Oh Baby! supplement 2014

FEBRUARY 2014

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OH BABY! 2014

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION OF THE BERMUDA SUN

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FEBRUARY 21, 2014

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Let’s celebrate all of our beautiful babies

BY ROBYN BARDGETT rbardgett@bermudasun.bm

Having a baby can be a magical time. But it can also be trying and difficult getting used to caring for another human being 24/7.

While we celebrate all of the beautiful babies born in the past year, we have also made sure to fill our supplement with all of the information and advice you need to navigate those first few months as a new mom.

Support

One of the best support resources on the island for new parents is the Child Development Programme (CDP). From birth to fours years, CDP has a variety of services to assist families in helping their child reach their potential.

Giving new mothers a great start at caring for their babies, the Parent Infant Group meets once a week over a five-week period offering topics such as nurturing the bond with your child and feeding and

nutrition. It’s the perfect place for new moms to meet and discuss their anxieties and speak to professionals in the field, as well as other new moms who are going through many of the same issues.

CDP also provides a screening service for children between 24 and 30 months in an effort to catch any developmental issues as early as possible.

Turn to page four to discover more services available to families through CDP. Another great way to build a support system is by meeting other moms who have been there and done that. The Meet-AMum Association (MAMA) has plenty of opportunities to create lasting bonds with new mothers and provide your child with a built-in set of playmates.

On page 10, find out all about the playgroups MAMA organizes.

We’ve also taken a look at how to make the most of your pregnancy. For some

women, there’s absolutely nothing sexy about being pregnant, but a little lingerie and some massage oil could help put the spark back into your relationship if you’re not feeling very amorous after packing on the extra pounds. Take a look at page nine for some fun tips to spice up your relationship.

Continue that romantic feeling by scheduling a babymoon before the baby arrives. Whether you just organize a weekend staycation at a local hotel or you are more interested in somewhere far-flung and exotic, we have some fun suggestions on page 12.

And, of course, our annual Oh Baby! photo competition starts on page 15, showcasing all of the beautiful babies born in 2013, along with the winners of the competition. n

BABY MINE: Everything you need to know to prepare for your little one’s arrival. n PHOTOS BY ISTOCK

Inside this supplement The evolution of home birth in Bermuda Pages 2 and 3 The Child Development Programme provides services for parents and children from birth to four Page 4 New dad Simon Jones tells us about his full house Page 5 Maternity and baby shop has all the gear you need Pages 6 and 7 Eliminate chemical cleaning products in your home for easier breathing Page 7 Puree pouches offer easy, on-the-go nutritional snacks Page 8 See what stars are expecting in 2014 Page 9 How to feel sexy when you’re pregnant Page 9 The Meet-A-Mum Association is a great way to meet new mothers and develop lifelong friends Page 10 There’s nothing special about breastfeeding — it’s just a normal source of food all moms can provide their child Page 11 Take some time for yourself before your baby arrives with our babymoon ideas and travel tips Page 12 What to expect from labour and delivery Page 13 Women report positive results after eating their placenta Page 14 Our contestants — The Oh Baby! 2014 baby contest Pages 15-24

Bermuda Sun 19 Elliott Street, Hamilton, Bermuda HM 10 Tel 295-3902 Fax 292-5597 E-mail feedback@bermudasun.bm This special supplement is produced and published by Bermuda Sun Limited and printed in Bermuda

by Island Press Limited.

Publisher Randy French President Lisa Beauchamp Editorial Robyn Bardgett, Simon Jones Layout Robyn Bardgett Advertising Sales Carlita Burgess (Deputy Advertising Manager) Larissa French, Diane Gilbert, Claire James, Trikeita Outerbridge Creative Services Christina White, Colby Medeiros Circulation & Distribution Michelle Furbert

The Bermuda Sun publishes twice weekly and is a subsidiary of MediaHouse Limited. We are members of the Inland Press Association, International Newspaper Marketing Association and the Newspaper Association of America. We are located at: 19 Elliott Street, Hamilton HM 10; P.O. Box HM 1241, Hamilton HM FX Tel: 295-3902 Fax: 292-5597. Visit our website: www.bermudasun.bm

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FEBRUARY 21, 2014

THE BERMUDA SUN

n NEW BEGINNINGS

Birth stories: Women who have birthed at home T

en years ago, many in Bermuda believed that having a home birth was illegal, but Sophia Cannonier, who has birthed three children at home, has worked tirelessly to dispel the myths surrounding home births.

“There is not a day that goes by that I don’t wake up and think about how we can take this into the future,” says Ms Cannonier, whose son Ravi will celebrate his tenth birthday in September –– his birth was the start of Ms Cannonier’s journey to provide women in Bermuda a choice of where they wish to birth their children.

“It’s just in my nature to push for this and I will continue to push until the day I die.”

After her experience birthing Ravi at home and her first-hand look of care of women during pregnancy, Ms Cannonier has taken up the mantle to make changes and give women choices.

Over the years she has helped women birth at home, providing her doula services and birthing pools as well as bringing professional midwives to the Island.

There is still work to be done, including getting insurance companies on the island fully onboard with coverage of midwifery services as well as the hopes for a birthing centre on the Island.

Here, we speak to women who have chosen to birth at home about their birth stories and how they came to their decision.

Cynthia & Jeremy Hassell

Destiny, 18; Izabella Rain, three and Yara Alani, nine months old Desire Our investigation was led by our desire to keep our family together throughout the labour, birth, and first few hours.

Knowing that husbands or partners are not allowed to remain at the hospital after a certain time at night was a real problem for us. That started us on our quest for another option.

After meeting Sophia Cannonier and hearing about homebirth we felt we found a fit for us.

Preparation I did lots and

lots of reading. Watched many homebirth and waterbirth videos. I took birthing classes with Sophia and also attended her prenatal yoga classes.

In addition, for Yara’s birth, I read about the Bradley Method of Childbirth and was able to use many of the techniques that were taught.

Birth story I had two very different births.

With Izabella it was very long and hard. She presented “sunny-side up”, which

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THE HASSELL FAMILY, from right, Destiny, Izabella, Jeremy, Cynthia and Yara.

made for very difficult pushing. Fourteen hours of active labour and almost four hours of pushing.

For Yara it was very quick and relatively easy (well, as easy as birth can be) water birth. It was about two hours active labour and 15 minutes of pushing. n

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GENTLE TOUCH: Jeremy Hassell cradles his daughter, Izabella, following her birth.

Liliana and Richard Prior Cole, one

Support I feel very strongly that women should be in charge of their own bodies and births. I am very lucky to have met Susan Cassel and Sophia Cannonier.

I am proud of having had a natural, drug free birth. I also feel privileged to have had midwife Susan as part of my team.

She was always available to answer questions for me and discuss my feelings.

She did more than check the physical side of my pregnancy; she also helped me emotionally with all my doubts and fears and made me feel very strong and prepared.

It was wonderful to have her there for the duration of my labour and hours

after the birth.

Changes I think midwives should be able to practise in the hospital or in a birthing centre. I feel that homebirth should be more widely understood and accepted as a safe and normal practise for lowrisk mothers.

Birth story My labour was long and difficult but very normal and uncomplicated. There were never any fears that I wasn’t progressing well or that me or baby weren’t well.

Having a home birth meant I had no drugs to help with the pain. I had a water birth and the warm pool was very nice and comforting, it put me in a bit of a daze.

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TOGETHER: Liliana and Richard Prior with their son, Cole.

Our midwife was very helpful with how to care for myself and baby, and gave me breastfeeding support.

My mother had been baking a groaning cake (apple cinnamon) while I

was in labour.

We all had pizza and birthday cake on the couch to celebrate and then the three of us went to bed together in our own bed which was lovely. n

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THE BERMUDA SUN

FEBRUARY 21, 2014

Christine Da Costa and Gareth Tavares

Tamsyn and Jeffrey Doran

Training I have always had a passion for pregnancy and birth so before my son was even conceived I decided to become a birth doula and this set me on my path.

As part of this training, I was required to attend a prenatal course so over the course of a few months I began going to Sophia Cannonier’s Birthing from Within Classes. Sophia did an amazing job educating couples on the birth process. My eyes were opened up to birth in a beautiful and magical way. n PHOTO SUPPLIED It was during her classes PEACE: Christine Da Costa labours in a birthing pool durand my doula training ing the birth of her first child, Grayson. course that I began to see the birthing process differutter peace. By 11.47 pm Grayson made a ently to what my preexistswift yet bumpy arrival, as he was someing notion of what society expects us to do what wedged in the birthing canal at the when birthing a child. I felt empowered end. Being at home during my labour and to take the birth of my child into my own spending that first night with my new hands. family in our bed, was truly an amazing Future I think the option for both an and intimate experience. I absolutely independent and and in-hospital birthing could not imagine having it any other centre would be fantastic. Some women way. My husband was there with us the aren’t comfortable planning and having a whole time and we all spent our first night home birth but want to have some of the together basking in the new bond that was comforts of home and a “homebirth like” just forged. experience which I think would be appealFor Capri’s birth, I also found comfort ing to the majority of low-risk women. and relief in the birthing pool. I got in and Birth story Grayson arrived 10 days was immediately reminded of its nourishearly and the day he was born unbeing and calming effect its warmth has on knownst to me at the time; my body my body was preparing for his arrival later that Again, I find that peaceful space, that evening. moment when the rigours of labour cease During labour it was very peaceful for a moment. Time is frozen and allows being in my own space, having my own the body and mind to be at one. The intencomforts and being calmed by music and sity begins once more; the pushing stage is my husband. short and within a few pushes my baby has I spent a lot of time in the comfort of the emerged from my body. birthing pool and recall being in and out of I look forward to the journey that the sleep with moments of intense and unbearbirth of baby three will bring. n able contractions followed by moments of

Pain relief I wanted to be in my own environment and have control over that environment.

I also wanted to use a birth pool during labour, as I had heard the warm water helps to reduce pain.

As it turned out, contractions in the pool were significantly less painful than those outside of the pool, making the labour much more manageable for me.

Confidence My husband provided emotional support and gave me confidence and encouragement throughout the pregnancy and during the birth.

My OB/GYN supported me during pregnancy. She supported me notwithstanding her professional position regarding homebirth, which I greatly appreciated and respected.

Options I would love to see the option of having a homebirth being added to all insurance benefits for all insurance companies.

Further, it would be wonderful if a birth centre could be made available on island or preferably in the hospital.

It would be great to have a registered Bermudian midwife on island at all times who could do exams and prenatal testing at the mother’s home, do homebirths and post-birth follow up visits at the home.

I would love to see the OB/GYNs accept homebirth as an option, where

Grayson Max, three and Capri Luna, 20 months

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Aura, five and MichaH, three and a half

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INCREDIBLE: Tamsyn Doran, middle, looks on as her daughter, Aura, welcomes baby brother, Michah. appropriate, and work with new mothers to make this option a reality.

Birth story I had my daughter, Aura, in her bedroom in a birth pool.

The house was candle lit and we had relaxing music playing in the background.

It was a very calm and intimate environment.

When Aura was five months old we found out we were pregnant with Micah. We knew right away we wanted a home birth.

Again we had candles and soft music playing.

It was late morning so we closed all the shutters and curtains so that it was dark and cosy like a little cocoon.

By the time the birth pool

was blown up, I was ready to get in, as I needed some relief from the pain.

Once Michah was born, I asked my mom to go and get Aura from the nanny share while we got cleaned up and examined, etc.

I wanted Aura home as soon as possible so she could share this moment with us.

I remember she arrived and came into our bedroom. Jeff, Micah and I were all bundled up in bed and she crawled in and snuggled in with us.

I was so happy to have my family all together during those first raw moments and wouldn’t change either experience.

They were both incredible. n

Tina and Joe Bellanca

Chase, two and a half and Lia, four months

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HAPPY: Big sister Chase meets baby Lia.

Support I had a fully supportive husband. I think it is extremely important to have a husband who is onboard and fully in agreement with the home birth decision.

I had many heart to heart conversations with my midwife, Susan Cassel.

I spent time reflecting on previous challenges and goals and how I overcame or achieved these.

Birth story Chase’s birth consisted of a long, hard but uncomplicated labour. Though I had plans to only use gas and air for pain management I ended up requesting an epidural for

Louise Brownell and Derek Holland Harry, 27 months

Tradition My mother is Dutch and most women birth at home there.

Extensive research (books, family and friends) led me to believe that I would be more relaxed and have an easier and more rewarding experience if I birthed at home (if I remained low risk that is).

I was determined to birth drug free because it would be better for the baby, and I believe a gentle welcome into the world bodes well for the future of a new little person.

I was prepared to transfer to hospital if the need arose, but thankfully, it didn’t.

Change I would like more women to feel they have a choice about birthing at home, for the government and the general public to be more supportive of the idea, and for insurance companies to support the idea so that money is not an issue when it comes to deciding whether to birth

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HEALTHY: Derek Holland and Louise Brownell with baby Harry. at home.

Birth story We had a wonderful drug free home water birth that went fast for a first birth –– about eight hours.

I had a Bermudian doula and midwife assistant and a midwife from overseas.

I used hypnobirthing techniques for the dilation phase and then was encour-

aged to “growl” the baby down when it came to pushing, which took about 40 minutes.

Derek got in the pool to help me at the end too.

Harry was in excellent health and latched on really well.

We all had tea and scones in the bedroom a couple of hours after the birth. n

the final few hours of labour with her.

The birth became a little less ‘standard’ when she emerged and we saw thick meconium in her waters.

This set in motion the beginning of a long standardized process of care which was very emotionally draining and in the end resulted in a delayed bonding process.

The hospital stay was longer than I liked and very lonely so unsurprisingly the baby blues arrived with a vengeance.

Lia’s birth was fantastic, it couldn’t have been better. It was amazing and

still fills me with love and joy when I think of it.

I laboured for two hours before my water broke and then three hours after that she was born at home in my living room in a birthing pool.

There were no complications, no fluorescent lights, no beeping monitors, no strangers coming and going, just my own personal support team.

A couple of hours after the birth the three of us crawled into our own comfy bed for a nap and later that day Chase held and visited her new baby sister. n

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FEBRUARY 21, 2014

THE BERMUDA SUN

Programme provides positive parenting tools

BY ROBYN BARDGETT rbardgett@bermudasun.bm

Taking your baby home from the hospital can be a daunting experience.

You’ve spent nine months thinking about raising a child, but the practical side won’t come until you bring your child home and you’re in the thick of making decisions about all manner of often confusing topics, such as nutrition and discipline.

With no handy 100-page manual like all of their baby gear seems to come with, the act of raising children is a bumpy road to navigate.

However, the Child

Development Programme (CDP) helps and offers advice and services for parents of children from birth to four years old.

In essence, they are basically Bermuda’s own handy manual for raising children.

The Child Development Programme endeavours to reach every child in Bermuda by attempting to provide each new parent in the hospital with a bag full of information about what the programme has to offer.

From classes on the benefits of play to working with children with developmental delays, CDP supports parents and their children through the years that can

include some of the tougher challenges of raising children.

Here is a sample of some of the programmes that CDP has to offer.

Parent Infant Group

Starting from the very beginning of a child’s life, CDP aims to help mothers start on the right foot with their parenting skills.

The group, which covers topics up to six months, is also a great way to meet new mothers and talk about important issues surrounding the health and wellbeing of a newborn.

Topics discussed in the Parent Infant Group include nurturing and bonding with your child, play and learning, speech and language development, and feeding and nutrition.

“Having a baby can be very overwhelming,” says Judith Brooks, the Parent Infant Group coordinator.

“We teach parents about routines and how to stay organized and help with the adjustment of having a new baby.”

The Family Conselling and Parent Education department at CDP are also a resource for mothers who may be experiencing postpartum depression.

Portage Programme and Premature Infant Programme (PIP)

PLAY TIME: Help your child develop through positive interaction.

The Portage Programme works with families of children with special needs.

“We go into the home, because children work best in their own environment, and give parents skills to help them feel empowered and help them understand all the parts of their child’s development and how to support their children,” says Shelley Knight, Portage Programme supervisor.

The Portage Programme provides families with developmentally appropriate activies and helps

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BONDING: Building positive relationships with our children from an early age helps them become caring and loving adults. support children with developmental delays to help provide them with the skills needed for preschool.

A recently developed programme that works with parents of premature children in the hopes of catching any developmental delays has become a very popular CDP programme.

Every child born prematurely is referred to CDP by the hospital, says Ms Knight.

The CDP team work with premature babies up until they reach developmental milestones appropriate for their age by assessing their development through additional screening.

Screening & Assesment

Between the ages of 24 and 30 months, all children in Bermuda can be screened by CDP. The screenings are play-based and can be provided in the home or at the CDP head-

quarters on Palmetto Road.

“Early intervention is the best prevention,” says Sherri Bucci, CDP’s acting coordinator. “We encourage parents to contact us for a screening before their child turns two so that if there is any need for further services they can begin so that the child can easily catch up.”

Occupational and Speech Therapy

Interested in the ways that children develop their fine and gross motor skills, occupational therapists work with children who have developmental difficulties often found in premature babies or through birth-related complications, according to Nicola Brown, occupational therapist at the Department of Health, who works with children through CDP. “Occupational therapists look at overall function, such as hand dexterity, by observing them feeding themselves, getting dressed or toileting on their own.

We look at how a child figures out what they need to do to function, especially in the classroom,” says Ms Brown.

The occupational therapists offer advice to parents to help their children with managing everyday activities.

Speech therapists work on several speech and language issues including speech delays, language disorders, vocal disorders and literacy skills.

Behaviour Management Programme

Managing a child’s behaviour and learning ways to navigate these trying times are essential to raising positive, caring children.

CDP puts on several workshops to help parents who are looking for tools to help with discipline.

“The basic premise is positive parenting,” explains Gwendolyn Creary, behaviour management supervisor. “Your relation-

ship with your child will be the basis of who they become, how they learn in school and how they develop. Parenting from a negative premise will onlycreate a child that is not very positive.”

Positive parenting skills give the tools to acknowledge positive behaviour and how to react when your child is doing something you don’t want them to do or not listening to you.

“Getting a handle on relationships with your child at a young age will work better for parents in the long run,” says Ms Creary.

The 1,2,3,4 Parents Workshop provides parents with discipline methods, tools to prevent tantrums, routines that make life easier and how to care for your child through different stages of their development.

There is also a one-on-one programme that can help parents with setting limits and developing positive behaviours.

Parent-Child Home Programme (PCHP)

Formerly known as the Verbal Interaction Programme, PCHP is an early childhood literacy, parenting and school readiness programme. Trained parent support home visitors provide twice weekly visits to model positive ways for parents to talk and play with their child.

“The programme has a light touch by modelling gentle ways for parents to interact with their child,” says Lovette Lovell, family coordinator and PCHP supervisor. “Sometimes play doesn’t come naturally to parents so we provide gentle nurturing to help assist parents with interacting with their children.”

PCHP can help parents increase how they talk to their child, support and enhance quality of relationships and improve parenting skills. n

FOR MORE information about any of the CDP services, call 295-0746.

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THE BERMUDA SUN

FEBRUARY 21, 2014

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n A DAD’S LIFE

Life has changed now with two dogs and a baby In 2012, Bermuda Sun reporter Simon Jones welcomed a new member to his family.

Before the impending arrival he had to prepare his dogs for the introduction of a boisterous baby boy. Now he’s navigating life with what he describes as sometimes feeling like a ‘zoo’.

Here he takes us through the pitfalls and the laughter that ensues with living with two dogs and a baby.

It did not take Freddie long to work out which dog would send him cartwheeling down the stairs –– accidentally of course –– and which would sit quite contently and let him nuzzle, pull, pick and poke with barely a shuffle.

I would say he was just under a year when he had figured out who was his ally in mischief and who was his long-suffering, albeit protective, canine sibling.

We have two garbage disposal units, or golden retrievers as they are more commonly known: Roxy, who doesn’t suffer fools gladly let alone 16 monthold boisterous, bouncy boys; and Monty, who seems to quite enjoy his ‘brother’ charging around and chasing him with a $10 plastic lawn mower.

For Monty, Freddie is a constant source of crumbs and assorted treats.

If he gets the occasional rugby-tackle from a podgy baby lunging head-first over him as he sleeps peacefully, it’s just one of those things. It’s all about the greater good, and he’ll take the knocks if it means Fred drops him the occasional piece of chicken or the odd biscuit.

Roxy, on the other hand, doesn’t hang around to absorb a flying child, and by the time he reached 12 months Freddie had just

about got that.

He now treats Monty as his partner in crime and naughtiness and Roxy as the displaced sister who is still upset that mum’s affections seem to have transferred to a loud noisy object that is in constant motion.

Adorable

There are plenty of laughs and adorable moments along the way but the reality of two large dogs and an energetic toddler can sometimes make your home feel like a bit of a zoo.

And as great as it is to see Freddie striding, bold as brass, towards others dogs shouting ‘woo woo woo’ (which is the noise that Roxy makes when she feels neglected) we have had to change some words, adapt some habits and tried to teach him that not every other dog we come across is as accommodating as the left-over king that is Monty.

‘Biscuit’ was always the word we used for a treat for the dogs or if we were in a desperate situation like when Monty had disappeared in search of a dead fish or some other canine delicacy and showed no inclination to return any time this millennium.

And it did not take long before we realized it was not a word we could use for Freddie, otherwise we would be faced with three

wide-eyed hungry stares, all jostling for position, waiting for the treats to be doled out.

We have now adopted the more American-style ‘cookie’ for the boy, although I fear the dogs, well to be honest the cleverer of the two, Roxy, is beginning to click. Monty still lives in a world where he believes that he’ll receive fair treatment from all and if the treats are being doled out he’s going to get one, or at least wait until Freddie drops his. He would not have survived long in the wild, I fear.

But in short there is an unexpected change of vocabulary associated with becoming proud parents when you are already dog owners; especially when the first few words begin to spill from your child’s mouth.

Phrases like ‘who’s this’ can send three bodies hurtling towards the door, and it’s normally Freddie that comes off second, or third, best.

Commands like ‘sit’ can result in two canines and a baby sitting at your feet by the dog bowl at dinner time.

Words are important and sometimes you have to reassess them.

Dinner time for the dogs can be great fun and Freddie has started to join in preparing the bowls in the

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BOY’S BEST FRIEND: Freddie has made a good companion out of his family’s dogs. evening. Roxy eyes him suspiciously while Monty gets a twinkle in his eye as if to say “this boy is going to come through for me with an extra big portion for the time he stuck his finger in my ear”.

Chaotic

But they can also be a chaotic mix of frantically chomping dog jaw and wandering child fingers, which is even more perilous as Monty is on medication for epilepsy, which I am sure would do Freddie no good at all.

So we have tried to ensure the youngster keeps his space as the dogs tuck into dinner. It’s not always successful, but he’s getting the hang of it slowly.

Walking is another dog

pursuit that Freddie just loves to be a part of now he has learned the skill too.

He likes nothing more than trotting behind Monty, clutching the red extendable lead shouting, ‘mine, mine’ as we wander along Horseshoe or Elbow, which never fails to bring a smile to our faces.

His love for the red extendable lead has resulted in the occasional tumble and graze, especially when other dogs come into view, or Monty spots something horrendous hidden in the seaweed.

But it’s also a chance for Freddie to charge around, dog-ball held aloft in hand, laughing to himself as he is pursued by two whitehaired retrievers.

It’s a lot of fun and amaz-

ing to watch how gentle these big oafs can be with children, and how much a child can relate to a pair of dogs.

Freddie will never be afraid of dogs –– which in some ways is a good thing.

But it’s also a dangerous thing as he also needs to learn that other dogs may not take so kindly to having a squash racquet swung in their general direction.

And although the canine scramble for leftovers as they fall from Freddie’s high chair and the odd bruise he’ll receive from an overzealous paw or tugof-war game may seem like a big deal at the time, the sight of all three eager faces waiting at the door for you as you get in from work is priceless. n

Preparing your dog for a new baby n Teach

your dog basic manners before the baby arrives, such as sit, stay and leave it. n Plan and prastice changes to your daily routine. n Make new rules now, especially surrounding the baby’s room. n Introduce your dog to

the sights, sounds and smells associated with the baby, such as supplies, toys and baby gear.

Let your dog investigate but make sure that if she tries to pick up anything that you redirect attention to something that belongs to her. n Practise with a doll

n When

the baby arrives, bring home an article of clothing or the hospital blanket so your dog can get used to the new baby’s smell. n Make sure your dog has a pleasant experience the first time he meets the baby.

SOURCE: ASPCA

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FEBRUARY 21, 2014

THE BERMUDA SUN

Nesting in style — shop stocks essential baby gear

BY ROBYN BARDGETT rbardgett@bermudasun.bm

From layettes to sleep sacks and convertible car seats and double strollers, the list of baby products can be overwhelming and confusing.

With so many things to coordinate before the baby arrives, it’s great to have a local store with knowledge about the products that baby requires.

From strollers and car seats to high chairs and cribs, Nest has a large array of well-designed items for every new mom’s wish list.

Owner Lara Leite, who opened Nest last summer in response to her own

needs as a new mother, adds that parents leave the store having tried out the products as well as having received knowledgeable advice about all of the products available.

“We started the shop with a focus on maternity clothes but we’ve expanded to include strollers, car seats and baby furniture,” explains Mrs Leite. “We also have other baby gear including high chairs, bouncers and bottles because we saw a gap in the market for higher quality items at competitive prices to those you would find when shopping abroad.”

The shop has all of the items on display so that

ESSENTIALS: Nest is stocked with stylish and well-made essentials such as strollers, car seats and cribs, along with gift ideas including plush toys, blankets and skin care for both moms and babies. n PHOTOS BY ROBYN BARDGETT

strollers can be rolled around and fiddled with or moms can get a chance to sit down and get a feel for the comfort of a glider.

“When you’re spending money on something like a stroller, you want to be able to push it around and play with it and ask questions.

“We are knowledgeable about everything we carry and we can help you make the right choices for your needs.”

Stylish

OWNER Laura Leite outside of Nest.

The store carries wellknown brands such as Bugaboo and Uppababy strollers, which are exclusive to the store, as well as stroller accessories and MaxiCosi car seats.

Coveted nursery furniture brands, such as Oeuf and Monte Design round out the shops array of stylishly-designed brands.

“We stock the brands that we know a lot of people are seeking out and were only able to find off the island. The products we carry are of superior quality that can be used again for another child or will have good resale value,” says Mrs Leite.

“We are always looking at new products and seeing what new moms are researching and companies are always coming out

with the new and improved item so that’s what we aim to offer.”

Mrs Leite says she also wants to make sure to provide products that work for the Bermuda market.

“We have the Radian convertible car seat in stock at the moment and it can fit across the back of a mid-size vehicle three times –– it’s very slim and works for Bermuda,” she explains.

Along with the great array of baby gear, Nest also stocks a beautiful assortment of accessories such as soft blankets, towels and swaddles as well as sweet little toys such as stuffed animals, rattles and teethers.

Many of the items stocked in the store are organic –– something that many moms are interested in for little ones who like to put everything in their mouths.

Another avenue into which the store has expanded is children’s clothes and accessories.

As a mom of a boy, I can attest to the fact that it is difficult to come by stylish clothing suitable for special occasions.

Nest has hit the mark with clothing for your mini sartorialist –– think anchor-printed bow ties and pin-striped buttondown shirts for boys and dresses worthy of church

or a christening and sparkly mary-janes for little girls.

There are also sweet little pieces for tiny babies from brands such as Magnificent Baby and Tea Collection.

The store also stocks a line of skincare for both mom and baby.

Maternity

Of course, the shop is well-know for its fab selecSee NEST, page 7

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THE BERMUDA SUN

FEBRUARY 21, 2014

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Keep your home free of harmful chemicals

BY LIZ BODEN Open Airways

Clean as a whistle but what about the wheeze?

This is a well known expression for asthma educators, but what does it mean?

Does your home need to be clean as a whistle or is the cleaning actually causing the wheeze!

Yes, I am afraid the cleaning is the problem because people use far too many chemicals, which are highly irritating for our airways, especially for a new baby and small children.

There have also been concerns that poor air quality and chemicals in the home may be associated with SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

The sprays and aerosols whose labels promise you they will kill viruses, remove mould or freshen

air may cause problems with breathing, also migraine headaches and even depression have been linked to these household chemicals but I doubt that they kill viruses, remove mould or freshen the air.

Ideas have changed about just how clean our homes should be.

Television adverts have been bombarding us with ways to make our homes cleaner, sanitized, sterilized and free from viruses and smelling fresher.

However, studies show that you can be too clean and maybe a bit of dirt is just fine.

Interestingly, children who grow up on farms rarely have asthma and allergies, the children play in the barns, rolling in haystacks with animals surrounding them. Their homes are usually full of animal dander with a fine trail of mud from the fields.

n PHOTO SUPPLIED

OFF LIMITS: Try to avoid using harsh chemicals in your home.

Parents are obviously concerned by so much conflicting advice and want to be sure their home environment will be a healthy one for their baby.

Here is what I recommend.

Cleaning without chemicals — it’s easy and it’s fun!

n Use microfibre cloths for every surface of your home. The cloths do the cleaning as dust clings to the micro fibers so that you do not need any chemicals.

You can buy microfibre dusting mitts and you might even find yourself enjoying cleaning and getting a workout at the same time.

You can use the cloths dry or with soapy water for any dirty surfaces like kitchen counters, windows, sinks and bathtubs and even your car.

Everything will suddenly shine and look brighter than ever before. Microfibre cloths can also be machine washed but never use bleach or fabric softener, which will destroy the microfibers. n Use a vacuum cleaner for carpets, tiles and wood floors and a damp mop or steam cleaner for bathrooms and kitchen floors. n Do use a toilet cleaner but not bleach as chlorine fumes are extremely dangerous. n If you want to use a disinfectant I suggest a liquid cleaner such as Mr Clean –– well diluted in water.

Microfibre cloths are available at most hardware

n WIKIPEDIA CREATIVE COMMONS

BREATHE EASY: Make sure the air your child is breathing is free of harmful chemicals. stores and Bermuda Janitorial Services on Serpentine Road has an excellent selection.

Expensive air purifiers and spraying the air will not remove mould, most troublesome mould is not airborne but is in our walls and ceilings.

Mould is in your pillows, cushions and your children’s soft toys. n To prevent mould in your home try not to have too many soft furnishings –– clean out your closets and get rid of clothes you no longer wear. Store clothes out of season in

garment bags. n Buy new pillows every year. n Do not buy too many stuffed toys for your children. n Open your windows every day in every room for at least 20 minutes.

Use fans to encourage good air flow. n The three things to remember for healthy, fresh air in your home is ventilation, ventilation, ventilation. n Stop using chemicals and don’t smoke in the home. n Never use fresh air

spray or plug-in air fresheners.

Do wash your hands often, using a bar of soap and water –– hand sanitizers have been proven not to kill some viruses. They are also expensive.

Your home can be clean as a whistle without using chemicals and you’ll save at least $500 a year and hopefully you and your family will feel better and breathe freely! n

FOR FURTHER information call Liz Boden Open Airways 232 0264.

NEST: Maternity and baby shop provides all the items on mom’s wish list Continued from page 6 tion of maternity clothes from brands such as Seraphine and Lilac, which will not only keep expectant moms looking stylish while pregnant, but many of the styles look great after the baby is born.

And let’s just keep a secret between you and me: I was still rocking my maternity pants weeks after I had my son –– they were just that comfortable!

“Once the baby is born, people don’t have to stop shopping here,” says Mrs Leite.

Nest also has a large selection of maternity bras for comfort while pregnant, as well as easy to use bras and camisoles that are designed to make nursing a little easier and more simple.

The shop is the perfect place to pick up a little gift for a baby shower and registries can be set up a month before the event.

Items are added in a list and identified by a barcode so it gives moms some time to plan. n

NEST is located at “Six” 6 Dundonald Street. For more information, contact 296-6378.

Registry checklist Get a start on organizing your gear as soon as possible as it can become overwhelming.

As tempting as it is, try not to go overboard as, baby stuff can start to clutter up quickly. Here are a few of the basic necessities that are helpful during the first couple of weeks.

Car seat: Remember to have this properly installed before you go to the hospital. n Stroller: One that your car seat can clip into is really handy, but not essential. n Breast pump: If you’re planning on nursing it’s a good idea to have a pump, especially if you plan to go back to work after the baby is born. n Receiving blankets: Have a few on hand in different thicknesses. n Bassinet or pack and play: For the first couple of weeks or months it’s good to have the baby close by. A pack and play n

can double as a travel bed as your child grows. n Crib/mattress: It might not get used right away but it’s a good idea to get this set up before the baby arrives. Mattresses are often sold separately from the crib. n Swing/bouncy seat: Great for being able to put baby somewhere while you get a shower or cook. n Bathtub: Something that can fit over the kitchen sink is nice for those first couple of weeks with a little, bitty baby. n Diaper bag: It’s insane how much extra stuff you have to cart around with a newborn — a roomy bag with a changing mat included is essential for outings with your little one. n Toys: Colourful, interesting toys, particularly those that clip to strollers or carseats, are nice to have. n Baby monitor: Lots of models to choose from including video and sensor

versions. n Crib sheets/pack and play sheets: Have a few on hand so that if there are any accidents beds can be changed with little fuss. n Nursing pillow: Nice to have the support when you first start working on positioning a little infant. n Bottles: If buying plastic bottles, check they are BPA-free, which most companies seem to have.

If not, glass bottles are a good option. n Onesies and footed pajamas: Footed pajamas that snap or zip up make night time diaper changes easier.

Nice extras Mobile Changing table/changing pads n Cozy bath towels n Sun shades for car windows n Bottle drying rack n Glider/rocking chair n Sling/baby carrier n n

n PHOTO BY ROBYN BARDGETT

SELECTION: Nest has a wide variety of baby items.

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FEBRUARY 21, 2014

THE BERMUDA SUN

n NUTRITION

Puree pouches make easy, nutritional snacks When to start feeding your baby solids

n PHOTO BY ROBYN BARDGETT

ON THE GO: Puree pouches, such as Buddy Fruit, are a favourite treat for little ones.

BY ROBYN BARDGETT rbardgett@bermudasun.bm

Before I had my son I dreamed of all the delicious purees I would create for him when he would have his first taste of solids.

I debated what his first taste of fruit or vegetable would be and how I would have stacks of nutritious purees just bursting with flavour on hand whenever he was hungry.

Cut to my son at six

months old and the reality of caring for an infant was fairly shocking.

Time

Let’s just say there were days where I couldn’t remember if I’d showered and the likelihood of a shower having happened was probably zero.

The idea of having time to make purees from those cookbooks bursting with potential wasn’t really a reality either.

Defeated, I turned to the grocery store in the hopes of finding anything that could come close to what I had hoped to create.

At the time I was still breastfeeding and wasn’t planning on stopping any time soon, so while I started solids at six months, I knew he was getting all the nutrients from my breastmilk.

I started trying out the puree packs, such as Buddy See POUCHES, page 9

Breast milk is the best food for the healthy growth and development of infants.

Infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health.

After six months, they should be fed adequate and safe complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond.

Complementary foods should be rich in nutrients and given in adequate amounts.

At six months, caregivers should introduce foods in small amounts and gradually increase the quantity as the child gets older.

Young children should receive a variety of foods including meat, poultry, fish or eggs as often as possible.

Infants can eat pureed, mashed and semi-solid foods beginning at six months; from eight months, most infants can eat ‘finger’ foods, and from 12 months, most children can eat the same types of foods as consumed by the rest of the family.

The consistency of foods should be appropriate for the child’s age.

Complementary foods should be given two to three times a day between six and eight months, increasing to three to four times a day between nine and 12 months. Between 12 and 23 months of age, three to four meals should be given.

Also, depending on the child’s appetite, one to two nutritious snacks can be offered between meals.

In addition to providing an adequate variety, amount and frequency of foods, it is important that caregivers practise responsive feeding.

That is, they should feed infants directly and assist older children when they feed themselves; feed slowly and patiently and encourage children to eat, but do not force them; and when children refuse to eat, experiment with different combinations of foods.

Feeding times are periods of learning and love — they are a time for caregivers to talk to the child, making eye to eye contact.

These recommendations are made in the Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding, which was jointly developed by WHO and UNICEF in 2003.

The strategy is a guide for countries to develop policies and implement activities addressing feeding practices and the nutritional status, growth and health of infants and children.

It is based both on the evidence that nutrition plays a crucial role in the early months and years of life, and on the importance of appropriate feeding practices in achieving optimal health.

Lack of appropriate feeding in early childhood is a major risk factor for ill health throughout the course of life.

The life-long impact may include poor school performance, reduced productivity, impaired intellectual and social development, or chronic diseases.

SOURCE: WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

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Stars expecting babies Are any of your favourite stars expecting this year?

Olivia Wilde is expecting her first baby with fiancé Jason Sudeikis.

Lil Kim shocked fans when she debuted her bump at New York City Fashion Week this month.

Gwen Stefani will be increasing her family to three with husband Gavin Rossdale.

Emily Blunt and husband

John Krasinkski are expecting their first child.

Simon Cowell and girlfriend Lauren Silverman are expecting a baby boy this month.

Funny man Jason Biggs, well-known for his roles in the American Pie movies is expecting his first child with wife Jenny Mollen.

Megan Fox and Austin Green are expecting their second child.

Drew Barrymore is

expecting her second child with husband Will Kopelman.

Songstress Kelly Clarkson is a expecting her first child with husband Brandon Blackstock.

Ginnifer Goodwin and fiancé Josh Dallas are expecting their first child together.

SNL star Kenan Thompson is expecting his first child with wife Christina Evangelina. n

FEBRUARY 21, 2014

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Sexy and desirable while pregnant

BY STACY HILL Secrets

“You’re having a baby? Congratulations!”

“I’m so happy for you!”

“You’re going to be a wonderful mother.”

If you’re a mother I’m sure you have heard these comments before. But before you can become a mommy you have to go through the dreaded nine months of pregnancy. Although you may not feel beautiful during this time, it may have been a fine piece of lingerie that helped to create your little bundle of joy.

Embrace

So why not embrace it and show that you can be sexy and desirable while pregnant.

There is nothing that makes a woman feel more beautiful than a piece of lingerie.

Secrets, in the Washington Mall, has lingerie that will make you look and feel beautiful yet still comfortable.

Baby dolls are perfect for your little bump and allow plenty of room for growth.

If a baby doll is too much out of your character opt for comfortable, stylish pajamas or a satin robe.

Choose a robe that ties in the front so

you can loosen it up as you develop. Make sure pajamas have a drawstring waist so you can adjust them.

Colourful bras and matching panties will also make you feel desirable. As long as they are comfortable, rock those cute sets for the entire nine months.

Who says romance is dead for nine months? Take the time to rekindle that fire with a romantic evening filled with massage oil, aromatherapy candles, bubble bath or a couple’s game.

Gentlemen, this is the time for you to make her feel special. Treat her to a massage with oil from one of our burning massage candles.

Just warm enough for the skin while fragrancing the atmosphere. Or run her a nice bubble bath to soothe her aches and pains.

Believe me, you will be rewarded for it later.

So remember, the next time you attend a baby shower, bring a little something for baby and mommy.

A candle, bubble bath or a comfortable robe. The gift of fine lingerie will cheer her up, make her feel beautiful and it will be a one gift she will never forget. n

n CREATIVE COMMONS PHOTO

SPECIAL: A matching bra and panties set worn throughout the nine months of pregnancy can make a woman feel beautiful.

n AFP PHOTO

GLAMOROUS: Star Olivia Wilde is expecting her first child in 2014.

POUCHES Continued from page 8 Fruit, when we were on the go, just as a treat at what would eventually become more structured meal times.

The squeezy packs blend lots of delicious fruits into one pack –– such as apple and strawberry or mango and banana –– they sounded pretty delicious to me.

And some brands mix vegetables into the fruit –– even more of a boon.

How many children do you know that will eat green beans? Mix it with a bit of pear and you have a genius formula to get kids eating their greens.

It was everything I had dreamed of with my own purees but it all came in a handy pouch that contained 100 per cent fruit and no preservatives or other additives.

The other benefit was being able to take

them on the go. I could throw a pouch in my diaper bag and have it easily at my fingertips and my son lapped them up.

He’s 20 months old now and they are still a nice treat –– and I love the idea that fruit and vegetables are still considered a treat to him!

As I introduced the purees to him, I also let him try out softened chunks of the same fruit and vegetables he was getting from the pouches.

He had fun practising his pincer grasp picking up peas and sweet potato and I really believe he recognized the flavours from the puree packs, which encouraged him to eat them.

Luckily those cookbooks have been put to good use as he’s gotten older and I have more time to prepare meals for him; we have a lot of fun experimenting with different flavours and foods. n

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OH BABY!: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

FEBRUARY 21, 2014

THE BERMUDA SUN

Supportive resource for new moms and beyond It was the big virtual hug I had been desperate for since I’d brought my son home from hospital and My first few outings battled with a rollercoaster with a brand-new baby two of emotions and hormones years ago felt like huge that made me feel a bit like successes. the world was coming to Going to the grocery an end. store was now a major Each Wednesday the accomplishment with an MAMA baby playgroup infant in tow, and, to be meets in a private home honest, quite refreshing hosted by a MAMA after being cooped up in member or at an easy the house acting as a milk public location, such as machine.

BUEI or the park.

But one of the outings I looked forward to each that will stand out in my Wednesday and craved mind is my first trip to the the time spent talking to Meet-A-Mum Association’s other moms. Many of them (MAMA) weekly baby playwere also going through groups. the same I debated experiup until ence the day as me. whether While I should I was take the lucky to huge step have an of being amazaround ing people family that I’d support never system, met with there a three was week always old and a limit wondered BUDDY: Amelia and Holden have to how if it really become friends through meeting at much was for the weekly MAMA baby playgroups. they me. could At just really help me. barely a month old, my How many times did my son was clearly not about partner really want to help to “play” with the other me come up with ways children. to get the perfect latch or In all likeliness he would discuss strange ways to probably be asleep the alleviate acid reflux? entire time.

There’s something to be But I had nothing to lose said about women who are so I packed my little guy managing through the long up and made myself look days at home caring for an presentable and headed to infant. the meetup.

That day it happened to take place at the Bermuda I met other moms who I Underwater Exploration remain great friends with Institute, and before I had and as my son got older even made it into the buildhe had a built-in group of ing, I bumped into an old buddies to play and interfriend who had her own act with. little boy three months Victoria McLean Hall before mine was born. was a new mum and now When other mothers a great friend who helped started chatting to me and me get through some of the asking about my little man tougher trials of acid reflux and praising me for brav–– her daughter and my son ing an outing when my son seemingly experienced the was still at such a young same digestive issues. It age, it made me feel incredcouldn’t have been better ibly welcome.

BY ROBYN BARDGETT

rbardgett@bermudasun.bm

Great friends

FUN: Children enjoy interactive play and exploring all of the toys and equipment at the weekly Warwick playgroup organized by the Meet-A-Mum Association. n PHOTOS SUPPLIED

knowing each week we could chat about what little tricks worked or didn’t work.

“I have no idea how I would have coped without the MAMA baby playgroup,” agrees Mrs McLean Hall. “At first it was just a date to get dressed and out of the house. As I attended more meetings it was a date to meet friends. It was such a good feeling that there was always at least one mum in the group that had the answer to the question or problem that I was having that week.

“Being a new mum is a wondrous and beautiful experience,” she adds. “It’s also tough. I was excited to meet other women who knew exactly what I was going through, the good

and the bad.

“I also liked the idea that every Wednesday I’d be eating cake and drinking tea!”

Mrs McLean Hall went on to become baby playgroup coordinator last January and is currently the MAMA playgroup coordinator –– managing the four parish playgroups that the organization offers each week.

The baby playgroup is designed for children birth12 months old.

Hosting a baby playgroup is also a great experience and MAMA members with children in the birth-12month range are encouraged to host in their home if they are able, but it isn’t a requirement.

Interactive

SUPPORT: Moms chat with each other at one of the MAMA weekly baby playgroups held recently at Victoria Park.

Once children reach their first birthday, there are playgroups across the Island, mainly hosted in church halls, that cater to older children up until they reach school age.

The playgroups provide lots of interactive toys and fun activities to keep little

ones busy, and, of course there is lots of interaction for moms and caregivers – as well as the aforementioned cake and tea.

Some of the parish playgroups also offer space specifically for younger, smaller babies.

“At first, the main benefit for attending the playgroups with Amelia was different stimulation and as she became older she would watch the older children with great interest, learning from them,” explains Mrs McLean Hall.

“Now she is 20 months and we attend playgroups every week and she has a gang of friends she plays with that she first met as a tiny baby.”

The Meet-A-Mum association originated out of the UK and has been in existence for almost 30 years in Bermuda.

While the playgroups are one of the greatest MAMA resources, the organization also helps parents navigate raising a child in Bermuda and provides members with a monthly newsletter and weekly updates

surrounding the social events and activities they organize.

“The MAMA community is amazing,” says Mrs McLean Hall. “On top of the playgroups MAMA has an awesome social committee that puts on events every month. There are nights out for mums like the monthly Gourmet Gals club, many clubs for little ones like the Nature Detectives and the Wheely Good club, who are visiting the fire station this month.

“I especially love the MAMA members seasonal parties: the Easter Egg Hunt coming up in March is one I’m very excited about.

“Joining MAMA has made me feel like I am part of a loving, supportive community, which in turn has made me a more confident mum. I’ve also made life-long friends,” says Mrs McLean Hall. n

FOR MORE information about signing up to become a MAMA member, visit www.mama.bm.

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FEBRUARY 21, 2014

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Breastfeeding not an extra or added bonus

BY ALEX HASSELKUSS La Leche League of Bermuda

Maybe you’ve heard the tagline “Breast is best”. Or that breastfed babies are healthier and have fewer illnesses than formula-fed babies.

Or that breastfed babies have a special bond with their mothers, or they have higher IQs. You may be surprised to know that none of these statements is really true.

Breastfeeding is simply the way human infants are designed to eat and interact with their mothers. Breastfeeding is not something extra or an added bonus.

Breastfeeding is simply normal.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in its Policy Statement on Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk states, “Breastfeeding and human milk are the normative standards for infant feeding and nutrition.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) states, “Breastfeeding is the normal way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development.”

If breastfeeding is normal, then what happens to babies who are fed infant

formula or artificial milk?

Even in developed countries, such as Bermuda, the routine feeding of infant formula places babies at a higher risk of many shortterm and chronic illnesses, including respiratory infections, diarrhea, ear infections, gastro-intestinal disease, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), type 1 and type 2 diabetes, childhood leukemia, asthma, dental problems, and obesity.

Women who do not breastfeed have higher incidences of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers, osteoporosis, heart disease, and diabetes. Why are many mothers not accurately informed of these health risks to themselves and their babies? The choice of words is extremely important.

Best

n PHOTO SUPPLIED

NORMAL: With the right support, all mothers have the ability to breastfeed.

When breastfeeding is characterized as the “best”, “ideal” or “optimal” way to feed or as having “advantages”, breastfeeding may be viewed as unnecessary.

After all, who can call herself an “ideal” or “optimal” mother? Not to mention that these words are divisive and imply a privilege to those who can achieve high standards.

Breastfeeding is the biological norm for infants.

Producing breastmilk is the biological norm for mothers.

Health comparisons should use a biological, not a cultural, norm. We don’t say non-smokers have a lower risk of lung cancer; we say smokers have a higher risk of lung cancer. Non-smokers are the biological norm, just as breastfeeding is the biological norm.

When we fail to describe the risks of formula feed-

n MCT PHOTO

SUPPORT: Virtually all mothers can breastfeed when given accurate information. ing, we deprive mothers of crucial decision-making information.

The mother having difficulty with breastfeeding may not seek help just to achieve a “special bonus”, but she may ask for help if she knows how much she and her baby could lose.

This leads to another important misconception about breastfeeding: many mothers just can’t produce enough milk to feed their babies. This statement is completely false. The human race would not exist if this statement was true.

As the WHO states, “Virtually all mothers can breastfeed, provided they have accurate information, and the support of

their family, the health care system and society at large.”

Inaccurate breastfeeding information and the lack of breastfeeding support are the reasons some mothers can’t produce enough milk for their babies, or stop breastfeeding before they wanted to.

Of course there are breastfed babies who get sick often and formula-fed infants who grow into “just fine” adults. Breastfeeding is no guarantee. There are many variables which contribute to the health of babies into adulthood.

The AAP also says that “…infant nutrition should be considered a public health issue and not only

a lifestyle choice.” When we embrace breastfeeding as the biological norm, the necessity and urgency for breastfeeding support for mothers from family members, employers, health care providers and society becomes a no-brainer. When something is normal (e.g. eating), society understands that everyone should have that normal opportunity and accepts without question the provision of education and resources to that end. n

IF YOU have any questions or need assistance with breastfeeding, please contact La Leche League of Bermuda at 236-1120 or islandgirl@northrock.bm.

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Take a break before baby makes three B

efore all the excitement and craziness of bringing home a new baby, take some time to relax by planning a babymoon. Here are a few exotic locations to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of planning for baby’s arrival. Although the idea of getting away may mean hopping on a plane to some, for others a babymoon staycation can be just as relaxing –– just remember to really turn off and enjoy the quiet time spent together doing some of your favourite things.

For those who want to make a trip out of a babymoon, here are a few destination ideas.

St Lucia

With its stunning volcanic outcroppings, St Lucia is one of the more visually appealing islands in the Caribbean. With verdant rainforests rising up out of the clear blue seas that lap gently on white sand shores, the mere sight of this island is a real treat.

Jade Mountain, on the island’s southern side, allows immediate access to rainforest, volcanoes and sulphur springs. One thing, you’ll never be bored on St Lucia. You can hike through vast forests, scuba dive or snorkel the bright coral reefs, relax on the coastline or take part in a spot of golf.

FOR MORE information, visit www.stlucianow.com.

Malta

Island-hop with a cultural twist on the archipelago trio of Malta, Gozo and Comino. From beaches to battlements, blue lagoons to baroque architecture, and everything else you could wish for in between.

Tucked away in their own dedicated corner of the Mediterranean, Malta,

Gozo and Comino are the islands with more than just good beaches –– bleached fortified cities, prehistoric ruins, sumptuous spas, stunning coastlines and Sicilian-inspired food, making it the perfect pick ’n’ mix destination for culture, history, pampering and kicking back beside the sea.

FOR MORE information, visit www.visitmalta.com.

Bali, Indonesia

If you’re tempted to go a little farther afield, Bali is an island rich in culture but one of its highlights is the spectacular beaches.

You can spend a few days snorkelling amongst tropical fish and soaking up the sunshine and then discover some of the incredible temples that seem to pop up all over the island.

Although Indonesia has one of the largest Muslim populations, Bali has a majority Hindu population.

Ubud, in the central part of the island, has some of the most stunning temples and on a daily basis you can get swept up into the many religious processions that take place through the streets of Ubud.

FOR MORE information, visit www.indonesia.travel/ en/destination/73/bali.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a country bubbling over with diversity, allowing you to traverse through the densest rainforest one day, and relax on white sandy beaches the next.

Lounging on the beach is the perfect excuse to relax and get some rest before the little one arrives. Luckily, Costa Rica is teeming with the perfect resorts just waiting to take care of your every whim, even if that just means laying off with a mocktail in hand.

TIME OUT: Take a holiday to somewhere exotic like Costa Rica, right, where you can spend time on the beach and relax with your significant other before the baby arrives. n CREATIVE COMMONS PHOTOS

FOR MORE information visit www.visitcostarica. com.

Charleston, South Carolina Discover the old-world charm of this southern city while also taking in the stunning beaches and enjoying some of the best restaurants on the East Coast.

Charleston has a wealth of historical interests including colonial mansions, sprawling plantations and historic Fort Sumter.

The city also has a stunning waterfront with plenty of places to explore. The

stately houses that line the streets heading towards the Battery along the waterfront will have you dreaming of Southern belles.

The restaurants are equally as diverse and include upscale eateries as

well as down home Southern favourites.

Just outside of the city you will also find some of the best beaches on the East Coast of the US — Isle of Palms is hands down the most sophisticated of the

city’s beaches where there are also a great selection of beach homes up for holiday rentals. n

FOR MORE information, visit www.charlestoncvb. com.

Safe pregnancy travel guidelines The American College of Obstetricians and Gyncologists have stated that flying is safe, but if you are planning a babymoon that requires flight try to do it in the second trimester when you are less likely to be nauseous, fatigued or need to be close to your doctor. n Make sure you are not going somewhere that is too hot, for your own comfort and to reduce the risk of heat exertion or dehydration.

If vacationing within the United States, keep it coastal as that beautiful breeze can be a wonderful idea, especially in the summer. n Be sure that the food options are healthy and safe.

Visiting places that don’t have safe water or food hygiene in general is not a good idea when you are pregnant. n If travelling to unfamiliar places, or if you have a long trip, be sure to bring your own snacks (just imagine what you’d bring along for your baby and bring it for yourself!). n

n MCT ILLUSTRATION

RELAX: Spend some downtime, either home or away, before the baby arrives.

Bring your own sunscreen and other products that you know are safe for your sensitive and delicate pregnancy skin. n You don’t have to spend the big bucks.

These trips aren’t supposed to be stressful and when you have so much gear to buy, having a five-star vacation may not be the right babymoon for you.

In fact, you don’t even need to go away.

Some of the best babymoons can happen right at home when you and your partner decide to turn off for a few days, not answer the phones and just relax. n If you are travelling, look for retreats that have a healthy element to them.

Bar-hopping in Cabo is certainly not the ideal babymoon!

Instead, fill your babymoon days with moderate activity, resting and also some trips to the spa for a prenatal massage or two (just make sure the prenatal massage therapist is certified). n

SOURCE: WWW.ROSIEPOPE.COM

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FEBRUARY 21, 2014

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A safe and comfortable birth experience Make your admission to the hospital for the birth of your child smooth, simple and easy SUBMITTED BY THE MATERNITY TEAM AT KING EDWARD VII MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

n What to pack

Preparing to have a baby is an important and exciting time for a family.

The maternity team at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) has these suggestions for making your labour and birth experience safe, comfortable and positive.

Hospital admission

After your first visit to a healthcare provider for prenatal care, your physician will notify the maternity ward that you are expecting.

A letter will then be sent from the hospital to your doctor for you to collect at your next appointment.

“We want pregnant women to know that as soon as they receive this letter, they should contact the hospitals Admission Department,” advises Christine Virgil, clinical director of Maternal/Child Services at KEMH. “The hospital needs to have a record of every pregnant woman’s due date, along with her personal contact information, previous medical history, the name of her physician and the details of her insurance.

The last thing a woman wants when she goes into labour is to be worried about whether the maternity team know which doctor to call or what medical challenges she may be facing.”

Pregnant women are urged to contact the Admissions Department early in their pregnancy so the hospital can admit them quickly and efficiently when they do go into labour.

Some women think they can wait until they are in

n PHOTO SUPPLIED

REASSURANCE: The maternity team are there to assist mothers through pregnancy, labour, delivery, baby care and breastfeeding. Here, clinical manager of maternity/SCBU Janet Wheelan speaks to a new mother. the late stages of pregnancy but doing this as soon as you receive the letter will avoid problems if you should need to be admitted earlier than your due date.

Contact the Admissions Office at 239-1446.

Prenatal birthing classes

“Taking birthing classes is an excellent way to prepare for labour and delivery and learn what to expect during childbirth,” says Janet Wheelan, clinical manager for the Maternity and Special Care Baby Unit.

The maternity ward at

the hospital offers classes, open to expectant mothers and fathers, designed and taught by the same midwives who will be with you when you give birth.

Class discussions include body changes, breastfeeding, relaxation techniques and the process of childbirth.

Most importantly, prenatal classes contribute to a more positive birth experience.

Classes are offered at the hospital on Tuesday evenings over a four-week period.

To register, call Francine

Burrows at 239-1682 or email francine.burrows@ bhb.bm.

Light refreshments are served at the classes.

Ask for help

The maternity team at the hospital is available around the clock to answer your questions about pregnancy, labour, delivery, baby care and breastfeeding.

“Our nurses are happy to address your concerns and provide the information you need to feel safe and comfortable during your pregnancy or to feel more

confident and assured as a new mother,” adds Ms. Wheelan.

“No question is unimportant and women don’t need to wait until business hours if they have concerns and need answers.

“We are always here to help and support women throughout their pregnancy, after they deliver and during the early weeks of new parenthood.” n

CALL 239-1325 if you need assistance, guidance, advice or reassurance.

To enhance your birthing experience, please pack the following items Comfortable clothes n pyjamas n dressing gown n underwear n slippers n outfit to wear home Toiletries n toothbrush n toothpaste n soap n shampoo n deodorant n sanitary pads Nursing bras & breast pads Breast pump & supplies, if desired Infant clothes n sleepers n onesies n socks n hat n blankets n swaddlers n burp cloths n bibs n mittens Infant toiletries n comb n brush n bath products n baby shampoo n baby oil n infant diapers n unscented wipes n Vaseline n cotton balls

DON’T FORGET...It’s the law to use a properly fitted, rear-facing car seat when taking your baby home or when travelling in a vehicle.

How to wade through all the pregnancy advice

BY ARMIN BROTT McClatchy-Tribune News Service (MCT)

Dear Mr. Dad: I’m pregnant and it seems that the more my husband and I read, the more confusing the whole thing gets.

One “expert” says that I should stay away from any alcohol. Another says it’s okay.

One says sushi could be deadly, someone else says it’s not. One says I should be careful not to put on too much weight, while another says it’s more dangerous to put on too little. And this goes on and on.

Do you have any suggestions for how to filter out the myths from reality?

A: The amount of pregnancy-related information out there is staggering. And, as you’ve discovered, everyone seems to have an opinion on what’s good, bad, healthy, or dangerous.

Unfortunately, as you’ve also discovered, it’s really hard to figure out who’s right and who’s completely full of it. Fortunately, there are a few resources that can help.

Myths

The one I’d recommend especially for your husband (but for you too) is my book, The Expectant Father: Facts, Tips, and Advice for Dads-to-Be. I’ve spent a lot of time digging through the research and have tried to debunk as

research.

A little bit of alcohol is okay. The emphasis here is on “a little bit”. In the first trimester, one or two drinks per week should be okay.

In the second and third trimesters, up to one drink per day is okay. However, drink slowly, and never binge.

Because this flies directly in the face of conventional wisdom, I recommend that you talk with your OB before you start raising your glass.

Caffeine in moderation is n FILE PHOTO fine –– as long as you have EXPERTS: XIt can be difficult to know which pregnancy the equivalent of four cups facts are accurate. of coffee or less. many myths as possible.

Women who drink more The second resource is Expecting Better: than five cups of caffeinated coffee per day Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom have a higher miscarriage rate than those is Wrong –– and What You Really Need to who consume less caffeine.

Know, by Emily Oster.

Do not smoke while you’re pregnant. At Oster is an economist, not an MD. The all. Women who smoke are more likely to reason that’s important is that economists be anaemic, suffer from pregnancy-related tend to be obsessed with analyzing data high blood pressure, give birth premaand that’s exactly what she did. turely, have a stillborn child, and have I had a chance to interview Emily and low-birthweight babies. here are a few interesting tidbits from her Sushi is fine. You can avoid most food-

borne health risks by staying away from rare or raw beef and poultry, carefully washing fruits and vegetables, and avoiding raw-milk cheeses and deli meats.

When it comes to weight gain, worry (if you really have to) more about not putting on enough than about putting on too much.

Risks

Generally speaking, the more weight you gain, the bigger your baby; the less you gain, the smaller the baby. While infants face some health risks if they’re born too large or too small, the risks to the too-small babies is greater.

Don’t worry about dyeing your hair or changing your cat’s litter box. Digging around in your garden, though (which outside cats consider to be a giant litter box), could be a problem.

Wearing gloves, washing your hands, and keeping your fingers away from your face should reduce most risks.

The bottom line is that while there are definitely some reasons to be cautious during pregnancy, one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your baby is to try to relax. n

READ ARMIN’S blog at DadSoup.com, send email to armin@mrdad.com, and follow him on Twitter @mrdad.

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OH BABY!: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

FEBRUARY 21, 2014

THE BERMUDA SUN

Placenta may help banish the baby blues

BY ABBY OLENA Chicago Tribune (MCT)

Molly Halper never dreamed she’d consume her baby’s placenta, an organ that serves as a link between mother and fetus and is usually discarded after birth.

“My husband and I used to make jokes about people who did that”, said Mrs Halper, who lives in Arlington Heights, Illinois, with her family.

“We’re not vegetarians or tree-hugging, granolaeating people. We’re suburban Republicans. We thought it was some hippie thing.”

Intrigued

But after struggling twice with the baby blues and needing to supplement her breast milk supply with formula, Mrs Halper became intrigued by the idea that the hormones in a placenta could help.

To reduce the ick factor, Mrs Halper paid someone to process the tissue into capsules when her third child was born.

Medical experts say there is no scientific evidence that consuming placenta benefits women, as no controlled studies have tested it versus a placebo.

Nor have placenta pills been analyzed to see what substances they contain.

“Until all the science is in, the cautions outweigh the expected benefits,” said Mark Kristal, a New York neuroscientist who has studied placentophagy –– the scientific name for placenta consumption –– in laboratory animals.

Yet the idea is popular enough that Mrs Halper’s doula, Deb Pocica, said she has encapsulated more than 250 placentas for about $250 apiece.

Ms Pocica said she also has trained 30 people to make placenta capsules, mostly in the Chicago area.

Women who have consumed their baby’s placenta claim benefits including reduction of fatigue, a more balanced mood and increased breast milk production.

Those reported gains also could be nothing more than the placebo effect, some doctors and researchers say.

Encapsulation and digestion probably would destroy at least one class of hormones in the placenta, they note.

Mrs Halper said her doctors didn’t object to her plan. Worst-case scenario, they said, the pills would have no effect. Her husband also was supportive.

So after Mrs Halper’s daughter was born, Ms Pocica encapsulated the placenta and Mrs Halper took the pills for about six weeks.

Physically, she felt energetic and recovered quickly, Mrs Halper said.

She was able to breastfeed her daughter without supplementing with formula, and she had no problems with the baby blues.

At her six-week appointment, her obstetrician remarked on how well she seemed to be doing.

n MCT PHOTOS

BALANCED: Molly Halper, right, and her five-month-old baby, Georgette Halper. After the birth of Georgette, Mrs Halper ingested encapsulated placenta pills made for her by her birth doula.

“I was so shocked at how much better I felt,” Mrs Halper said. “I can’t recommend it enough.”

In a survey of 189 women who had consumed their babies’ placentas –– raw, cooked or in capsule form –– 95 per cent reported their experience was either positive or very positive, and 98 per cent said they would repeat the experience.

“Of course, we don’t know if those are placebo effects and their positive results are based on their expectations,” said Daniel Benyshek, corresponding author of the study and associate professor in the department of anthropology at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas.

The survey results were published this year in Ecology of Food and Nutrition.

The report disclosed that the first author, Jodi Selander, is the founder of Placenta Benefits, an online information source that also offers training for placenta encapsulators.

Dr Kristal, a professor of psychology at the State University of New York at Buffalo, has documented some benefits among rats that consumed raw placenta and amniotic fluid after giving birth.

But he cautioned against attributing benefits to placenta consumption by human mothers.

“The science in humans just isn’t there,” he said.

“There’s nothing we can point to that says scientifically that eating placenta is helpful and that it is completely harmless.”

Mr Benyshek said he is in the final planning stages of a double-blind pilot study that would compare the effects of placenta capsules and a placebo on women’s postpartum experiences.

The placenta, a rounded organ roughly the size of a Frisbee, grows inside the womb and serves as the boundary between woman and fetus, delivering nutrients and oxygen via the umbilical cord and carrying away waste and carbon

dioxide.

It also takes over a mother’s hormone production during pregnancy.

Many other female mammals, including humans’ closest primate relatives, eat the placenta soon after birth, but there is no evidence that the behaviour is common in new mothers from any human culture, according to Dr Kristal and Mr Benyshek.

Placebo

Dr Kristal’s work on laboratory rats has found that consuming both amniotic fluid and placenta leads to an increased tolerance for pain and quicker onset of maternal behaviour by modifying how some signals are processed in the brain.

He thinks the molecule that contributes to those positive effects probably is present and can function in people, too.

Yet Dr Kristal said he suspects most benefits that mothers report from consuming their baby’s placenta are rooted in the placebo effect.

He notes that, among women who cite benefits, it does not seem to matter how the placenta is prepared, when the woman consumes it or how much she consumes.

“It’s almost part of human nature to assign causality where it doesn’t necessarily exist,” Dr Kristal said. “Two things happen and people relate them in their minds. We all do it.”

Dr Marybeth Lore, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, said she also thinks benefits can be attributed to the placebo effect. Still, she added, it’s hard to find fault with a placebo if it improves symptoms.

Dr Kristal said he thinks one type of placental product –– molecules called peptides –– would be

destroyed during processing or later in the digestive tract.

But steroid hormones, which include progesterone and estrogen, could be intact in placenta pills and survive digestion to be absorbed in the small intestine, he said.

None of those ideas has been scientifically tested, he emphasized. Nor is it clear whether consuming a placenta could be dangerous.

“I don’t think it’s a huge risk; I think it’s possibly a slight risk,” Dr Kristal said. “We just have to be very careful about whether there’s a negative side to it or not.”

Dr Lore said that in 15 years she has encountered perhaps five patients who wanted to consume their baby’s placenta.

While she tries not to be obstructive, Dr Lore said

she does not encourage women to do it.

“It’s unlikely to be harmful, but you don’t know.”

Thirty-one per cent of the women who responded to the survey on placentophagy did report some negative aspects, including unpleasant taste or smell, headache and cost to encapsulate.

Ms Selander, who lives in Las Vegas and took placenta pills after the births of two of her three daughters, views encapsulation as a way to reduce the risk of postpartum blues during a time of fluctuating hormones.

“In every case, we’re talking about healthy women consuming healthy placentas,” which minimizes potential risk, Ms Selander said.

Hospitals in Chicago have varying policies on patients who want to keep the placenta.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital, for instance, requires the mother to sign a release form.

She then is asked to take personal possession and transfer it out of the hospital, said Sue Fulara, operations manager of triage and labour and delivery.

Doula Deb Pocica, of Schiller Park, said the woman’s partner or another family member usually brings the placenta home on ice. Ms Pocica likes to start the encapsulation process within 24 to 48 hours, so the organ is as fresh as possible.

First she lightly steams the placenta, then dehydrates it overnight in a food dehydrator.

The next day she grinds the dried placenta into a powder and puts the powder into capsules, which are kept in the fridge.

She said she sterilizes all her equipment and wears gloves.

New Lenox resident Marcy Pluchar said her husband introduced the idea of placenta encapsulation during her second pregnancy.

He hoped it would help her feel better than she had after the birth of their first daughter, she said.

“I was never diagnosed with postpartum depression, but I think I had it with my first.”

Mrs Pluchar said taking placenta pills “really helped” –– she even found herself checking her watch to see if it was time for the next dose.

Because of her positive experience, it was “not even a question” that she would enlist Ms Pocica to encapsulate the placentas of her next children, twins now almost five months old.

“I think it’s awesome,” Mrs Pluchar said.

“Could it be partly the placebo effect, that it works because I think it’s going to work? Sure. But I don’t care.” n

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BHS invites applications for Year 1 in September 2016.

We invite you to attend an information evening Date: May 1, 2014 Time: 6:30 p.m.

Venue: Queen Elizabeth Hall at BHS Places are also available for • Year 1 in September 2014 • Year 1 in September 2015 • various years throughout the School For more information on the Admissions process, please contact Ms. Martina Harris, Head of Primary, via phone at 441-278-3008 or email on primary.head@bhs.bm.

For more information about The Bermuda High School please visit www.bhs.bm

BUILD THE FOUNDATION FOR FUTURE LEARNING Parent Resources Do you have a child from age birth to 4?

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Are you a Home Child Care Provider and would like resources to help you to care for young children?

Play-based screenings for 24 – 30 month old children Parent and Children’s Book Library Toy Library

ALSO AVAILABLE: • •

Call the Child Development Programme 295-0746 ext. 2221

Parent Infant Group Premature Infant Programme

PArEntIng wOrkShOPS: • 1,2,3,4 Parents!

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Child Care Provider Workshops tOPICS AVAILABLE: • •

Participation in services is voluntary and resources are free to the public!

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FEBRUARY 21, 2014

OH BABY: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE BERMUDA SUN

Aaliyah Jianna Hayward Born August 23, 2013 to Juwan Hayward & Lima Reason

Aaron Fox Born february 14, 2013 to Andrew Fox & Manielle Fox

Adele Forgues Born October 16, 2013 to Etienne Forgues & Cara Irven

Aidan Taylor Born January 21, 2013 to Ronald Taylor & Vanessa Taylor

Aleia Roque Born February 20, 2013 to Roberto Roque Heidi Daniels-Roque

Alexa Jade Roache Born May 28, 2013 to David Roache & Jaime Roache

Aleyah Pacheco Born June 17, 2013 to Stephen Pacheco & Sophia Araujo

Alissa-lee Caisey Born August 22, 2013 to Dennie Paynter & Kiani caisey

Anderson Czember Born May 20, 2013 to Joel Czember & Wendy Lee

A’niyah Bean Born September 12, 2013 to Antoine Bean & Nikiesha Tucker

Ariana Frias Born April 11, 2013 to Osvaldo Frias & Nelia Frias

Ariana Furbert Born January 21, 2013 to Joey Furbert & Ashley Berkeley

Ariiyn Bartley Born May 21, 2013 to Gary Bartley & Roche Wolffe

Athena DeBraga Born July 26, 2013 to Johnny Debraga Christine Howarth

Aurora Bowers Born May 18, 2013

Ava & Hannes Swart Born July 23, 2013 to Deon Swart & Kirsty Swart

to Cameron R-Bridgewater & Jessica Bowers

THE BERMUDA SUN OH

BABY: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION FEBRUARY 21, 2014 n 16

Ava St. Luce Born August 9, 2013 to Triston St. Luce & Samantha St. Luce

Azania Camara Born February 26, 2013 to Filipe Camara & Lakeva Camara

Bethany Oliveira Born August 25, 2013 to Ricardo & Natalia Oliveira

Cai Williams Born March 22, 2013 to Mike & Leela Williams

Caius Antonio Durham Born March 1, 2013 to Tiffany Durham

Cali H.B. Born December 15, 2013 to T. & Britnii H-B

Cardell Jo’Anthony Seán Carter Born February 10, 2013 to Randy Cardell Carter & Shakeela Carter

Carter Simons-Crane Born September 3, 2013 to Ferdinand Simons -Crane & Jasmyn Tucker

Carter William Davis Born June 28, 2013 to Andrew Davis & Christina Davis

Carys Locke Born October 1, 2013 to Andrew & Rebecca Locke

Catelaya Tomaz Born June 17, 2013 to Luis Tomaz & Rio Babon

Charleigh & Jack Gilchrist Born August 11, 2013 to Ron Gilchrist & Renee Gilchrist

Charleigh Stella Logie Born September 18, 2013 to Peter & Melissa Logie

Charles Smith Born April 11, 2013 to Brian Smith & Vima Smith

Charlie Mitchell Born October 14, 2013 to Mark Mitchell & Zoe Mitchell

Charlotte Somers Necker Born January 24, 2013 to James Necker & Tara Makowski

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FEBRUARY 21, 2014

OH BABY: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE BERMUDA SUN

Chasity M. I. Outerbridge Born June 16, 2013 to Omar Binns & Rickia Outerbridge

Cruz Minks-Cole Born June 18, 2013 to Paul minks-cole & Rebecca Sousa

Dasani Wilson Born October 31, 2013 to Isaiah Wilson & Daneika Bean-Wilson

Elani Elizabeth Somner Born August 9, 2013 to Shane.E.Somner & Yolanda Somner

Elijah Xavier Jadan Smith Born January 28, 2013 to Kuane Smith & Luciana Pacheco

Elise Robbie Born March 13, 2013 to Shaun Robbie & Amanda Robbie

Eva Robineau Potts Born October 18, 2013 to Alex Potts & Priscillia Robineau

Ezra Smith Born July 28, 2013 to Shane Smith & Shelita Ingham

Fern Hannah Davidson Born June 28, 2013 to Andrew Davidson & Charlotte Andrews

Gabriella Denos Born March 27, 2013 to Megan Denos

Gabriella Lee Born March 7, 2013 to Brandon Lee & ChaQuilla Burgess

G’en Bell Born August 27, 2013 to Garth Bell & Jennie

Hanavia Hassell Born February 14, 2013 to Tiko Hassell & Kiwanni Lema

Humphrey Taylor Born March 28, 2013 to Nick Taylor & Sarah Taylor

Hunter Harvey Born June 5, 2013 to Daron Harvey & Yolanda Harvey

Hunter Pearson Born October 13, 2013 to Nakia & Tosha Pearson

THE BERMUDA SUN OH

BABY: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

FEBRUARY 21, 2014

Jah’Siya Gibbons Born November 12, 2013 to Russell Gibbons & Samantha Simmons

Jahzi Swan Born January 25, 2013 to Andre Castle & Kristen Swan

James Carter Wallace Born March 24, 2013 to Eric Wallace & Martha Wallace

Jayla Aaliyah Born December 7, 2013 to Javon Davis & Shuntee Simmons

Jayle Darrell Born May 30, 2013 to Jason Darrell & Naiche Durrant

Jeremiah Herbert Born October 15, 2013 to Rick Herbert & Mi’Jon Bridges

Julian Simmons Born May 7, 2013 to Devonne Simmons & Angelica Smith

K’ah Seymour Born June 25, 2013 to Gervel Seymour & Trina Davis-Williams

Kailyn Iris Born May 3, 2013 to Mark & Samantha Iris

Katarina Adams Born July 30, 2013 to Mark Adams & Monika Adams

Kaylah-Ann Wescom Born September 20, 2013 to Earl Wescom & Jasmin Wescom

Keilo Jr. Govia Born October 14, 2013 to Keilo Govia & Glo Lightbourn

Ke’Nahri Furbert Born June 13, 2013 to Kenneth Wade & Carmen Furbert

Kenji Tucker Born February 28, 2013 to Wayne Tucker & A’kerie Harvey

Kennedi Caines Born May 17, 2013 to Kiersen Caines

Kenzo Swainson Born February 7, 2013 to Walter & Latoyia Swainson

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FEBRUARY 21, 2014

OH BABY: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE BERMUDA SUN

Khloe Burgess Born September 4, 2013 to Chase Burgess & Michelle Pavao

Khymer Greaves Born May 6, 2013 to Mr & Mrs Shaki Greaves

Kimoni Timothy Seon-Simons Born July 7, 2013 to Timothy Seon & Kelley Simons

Knalah Esme’ Kenya Thompson Born December 16, 2012 to Kenneth Tucker-Thompson & Kiera Wolffe

Knox Roberts-Dunkley Born September 9, 2013 to Sean Dunkley & Zoe Roberts

Kyle Constable Born May 24, 2013 to Kyle & Cassie Constable

Landon Asher Kennedy Williams Born November 29, 2013 to Curtis Williams & Shaina Kelly Williams

Layla Faith Pearman Born September 11, 2013 to Zicco Pearman & Sophia Manders

Lela Smith Born August 20, 2013 to Mandela Smith & LaShonte Wilson

Lilly Violette Born May 16, 2013 to Athanasius Smith & Aurelie Bazile

Lily Clare Ross Born March 18, 2013 to Dominic Ross & Sara Schroter Ross

London Adam Belvin-Eversley Born December 25, 2013 to Aaron Eversley & Paige Belvin

Lucas Ferreira Born January 24, 2013 to Claudio Ferreira & Marlene Ferreira

Lux Smith Born July 9, 2013 to David Martin II & Waynette Smith

Macray Scott Born January 9, 2013 to Macray Bulford & Aja Scott

Madelyn and Mason Gaugain Born July 31, 2013

to Jonathan Gaugain & Sally Gaugain

THE BERMUDA SUN OH

BABY: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

FEBRUARY 21, 2014

Maiya Caisey Born February 25, 2013 to Elkeisha Caisey & Wayne Raynor Jr.

Ma’Layah Swan Born November 6, 2013 to James & Malisa Swan

Malik Tomaz Born June 17, 2013 to Luis Tomaz & Rio Babon

Maxwell Williams Born August 24, 2013 to Bernell Williams & Nedia Williams

Miles Lionel Williams Born March 3, 2013 to Albert Williams, Jr. & Vanessa Phillips-Willliams

Mylah Patricia Desilva Born June 30, 2013 to Chaka Desilva & Jasmine Desilva

Neve Alice Mellor Born March 26, 2013

to Darrel Mellor & Alexandra Mellor

Niquan B.C. Pitt Born July 15, 2013 to Blake & Nikia

Noah Roméo Clair Born June 18, 2013 to Jeffrey Clair & Catherine Jean

Nylah Faith Hardtman Born January 26, 2013 to LeRoya Hardtman & Antione Famous

Orion Medeiros Born January 21, 2013 to Tiffany Medeiros

Pippa Ella Jane Hopkin Born June 3, 2013 to Emily & Adam Hopkin

Princess-Kaylah Smith-Simmons Born June 18, 2013 to Kita Smith & Kenneth Simmons

Quin Harlo Darrell Burgess Born May 8, 2013 to Quinton Burgess & Karolyn Darrell-Burgess

Re-Mai Navari Sarki Spencer Born January 4, 2013 to Shirrea Spencer

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Remi Pettit Born February 27, 2013 to Nicholas Pettit & Sophie Campeau

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FEBRUARY 21, 2014

OH BABY: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE BERMUDA SUN

Riley Bassette-DeSilva Born September 17, 2013 to Eugene Bassett & Melinda DeSilva

Riley Millett Born August 13, 2013 to Owen Millett & Koshea Scott-Milett

Royal Fubler February 28, 2013 to Siobhan Fubler

R’ya Smith Born April 12, 2013 to Romone Smith & Maya Tucker

Ryan Tavares Born April 16, 2013 to Adam Tavares & Gabriela Tavares

Saige Cartwright Born August 10, 2013 to Clay Cartwright & Malika Musson

Santiago Eve-Hayward Born February 15, 2013 to Psanto Eve & Dannai Hayward

Sarai Mayho Born January 20, 2013 to Joshua Mayho & Jozelle Escolastica

Solae’ Maliah-Skye Born August 28, 2013 to Charles Richardson & Domonique Rivas

Soleil Steede Born July 21, 2013 to Dion Steede & Nacole Lambe

Tatiana Costa Born August 11, 2013 to Rui Costa & Diana Costa

Taylor Noah Born July 7, 2012 to Bernalle Tankard & Maegan Frith Ratteray

Taylor Kyme Born April 17, 2013 to Nicholas Kyme & Samantha Kyme

Tessa Jones Born June 4, 2013 to M Lambe & Rita Jones

Rio Ajani Stovell Born July 18, 2013 to Ari Stovell & Rebekah Darrell

Roman Gaglio Born June 21, 2013 to Reed Gaglio & Sandy Gaglio

THE BERMUDA SUN OH

BABY: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Thomas Kriendler Born April 14, 2013 to Stuart Kriendler & Olga Kriendler

Tony Tozury Rico Woolridge Born April 27, 2013 to Tony Woolridge & Kitisha Smith

Tristyn Devin Benevides Stowe Born March 26, 2013 to Devin Stowe & Sandra Benevides

Tyaunno Armstrong-Parfitt Born July 30, 2013 to Tyree Armstrong & Angelique Parfitt

Violet Heffernan Born July 3, 2013 to Paul & Heidi Heffernan

Warwick Philip Born May 5, 2013 to Amy Anderson

Xander Rebelo Born January 28, 2013 to Paulo Rebelo & Victoria Pereira-Rebelo

Xyaiden Burrows Born May 21, 2013 to Edward Stowe IV & Clynae Burrows

Yarii A Burrows Born January 16, 2013 to Desiree’ Burrows

FEBRUARY 21, 2014

Trystan Thompson Born December 26, 2013 to Tony Thompson

William Andrew Leman Born February 18, 2013 to Jason & Lindsey Leman

Zara Naaz Shakir Born July 3, 2013 to Omar Shakir & Kenisha Shakir

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THE BERMUDA SUN OH

BABY: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THANKS

to the sponsors and participants for this year’s OH BABY! CONTEST OUR SPONSORS: Daisy & Mac Gerber Gorhams Huggies Johnson & Johnson Kindermusik Lindos Lotus Pampers Phoenix Kidz

THANK YOU to our readers for submitting pictures and taking part in the contest.

Every baby is a winner...

It was a huge challenge judging all 123 entries, but we appreciate your participation.

Apologies to those submissions which weren’t included due to poor photo quality or insufficient information due to email difficulties.

FEBRUARY 21, 2014 n 23

24 n FEBRUARY 21, 2014

OH BABY: a special advertising section

THE BERMUDA SUN

and the winners are…

Saige Cartwright Born August 10, 2013

to Clay Cartwright & Malika Musson

Winner of a Gerber Gift Bag , Pampers Gift Bag, Johnson & Johnson Gift Bag & $100 Gift Certificate to Daisy and Mac, $100 Gift Certificate to Phoenix and Buddy Fruit Selections from Dunkleys

Warwick Philip Born May 5, 2013 to Amy Anderson

Winner of a Gerber Gift Bag , Pampers Gift Bag, Johnson & Johnson Gift Bag, $100 Gift Certificate to Phoenix and Buddy Fruit Selections from Dunkleys

Grand Prize Winner Elijah Xavier Jadan Smith

Reader’s Choice Winner

to Kuane Smith & Luciana Pacheco

Catelaya Tomaz

Born January 28th, 2013

Winner of a Kindermusic Gift Certificate from Bermuda School of Music, A Gift Certificate to Lotus, $100 Gift Certificate to Phoenix Stores, A Case of Huggies Diapers from Butterfield and Vallis, A Gerber Gift Bag , A Pampers Gift Bag, A Johnson & Johnson Gift Bag & A Gift Basket from Daisy and Mac

Born June 17, 2013

to Rio Babon & Luis Tomaz

Winner of a Gerber Gift Bag , Pampers Gift Bag, Johnson & Johnson Gift Bag, Lindo’s Gift Basket and a $100 Gift Certificate to Gorhams