Kamloops Momma Baby Guide

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FREE

Baby Guide 2012 - 2013

Our

1st

Annual

Local Guide to Everything 1

Baby & Belly!




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Advice from a Sleepless Momma

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s the momma of 2 sleep-challenged children, I offer some advice. No, not about how to get your children to sleep - I know nothing about that - advice on coping with sleep deprivation, in which I consider myself an expert! You see, I haven’t really slept in 5 years. To be honest, I haven’t slept well since I was 3 and watched Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” And, apparently, poor sleep habits are hereditary. 1. Get as much sleep as you can before the baby arrives. Yes, everyone says this, but do it. Really! It may or may not be true that you’ll never sleep again...I’m still waiting to find out! Letter from 2. Do not take sleep for granted. If your child sleeps a Kamloops through the night between 3-4 months old, like both of mine, Momma be grateful, but do not get used to it. It is possible that this will lead to several months of waking up every half hour, again, like both of mine! 3. Remind yourself how much you love your children. Put cute, smiling, happy pictures of you and your child up in their bedroom to look at when they remind you of a gremlin - the mean ones - after consoling for 3 hours straight. 4. Nap when they nap. Sure, nap time is a great time to clean, answer emails, or peruse the internet, but sleep instead. The housework will always be there the opportunity to sleep won’t! 5. Make life easier. Every little thing you can do to make life easier is worth it. And I mean anything. Take coffee, for example: I now use instant coffee with condensed milk. The coffee is, well, instant, and the milk is just sweet enough so I can eliminate the extra step of adding sugar. Voilà! 5 minutes saved! 6. If your child sleeps through the night, don’t brag. In fact, if you want to stay friends with a sleep deprived mom, I recommend not mentioning it at all or maybe even lying! 7. Remember, it’s worth it. Yes, some moments are more rewarding then others, but I’d take a lifetime of sleepless nights to have my beautiful girls...though, hopefully I won’t have to! -­Courtney Charlton, editor To share your ideas and comments, contact us at info@kamloopsmomma.com or find us on Facebook!

On the Cover: This gorgeous little gal is very generous with her smiles. She is the sweet little client of Lisa DiGeso, the photographer behind of Milk & Honey Photography. Milk & Honey specializes in maternity, newborn and baby portraiture, and also offers outdoor family and couples sessions in the Kamloops area. Lisa’s style is soft, whimsical, and captures eyes full of twinkles, bellies full of laughs, and sweet newborn smiles. www.milkandhoneyphotography.ca 5


A Look Inside...

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She Just Did Something AMAZING!

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Top 5 Car Seat No-No’s

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To Work or Not to Work

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The Top Comfort Measures for Labour

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The Mother of All Early Learning Experiences

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Finding Your Post-Natal Power

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Special Offers for Our Readers!

Taking care of mom too

And how you can avoid them Going back to work after having a baby 12 tips to decrease pain during labour Parent-Child Mother Goose Yoga after giving birth

Cloth Diapers

So much more than fabric, pins, and plastic pants!

Resources:

12 Things We Love 16 The Baby Carrier Guide 20 Free and Low Cost Family Activities 25 Community Resource Directory Kamloops Momma is the free publication connecting local families to each other and to our community. It’s published every 2 months and available at businesses and resource centres throughout our region. Readers can also view the magazine online and subscribe to have it delivered to their door. Published by Courtney Charlton info@kamloopsmomma.com www.kamloopsmomma.com Disclaimer: The publisher will not be responsible for errors or omissions. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the contributors/writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the publisher. All rights reserved. No written or illustrated part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission from the publisher.

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Photo: Milk & Honey Photography


She Just Did Something AMAZING! (So take care of mom too...)

By Amanda Barker

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ello Mommas...and Mommas-to-be! her meals, wash her dishes and take I want to talk to you about a stage care of her older children. of a new mother’s life that often gets The mother also needs her baby to overlooked, a stage that can be very be praised and to be able to share her detrimental for our mothers and their birth story as many times as she feels babies. I want to talk about the time like it. And she needs to know that she after the baby is born. just did something amazing…because The postpartum period is when she DID just do something AMAZING! mothers can feel elated and euphoric If you have a friend who has recently at first and then completely worn out, given birth or maybe know someone depressed and isolated after a few days who never fully recovered and may or weeks. This happens all too often. “If we want to protect and care Many women for our children, we need to first care think they have a bit of the baby for our mothers.” blues and that they need to suck it up and get busy with real life again. be depressed and worn out, go bring Nothing could be further from the truth: her and her family a meal and stay for mothers need to be taken care of for up a visit. No mother should feel isolated to six weeks after they give birth! and alone, especially during such a In other countries, such as Greece, special and vulnerable time in her life. India and Pakistan, a mother has a 40 If you would like some more inforday confinement where she rests, stays mation on supporting a friend after close to her baby, and is fed nourishpregnancy or even for yourself, you can ing foods. The whole purpose is for her contact me and I will direct you to comhealing, bonding with her baby, and munity resources and to other mothrehabilitation after 40 weeks of pregers in Kamloops that love to help new nancy and then her birthing. moms in any way they can….even if it’s In our culture, women are often made just with a pot of soup! to feel guilty if they take it easy for Amanda Barker is a herbalist, Doula, even a week after they give birth and, CBE, and owner of Ovio Organico skin too often, the mother resumes regular care and Boho Birth. She contributes household tasks and errands within a a regular column, Notes from a Boho few days. This can cause exhaustion, Momma, in Kamloops Momma Magazine. poor healing and is emotionally and Contact her at abarker@gmail.com. mentally draining. If we want to protect and care for our children, we need to first care for our mothers. The mother needs to be taken care of so she can take care of her baby. She needs relatives and friends to cook 7


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Top 5 Car Seat No-No’s and How You Can Avoid Them need to adjust the harness...it always fits 1:“No perfectly!”

EEEKKK! Sometimes it takes all of my strength as a technician NOT to adjust your babies when I see them in their “buckets!” While many parents are diligent about always loosening harnesses to load and then tightening them EACH TIME, some are not. Please make sure you re-adjust the harness every time babe is placed in their seat. You should be able to just slide two fingers under the straps at your child’s collarbone. Remember, on rear facing seats, straps should originate just below the child’s shoulders at the back. On forward facing seats, they should be at the shoulder or slightly above.

2:“Do I really need to tether my forward facing seat?”

Canadian law states that all forward facing child seats must be tethered. Please, please read the owner’s manual that comes with your vehicle for placement, tips and proper anchoring technique. If your older vehicle does not have a designated anchor, most dealerships will install one for you at no cost. If additional anchors cannot be installed, you will have no choice but to make other transportation arrangements.

do you mean I can’t use one anchor from the left and one 3:“What anchor from the right?!”

As technicians, we see this often. Yes, the best place for your child is in the middle of the back seat. However, in this age of compact, eco-efficient, ‘little’ cars, most only have UAS (Universal Anchoring System) anchors for the left and the right seats. In this case, use your middle seat belt to anchor. When you ‘borrow’ a left and a right (unless your vehicle manual allows it), you change the shift of the seat. Our rule of thumb is no more than 1 inch of slide, side-to-side. By splitting anchors, you will allow for too much movement.

4:“But my baby will be cold without his cozy, warm bunting bag!”

Nothing should come between baby and the harness strap! EVER! Bulky bunting bags and snowsuits can compress in a crash and baby may be ejected out of the seat. Dress babe in a warm sleeper, a sweater and booties. Load in seat and adjust the harness accordingly. You can then bundle on top...blankets, an elasticized fleece cover, etc. Use rolled up receiving blankets to cushion the head.

5:“This seat was only used twice. So what if it’s expired!”

Even though a seat may not be used much, the average lifespan of a car seat is only about 6 years (see Transport Canada website for lifespan by manufacturer). Materials just tend to wear, so please abide by the suggested expiry dates (usually on a sticker, or printed in the moulded plastic). Using an expired seat may void portions of your car insurance should you be involved in a crash. And, the seat will most definitely not be replaced! Jenn Harbaruk is a Car Seat Passenger Safety Technician and owner of Welcome to the Babyhood. For more information or to set up a car seat check, visit www.welcometothebabyhood.com. 9


To Work or Not to Work: That is the Question... By Janet Whitehead

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ife changes in the most extraordinary ways when you become a parent. You have a new love, new lifestyle, new joys, new responsibilities and... okay, there’s less sleep, less ‘you’ time and, it’s true, sometimes it doesn’t even feel like fun. But you probably already know that the wonder and miracle of your child makes all the changes worthwhile. There’s a change that happens, however, that often goes unnoticed; a change that can play havoc in the lives of moms. That change is your way of making decisions. What’s worked for you in the past just doesn’t seem to work the same anymore. The ‘pros and cons’ lists; heeding advice of parents, society, teachers and/or friends; making logical and seemingly practical choices based on your income needs and your education – they all seemed to work well enough in the past. So why is it so hard to feel good about any choice when it comes time to consider going back to work or not? For those who feel they have to go back to work, why does it not feel right even when all the logical, practical, and even, ‘but I love my job’ reasons make sense? What’s missing in the decision making process is incorporating a new part of you that did not exist before the birth of your child: the emotional connection of mother and child and the intuitive ability that really does know what is right for you as a parent. It’s unfortunate that there is so little support for incorporating emotions and intuition into decision making. Instead, the mom who feels she must

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go back to work feels guilty leaving her child in someone else’s care. The mom who wants to go back to work feels guilty for feeling that way. The mom who chooses to stay home feels guilty for not contributing enough to the family income and often feels like she is viewed as less valuable in society’s eyes. The mom who chooses to work from home feels guilty because she is always on call for her work and is not getting the quality time with her child that she had intended. The mom whose partner wants to stay at home feels guilty wanting to be the one at home or worries what other people will think if she’s the working parent. And on and on it goes... The only good thing about all of this is that you can let go worrying about what other moms might be thinking about your choices...they are mostly busy feeling guilty and not too worried about you! You don’t have to feel guilty: You have the opportunity to make good choices based first and foremost on what your emotions and intuition are saying. Yes, moms, you have the opportunity to shift the ‘old boy’ ‘left brain’ decision process to one that honours the wisdom and strength of feminine intuition and emotion. If any of the following factors are key in your decision making process, it’s time to think differently: l You feel ‘nightmarish’ as you consider going back to work. l You’ve gone back to work and you


are crying every time you drop your child off at daycare. l You’re making choices based strongly on the approval of family, friends or because your employer has been good to you. l You are making choices based on what your mother did. (If you are choosing to go back to work based on this, let me apologize on behalf of my generation for setting you up to need a second income and to have ridiculous expectations of being supermom. If my generation hadn’t thought we needed to work and be supermoms, the cost of living would have stayed happily at a family only needing one income to function nicely. And, I suspect, women would have created a different way to be a strong force in society that engaged our intuitive and emotional wisdom.) l You don’t want your education to go ‘to waste.’ l You believe you must have certain material things to be successful. And how can you think differently? 1. Listen to what your emotions and intuition are telling you. Look at each option and notice what weighs heavy and what feels light and exciting. Go with ‘light and exciting.’ 2. If the ‘light and exciting’ option doesn’t feel do-able, think creatively about how it can be do-able. You can ask a trusted friend to join you in a crazy brainstorming session full of ‘seemingly impossible’ ideas. From this process, seeds of ideal options will be revealed. You might even consider getting a life coach to support you as you come up with ideas. 3. If the practical and logical concepts are getting in the way, ask yourself questions you might not normally ask: l How can I use my skills from my Masters Degree in a way that feels valuable and keeps me home/ or part time/ or a new business? l What if I had no choice but to stay at home... how would I make that work?

“Why is it so hard to feel good about any choice when it comes time to consider going back to work or not?” What if work and kids did mix? How can my working be the best thing ever for my kids? 4. Remind yourself that you and your generation can be leaders by letting intuition and emotion guide your decision process. 5. Call on the ‘save the environment’ card that was not so readily acceptable in the past: “We’re saving the environment by not having two vehicles, by living more simply, by keeping the old couch instead of always updating.” That new you - the momma with a new and enhanced connection to emotion and intuition - will be much happier if you honour this connection in your decisions. This has been the gift of moms since the beginning of time, yet it has been discredited and undervalued for centuries. You, new moms, have an opportunity to change that. Do what feels right for you. Know that what is right for you is also right for your family. And also know that, if along the way the decision you made no longer feels right, you can change it. That is also your right. Janet L.Whitehead is a Professional Life Coach, Master Creativity Coach, and joyful facilitator of ‘Muses for Mommies’ – a course for moms to live inspired lives with less guilt and more fun. www.musingsandmud.com l l

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Things We Love... Baby Edition Ulubulu Bib

Why do we love it?

Made of earth friendly materials, this fun 100% natural silicone bib rolls for convenient storage and travel. It’s adjustable, soft, comfortable, dishwasher safe, and great for smaller babies.

$12.99, Tumbleweed Toys Snug-glee Bumz

Why do we love it?

This diaper service is ideal for parents who like the idea of a more eco-friendly diapering option, but don’t like the idea of cleaning cloth diapers! With Snug-glee Bumz, cloth diapering is as easy as disposables. You just put your diapers in the bin provided and they are picked up and fresh diapers dropped off once a week. It’s so easy and it’s affordable too!

$22.96, Snug-glee Bumz Diaper Service Bliss Nursing Bra by Bravado

Why do we love it?

Nursing bras can be rather unglamorous, but not this one. It’s the perfect t-shirt bra. It has molded foam cups that stretch to grow with your changing shape and a satiny finish. And it’s durable nursing clips are so easy to use you only need one hand!

$54.99, Mommy & Me Boutique

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Belts

Why do we love it?

These belts are designed especially for your little one: they are comfortable, reversible, adjustable, durable and oh so cute! 3 sizes are available, fitting newborn to size 6. Best of all, they are handmade by a local mom.

$12.50, Koochi Koos

Facial Bubble Buddies

Why do we love it?

These locally made facial exfoliators are gentle yet invigorating. They are machine wash and dry and great for travelling, too!

$10.50 for 7, Loops in Loops Preggie Pop Drops:

Why do we love it?

All-natural sour candies for morning sickness? Yes, please! Organic ingredients, such as evaporated cane juice, brown rice syrup, and natural flavourings from essential oils that are known to aid in helping with stomach problems, make these the perfect pregnancy treat!

$11.99, Mulberry Bush


Pacimals: The Huggable Pacifier

Why do we love it?

Pacimals are a stuffed animal and soother clip all in one. They come with a removable pacifier (you can get an attachment to fit any type) and are machine washable. Best of all, the transition to no soother is easier because kids can keep the stuffy. $19.99, Tumbleweed Toys

Amber Teething Necklaces

Nipple Soothe Balm:

Why do we love it?

Amber necklaces are an all natural pain reliever that work great for many teething babies. They aren’t to chew on, though! The warmth of your skin from wearing them releases healing oils (succinic-acid) from the amber.

$20, Lizzie Bits Baby Co.

Why do we love it?

Need relief from cracked, aching nipples? This unscented balm is made from pure, soothing butters and oils so it’s safe for breastfeeding - no need to wash it off! It’s just one of the many all natural and organic body care products handcrafted by Delish for you and your growing family.

$12.99, Delish Naturals

Try-Angle

Why do we love it?

This portable hands-on activity centre has it all: colours, shapes, patterns, and sounds! And it grows with your child from laying flat for tummy time or in a crib to fun toddler play.

$38, Discovery Toys

Onesies by Bubbs and Buggs

Why do we love it?

These locally made onesies feature super cute unisex designs, bold colours, and are made of soft certified organic cotton, azo-free dyes, and printed with water-based inks.

$22.50, www.bubbsbuggwear.ca Nut Butter Coconut Supreme Cream

Why do we love it?

This ultra-hydrating cream is locally made with all natural ingredients, including organic coconut and shea nut butters. It’s great for the whole family and the scrumptious scent can satisfy any chocolate craving...though your kids might try to lick it off!

$15.99, NavInspired

Nursery Warmer by Scentsy

Why do we love it?

Scentsy warmers are a safe alternative to traditional candles. Instead of a flame, the wickless candle bar is warmed by the heat of a light. The Nursery Collection features whimsical nursery rhymes and is perfect for baby’s bedroom.

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The Top Comfort Measures for Labour

By Amy French and Tara Lippmann

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s a childbirth educators, we see a variety of responses to childbirth: fear, excitement, anxiety, and always lots of questions. Here are some tips to help you move from fear to confidence in your ability to give birth; a taste of how you can gain skills to embrace labour as a doorway into the lifelong challenge: parenting. Lamaze is “an organization that promotes a natural, healthy and safe approach to pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting.” Lamaze no longer focuses strictly on teaching mothers to breathe in complicated ways to manage pain. Instead, it teaches the Six Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices to help women have a positive birth experience: • Let labour begin on its own • Walk, move around, change positions in labour • Bring a loved one, friend, or doula for continuous labour support • Avoid interventions that are not medically necessary • Avoid giving birth on your back and follow your body’s urge to push • Keep mother and baby together - it’s best for mother, baby, and breastfeeding Childbirth is more than coping with pain; it is your child’s entry into the world and an experience you will remember forever. This experience will show you how strong, capable and amazing you are. Even your partner will have a new understanding of what a powerful strength lies within you. It will also help prepare you for the daily challenges of parenting. Even though the experience of childbirth can be empowering, there is no reason to head into labour expecting the process to be easy. However, your body knows what to do. You just need to bring some techniques to help your body out! 14

The most important thing to remember is that fear increases tension, which increases pain. All of the tools for decreasing your perception of labour pain work on decreasing tension and fear. Here are a few simple tips to decrease pain in labour: 1. Hot and cold (put rice in a sock and tie a knot in the end—instant hot or cold pack!) 2. Massage 3. Music 4. Moving - walking and getting into different positions is very important for comfort and moving labour along more quickly. 5. Water - get in the tub or shower for powerful pain relief 6. Visualization (get a script for your partner to read to you to relax in early labour) 7. Eat and drink to comfort 8. Wear something you are comfortable in 9. Partner - help mom maintain privacy (close the door, ask extra guests to leave), if this is important to her, so she can focus on birthing 10. Vocal toning, counting, chanting, eye contact (all work best with a support person chiming in) 11. Stay at home as long as you can comfortably, or consider a home birth where you can labour in a comfortable environment with a midwife. 12. Have people around who will provide constant emotional and physical support (doula’s are trained at birthing support) Reference and further reading: www. lamaze.org. Amy French and Tara Lippmann are registered nurses and Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educators. They operate Tiny Blessings Prenatal and offer fun, interactive prenatal classes. www.tinyblessingsprenatal.com


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The Baby Carrier Guide

aby carriers have changed a lot since our parents’ generation. The trend has moved away - far far away - from forward facing carriers lacking in support and comfort. Today, many different styles of carriers have been developed by experienced baby wearers that are comfortable for both baby and wearer, promote bonding, convenient, safe, and stylish too!

Soft Structured * Similar to a backpack, typically with a buckle around the waist and between the shoulder blades

Pros: Easy to use, fits ba-

bies to toddler, adjustable, proper sitting position

Cons: Some require an insert for use with infants, shoulder straps can become uncomfortable after extended periods of time Positions: Front, Back, Hip* (*depending on brand)

Examples: ERGObaby, Beco

Sling/Pouch * A piece of fabric that goes over your shoulder to form a pouch to hold your baby

Pros: Easy to use, fits

newborn to toddler, discreet nursing Cons: One shoulder design doesn’t evenly distribute weight and can become uncomfortable, limited adjustability (exception: Ring Sling)

Positions: Front, Hip Examples: Peanutshell, Hotslings, LadyBugz Slings (locally made)

Wrap

Mei-Tai

* A very long piece of cloth wrapped around your body and your baby

* Four straps coming off the body of the carrier, which can be tied to wear your baby on your front, back or hip

Pros: Very versatile, multiple positions, fits newborn to toddler, discreet nursing, even weight distribution for maximum comfort Cons: Slightly longer learning curve, takes longer to put on, bulky

Positions: Front, Hip,

Back* (*depending on material)

Examples: Moby,

Maman Kangourou

Pros: Easy to use, fits baby to toddler, adjustable, one size fits most, compact Cons: Not ideal for a newborn, straps aren’t padded so can become uncomfortable after longer periods of time

Positions: Front, Back, Hip

Examples: BabyHawk, Free Hand

Shop Local! Baby carriers are available at Lizzie Bits Baby Co., Mommy & Me Boutique, Mulberry Bush and LadyBugzSlings.com 16


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The Mother of All Early Learning Experiences By Courtney Charlton

“Rolly-Polly, Rolly-Polly, Up Up Up! Up Up Up! Rolly-Polly, Rolly-Polly, Down Down Down! Down Down Down!”

(KELLI), the program behind Mother Goose locally, relies on a variety of sources to operate. Classes held at elementary schools are subsidized by the individual school’s Ready Set Learn funding from the BC Ministry. Classes held at the public libraries and YMCAs are funded f you don’t know this song, then you in part by these individual organizahaven’t been to a Mother Goose class! tions. As for the remaining costs, KELLI Parent-Child Mother Goose is a free relies on donations and grants. program for families with children ages So what is the song above? “Rolly-Pol0-5 to experience songs, rhymes, and ly” is a crowd favourite. Children love stories in a relaxed group setting. the repetition, movement, and parent We are very fortunate to have a thriving Mother Goose community: an interaction. It is also the first song that many babies learn hands movements average of 60 classes are offered in to. Kamloops every year. For parents, Rolly-Polly can also be Each hour-long class is led by 2 caran invaluable tool - whether it’s used ing teachers trained in the principles to console an unhappy traveller on a of Mother Goose. Both parents are welcome to attend with their children… long road trip or a child who doesn’t and you might even see a grandparent like bath time, this song can turn most or aunt there too! A really great healthy frowns upside down! And Mother Goose is about so much snack is also provided. more than just singing and rhyming; the The Mother Goose program is all program fosters language and comabout accessibility. Classes are conveniently located all munication development in children, encourages positive family interactions, over Kamloops. With an average of 20 creates community connections, and classes per session, most families will increases parents’ confidence. find a class in their community either Want to attend a Mother Goose class? at a local elementary school, public Registration is required…but singing library, or YMCA. And morning, afternoon, and evening experience isn’t! For more information, to register, or classes are offered each weekday to to donate, contact Merlene Sibley at accommodate naps, school, and work schedules. A Saturday class is even of- 250.554.3134 ext. 582. fered! There is no cost for families to attend this wonderful program. Kamloops Early Learning and Literacy Initiative

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Free and Low Cost Family Activities Presented By: **(F-Free, C-Cost, D-Drop-In, R-Registration) Weekdays

Monday

Arthur Hatton Strong Start (F/R/D) 8:30 am - 11:30 am Arthur Hatton Elementary 315 Chestnut 250-376-7217

Under the Eagles Wing (F/R) 10 am - 12:30 pm Kamloops Aboriginal Family Development Centre 2355 Parkcrest Ave 250-376-1617

Marion Schilling Strong Start (F/R/D) 12 - 3 pm Marion Schilling Elementary 2200 Park Dr 250-372-2027

Family Tree Drop-In Center (F/D) 9:00am - 1:00pm 283 West Victoria St 250-377-6890

South Sa-Hali Strong Start (F/R/D) 8:45 am - 11:45 am South Sa-Hali Elementary 1585 Summit Dr 250-374-2451 AE Perry Strong Start (F/R/D) 8:30 am - 11:30 am AE Perry Elementary 1380 Sherbrooke Ave. 250-376-6224 YMCA Child Interactive Centre (C/D) *$3/child 9:00am - 12:00pm Unit E 1420 Hugh Allan Drive 250-372-7791 YMCA Child Interactive Centre (C/D) *$5/child/hr to max 2 hours 8:30am -1:00pm 3:30 pm - 7:45 pm 700 Tranquille Road - Northhills Mall 250-554-9622 YMCA Child Interactive Centre (C/D) *$5/child/hr to max 2 hours 8:30am - 1:00pm 4:00 - 7:00 pm 400 Battle St 250-372-7725 Parent-Child Mother Goose (F/R) Various times and locations www.interiorcommunityservices.bc.ca 250-554-3134 (ext 582)

Tiny Tunes (F/D) 10:15 AM North Kam. Library 693 Tranquille Rd & Kam Downtown Lib. 100-465 Victoria St www.tnrdlib.bc.ca 250-554-1124 250-372-5145 Tuesday Healthy Beginnings (F/D) 9:45am - 11:45 am Kamloops Aboriginal Family Development Centre 2355 Parkcrest Ave 250-554-3134 Parenting Program ( R) 9:30 am - 12:00 Kamloops Aboriginal Family Development Centre 2355 Parkcrest Ave 250-554-3134 Wednesday Family Tree Drop-In Center (F/D) 9:00am - 1:00pm 283 West Victoria St 250-377-6890 Infant Massage (R) 1:30 - 2:30 pm Kamloops Aboriginal Family Development Centre 2355 Parkcrest Ave 250-376-1617 Prenatal Class (R) 10:30 - Noon Kamloops Aboriginal Family Development Centre 2355 Parkcrest Ave 250-376-1617

Preschool Skate (F/D) www.kamloops.ca/facilities/publicskatRock a Bye Baby (F/R) ing-events.shtml 250-828-3387 10:15 AM North Kam. Library City of Kamloops Pools (C/R) 693 Tranquille Rd 250-554-1124 www.kamloops.ca/facilities/pools. shtml 250-828-3655 20


Tiny Tunes (F/D) 10:15 AM North Kam. Library 693 Tranquille Road & Kam Downtown Library 100-465 Victoria St www.tnrdlib.bc.ca 250-554-1124 250-372-5145 Thursday Parent & Tot (F/D) 10:30 am - 12:00 pm Kamloops Aboriginal Family Development Center -2355 Parkcrest Ave 250-376-1617 Dad’s Cultural Group (F/R) 3 pm - 4 pm Kamloops Aboriginal Family Development Center -2355 Parkcrest Ave 250-376-1617 Family Tree Drop-In Center (F/D) 9:00am - 1:00pm 283 West Victoria St 250-377-6890 Kamloops Art Gallery (F) 10 am - 9 pm 101-465 Victoria Street www.kag.bc.ca 250-377-2405 Big Little Science Centre (C/D) $2/child, $5/adult, max $10/family; $35/family/year 3 pm - 5 pm 985 Holt St (Call for summer hours) 250-554-2572 Preschool Storytime (F/R) 1:30 PM Kamloops Downtown Library 100-465 Victoria St 250-372-5145 Friday

Friday Family Fun with Literacy (F) 6:00 - 7:30 pm 250-554-3134 (ext 582) www.interiorcommunityservices.bc.ca Friday Family Nights (F/R) 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Boys and Girls Club of Kamloops McArthur Island (register by Thurs 5 pm) 250-554-5437 Preschool Storytime (F/R) 10:15 AM Kamloops Downtown Library 100-465 Victoria St 250-372-5145 Saturday Big Little Science Centre (C/D) $2/child, $5/adult, max $10/family; 10 pm - 4 pm 985 Holt St 250-554-2572 Chapters Craft and Storytime (F) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm 4 - 1395 Hillside Dr 250-377-8468 City of Kamloops Pools (C/R) www.kamloops.ca/facilities/pools. shtml 250-828-3655 Parent-Child Mother Goose (F/R) www.interiorcommunityservices.bc.ca 250-554-3134 (ext 582) Preschool Skate (F/D) www.kamloops.ca/facilities/publicskating-events.shtml 250-828-3387 YMCA Child Interactive Centre (C/D) *$5/child/hr to max 2 hours 8:30am -1:00pm 3:30 pm - 7:45 pm 700 Tranquille Road - Northhills Mall 250-554-9622

YMCA Child Interactive Centre (C/D) *$5/child/hr to max 2 hours Big Little Science Centre (C/D) $2/child, $5/adult, max $10/family; $35/ 8:30am - 1:00pm 4:00 - 7:00 pm 400 Battle St 250-372-7725 family/year 3 pm - 5 pm 985 Holt St (Call for summer hours) 250-554-2572 Sunday Connexions Morning Coffee House (D/C) 9:30 am - 11:30 am 700 Hugh Allan Dr 250-828-1114 Family Storytime (F/D) 10:15 AM North Kamloops Library 693 Tranquille Road 250-554-1124

City of Kamloops Pools (C/R) www.kamloops.ca/facilities/pools. shtml 250-828-3655 Family Storytime (F/D) 1:00 PM (Oct - Apr) Kam Downtown Lib 100-465 Victoria St 250-372-5145 21


Photo: Milk & Honey Photography

Finding Your Post-Natal Power By Amber Hooton ost of us mind is clean and clear! have heard Power Yoga is a fantastic all in one about the ben- - you build muscle strength and endurefits of prenatal ance, improve your posture, release yoga: increasing tightened muscles, connect with your flexibility and core self and find some peace of mind. overall muscle tone, building endurEven better, add a friend to the mix ance, developing mental focus, reduc- and you have an outing which provides ing stress and anxiety, fostering lung social time, physical and mental fitcapacity, aiding in better sleep and ness, relaxation and meditation and, of dealing with the discomforts of pregcourse, fun! nancy. But what about after the baby has Taking time for Power Yoga has been arrived? both my grounding and my energizing Post-natal yoga offers many of the time for me, modelling a healthy lifesame benefits with the added bonus of style for my two girls now 3.5 and 5. feeling extra good for carving out some If you can’t make the classes you like time just for you! It can be emotionally fit your schedule, check out a DVD and overwhelming postpartum but making do it safely at home during nap time... time to do some exercise can help alle- too busy doing everything else then? viate the blues and stress. And creating Remember to honour yourself and the habit now will lead to a lifetime of where you are at. Check with your dochealthy benefits. tor before starting a physical program Yoga works with the whole person and always wait 6 weeks before return- mind, body and spirit. The type of ing to Power Yoga, longer after a section yoga you choose will depend on many birth. factors: how active you were before and Try this at home breath exercise if during your pregnancy, how you deliv- you are feeling time/life compressed: ered your new beautiful babe etc. Many Take 5: Sit comfortably and clench one styles of yoga are offered, even posthand into a fist. Now breath in deep all natal yoga with baby to get back into it. the way to your belly. With each inhale, Eventually, I found yoga with my imagine your are bringing in new life babes was lovely but I needed more. force energy (prana) and vitality. With Although we still do yoga together each exhale, let go of a finger physisometimes, I discovered it was better cally. Mentally and emotionally, let go of for me to tune out my ‘mom ear’ for anything which is not serving you in a some inward connecting and focused positive way. Eventually your hand will time for myself. be open and relaxed and hopefully you I am able to focus my attention into will be too! This one is so easy you can the present moment and return to my teach it to your kids. Namaste! parenting with additional patience, abilAmber Hooton is a Registered 500 ity to let go of unimportant ‘stuff,’ and Hour Yoga teacher and owner of Yoga fitness to keep up with my kids. Indeed, with Amber. www.yogawithamber.com at times my house is messy but my 22

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Community Resource Directory Annual Events ABC Family Literacy Day

January - Henry Grube Centre 250.554.3134 www.interiorcommunityservices.bc.ca

Basics for Babies

November Kamloops Food Bank, 250.376.2252

Canada Day Celebrations July 1 - Riverside Park

Children’s Arts Festival

September - Riverside Park Kamloops Arts Council, 250.372.7323

Mother Goose/Teddy Bear Picnic

June - Prince Charles Park 250.554.3134 www.interiorcommunityservices.bc.ca

KamloopsParents.Com Family Market April/October Calvary Community Church www.kamloopsparents.com

Unplug and Play Family Literacy Week

January 250.554.3134 www.interiorcommunityservices.bc.ca

Child Care and Preschool

Child Care Resource and Referral Program

Free consultation, support, and referral services to parents seeking child care. 250.372.7791 www.childcarechoices. ca/main/interior/kamloops

Kamloops Child Development Society

Safe and inclusive child care and early learning programs 250.376.2233 www.cdckamloops.com

Children’s Retail

Lizzie Bits Baby Co.

Cloth diapers, unique children’s items, high quality children’s consignment 205-450 Lansdowne 250.374.8706 www.lizziebaby.ca

Mommy & Me Boutique

Largest selection of new and used items 3-700 Tranquille 250.376.1914 www.shopmommyandme.com

Mulberry Bush

Gently Loved Consignment & New Items 1304 Battle St. 250.374.2501 www3.telus.net/mulberrybush

Tumbleweed Toys

Safe, Sustainable & Inspired toys, games, puzzles and more. Sahali Mall 250.372.3500 www.TumbleweedToys.ca

Children’s Services Kamloops Early Language and Literacy Initiative (KELLI)

A partnership of early childhood professionals, community members and parents, all with a commitment to building early language and literacy skills in preschool children. 250.554.3134 kelli@interiorcommunityservices.bc.ca

Snug-Glee Bumz Diaper Service

An easy way to cloth diaper your child 250.554.9722 www.snuggleebumz.com

Kamloops Infant Development Society

Offers services to families with children up to three years of age who may be at risk of development delay. 250.371.4140 www.idpofbc.ca

Family Resources Adoptive Families Association of BC

Support, information and resource group for those considering, preparing for, or parenting through adoption. 1.866.694.1222 www.bcadoption.com

Big Brothers and Sisters

Provides children ages 6 - 16 from single-parent homes with the friendship and guidance of an adult volunteer who has been carefully screened. 821 Seymour St 250.374.6134 25


Community Resource Directory Child Care Subsidy Program

Assistance with daycare costs for people with low-to-moderate income. 1.888.338.6622

Parent Support Services Society of BC

Children’s Therapy and Family Resource Centre

Promoting healthy family relationships by supporting children and anyone in a parenting role. 1.877.345.9777 www.parentsupportbc.ca

Early Childhood Development Program

Expecting, have a baby under a year old, moving, or getting married? Welcome Wagon has programs, and/or basket gifts for you. Call Pamela Lee 250.573.2823

Provides various therapies to children with special needs (birth to 19 years) 801 McGill Road 250.371.4100 www.kamloopstherapy.org

Welcome Wagon

In-home and in-office support for fami- Health & Wellness lies that have children aged 0-6 years. Centennial Building Wellness 250.376.1617 2355 Parkcrest Ave

Family Therapy Centre

Individual, couple and family therapy. Any member of the public can access the Family Therapy Centre. 765 Tranquille Rd 250.376.3511 www.interiorcommunityservices.bc.ca

Insight Support Services

Centre

Enjoy the healing powers of a warm saltwater pool. Book a Watsu, literally “shiatsu in water.” 250.374.7383 103 - 153 Seymour St. www.cbwellnesscentre.com

Fit By Design

Family Friendly Fitness Support to children, youth and families 250.819.0822 with neurological, cognitive and develwww.kamloopsfitbydesign.com opmental disabilities. Musings and Mud Coaching Studio 250.554.0085 Workshops, workbooks, personal Interior Community Services coaching with a creative twist. A wide range of prevention and supJanet L. Whitehead, certified profesports to children, youth and family, com- sional coach 250.376.8402 munity living and affordable housing. janet@musingsandmud.com 250.554.3134 www.musingsandmud.com www.interiorcommunityservices.bc.ca

Ministry of Children & Family Services 250.371.3600

Nobody’s Perfect

Support group for parents of children 0 to 5. Guided by trained staff. Child minding and snack included. Free transportation available. 250.372.7791

Parent Helpline 1.888.603.9100 26

Yoga with Amber

Power - Prenatal - Private 250.318.5370 www.yogawithamber.com amber@yogawithamber.com

Home-based Sales and Services Bunches ‘n Bundles

Custom gift packages for all occasions with items from small local companies 250.318.5368


Community Resource Directory bunchesnbundles@ gmail.com

Creative Memories

Denise Swoboda, Unit Leader Photo-safe scrapbook albums and more! 250.578.8589 deniseswoboda@telus.net www.mycmsite.com/denises

Delish Naturals

Organic & natural body care for the whole family. www.delishnaturals.com

Discovery Toys, Alison Gregory

The online resource to all things familyfriendly in Kamloops. www.kamloopsparents.com elizabeth@kamloopsparents.com

MakeChildrenFirst.ca

Map of Family & Breastfeeding-friendly businesses in Kamloops 250.554.3134 www.makechildrenfirst.ca

Parent-Child Groups Attachment Parenting

2/month - days and locations vary 250-376-4723

Discovery Toys Team Leader 250.851.2270 aligregory@telus.net discoverytoys.com/aligregory

Kamloops Wiggles and Giggles Adoption Playgroup

Ladybugz Slings ‘n’ Things

(See p. 20 for more groups)

Unique, functional, quality items that promote a healthy and loving bond between you and your baby. 250.319.4437 www.LadybugzSlings.com info@ladybugzslings.com

NavInspired

Homemade all-natural soaps, cosmetics, and laundry products. www.navinspired.com

Medical Services BC Nurse Line 1.866.215.4700 Royal Inland Hospital 250.374.5111 Walk-in Clinics: Northshore Treatment Centre

700 Tranquille Rd 250.554.4265

Summit Medical Clinic

5 - 1380 Summit Drive 250.374.9800

Kamloops Urgent Care Clinic

#4 - 910 Columbia Street 250.371.4905

Monthly, Deanna, jones_A@telus.net

Prenatal and Postpartum Care Beautiful Beginnings

Breastfeeding classes and private lactation consultant services www.beautifulbeginningslactation.com

Birth Matters - Jodi Anderson

Doula and Childbirth Educator birthmatters.doula.prenatal@gmail. com 250.372.3733 250.819.2099

Boho Birth

Doula services & prenatal education Amanda Barker 250.376.8331 bohobirth@gmail.com

Breastfeeding - La Leche League

Encourages, promotes and provides mother-to-mother breastfeeding support and educational opportunities. 250.682.1663 www.lllc.ca

Kamloops Breastfeeding Centre

Drop in breastfeeding info and help NEW location: Kamloops Health Unit 519 Columbia St (as of June 2012) Access Kamloops A regularly updated directory connect- 250.851.7300 Mon 1- 4, Thurs 9 - 12 Kamloops Pregnancy and Infant ing people with a wide variety of notfor-profit resources. Loss Support Group www.accesskamloops.org A safe, relaxed and supportive environment in which parents can freely disKamloopsParents.com

Online Resources

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Community Resource Directory cuss their emotions regarding their loss. Meetings on the 3rd Monday of every month 7 - 8:30 pm. 24 hour phone line 250.376.4646 #200-535 Tranquille Road www.pregnancycarekamloops.com

Mighty Oak Midwifery

250.572.1717 www.welcometothebabyhood.com

Within a Woman Doula Care

Casie Menhinick Professional Birth Doula Services 250.256.7418 casie@withinawoman.ca www.withinawoman.ca

Personal, professional, woman-centered Photography maternity care. 250.377.8611 Captured Memories Photography www.mightyoakmidwifery.ca Children • Engagement • Family • MOTHERISK Graduation • Maternity • Newborns • Non-judgmental help and informaWeddings tion line for women regarding alcohol, www.captured-memories.ca smoking and street drugs during preg- hrsayers@gmail.com 250.320.6558 nancy and breastfeeding. Milk & Honey Photography 1.877.327.4636 www.motherisk.org Lisa DiGeso

Public Health Maternity Care

Phone and in-home support to prevent and resolve breastfeeding issues. 250.851.7362 www.interiorhealth.ca

Thompson Rivers Midwifery

Holistic professional maternity and newborn care. 250.572.0632 www.thompsonriversmidwifery.com

Tiny Blessings Prenatal

Prenatal education focusing on late pregnancy, labour & delivery, breastfeeding, & newborn care. 250.819.0510 www.tinyblessingsprenatal.com

Welcome to the Babyhood

Resource for child passenger safety and cloth diaper education.

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milkandhoney@mail.com www.milkandhoneyphotography.ca

Prairie Child Photography

Photos moms (and dads) love! erin@prairiechild.com www.prairiechild.com

Real Estate and Investments Chelsea Mann, Realtor

Century 21 - Desert Hills Realty 250.571.6666 chelsea@chelseamann.ca www.kamloopshomes.net

Karen Lanoue

Canadian Scholarship Trust Boost your post-secondary education savings by $7200


Baby Guide 2012 - 2013

10% or $20 Off! Bunches N’ Bundles

10% off your entire order or $20 Off any $100 bundle

Special Offers for Our Readers SAVE 10% Snug-Glee Bumz Diaper Service Save 10% on a Starter Pack *See reverse for more information

*See reverse for more information

bunchesnbundles@gmail.com Rayne McDonnell 250.318.5368

Expires April 30, 2013

$10 Off!

Tumbleweed Toys

$10 off purchases of $50 or more on any combination of baby products (Includes

Delish Naturals, Green Sprouts, Loops in Loops, Ulubulu, Manhattan Toy, Tolo, Zubels and Ringley.)

250.554.9722 snuggleebumz@gmail.com snuggleebumz.com Expires April 30, 2013

SAVE 30%

Mulberry Bush Kids Stuff Inc.

30% off any regular priced Robeez *See reverse for more information

*See reverse for more information

250.372.3500 Sahali Mall TumbleweedToys.com

250.374.2501 1304 Battle Street Expires April 30, 2013

SAVE 10% or $10!

Yoga with Amber

$10 off a 10 class punch card for Power Yoga or 10% off a Prenatal Yoga session

www3.telus.net/mulberybush Expires April 30, 2013

$100 Credit!

Milk & Honey Photography

$100 Print Credit towards gift prints, enlargements, or canvasses *See reverse for more information

*See reverse for more information

milkandhoneyphotography.ca

250.318.5370 www.yogawithamber.com

milkandhoney@mail.com

amber@yogawithamber.com Expires April 30, 2013 Expires April 30, 2013

10% Off!

15% Off!

Lizzie Bits Baby Co.

Lizzie Bits Baby Co.

*See reverse for more information

*See reverse for more information

Save 10% on any purchase

250.374.8706 sales@lizziebaby.ca www.lizziebaby.ca

Expires April 30, 2013

Save 15% on any purchase over $30

250.374.8706 sales@lizziebaby.ca www.lizziebaby.ca

Expires April 30, 2013


Thank-you for supporting these great local businesses! ~ The Momma’s of Kamloops Momma Save 10% on a Starter Pack! * Coupon cannot be combined with any other offer

Snug-Glee Bumz Diaper Service offers an easy, economic way to cloth diaper your child. Diapers, pick-up, delivery and laundering are included. Start up pack includes everything you need - you just provide the baby!

“Happy Baby, Happy Planet” www.snuggleebumz.com

30% off Robeez Footwear! * Cannot be combined with other promotions, coupons, or discounts. Redeemable for regular priced Robeez footwear.

Mulberry Bush Kids Stuff Inc. carries a huge selection of quality consignment for baby to adult and a great selection of unique new items.

“The very best of New and Quality Consignments!” 1304 Battle Street

$100 Print Credit!

10% or $20 off Custom Bundles! * Cannot be combined with other promotions, coupons, or discounts.

Bunches N’ Bundles offers custom gift packages for all occasions and events. Our bundles support home-based and small businesses.

/BunchesNBundles

$10 Off Baby Products! * Cannot be combined with other promotions, coupons, or discounts. Must be presented at the time of the sale. Cannot be used retroactively of regular sales. See website for a full list of restrictions. Tumbleweed Toys specializes in wooden, recycled plastic and educational toys, games and puzzles that you won’t find in big box stores.

Safe, Sustainable, Inspired! www.TumbleweedToys.ca

Save 10% or $10 on Yoga!

* Cannot be combined with other promotions, coupons, or discounts.

* Cannot be combined with other promotions, coupons, or discounts. Limit 1 coupon per person.

Milk & Honey Photography specializes in maternity, newborn and baby portraiture, and also offers outdoor family and couples sessions in the Kamloops area.

Yoga with Amber specializes in teaching power yoga, prenatal yoga, as well as customized private classes, men’s only classes - even bridal showers!

milkandhoneyphotography.ca

Power - Prenatal - Private www.yogawithamber.com

Save 15% on purchases over $30! * Cannot be combined with other promotions, coupons, or discounts. Total must be before taxes.

Lizzie Bits Baby Co. is Kamloops’ headquarters for cloth diaper sales and education, top quality children’s consignments, mompreneur products, and car seat safety.

Go Green! Use Cloth! 204-450 Lansdowne St. www.lizziebaby.ca

Save 10% on any purchase! * Cannot be combined with other promotions, coupons, or discounts.

Lizzie Bits Baby Co. is Kamloops’ headquarters for cloth diaper sales and education, top quality children’s consignments, mompreneur products, and car seat safety.

Go Green! Use Cloth! 204-450 Lansdowne St. www.lizziebaby.ca


Baby Guide

Special Offers

$25 Off!

Pick Your Deal!

2012 - 2013

for Our Readers

Captured Memories Photography

Discovery Toys

*See reverse for more information

Save $5 on an order of $25+ Save $10 on an order of $50+ Save $15 on an order of $75+ Save $20 on an order of $100+

$25 Off a One Hour Family Session

250.320.6558 hrsayers@gmail.com captured-memories.ca

with Alison Gregory

*See reverse for more information

250.819.3462 discoverytoys.com/aligregory

Expires April 30, 2013

SAVE $20!

Ladybugz Slings ‘n’ Things

$20 off any regular priced sling *See reverse for more information

Expires April 30, 2013

3 Hours Free!

Within a Woman Doula Care

3 hours free postpartum doula support with every Birth Package *See reverse for more information

Casie Menhinick 250.319.4437 www.LadybugzSlings.com info@ladybugzslings.com

Professional Birth Doula Services

Expires April 30, 2013

SAVE 15%

Musings and Mud Coaching Studio 15% off workshops, work books, and personal coaching

250.256.7418 casie@withinawoman.ca www.withinawoman.ca

$20 Off!

Centennial Building Wellness Centre - $20 off PreNatal Watsu (regular $80)

*See reverse for more information

*See reverse for more information

www.musingsandmud.com

250.374.7383 103 - 153 Seymour St. cbwellnesscentre.com

janet@musingsandmud.com

250.376.8402

Expires April 30, 2013

SAVE $125! Prairie Child Photography

FREE sitting fee when you pre-purchase a digital or print collection.

*See reverse for more information

erin@prairiechild.com prairiechild.com Expires April 30, 2013

Expires April 30, 2013

Expires April 30, 2013

Baby Guide Now booking for next year’s Baby Guide! www.kamloopsmomma.com


Thank-you for supporting these great local businesses! ~ The Mommas of Kamloops Momma Pick Your Deal: Save $5 - $20!

Save $25 on a Family Session!

* To redeem, please contact Alison Gregory. Limit one coupon/deal per customer. Not valid on website orders. Order amount is before shipping and taxes.

* Valid in Kamloops. Travel surcharges apply if done outside of Kamloops. Maximum 4 family members ($25 for each additional family member). 1 hour session (outside of location only). CD of 20+ images. Value: $175.

Discovery Toys is the premier learning toy company dedicated to helping you and your child learn and grow through play.

“Teach. Play. Inspire.” 250.819.3462 250.851.2270

3 Hours Free Doula Support! Within a Woman Doula Care Casie Menhinick, Private Childbirth Education, CIMT, Breastfeeding Counsellor. Supporting women in Kamloops, Lillooet Gold Country Corridor.

“Only with trust, faith, and support can the woman allow the birth experience to enlighten and empower her.”

www.withinawoman.com

$20 Off PreNatal Watsu! Watsu© gives the mother-to-be a deep sense of connection with her baby and her baby with its mom. The massage is adapted for her specific needs and the warm water allows her muscles to relax and the tension and pressure normally felt during pregnancy is eased.

“Nurturing, Bonding, Intimacy and the Oneness felt during a Watsu”

cbwellnesscentre.com

Captured Memories are lifestyle photographers specializing in babies, children, engagement, families, graduation, maternity, newborns, portraiture and weddings.

captured-memories.ca

Save $20 on a Regular Priced Sling! * Cannot be combined with other promotions, coupons, or discounts. Redeemable for regular priced slings.

Ladybugz Slings ‘n’ Things creates unique, functional, quality items that promote a healthy and loving bond between you and your baby.

“Helping moms bond with their babies...one sling at a time!” www.LadybugzSlings.com

15% Off Coaching Tools! * Cannot be combined with other promotions, coupons, or discounts. Limit one per person.

Musings and Mud Coaching Studio offers personal life coaching, creativity coaching, workshops and work books to help you access your answers, inspiration and ways of moving forward.

“Less Guilt - More Happy!” www.MusingsandMud.com

Save $125 on Photography!

Baby Guide Now booking for next year’s Baby Guide! www.kamloopsmomma.com

* Cannot be combined with other offers. See website for package details.

Prairie Child Photography - Photos moms (and dads) love! Offering fun child and family portraits in the great outdoors (or in your home).

Capture the chaos...because one day, you’ll miss it!

www.prairiechild.com


Cloth Diapers:

So much more than fabric, pins, and plastic pants! By Jenn Harbaruk hen many new parents think of cloth diapers, they think of rectangular pieces of fabric, contorted into a crazy twisted configuration held together by pins...well, we’ve come a long way, baby! Cloth diapers are so much more than fabric, pins, and plastic pants. There are natural fibre, microfiber, all-in-one and prefolds. These diapers are very absorbent, super easy to use AND cute! Here’s some reasons why cloth diapering might be the choice for you:

W

cal free alternative and, in some cases (bamboo), naturally antibacterial. Cloth wicks moisture away from the skin and keeps that whole ‘environment’ healthier and happier. And don’t forget...on average, cloth diapers offer almost double the capacity of your baby’s wetting, making them a better choice for a leak free routine. When disposables reach a maximum absorbency...well, you know: a bum covered in opalescent round gel beads!

They’re easy: Diapers are machine wash and dry, or line-dry, if you choose. For those of you who have visions of throwing poop into your washing machine...worry not! The miracle of ‘poop filters’ or bio-soft liners take care of 90% of your clean up, leaving you only laundering a wet diaper. There is no need to rinse diapers by dunking them in the toilet, though They’re better for the environment: a special diaper sprayer is available if The reduction of your environmental you want the extra clean. Want to join the cloth diaper revolufootprint is a huge benefit of cloth diapering. It takes one disposable diaper tion? Check out Cloth Diaper 101: a free an average of 500 years to fully break- class that will answer all of your cloth down in the landfill. In a household with diaper questions! Jenn Harbaruk is a Cloth Diaper one child in diapers, the disposables Educator and owner of Welcome to the make up more than 50% of the houseBabyhood. Her Cloth Diaper 101 classes hold waste! run at Lizzie Bits Baby Co. Pop into Lizzie They’re comfortable: Bits Baby Co. or call for class dates and Some rashing and irritation can be registration. 250.374.8706 caused by the chemical gel found in www.welcometothebabyhood.com disposable diapers. Cloth is a chemi-

They’re economical: You’ll save an average of $2000-$3000 over the course of your cloth diapering years (birth to potty training). You’ll have an extra 2-3 loads of laundry a week, but this added cost does not compare to the cost of disposables. And if you use your diapers for more than one child, your doubling your savings!

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Advertising Feature

Go from Overwhelmed to Ecstatic! “I believe photos and scrapbooks might be a parent’s secret weapon. There are few tools out there that are more powerful or effective in helping to raise confident, happy, well-adjusted kids.” ~ Dr. Kenneth Condrell, child psychologist

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hen a new baby arrives, so do many, many photos. And then one day the new mom or dad asks, “what do I do with this mountain of photos?!” Parents often feel overwhelmed with all of the photos. They don’t know where to start so sometimes it is easier just not to start at all. Don’t wait until your children are older and then feel guilty because you have your pictures in boxes or still on the hard drive of your computer. Find ways to celebrate your photos and family stories now! Photos represent our most precious memories. They are the one thing people rush to save if their home is in jeopardy. They connect us to each other, validate all that’s good in our lives and can even help us communicate our hopes and dreams. Photos also show your children how much you love them. Why not be the parent who has the stories documented on an on-going basis so that when your children are older they will know and see how much they are loved? It’s easier than you think! Creative Memories offers so many solutions to help you celebrate your stories now with ease. And my role as a Creative Memories Consultant is to help you find that solution! Call me today and go from overwhelmed to ecstatic!

Denise Swoboda

Creative Memories Unit Leader 250.578.8589 deniseswoboda@telus.net www.mycmsite.com/denises


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