Babies! 2022

Babies!

COVER PHOTO BY LACI EBERLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Each and every year, thousands of babies are born in the Chippewa Valley. That’s quite a workout for

the stork as well as for the parents who take these little bouncing bundles home. Whether you’re a

first-timer or have gone down this adorable (and challenging!) road before, this annual special

section will provide you with interesting insights and resources to help polish up those parenting skills.

brought to you in part by

Babies!

* ADVICE FROM NEW MOMS *

w e a s ke d TH E MOMS of Eau C l ai r e an d C hi ppe w a V al l e y F a ce b o o k Gr o u p fo r a d vice for n e w mo ms an d he r e ’ s w hat t he y ha d t o sa y

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WORDS : S AWYER HOFF

f you are pregnant or recently had your first baby, there are a plethora of new learning curves as you enter the parent world. Don’t panic, you’re not alone. Moms everywhere are known for looking out for one another, and the Chippewa Valley is no different.

I asked the 4.1K members in “THE MOMS of Eau Claire and Chippewa Valley Facebook Group” for advice for new moms in the area, and there was an outpouring of responses.

A lot of times, new moms can find it hard to leave the house and make connections with others, but this is crucial not only for the socialization of your baby but for your own well-being, too. There were many comments suggesting different events to keep your baby busy while also being a great opportunity to meet and connect with other moms in the area.

Facebook user Mariah Särndahl suggested the Eau Claire public library as a way to get out and about with your child.

“Baby storytime at the library is a must. It’s a great way to meet other new moms in the area and get out of the house for a little bit,” commented Särndahl. She also provided a link to the events page of L.E. Phillips Memorial Library: ecpubliclibrary.info.

Another commenter, Michelle Rowekamp, suggested trips to the EC Children’s Museum. “A Children’s Museum membership is a must, even at a young age. There are so many fun activities and events. And with short attention spans, a membership makes it easy to pop in for an hour or two and not feel like you need to spend the whole day. Plus, the people who work there are amazing with kids!”

Rachel Hahn commented, “We love going to plays at the Eau Claire Children’s Theater and Pablo Center. Library visits are an easy way to get out of the house,

encourage reading, and meet new friends in the play area. The new L.E. Phillips Library play area is wonderful, and my kids also really enjoy Menomonie Public Library.

making friends with other mommas with young babies! It’s been virtual since Covid, but will hopefully be in person again soon. You don’t have to be a Mayo patient either.”

colder seasons. Mall has a fun play area too, geared towards toddlers I’d say (we like to go after a playgroup at resource center).”

Need a night out? Amanda Gallipeau commented that the Babysitters and Pet Sitters in or Near Eau Claire Wisconsin Facebook group is a great resource to meet other moms and potential babysitters. “… I also found several great date night sitters and a dog sitter through the babysitter page. I know not everyone uses Facebook but if they do, definitely recommend!”

Gallipeau said.

All in all, there seems to be an array of activities and resources for moms in the Chippewa Valley, including the very Facebook group these suggestions came from.

“FOR NEW MOMS, I LOVED ATTENDING NURSING MOMS NETWORK ON WEDNESDAY MORNINGS FOR COFFEE, SNACKS, LACTATION ADVICE OR TROUBLESHOOTING, AND MAKE FRIENDS WITH OTHER MOMMAS WITH YOUNG BABIES!”

Rachel hahn member of “The moms of eau claire and chippewa valley” facebook group

For new moms, I loved attending Nursing Moms Network on Wednesday mornings for coffee, snacks, lactation advice or troubleshooting, and

Grace Park agreed with Hahn and added some fun recommendations during the cold months. “Plus YMCA sports center fun zone during

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Babies!

* THE MOST POPULAR BABY NAMES IN WISCONSIN * according to the Social Security office, here are the top ten most popular boys and girls names in 2021

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W O R D S : S AW Y E R HO FF

hen talking about trends that come and go, we can’t forget about the most common, yet often overlooked trend: baby names. Whether you are expecting, expecting to expect, or expecting to expect expecting, it’s always nice to know what names are trending so you can get some inspiration or avoid them like the plague.

According to the U.S. Social Security Administration, the most popular baby name of all in Wisconsin last year was Oliver, with a whopping 336 Social Security card applications in that name. In fact, it was the fourth consecutive year that Oliver was No. 1 on the list.

The other top male names for 2021 were Henry (with 299 applications), Theodore, Liam, Levi, Noah, Jack, Owen, William, and Jackson. On a more personal note, “Sawyer” was

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in 58th place and was only applied for 95 times. As a state, I think we can do better.

On the other side of things, Charlotte was the No. 1 female baby name in 2021 with a total of 290 kiddos getting that on their cute lil’ Social Security cards. (Charlotte was the most popular girls’ name in 2020 as well.) Also in the 2021 top 10 were Olivia, Emma, Evelyn, Amelia, Ava, Harper, Eleanor, Nora, and Sophia.

“Sawyer” didn’t even make this list of female names. Tragic.

Though there is no complete data yet for the most popular names in 2022 (because we’re still in it), the popular names are projected to stay about the same, although many other names are slowly but surely climbing the popularity ladder.

The name “Amiri” for male names jumped a total of 534 places in the

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rank from 2020 to 2021, while the name “Raya” for females leaped a full 441 places in the rank in a year as well.

So whether you are a fan of the

classic baby names – hey, they’re well-liked for a reason – or you like names that are more out there, it’s good to know which names are doing numbers.

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Babies!

EAU CLAIRE ACUPUNCTURE Own e r J a m ie W i l co x e x pl ai n s t he be ne f i t s o f ac u p u n ct u r e b e fo r e , dur i n g, an d af t e r pr e gn ancy .

EAU CLAIRE ACUPUNCTURE

323 E MADISON ST, EAU CLAIRE (715) 575-1220 INFO@EAUCLAIREACU.COM EAUCLAIREACU.COM

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o matter where you are in your child-bearing journey,

the owner of Eau Claire Acupuncture, Jamie Wilcox, has been helping women in the Chippewa Valley feel better and have easier pregnancies through acupuncture.

Wilcox lived in Austin, Texas as a nanny when she worked with a group of moms called Austin Moms of Multiples. While working with these mothers, she started to notice a pattern in their pregnancies.

“The pattern I kept seeing was that women struggle with infertility, go through IVF, and end up with multiple (babies),” Wilcox explained. “Those babies are usually born prematurely and then there’s a whole host of problems, conditions, and stressors that come for both the babies and the parents later on down the road.”

She realized that she wanted to take a deeper look at the root of the problem when it comes to infertility.

That led her down the alternative medicine route, which led her to acupuncture. After having menstruation issues for the majority of her life, she tried acupuncture for just two months and Wilcox said those issues were nearly gone.

Specializing in women’s health, internal medicine, fertility, and prenatal care, Wilcox has seen firsthand how acupuncture treatments can help people who wish to be pregnant or are currently pregnant.

Oftentimes people will come to EC Acupuncture as a last resort in their fertility journey or as an added benefit along with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

Acupuncture can help promote ovulation, circulation, and blood

flow, which is important for getting hormones in the brain down to the ovaries and uterus. It can also help promote a healthy uterus for fetuses by ensuring adequate tissue and nutrients. It also helps mitigate your stress response, which can be detrimental to health and fertility overall.

“A lot of these women think they’re not getting pregnant because they don’t have something that other people have,” Wilcox said. “They think that they have to eat certain foods, or buy a supplement off of Amazon, they have to read the right books, they have to exercise a certain way, it’s none of that. It’s really just unlocking your body’s own natural potential and trusting it. And empowering yourself, period.”

“We started with Jamie on Jan. 16 and we found out we were pregnant Feb. 24.”

katie Schneider fertility patient

Acupuncture also has many benefits to the body when you become pregnant. Certain acupuncture points help soften your cervix, can help produce oxytocin, reduce morning sickness, help with sleep, relieve aches and pains, build blood and fluid, and can even help treat babies who are in a breech position, which hinders vaginal births.

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There are even more benefits to acupuncture when dealing with postpartum care. After birth, your hormones change drastically, not to mention the loss of blood, struggles with breast milk production, and postpartum depression. acupuncture helps rebuild the body and balance out your hormones once again.

“The whole focus of acupuncture is to bring balance back to the body,” Wilcox explained. “When the body is in balance it works. We are designed so phenomenally, down to a cellular level, and our bodies are supposed to function and they want to function, but a lot of times we don’t believe we have what it takes.”

Every new patient at EC Acupuncture gets a free consultation so that CONTENT

you can sit down with Wilcox and get to the root of the issues and goals you have within your body.

That way, Wilcox can give you a better idea if and how acupuncture can help you and give an accurate recommendation on how to achieve your goals. In these consultations, Wilcox uses AccuGraph technology which examines all of the different energy meridians on your body and where some problems areas are.

Each treatment session runs for about 40-45 minutes, with about 10-20 needles inserted into your body, then you sit for 20-25 minutes alone in the room. The needles work with your nervous system to help center your body.

“Acupuncture works by communicating with your nervous system,” Wilcox said.

“It works by initiating a healing response in your body. Each point has a very specific location and function. We choose those points based on what’s going on in your body.”

Wilcox is passionate about the health of you and your baby through every stage of child-bearing and wants to help you reach your best possible reproductive health.

Babies!

* SLEEP SAFELY ON THE GO * e n su re you r b aby ’ s s l e e p e nv i r o nme n t i s s af e , wh e r e ve r yo u a r e WO RD S: EAU CLAIRE CITY-COUNTY HEALTH DEP A RT MEN T

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raveling with baby takes a lot of planning and supplies. Making a “safe sleep plan” is a part of prepping for a trip. Having a plan helps parents and caregivers know that your baby will sleep safely wherever they go.

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Not more than 10 years old.

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Has firm mattress.

If yes: •

Make sure it meets safety standards!

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Less than two fingers should fit between side of crib and mattress.

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Slats close together (can’t fit a 12-ounce can between them).

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Not a drop-side crib.

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No missing, broken, or damaged parts.

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If no: •

Babies love and need consistent sleep environments. Here’s how to create your safe sleep plan: Check if the hotel or house you’re visiting has a crib or portable play yard (i.e. Pack ’n Play)

68-72° F.

Bring a portable play yard. It’s easy to set up and provides a safe space for baby to sleep and play. Set it up away from windows, curtains, monitors, or cords.

Keep the sleeping area bare • No blankets, pillows, or toys.

Give your baby his or her own sleep space

Dress your baby in one more layer than you have on.

Don’t use the car seat as a sleeping area for baby when not in the car •

Take your baby out of car seat when you arrive.

Follow the ABCS (And make sure everyone who will be watching your baby knows the ABCS too!)

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It should be away from other kids, pets, and adults.

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Alone: no other people or objects in baby’s sleep area.

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Infants can get injured or have airway blocked if not sleeping alone.

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On Back: always put baby to sleep on back.

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In Crib: bassinet or portable – firm sleep surface with only fitted sheet. In Smoke-free air.

Keep it cool •

The best sleep temperature for babies is

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Babies!

* SMALL FAVORS ADD UP * little wa ys t o h e l p ne w par e nt s adj us t t o t h e ir lit t le o n e s WORDS : BRIANA NOVACEK

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aving a baby is a huge transitional event that changes so much about a couple’s lifestyle and schedule. From late-night fastfood runs to 2am diaper changes and from dinner dates to Netflix dates on the couch, life sure changes. For the friend or family member of a new parent, it can be unclear what will be helpful.

You may be wondering, Do they need my help?

And what would I do anyway?

mealtrain.com to set up an organized system for volunteers to bring meals.)

Having experienced the newborn phase myself, I have several ideas for you to be of help to new parents.

CLEAN THEIR HOUSE. Many of us struggle to keep our homes clean without a newborn, but if you’re sleep deprived, cleaning will definitely be on the back burner. Go over to the new parent’s house and do their dishes or a load of laundry.

Not very into cleaning yourself? Check out a local cleaning service.

FEED THEM. This one is at the top of the list for a reason. With the exhaustion of constant feedings and diaper changes, no one feels like cooking. If you make a meal for your new parent friends and bring it to them, or buy them food from their favorite restaurant, they’ll love you forever. (Check out

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FEED THEM, PART TWO. Even though new parents might not feel like cooking, they will still need groceries. But even getting out of the house to shop can feel overwhelming. With grocery pickup, it’s easy! Your friend can order what they want online, and then you can be the hero, pick it up and bring it to them!

HOLD BABY WHILE MOM OR DAD TAKE A NAP OR A SHOWER. Rest and “me time” can be hard to

come by as a new parent. All you have to do to give that gift to your friend is hold their cute baby for a few minutes.

BUY THEM DIAPERS AND WIPES. You can never have too many, I promise. Just check ahead for what size they’re using and their favorite brand.

GIVE THEM SPACE – DON’T OVERSTAY YOUR WELCOME. If you stop by to see new parents and the baby, just make sure not to settle in too much.

Remember, they’re sleep deprived and exhausted.

Say hello, hopefully drop off some food or clean something, and be on your merry way.

Aside from this practical list, the best thing you can do for a new parent is to let them know that you’ve got their back. Personally, I will always remember the people who were there for me during those early baby days. Small acts of love make a big difference.

Babies!

* LITTLE BUNDLES OF JOY * baby - ce nt r i c l i s t i n gs an d r e s o u r ce s LIS TINGS : JAMES JOHONNOTT

BIRTH CLASSES

clude breastfeeding classes, birth basics, newborn care, and more.

Confident Birth Childbirth Education •facebook.com/ConfidentBirthChildbirthClasses Offering comprehensive, in-depth, interactive childbirth educationLearn about the stages of labor, positions, techniques, complications, postnatal education, and more.

Prenatal Yoga at Latitude 44 Yoga Studio 313 E. Madison St., Eau Claire • (715) 828-3936 • latitude44yoga.com This class is designed to strengthen and support your body throughout your pregnancy. Meditation, breath, and movement are used to focus on awareness and muscles that are key to a healthy pregnancy and labor. Connect with your body’s innate wisdom and other moms-to-be in the area.

HSHS St. Joseph’s and Sacred Heart Hospitals Prenatal Classes 2661 County Highway I, Chippewa Falls • (715) 7231811 • stjoeschipfalls.org/Events-Classes HSHS St. Joseph’s offers a variety of birthing classes free of charge. Classes fill up quickly, so it’s advised to register 3-4 months in advance.

Options include a prenatal series class, prenatal Saturdays, prenatal refresher, breastfeeding, and a prenatal sibling class.

Mayo Clinic Birthing Classes 1400 Bellinger St., Eau Claire • (715) 838-5369 • mayohealthsystem.org Mayo Clinic offers free family and prenatal classes. Class options in-

BIRTH CENTERS & RESOURCES Doulas of the Valley • (715) 563-3860 • rachealulbergdoula@yahoo.com • doulasofthevalley.com Doulas are non

medical professionals that provide handson, educational, and emotional support to parents during pregnancy, birth and

postpartum. We also offer a variety of specialty services including in-home care for high-risk mothers or those on bed rest during pregnancy, childbirth and newborn classes, and private consultations.

HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital Women and Infants Center 900 West Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 715-717-4156 • sacredhearteauclaire.org Choose your birth experi-

ence and receive care from highly-trained nurses and doctors. We offer spacious birthing suites for labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum care; overnight accommodations for partners; water birth tubs; birthing hammocks; innovative technology; special infant security system and free prenatal classes. Midwives and doulas welcome.

HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Women and Infants Center 2661 County Hwy I, Chippewa Falls • 715-717-7421 • stjoeschipfalls.org Highly-trained nurses and doctors

experience for you and your family. Offering comfortable, private labor and delivery suites; spacious showers; large sleeping accommodations for partners; innovative technology; special infant security system and free prenatal classes. Midwives and doulas welcome.

Marshfield Clinic - Birthing Services 2116 Craig Rd, Eau Claire • (715) 8584500 • marshfieldclinic.org Providing

dedicated and experienced midwives for women’s health care needs.

Mayo Clinic Health System 1400 Bellinger Street, Eau Claire • (715) 838-6100 • mayoclinichealthsystem.org Featuring certified nurse midwives.

OakLeaf Clinics oakleafclinics.com Com-

plete gynecological care, birthing options, infertility counseling and treatment, family planning, surgeries, and more.

are focused on providing the best birth

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RESOURCES FOR YOUNG FAMILIES Child Care Partnership 418 Wisconsin St., Eau Claire • (715) 836-7511 ext. 1188 • Becca.Elbert@wdeoc.org • ChildCarePartnership.org A resource and referral agency that works with parents by providing a list of child care providers that is customized to their family’s needs and the area they live. They work with child care providers to assess their program qualities, provide training on early childhood education, and work with other community agencies.

Family Resource Center for Eau Claire County 4800 Golf Rd., Ste. 450, Eau Claire • (715) 833-1735 • frcec.org Located in the Sears wing of the Oakwood Mall, the mission of the Family Resource Center is to provide programs and services that build on family strengths through prevention, education, support and networking in collaboration with other resources in the community.

Family Support Center 403 N. High St., Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-1138 • familysupport@fsccf.org • familysupportcentercf.com Provides free services and support to families that are struggling with issues such as domestic assault, sexual assault, parental conflicts, and difficulty managing children.

River Source Family Center 403 High Street, Chippewa Falls • (715) 720-1841 • riversourcefamilycenter.com The mission of River Source Family Center is to embrace and strengthen families with young children by promoting growth through education, information, referral, and opportunities to share experiences.

BABY CLOTHING Here We Grow Again Biannual Consignment Clothing Fair • herewegrowagainsale.com West Central Wisconsin’s upscale children’s consignment event. The place to find bargains on quality, name brand clothes, great toys, books, videos, baby equipment, and nursery furniture. Make some extra cash by consigning your child’s/ teens things or purchasing some great things for your child/teen at can’t-be-beat prices. Item drop off for consignment on Wed & Thu before sale.

Once Upon a Child Consignment Store 4058 Commonwealth Avenue, Eau Claire • onceuponachild.com Buys and sells gently used kids’ clothing, shoes, toys and baby gear offering you the opportunity to recycle your children’s nearly new items and get paid on the spot.

That’s Adorable, Kids Consignment Boutique 129 N. Barstow Street, Eau Claire • (715) 864-0883 • thatsadorableec.wordpress.com That’s Adorable is a Chippewa Valley children’s consignment boutique that buys and sells birth through size 12 clothing. They also sell books, toys, gear and local-made gifts. They host a weekly story time and a number of events.

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