High Camp: grades 10–12, July 8–13; Jr. High Camp: grades 7–9, July 17–20. Grand Rapids • 218-322-2370 engineering.itascacc.edu
iD Tech Camps This summer, experience the world’s #1 STEM program for ages 7–19, held at 150 prestigious campuses including Macalester! With world-class instructors and over 50 cutting-edge courses, students build indemand skills for futures in coding, game development, robotics, and design. Multiple locations • 1-844-788-1858 idtechcamps.com
Junior Achievement Students in grades 4–8 will learn how to run a successful business through a variety of fun, interactive activities. Held at JA BizTown, our unique kid-sized city. June session explores STEM careers; July session
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will appeal to the young entrepreneur. St. Paul • 651-255-0455 jaum.org/ja-summer-camps
Morris Area Community Education's Camp Alpha Camp Alpha is a four-day camp designed for students who have completed grades 4–8. Students will be involved with aspects of astronomy, aerospace, science, and math. They'll tackle problems faced by real NASA scientists and learn the latest information on current space missions. It's truly a blast! Morris • 320-589-4394 sites.google.com/morris.k12.mn.us/ camp-alpha/home
The Works Engineering & design camps for kids in pre-K–grade 7. Coding, LEGO engineering, robotics, carpentry, design, architecture, and more! Half and full-day options. June–August 2019. The Works Museum: inspiring the next generation of innovators, engineers, and creative problem solvers. Bloomington • 952-888-4262 theworks.org
Zoo Camp Minnesota Zoo offers half-day to weeklong adventures for toddlers–12th graders (and adults!) to meet animals, make new friends, and have fun learning about the natural world. Check out our popular Horse Camps and our new Llama Camps for grades 1–9! Apple Valley • 952-431-9390 mnzoo.org/zoocamp
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Adventures in Cardboard Mythic Play in Summer Wildlands! Be initiated into an esteemed House of The Realm and jump into live-action adventure gaming! Build your own armor, create castles to defend your land, battle on trails, fields and shorelines! Swords, bows, catapults, magic and monsters! Full days spent in beautiful parks across the metro region. Monday–Friday, ages 8–16 and several TEEN ONLY weeks! June 10–August 23. Minneapolis adventuresincardboard.com
School-Age Summer Camp
The Art Academy
Kids entering grades 1–6 in 2019 will learn conversational Spanish while doing a variety of fun activities including:
Give your child the opportunity to explore their creative side and develop their skills by illustrating their own children's book and learning the principles of drawing and painting at the Art Academy's Summer Camp program. Classes and camps, with exceptional student/teacher ratios, are
Embrace Health Sports & Nutrition Classes Organic Meals • Gardening Club • Fun Field Trips Great for beginners and advanced Spanish-speakers! Space is limited. Contact us to pre-register!
8351 Elm Creek Blvd, Maple Grove, MN • (763) 416-3992 Casa de Corazon MNP 0419 H4.indd 1
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CAMP RESOURCES ADVERTISER LISTINGS available for students ages 5–18. St. Paul • 651-699-1573 theartacademy.net
Art Camps at Studio Seven One week painting and drawing camps for students ages 7–18. Compositional elements will be explored through landscape and figure studies. Students will paint and draw both in the studio and outside. Trips to galleries and museums included. Camps are Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. $595 per week, all materials included. Minneapolis • 612-376-0381 kahlowcurtis@gmail.com studio7artmn.com
Articulture Art Camps Articulture art camps are a fun and educational way to explore a variety of media that emphasizes personal creativity. Camp themes include art and science, hands-on art history, comics and animation, and more! Minneapolis • 612-729-5151 articulture.org
Artistry Over 45 weeklong arts camps for grades 1–9! Artistry campers will explore art forms including pottery, fused glass, theater arts, drawing, painting, crafting, and more! $135–$165/half-day. Combine for full-day experience. New this year: before and aftercare! Scholarships available. Bloomington • 952-563-8575 artistrymn.org/education/camps.html
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ARTrageous Adventures
The Loft’s Young Writers’ Program
Fun, creative weekly camp themes, parties and events throughout the year! Paint, reARTcycle, sculpt and collage in our handson studio right in the heART of Kenwood, Minneapolis. Check us out on Facebook for fun events, craft ideas and camp info!
The Loft’s Young Writers’ Program offers numerous classes throughout the summer that foster creativity, enrich talents, and create friendships. Classes run for ages 6–17 at all skill levels.
Minneapolis • 612-423-7554 ARTrageousAdventures.com
Hill-Murray School There is something for everyone at HillMurray School this summer, grades 2–12! Samples of our Arts/Activities offerings include: exploring visual arts through Painting, Creative Artwork, or Drawing Bootcamp, explore art through Digital Photography, Film & Visual Storytelling, or Virtual Reality. Register today—space is limited! Maplewood • 651-777-1376 hill-murray.org/summer
Kidcreate Studio Kidcreate’s award winning summer camps are designed to inspire and educate young artists, ages 3–12, in an environment where giggles and grins are encouraged. Camps combine art education with an atmosphere full of fun. This summer’s camps include: Art Academy, Ballet, Beyond Pinch Pots, Candy Shop, Fortnite Fanatic, Glow-in-the-Dark Art, I Heart Sparkles, Let's Draw, Magical Unicorns, Marvelous Master on Canvas, Mega Mess Making, Pajama Party, Paw Patrol and more! Making a mess is the best at Kidcreate! Eden Prairie • 952-974-3438 Savage • 952-226-2200 Woodbury • 651-735-0880 kidcreatestudio.com
Minneapolis • 612-215-2575 loft.org
Minneapolis College of Art and Design Join the Minneapolis College of Art and Design for a series of innovative, handson, and engaging visual art and design camps and classes for kids and teens ages 6–18! Weeklong and multi-week options. Scholarships available. Minneapolis • 612-874-3765 mcad.edu/youth
Potekglass This engaging glass arts camp offers everything a kid wants: fire, color, science, creativity, smushing clay, and melting glass. With nearly 20 years working with kids, local artist Malcom Potek provides an enriching learning experience that can spark new skills, friendships and ways of seeing. Minneapolis • 612-281-7243 potekglass.com/classes/youthclasses
Shell Lake Arts Center With programs in jazz, rock band, show choir, art, theater, film, and more, the Shell Lake Arts Center is like nowhere else! Just two hours northeast of the Twin Cities in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. Come join us for the experience of a lifetime! Shell Lake • 715-468-2414 shelllakeartscenter.org
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Camp Resources Camp of Champs
A special needs camp serving youth with ADHD, LD, on the autism spectrum, mental health concerns, among others. The camp features: customized and individual objectives, aerial adventure, high ropes course, a beautiful resort facility and handson character development and learning. Park Rapids • 218-760-8442 campofchampsmn.com
Weeklong camps | Half-day and Full-day Limited, need-based scholarships are available.
2424 Franklin Ave. E. | Minneapolis, MN 55406
Dance Music Performance Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs Day Camp
For Elementary & Middle School boys & girls who love to SING! Join us for a week with music games, singing, & fun! Singers will explore their vocal potential & increase their confidence. Grades K–1, 2–5 & 6–9. See website for dates, times & fees. Bloomington • 952-563-8572 angelicacantanti.org
Ballet Co.Laboratory Ballet Co.Laboratory is a professional ballet school and company offering ballet classes and performances to the Twin Cities community. Our mission for this organization is to create, develop and inspire artists and communities through collaboration with the art of ballet. St. Paul • 303-249-1039 balletcolaboratory.org
Chan DT Musical Theatre Camp
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Chanhassen Dinner Theatres offers summertime theatre camps for kids and teens (ages 5–18). It’s a fantastic week of full and half-day sessions focusing on musical theatre fundamentals taught by Chanhassen professionals throughout the summer. Sessions begin June 10th. Registration opens Feb. 4th! Chanhassen • 952-934-1525 Camp.ChanhassenDT.com
Circus Juventas Travel the globe from Canada to Russia without ever leaving our big top! Explore a vast array of international circus arts in our half- and full-day Sampler, weeklong Performance and Teen High Flying Adventure Camps. Reserve your spot today in one of the most unique summer experiences anywhere! St. Paul • 651-699-8229 circusjuventas.org
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CAMP RESOURCES ADVERTISER LISTINGS Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTCYS) Summer Programs Two engaging summer programs in Minneapolis and St. Paul provide fun and challenging orchestral experiences for string, woodwind, brass, and percussion students of all abilities, ages 8–18. No auditions required. Need-based scholarships available. St.Paul • 651-602-6800 gtcys.org
Hill-Murray School There is something for everyone at Hill-Murray School this summer, grades 2–12! Samples of our Arts/Activities offerings include: Summer Pops Orchestra, Summer Band, Theatre Camp, Film & Visual Storytelling, Radio Broadcasting, Digital Photography. Register today—space is limited! Maplewood • 651-777-1376 hill-murray.org/summer
Lundstrum Performing Arts Lundstrum Performing Arts offers two summer musical theater intensives: Frozen Jr. and Legally Blonde (abridged version), for ages 8–17. Intensives are taught by professional performers and culminate in three performances. Evening classes are offered with a final in-studio performance. Themes include Jungle Book, Seussical, and Night at the Improv. Minneapolis • 612-521-2600 lundstrum.org
MacPhail Center for Music MacPhail’s 38 Summer Camps for ages 3–adult provide fun, unique learning opportunities to explore music and develop creative skills. Offerings range from Sing, Play, Act! for ages 4–6 to instrumental camps for piano, percussion, brass, woodwind and strings; from Summer Sampler to Composing for Video Games. Minneapolis, Apple Valley, Chanhassen 612-321-0100 macphail.org/summer-camps
Minnesota Dance Theatre & School Minnesota Dance Theatre is a professional dance company and school founded in 1962 by Loyce Houlton. The school has classes for ages 3.5 through adult, and the company presents multiple concerts throughout the year, including Loyce Houlton's Nutcracker Fantasy. Minneapolis • 612-338-0627 mndance.org
O’Shea Irish Dance Classes Director Cormac O’Se, original member of Riverdance. Professional Irish Dance training for preschoolers through adults; for competition, for fun, and for fitness! Weekly
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Classes: Mondays–Saturdays. Beginners Classes registering now! Summer camps June, July, August. St. Paul • 612-722-7000 osheairishdance.com
St. Paul Ballet Summer is a great time to try dance! This nonprofit, community and pre-professional dance school offers Dance Camps for ages 2–8, drop-in Creative Dance for ages 4–6, Intro to Ballet for ages 7–12, and Summer Intensive sessions for the serious ballet student ages 10–22. Gymnasts, skaters and athletes may supplement their training. All income levels and abilities welcome! St. Paul • 651-690-1588 spballet.org
Theatre Arts Training at Children’s Theatre Company June 10–August 16, ages 4–18. Theatre Arts Training offers camps for all levels in acting, musical theatre, improv, and more, making it easy to find the perfect fit for the young actor in your life. Be Curious. Be Creative. Be Confident. Registration now open. Minneapolis • 612-874-0400 childrenstheatre.org/summer
Day
American Swedish Institute (ASI) Have fun at ASI’s Summer Day Camps! Vikings, Pippi Longstocking and Nordic Cooking/Culture themes run Thursdays, July 11–August 8. Try four-day camps: Swedish Immersion (June 24–27) or Youth Handcraft (August 12–15). Viking Voyagers Preschool Camp set for July 10, 17, 24, 31. Minneapolis • 612-871-4907 asimn.org
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Awarded “Best Day Camp” by Nickelodeon’s Parent’s Picks. Camp Como enhances your child’s appreciation for the natural world with enthusiastic instructors, zookeepers and gardeners, and behind-the-scenes adventures. Campers will get closer to plants and animals than ever before. Preschool through 8th grade. St. Paul • 651-487-8201 comozooconservatory.org
Discovery Day Camp Discovery Day Camp is a weeklong program (5 days) that is open to all youth in kindergarten– 8th grade. With multiple sessions offered at a variety of locations you are sure to find something that will fit your schedule! Multiple locations • 612-261-2303 camp.northernstar.org/discovery
Gibbs Girl Three days, three experiences! For girls 6–10. This craft-rich camp explores the lives of girls in Minnesota during the 1800s: Life as a Pioneer girl, Dakota girl and Victorian girl. Tuesdays– Thursdays, June 19–21 and August 7–9, 21–23, and 28–30, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. each day. $99/week. Falcon Heights • 651-646-8629 rchs.com
Gifted & Talented Summer Institute Four-day, half- or full-day sessions designed to stretch your mind, body and imagination. Coding, Culinary Arts, Photography, Painting, Chinese, Spanish and more for students entering grades 1–8. Before/after care and lunch supervision available for students attending the full-day program. June 24– August 1. $119-$250. Burnsville • 952-707-4150 giftedtalented.org
Hill-Murray School There is something for everyone at HillMurray School this summer, grades 2–12! Hill-Murray School offers opportunities for you to fill your child’s day throughout the entire summer; June, July & August! We have opportunities to enjoy Academic, Arts/ Activities and Athletic Camps. Our offerings engage students of all ages and skill sets. Register today—space is limited! Maplewood • 651-777-1376 hill-murray.org/summer
James J. Hill Center The James J. Hill Center Idea Academy for grades 6–12 assists youths in exploring entrepreneurialism as a viable career, connecting them to new skills, business professionals and exposing them to new ways of thinking to dream big. Saint Paul • 651.265.5500 jjhill.org/idea-academy
Kroening Interpretive Center at North Mississippi Regional Park Explore, get messy and learn by doing! Build forts in the woods, catch bugs in the prairie, explore the river shore, enjoy campfire cooking and more. Kids ages 6–12 can spend the summer outside with weeklong nature themed camps. Half- or full-day option. Minneapolis • 612-370-4844 minneapolisparks.org
Life of a Gibbs Girl Three days, three experiences! For children ages 6–10. This craft-rich camp explores the lives of girls in Minnesota during the 1800s: life as a Pioneer girl, Dakota girl, and Victorian girl. Tuesdays–Thursdays, June 25–27, July 23–25, August 20–22 and
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27–29, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. each day. $99/week. Falcon Heights • 651-646-8629 rchs.com
9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. $19/day. Falcon Heights • 651-646-8629 rchs.com
Minnehaha Academy Summer Programs
Playworks 2019 Summer Camp
Jump into summer fun with more than 60 half- and full-day athletic, enrichment and academic camps for grades pre-K through 12.
Sign up for Playworks Summer Camp, full of learning, adventure, and fun! With loads of field trips, plenty of outdoor activities, and entertaining educational programs, Playworks’ Summer Camp will provide your child with an unforgettable summer. Open to children 6–12 years of age. Daily meals are included. Parttime and full-time options are available.
Minneapolis • 612-728-7745 minnehahaacademy.net
Minnesota Waldorf School Summer Day Camp Old fashioned summer fun on our 8 acre campus! A relaxed schedule of crafts, nature play, games, music, gardening, and more. Preschool through 6th grade. Flexible weekly scheduling. St. Paul • 651-487-6700 x202 mnwaldorf.org/summercamp
Pioneer PeeWees Perfect for younger children ages 4–5. Each camp covers one pioneer, Dakota, or nature-related topic and includes plenty of hands-on activities and a craft to take home. A snack is included. This camp is offered Wednesdays and Fridays, June 12–August 30,
Prior Lake • 952-445-PLAY (7529) playworksfun.com
Pony Party Place Pony Party Place offers day camps and weeklong camps. Extended hours are available, too. We offer safe and comprehensive horse riding camps with lots of riding time, for all ages. We make learning fun! Visit our website to find the camp that best suits your needs. Elk River • 763-441-0276 ponypartyplace.com
Providence Academy Providence Academy’s Summer Activities offer a variety of programs for students age 5 through grade 12. Enjoy activities that promote experiential learning, creative and academic growth, and unique summer experiences. Full-day sessions for students age 5 through grade 6. Plymouth • 763-258-2500 providenceacademy.org/summer
School Chess Association Summer Day Chess Camp All levels of chess instruction, professional educators tailored to the student’s individual needs. Fun activities include swimming, water slides, field ball, Magic the Gathering, soccer, tennis, roller skating, bowling, fishing, sign language, and role-playing games. Programs: June 24–27, July 8–11, July 15–18, July 22–25, July 29–Aug 1, Aug 5–8, Aug 12–15. St. Louis Park • 763-593-1168 schoolchess.org
Shoreview Parks & Recreation Camps Three-day to eleven-week with half and full-day sessions including summer childcare,
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CAMP RESOURCES ADVERTISER LISTINGS athletic, and performing arts summer camps for grades K–12. Campers will explore new activities, expand current interests, discover talents, and develop emerging skills. Fridley • 763-571-9116 totinograce.org
University of Minnesota Summer Transportation Camp Students in grades 7–9 will explore transportation, engineering, science, and technology in this free day camp at the University of Minnesota from July 17–28. Activities include field trips, lab activities, and presentations designed to help students learn more about all aspects of transportation. Minneapolis • 612-625-5608 cts.umn.edu/summercamp
University of Wisconsin-Stout STEAM Camp (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) invites students in grades 8–12 to explore career paths with UW-Stout faculty experts while in a handson setting and to gain the experience of campus life. Day Camp $300, Overnight Camp $450. June 16–20. Menomonie, WI • 715-232-2793 uwstout.edu/steam
YWCA Minneapolis Summer Day Camps Promote healthy attitudes and lifestyles through safe, respectful, fun and diverse learning experiences. Our programs feature fitness, swimming, sports, Triathlon training, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math), poetry, dinosaurs and more. For ages 3–17. Multiple locations • 612-215-4189 ywcampls.org/summer
Language playground programs, specialized sports, art camps, dance, and more! Ages 3–15. Camps available June 10–August 23. Visit our website or call for more info. Shoreview • 651-490-4750 shoreviewcommunitycenter.com
Spring Break & Summer at Blake From robots to art projects and the classroom to the athletic field, Blake challenges students to creatively express themselves in an array of disciplines. Sports, academics, arts and day camps are open to pre-K–12 students throughout the Twin Cities. Hopkins, Minneapolis, Wayzata 952-988-3463 blakeschool.org/summer
St. Croix Lutheran Academy (SCL) Basketball, band, bowling, computer
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science, football, soccer, speak & play theatre, volleyball, and wrestling camps led by SCL faculty, varsity coaches, and players. Space is limited. Register early. June 10– August 9 (dates vary). Starting at $75/week! West St. Paul • 651-455-1521 stcroixlutheran.org/camps
Tanadoona | Camp Fire Minnesota Explore Tanadoona’s Big Woods and zig-zag by canoe across Lake Minnewashta! With 103 acres, outdoor adventures are endless with new friends and local and international counselors. ACA accredited. Open Houses: 3/9 & 4/27. Excelsior • 612-235-7284 tanadoona.org
Totino-Grace High School Totino-Grace High School offers academic,
Alliance Française Mpls/St Paul (AFMSP) Alliance Française is the French cultural center serving the Twin Cities and Rochester. AFMSP offers French classes, cultural events and a French library. Minneapolis • 612-332-0436 afmsp.org
Bilingual Learning Center Spanish Summer Camp—field trips, reading, arts & crafts, sports, dance, science & nature, cultural activities. Beginners welcome; ages 5–12. June 17–July 26, closed week of July 4th. Part-time and full-time options. Located in Kenny School in South Minneapolis. Minneapolis • 612-668-3384 blcenter.org
Casa de Corazon Three- to five-day, full- or extended-day
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sessions with intercultural Spanish immersion curriculum, organic meals and snacks, field trips, sports and more. For kids entering grades 1–6. June 10–August 30. Prices: $145 - $198. Maple Grove • 763-416-3992 casaearlylearning.com/programs/school-age/
Concordia Language Villages We are the premier language and cultural immersion program in the U.S. Since 1961. We have provided an authentic experience with programs for all ages offered in 15 different languages. Day camps, residential youth camps and family camps offered. Bemidji • 1-800-222-4750 concordialanguagevillages.org
German Language Camps Kids explore themes including the environment, STEM, cooking & baking, and arts & crafts, while learning some German. Several weeks of “Intro to German” are also offered. For ages 5 to 13. Half-day, full-day, and extended care are available. St. Paul • 651-222-2979 gai-mn.org
Overnight
Audubon Center of the North Woods Youth summer camps with a focus on wildlife, nature, challenge and outdoor skills. Wild About Animals (entering grades 4–6); Outdoor Explorers (entering grades 5–7); Rocks, Ropes & Rafts (entering grades 6–8). June–July. Sandstone • 888-404-7743 info@audubon-center.org audubon-center.org/summer-camps
Camp Birchwood for Boys Set on the edge of the amazing Boundary Waters Canoe Area, campers choose their own adventures every week. They can pick from hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, or
rock-climbing. Between adventures, campers choose daily activities including archery, riflery, waterpark, crafts, tubing, fishing, and more. Boundary Waters • 612-355-0708 info@birchwoodforboys.com campbirchwoodforboys.com
Camp Bovey Play hard, make friends, eat well! Spend a week away from technology in the north woods of Wisconsin. Roll out your sleeping bag in a rustic cabin, swim in a lake, choose activities that interest you, and try something new. Experiences for 2nd–12th grades. ACA accredited and dedicated to making every camper feel included, appreciated, safe, and respected. All are welcome here. Free transportation. Sliding scale fees. Northwestern WI • 612-787-4030 esns.org/campbovey
Camp Chippewa for Boys We develop character through adventure, inspired by over 80 years of tradition. Your son will receive individual attention as he learns life skills and makes lifelong friends in our wilderness environment. He will return more confident, self-aware and resilient. Cass Lake • 218-335-8807 campchippewa.com
Have fun with trapeze, musical theater, sports, magic, gymnastics, dance, instruments, and watersports—all in the same day! Owatonna • 507-214-2200 CampPillsbury.com
Girl Scouts River Valleys With programs from coast to coast and across the globe, Girl Scouts offers every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success. We offer family, 4, 6, and 13-day resident camps. Girls explore adventure, leadership, horses, STEM, water sports, and more in a girl-led, all-girl environment. Multiple locations • 800-845-0787 Camp.GirlScoutsRV.org
Laketrails Base Camp Since 1952, Laketrails has been guiding teens and middle school youth on wilderness canoeing and camping adventures through the islands of Lake of the Woods. Campers are immersed in Nature, learn outdoor skills, learn to care for the environment, and accept and appreciate themselves and others. Oak Island • 218-223-8281 laketrails.org
Tanadoona | Camp Fire Minnesota
Camp Olson YMCA Since 1954, Camp Olson has been providing unforgettable and life-changing experiences for youth and young leaders through quality camping programs. Traditional summer camp available as well as specialty programs in sailing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and leadership development. Longville • 218-363-2207 campolson.org
Unroll your sleeping bag in a rustic cabin for a week with new friends and local and international counselors. 103 acres along Lake Minnewashta, adventure awaits with activities like archery, canoeing, and agility and high/low ropes courses. ACA accredited. Open House: 4/27. Excelsior • 612-235-7284 tanadoona.org
Wolf Ridge Summer Camp
Camp Pillsbury Camp Pillsbury, recently named “coolest camp in Minnesota,” is a unique, safe, fun summer camp that offers over 100 exciting activities!
Kids grades 2–12 will find outdoor adventures to match their curiosity at Wolf Ridge. Share nature up-close every day with lifelong friends at our 2000-acre campus
Summer Horse/Pony Camp • One-On-One Instruction • In the Metro Area • Ages 4–12 • Themed Day Camps or Week-Long Camps
PonyPartyPlace.com • 763-441-0276 Pony Party Place MNP 0419 H6.indd 1
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CAMP RESOURCES ADVERTISER LISTINGS near Lake Superior and the BWCA. Learning is the greatest adventure there is! Choose yours at wolf-ridge.org. Finland • 218-353-7414 wolf-ridge.org
YMCA Camp Pepin Camp Pepin is an ACA-accredited resident camp located on the shore of Lake Pepin in Stockholm, Wisconsin. Kids enjoy paddle and water activities, ropes course, climbing, soccer, and more under the supervision of well-trained staff from around the world. Stockholm, WI • 651-388-4724 redwingymca.org
Special Needs Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) Summer Camps
AuSM's summer camps are tailored for youth and adults with autism and feature options including 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4 staff to camper ratios. Parents and caregivers can rest assured knowing that their campers are being cared for by highly trained, experienced staff, while campers make memories that last a lifetime. Camps for AuSM members include Hand in Hand (residential, 1:1); Wahode (day, 1:2); and Discovery (residential, 1:4). St. Paul • 651-647-1083 camp@ausm.org ausm.org
Groves Academy Summer Programs Groves Academy offers summer programs for students entering grades 2–11 from the community with learning and attention challenges. Taught by Groves trained teachers, our small class sizes and specialized instruction build success and confidence. Both academic and enrichment programs are available. St. Louis Park • 952-920-6377 grovesacademy.org
Specialty
Camp Victory Ministries Camp Victory is a non-affiliated Christian Camp twenty minutes north of Rochester, MN. Choose between day camps and overnight camps; enjoy over 14 different specialty camps such as Drone Camp, Creative Arts Camp, Drama Camp, High Adrenaline Camp, and more. Zumbro Falls • 507-843-2329 campvictory.com
Cooks of Crocus Hill Attention young chefs in training! Cooks of Crocus Hill has both kids and teen cooking classes you're looking for. Each
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camp is a three-day, hands on series where students learn culinary tips and techniques. For full descriptions and dates, visit cooksofcrocushill.com. St. Paul, Stillwater, Minneapolis 651-228-1333 cooksofcrocushill.com cookie@cooksofcrocushill.com
Sports and Fitness The Alpine Factory
The Alpine Factory offers a variety of day camps for ages 6–18, with offerings for beginners through advanced ability levels. Learn new skills, get in lots of practice time and have fun sliding on The Alpine Factory’s infinite slopes. Arden Hills • 651-330-1121 thealpinefactory.com
Hill-Murray School There is something for everyone at HillMurray School this summer, grades 2–12! Samples of our Sports/Fitness offerings include: Football, Baseball, Hockey, Basketball, Softball, Volleyball, Soccer— opportunities for students of all ages and skills! Register today—space is limited! Maplewood • 651-777-1376 hill-murray.org/summer
The Little Gym Super Kids’ Quest Summer Camp is full of exciting, creative missions where kids ages 3–8 will be working together to complete a different Quest each day! Must be potty trained. Register early. June 10th–Aug 16th. $39 per camp. St. Louis Park • 952-924-0083 thelittlegym.com/edinamn
Macalester College Youth Basketball Camps Basketball day camp for boys in grades 4–8. Improve your basketball skills, enjoy competitive games, develop strong character, and have lots of fun! Beautiful campus & terrific facilities. Free and easy parking. Saint Paul • 651-696-6245 athletics.macalester.edu/youth_hoops_camp
Mini Hops Gymnastics Campers get to develop and build gymnastics skills, get crafty, and make new friends with our awesome staff in small and large group activities. All gymnasts are welcome, from beginner to advanced. Space is limited. Register today! Plymouth • 952-933-2452 mini-hops.com
mnparent.com/camp Minneapolis Sailing Center Sailing camps for kids of all ages and abilities on Bde Maka Ska. Two-week camps with half or full-day options are available all summer. More than just learning how to sail, students learn teamwork, self-confidence, STEM principles, and environment stewardship. Minneapolis • 612-470-7245 sailmpls.org
National Sports Center (NSC) Join us for weeklong athletic summer camps at the NSC. Your child will run, jump, pass, throw and putt their way to the best summer yet. All day sport-specific camps at the world’s largest amateur athletic complex. Blaine • 763-792-7353 nscsports.org/nextlevelcamps
Revolutionary Sports Instruction programs offered daytime, weeknights, and weekends. Kids, as young as AGE TWO, learn to play sports and improve their skills. The family friendly environment encourages parent involvement. Experienced, professional coaches are great with kids and use active, challenging, and non-competitive curriculum to teach sports and life skills. Multiple locations • 612-234-7782 RevolutionarySports.org
TAGS Gymnastics Camps Fun, fitness, friends! Gymnastics and tumbling camps for boys and girls ages 3–17 in June, July, and August. Kids work on fun, new skills while developing strength, flexibility, and coordination in a safe, positive atmosphere! Apple Valley • 952-431-6445 Eden Prairie • 952-920-5342 tagsgym.com
Twin Cities Youth Rowing Club Are you turning 12–18 this year and want to try rowing? Join us at our Jr/Sr High Summer Rowing Camps! Eden Prairie • 612-760-0575 tcyrc.org
Vertical Endeavors Adventure Camps Vertical Endeavors’ weeklong summer camps are perfect for adventurous 6–13 year olds, while remaining a safety-conscious source of supervised enrichment that parents trust! Your child will quite literally ‘reach new heights’ as they discover more about this unique, multifaceted sport as the week progresses. St. Paul • 651-776-1430 Twin Cities Bouldering • 651-330-8611 Minneapolis • 612-436-1470 Duluth • 218-279-9980 Bloomington • 952-881-1110 verticalendeavors.com
BABY RESOURCES ADVERTISER LISTINGS
Birthing Centers Willow Midwives
Willow Midwives is a full service Clinic and Birth Center that seeks to provide individualized care for wellness across the lifespan, including annual wellness exams, contraception, pre-conception, prenatal care and birth, breastfeeding, and all that lies between. Minneapolis • 612-345-5920 willowmidwives.com
Childcare
Creative Kids Academy Creative Kids Academy provides exceptional early education for children 6 weeks to 12 years. We are NAEYC and MN Parent aware accredited. Our interactive enrichment programs such as Yoga, Spanish, Karate, Storytelling and Music are all FREE. Visit one of our 9 amazing locations! Multiple locations • 763-360-6730 ckakids.com
Kinderberry Hill Highest quality care and early education with a heartfelt dedication to nurturing intelligence. Our premier programs feature experienced educators, an onsite school nurse, a commitment to health/nutrition and a Reggio inspired, child-led curriculum fully preparing children for kindergarten and beyond. FT and PT, infants–pre-K. Multiple locations kinderberryhill.com
Mis Amigos Spanish Immersion “Giving Children The World.” Serving ages 6 weeks–5 years. Half-day and full-day options available. Native Spanish speaking teachers. Call or email to schedule a tour today! Parent Aware Highest Rating–4 stars. NAEYC-accredited. Hopkins • 952-935-5588
St. Paul • 651-728-3261 misamigospreschool.com
New Horizon Academy New Horizon Academy is a MN familyowned company that provides high quality child care and early education. While focusing on developing a healthy sense of self in each child, we also strive to provide your child with the necessary skills to succeed not only in school, but in life. Multiple locations • 763-557-1111 newhorizonacademy.net
Party with Playworks There is no place to party like Playworks! Book your next party and enjoy all that the Atrium has to offer, an accommodating event space, and great food options. If you're looking to host an event, celebrate your child's birthday, or attend a seasonal party, Playworks is the place for family entertainment! Prior Lake • 952-445-PLAY (7529) playworksfun.com
Dentists
Dentistry for Children & Adolescents When should my child first see a pediatric dentist? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends shortly after the first tooth erupts, and no later than the child’s first birthday. Our dentists are committed to providing your child with the highest standard of care from birth to age 19! Edina • 952-831-4400 Burnsville • 952-435-4102 Minnetonka • 952-932-0920 childrensdent.com
Education St. Paul Ballet
This nonprofit, community dance school offers lessons for ages 2–100, year-round for all income levels and abilities! Children ages 7+ perform in two major shows yearly;
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a winter and spring showcase. Birthday parties and drop-in classes available. St. Paul • 651-690-1588 spballet.org
Fitness The Little Gym
The parent/child program includes a weekly 45–minute class for children 4 months–3 years old, that promotes early social and physical skills. Let our Bugs, Birds, Beasts and Super Beasts classes be the springboard to your child’s life adventures. Call today and see why we’re ranked #1! St. Louis Park • 952-924-0083 thelittlegym.com/edinamn
Photography
Giliane E. Mansfeldt Photography, LLC Boutique studio specializing in Newborns, Maternity, Family and Children Photography. St. Paul • 651-760-3974 giliane-e-mansfeldtphotography.com
Tracy Walsh Photography Maternity, children, senior, family and business portraits. Maple Grove tracy@tracywalshphoto.com tracywalshphoto.com
Resources Help Me Grow MN
Young children grow, learn and change all the time. Keep track of the developmental milestones your child reaches. If you have concerns about your child’s development, talk to your doctor or refer your child to Help Me Grow MN. 866-693-4769 helpmegrowmn.org mnparent.com • April 2019
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Out & About EASTER
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APRIL 13
Easter in the Castle & Egg Hunt ⊲⊲Celebrate the holiday early — Easter is April 21 this year — by hunting for colorful eggs hidden throughout the 33-room Turnblad Mansion, listening to storytime with the Easter Witch, adding feathers to a brightly decorated Easter tree, making a craft and/or creating traditional Swedish-style greeting cards. When: April 13 Where: American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis Cost: $13 per person, free for children younger than 2 Info: asimn.org
Eggstravaganza ⊲⊲Ages 6 to 14 are invited to color and decorate hard-boiled eggs — and learn how prepare them for use in salads, snacks and main dishes. When: April 13 Where: Oliver Kelley Farm, Elk River Cost: $10 Info: mnhs.org
APRIL 14
Easter Bunny Breakfast & Egg Hunt ⊲⊲Enjoy a breakfast with the Easter Bunny and then hunt for Easter eggs in a rustic barn; seating is limited to 30 people per timeslot. When: 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon April 14
APRIL 14 AND 20
Easter Egg Hunt ⊲⊲Ages 2 to 7 are invited to search for eggs, enjoy a snack, hear stories and explore the first floor of the Gilded Age home of railroad baron James J. Hill and his family. When: April 14 and 20. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.; the hunt begins promptly at 10 a.m. Where: James J. Hill House, St. Paul Cost: $8 per person, free for ages 2 and younger Info: mnhs.org Photo by Christina Ries
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Where: Bruentrup Heritage Farm, Maplewood Cost: $10 for ages 4 and older, $2 for age 3 and younger Info: maplewoodhistoricalsociety.org
Summer Engineering Camps (Itasca Community College – Grand Rapids, MN)
Hands-on engineering design projects • Industry tours and visiting engineers • Recreational and traditional camp activities
• CONES • SUNDAES • COFFEES • BAKES
Senior High Engineering Camp July 8–13 (entering grades 10–12, fall 2019)
APRIL 19 AND 20
Spring Babies Easter Egg Hunt
Junior High Engineering Camp July 17–20 (entering grades 7–9, fall 2019)
ICC camps are residential experiences; a nurse is on-site daily
Call Kim Damiani at 218-322-2370
kimberly.damiani @ itascacc.edu | itascacc.edu/engineeringcamp
⊲ Kids can hunt for eggs and enjoy regular festival activities, including petting or holding baby farm animals 1851 East Hwy. 169, Grand Rapids, MN 55744 as well as a corn pit, straw-bale maze, a kids’ play area and hayrides. Inflatables Itasca Community College MNP 0319 12.indd 1 1/2/19 and other attractions cost extra. Itasca Community College is an equal opportunity employer and educator.
When: Festival dates will be Saturdays and Sundays (except Easter) April 13 through May 5, plus Friday, April 19. Egg hunts will be at noon April 19 and 20. Where: Twin Cities Festival, Brooklyn Park Cost: $9 online or $10 at the gate for ages 2 and older Info: twincitiesspringbabies.com
Enjoy
La La Homemade Ice cream 3146 Hennepin, Minneapolis • Tue–sun 1–9
lalahomemadeicecream.com 10:10 La LaAM Ice Cream MNP 0419 12.indd 1
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APRIL 20
Spring Eggstravaganza ⊲ This annual event features a scavenger hunt, photos with the Easter Bunny, dancing, face painting, crafts, treats and games, geared toward ages 1–8. Bring a basket for egg hunting. When: April 20 Where: Minnetonka Community Center, Minnetonka Cost: $10; reservations are required. Info: eminnetonka.com/ recreationbrochure
Outdoor Golden Egg Hunt ⊲ Inspired by the Solar Egg installation at the museum, this outdoor Easter egg hunt invites kids up to 12 years old to search for golden eggs, rain/snow or shine. When: April 20 Where: American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis Cost: $15 per child Info: asimn.org Breezy Point Resort MNP 0419 V2.indd 1
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Out & About APRIL
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The Hobbit ⊲ Bilbo Baggins travels on an epic journey in this minimalist but magical adaptation of the classic J.R.R. Tolkien tome. When: Through April 14 Where: Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis Cost: Tickets start at $15. Info: childrenstheatre.org
Photo by Dan Norman
APRIL 5
Final Four Friday ⊲ See NCAA Final Four players up close for free in their final open practices before the semifinals, followed by the Reese’s College All-Star Game in the afternoon. When: April 5 Where: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: ncaa.com
APRIL 5–8
Final Four Fan Fest ⊲ Celebrate a variety of sports with interactive games, special celebrity and athlete appearances, autograph signings, a home run derby, free cheer clinics, a climbing wall and a chance to snap a selfie with the Final Four championship trophy.
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When: April 5–8 Where: Minneapolis Convention Center Cost: $4–$10 for ages 13 and older, FREE for ages 12 and younger Info: ncaa.com/final-four
APRIL 6
Music and Melody Makers ⊲ Minnesota Youth Symphonies students will demonstrate their skills and help children play orchestra instruments. Participants will also watch an orchestra rehearsal and receive an activity book. When: 9:30–11 a.m. April 6 Where: Highland Park Middle School, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: mnyouthsymphonies.org
Final Four Dribble ⊲ Three thousand children, who will get a free shirt and a special new basketball, will dribble, parade-style, through the streets of downtown Minneapolis. When: April 7 Where: Minneapolis Convention Center Cost: FREE; advanced registration is required and is limited to ages 18 and younger. Info: Learn how to register at ncaa.com.
APRIL 12–MAY 12
The Most Magnificent Thing ⊲ As a young girl tries and fails to make her idea a reality, she finds invention is anything but easy. Appropriate for all ages, this play is based on the book written and illustrated by Ashley Spires
and previously featured in Minnesota Parent magazine. When: April 12–May 12 Where: Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins Cost: $14–$21 Info: stagestheatre.org
APRIL 13
Robot Day ⊲ Kids can interact with robots of all shapes and sizes and also meet engineers and students who build, program — and even compete with — robots. When: April 13 Where: The Works, Bloomington Cost: $9 in advance, $12 at the door Info: theworks.org/robot-day
Bloom ⊲ This fifth-annual event for new and expecting moms offers a morning of pampering, educational information, breakout sessions, giveaways/swag, food and drinks, shopping and tons of local resources. When: 10 a.m.–1 p.m. April 13 Where: Breck School, Golden Valley Cost: $30–$60 Info: twincities.citymomsblog.com
APRIL 14
Art in Bloom ⊲ Enjoy a colorful day of floral-themed activities throughout the galleries and studios at this free Family Day event. When: April 14 Where: Minneapolis Institute of Art Cost: FREE Info: artsmia.org
APRIL 20
Earth Day Celebration ⊲ Enjoy free entertainment, beat a drum in a parade, help plant something, watch The Lorax and play spring games. When: 10 a.m.–2 p.m. April 20 Where: Harriet Alexander Nature Center, Roseville Cost: $6; reservations are required. Info: cityofroseville.com
APRIL 24–27
Minnesota Autism Conference ⊲ Expert speakers, educators, professionals, caregivers and individuals with autism will exchange knowledge and ideas with the goal of enhancing the lives of those on the autism spectrum at this 24th-annual event. When: April 24–27 Where: Minneapolis Marriott Southwest, Minnetonka Cost: Events start at $25. Info: ausm.org
APRIL 26–MAY 19
Hidden Heroes ⊲ In the 1950s and ’60s, the black women of NASA fought against racial and gender discrimination for a place on the leading edge of math, science and technology. In this play, geared toward ages 7 and older, see how those women were influenced as young girls to eventually make critical contributions to the U.S. space program. When: April 26–May 19 Where: Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins Cost: $14–$21 Info: stagestheatre.org
APRIL 27
Como Town Opening Day ⊲ If the weather cooperates, the gates will open to a wide variety of kid-friendly rides. When: April 27 Where: Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, St. Paul Cost: FREE admission; ride prices vary. Info: comotown.com
Motherhood & Words ⊲ Author Kate Hopper launched Motherhood & Words Reading in 2007 to highlight and celebrate motherhood literature. This year, she’s offering this day-long writing conference for
mothers interested in deepening their understanding of the craft with a supportive community of writers. When: 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. April 27 Where: ModernWell, Minneapolis Cost: $165; a limited number of lowincome and scholarship tickets are available. Info: modernwell.com
APRIL 28
Bandwidth Community Band Festival ⊲ Listen to marches, concert band classics, pop, Broadway and jazz music performed by some of the top volunteerbased ensembles in Minnesota. When: Noon–6 p.m. April 28 Where: Landmark Center, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: landmarkcenter.org
APRIL 28–JUNE 23
Matilda: The Musical ⊲ Inspired by the work of Roald Dahl, this play for ages 6 and up revels in the anarchy of childhood. When: April 28–June 23 Where: Children’s Theatre, Minneapolis Cost: Tickets start at $15. Info: childrenstheatre.org
APRIL 30 AND MAY 1
Schubert Club KidsJam
⊲ Children are invited to listen to languages and songs from many countries — sung by the Lumina Women’s Ensemble — followed by a chance to create their own songbooks and imitate different sounds using their own voices. When: April 30 and May 1 Where: Schubert Club Museum, St. Paul Cost: $5 per child participant, FREE for accompanying adults and babes-in-arms Info: schubert.org
mnparent.com • April 2019
55
Out & About
APRIL 13–MAY 5
Spring Babies ⊲ Kids can pet — and in some cases even hold — baby animals such as bunnies, ducklings, chicks, goats, sheep and calves. Other free activities include a corn pit, straw-bale maze, a kids’ play area and hayrides. Pony rides, inflatables and the giant slide cost extra. When: April 13–14, 19–20, 27–28 and May 4–5 Where: Twin Cities Festival, Brooklyn Park Cost: $9 online or $10 at the gate for ages 2 and older Info: twincitiesspringbabies.com
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FROM OUR READERS
Hopping to it! Easter Sunday falls on April 21 this year, which means maybe, just maybe the snow will be gone in time for our local egg hunts! Until then, take a look at some of the memories of Easters past with these little cuties!
↑ Gia, 2, of Savage
↑ Vince, 2, of Excelsior
↑ Alaina, 5½, and Emma, 2½, of Plymouth
Want to see your kid on this page? Send photos with your child’s first name, age and city to editor@mnparent.com.
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