Saturday, September 25, 2010
Tips for New Moms
Words of Wisdom from Real Mothers at La Leche League Meetings
From The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, 8th edition
· Newborns don’t look like magazine babies.
· A dirty house builds extra immunities.
· Wait long enough and it will change, and the questions and answers will be different.
· Sometimes the books are just wrong.
· A dog is an excellent floor cleaner.
· The ideal adult-to-baby ratio is about three to one in the first week.
· When people offer help, say yes.
· Listen to your baby. Respect him and his intuition. He will tell you what he needs.
· You can only do what you can do.
· Step outside when you can, throw your shoulders back, take a deep breath, and look up for at least a few seconds.
· It’s important to see other babies, so you know what’s normal.
· Join a playgroup. It’s not for the child, it’s for the mother.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Dr. Mom to the Rescue!
We recently got wind about a very cool local mom who is not only doing good in our community but also being quite innovative and generous while making this difference.
Meet Dr. Mom Hawaii aka Dr. Deb Nojima, who is also a pediatrician with Castle Medical Center. She has been offering home visits in lieu of parents taking the standard route to the Emergency Room. Since we here at Baby A love old-fashioned traditions (i.e., cloth diapering, for example), we applaud anyone who also brings a bit of retro-culture back to life. We on Oahu are so lucky to have the option of having house calls by a doctor once again because of her.
Below, Dr. Nojima kindly took time out of her busy schedule to have a conversation with us about her new medical service as well as thoughts about being a mom.
BA: We love the idea of revisiting the days when a doctor made house calls. You shared a bit about how you were inspired in your personal message, but was it like a revelation you had one day to try it? How did you start this service?
I really was inspired by the incident with my croupy 2 year-old, which was really scary for me even being a physician! I also take the "mom" part of Dr. Mom Hawaii as seriously, if not MORE seriously than the "Dr" part. We moms are really, really BUSY. Not only are we caring for our kids, but we often do most of the housekeeping, financing, shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc. If you work outside the home, then you must fit that into the mix also. Our schedules are tight and sometimes an important need like a sick child can throw our lives into chaos! The last thing that you want to do after a hard day's work is pack up a sick, feverish, tired child into the car and rush down to an ER where you might have to sit for hours for treatment that may have been urgent but NOT a true emergency. Then, after all is said and done, you come back home and try to get everyone fed, watered, and to bed to start another day at the crack of dawn.
I was hoping that I could be of some help. Imagine the same scenario, except that your child can stay home and rest while you are still able to care for the rest of your family's needs. I show up at the agreed upon time and diagnose and prescribe treatment for your child AND to write an on-the-spot doctor's excuse note for school and your place of employment. On top of that, you are able to ask all your questions and feel absolutely comfortable with your child's condition and what you can do to make it better without feeling rushed or harried.
BA: What's been most gratifying about offering this service?
Meeting people and families where they are the most comfortable is extremely rewarding to me. I also feel that parents are more likely to ask questions in a familiar environment which is conducive to learning and exchanging vital information. I love to talk story with other moms. I find I learn a lot from them and find each interaction invaluable!
BA: Do you foresee a trend to bring home visits by doctors again, or are you pretty much the only one (on island or elsewhere) doing this?
There has been a small but growing movement of concierge type services where a patient pays a "yearly fee" for the right for visits from their doctor at any time during the year. Most of these memberships are quite pricey in the thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. The yearly membership fee ensures that the doctor keeps the number of patients low so he/she is available for her or his exclusive clientele. I "tweaked" this model a little. There is no membership fee but I only see "ill" children. I don't do well child check-ups or vaccinations. These very important appointments are best provided by a patient's primary care physician who may chart a patient's physical, emotional, and intellectual development over a long period of time.
I don't think other physicians will be interested in doing this type of work UNLESS a yearly membership fee was involved because the "take home" pay per hour of work is less than 50-75% of what an office-based physician can make. Most pediatricians these days see between 5-8 patients in an hour. I can only fit in about 4 patients in a typical "8 to 5" work day and that is only provided that the visits are geographically close to each other. Throw in the extra cost of insurance, gas, and wear and tear on a vehicle and many docs would say it's not worth it.
BA: What's your favorite part of being a mom?
Being a mom is JUST fun. I credit my boys for making me a much better person and in turn, a much better physician. It takes more than knowing how to use medications and diagnose illnesses to be a good doctor. Communication and LISTENING is the KEY. Before a physician asks themselves how to treat a particular patient, they must ask why the patient (or rather the parent of the patient) is seeking care and prioritize a patient's and the parents' concerns. Being a mom helps me to do that as a doctor.
On a more personal note, I love the fact that my boys treat and live each day in the moment. They teach me every waking moment that "the here and now" is invaluable: so laugh, joke, jump, play, make weird noises, be yourself, cry, run though the mud, make your hair crazy, LIVE IT ~ life is NOT a spectator sport!
Meet Dr. Mom Hawaii aka Dr. Deb Nojima, who is also a pediatrician with Castle Medical Center. She has been offering home visits in lieu of parents taking the standard route to the Emergency Room. Since we here at Baby A love old-fashioned traditions (i.e., cloth diapering, for example), we applaud anyone who also brings a bit of retro-culture back to life. We on Oahu are so lucky to have the option of having house calls by a doctor once again because of her.
Below, Dr. Nojima kindly took time out of her busy schedule to have a conversation with us about her new medical service as well as thoughts about being a mom.
BA: We love the idea of revisiting the days when a doctor made house calls. You shared a bit about how you were inspired in your personal message, but was it like a revelation you had one day to try it? How did you start this service?
I really was inspired by the incident with my croupy 2 year-old, which was really scary for me even being a physician! I also take the "mom" part of Dr. Mom Hawaii as seriously, if not MORE seriously than the "Dr" part. We moms are really, really BUSY. Not only are we caring for our kids, but we often do most of the housekeeping, financing, shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc. If you work outside the home, then you must fit that into the mix also. Our schedules are tight and sometimes an important need like a sick child can throw our lives into chaos! The last thing that you want to do after a hard day's work is pack up a sick, feverish, tired child into the car and rush down to an ER where you might have to sit for hours for treatment that may have been urgent but NOT a true emergency. Then, after all is said and done, you come back home and try to get everyone fed, watered, and to bed to start another day at the crack of dawn.
I was hoping that I could be of some help. Imagine the same scenario, except that your child can stay home and rest while you are still able to care for the rest of your family's needs. I show up at the agreed upon time and diagnose and prescribe treatment for your child AND to write an on-the-spot doctor's excuse note for school and your place of employment. On top of that, you are able to ask all your questions and feel absolutely comfortable with your child's condition and what you can do to make it better without feeling rushed or harried.
BA: What's been most gratifying about offering this service?
Meeting people and families where they are the most comfortable is extremely rewarding to me. I also feel that parents are more likely to ask questions in a familiar environment which is conducive to learning and exchanging vital information. I love to talk story with other moms. I find I learn a lot from them and find each interaction invaluable!
BA: Do you foresee a trend to bring home visits by doctors again, or are you pretty much the only one (on island or elsewhere) doing this?
There has been a small but growing movement of concierge type services where a patient pays a "yearly fee" for the right for visits from their doctor at any time during the year. Most of these memberships are quite pricey in the thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. The yearly membership fee ensures that the doctor keeps the number of patients low so he/she is available for her or his exclusive clientele. I "tweaked" this model a little. There is no membership fee but I only see "ill" children. I don't do well child check-ups or vaccinations. These very important appointments are best provided by a patient's primary care physician who may chart a patient's physical, emotional, and intellectual development over a long period of time.
I don't think other physicians will be interested in doing this type of work UNLESS a yearly membership fee was involved because the "take home" pay per hour of work is less than 50-75% of what an office-based physician can make. Most pediatricians these days see between 5-8 patients in an hour. I can only fit in about 4 patients in a typical "8 to 5" work day and that is only provided that the visits are geographically close to each other. Throw in the extra cost of insurance, gas, and wear and tear on a vehicle and many docs would say it's not worth it.
BA: What's your favorite part of being a mom?
Being a mom is JUST fun. I credit my boys for making me a much better person and in turn, a much better physician. It takes more than knowing how to use medications and diagnose illnesses to be a good doctor. Communication and LISTENING is the KEY. Before a physician asks themselves how to treat a particular patient, they must ask why the patient (or rather the parent of the patient) is seeking care and prioritize a patient's and the parents' concerns. Being a mom helps me to do that as a doctor.
On a more personal note, I love the fact that my boys treat and live each day in the moment. They teach me every waking moment that "the here and now" is invaluable: so laugh, joke, jump, play, make weird noises, be yourself, cry, run though the mud, make your hair crazy, LIVE IT ~ life is NOT a spectator sport!
Check Out This Ad
introducing the new midwifery services available at Kaiser Moanalua ~
and don't forget to also check out our Healthy Pregnancy Lecture this upcoming Sunday 9/26 at 6:30 p.m.
One of Kaiser's certified nurse-midwives Reagan Turner Bell, along with Dr. Madeleine Portuando (from our popular vaccine lecture), will be sharing information and their thoughts about helping women birth babies, whether at home or in a hospital setting!
For more information about our Healthy Pregnancy Lecture series, go here.
and don't forget to also check out our Healthy Pregnancy Lecture this upcoming Sunday 9/26 at 6:30 p.m.
One of Kaiser's certified nurse-midwives Reagan Turner Bell, along with Dr. Madeleine Portuando (from our popular vaccine lecture), will be sharing information and their thoughts about helping women birth babies, whether at home or in a hospital setting!
For more information about our Healthy Pregnancy Lecture series, go here.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Experience HOPE on September 30th
Parents are encouraged and welcome to learn more about how to address the subject of sex and sexuality with their children. At some point in all of our parenting journey, there will be a time when you have to have this conversation. Planned Parenthood of Hawaii can help you feel comfortable and confident to do so and will share tips and information in this upcoming workshop. To register, click here.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Sitter City, A Mom's Best Friend
Let Sitter City come to your rescue
Understandably, one of the more challenging tasks as a parent is finding the perfect babysitter or caregiver to leave your children with. While no one else can really equal a mother's love for her own, it's definitely a relief to know that there are nice people out there who are dependable, responsible, and qualified to care for babies and young children.
Founded by iVillage babysitting expert Genevieve Thiers, this nationwide sitter-finding service website allows parents and sitters to create an online profile complete with photo. Its search for matches includes more than 30 criteria. Ease and safety are assured with a four-step screening process, obtainable references, background checks, and customer reviews.
Sitter City also offers registered nannies, pet and house sitters, elder care providers and tutors.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Back By Popular Demand: Boob Guru's Intro to Breastfeeding for Pregnant Moms
When: Sunday, October 3rd at 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Led by: Baby A's very own boob guru Naoko "Nicky" Lawnsby
Cost: $20 per person / $35 per couple
Learn all about breastfeeding from Honolulu's boob guru Nicky Lawnsby!
In this class, you will gain important knowledge to help mothers successfully feed their baby nature's way:
* The basics of breastfeeding your newborn: latching, positioning, and breastfeeding cues
* The basic anatomy and physiology of breastfeeding
* The myths of breastfeeding
* What to expect in the hospital and at home
* How to prepare for returning to work
Partners are strongly encouraged to attend.
Nicky is Baby Awearness's full-time, in-store lactation consultant who specializes in the very effective technique of traditional Japanese lactation massage. Nicky is also an IBCLC certified Lactation Consultant and has over 20 years of experience in midwifery, breastfeeding, and women's health.
To reserve a spot at the lecture, please contact 988-0010 or lani@babyawearness.com Preference will be given to those with due date in 2010. Maximum attendance is 10 people. Waitlist will be available on a first-come basis.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you cannot make the lecture and need help with breastfeeding, Nicky is available for personal, one-on-one consultations. Please contact Lani Lee at 988-0010 to schedule an appointment.
Led by: Baby A's very own boob guru Naoko "Nicky" Lawnsby
Cost: $20 per person / $35 per couple
Learn all about breastfeeding from Honolulu's boob guru Nicky Lawnsby!
In this class, you will gain important knowledge to help mothers successfully feed their baby nature's way:
* The basics of breastfeeding your newborn: latching, positioning, and breastfeeding cues
* The basic anatomy and physiology of breastfeeding
* The myths of breastfeeding
* What to expect in the hospital and at home
* How to prepare for returning to work
Partners are strongly encouraged to attend.
Nicky is Baby Awearness's full-time, in-store lactation consultant who specializes in the very effective technique of traditional Japanese lactation massage. Nicky is also an IBCLC certified Lactation Consultant and has over 20 years of experience in midwifery, breastfeeding, and women's health.
To reserve a spot at the lecture, please contact 988-0010 or lani@babyawearness.com Preference will be given to those with due date in 2010. Maximum attendance is 10 people. Waitlist will be available on a first-come basis.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you cannot make the lecture and need help with breastfeeding, Nicky is available for personal, one-on-one consultations. Please contact Lani Lee at 988-0010 to schedule an appointment.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Healthy Pregnancy Lecture on Sept 26th
This month's topic will explore an expecting mother's options to have a home or hospital birth with a midwife.
Cost: FREE!
Curious about having a birth experience with a midwife? Whether at home or a hospital setting, you can have the birth of your choice with one of Honolulu's finest practicing midwives. Though the natural birthing community is still small in Hawaii, it is a growing circle that includes seasoned midwives who can guide expecting parents through a personal, meaningful, and healthy labor and delivery.
Join us for a conversation and Q & A session with two of Honolulu's midwives. Dr. Portuando is a local naturopathic doctor and midwife who also leads our very popular vaccine lecture. Reagan Turner Bell practices with the new midwifery services available at Kaiser Medical Center.
To reserve a spot at the lecture, please contact 988-0010 or lani@babyawearness.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Next month: Pregnancy Nutrition with Kate Greenwell, October 17th
Sunday, September 26th
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Led by: Dr. Madeleine Portuando and Reagan Turner Bell
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Led by: Dr. Madeleine Portuando and Reagan Turner Bell
Cost: FREE!
Curious about having a birth experience with a midwife? Whether at home or a hospital setting, you can have the birth of your choice with one of Honolulu's finest practicing midwives. Though the natural birthing community is still small in Hawaii, it is a growing circle that includes seasoned midwives who can guide expecting parents through a personal, meaningful, and healthy labor and delivery.
Join us for a conversation and Q & A session with two of Honolulu's midwives. Dr. Portuando is a local naturopathic doctor and midwife who also leads our very popular vaccine lecture. Reagan Turner Bell practices with the new midwifery services available at Kaiser Medical Center.
To reserve a spot at the lecture, please contact 988-0010 or lani@babyawearness.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Next month: Pregnancy Nutrition with Kate Greenwell, October 17th
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Happiest Baby On the Block Workshop
We are thrilled to offer our very first Happiest Baby Workshop on Sunday Oct 3rd!
To register, please contact Michelle Richardson at 366-8111 or the store at 988-0010.
To register, please contact Michelle Richardson at 366-8111 or the store at 988-0010.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Organic Nursing Sleep Bra
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Calling for Swap Volunteers!
Now that you know how the clothing swap works, how about working the swap?
We are looking for a few good mamas to help us set-up, work during the event, and break down at the end. There are two shifts available -- 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. or 5:45 to 8:45 p.m. on September 30th.
Please contact Amanda at 783-1407 or Lani at 988-0010 to sign up as a volunteer!
We are looking for a few good mamas to help us set-up, work during the event, and break down at the end. There are two shifts available -- 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. or 5:45 to 8:45 p.m. on September 30th.
Please contact Amanda at 783-1407 or Lani at 988-0010 to sign up as a volunteer!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Mom & Baby Clothing Swap!
The next Hot Mama Networking Event is coming up on September 30th at 6:30 p.m.!
Here are our simple 1-2-3's of swapping with style and ease:
1) LET IT GO!!!
Clean out your closet of gently used/brand new clothes, bags and accessories that you don't fit and haven't worn in the past 6 months. Once you have completed your closet move on to your little ones closet and do the same thing. Remember, what you think is your trash is sure to be someone else's treasure! Assist us in making this process easier by separating and labeling your clothing by size. (you can separate it in different bags, or by putting a piece of masking tape on the item with the size. This will make our job a LOT easier!
2) DROP IT!!!
Drop all of your labeled and separated clean clothes, bags, and accessories to Baby Awearness/Hot Mama during normal business hours September 20-26, 2010. Your items will be added to the mix and you'll receive a "pass" for attending the swap free of charge.
3) SWAP IT!!!
On September 30th, get ready to swap with your fellow hot mamas! For anyone who wants to attend the swap but doesn't have items to swap, you can still attend. We are asking you to make a $10 donation in exchange for a bag you can fill with whatever you want. All the proceeds from the event and the left over items will go to The Mary Jane House. For everyone else, the amount of items you take are based on an honor system, so you get to take home the same amount of items you brought. We greatly encourage everyone to BYOB. Bring your own reusable tote bag(s) to take home your new wardrobe.
Here are our simple 1-2-3's of swapping with style and ease:
1) LET IT GO!!!
Clean out your closet of gently used/brand new clothes, bags and accessories that you don't fit and haven't worn in the past 6 months. Once you have completed your closet move on to your little ones closet and do the same thing. Remember, what you think is your trash is sure to be someone else's treasure! Assist us in making this process easier by separating and labeling your clothing by size. (you can separate it in different bags, or by putting a piece of masking tape on the item with the size. This will make our job a LOT easier!
2) DROP IT!!!
Drop all of your labeled and separated clean clothes, bags, and accessories to Baby Awearness/Hot Mama during normal business hours September 20-26, 2010. Your items will be added to the mix and you'll receive a "pass" for attending the swap free of charge.
3) SWAP IT!!!
On September 30th, get ready to swap with your fellow hot mamas! For anyone who wants to attend the swap but doesn't have items to swap, you can still attend. We are asking you to make a $10 donation in exchange for a bag you can fill with whatever you want. All the proceeds from the event and the left over items will go to The Mary Jane House. For everyone else, the amount of items you take are based on an honor system, so you get to take home the same amount of items you brought. We greatly encourage everyone to BYOB. Bring your own reusable tote bag(s) to take home your new wardrobe.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Get Your Body Back After Baby!
Workshop with Sarah Rhinelander, Advanced Rolf Practioner
Sunday September 12 at 11:00 a.m. at Baby Awearness
$12 per person
To reserve your space, please call 808-927-1707
Sunday September 12 at 11:00 a.m. at Baby Awearness
$12 per person
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Sage Mamas Making A Difference
Daniela Kittinger of the Farm to Highchair Project
Debuting a new healthy baby food business in our community is Daniela Kittinger, mom and muse behind the Farm to Highchair Project. The Farm to Highchair Project is a unique and wonderful endeavor to bring fresh, healthy -- and oftentimes organic -- meals for little ones made with tenderness, care, and lots of flavor. Many of you may recognize Daniela as she is a familiar face at Baby aWEARness, helping out at our events and classes.
We are excited to highlight her efforts and ingenuity to pull together this noble project.
Daniela shares about her inspiration behind the project:
I truly believe that food is at the core of community health. Like most people, I enjoy modern conveniences, but I’ve noticed that many come at the expense of healthy lifestyles and a healthy community. The obesity epidemic, environmental degradation, and entire communities left voiceless and disenfranchised—could these all be somehow connected? Food is not only what links us all together, I also believe it is at the root of many of our society’s woes.
The idea for Farm to Highchair was born when I began feeding my baby solids. I knew that with my love for and commitment to all things food, that I could not feed him over-processed, store-bought substitutes. Not when Hawai’i farmers have so much fresh, locally-grown produce to offer year-round!
That being said, I do live in the real world. I understand that—even with the best of intentions—today’s busy moms simply don’t have the time or energy to make baby food from scratch every day. So I’ve decided to give back. The Farm to Highchair Project aspires to provide healthy, freshly prepared and conveniently available baby food, from Hawai’i farmers. Everyone deserves the opportunity to give their keiki the healthiest possible start!
For more information, check out her website here, or pick up a flyer at the store next time you're in. Currently, the project is seeking testers to help with product development.
We are excited to highlight her efforts and ingenuity to pull together this noble project.
Daniela shares about her inspiration behind the project:
I truly believe that food is at the core of community health. Like most people, I enjoy modern conveniences, but I’ve noticed that many come at the expense of healthy lifestyles and a healthy community. The obesity epidemic, environmental degradation, and entire communities left voiceless and disenfranchised—could these all be somehow connected? Food is not only what links us all together, I also believe it is at the root of many of our society’s woes.
The idea for Farm to Highchair was born when I began feeding my baby solids. I knew that with my love for and commitment to all things food, that I could not feed him over-processed, store-bought substitutes. Not when Hawai’i farmers have so much fresh, locally-grown produce to offer year-round!
That being said, I do live in the real world. I understand that—even with the best of intentions—today’s busy moms simply don’t have the time or energy to make baby food from scratch every day. So I’ve decided to give back. The Farm to Highchair Project aspires to provide healthy, freshly prepared and conveniently available baby food, from Hawai’i farmers. Everyone deserves the opportunity to give their keiki the healthiest possible start!
For more information, check out her website here, or pick up a flyer at the store next time you're in. Currently, the project is seeking testers to help with product development.
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