Bellyhaven Partners with Juno Maya - the premier provider of spa and wellness services for conceiving, pregnant and postpartum women

In January 2012, Juno Maya, Atlanta’s exclusive provider of spa and wellness services for conceiving, pregnant, and postpartum women, will begin offering prenatal massage at Bellyhaven, Atlanta’s premier maternity boutique.  Every Sunday, Bellyhaven’s stylish education room will be transformed into a soothing oasis for moms-to-be to relax, rejuvenate, and refresh with some well-deserved Maternity Me Time®.

Juno Maya’s prenatal massage therapy is customized to treat the discomforts that arise during pregnancy and to promote deep relaxation and emotional well-being. Benefits include postural realignment, stress relief on weight-bearing joints (ankles, lower back, and pelvis), relief of minor edema, reduced anxiety and improved mood, and better sleep.

One-hour and 90 minute appointments will be available on Sundays from 12-4. To schedule your massage, call Juno Maya at 404-883-1478. To learn more about Juno Maya visit www.junomaya.com.

Bellyhaven is located in Vinings at 4300 Paces Ferry Road Atlanta, Ga 30339. To learn more about Bellyhaven visit www.bellyhaven.com.

Terrific Thursdays in December!

Bellyhaven is celebrating the holiday season every Thursday this December by staying open till 9:00 p.m.  We will have refreshments, special discounts and offers, classes, freebies, and featured items or services.  Here’s what’s going on!

 

December 1st from 6-9 pm Pickle Petunia Bottom

You’ve been asking for discounts on our diaper bags.  Now here’s your chance to pick one (or even two) for 15% off.  Diaper bag selection will include the boxy backpack, weekender, cake, scout, and many, many more.  Special orders will be in the store for pick up before Christmas.  Also on December 1st,Vinings Jubilee will be having its annual Christmas Tree lighting from 6-8pm.  Visit www.viningsjubilee.com for more details.

 

December 8th from 6-9pm  Prenatal Massage

Come pamper yourself with a complimentary prenatal mini-massage.  Juno Maya, the newest pamper mommy business, will be here massaging your aching backs and necks.  Non pregnant women are welcome too!  We will also be hosting one of our “Common Cold Freebies.”The instructor will be discussing some common misconceptions and myths about the common cold.  You will learn the basic science behind colds and the meager means we have to treat them, especially during infancy.Register for this Freebie class and others by clicking on this link: http://www.bellyhaven.com/BellyHaven_Academy_Common_Cold_p/bhaccd.htm

December 15th from 6-9pm  Belli Skin Care Night and Fatherhood 101

Why don’t you plan a date night?  Come to dinner in Vinings Jubilee then shop at Bellyhaven while your husband or partner attends “Fatherhood 101” from 7-8:30 p.m.  We will be hosting Belli, providers ofsoothing, balanced skin products that pamper and protect during all stages of pregnancy and after. To learn more about Belli, visit their website: www.belliskincare.com.  To sign up for the class visit: http://www.bellyhaven.com/Bellyhaven_Academy_Fatherhood_101_p/bhafh101.htm

 

December 22nd from 6-9pm  Hooter Hiders and Lactation Consultants of Atlanta

Our Hooter Hider and Bebe au Lait rep will be here with all the latest designs of their beautiful nursing cover-ups.  These make great stocking stuffers!  Register to win a gift set with a nursing cover-up and burp set.  Also, the first five ladies through the door will get an infant towel or nursing cover-up free!  Sharon Birdseye and Kathy Sasser will be here for a mini breastfeeding class.  They will spend time explaining the importance of breastfeeding, how they can help once baby is here, and what to look for when help is needed.  They will be teaching our breastfeeding, pump and siblings classes starting in January.  Visit www.bellyhaven.comto sign up!

What's New With Boba?



Do you wear your baby? The benefits of “baby wearing”are more than you think. Not only is it convenient, but carried babies tend to be happier, because they are in tune with their mothers’ breathing and heartbeat patterns. This promotes physical development, such as balance control, while soothing the baby.

We also love to hug and kiss our sweet babies. Wearing your baby in the upright correct position will allow you to kiss your baby all you want! Wearing your baby allows you to show your affection while walking around the block, grocery shopping or even cooking dinner. If you have other children with small toys that are choking hazards, a sling is a safe place for baby to be. And some slings are made with breastfeeding in mind.

For the first time, Boba now has a carrier that fits your newborn as little as 7 pounds. The Boba 3G also allows you to carry your older child who has back and neck strength, up to 45 pounds.

Join us in celebrating this innovative and versatile new offering from the Boba family by purchasing your new Boba 3G at 20% off. Sale starts Friday, November 25th, and ends on Sunday, November 27th. See you this weekend!

Or if you are shopping online use code at checkout: boba
http://www.bellyhaven.com/Baby_Carriers_s/116.htm

Medela Certified Bra Fitter

It's 9:20 am and I'm sitting in the first floor Women's Pavillion at Dekalb Medical in Decatur, Georgia. It's going to be a morning filled with Medela Intimate Apparel and training. Once done, Bellyhaven will have their bra fitters, helping fit women, certified under both certifying agencies, Bravado and Medela. About a year ago, I earned my certification under Bravado.

Bellyhaven welcomes both appointments and walk-ins to provide you a custom nursing bra-fitting experience. Our goal is to make you feel comfortable and confident when trying on and choosing the nursing bra(s) that are right for you. We have nursing bras (and maternity bras) ranging in design, brand, comfort and color. Call for an appointment today at 770-384-0009.

Lactation Consultants of Atlanta

We are excited to announce our partnership with Lacation Consultants of Atlanta.  They are international board certified lacation consultants (IBCLC).  If you are IBCLC certified you have the highest certification there is to help women with breastfeeding issues.  The ladies at "LCA" have been providing personal services in the hospital, home or office setting since 1988.  Because of their experience, knowlege and presence in the community, they work closely with your care provider (midwife or obstetrician) and your baby's pediatrician.

Sharon Birdseye graduated from Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing and has worked as a registered nurse since 1968.  She has lectured for Emory School of Nursing's Midwifery program, SELCA, Le Leche League and Children's Hospital of Atlanta.  Sharon has three boys.

Kathy Sasser has been an IBCLC since 2010 and graduated in the top of her class at University of Georgia.  She is a member of SELCA, USLCA, ILCA and serves on the boards of both SELCA and a major state breastfeeding non-profit.  Kathy has two boys.

Sharon and Kathy will be teaching at Bellyhaven starting in January 2012:

• Returning to Work (working and breastfeeding)
• Make Room for Baby (sibling class)
• Prenatal Breastfeeding

To view their class schedule click: http://www.bellyhaven.com/BellyHaven_Academy_Prenatal_Breastfeeding_p/bhapnbf.htm
We are looking forward to having both of them share their expertise with new moms at Bellyhaven!

Trunk Show! Featuring Dr Marc Tanenbaum, Colecion Luna and Sweet Baby Belly Bowls - November 6th from 1-4pm

Shot Days:  Dr. Marc Tanenbaum will be giving shots to children and adults.  The shots availalbe are the flu shot, flu mist and the Tdap.
Visit http://www.bellyhaven.com/Bellyhaven_Academy_Shot_Day_p/bhasht.htm to pre-register

Colecion Luna:  Stephanie Jolluck the founder of Collecion Luna will be showing her unique, one-of-a-kind, handbags.  She uses recycled Guatamalan shirts to create gorgeous handbags.  She also has a variety of textiles and wood carvings on her website.  Her handbags range in price from $30-$100.  They are also perfect used as a diaper bag!  To see her “Collecion”  visit www.collecionluna.com

Sweet Baby Belly Bowls:  When we saw these bowls we just had to have them at our next trunk show.  The bowls are a unique twist to belly casting!  Tina will take the clay and mold it to your belly on site.  She will then take it to her studio to paint a beautiful scene and then fire it.  To view her creations visit www.sweetbabybellybowls.net

Shot Days with Dr Marc Tanenbaum

Flu season is upon us once again!  Bellyhaven is teaming up with pediatrician Marc Tanenbaum to provide three opportunities in November for your child to get his or her flu shot right here in the store.  We will also be providing a flu mist as an alternative to the shot, and offering T-dap (which protects against Whooping Cough).  Flu shots or mist will be available also for mom and dad!

Dr. Tanenbaum will have 20 doses each day.  The flu shots/mist will be given on a first come, first served basis during a two-hour period.  Please join us for one of our “Shot Days” and enjoy:

CVS doesn’t service children 18 months and younger.

Little to no wait time.
Free, drive-up parking.
No germy waiting room!
Shots given by a doctor with over 30 years experience.

If parents provide the name and fax number of their child’s pediatrician, Dr. Tanenbaum will send shot information for the Georgia State Vaccine Registry.

To learn more about Dr. Marc Tanenbaum and his “concierge practice” called Priority Pediatrics visit   www.priority-pediatrics.com

Flu Shot - $25

Flu Mist - $30 kids and $40 adults
Tdap - $50

Dates/Times:
Friday, November 4, 2011 10:30am-12:30pm
Sunday, November 6, 2011 12:00-2:00pm

Libbie Wicket Photography

The holiday's are fast approaching...do you need to get those  photos done of your cute little ones?  Elizabeth Smith of Libbie Wicket is a fantastic and talented photographer.  Book your mini session appointment today by calling us at 770-384-0009!  

Why Should I Hire a Doula?

Are you on the fence about hiring a doula?  After reading the below statistics and how a doula helps during labor, you may jump off the fence!
       

Statistics When Using a Doula

• 50% decrease in cesarean sections
• 25% decrease in the length of labor
• 30% decrease in use of forceps
• 40% decrease in use of oxytocin
• 60% decrease in use of epidurals
• 30% decrease in use of pain medication
• Improved breastfeeding
• Increased time spent with baby
• Decreased postpartum depression
• Lower birth expenses
• Increased satisfaction with birth experience

How a Doula Helps During Labor

• Suggest different positions to help labor progress and the mother to be most comfortable
• Help in mental visualization and focus through contractions
• Be with the mother at home or in the hospital
• Anticipate labor’s change as it progresses and help prepare the mother
• Help the mother conserve energy through contractions
• Remind mother of her birth plan as situations arise that may deviate from it
• Support the couple together without taking over the role of the father – adjusting to how much he is involved
• Helping the father or other birth partner to be a support for the mother and make decisions when he is unsure of how to best be there for her… labor and the hospital environment are very foreign situations
• Support during difficulties that may arise by suggesting positions or breathing patterns that may help
• Helping the couple know their options and understand pros/cons of medical interventions into the normal processes of labor
• Work with the medical staff to foster a positive team environment
• Remain calm and strong through stressful times
• Help explain what is happening in the medical environment, especially if things are moving quickly and staff must focus on their work
• Help the couple get time from medical staff to discuss their options in private; help think of or get suggestions of alternative actions
• Offer massage or other physical support to help the mother stay relaxed, confident and focused
• Serve as an extra “brain” to calmly think with the mother to protect her and help her not be overwhelmed by the environment, decisions to be made, or her labor
• Remind the couple to ask questions of their caregivers so they receive all the necessary information to make their own decisions
• Work with medical staff at the birth to see that the couple’s birth plan desires and family bonding experiences are honored
• Stay by the mother while medical staff come and go – as consistent presence giving emotional and physical strength through a very vulnerable time
• Help protect the sacredness of birth as a natural, not medical, process
• Support parents in their decisions for labor, birth, and the care of their newborn
• Encouragement during contractions to help you keep strength and focus
• Able to read the mother’s responses to contractions to provide appropriate support

The Cinch - Rated Number 1 Postpartum Wrap!

Heather and I both loved being pregnant (for the 6 times total) but what we really loved was getting our pre-pregnancy bodies back!  The Cinch allowed us to do just that.  Not only does it offer sizing for personal fitting, this feature also allows you to track your progress.  The zippered pouch allows you to have a cold/hot pack on your back or belly as you heal from birth.

Just recently Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine rated The Cinch as the number 1 postpartum wrap from new moms!  To get yours today, click on this link: http://www.bellyhaven.com/Cinch_Wrap_p/anewpljfmp.htm

TRUNK SHOW at BELLYHAVEN - Saturday, October 8th 1-5 pm

We love Stellaand Dot!  Their one of a kind collections are designed by celebrated New York designers and featured in Gossip Girl, In Style and Lucky Magazine! Enter to win the Panther Necklace, a favorite of Kelly Ripa's!

 We also love You!Lingerie. This local Atlanta mom's mission is to make breastfeeding mommies and mommies-to-be feel confident and look beautiful every day.

Enter to win the bra and panty set of your choice.  Two lucky mommies will win!!

here are the details-

• Join us Saturday October 8th from 1pm-5pm
• Custom bra fittings by the owners of Bellyhaven and You! Lingerie
• Try on and purchase amazing Jewelry from Stella and Dot
• Enter to win bras, panties, and jewelry, oh my!!
• Enjoy discounts

Infant CPR - by Ansley Parillo, RN, BSN

One and Two and Three and BREATHE...

Come join us for a hands on class to learn how to save your infant's life or someone else's in case of an emergency. This class will give you CPR practice using infant mannequins while being guided by an American Heart Association instructor.

Guy Baker, RN is the instructor for the class and has been teaching CPR classes for several years in the Atlanta area.

The classes fill up quickly so reserve your spot today! Click on the link below:

http://www.bellyhaven.com/Bellyhaven_Academy_Infant_CPR_p/bhainfcpr.htm

Have No Fear Baby Basics is Here - Ansley Parillo, RN, BSN

Never changed a diaper? Never swaddled a baby?  Have no fear we have the perfect class for you! Join us for the Baby Basics class on October 5, 15, and November 14.

The class will touch on what to expect at the hospital if you have a vaginal delivery or a c- section, questions to ask your pediatrician, breast and bottle feeding tips, and the Happiest Baby on the Block method and much more. The class will also provide you with hands on experience using gender specific dolls. We have several class dates and times to choose from. Please click on the link below and sign up for the class that fits your schedule best!

The instructor, Ansley Parillo is a Registered Nurse with over 6 years experience with  newborns. You will leave with the most up to date information and hands on experience that you can find in a Baby class in the Atlanta area.

Please click on the link below

https://www.bellyhaven.com/Bellyhaven_Academy_Baby_Basics_p/bhababybacs.htm

You! Lingerie and Stella & Dot Trunk Show - October 8, 1-5pm

We love Stella and Dot! Their one of a kind collections are designed by celebrated New York designers and featured in Gossip Girl, In Style and Lucky Magazine!

 

We also love You! Lingerie. This local Atlanta Mom's mission is to make breastfeeding mommies and mommies-to-be feel confident and look beautiful every day.

 

What do they have in common? When they're on a pregnant or nursing mama, she is more confident and walks with sass! Join us for Jewelry, Lingerie, Door Prizes, Discounts and Fun!

 

here are the details-

 

• Join us Saturday October 8th from 1pm-5pm
• Custom bra fittings by the owners of Bellyhaven and You! Lingerie
• Try on and purchase amazing Jewelry from Stella and Dot
• Enter to win bras, panties, and jewelry, oh my!!
• Enjoy discounts

Playful Yoga - October 4, 2011 4:15-5:00 pm

Lori Sugarman is really excited for Oct. 4 to arrive when a 6 week series of Playful Yoga classes begin at Bellyhaven in Vinings Jubilee.  Fall is such a welcomed season with final relief from the hot days of Georgia summers.  For her, Fall always signals new beginnings.  Plan on new beginnings this fall and join her at Bellyhaven to experience with your child a new program of movement and language that plants seeds of confidence, balance, and builds focus in a very playful and imaginative manner. Marie Montessori wrote that focus and concentration are the most important attributes we should work to develop in young children.   Playful Yoga was one of only 20 programs across the country that received funding from the American Medical  Association Foundation in 2010-2011.  Hope to meet, work and play with you and your child starting Tuesday, Oct. 4!

Visit this link to find out more details and to sign up:
http://www.bellyhaven.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=BHAKYG

Kids Classes @ Bellyhaven

Our vision is to help women during pregnancy and beyond.  How far beyond are we talking about?  For us it means offering mommy and child classes from birth to Pre-K.  We have partnered with several groups who offer fun classes to get moms and children out of the house, laughing and learning together!

Oh! Baby Fitness offers Mom and Baby Yoga on Thursday mornings at 10 starting October 6, 2011.  This class is geared more toward mom.  If you want a yoga class geared more toward your child, then you may want to consider Itsy Bitsy Yoga or Playful Yoga.

Does your little one enjoy music?  Little Rhythms offers classes for 45 minutes once a week.  The instructors engage the kids to sing and dance in a playful setting with bubbles, balls, pom-poms and more!  As if that isn't fun enough, there's more!

Aren't those little hands adorable?  Let's get them to become smart little hands by teaching them to sign.  My Smart Hands offers helpful teaching tools through music and fun interaction to get your child signing in no-time.  As part of your tuition, you get a book to take home for more practice at home.

Last but not least, Lango, is a Spanish class for ages 18 months and older.  They use adorable ethnic dolls and fun Spanish songs to submerge your child in the Spanish language.

If you are looking for fun activities with other mommies and children, visit http://www.bellyhaven.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=205 for more details about the new classes for kids.  All children get a stamp on their hand and a penny to make a wish in the fountain outside the store (season permitting).

Education and Prevention of Postpatum Mood Reactions by Jacqueline V. Cohen MS, LAPC, NCC

Come to the Bellyhaven Academy for a workshop on Education and Prevention of postpartum mood reactions on September 26^th 7-8pm

1 and 10 mothers suffer from postpartum depression and/or anxiety. There is hope and you don’t have to go through it alone.  Be proactive and learn what postpartum depression and anxiety looks like, as well as some of the risk factors.  With awareness and education, it can be prevented or minimized.  There is no shame in suffering from a postpartum mood reaction. I am a survivor of postpartum depression and anxiety and a therapist working with women and families suffering from this illness.   I will share my experience as well as provide education and resources.  Education and awareness is the key to prevention.

Itsy Bitsy Yoga by Lori Sugarman

   

Bellyhaven is excited to support women after delivery with a new program called Itsy Bitsy Yoga for mothers and babies 6 weeks to 6 months old.  This nationally recognized program supports the early months of adjustment with the baby through new friendships and  a series of approximately 20  movements and poses that helps with fussiness, sleep and digestion.  Relaxation tools are taught for parents as well.  Visual development and  a touch of sign language are also introduced.  In the early weeks and months of overload, adjustment and sleep interruption, mothers find the scheduled  Itsy Bitsy Yoga series (6 weeks) to be a time of learning, sharing and camaraderie and a special time to bond and nurture with baby through movement and language.   

When babies are "exercised" they sleep longer.  I will teach parents  movements not only for better sleep, but for cross midline that works tiny brains exploding with growth the first year.  "Swoosh baby pose" calms a fussy baby and a calm baby equals a calm mother.  We will learn several different tummy poses. This is important to counter balance lots of time baby spends sleeping on back.  Thank you to Bellyhaven for offering this class that both supports early motherhood and those tiny little bodies as they learn to adjust outside mommy.

What to Expect When Your Expecting - The Movie! (not the book)

I was sitting minding my business when a cute costume director walked in to the store this morning!  She said, "I need to get some clothes for one of the actors in the movie, What to Expect When Your Expecting".  As we walked around the store looking for May-season clothing, we began to gab about the movie...  It will be fun to see the actors in maternity clothes and pjs from Bellyhaven!

One of the many items she purchased was the pink Dote nursing dress!
To get this dress click on the link: http://fxnaj.jnwsv.servertrust.com/Nursing_and_Maternity_Dresses_s/109.htm

Breast Pumps

Are you considering going back to work after your baby is born?  If you are like most women, you want to continue to give your baby breast milk even though you can't breastfeed your baby throughout the work-day.

Many large companies are now offering lactation support in the workplace.  They are providing private rooms to pump in, as well as training from lactation specialists in a private or class setting.

When considering your options to buy or rent a pump visit www.bellyhaven.com.  We have the complete line of Medela pumps for sale ranging from $100-$350.  The Medela Symphony is our hospital grade pump which rents for $65/month.

Call us today to reserve your pump!  770-384-0009

Atlanta Birth Center Meet n Greet

Last night Bellyhaven hosted the midwives and volunteers as well as their supporters of the Atlanta Birth Center. This meeting was an informal way for doula students, pregnant and not-yet-pregnant women to find out more of what the Birth Center will offer. Not only are they going to help women birth their babies, the plan is to have a retail store, juice bar, family care, chiropractic care, accupressure, massage and much much more! Margaret Strickhouser, CNM and Anjli Aurora Hinman, CNM, along with Dr Boots-Taylor, have a clear and organized vision of "ABC" and we are excited stand-byers looking forward to see it unfold!

Diaper Bags

How do i choose a great diaper bag that's best for my needs?  Do I want it to match my stroller?  Well, maybe!  Do I want it durable?  Definately!  Do I want stroller straps?  Absolutely!  With five children, I prefer a hands free options.  So, I prefer the back pack.  Bellyhaven now has Petunia Pickle Bottom and Storksak hot off the truck!  Some of the Petunia Pickle Bottom designs are even discontinued and you can't get them anymore!  Visit this link to see all the in-stock selections  http://fxnaj.jnwsv.servertrust.com/Daiper_Bags_Bellyhaven_s/225.htm

Cloth Diaper Washing Instructions: How Do I Wash These Things??

After being sure your order is correct and you have the right size, I recommend pre-washing all diapers simply to remove any residue from production and shipping.

Items made with hemp should be prewashed and dried 4-5 times before first use.  Wash and dry them on hot separately from your other diapering items, as you are washing away natural oils that can settle on your other diapers and make them repel, rather than absorb.  You can wash the hemp items with your sheets, towels, etc.  These items will be ready to use after the 4th or 5th wash, and will continue to gain absorbency through about the 10th wash.

When you change your baby, simply put the dirty diaper and any wipes in your pail.  If you are using a diaper with an insert or doubler, make sure you separate them before putting then in the pail.  Wash as needed, but don't let your wet and dirty diapers sit longer than 2-3 days without washing.

Everyone has a different wash routine.  I will share mine, and you can take what works for you and tweak it as needed.  This mention is for a traditional top-loading machine an dis not a one-size-fits-all routine.  It's a starting point.

• Empty diapers, inserts, and covers into machine, making sure any "laundry tabs" are fastened.
• Run a cold rinse with no detergent
• Add about 1.5-2 tablespoons of detergent.  Some diaper manufacturers will have recommended detergents on their individual websites.  Do not use detergents with fabric softeners or bleach.
• Run a hot wash with an extra rinse at the end.

In a high efficiency machine, you can often set the load type to "bulky" or manually add extra water if needed.  You can also Google "washing cloth diapers in xxxx machine" to see if there are posts online about using your particular machine to wash cloth diapers.

If you choose to dry in the dryer, don't stretch out any of the elastic while it is still warm.  (Don't stuff your pocket diapers till they cool off.)  Stretching out the warm elastic will cause it to break down faster.  I dry all of my microfiber, hemp, fitteds, and usually let the pocket diapers and covers air dry because they dry so quickly.  You can certainly pop them in the dryer for a few minutes to speed it up though.

by Jennifer Burrell (Bellyhaven's Cloth Diapering Expert)

Why Choosing a Careprovider is (almost) Everything: a doula's perspective

Rachael Cail is a valued member of Lumina Birth.  She wrote this for Lumina and was nice enough to let us share it here!  http://www.luminabirth.com/?page_id=14

         

Bellyhaven Press Release

Due Maternity in Vinings has reopened as Bellyhaven, a one stop shop for women’s pregnancy, birthing and postpartum needs!

Bellyhaven retains Due Maternity’s large selection of maternity and nursing wear and has renovated and expanded to support daily education and fitness classes in partnership with Lumina Birth, Oh Baby Fitness, Rest Assured Infant Nursing and more!  Classes are for mothers and young children (infants to four-year-olds) and start at just $5 per session.  They include:

·       Breastfeeding

·       Childbirth Education

·       Infant CPR

·       Baby Basics

·       Massage

·       Mom and Baby Fitness

·       Music and Sign Language

·       and much more!

Bellyhaven recognizes that expecting and new moms have hectic schedules and need to strike a balance between their careers, personal lives and families, and will work to accommodate them.

Bellyhaven is run by Heather Paradice, the owner of Due Maternity since 2005, and Lacy Henderson, co-owner of Lumina Birth and a birth doula since 2008.  Their experience, network of professionals and love of children will make pregnancy a breeze for new and old moms alike.

Contact:

Heather Paradice
4300 Paces Ferry Rd, #476
Atlanta, GA 30039
770-384-0009
 
Lacy Henderson
4300 Paces Ferry Rd, #476
Atlanta, GA 30039
770-384-0009

IRS Allows Deductions for Breastfeeding Expenses!

            Breastfeeding has many added benefits to the baby and the mother.  The benefits include quicker postpartum weight loss and reduced risk of breast cancer in the mother, and a reduced rate of illness in the baby.  As of early 2011, it can also save on taxes and healthcare costs!

            A new mother can spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on lactation supplies, including nursing bras, breast pads, breast pumps and pump parts.  Thanks to the new Internal Revenue Service rules, nursing mothers and their families now get a tax break for lactation supplies and breast pumps.  This ruling by the IRS means that families can use pre-tax funds from their flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts to cover these costs.

            If you don’t have a flexible health savings account, you can still take advantage of the tax break.  The cost of a breast pump is now tax deductible in the same way as other medical expenses, meaning they are deductible to the extent your medical expenses exceed 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income.  Since most mothers have significant childbirth and pregnancy-related medical expenses, it’s not unlikely you will have already exceeded this threshold by the time you are ready to start purchasing or renting breast feeding supplies and equipment.

             Take the time to research this topic more on your own and plan to discuss this in more detail with your financial advisor.  For more information, please visit the following websites:

 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41512392/ns/health-womens_health/t/breastfeeding-pumps-now-deductible-irs-rules/

http://www.parenting.com/blogs/show-and-tell/melanie-parentingcom/irs-rules-breastfeeding-supplies-tax-deductible

Book Signing - September 24, 2011 from 12:00pm-2:00pm

Help has arrived!  In Cavemen in Babyland, award-winning writer and professional marriage and parenting coach, Kindred Howard, gives new and expecting mommies the inside scoop on why new daddies do and say all those mystifying things that drive moms crazy.  Pick up your copy and get it signed by Kindred himself!

Spanish Classes for Kids - Lango

Lango is a fun and energetic 45 minute class once a week at Bellyhaven.  The classes are based on proven techniques for teaching languages to children through activities and play.  Your child will sing, dance, play games, hear stories and have FUN - all in Spanish!  To sign up for a 10 week fall series, register at www.enespanol.com.