Busy Parents L i m e r i c k
issue 1 April-June 2015
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baby & toddler swimming the magic of coconut oil
Limerick’s newest free magazine for parents
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family fun at Delta recipes and lots more
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Busy Parents L i m e r i c k
www.busyparents.ie 087 444 0414 info@busyparents.ie Facebook “Busy Parents Limerick”
Editor’s Note Welcome to Limerick’s newest FREE magazine for Busy Parents! Our compact magazine offers information about the wide range of products and services available locally for you, your babies and children, as well as listings of upcoming events for all the family. You can pick up your free copy, available quarterly, from multiple outlets in and around the city. So please tell your friends and family about us! Our website will be coming soon but until then you can find us on Facebook to get up to date news as they happen!
The Team Diana Daly Publisher and Editor Alina O’Shaughnessy Graphic Designer and Copywriter
Cover Image: In the photo: student of Diana’s Swim Academy Photo taken by: Black Diamond Photography
Advertise with Us Let Limerick’s parents know about you and your product/services by advertising in ‘Busy Parents’. Also if you have an interesting article you would like to share, we would love to hear from you. Contact us on 087 444 0414 or info@busyparents.ie for details. 2
From tiny babies to active pre-schoolers
The Parent & Baby Centre has something for you! Baby Massage | Baby Yoga | Family Fun | Fun to Move Now based in Delta Sports Dome, Ballysimon Road, Limerick, Wendy Condell of The Parent & Baby Centre has been teaching both group classes and private 1-1’s to local families for over eight years. Running relaxed, fun and sociable classes 5 days a week including Saturdays, there is sure to be
something to suit mums, dads and their little ones. Contact Wendy on 087-9206760, limerickbabyclasses@gmail.com or Limerick Parent & Baby Centre on Facebook for further details or to book your place. Gift vouchers also available.
What Class Is For Me? BABY MASSAGE is suitable for parents with babies aged between one month and pre-crawling stage. It runs once a week over five weeks and is a wonderful way to bond and have fun with your baby while learning lots of useful skills to help with any issues that may crop up, such as tummy troubles, nasal and chest congestion, relaxation and sleep issues, teething problems etc. The class setting is very relaxed and sociable, finishing with tea/coffee and chat amongst parents so you can give and receive support from those in similar circumstances to yourself. Wendy is registered with all of the major health insurers so many parents can claim back up to â‚Ź100 of the cost of the course, which is a welcome bonus! BABY YOGA is a fun and interactive class for parents with babies from three months to active crawling stage. It provides movement and activity for both the parent and the baby and includes songs and rhymes to increase the fun element for you both. We challenge both of you further each week so that you can see and feel the progress and benefits as the weeks go by and we finish each class with relaxation by glitter-ball light before having tea/coffee and chat to finish up. The
course runs once a week over six weeks throughout the year. FAMILY FUN is a weekly play class for parents and children up to pre-school age and includes songs and rhymes, free play time with lots of soft play activities, age appropriate toys, etc., and refreshments for parents. It is a wonderful way to provide a safe, fun environment for your child to play and socialise with you and near you, while they learn new skills from their peers. This class is run on a drop-in basis with places confirmed by text that morning. FUN TO MOVE is an hour long active play class on Saturday mornings for parents and children on the go up to pre-school age. It includes action songs, obstacle courses, parachute games, dancing and lots of fun and ends with a wind-down under the stars. A great way for you and your child to have fun and burn off some steam together! This class can be booked on a week-by-week basis or a discount is available when booking four classes and also for siblings coming together. 10-11am is for children any age up to three years, 11.15-12.15 is for children any age up to five years.
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swim, baby, swim! Baby Swimming classes have become an increasingly popular and fun activity for parents and carers to share with their children. A skill for life, as well as a thoroughly enjoyable pastime, all children benefit from learning to swim, and it’s never too early or late to start. Qualified professional instructors will help you to teach your baby basic lifesaving skills (back floating, turning to hold onto a side rail/wall, etc.), in a fun and safe environment. Swimming with your baby is also a fantastic bonding experience. With no distractions (eg: housework, telephones, email, etc.), you can concentrate on joining them in fun activities, praising their efforts, building trust and setting a firm and lasting foundation for your relationship. All of the classes use word association and repetition as part of their core learning 4
methods. For example, parents will be asked to say “[Child’s name], Ready, Go, Kick, Kick, Kick!” when moving about the pool and “Hold on, Turn, Reach!”. Continued use of these same phrases helps baby learn their meanings in a very short time. This brain stimulation, coupled with the hand-eye coordination skills from following and retrieving brightly coloured balls and floats, and the self-esteem boost from having their achievements recognised and rewarded, means your child will get a lot more out of each session than a simple dip in the pool!
Swimming has been proven to strengthen the heart and lungs and improve muscle development. Mothers with post-natal depression find the bonding time and mild exercise very beneficial too, and babies tend to eat and sleep better after a day in the water, so a little more peace and quiet for mum and dad. It’s also, of course, a great way to meet other parents in your area and for the children to make new friends.
Some Baby Swimming Tips ◆ Make sure the water is warm enough (32 degrees for babies under 12 weeks or 12-14lbs; 30 degrees after this) ◆ Make sure that the teacher who runs the Baby/Toddler classes has a specific qualification for it! ◆ There is no need to have baby immunised before attending classes, but if you have any concerns check out www.immunisation.ie. ◆ It may be worth investing in a little baby wetsuit.
Diana’s Swim Academy (DSA) is the only swimming school in Limerick that takes babies as young as 6 weeks old. And DSA caters for all ages above 6 weeks old, including adults. Classes are available at all ability levels, from beginner to competitive levels. We can also help parents and children who would like to participate, but have a fear of water.
◆ Swim nappies will need to be worn under the swimsuit/swim shorts, and can be bought in any of the big department stores. ◆ Keep it short for the first few sessions (15-20 min) – there are a lot of new sensations for your baby to take on board! ◆ Don’t submerge your baby except in supervised lessons (although they may accidentally dip their own face in the water a couple of times but that’s absolutely fine). ◆ Try to relax, maintain eye contact and smile and sing to them. The more relaxed you are, the happier they will be. ◆ Enjoy! Images: students of Diana’s Swim Academy.
If you would like to know more, or have any questions, email us at info@swimlessons.ie, or visit the website at: www.swimlessons.ie. You can also “Like” us on Facebook, by searching for ‘www.swimlessons.ie’.
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Hi, my name is Cathie O’Reilly Noble. As a mum of three (21, 15 and 12), I love to empower and share my knowledge with mums and dads as they start/continue on their parenting journey. At present I’m excited to be expanding that knowledge (further details in the next issue). For the last 6-8 years I’ve been teaching the following classes in Clare, Limerick and Tipperary: • Baby Massage (2 weeks – 1 year) • Baby Yoga (3-9 months)
• Rhythm Kids (8 weeks – 4 yrs) • Babywearing (0+)
I also offer 1:1’s (evenings and weekends).
I would like to offer 2 readers a postpartum package at ½ price (pick any three): • Assistance with newborn care (bathing, feeding, comforting) • Light meal preparation • Babysitting • Night-time feeds
• Baby Massage • Baby Wearing • Running errands • Light house work
Contact me for further details: Cathie ~ 087 754 4579 ~ moonstonebabies@gmail.com ~ Follow me on Facebook: Moonstone Hearts 6
Learn lifesaving skills Once an infant, child or adult stops breathing the brain will only survive for 3-5 minutes without oxygen hence brain damage occurs and after 7-10 minutes the brain cells are dead. With the arrival of a new baby so do all the monitors but monitors are useless to you if you don’t know what to do when a baby stops breathing. At Safe Aid Training our aim is to equip parents and caregivers with valuable techniques and information for dealing with a first aid situation that may arise when caring for children. These are lifesaving skills which we hope you never have to use, but you shouldn’t feel helpless when it really matters.
one to one session. Public courses also run regularly and babies are welcome. Depending on the number of participants, the course duration is three hours. The course will contain both practical and theory elements, and will cover the following topics: • CPR, resuscitation for infants (aged 0-1 years), children (aged 1-8 years) and adults (aged 8 and above) • Choking techniques for the relevant ages • Recovery position • Bleeding • Poisoning • Burns • Head injuries • Febrile convulsions • Common childhood illnesses • Anaphylactic shock
Marion is a registered general nurse and an instructor with over 10 years’ experience. The course is designed to take place at your home at a time that is convenient for you, whether it is weekends or evenings. We actively encourage spouses, grandparents, regular babysitters and other people who may be responsible for your child on a regular basis to take part. You can also arrange a group of friends, buy it as a gift for someone, or just arrange a
For information or to book contact Marion on 087 673 5565 or email info@safeaid.ie.
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The
Magic Coconut Oil of
You might have heard from friends and family about it or read on various social media pages, forums, etc., or have even tried coconut oil. For those who haven’t (yet) – it’s amazing! Here are a few little points* on why it’s so amazing and where you can use it. Coconut Oil for General Health and Wellness
1. Weight loss – the saturated fats contribute to weight loss and increase metabolic rate. 2. Breastfeeding – for breastfeeding moms, consuming at least 3½ tablespoons of coconut oil daily will enrich and increase the milk supply. 3. Bones and teeth – coconut oil aids in the absorption of calcium and magnesium leading to better development of bones and teeth. 4. Digestion – the saturated fats in coconut oil help control parasites and fungi that cause indigestion and other digestion related problems such as irritable bowel syndrome. The fat in coconut oil also aids in the absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, making you healthier all around. 5. Energy boost – coconut oil boosts energy and endurance making it a great supplement for athletes as well as those needing a quick pick me up. 6. Fitness – coconut oil has been proven to stimulate your metabolism and escalate energy levels, all of which help decrease your unwanted fat while increasing muscle. 8
7. Pregnancy – helps prevent gestational diabetes; keeps kidneys functioning; keeps morning sickness in check; and protects a mother-to-be from a host of potentially threatening infections as well as boost her immunity, which is naturally weakened during pregnancy. 8. Skin tone – promotes firmer skin tone and reduces sagging.
Coconut Oil for Personal Hygiene and Personal Care Products
1. After shave – coconut oil will help heal your skin after shaving without clogging pores. Great for razor burn! 2. Body scrub – mix coconut oil and sugar together and rub all over. Rinse off and your skin will be super soft! You can add in essential oils if you would like a specific smell. 3. Chapstick – just rub a little onto your lips and it not only acts as a softening agent but it also has an SPF of about 4-6! 4. Cuticle cream – apply to cuticles before manicures to aid in removal. Apply to dry cuticles to prevent hangnails. 5. Nail strengthener – rub on finger and toe nails to strengthen them and aid in repairing cracks and brittleness. 6. Stretch mark cream – coconut oil is great at nourishing damaged skin. It may not be the magic stretch mark cure but it will help. 7. Eye cream – apply under the eyes to reduce puffiness, bags and wrinkles. Use on the eyelids in the evening. 8. Hair conditioner/ Deep treatment – use as a leave-in hair conditioner by applying a teaspoon of coconut oil to your ends and then running your fingers through your hair to distribute the rest. For a deeper treatment, rub in a tablespoon of coconut oil onto your dry scalp and gently work through to the ends. Put a shower cap on to prevent transfer onto bed linens and leave on overnight. 9. Hair dye repeller – apply along hair line and on tips of ears before dying hair to keep skin from absorbing the dye. 10. Makeup remover – use a cotton swab and a dab of coconut oil and you would be amazed at how well it works! 11. Moisturizer – simply scoop some out of the jar and apply all over your body, including neck and face. 12. Mouthwash – add a little coconut oil to warm water then swish it around.
* These very helpful tips were takes from www.hybridrastamama.com. Please visit the website for information on types of coconut oil, its recommended daily dosage, uses of coconut oil for chronic health problems, skin problems and occasional illness or injury, as well as dozens of uses in the kitchen and inside and outside the home. 9
Yummy Recipes * HOMEMADE GRANOLA Serves 4 | Contains nuts
INGREDIENTS • 100g porridge oats (organic if possible) • 1 tbsp raw virgin coconut oil • 1-2 tbsp Coconut Blossom nectar (to taste) • 2 tbsp finely chopped walnuts • 2 tbsp flaked almonds • 2 tbsp ground almonds • 2 tbsp goji berries • 2 tbsp each pumpkin, sunflower, sesame seeds • 2 tbsp chia seeds • 2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
METHOD 1. Put the coconut oil in a frying pan and place on a medium heat. Once the oil is melted add the oats and mix well, so that all the oil is absorbed. 2. Allow the oats to cook for about one minute, moving them every 30 seconds or so. 3. Add the walnuts and flaked almonds and cook for a further minute. 4. Take off the heat and add the ground almonds, goji berries and seeds, cinnamon and Coconut Blossom nectar, mix well. 5. Serve with fresh berries or fruit of your choice.
NATURAL NUTELLA
DETOX JUICE Serves 2
Makes cup Contains nuts
INGREDIENTS • 4 tsp of virgin coconut oil (raw and organic) • 2-3 heaped tsp of raw cacao powder (depending on how strong you want it) • 1 tbsp of hazelnut butter • 1 tsp honey, maple syrup or agave syrup (sweeten to taste, start with 1 tsp) • Splash of almond milk METHOD 1. Melt the coconut oil on a low heat. 2. Take off the heat and add cacao, hazelnut butter and sweetener of your choice. 3. Add a splash of almond milk and whisk well to achieve creamy consistence. 4. Pour into a glass jar and allow to cool. It will keep in the fridge for a couple of weeks (if it lasts that long).
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INGREDIENTS • ½ cucumber • 1 grapefruit • 2 Granny Smith apples • 1 large handful kale • 1” slice raw beetroot • 2 stick of celery METHOD 1. Juice and drink. 2. Enjoy the goodness.
*Courtesy of Deborah Cooney from Wellness Rocks (http://deborahcooney.com).
Events in and around Limerick FLEADH BY THE FEALE 2015 Thursday 30 April – Monday 4 May | Abbeyfeale, Co.Limerick Home to traditional music, oozing with talent and what better place to be from April 30th until Monday 4th of May 2015. The weekend is filled with music, song and dance and story. RIVERFEST 2015 Friday 1 – Monday 4 May Riverfest 2015 kicks off over the May Bank Holiday weekend (1st-4th) and will showcase and celebrate all that’s great about Limerick City. Highlights of Riverfest 2015 will include the Barringtons Hospital Great Limerick Run and Ireland’s largest barbecue cook-off, the Coors Light Riverfest BBQ Competition. BARRINGTONS HOSPITAL GREAT LIMERICK RUN Sunday 3 May
GOSPEL RISING FESTIVAL Friday 8 – Sunday 10 May | Ennis, Co.Clare The Gospel Rising Music Festival is a social, fun and energetic gospel music festival that takes place annually in Ireland. Through workshops, concerts and other events we bring people together and showcase the various gospel music styles to be found across Ireland and beyond. CULTURE & CHIPS, LIMERICK CITY Saturday 30 May – Monday 1 June Thick, thin, chunky, curly: we’ve happily chomped chips for centuries. The love affair continues. Celebrations at Culture & Chips will take place in a 1920s Spiegeltent on the banks of the River Shannon in Limerick city with music provided by the likes of Brad Pitt Light Orchestra. A stand-out event is Pommes in the Park, an evening of cabaret and chips. LIMERICK SINGS INTERNATIONAL CHORAL FESTIVAL Friday 26 – Monday 29 June The Limerick Choral Festival was established to promote the development of choral music with special emphasis on the realm of church/sacred music in the city, wider region and throughout the country. 4th JULY LIMERICK FESTIVAL Friday 3 – Sunday 5 July A festival full of fun, excitement and entertainment for all ages with something for everyone. The entire festival has been put together by volunteers wanting to support their city and to show our appreciation of all the ties between Limerick and the great US of A. The weekend full of fun and festivities as Limerick goes red, white and blue to celebrate the 4th of July. MAKE A MOVE FESTIVAL Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 July Community arts festival with its roots in hip hop. Features the largest free outdoor street art exhibition in Ireland – the Paint Parade.
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