Blog

This blog is about life with a baby. It's not always what you expect and there is definitely no job description. Every baby is different and unique which is why motherhood can be so scary, fun, terrifying, exciting, and rewarding all at the same time.

Be sure to also check out our Travel Blog where you can share and read stories about travelling with the family.


We encourage you to share your experiences - by sharing your experiences and commenting on other posts, you may be helping other moms.


  • Tuesday, October 20, 2009 11:22 PM | Claire (Administrator)

    A Pain Free Mommy is a Happy Mommy:

    Dealing with back pain, neck pain or foot pain on a daily basis is not only annoying... it can affect the way we parent. This was definitely true for me.  After pregnancy, our alignment sometimes changes, not to mention the trauma of labour, all of this can leave us with an aching back.  In the beginning the pain didn’t bother me much, but as my daughter got heavier, I noticed that my back would hurt and sometimes even my neck and shoulders.  Everyone told me I have to position her differently on my hips, switch sides when I carry her... tried that and it didn’t work, then I started getting massages that still didn’t work... then someone told me I should try orthotics... and finally something actually worked. Not only did my back and neck pain go away, I was able to go to jogging again b/c the tingling  sensation in my feet (which happened after 15 mins of cardio activity) went away as well. So I could actually work on getting rid of the last bit of pregnancy weight.

    Could custom orthotics be right for you?  Well, did you know that most postural problems begin in the feet?

    Our feet stand for only 3% of our body size and they have to carry all our weight (which in many cases is a little over what we want it to be). It is common to compare our body to a house, if the foundation is not in place it will effect the whole house. Our feet are the foundation of our body, any misalignment can cause a series of side effect like: feet pain, knee pain, low back pain, Etc.

    Not all orthotics are the same... I remember the first time I showed Lilac & Allen my “orthotic Insoles” the ones I paid $200 for, they looked at me and said... Claire, that’s a weapon... Orthotics are supposed to be soft and comfortable not hard and plastic.  The genius at Elite Foot clinic has been using a patented system invented by the Averbuck Family in Israel over 30 years combined with patient’s follow up questioners to over 15,000 patients which showed an overwhelming 95% success rate
    .
    The Averbuck system was also used by the “Wingate Institute” in Israel to research the affect of orthotics on elite athletes. The results of this research were astonishing, they showed an improvement of between 7%-12%  in oxygen consumption (almost impossible to achieve in athletes in the top of their game).

    This system is the only one of it’s kind and Elite Foot clinic guarantees results. If they do not solve your pain within three months, you get your money back 100% no questions asked.

    So the next time you go to pick your baby and feel that pain in your back, knees, shoulder or neck... remind yourself that there is a solution, so that you can really enjoy picking up your child, maybe even doing salsa babies... most people see me with Katelyn in my hand a lot!  She is almost 2 and half but I still carry her in my carrier while hiking for 4 hours, I pick her up all the time, walk with her in my hands all b/c I took the time to get that first FREE consultation and solved my pain.  Holding your child close, picking them up for a quick kiss or hug whenever you feel like it is all a part of the bonding process.

    For more information about Elite Foot Clinic and the Averbuck System visit www.elitefootclinic.com

    As an added bonus all LWAB members receive 10%!  An added incentive to solve your pain today!

    Please Note:
    I tried orthotics from Elite before they became a sponsor of LWAB. I found that their system works and it solved my pain. If you do decide to try the Averbuck System, we would like to hear your opinion to give anyone interested in trying orthotics more than one review of the product.  If you tried it and didn't like it, we want to hear that too-- we always aim to give our members more than one opinion on a product or service.

    Thanks,
    Claire

  • Thursday, October 01, 2009 3:21 PM | Joanna

    The fall season is upon us which for many of us moms, also means the return of the flu season. And of course, everyone (well, almost everyone) is starting to be worried sick about their children potentially getting sick with the H1N1 flu virus (or swine flu). A couple of my mommy friends have asked me "I'm thinking of vaccinating my child against the swine flu? What do you think". I cringe when I hear this because I personally believe that this vaccine is potentially dangerous. But such health matters are a personal decision and you, as a parent, need to be comfortable about your decision. I've said the same about standard immunizations. I do encourage parents to read other arguments and do their research. I've listed some sources below. Read, listen, and what you do with the knowledge and how you let this new information influence your decisions is up to you.

    In the U.S., I know that certain states will make vaccination mandatory. And in both the U.S. and Canada, certain groups (such as health care workers) will be required to be vaccinated. As well,  pregnant women and young children are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible. As an expecting mom, I am thankful that I live in Canada. But still, you never know. I hope and pray that H1N1 vaccination does not become mandatory for us.

    What's your opinion? Will you vaccinate yourself or your children? Feel free to leave a comment here or start your own conversation in our forums.

    ARGUMENTS FOR THE VACCINE:

    Interview with Dr. Ann Schuchat from the CDC

    Chief Science Officer Dr. Anne Schuchat answers parents’ questions about the 2009 H1N1 flu and the vaccine to protect against it. Children aged six months through 24 years are recommended to receive H1N1 flu vaccine.


    This mother posted some info she found on the CDC and from her pediatrician.


    ARGUMENTS AGAINST TAKING THE VACCINE:


    What To Do if You are Forced to Take Swine Flu Shot

    Interviews with Dr. Russell Blaylock, a retired neurosurgeon who speaks of the dangers of the H1N1 vaccine.


    Warning: Swine Flu Shot Linked to Killer Nerve Disease

    In this article: A warning that the swine flu vaccine has been linked to a deadly nerve disease has been sent by the UK Government to senior neurologists in a confidential letter.

    The letter refers to the use of a similar swine flu vaccine in the United States in 1976 when:

    • More people died from the vaccination than from swine flu
    • The vaccine may have increased the risk of contracting GBS by eight times
    • The vaccine was withdrawn after just ten weeks when the link with GBS became clear
    • The U.S. Government was forced to pay out millions of dollars to those affected

    Concerns have already been raised that the new vaccine has not been sufficiently tested and that the effects, especially on children, are unknown.

    Flu Vaccine Exposed

    Perspective: Studies show that flu vaccines are unsafe and ineffective.

    This presentation by the Thinktwice Global Vaccine Institute includes a visual depiction of flu vaccine production -- how the flu vaccine is made and what it contains.

    Another Shocking Warning About Swine Flu Vaccine

    Many Health Workers Won't Take Swine Flu Vaccine

    ==

    This blog post was first posted on The Working Mama.

  • Thursday, September 10, 2009 3:15 PM | Joanna
    Not only can you connect with fellow moms and converse on a variety of topics, we also have expert advice from a Naturopath, an Organics Expert, and a Pharmacist!

    Have a burning question for these experts? Visit our Forums page, scroll down to the "Ask the Experts" section, and post away.


  • Friday, September 04, 2009 4:11 PM | Joanna
    Are you expecting or know anyone who is, and looking for pre-natal yoga on the weekends?

    You can sign up for Pre-natal Yoga at Moksha Yoga in Richmond Hill.

    Starts Saturday, September 12.

    $150.00 for 10 weeks.

    I am signed up so if you decide to join, and recognize me at the class, say Hi! I'd love to know who else is expecting in this group.

    I have taken yoga classes at this studio before-- both pre-natal and their egular hot yoga. It's a great studio and the instructors I've had have all been wonderful.

    To sign up, call the studio directly: 905.881.0010

    Read more about the studio and their classes on their website:
    http://www.mokshayogarichmondhill.com/index.htm

    Joanna

  • Thursday, August 06, 2009 4:39 PM | Joanna

    The Ontario Early Years Centre is holding two programs from July 14 - November 15 at the Hillcrest Mall:

    1) Mother Goose for Parents and Babies 0-12 months - Tuesdays at 1PM at Centre Court

    2) Musical Toddlers for parents and toddlers (13-30 months) - Thursdays at 9am at Centre Court

    For details, visit:
    http://www.hillcrestmall.ca/calendar/popup.ch2?eventid=11144

  • Wednesday, July 29, 2009 11:04 AM | Claire (Administrator)
    Stretch, bond, and breathe with your baby. This is a class for mommies to share quality time with their babies and other moms through an energizing yoga practice. Postures will help mom refocus, regain strength and flexibility and soothe aching muscles from nursing and holding baby.

    The class will begin with a dynamic sequence for mom, later incorporating and partnering with your baby. We will end with some breath awareness, relaxation and bonding with a few baby yoga postures.

    Benefits for baby can range from better sleep, improved digestion, strengthening the bond with mom, increased muscle development, increased circulation, help with coordination, stimulation of senses and increased body awareness.

    Throughout the class, moms may stop to feed or soothe their babies and rejoin the practice when it is possible and comfortable to do so. No previous yoga experience is necessary.

    Babies from 8 weeks to almost crawling are welcomed.  Dress comfortably and bring a blanket for your baby. Note that there is no space for strollers in the studio,  however please feel free to bring in your infant car seats.


    **********
    About Debbi Lee Wong

    Debbi is a new mom and certified yoga teacher, registered with Yoga Alliance at the RYT200 level. Debbi introduced her baby to yoga early, as she practiced and taught yoga until 1 week before baby was born. Join Debbi and Zoey as they share their experiences on the mat.

    Please bring a yoga mat for you and blanket(s) for baby. If you do not have a mat, you can rent one at the studio.

    Cost: Free for LWAB members that RSVP prior to the class -

    Please register  by the day before the class. If you do not register through LWAB, you will be required to pay the studio's community class fee of $7.


    Venue: Yoga Tree Thornhill, 1416 Centre Street, Unit 9, Thornhill (Dufferin/ Centre)
    More about the studio at http://www.yogatree.ca/


    Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of your first class, in order to register and sign in at the studio.
  • Thursday, July 23, 2009 2:13 PM | Marina

    Time:
    Movies start at approximately 9 pm based on when the sun sets.

    Location:
    Raised parking lot off Carl Hall Road, just east of John Drury Drive – look for the signs.

    Friday nights — July & August
    July
    July 3 Madagascar 2
    July 10 Hotel for Dogs
    July 17 Star Wars: The Clone Wars
    July 24 Kung Fu Panda
    July 31 City of Ember
    August
    August 7 Space Chimps
    August 14 Horton Hears a Who
    August 21 Paul Blart: Mall Cop
    August 28 Meet Dave

    For your movie enjoyment:
    Bring fold up chairs or blankets to sit on.

    You are welcome to bring food and beverages to enjoy during the movie. Barbeques and alcohol are not permitted. We ask that afterwards you help us keep the park litter-free by disposing of garbage in receptacles provided.

    We recommend you bring a blanket and appropriate outer wear as some evenings can get cool and mosquitoes often come out after dark.

    Portable toilets are available on site.

    Dogs are permitted on leashes. Please use your discretion as we want everyone to have an enjoyable movie experience.

    Umbrellas are permitted.

    Link to official site:

    http://www.pdp.ca/en/events/movies.cfm

  • Wednesday, June 24, 2009 10:39 PM | Claire (Administrator)
    We'll be running our Managing Expectations program for new & expectant parents starting Friday July 10th @10am at the Ontario Early Years Centre at Bayview & John.

    The focus of this program is to normalize the challenges first time and new parents face adjusting to the new dynamics in their relationships.  This 6 week program will include tips and strategies for:
    *Keeping the marriage strong
    *Sleep training methods and strategies
    *Getting support and local resources
    *Expectations v.s. reality and the supermom complex
    *Importance of self-care and eating for mood
    *Managing Money and Life With a baby on a budget

    Week one - Let's talk about sleep, baby!

    So you know those romantic notions we had before giving birth that all babies do is sleep and eat ... As first time parents we think that up until the point we get home from the hospital and find ourselves thinking why won't the baby sleep... so we go down the list;
    we make sure the baby is fed, we change the diaper, we check the room temperature - is it too hot, is it too cold, we rock/and or nurse and the baby falls asleep so we decide to put her down in her crib and tip toe out the room, you get outside the door and say YES!!! she's sleeping and then.... that's as far as we get, so we go back in and try the routine again and again to no avail, by this time, baby is tired, mommy is tired, daddy is tired... this is how arguments start, sleep deprived parents become cranky, easily irritated and sleep deprivation can lead to the baby blues - good news is there is help...

    In order to better understand the how-to's of getting you and your baby to enjoy going to sleep and staying asleep, we will discuss some important principles of sleep that every new parent needs to understand.

    Luckily we have a wonderful Doula, Marcia Horbacio, our very own sleep fairy will provide information on the various types of sleep training methods as well and discuss the importance of sleep and mom's health.

    Sleep training does not mean that you let your baby cry it out, In Week 1 of our Managing Expectations program we'll discuss our expectations of sleep, and we'll give you tools and tips that you can use at home with your baby so that the entire family can get the rest they need.

    See the Calendar for more info on this session
  • Monday, June 22, 2009 12:12 PM | Claire (Administrator)

    We are very, very happy to announce that we have a permanent space to run programs in the Richmond Hill area.

    The wonderful people at The Richmond Hill Christian Community Church has offered us space to run programs, events, playdates and workshops.  I've had a few request from parents that they wished for more events in Richmond Hill and we are very pleased that we were given the chance to fulfil these request.

    Even better, we will be able to run programs for Infants and Toddlers at the same time because the area is separated by a gate so that the toddlers have a separate play area (so for parents with two, you can bring your toddler/child and your infant).  If you've ever been to an indoor playground where a toddler almost ran over your infant - you will really appreciate this space.

    Look for Events starting in July, various play groups on Tuesday Mornings as well as First Aid Workshops, CPR training, Infant Massage Workshops, Sleep Solutions Workshops, Car Seat Safety Clinics and Many, Many More!

    A big thank you to Lori Splett and the team at RHCCC!!!

  • Wednesday, May 27, 2009 3:03 PM | Marina

    Why so lucky?

    Babies are wired to learn any language in the world and have the ability to learn more than one language at a time.

    Learning how one language works builds the foundation for learning how other languages work.

    An understanding of the richness of any language improves literacy skills.

    Bilingualism improves brain growth and activity.

    Language connects your baby to his culture.

    How do we do this?

    Speak to your child in the language that you know the best. This way you model your language at its richest.

    Use the "one person, one place" rule. Have one person always speak one language tot he child and another person always speak another language to the child.

    Or always speak your mother tongue when at home, and speak English when you're out in the community.

    Speak Grandmother's language when you visit with her.

    Avoid mixing two languages in one sentence. This confuses a child who is learning to speak.

     

    A Message from the York Region Early literacy Specialists 2007

Our Community

Life With A Baby
LWAB Foundation

Our Partners







Click here to visit this Mount Sinai's website

© 2020 Life with A Baby, Inc. All Rights Reserved.