WestCoast Baby Guide 2011

FREE Display until Spring 2012

2011 Our 12th Annual

Issue is Here!

Contests, Features and Cool Finds for Expectant and New Moms & Dads

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the smart choice in education enriched curriculum individualized reading, writing, math, science, computers, music, arts, French, sports, drama, yoga, dance specialized programs traditional 3 year cefa™ Junior Kindergarten program for 2-3, 3-4 and 4-5 year olds; cefa baby™ for 1-2 year olds excellent faculty cefa™ certified teachers also licensed in ece and trained in montessori and reggio. Loving and nurturing teachers inspire children to learn using exclusive cefa™ educational methods and games full day or part-time school on-site chef, classrooms of 12-16 children, cinema, circus, art room and art gallery West Vancouver 2008 Park Royal South 604.913.7713 westvancouver@cefa.ca Canada Way 4970 Canada Way 604.299.2373 canadaway@cefa.ca Langley 100-19950 88th Avenue East 604.881.2332 langley@cefa.ca North Vancouver 402-935 Marine Drive 604.929.2332 northvancouver@cefa.ca New Westminster 725 Carnarvon Street 604.777.0053 newwestminster@cefa.ca White Rock 15300 Croydon Drive 778.294.2646 whiterock@cefa.ca Richmond 10811 No. 4 Road 604.275.2332 richmond@cefa.ca Vancouver 2946 Commercial Drive 604.879.2332 vancouver@cefa.ca Kingsway 4021 Kingsway 604.568.8808 kingsway@cefa.ca

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Baby Guide 2011

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2011 Features

From the Editor

14 Getting Emotionally Ready

8 Editor’s Note

15 Nourishing Yourself

Conception and the Early Months

10 Contests

24 Pre & Post-Natal Nutrition

16 Baby & Belly News

26 Post-Partum Tips for C-Section Mothers 28 In the Wake of Wakefield

The Autism/MMR Debate and What It Means for Parents

Columns 12 WestCoast Baby Finds

FREE

2011 Our

12th Annual

Guide to Everything

Baby & Belly!

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17 Our Annual Parent Resource Listings!

30 Reading Corner

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On the cover...

Four-month-old Jesse is ready for the world!

Photographed by Bopomo Pictures www.bopomo.ca

Baby Guide 2011

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editor’s note ~ A.A. Milne (1882-1956) in Winnie the Pooh

“M

Photographed by eclipseph otography.ca

A grand adventure is about to begin. ommy, I have a baby in my tummy!”

“That’s nice, sweetie. How did that happen?”

“You said a seed needs to be planted in the Mommy’s tummy, so I took some sunflower seeds from Baba and ate them! When will I get my baby?”

This wasn’t the first time my five-year-old had brought up the question of when she could have a baby in her tummy. In fact, she is slightly obsessed with looking after her two existing “babies,” who sleep by her bed in their little dolly playpen. I had repeatedly explained that she would have to wait until she was all grown up, had finished university and gotten a job (fingers crossed), and, of course, met someone nice to have the baby with. I explained that usually the daddy plants a seed, which grows in the mommy’s tummy, until it’s time for the baby to come out.

She was a bit disappointed when I explained that sunflowers weren’t a good substitute and she decided that I should have the baby instead. Which brought me up short. Long before I first got pregnant, I had always planned on having just one child. Since I’ve had her, I haven’t given much thought to having another. But the idea was tempting.

Some friends recently had twins, and their joy and pleasure in their new additions reminded me of the wonder and excitement of those first few months (and the exhaustion). While my pregnancy was ideal (I didn’t even know about it for several months), the birth was long, difficult, and ended in a c-section. Could I go through that again? I’m still not sure. But I know I’m not the only one who has wondered if they’re ready to become a mom—whether for the first or even third time.

Hopefully, our 12th annual issue of this publication will provide some help in this regard. We’ve put together the latest info, finds and ideas on how to get ready—emotionally and physically—for pregnancy, parenthood and post-natal recovery. Our resource listings have been updated with the latest services and providers of everything you and your baby might need, and we have some great contests that you should be sure to enter.. Wishing you a healthy and joyous journey on your path to parenthood.

Published annually by WestCoast Families Magazine.

13988 Maycrest Way, Suite 140, 2nd Floor Richmond, BC V6V 3C3 Tel: 604.249.2866 Fax: 604.247.1331 www.westcoastfamilies.com E-mail: info@westcoastfamilies.com Publisher Andrea Vance publisher@westcoastfamilies.com Managing Editor Anya Levykh editor@westcoastfamilies.com Art Director & Layout Krysta Furioso studio@westcoastfamilies.com Accounts Receivable & Bookkeeping Jennifer Brule finance@westcoastfamilies.com Administration / Editorial Assistant Jennifer Bruyns admin@westcoastfamilies.com Advertising Inquiries sales@westcoastfamilies.com 604-249-2866 For distribution inquiries, please contact: Jennifer Bruyns Contributors: Bopomo Photography, Debbie Bowman, Jennifer Bruyns, Gian Falcone, Sarah Juliusson, Michele Kambolis, Lara Leontowich, Alyssa Schottland-Bauman.

All contents copyrighted ©.

Written permission from the publisher is required to reproduce, quote, reprint or copy any material from WestCoast Families.

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Baby Guide 2011

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contests Enter to win any of these great prizes online at www.westcoastfamilies.com!

WIN the Bloom Nano and Snug (Value $200) Ideal for contemporary families living in smaller urban spaces, the Bloom Nano is good for children six months to three years. It’s sleek styling and flat-fold design is complemented by features like the FDA food-grade plastic and leather tray (removable and dishwasher-safe), leatherette seat upholstery, and five-point padded harness. The Bloom Universal Snug provides padding and extra comfort for newborns and babies up to 12 months, and is made from 100% bamboo fabric. Also features contoured shape and removable full head support. Designed to fit with the Nano, as well as most strollers, car seats and baby gear. Available at Baby’s World, Lusso Baby and online. www.bloombaby.com Deadline to enter: March 31, 2012

WIN this Customizable Baby Starter Set from Silkberry Baby and Little Bambino! (Value $220)

WIN the Chariot Cougar 1 from Baby’s World (Value $575) Part of Chariot’s Cross Country series, and with the perfect balance between features and value, the Cougar 1 assures your child’s comfort with additional climate control venting, padded seats and the smooth ride of CAS—Chariot Adjustable Suspension. Features include 2-in-1 weather cover, extra leg room and lower step-in height for your child, large folding rear storage bag, Good for babies starting at six months of age up to approximately 30 kg. Available at Baby’s World, your one-stop shop for everything you and your baby might need, plus expert advice from the highly knowledgeable staff. Prize includes jogging kit as pictured here. www.babysworld.ca | www.chariotcarriers.com Deadline to Enter: February 29, 2012

Check out these two distinct lines, both created by local Vancouver moms! Prize includes one Silkberry Baby toddler comforter (100% cotton) with removable silk filling (100% mulberry silk floss), one Silkberry Baby 100% silk fleece baby blanket, one Silkberry Baby bamboo bib with waterproof backing, one Little Bambino Zip hoodie, one Little Bambino long-sleeved bodysuit, and one pair Little Bambino comfy pants. Winner will be able to customize from available sizes/styles. www.silkberrybaby.com | www.littlebambino.ca Deadline to Enter: December 31, 2011

WIN this Complete Newborn Diaper Package from gDiaper! (Value $190) Earth- and baby-friendly gDiapers has your wee one covered with their fabulous baby bundle that includes 12 tiny gPants (for newborns up 10 lbs), 6 little gPants (8 to 14 lbs), and 80 biodegradable gRefills. Plus, receive a package of six gCloths, the super-absorbent and reusable inserts that can be used instead of gRefills with your tiny and little gPants. www.gdiapers.com Deadline to Enter: January 31, 2012

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westcoast baby finds Little Bambino Zip Little Bambino creates hip, functional baby clothes from eco-friendly bamboo and organic cotton. The Bambino Zip hoodie eliminates issues with stuck heads, poky zippers, and kids who just like to take things off. Made from 70% bamboo and 30% cotton, with waterbased inks and low-impact dyes, these outfits are moisture-wicking and hypoallergenic. Generously sized for longer fit. Available in sizes six months (fits up to 18 months) and one year (fits up to 30 months). Available at Jack & Lola and online. $30. www.littlebambino.ca

Silkberry Baby Sleep Sack Silkberry Baby offers bedding, clothing and bath items made from sustainable, eco-friendly silk, cotton and bamboo. All products are toxin- and chemical-free, use azo-free or low-impact dyes and prints, and are hypo-allergenic and anti-microbial.

Made from 100% soft cotton and with a removable 100% mulberry silk floss filling, this sleep sack offer 2-in-1 functionality for both cool and warm nights.

Sizes small (newborn to 6 months) and medium (6 to 36 months). Available at Room for 2 Maternity and Baby, Beansprouts, Off to Bed and more, as well as online. $85.99. www.silkberrybaby.com

Cow Cowleen Rattle from Terra Kids Part of the Zubels collection, this soft and cuddly seven-inch rattle is made in Peru through Fair Trade, and is hand-knit using 100% cotton and organic dyes. Terra Kids is a local, online store based in Delta, B.C. that specializes in fair trade, organic, recycled and socially responsible toys. $14.99. www.terrakidstoys.com

Agoo 4-in-1 Water Bottle Set A great idea for active, eco-friendly babies. Each set includes one 350 mL stainless steel water bottle, a matching pair of bamboo leggings and three lids (nursing nipple, sippy spout and sports lid). Available at Active Baby, Baby’s World, Pinky Blue and online. $29.99. www.agoo4u.com

Custom Baby Spoons from Alli’s Originals This Canadian company makes unique and customizable silver jewellery and gifts. Check out the cute silver spoons that are perfect for baby’s first meal. $23 each. www.allisoriginals.com

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Joya Rocker from Monte Design This Canadian company specializes in modern, high-end and custom-made nursery furniture that will last through several generations. Pictured here with brown, water-resistant and stain-repellent suede microfiber, walnut frame and striped lumbar pillow. $895.

Available at Baby’s World and online. www.montedesign.net

Wonderbra Baby Love

Xango Mangosteen Pericarp Oil

This new line of nursing bras features styles both with and without underwire, molded stretch cups and a one-handed release clasp. $39. Available at Sears, The Bay and specialty boutiques. www.wonderbra.ca

For centuries, Southeast Asian inhabitants used a paste of mangosteen peel and coconut oil to treat various skin conditions. Today, XANGO honors this restorative tradition by embracing nature’s most concentrated xanthone complex. Safe for pregnant moms and babies. $100. At local health stores. www.xango.ca

Go-Pod from KidCo This portable and ultra-lightweight activity centre is perfect for small spaces or travelling families. With its fold-and-go, design, four seat-height positions, loops to attach toys, drink/snack holders and attached floor pad to keep baby safe and entertained both indoors and out, it’s ideal for outdoor activities like gardening and camping. Suitable for babies from four months to walkers. $54.99. Available at Baby’s World, Active Baby and Pinky Blue. www.kidco.com

Best for Babes Nursing Tops The nursing cami ($54) features four-adjustment back hooks to accommodate changing post-partum bodies, while the tee ($39) has a lift-front panel for ease of nursing. www.bestforbabes.org

Dwinguler Padded Playmat This eco-friendly, padded playmate comes in various sizes and can work as a floor mat, covering, seat cushion and play space for active kids. $89-$179. www.canadianplaymat.com

Nosefrida: The Snotsucker Made in Sweden, and BPA and Phthalate-free, the Nosefrida is a hygienic nasal aspirator designed for newborns and toddlers. Its safe design (nothing goes inside the nose) means babies are more accepting and parents minimize germ transfer. Made from nonallergenic and latex-free polypropylene. $19.99. Available online at www.cheekymonkey.ca. www.nosefrida.com

gStyle from gDiapers gDiapers, makers of eco-friendly and fashionable cloth diapers, has expanded their line to include dresses and tees with funky matching gDiaper pants, for girls and boys too cool for school! $17.99-$24.99. Available at local retailers and online. www.gdiapers.com

• Large selection of new and used clothing, books and toys • Quality items, reasonable prices, great service • Gift Cards available 612 Kingsway • Vancouver, BC V5T 3K4 (604) 708-0956 Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm www.weeonesvancouver.com

READERS’ CHOICE AWARD

2009

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wcb feature

Getting Emotionally Ready

By Michele Kambolis

F

rom the time new moms see that second pink line magically emerge, showing they’ve created an entirely new being, the preparation begins.

The pregnant mind might assume we’re talking about the almost $10,000 typically spent on baby’s first year. But, the changes run far deeper— into the emotional and psychological transformation that defines motherhood.

Is motherhood something we can ever really be ready for? When it comes to mentally preparing, there really aren’t any simple solutions. But, with a little mindfulness, even a first-time mother can have moments of feeling like the original Madonna.

Share in the Wisdom of Women In ancient times, the minute a woman discovered she was “with child,” she was confined to private quarters for rest and contemplation. Other women would tend to her, sharing reassuring stories of midwifery and the narratives of childbirth. Now we scour the net for the ultimate cool diaper bag—and, yes, diaper bags can be cool—or tweet about each and every thought in our pregnant mind, if you don’t have a problem with sharing the experience with the world; my attitude is “bring it on!” Anything that keeps you talking about something as profoundly life changing as motherhood can only be a good thing.

Along with the websites, blogs and numerous books dedicated to motherhood comes an overwhelming urge to get motherhood “right.”While the information can be helpful, having intimate conversations with friends who’ve already “been there” can be worth their weight in gold. Candid conversations with other mothers will reassure you that motherhood, while filled with joyful moments, is not always a time of bliss—despite the counter-idea culture feeds us. They’ll be the first to tell you that love and patience for oneself begets love for one’s child, so be gentle and know that there is no “perfect parenting.”

Have a Dear Diary Moment Having many “dear diary” moments and documenting all that’s going on in your inner world will help keep you self-connected as the changes emerge.

Your willingness to write down the moments that find you strong and tireless, or at other times exhausted and unsure, will memorialize a sacred time in your life. Fast forward 30 years and you may even find yourself reading your musings back to your adult children as they prepare for their own child (but that would make you a grandmother!).

Ready, Set, Reflect The passage from woman to mother is complex and, for many, causes us to take a mindful look at who we are and who we want to be. Suddenly, we’re in true adulthood, with the awareness that the choices we make are far-reaching and impact a newly forming human being. Becoming aware of the demands of your new role, with the wisdom that it takes time to feel personal readiness, may be the key. One study found that women who gave a great deal of thought to what parenting entails were better adjusted moms compared with moms who didn’t consider the impact on their lives. So, before you cheerily agree to host your sister’s 40th birthday two months after your baby’s due date, meditate on personal readiness and how the new baby will realistically impact the family.

Growing Belly, Shrinking Budget New moms share in the chatter of endless topics: sleeplessness, loss of

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intimacy, irritability, dark roots caused by the inability to make it to the salon—we even discuss the more concerning topic of postpartum depression. Yet, somehow we neglect to talk about the emotional impact of living off one income.

Financial change is one of the most stressful events one can face, and yet we cringe at the thought of discussing it openly.

Discussing ways to adjust the family budget before baby arrives is downright smart. Even better, making an early switch to one income can give you an emotional head start and help you adjust to the new budget. After all, who wouldn’t need an emotional head start on cuts to those trips to your favourite fashion house?

Emotional Boot Camp As soon as we become pregnant, we abandon the second cup of coffee, the Chardonnay we love so much and, for some, that nasty nicotine habit that formed in college. We become obsessive about taking care of our bodies, yet promises of emotional self-care often take a back seat.

Finding ways to tend to your emotional care and bolster those mental health tools will not only prepare you for childbirth, it’ll hold you in good stead during those first few years. Working on positivity, ownership of your emotions, regulating negative thinking, taking time for “self” and finding balance are all a priority now. Your ability to manage your internal reality in an honest way will be your best ally—and you’ll be the best version of yourself as you scream at the nurse for an epidural.

Redefine Yourself There probably isn’t a more defining time in a woman’s life than becoming a mother. It leads us into the truth of who we are and, for some, shatters previous notions of who we are supposed to be. The psychological implications are profound and as you begin to identify as a mother, you are committing to something as innate and valuable as life itself—creating room for bonding and life-sustaining attachment with your baby.

Other roles you hold will attempt to crowd in, drawing your attention away from the emotional presence necessary for your child. Your amazing ability to adapt to this new definition of self is laying the foundation for the most important role of your life. So go ahead and ask yourself, what does it mean to you to be a mother? How is this role valued among those around you? Are there other roles that might compete with your mothering? While it’s literally impossible to be completely prepared for all the emotional changes that lie ahead, contemplating questions like these will help you to hold both the outside ear to your new baby’s needs and an inner ear to your own.

Michele Kambolis is the Clinical Director of Harbourside Counseling Centre, Vice Chair of BC Mental Health Foundation and founder of CHIKids. She can be contacted at 604.689.9116 or www.childinfo.ca for any questions about your child’s mental health and development.

wcb feature

Nourishing Yourself: Conception & the Early Months It Takes a Village

By Sarah Juliusson, M.Sc. Are you newly pregnant or considering having a baby in the coming year?

Congratulations! The leap to conception and pregnancy is full of learning and growth, and each family’s journey is unique.

D

espite the abundance of community support for new families, this early phase of conception and new pregnancy can be challenging.

Here are some tips to help you get a healthy start:

Nourish a Healthy Conception Think of pre-conception as a time to build a healthy habitat for a growing baby. The first few months of a pregnancy are vital to healthy development of the growing fetus.

1. Schedule a pre-conception check-up with your family doctor This is a wonderful opportunity to get a sense of your current health and steps you can take to ensure a healthy beginning. Be sure to take note of your menstrual cycle for several months prior to this visit. You will also be screened for medical conditions which could impact a pregnancy, and offered the option of genetic screening. Also consider starting acupuncture care to help your body prepare for conception.

If indeed “it takes a village to raise a child,” why not begin creating your village now, allowing for a community of health professionals and friends to nurture you on this new path.

While you can receive early prenatal care from your family doctor, now is a perfect time to be exploring your options for your prenatal, birth and postpartum care. While geographic proximity is ideal, also consider the style and philosophy of care you desire, seeking a midwife or doctor practice that matches your values. It is ideal to begin this relationship in early pregnancy to allow for a gradual building of trust over the months to come.

Early pregnancy is a wonderful time to begin attending prenatal yoga or fitness classes, and starting to adjust your normal physical routine to the changes in your body. While you could simply buy a prenatal exercise DVD, the sense of community that comes from a group class is an invaluable resource as you approach new parenthood.

As your baby grows, so will your village, with a network of support from health care to prenatal fitness and childbirth preparation. Welcome to this new time in your life—there is so much to look forward to!

Sarah Juliusson, M.Sc. Parent-Child Nursing, is the founder of Dancing Star Birth (www.dancingstarbirth.ca), supporting your journey with Birthing from Within prenatal classes and Mothers Unfolding groups for new mothers.

2. Take note of any habits that would be best set aside during a pregnancy Smoking? Alcohol? Caffeine? Recreational drugs? Now is the time for you to begin creating new lifestyle habits to support a healthy conception and pregnancy. Check in with your doctor about the safety of any prescription drugs or herbs you may use routinely. You may also want to consider a change in contraceptive methods in the months leading up to conception to allow your body some time to restore its natural rhythm.

3. Did you know that stress can cause difficulty with conception?

Take a serious look at the stress in your life—now is your time to create new patterns and nourish your heart. Meditation, journaling, counselling, yoga, exercise, and time outdoors can all be a wonderful support.

4. Start taking folic acid and support a healthy diet.

In the three months prior to the time you begin trying to conceive you should ensure a good nutritional balance in your diet with plenty of protein and fresh fruits and vegetables. Now is the time to begin taking folic acid to help reduce the risk of neural tube defects, and prenatal vitamins to help support nutritional well-being.

Nourish a Healthy Pregnancy Once you have conceived, you begin a new journey of supporting your body to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Simple steps such as gentle exercise, a balanced diet, plenty of water and adequate sleep are a wonderful support for your body during this time of growth and change.

Still, those who experience morning sickness can attest to the difficulty of maintaining a healthy diet through this challenging time, and many women worry that their nutritional needs are not being met. If you struggle with nausea or vomiting, nourish yourself with all the foods that do work for you, and do your best to continue with prenatal vitamins and folic acid. Small and frequent meals with good protein are ideal. Most importantly, be gentle with yourself and know that your body is nourishing your baby to the best of its ability.

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baby & belly news

Sleep Training: To Do or Not to Do? The debate over whether or not to sleep train babies is a hotly contested topic, with strong adherents to both sides of the argument. To sleep-deprived parents, however, sleep training may be a life-saver. There are no easy answers, and each child reacts differently to sleep training attempts. If you are considering sleep training for your child, first consult with your family doctor, naturopath or paediatrician, and think about purchasing a “white noise” machine, which much of the medical community recommends for colicky or fussy babies. The soothing sounds of the ocean (or birds chirping or frogs croaking) can help calm your little one and allow them to drift off when parents are not there. Also consider bringing in a professional sleep consultant, to help plan your approach. For more information on sleep training, visit www.babycenter.ca/baby/sleep.

Prenatal Genetic Testing in B.C. Did you know that prenatal genetic screening is available for free to all pregnant women in British Columbia covered under MSP? The B.C. Prenatal Genetic Screening Program is a free service that any woman can access at her choice. The program lets parents know the chances of their baby being born with Down syndrome, trisomy 18 or an open neural tube defect.

For parents with a higher risk of transmitting Tay-Sachs, genetic testing is also available (the disease is most prevalent among Jews from Eastern Europe, French Canadians from southeastern Quebec., and Cajuns from southern Louisiana). For more information on screening, and how and when to access this service, visit www.bcprenatalscreening.ca.

Canada’s New Car Seat Regulations Transport Canada has issued new car seat regulations on all car seats sold in Canada, and they come into effect on January 1, 2012. The regulations stipulate that all new car seats must adhere to the new design and testing standards, which include greater weight limits, and wider and longer seats.

Babies will remain rear-facing until 10 kg, while forward-facing seats will be required for kids up to 30 kg. If you’re planning on using a pre-used or pre-purchased model, no need to panic. The car seat doesn’t need to be replaced before its expiry date unless it’s been involved in a car accident (regardless of whether there was any damage or not). If you still have concerns about the car seat you plan on using, it’s always a good idea to contact the manufacturer directly. For more information, visit BCAA’s Road Safety Foundation website at www.tsfbcaa.com.

Car Seat Testing Did you know you can get a free car seat check at various spots around town? The Safety Station at BC Women’s Hospital provides free car seat checks for new parents. If you’re buying your car seat before your due date, check out Boomers and Echoes on the North Shore, which has certified staff that do free BCAA checks on Saturday mornings. Any donations go toward the Children’s Christmas Stocking Fund. For an online car safety checklist, visit www.bcchildrens.ca and click on Health Topics, then Child Safety.

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Annual Resource Listings See ad in this issue

ANNUAL EVENTS Baby & Family Fair Vancouver 604.251.9414 | www.thebabyandfamilyfair.com Bellies to Babies Celebration Vancouver www.belliestobabiescelebration.com Bright Nights Stanley Park Vancouver www.vancouver.ca/parks Canyon Lights Capilano Suspension Bridge North Vancouver www.capbridge.com Crème de la Crème Baby Showcase Vancouver www.cremedalacreme.ca Early Years Festival Surrey www.surrey.ca EPIC! Sustainable Living Expo Vancouver www.epicvancouver.com Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden Vancouver www.vandusengarden.org Lovestruck Baby and Family Fair Vancouver www.lovestruckbabies.com Lower Mainland Toy & Product Fair Langley 604.534.1135 | www.langleycdc.com Surrey Children’s Festival Surrey www.surrey.ca/childrensfestival Vancouver International Children’s Festival Vancouver 604.708.5655 | www.childrensfestival.ca

West Coast Women’s Show Abbotsford www.westcoastwomen.net

ACTIVITIES & THINGS TO DO Aquaventures Swim Centre Vancouver 604.736.7946 | www.aquaventuresswim.com

Maplewood Farm North Vancouver 604.929.5610 | www.maplewoodfarm.bc.ca

Federation of Aboriginal Foster Parents Vancouver 604.291.7091 | www.fafp.ca

Mommy Connections www.mommyconnections.ca

Hope Services Abbotsford 604.850.1002 | www.hopeadopt.org

Music for Young Children 800.561.1692 | www.myc.com

Arts Umbrella Vancouver 604.681.5268 | www.artsumbrella.com

Phoenix Gymnastics Vancouver 604.737.7693 | www.phoenixgymnastics.com

Atlantis Swim Programs Vancouver 604.874.6464 | www.atlantisprograms.com

Sunset Community Centre Vancouver 604.718.6505 | www.mysunset.net

Cineplex: Stars and Strollers Multiple locations www.cineplex.com

The Arts Connection Richmond 604.241.0141 | www.theartsconnection.ca

Gabriela’s Movement Studio Richmond 604.272.0607 | www.movementstudio.ca

The Little Gym Langley 604.539.2543 | www.thelittlegym.com/langleybc

Greater Vancouver Zoo Aldergrove 604.856.6825 | www.gvzoo.com

Watermania Richmond 604.448.5353 | www.richmond.ca/aquatics

Gymboree Play & Music Multiple locations www.gymboreeclasses.com

YMCA Multiple locations www.vanymca.org

Joyful Celebrations Theme Parties 877.2845.4539 | www.joyfulcelebrations.ca Jump Start Music & Movement Multiple locations 604.777.7179 www.jumpstartmusicandmovement.com Kids Market Granville Island 604.689.8447 | www.kidsmarket.ca Kindernusik Multiple locations www.kindermusik.com Koko’s Activity Centre Port Moody 604.469.3357 | www.kokos.ca

ADOPTION RESOURCES Adoptive Families Association of BC Burnaby 604.320.7330 | www.bcadoption.com BC Foster Parents Association Maple Ridge 604.466.7487 | www.bcfosterparents.ca Choices Adoption & Counselling Victoria & Vancouver 604.682.6234 | www.choicesadoption.ca Family Services of Greater Vancouver Adoption Agency 604.736.7613 | www.fsgv.ca

Ministry for Children & Families 604.660.2421 | www.gov.bc.ca/mcf Sunrise Adoption Centre North Vancouver 604.984.2488 | www.sunriseadoption.com

BABY CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Active Baby North Vancouver 604.986.8977 | www.activebaby.ca Baby Green Spout Online www.babygreenspout.com Babes on 4th Vancouver 604.739.9870 Babykins Multiple locations & Online 604.275.2255 | www.babykins.com Baby on Board Richmond 604.273.0884 | www.babyonboard.ca Baby Planet Boutique Online 888.823.6129 | www.babyplanetboutique.com Baby’s Best Designs Online 604.682.7281 | www.babysbestdesigns.com Baby’s World Coquitlam 604.515.0888 | www.babysworld.ca Bamboobino Online 604.551.3882 | www.bamboobino.com

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See ad in this issue

Beansprouts Vancouver 604.871.9782 | www.beansprouts.ca

Goober Baby Multiple locations & Online 604.837.9775 | www.gooberbaby.com

Lusso Baby North Vancouver 778.340.0648 | www.lussobaby.ca

Room for 2 Maternity & Baby Vancouver 604.255.0508 | www.roomfor2.ca

Beba Bean Coquitlam & Online 604.552.7741 | www.bebabean.com

gDiapers Online www.gdiapers.com

Mabel’s Labels Online www.marilyn.mabel.ca

Saf & Benjamin Vancouver 778.328.8194 | www.safandbenjamin.com

Bigfoot8 Kids Store Port Coquitlam 604.464.6388 | www.bigfoot8.ca

Hip Baby Vancouver 604.736.8020 | www.hipbaby.com

MacGillycuddy’s for Little People Vancouver 604.263.5313

Sage Creek Naturals Online 877.513.2183 | www.sagecreeknaturals.com

Bobbits for Kids Vancouver 604.738.0333 | www.bobbitsforkids.com

Isola Bella Design Vancouver 604.266.8808 | www.isolabella.ca

Mally Bibs Online 877.497.2427 | www.mallybibs.com

Sleep Huggers Online 780.462.2351 | www.sleephuggers.com

Boomers & Echoes Kids & Maternity North Vancouver 604.984.6163 | www.boomersandechoes.com

Jack & Lola North Vancouver 778.340.5225 | www.jackandlola.ca

Milk Factory Designs Online 604.899.1180 | www.milkfactory.com

Spa Baby Tubs Multiple locations & Online www.spababytubs.com

Buckets of Fun Consignment Surrey 604.542.8697 | www.bucketsoffun.ca

Just Kids Clothes Online 604.649.3779 | www.justkidsclothes.com

Mountain Baby Online 888.990.2292 | www.mountainbaby.com

Sparkle & Junebug Vancouver 604.568.5434

Chick Pea Children’s Boutique New Westminster www.chickpeakids.com

Kai Kids Online www.kaikids.com

My Little Green Online 855.545.7467 | www.mylittlegreenshop.com

Stonz Wear Baby Booties Online 604.568.6364 | www.stonzwear.ca

Childish Notions Online 877.968.4667 | www.childishnotions.com

Kidazzles White Rock 604.531.7931

Parade Online 888.687.7163 | www.parade.ca

Stuck on You Online 866.904.9790 | www.stuckonyou.ca

Classy Kids Consignment Vancouver 604.222.4035

Kidlet Innovations Online 778.788-0680 | www.kidlet.ca

Pebble Vancouver 604.568.6923 | www.pebblebaby.com

Tiggy Winkles Children’s Consignment Vancouver 604.731.8647

Cotton ‘n’ Crayon Surrey 604.535.0466 | www.cottonncrayon.ca

Kidzown Boutique Surrey 604.581.1234 | www.kidzownboutiques.com

Peekaboo Beans 604.279.2326 | www.peekaboobeans.com

Tip Toey Joey Fort Langley 604.999.6932 | www.tiptoeyjoey.com

Crawlies: Clothing for Babies on the Move Online 705.427.0696 | www.crawlies.ca

Köhlr Baby Sleepsacks & More Online 604.317.5705 | www.kohlrbaby.com

Dandelion Kids Vancouver & Port Moody www.dandelionkids.ca

Koo Koo Design Online 604.495.6355 | www.kookootowels.com

Dream Designs Vancouver 604.254.7030 | www.dreamdesigns.ca

Kuddle Muddle Kids North Vancouver 604.929.2524

For Kids Only Consignment New Westminster 604.937.3755

Little Critters Outfitters Abbotsford & Cloverdale www.littlecrittersoutfitters.com Little Earth Children’s Store Vancouver 778.737.7004 | www.littleearthvancouver.com Little Treasures Children’s Boutique Granville Island 604.677.3792

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Pinky & Company Online 604.515.4081 | www.pinkyandcompany.com Pinky Blue Children’s Store Richmond 604.204.2720 | www.pinkyblue.ca Planet-Twin Maple Ridge 604.657.7333 | www.planet-twin.com Play & Learn North Vancouver604.980.4055 Po Po’s Ponchos Vancouver 604.258.9045 | www.poposponchos.com Robeez Footwear Multiple locations & Online 800.929.2649 | www.robeez.com

Tricky & Titch Online 604.985.5546 | www.trickyandtitch.com Tsitah Threads Squamish 604.505.5414 | www.tsitah.com Wee Ones Reruns Vancouver 604.708.0956 | www.weeonesvancouver.com

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT Abbotsford Health Unit 604.864.3400

Annual Resource Listings BC Newborn Hotline 604.737.3737

Bumbini Cloth Diaper Company 604.838.0788 | www.bumbini.ca

BC Women’s Hospital Breastfeeding Clinic 604.875.2424 | www.bcwomens.ca

Diapers Naturally Cotton Diapers Service Burnaby 604.682.8860 | www.diapersnaturally.ca

Cloverdale Public Health 604.575.5100 Crescent Moon Childbirth 604.535.1175 | www.crescentmoonchildbirth.org Guildford Public Health 604.587.4750 La Leche League Multiple locations 800.665.4324 | www.lllc.ca Langley Public Health Office 604.539.2900 Mama Goddess Birth Shop Online 7415.754.5411 www.mamagoddessbirthshop.com Medela Canada 800.435.8316 | www.medela.ca North Shore Health Region 604.984.3841 North Surrey Public Health 604.587.7900 Pacific Spirit Health Centre West Vancouver 604.261.6366 Richmond Health Services 604.278.9711 South Delta Health Unit 604.587.4600 | www.fraserhealth.ca Vancouver Breastfeeding Clinic 604.738.1912 | www.breastfeedingclinic.com

DIAPER SERVICES Babykins Richmond 604.275.2255 | www.babykins.com Bouncing Babies 604.992.9270 | www.bouncingbabies.ca

Family Practice Maternity Service BC Women’s Hospital 604.875.3436 Gloria Lemay 604.737.7063 | www.glorialemay.com

Discount Diapers Corp 866.342.7371

Midwifery Associates 604.450.1126 | www.midwiferyassociates.ca

Ecobotts Eco-disposable Diapers 778.340.1779 | www.ecobotts.ca

Midwifery Care North Shore 604.984.6960 | www.midwiferycare.ca

Eco Bumz Online 866.376.8081 | www.ecobumz.com

The Midwifery Group 604.877.7766 | www.midwiferygroup.ca

gDiapers Online 866.553.5874 | www.gdiapers.com Happy Nappy Diaper Service 604.539.8322 | www.happynappy.ca Wee Care Online 888.722.2229 www.weecarediapercompany.com

DOULAS & MIDWIVES Bloom Family Wellness 604.988.1411 | www.bloomwellness.com The Birth Place Maple Ridge 604.466.5811 | www.thebirthplace.ca

Midwives Association of BC 604.736.5976 | www.bcmidwives.com Mother Me 604.524.1793 | www.motherme.ca New Additions Doula Services 604.682.2801 Newbirth Mothercare 778.834.2057 | www.newbirthmothercare.com Pacific Midwifery 604.874.7999 | www.pacificmidwifery.ca Pomegranate Community Midwives Vancouver 604.255.5556 www.pomegranate-midwives.com Ridge Meadows Midwifery Practice 604.466.5541

Birthing Buddies 604.928.2334 | www.birthingbuddies.com

South Community Birth Program 604.321.2201 | www.scbp.ca

Cherish Childbirth Care 604.626.1079 | www.cherishchildbirth.com

Village Health Clinic 604.575.7275 | villagehealthclinic.ca

Crescent Moon Childbirth Surrey, Langley & White Rock 604.612.6906 | www.crescentmoonchildbirth.org Dancing Star Birth 604.254.1100 | www.dancingstarbirth.ca The Divine Child Doula Services www.thedivinechild.ca Doula Services Association of BC 604.515.5588 | www.bcdoulas.org Family Midwifery Care 604.515.1505

EDUCATION BC Montessori Association gator1200.hostgator.com/~maria/ Brighstars 604.682.8554 | www.brightstars.ca CEFA: Core Education & Fine Arts 604.913.7713 | www.cefa.ca

Collingwood School 604.925.3331 | www.collingwoodschool.ca ColourStrings Music 604.730.5418 | www.colourstringsvan.com Council of Parent Participation Preschools in BC 604.435.4430 | www.cpppreschools.bc.ca CST Consultants (Canadian Scholarship Trust Plan) 778.245.1107 | www.cst.org Darrell Wiebe for Heritage Education Funds Vancouver 604.836.9434 Googol Learning 604.720.9377 | www.googolpower.com Lille aux oiseaux Montessori 604.725.4017 | www.godaycare.com Little Mountain Montessori 604.709.9621 Monarch Autism House 604.205.9204 | www.monarchhouse.ca Montessori Mes Petits Preschool 604.980.1102 | www.ourpreschool.com Music For Young Children Maple Ridge 604.463.2151 North Star Montessori 604.980.1205 | www.northstarmontessori.ca Reach For The Stars Montessori 604.688. 7827 | www.montessori.com St George’s School 604.224.1304 | www.stgeorges.bc.ca The Arts Connection 604.241.0141 | www.theartsconnection.ca Usborne Books at Home 604.886.8767 | www.kidsbookmart.com Vancouver Bilingual School 604.261.1221 | www.vancouverbilingual.com

Children’s Education Fund 604.646.7282 x. 292 Choice School 604.273.2418 | www.choiceschool.org

Baby Guide 2011

19

See ad in this issue

Vancouver Academy of Dance Richmond & Vancouver 604.231.8293| www.vancouverdance.com Vancouver Waldorf School North Vancouver 604.985.7435 | www.vws.ca

Cherish Childbirth Care 604.626.1079 | www.cherishchildbirth.com Collingwood Neighbourhood House Vancouver 604.435.0323 | www.cnh.bc.ca

McKenna Counselling Delta 778.554.8050

St Matthews Day Care Society Burnaby 604.527.1031 | www.stmatthewsdaycare.com

Mommy Connections www.mommyconnections.ca

Storey Law 604.731.5676 | www.storeylaw.com

Wee Hands 866.746.7446 | www.weehands.com

Coquitlam Share Family & Community Services Society 604.540.9161

Mount Pleasant Family Centre Vancouver 604.872.6757 | www.mpfamilycentre.ca

Sunrise Family Drop-in Vancouver 604.251.2913

York House School Vancouver 604.730.2419 | www.yorkhouse.ca

Dr. Meagan Smith, Registered Psychologist North Vancouver 604.990.2547

New Westminster Family Place 604.520.3666 | www.nwfamily.bc.ca

Support for Parents of Young Children Program 604.596.4321 | www.options.bc.ca

FAMILY AND SUPPORT SERVICES Abbotsford Community Services Family Centre 604.859.7681 www.abbotsfordcommunityservices.com Antepartum Home Care Program (For women expecting multiples) 604.875.3557 Association of Neighbourhood Houses of Greater Vancouver 604.875.9111 | www.anhgv.org Autism Society of BC 888.437.0880 | www.autismbc.ca Baby Bliss 604.617.5140 | www.babyblissplanner.com Battered Women’s Support Services 604.687.1867 | www.bwss.org BC Association of Family Resource Programs Vancouver 604.738.0068 | www.frpbc.ca BC Housing 604.433.1711 | www.bchousing.org BC Parents Connection www.bcparentsconnection.ca Belly to Baby Prenatal Education 604.469.2698 | www.bellytobaby.ca Birth Transitions Pre-natal Classes 604.787.5386 | www.birthtransitions.com Burnaby Family Place 604.299.5112 Canuck Place—A Children’s Hospice Vancouver 604.731.4847 | www.canuckplace.org Caregiver Tax Coquitlam 604.786.2566 | www.caregivertax.ca Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House Vancouver 604.874.4231

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Dr. Michal Regev, Registered Psychologist Vancouver www.drregev.com Dr. Oliva Scalzo, Registered Psychologist Vancouver 604.251.7275

North Shore Family Services 604.988.5281 | www.familyservices.bc.ca Pacific Post Partum Support Society 604.255.7999 | www.postpartum.org

Tania Zulkoskey Counselling Vancouver 604.771.8647 | www.tzcounselling.ca

Parent Support Services Society of BC 604.669.1616 | www.parentsupportbc.ca

The Children’s Foundation Surrey & Vancouver 604.434.9101 | www.childrens-foundation.org

East Burnaby Family Place 604.444.1090 | www.ebfp.ca

Parents of Multiple Births 866.228.8824 | www.multiplebirthscanada.org

Tri-City Family Place Society 604.945.0048 | www.tcfp.citysoup.ca

East Side Family Place 604.255.9841 | www.eastsidefamilyplace.org

Place Maillardville Neighbourhood House Coquitlam 604.933.6166 | www.placemaillardville.ca

Tummy Tickles (Fetal Doppler Rental) 866.961.1580 | www.tummytickles.com

Ray-Cam Cooperative Centre Vancouver 604.257.6949 | www.raycam.com

We Care Home Health Services 604.264.9003 | www.wecare.ca

Family Services of Greater Vancouver 604.731.4951 | www.fsgv.ca Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House Vancouver 604.251.1225 | www.froghollow.bc.ca Gordon Neighbourhood House Vancouver 604.683.2554 | www.gnh.vcn.bc.ca Guildford Family Place Surrey 604.596.4321 Hastings Family Drop-in Centre Vancouver 604.718.6222 Helen Sands, Sleep Consultant 604.803.0068 | www.helensands.com Information Children Parent Support Line 604.291.3548 Langley Community Services Society 604.534.7921 | www.lcss.ca Life Coach Family Counselling & Education 604.222.3474 | www.withloveinmind.com Little Mountain Neighbourhood House Vancouver 604.879.7104 | www.lmnhs.bc.ca

Richmond/Delta Parents of Twins and Triplets Club 604.271.8348 Richmond Family Place Society 604.278.4336 | www.richmondfamilyplace.ca Riley Park Community Centre Branching Out Vancouver 604.257.8545 | www.rileypark.ca Semiahmoo Family Place South Surrey 604.531.5882 | www.semiahmoofamilyplace. com Shari Bender, Registered Psychologist Vancouver 604.221.9053 | www.psychologists.bc.ca/pro/ sharibender Fraser Health Authority 604.587.4600 | www.fraserhealth.ca Single Mothers Support Network 604.732.3300 | www.singlemothers.ca South Delta Health Unit 604.587.4600 | www.fraserhealth.ca

Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Community Services Family Place 604.467.6911 | www.comservice.bc.ca

South Vancouver Family Place 604.325.5213 www.southvancouverfamilyplace.org

Marpole Oakridge Family Place Vancouver 604.263.1405 | www.marfamplace.org

South Vancouver Neighbourhood House 604.324.6212 | www.southvan.org

West Side Family Place Vancouver 604.738.2819 | www3.telus.net/wsfp

FITNESS, HEALTH & WELLNESS 3D Baby Vision-Fetal Imaging 877.675.2229 | www.3dbaby.ca Access Natural Healing Vancouver 604.568.4663 | www.accessnaturalhealing.com Alive Yoga Therapy 604.505.9108 Aquaventures Swim Centre Vancouver 604.736.7946 | www.aquaventuresswim.com Arbutus Acupuncture & Massage Therapy Clinic Vancouver 604.264.9921 | www.healthtoday.ca Barry Rich, MD Langley 604.539.1915 | www.nsv.ca BC Association of Optometrists 604.737.9907 | www.absee.ca BC Children’s Hospital 604.875.2345 | www.bcchildrens.ca BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre 604.875.2330

Annual Resource Listings Bonn Chiropractic Vancouver 604.688.5437 | www.bonnchiropractic.com

Hycroft Wellness Centre Prenatal Fitness Vancouver 604.731.8027

CHI KIds Vancouver 604.689.9116 | www.thechikids.com

Integrative Healing Arts Vancouver 604.738.1012 | www.integrative.ca

Corebody Pilates & Yoga North Vancouver 604.916.9335 | www.corebody.ca

Into Yoga Multiple locations 604.421.9872 | www.intoyoga.ca

Corinne Eisler Registered dietician & paediatric nutrition specialist 604.738.4344

Jump Gymnastics 604.568.9690 | www.jumpgymnastics.ca

Crescent Moon Childbirth Surrey, Langley & White Rock 604.612.6906 | www.crescentmoonchildbirth.org Cross Roads Clinic Vancouver 604.568.7115 | www.crossroadsclinics.com Dial-A-Dietician 811| www.dialadietitian.org Dr. Gerry Pochynok Pacific Paediatric Dental Centre North Vancouver 604.983.2253 Dr. Maria Fabbro Naturopathic physician Vancouver & Burnaby 604.540.9119 | www.drfabbro.com Dr. Pollock Infant Circumcision/Vasectomy New Westminster & Vancouver 604.717.6200 | www.pollockclinics.com Dr. Sabrina Chen-See, Family Wellness Chiropractor Vancouver 604.566.9088 | www.drchensee.com Family Passages Vancouver 604.266.6470 | www.familypassages.ca Fit for Two Multiple locations 604.602.1546 | www.fit4two.ca

Just4Kids Paediatric Dentistry 604.575.7785 | www.j4kdentistry.com Kidzown Boutique Surrey 604.581.1234 | www.kidzownboutiques.com Lady de la Sol Botanicals Online 877.471.1144 | www.ladydelasol.com The Little Gym Langley 604.539.2543 | www.thelittlegym.com/langleybc Mashala Baby Organics Online 800.981.4626 | www.mashalababyorganics.com mbody Fitness and Wellness Spa Vancouver 604.891.5189 | www.mbodyspa.com

PDG Pediatric Dental Group 604.263.2422 | www.pdgdental.com

BippityBoppity Boo Children’s Rooms 604.468.1755

Phoenix Gymnastics Vancouver 604.737.7693 | www.phoenixgymnastics.com

Boomers & Echoes Kids & Maternity North Vancouver 604.984.6163 | www.boomersandechoes.com

Pilates Unlimited Vancouver 604.875.0404 | www.pilates.ca

Comfy Cozy Blankies 604.839.4643 | www.comfycozyblankies.ca

Innergy Corporate Yoga 604.219.2080| www.innergycorporateyoga.com Runners and Booties Fitness Multiple locations 778.285.6265 www.runnersandbootiesfitness.com St John Ambulance 604.321.2652 | www.sja.ca

Théra Wise: Natural therapeutic ointments Multiple locations & Online 604.879.2623 | www.therawise.com

DoudouBebe www.doudoubebe.com

TOPS: Take Off Pounds Sensibly Multiple locations 800.932.8677| www.tops.org Tot 2 Teen Dental Care 604.218.9401 | www.tot2teendental.com

Momentum Fitness Vancouver 604.732.4884 | www.mfit.ca

Van Yoga Programs Vancouver 604.646.0134 | www.vanyoga.com

My 3D Ultrasound (Greig Associates) Vancouver 604.267.3387 | www.my3dultrasound.com

Yoga Pod North Vancouver 604.924.9642 | www.yogapod.com

My Adventure Boot Camp Vancouver 604.329.7867 www.myadventurebootcamp.com

UC Baby Vancouver 905.615.9732 | www.uc-baby.com

Fitness on the Go In-home personal training 888.808.2348 | www.fitnessonthego.ca

Nourished from Within Vancouver 604.290.1231 | www.nourished.ca

Healthcord Vancouver 877.714.6361 | www.healthcord.com

Open Door Yoga Vancouver 778.371.8179 | www.opendooryoga.bc.ca

Helen Sands, Sleep Consultant 604.803.0068 | www.helensands.com

Pacific Life Chiropractic 604.850.0551 | www.pacificlifechiropractic.com

Crocodile Unique Baby Store Surrey & Vancouver www.crocodilebaby.com Desneige Memory Castings Online 877.615.8450 | www.desneige.ca

McNeil Consumer Healthcare 877.223.9807 | www.mcneilcanada.com

The Fitness Group www.fitnessgroup.com

Cribs & Carriages North Vancouver 604.988.2742 | www.cribsandcarriages.com

Tania Zulkoskey Counselling 604.771.8647 | www.tzcounselling.ca

Tummy Tickles Fetal Doppler rentals 866.961.1580 | www.tummytickles.com

North Star Fitness Vancouver 604.761.7064 | www.northstarfitness.ca

The Creative Individual Wall Murals 604.857.3270 | www.thecreativeindividual.com

FURNITURE & HOME DÉCOR

Dream Designs Vancouver 604.254.5012 | www.dreamdesigns.ca Felt Fantasia 604.595.6627 | www.feltfantasia.com FinoLino Fine Linens & Accessories Vancouver 604.736.1828 | www.finolino.net Fu-Shun Baby Online 604.535.0092 | www.fu-shundesigns.com If Walls Could Talk 604.582.6811 IKEA Coquitlam | 604.636.1000 Richmond | 604.233.8491 www.ikea.ca Kids Market Granville Island 604.689.8447 | www.kidsmarket.ca

Baby’s World Coquitlam 604.515.0888 | babysworld.ca

Lusso Baby North Vancouver 886.740.9830 | www.lussobaby.ca

Baby on Board Richmond 604.273.0884 | babyonboard.ca

Maria Tratt Custom Wall Design 604.218.4258 | mariatratt@gmail.com

BC Playthings North Vancouver 604.986.4111 | www.bcplaythings.com Belly Bonding Casting Co 604.219.7379 | www.bellybonding.ca

Molly’s Furniture Salad Vancouver 604.732.7712 | www.furnituresalad.ca Nestings Kids Vancouver 604.734.5437 | www.nestingkidsvancouver.com

Baby Guide 2011

21

See ad in this issue

Northern Feather Dream Makers Multiple locations www.nfdreammakers.com

Boomers & Echoes North Vancouver 604.984.6163 | www.boomersandechoes.com

The Maternity Shop Online 888.860.1211 | www.thematernityshop.com

Off to Bed Fort Langley 604.513.1151 | www.offtobed.ca

Bravado Designs Online 800.590.7802 | www.bravadodesigns.com

One Tiny Suitcase Baby Equipment Rentals 877.663.8469 | www.onetinysuitcase.ca

Classy Kids Consignment Vancouver 604.222.4035

Tiny Town Children’s & Women’s Consignment Surrey 604.597.0040

Organic O’Canada Vancouver 604.630.2337 | www.organicocanada.com

Corsierre 3-in-1 Nursing Bra Upgrade Online 877.612.5477 | www.corsierre.com

Pinky & Company Online 604.515.4081 | www.pinkyandcompany.com

Flirty Maternity Maple Ridge 604.657.7333 | www.flirtymaternity.com

Pinky Blue Children’s Store Richmond 604.204.2720 | www.pinkyblue.ca

Forever Yours Lingerie 604.532.1933 | www.foreveryourslingerie.ca

Care Solutions 877.925.8474 | www.absolutecarenanny.com

Hazel & Co./Jools Vancouver www.jools.ca | www.hazelhipmoms.com

Bullfrogs & Butterflies 778.554.4708 www.bullfrogsandbutterfliesphotography.com

Child Care Options Resource & Referral Program 604.572.8032 | www.childcareoptions.ca

ChooChoo Photography www.choochoophotography.com

Jelly Beans Kids Consignment Coquitlam 604.939.4846

Elite Nannies 604.876.5520

TJ’s The Kiddies Store Multiple locations & Online 800.755.4857 | www.tjskids.com Wee Piggies & Paws Online 905.988.5437 | www.weepiggies.com

GROCERY SERVICES Avalon Dairy Delivery 604.434.2434 | www.avalondairy.com Dairyland/Saputo Foods 800.667.1228 | www.morethanmilk.ca Green Earth Organics 604.708.2345 | www.greenearthorganics.com Neighbours Organic Weekly Buying Clubs Co-operative organic food delivery 604.222.0262 | www.nowbc.ca Small Potatoes Urban Delivery 604.215.7783 | www.spud.ca Stong’s Market 604.266.1401 | www.stongs.com Organics at Home 604.983.6657 | www.organicsathome.com

MATERNITY: NEW & CONSIGNMENT

Kidazzles White Rock 604.531.7931 Kidzown Boutique Surrey 604.581.1234 | www.kidzownboutiques.com Little Earth Vancouver 778.737.7004 | www.littleearthvancouver.com Mama Goddess Birth Shop Online 415.754.5410 www.mamagoddessbirthshop.com Mooternity Nursing Fashions Online 778.838.1707 | www.mooternity.com Not For Long Boutique 778.294.0401 Nummies Nursing Bras www.nummies.ca

Baby Planet Boutique Online 888.823.6129 | babyplanetboutique.com

Pinky & Company Online 604.515.4081 | www.pinkyandcompany.com

Bellies in Bloom Victoria & Online 250.479.0803 www.belliesinbloommaternity.com

Room for 2 Maternity & Baby Vancouver 604.255.0508 | www.roomfor2.ca

Blissfulbabes Nursing Wear www.blissfulbabes.com

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The Classic Closet Consignment Boutique Surrey 778.395.8290 www.classicclosetconsignment.com

NANNIES & CHILD CARE RESOURCES Able Nannies 604.540.7453 | www.ablenannies.ca Almost As Good As Mum Nanny Agency 604.542.0548 | www.almostasgoodasmum.com Canzac Nannies & Babysitters 604.985.3654 | canzacnannies.com

First Steps Child Care Options 604.876.5520 | www.childcareoptions.ca International Nannies 604.609.9925 | www.internationalnannies.com Langley Child Care Resource & Referral Program 604.534.7921 Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Child Care Resource & Referral 604.467.6911

Susan’s Nannies 604.779.8579 | www.susansnannies.com Vancouver Child Care Resource & Referral 604.376.6447 | www.wstcoast.org YMCA Childcare Resource & Referral 604.931.3400 | www.vanymca.org

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO Bliss Photographic Images 604.970.3872 | www.blissphotographic.ca Blue Haze Photography 778.893.4665 | www.bluehaze.smugmug.com Bopomo Pictures 604.678.1411 | www.bopomo.ca

Coates Portrait Design 604.739.9600 | www.coatesportraitdesign.com d’Soleil Photography 604.283.1121 | www.dsoleilphoto.com Eclipse Photography 604.984.7427 | www.eclipsephotography.ca Gemini Visuals Creative Photography 604.312.6330 | www.geminivisuals.com Gina Spanos Photography 604.298.3611 | www.ginaspanos.com Jane Photography 604.435.9581 | www.janeeatonhamilton.com

Moppet Minders Child & Home Care Services 604.942.8167

Joy Photography 778.688.8688 | www.joyphoto.ca

Nanny Finders Directory 888.628.1622 | www.nannyfindersbc.com

Kalem Photography 604.273.0401 | www.kalemphoto.com

Nannies on Call 877.214.2828 | www.nanniesoncall.com

Kevin James Day Photography 604.970.2675| www.kjdkids.com

Norfolk Nannies 604.263.5867

Kids of Vancouver—Veridamo Photography 604.970.2224 | www.veridamo.com

North Shore Childcare Resource & Referral Program 604.985.7138 | www.nscr.bc.ca

Life Story Videos 604.805.7999 | www.lifestoryvideos.ca

Not Just Nannies 604.723.5683 | www.notjustnannies.net

Mika Photography www.mikaphotography.ca

OptiMum Childcare & Nannies 604.671.4965 | www.opti-mum.com

Perfect Moments Photography Abbotsford 604.832.1628 | www.perfectmoments.ca

Richmond Child Care Resource & Referral Service 604.279.7020 | www.volunteerrichmond.ca

Portraits by Anita 604.376.6447 | www.portraitsbyanita.com

St. Matthews Day Care Society 604.527.1031 | www.stmatthewsdaycare.com

RD Captured Memories Langley 604.761.5178 | www.rdcapturedmemories.com

Annual Resource Listings Raw Photographic 604.834.8824 | www.rawphotgraphicarts.com

Beba Bean Online 604.552.7741| www.bebabean.com

Kaboodles Toy Store Kitsilano & Granville Island www.kaboodlestoystore.com

Toy Jungle Coquitlam & West Vancouver www.thetoyjungle.ca

Belly Bonding Casting Co 604.219.7379 | www.bellybonding.ca

Kai Kids www.kaikids.com

Boomers & Echoes Kids & Maternity North Vancouver 604.984.6163 | www.boomersandechoes.com

Kids Market Granville Island 604.689.8447 | kidsmarket.ca

Toy Traders Langley 604.532.9516

Sweet Earth Photographics 778.865.4131 www.sweetearthphotographics.com

Bug in a Rug Online 519.856.1373 | www.buginarug.info

Kidsbooks Multiple locations www.kidsbooks.bc.ca

Sweet Pea Photography 604.986.0204 www.sweetpeaphotography.com

Camelot Kids Granville Island 800.746.2230 | www.camelotkids.com

Kuddle Muddle North Vancouver 604.929.2524

The Village Toy Shop Port Moody 604.949.0444 | www.villagetoyshop.ca

Toy Box Studios 604.681.2252 | www.toybox-studio.com

Cards By Kids Online 604.987.4187 | www.cardsbykids.ca

Little Forest Baby Care System Langley & Online 415.601.9669 | www.littleforest.com

Usborne Books at Home Online 604.886.8767 | www.kidsbookmart.com

Childish Notions Online 877.968.4667| www.childishnotions.com

Lucy Ann Online 604.531.8836 | www.lucyann.ca

Wee Travel Baby rental gear 604.222.4722 | www.weetravel.ca

Classy Kids Consignment Vancouver 604.222.4035

Mabel’s Labels Online 866.3062.235 | www.marilyn.mabel.ca

Creative Kidstuff Toys North Vancouver 604.987.3210

Mama Goddess Birth Shop Online gifts & birthing kits 415.754.5410 www.mamagoddessbirthshop.com

Red Wagon Digital Images 604.318.3259 | www.redwagondigitalimages.ca Shayna Kerrie Photography Vancouver 604.614.0778 www.shaynakerriephotography.com

What I See Photography 778.829.0071 | www.whatisee.ca

TOYS, GIFTS & LIFESTYLE Animal Crackers Announcements 604.710.4760 | www.animalcrackersonline.com Babes on 4th Vancouver 604.739.9870 Baby’s World Coquitlam 604.515.0888 | www.babysworld.ca Baby Celtic Productions Online 604.929.6914 | www.babyceltic.com

Creative Memories 800.468.9335 | www.creativememories.ca Crocodile Unique Baby Store Surrey & Vancouver www.crocodilebaby.com

Baby Green Sprout www.babygreensprout.com

Desneige Memory Castings Online 877.615.8450 | www.desneige.ca

Baby on Board Richmond 604.273.0884 | www.babyonboard.ca

Dimpleskins; Natural Body Care Online 604.395.6262 | www.dimpleskinsnaturals.com

Baby Planet Boutique Online 888.823.6129 | www.babyplanetboutique.com

Discovery Toys Canada Online 800.341.8697 | www.discoverytoysinc.com

Bamboletta Dolls Online www.bamboletta.com

DoudouBebe www.doudoubebe.com

Bamboobino Online 604.551.3882 | www.bamboobino.com BC Playthings North Vancouver 604.986.4111 | www.bcplaythings.com Bears Toy Store West Vancouver 604.926.2327

The Fort Toy Box Fort Langley 604.882.8697 | www.forttoybox.com Goober Baby Online www.gooberbaby.com Knotty Toys Granville Island 604.683.7854 | www.knottytoys.com Just Imagine Fun Clothing Vancouver 604.222.3523 | www.dressups.com

The Toybox Vancouver 604.738.4322 Tupperware 866.376.7521 | www.tupperware.ca

SAFETY Babysafe 604.321.2652 | www.sja.ca Baby’s World Coquitlam 604.515.0888 | www.babysworld.ca

New Mom Registry www.newmom.ca

BCAA: Infant/Child Car Seat Information Line 604.298.2122 | bcaa.com

Northern Monkey Sock Dolls Online www.ushops.com

Boomers & Echoes Kids & Maternity North Vancouver 604.984.6163 | www.boomersandechoes.com

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Pedagogy Toys New Westminster 604.522.1003| www.pedagogytoys.com Pinky Blue Children’s Store Richmond 604.204.2720 | www.pinkyblue.ca Sage Creek Naturals Online 877.513.2183 | www.sagecreeknaturals.com The Shrunks Online 866.354.2237 | www.theshrunks.com Terra Kids Toys 604.598.8697 | www.terrakidstoys.com TJ’s The Kiddies Store Multiple locations & Online 800.755.4857 | www.tjskids.com

St John Ambulance 604.321.2652 | sja.ca Safety Station at BC’s Children’s Hospital 604.875.2244 | bcchildrens.ca/safetystation

WEB LINKS WORTH CHECKING www.britishcolumbiamoms.com www.helpwevegotkids.com www.vap.informe.com www.parentsinbc.ca www.savvymom.ca www.urbanmommies.com www.urbandaddies.com www.vancouverdad.com www.vancouver.parentzone.com www.vancouvertwins.com www.wetcoastwomen.com www.ywsinglemoms.org

Baby Guide 2011

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Pre & Post-Natal Nutrition

By Alyssa Schottland-Bauman

Y

ou’re pregnant. Yippee. Congratulations. Whether it’s your first time expecting or blessed to experience it again, if there ever was a time to get on that health kick you’ve been meaning to start, now is the time.

Not only for your own well-being, both physically and mentally, but also for the miracle you are growing. It is a marvel to think about how your body can grow another being inside you; almost unfathomable when you think about all the intricacies. And to do so, your body needs all the nutrition it can get.

Make Those Calories Count Every calorie counts when growing baby. So sorry to break the news, but now is not the time to double up on the cake. (Is there ever a good time for that?) And that extra slice of pizza will only make losing the baby weight even harder. The whole idea of eating for two, well, that’s not exactly accurate. Every woman has different caloric needs, but the average woman should consume between 1,500 to 2,000 calories a day. During the first trimester, unless you are underweight from the get-go, there is no need to increase your calorie consumption at all—I know, shocking.

During the second and third trimesters, believe it or not, the body only needs an extra 200 to 400 calories to support optimal growth and also to avoid excess weight gain (you want the extra weight gain to be baby bulking up, not mama). Those 200 to 400 extra calories really aren’t much when you think about it. It’s an apple with some nut butter, or an extra piece of toast with some hummus or bean spread on top. It’s essential during this nine-month journey to make every calorie count. So let’s make sure that almost everything you eat (occasional indulgences are necessary, after all) is nutritionally dense. Do this by adding in healthier choices to crowd out the high caloric nutrient void.

So What’s the Plan?

Six to 10 servings of complex carbohydrates: Crowd out the white bread, white pasta, white rice and other refined carbohydrates (packaged foods) by adding in 100% whole grains. This means brown rice, whole grain pasta, quinoa, millet, oats, spelt, amaranth, barley and other ancient grains. Look for 100% whole grain breads. Experiment with sprouted grain breads.

Two to four servings of fruit and three to five servings of vegetables: Increase fruit and vegetable consumption. Try to add a little more green to every meal.

Greens are the most missing ingredient from our North American plates and they pack in the nutrients and health benefits. Dark leafy greens are high in calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, zinc and vitamins A, C, E and K, and these tasty leaves are crammed with fibre, folic acid, chlorophyll and many other micronutrients and phyto-chemicals. And baby likes that.

Avocados are also a super healthy, nutrient dense choice. They are a great source of mono-unsaturated fatty acids, the good fat that baby needs, while a huge source of lutein, fibre, folate, Vitamins B, E and C. Two to three servings of dairy: If dairy works for you, choose low fat cheeses (pasteurized only), milks and yogurts. Try to crowd out sweetened yogurts (high in nutrient-void calories) by eating plain yogurt. Sweeten it yourself by sprinkling with natural sweeteners like honey, fruit (berries and bananas), and nut pieces (high in nutrients and protein too). If dairy doesn’t work for you, here is another opportunity to get your calcium needs from greens.

Two to three servings of protein: Lean meats like chicken and fish are always the healthier options. Completely avoid high-mercuric fish like swordfish, marlin and shark, and limit tuna consumption. Wild salmon is the best choice as it is an excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, essential for optimal foetal brain development. Limit processed deli meats to a minimum, as they are loaded with nitrates. Baby doesn’t like them. Beans, lentils and nuts are great sources of plant protein packed with antioxidants and fibre. Add these health-boosting sources by substituting them in place of meat. For example: Add beans to salads instead of the usual chicken.

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It is a good idea to limit sweets, unhealthy fats and oils. That being said, a little bit of indulgence satisfies another part of who we are and it is essential we don’t deprive ourselves of this pleasure either.

Going Organic Remember everything you ingest, baby gets, too. So not only is baby benefitting from all the goodness in these healthy choices, but baby is also getting the toxins, pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, and extra hormones that are unfortunately in some of our food. And baby’s growing brain and body isn’t developed enough to handle the added stresses. Keep them to a minimum by going organic. Now is the time to make the switch, especially when it comes to fruits, vegetables, meats and dairy.

Breastfeeding Baby is here and you are probably overjoyed with love, high-flying emotions, anxiety and everything else that may come from post-pregnancy. Eating healthy can help to keep hormones in check. And if you are breastfeeding, you are probably starving all the time. Feeding baby every three hours is a huge job, burning over 600 calories a day. So forget about what your jeans are saying, now is not the time to diet, as it could interfere with breast milk production.

Some women need an extra 300 to 400 calories daily depending on pregnancy weight gain. Again, extra calories should come from nutrient dense foods. Breastfeeding might even expedite weight loss, as it helps to burn fat reserves laid down during pregnancy. It is important to manage your expectations. It took nine months for you to gain the weight. It will take some time to lose it. You are not going to walk out of the hospital at a pre-pregnancy weight. But if you continue to make the above healthy choices, combined with moderate exercise, the excess baby weight will naturally melt off.

Supplements Taking folic acid and a multivitamin ensures optimal health during preconception, pregnancy and breastfeeding. And even if we are eating as healthily as possible, pregnancy and breastfeeding takes so much out of the body that it could deplete certain essential vitamins and minerals. An omega-3 essential fatty acid, vitamin D and iron are supplements to consider.

Alyssa Schottland-Bauman is founder of Nourished {from within} (nourished.ca), a health consulting firm. She instils long-lasting lifestyle tools in women who are starved for time and hungry for balance. She believes the modern woman can do it all, and she shows them how, from nutrition to self-expression.

Kale Chips — a super-healthy snack Ingredients • 2-3 bunches of kale, stemmed and chopped into chip size pieces.

(I like green kale in this recipe) • 2 tbsps. olive oil • Pinch of Gomasio (mix of sesame seeds, seaweed and sea salt) • 2 pinches of nutritional yeast (Optional, but it’s a great add-on here.

It contains 18 amino acids, and is a complete protein, rich in vitamin B and other trace elements.)

Method Preheat oven to 400. In big mixing bowl, massage washed dry kale with olive oil. Add spices. Mix. Lay flat on parchment-lined baking sheets. Put in oven for 8-10 minutes until crispy and fragrant. Serve lukewarm or cool.

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Baby Guide 2011

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Postpartum Tips for C-Sections Mothers

by Lara Leontowich

O

ne of the biggest concerns that new mothers have is weight gain after pregnancy. While it is normal and healthy to gain weight during pregnancy, many new mothers want to shed the baby weight as soon as possible after baby is born.

How soon you can begin to exercise after giving birth will largely depend on what kind of shape you were in prior to your pregnancy and your fitness during pregnancy. Most people will say that you can resume activity and exercise “when you feel better,” but new mothers recovering from a c-section should wait until their six-week check-up with their doctor or midwife before starting an exercise program. Weight gain not only includes weight from your baby, but also from body fluids and tissues to support the growth of your baby. During the first few days postpartum, you should not push yourself too exercise too hard or too soon. Your body needs time to rest, relax, and heal.

Mary Beth Knight, author of Strategies for the C-section Mom, recommends that, until you are cleared by your doctor or midwife, the first two weeks at home, new mothers should limit their movement daily to walking around their homes and carrying nothing more than their new baby.

Delivering a baby by c-section can strain abdominal muscles, causing the muscles to weaken and make them less able to provide support for the back, so care must be taken when lifting objects. The hormone relaxin—which is responsible for relaxing the joints in the pelvis so that the baby has room to pass through the birth canal—is still is present in the body and can cause muscle joints to feel loose, which can lead to inflammation and discomfort of the joints. It has been known to take approximately four months for relaxin levels to return to normal after baby is born, so new mothers should avoid quick or explosive movements.

Once given clearance from a doctor or midwife to resume an exercise program, the plan should include exercises that improve core strength, proper posture techniques, muscle strength and joint stabilization. For easing back into an exercise program, walking is the best cardiovascular exercise for new mothers. Try to incorporate walking two to three times a week for five to 10 minutes each time. Increase by adding three to five minutes per session, aiming for 20 minutes by week four. The primary focus at this stage should be on health, energy and the well being of mother and baby.

Guidelines for exercising postpartum: • Exercise should be regular and around two to three times per week • Exercises should not cause pain or heavy bleeding • Drink water regularly to keep the body hydrated • Have adequate rest along with proper caloric intake • Stop exercising if breast infection or abscess appears One exercise that new mothers can perform from day one of recovery is Kegels. Kegel exercises, when done regularly, strengthen the pelvic floor.

Even though c-section mothers do not have a vaginal birth, pregnancy has an effect on the pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor supports all organs that sit between the tailbone and public bone. Kegel exercises help to maintain strength in the pelvic floor and reduce the chances of urinary incontinence.

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According to Strategies for the C-section Mom, the steps to completing a proper Kegel exercise are as follows: • Sitting or lying down, contract the muscles you use to stop the flow of urine.

• If your buttock muscles tighten, you are not exercising the right muscle.

• Contract your pelvic muscles for three seconds and then relax for three seconds.

• Repeat this exercise 10 to 15 times per session. Try to do this at least three times per day.

Knight also recommends not to rush the healing process after a c-section and return to fitness too soon. Remember, it took you about 40 weeks to carry your baby to term, and most doctors and midwives say that it will take about 40 weeks or up to one year to get back to your pre-pregnancy weight.

Lara Leontowich is a BCRPA Certified Group Fitness Instructor and Pre & Post Natal Fitness Specialist. She is the owner of Runners and Booties Fitness (www.runnersandbootiesfitness.com) specializing in the ever popular Shop ‘n Stroll Fitness Program offered for new moms.

Helpful Resources Essential C-Section Guide by Maureen Connolly and Dana Sullivan Strategies for the C-Section Mom by Mary Beth Knight Motherwell Maternity Fitness Plan by Bonnie Beck Cesarean Recovery by Chrissie Gallagher-Mundy Befit Mom website: www.befitmom.com

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wcb feature

In The Wake of Wakefield

The Autism/MMR Debate and What It Means For Parents

By Debbie Bowman It used to be that the most common questions among parents regarding vaccinations were innocuous concerns involving needles, crying or grumpy babies. Today, many parents face a question that’s more worrisome and harder to answer: “Should I vaccinate my child at all?” There are compelling arguments on both sides of the debate, and the plethora of information on the internet and in the media only muddies the water.

E

nter Dr. Andrew Wakefield, a saint in the eyes of some and a villain to others.

In 1998, he published a study in The Lancet, alluding to a possible link between autism and the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Since then, the study has been retracted under allegations of falsified information, and Dr. Wakefield has been struck off the British Medical Register. Even so, the ensuing debates resulted in many parents questioning the wisdom of vaccinations.

Dr. William Abelson, past president of the B.C. Paediatric Society, finds the Wakefield scandal especially upsetting. He attests that when Dr. Wakefield vilified the MMR vaccine, he “tarred and feathered” all vaccines. In fact, Dr. Abelson explains that vaccination rates have actually gone down in the last decade. In addition, large amounts of money and time were spent to find a possible link, “though none were found,” states Dr. Abelson.

Dr. Bratt, a naturopathic doctor with a practice in North Vancouver, disagrees.

She notes that two separate studies were conducted that duplicated Dr. Wakefield’s findings. “I believe a link between autism and vaccinations does exist,” states Dr. Bratt, “though I don’t believe vaccines are the sole cause of autism.”

Dr. Abelson agrees there are some side effects connected to vaccinations, though he doesn’t believe autism is one of them. He also believes the risk of side effects is small when compared to the risk of contracting infectious diseases. He feels that time has made many of us forget what it was like to live with organisms such as polio. “My dad had polio,”he remarks. “Our parents and grandparents lived in fear of it.” He doesn’t want that sort of fear to happen again, but he believes it could. “We don’t live in a bubble—current vaccines target very serious illnesses that still occur in Canada. The progression of some of these illnesses can be so rapid that children continue to die of them despite accessing medical care.”

Dr. Bratt feels we need to tread more carefully. “I believe that with vaccines it’s the same as with drugs—there will always be side effects.” In fact, Dr. Bratt notes that some vaccines contain common allergens such as egg protein and yeast, which can cause a strong reaction if the baby has an existing allergy to these substances. As well, she explains that it’s impossible to know ahead of time which babies will experience adverse effects; “We don’t know which babies will have reactions such as brain swelling or seizures. It depends on a lot of things, such as the strength of their immune system.”

During press conferences following his study, Dr. Wakefield purported some of the side effects of vaccines could be mitigated if the combined vaccines were separated into single dose vaccines. As a result, many parents opted to vaccinate their children at a delayed or slower pace—something Dr. Abelson believes is an unwise choice: “These vaccination schedules have been studied and scientifically prepared, and are based on optimal immune response.” Specifically, Dr. Abelson feels that delaying vaccines can put children in the path of undue harm.

Dr. Bratt, on the other hand, feels that the vaccination schedule is particularly unsafe: “Testing has only been done on the individual vaccinations—not on the combination of vaccines routinely given to children.” In addition, she feels vaccines are given too early and in too large a quantity to infants; for example, up to 30 vaccinations by the time a child is 18 months. According to Dr. Bratt, this is too much, too soon, for such a young body. “These babies still have developing brains and immune systems,” she remarks.

However, according to Dr. Abelson, the amount of antigen given to a child in the combined vaccines is small compared to what children are exposed to every day. “A child’s immune system is designed to ward off a remarkable amount of antigens on a daily basis,” he states.

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Unfortunately, separating the MMR vaccine is a moot point for most parents now, as six months after Dr. Wakefield’s study, the separated MMR vaccine was taken off the market. As a result, many parents made the difficult decision to not vaccinate their children at all.

Although there is some disagreement between Dr. Abelson and Dr. Bratt, they both agree that vaccines are important. Dr. Abelson equates vaccines with seat-belts. He explains that even though we don’t plan on getting in a crash, we wear the seat-belts because the risk is there. Vaccines are the same, he says.

Just as he wouldn’t think of transporting his kids without buckling them in, he wouldn’t let his kids navigate their childhood without vaccinations.

Dr. Bratt also feels there is a place for vaccines. “Actually, I’m not anti-vaccine,” she states, “but I am pro-safe vaccine. I want these vaccinations to be as safe as possible for the child.”

So how can a parent make vaccinations safer? Dr. Abelson says that parents need to become aware of the possible side effects and how these can be demonstrated in their children. As well, he states that parents need to ask their doctor questions they may have about vaccinations. “This is important,” he says.

“There’s a lot of misleading information on the web these days, so parents need to discuss any concerns with their paediatrician.”

Dr. Bratt also has a list of things parents can do: 1. Don’t vaccinate your child if they are sick, on antibiotics, or recovering from an illness.

2. Don’t vaccinate your child if they’ve had a serious reaction to vaccines in the past.

3. Separate vaccines if possible.

4. Boost your child’s immune system ahead of time by feeding them a nutrientrich diet and by giving them supplements such as vitamins C, A and Zinc.

5. Check titres (blood immunity levels) before giving booster shots, as your child’s original vaccine may still be working.

6. Make sure any flu shot your child receives is Thimerosal-free.

Whatever side a parent takes, the health of their child is the deciding factor.

Parents yearn for peace of mind about that choice, so they need to know they made their decision based on solid information. Never be afraid to discuss your concerns with your naturopath or paediatrician, and weigh all factors before making a decision. Good luck and good health!

To be well informed, parents need to read information from both sides of the debate. Here are two reliable websites for that purpose: The Canadian Paediatric Society: www.caringforkids.cps.ca The Vaccination Risk Awareness Network: www.vran.org There are many books written on this topic. Here are two books considered by professionals as the most informative: Your Child’s Best Shot by Ronald Gold, MD The Vaccine Book by Dr. Sears

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Baby Guide 2011

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reading corner

Great Reads for Everyone!

Baby, We Were Meant for Each Other: In Praise of Adoption

by Scott Simon In this warm, funny and wise book, Simon tells the story of how he and his wife found true love with two tiny strangers from the other side of the world. Woven into the story are the experiences of other adoptive families. $25.00

Baby-Led Weaning: The Essential Guide to Introducing Solid Foods

by Gill Rapley and Tracey Murkett Rapley and Murkett explode the myth that babies need to be spoon-fed and show how self-feeding from the start of introducing solid foods can help parents skip purees altogether and help baby develop hand-eye coordination and chewing skills. $27.95

Child Sense: From Birth to Age 5, How to Use the Five Senses

by Priscilla J. Dunstan Your infant is crying and you don’t know why. Your toddler refuses every type of food—except one. Your preschooler wages war every morning over what to wear. Dunstan takes these issues and looks at them from the child’s perspective, providing insight into our children view the world around them, and how their reactions to sight, sound, taste, smell and touch affect how they behave, learn and communicate. $32.00

Your Baby is Speaking to You

by Dr. Kevin Nugent, photographed by Abelardo Morell In this visual guide to a baby’s behaviour, Nugent and Morell capture the precocious communication strategies that babies exhibit from the moment they come out of the womb, and help parents decode what their babies are saying to them. $23.95

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On Year to an Organized Life with Baby

by Regina Leeds, with Meagan Francis If you’re overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done before baby comes, this is the book for you. Leeds creates a weekby-week plan, packed with timelines, checklists and tips for everything you need to know in order to get your home, health, work and life ready for your new baby. $19.95

Stop Second-Guessing Yourself

by Jen Singer With humour, tips, insights and lots of straight-from-the-hip advice, Singer, who is the creator of MommaSaid.net, talks new parents off the ledge and shows how to embrace the roller-coaster of life with baby and enjoy laughs along the way. $18.95

The Conscious Parent: Transforming Ourselves, Empowering Our Children

by Shefali Tsabari, PhD With a preface by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, The Conscious Parent explores how creating a higher state of consciousness in yourself leads to deeper awareness in our children. Tsabari recognizes a child’s ability to spark deep sour-searching, which can lead to transformation in both parent and child. $23.95

Your Baby in Pictures: The New Parents’ Guide to Photographing Your Baby in the First Year

by Me Ra Koh Celebrated photographer and mom Me Ra Koh helps you capture the those precious moments form the first 12 months with 40 beautiful “photo recipes” that anyone can do, with any camera. $22.99