What is Your Birth Wish by Barbara Negelow, RNC, CCE

After discussing birth plans with the owner of Lumina Birth and Bellyhaven, Lacy Henderson, I have decided to change the verbage to birth wish. These plans are about what you wish for, in a perfect world for your "perfect" birth. They are for you. They allow you and your support peeps the opportunity to research and discuss what you do or don't wish for your "perfect" birth experience. Your trusted providers and facility don't have a birth wish for you. They follow what is called a standard of care. It is not personalized but don't be cynical, it has what they have deemed your best outcome foremost in mind. But it is not what you wish for, for your "perfect" birth.

So, take your classes, read a book or two, visit a website like www.luminabirth.com for a list of questions to consider and discuss with the significant others in your life. Speak to a childbirth educator, check with a doula, talk to your providers and get the facts on what is considered standard of care and take it from there. This is your opportunity to have an educated voice about what you envision for your "perfect" birth.

Do you want a water birth? An epidural? Kangaroo Care? Who do you want in the delivery suite when you are pushing? Do you want low lights? Music? Collecting stem cells? Saving the placenta?  Do you want a midwife? The questions lead to more questions until you have the answers for your "perfect" wish for your "perfect" birth. So you have the knowledge to understand what is happening and have a voice, when you can.

So, do your homework and educate yourself about your desires and options. Know what labor and delivery is all about in twenty-first century America. Trust the providers that you have chosen to guide you and listen to you, in real time and have faith that they will follow standards of care to ensure the best outcome possible. But your wishes, they are yours alone. When you are ready, find that first star in the northern sky and make a wish.....

Barbara teaches a concise and to-the-point class called Everything You Need to Know About Labor and Delivery.  Click here to see the details of the upcoming class.

Visit www.readybirth.com for more blogs by Barbara.

Infant Massage: The Benefits & New Class Schedule!

       Infant massage has been around for centuries and is being practiced in many parts of the world. It is currently being taught in many hospitals across the country, often in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit, where it has been shown to improve an infant's weight gain, oxygenation, and general outcomes.

       For healthy infants, there can be a wide range of benefits, such as: promoting relaxation, helping to aid deeper and longer sleep, helping the infant feel loved, reduces fussiness, and many others.  Parents may benefit by having positive one-on-one time with their infant, becoming better at understanding their infant and his/her cues, assisting in bonding and attachment, to name a few.  There is no substitute for a parent's loving touch!

      Bellyhaven's infant massage instructor, Christine, is a Registered Nurse who has been working with parents and infants for more than 23 years in the Newborn Intensive Care setting. She began teaching infant massage to families when she noticed the positive effects it had on the babies in her unit.  She has served as a Newborn Consultant to several new parents in the Atlanta area through her company called Baby Care Connection.

      She donates her time teaching a weekly parenting class to young, unwed mothers called 'The Covered Diaper Project' at First Baptist Church in Woodstock.  She is the mother of three teens and has lived in the Atlanta area for more than 17 years.

      This class will be informal and relaxing, and parents are invited to dress comfortably. They will learn different massage routines and strokes, such as legs and feet, chest, face, and a gas/colic routine, and others. It promotes an individualized approach for each infant.  Click here to register and learn more about class dates and times. 

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.