BABYOURSELF Magazine - Spring 2012

SPRING 2012

sanity for sleepless mommies

pampering for preggos

Orlando



the GREEN issue

BICYCLE SAFETY TIPS

Spring Fashion

runway in the back yard!

ciodur A c i l Foarn what ys, Le

is natural always

need body take and IZ! U the Q

better?

Can

breastfeeding be

Subscriptions available at: www.babyourself.com

by Spring 2012

Green?

in this ad w a s u o e ny Mentio urself magazin o ff y o 5 bab eive $2 and recexpires 4/30/12 offer

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B

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B a b o t i e s s e i Ex l l e

Join us for a day of fun and a chance to break a Guinness World Record!

Baby Bottoms Boutique, BABYOURSELF Magazine, and The Nielsen’s Photography & Design invite you to join us for the Bellies to Babies Expo and The Great Cloth Diaper Change!

Enjoy the excitement with boutique vendors, birth professionals, mini photoshoots, food trucks and more! Plus, you can join in with hundreds of locations all around the globe at 12 noon to change the most babies into a cloth diaper, all at the same time!

April 21, 2012 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at The Nielsen’s Photography & Design 159 North Central Avenue, Oviedo, FL.

Boutique Vendors!

Birth Professionals

free gifts & Swag Bags!

Special Guests: Jana from

Food trucks!

Mini photoshoots!

Demonstrations!

... and musician Mr. Richard!

Sponsored by: Tree of Life

Birth and Gynecology Tree of Life

.com • Spring 2012 Birth andbabyourself Gynecology Offering Holistic Home, Birth Center and Hospital Midwifery Care, Well-Woman exam/contraception, Primary care and Lactation support by Two by Two Lactation Services with Donna Antenucci LPN, IBCLC

Now Offering VBAC Classes Offered:

Tree of Life Welcomes

Donna Antenucci Care, Offering Holistic Home, BirthBreastfeeding Center and Hospital Midwifery HypnoBirthing ® as our new IBCLC Dunstan Baby Language

Lactation Consultant!

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spring 2012

Take the Folic Acid quiz CONTENTS

The Green Issue

24

Special Features

13 - Spring Fashion - Runway in your backyard

18

Babies and Pets

16 - Bicycle Safety Basics - Four rules to follow 18 - Incorporating a Pet into your Family

The story of a puppy and a baby

For the Preggos & Mommies 9 - Can breastfeeding be GREEN? 11 - Folic Acid - Take the quiz!

On the Green!

Featured Nursery

21 - Autism Awareness - Brady’s story 22 - Is Natural Always Better?

24 - Featured Nursery - Fore!

babyourself columns

Photo coursesy Elisabeth Nixon Photography

26 - Reality Chic - Don’t sweat the small stuff.

30 - Career Momma - Financial independence . . . and shoes?

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Spring Fashion featuring Walk on Water & Coastal Kidz

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On the cover:

Amy NeSmith of Lake Mary. Baby #2 welcomed by big brother Isaac.

Important questions to consider before choosing a natural remedy

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by Letter from the Editor

babyourself Volume 3, Issue 2 ~

Spring 2012

www.babyourself.com www.facebook.com/babyourself

Green

www.twitter.com/babyourself

EDITOR IN CHIEF kristi corley

photo courtesy twenty3moments photoart

It’s actually one of the ONLY colors I claim as a favorite. I prefer neutrals... mainly because I know they are tried and true -- non “fad” colors.

I’m not naturally a crunchy organic gal, but recently I’ve decided to do a little bit of Spring Cleaning within my body. In fact, I’ve talked my whole family into doing it with me! It’s not just a diet, but rather a purification process to get rid of the toxins within our bodies. It’s gonna be a challenge; that’s for sure. Anyone who knows me and my espresso fixes in the morning will attest that this won’t be a walk in the park. But I’m looking forward to it. I’ve been feeling blah-ish lately, and I think this is exactly what is needed!

Well, it’s that time of year when we give special attention to green products, green foods, green ideas, and the fresh start of spring. The topics are endless when it comes to “going green.” Sometimes organic or natural choices can strike a nerve within people who are passionately for or against a certain methodology. The articles within this issue are not meant to take one side over another. We have tried our best to present articles from a variety of perspectives. I hope you enjoy this green issue; it definitely inspired me to go a little green myself.

EDITORS jennifer hatcher elisabeth myrick

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS donna antenucci alyssa corley kim daniels jennifer hatcher michelle griaff vickie myers courtney schmidt katie miller witter

PHOTOGRAPHY elisabeth nixon photography the nielsens photography & design

WEB AND DESIGN andy corley

Kristi Corley

editor in chief kristi@babyourself.com

Keep an eye out for my “Doula Tips” - Suggestions and advice from one momma to another!

To advertise in

babyourself

(both magazine and online)

call 321-696-3962 or email advertising@babyourself.com

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK.COM/BABYOURSELF

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babyourself.com • Spring 2012

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @babyourself

Voted Best of Orlando specializing in pediatric and women’s care Treating neurological disorders in both children and adults, Pediatric Neurology, PA is devoted to our patients’ health and well being.

There are many medications used to treat neurological conditions in women that are NOT safe during pregnancy!

As a female neurologist Dr. Taylor understands women’s issues in Neurology. She specializes in the treatment of Epilepsy and Seizures as well as Migraine Headaches and other general neurologic conditions.

Dr. Denise S. Taylor, D.O.

Neurology & Epilepsy Center of Central Florida

(407) 781-0660

Accepts Most Insurance Affiliated with Orlando Health System

babyourself.com • Spring 2012

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Can breastfeeding be GREEN? PHOTO COURTESY ALLISON VAUGHN WITH LI T TLE WAVES PHOTOGR APHY

BY

DONNA ANTENUCCI LPN, IBCLC TWO BY TWO LACTATION SERVICES

Two by Two

I like to think that I have done my fair share of saving the planet. I try to recycle. I am

Lactation Services Donna Antenucci LPN, IBCLC

using less harmful chemicals in my home for cleaning. We attempt to conserve water and electricity. If I have errands to run, I try to do them all in one trip to cut down on fuel usage. We have a compost bin in the backyard. And I breastfed my children.

407-325-7926

www.twobytwolactationservices.com Classes and Consultations available Privately in your home, or in office located within Tree Of Life Birth and Gynecology, 819 E First St. Sanford FL 32771

Did it ever occur to you that breastfeeding your baby is considered GREEN? Reduce. Re-use. Recycle. Everywhere you turn these days it seems we have more and more opportunity to learn about trying to save our planet. The sales and use of eco-friendly products has skyrocketed in recent years and is wildly popular among the Generation Y or Millenial population. Decades ago, the decisions that a young mother made during the child-rearing phase of life weren’t thought about in a global manner.

Nowadays, however, many mothers are making parenting decisions with the environment in mind.

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average person generates approximately 1,600 pounds of trash a year that winds up in our landfills.

When a new baby joins the family, there can be an exponential increase in the amount of waste going out of the home in the form of solid, water and commercial waste. Baby formula comes in packaging that requires consumption of precious natural resources for production and distribution. The use of chemicals, petroleum-based products and fuel, plastics, metals, glass and the increased water usage all impact the environment.

If a mother chooses to feed her baby formula, the amount of solid waste, water and chemical usage within the family home will be a great deal higher than if she chooses to breastfeed.

Consults available for any breastfeeding related needs.

Erin Spaulding, mommy of 2 Owner Spaulding Chiropractic, Sanford

Consider the sheer number of bottles just one baby will consume in a year’s time.

At an average of 8 feedings a day, that would be roughly 2,990 bottles that would require preparing, cleaning and sanitizing, an exhaustive process that further taxes the water treatment systems in our communities.

In the USA alone, the excess packaging from artificial baby milk yields millions of pounds in solid waste, only a fraction of which is actually recycled. On the other hand, the packaging that contains breast milk doesn’t have to be thrown into a recycle bin, and this original happy meal is much more attractive than a formula bottle!

{Prenatal classes, Difficulties/pain, milk supply issues, poor baby weight gain, induced lactation for adoptive nursing, returning to work/pumping, nursing multiples} Call now for appointment. Weekly Breastfeeding Support Group Gathering.

Gift certificates available ~ Make it a Baby Shower Gift Why hire an IBCLC? The IBCLC credentialing provides evidence that the practitioner has demonstrated the highest level of skills and knowledge within the field of human lactation. For more info go to www.ibcle.org

Breastfeeding is undoubtedly a win- win situation when it comes to being good for baby and being GREEN. Human breast milk is the superior food for babies, and it is good for the earth. Breast milk is a renewable resource, with positive health effects for both mother and baby.

As you snuggle your nursing baby, just think – you’re helping save the planet! babyourself.com • Spring 2012

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by Vickie Myers | Photography by Elisabeth Nixon Photography

Folic acid

, sometimes called folate, is a B vitamin (B9) found mostly in leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach, orange juice, and enriched grains.

Studies from Nemours have shown that women who get 400 micrograms (0.4 milligrams) daily prior to conception and during early pregnancy reduce the risk that their baby will be born with a serious neural tube defect (a birth defect involving incomplete development of the brain and spinal cord) by up to 70%.

70%

Chick Pea and Beet Salad (455 mcg folic acid)

1 cup spinach 1 cup romaine ¼ c garbanzo beans ¼ cup sliced carrots ½ cup raw beet julienne ½ cup raw broccoli florets 1 teaspoon flax seeds Arrange all ingredients on a plate. For a different taste try using cooked beets instead of raw.

The most common neural tube defects are: • spina bifida (an incomplete closure Avocado Orange Dressing of the spinal cord and spinal column) (170 mcg folic acid) • anencephaly (severe underdevelopment of the brain) 1 small Hass avocado This Dressing is to die 2 oranges • encephalocele (when brain tissue for! Over your salad or 5-10 sprigs of thyme even as a healthy option protrudes out to the skin from an 1-2 Tablespoons olive oil to dip veggies into! abnormal opening in the skull) Pinch of black pepper Salt to taste

In blender combine avocado, juice from 2 oranges, the leaves from the sprigs of thyme, pepper and salt. While blending drizzle olive oil until smooth.

Some birth defects are due to not enough folic acid in a woman’s diet, which is especially critical during the first 28 days of pregnancy - usually before a woman even knows she is pregnant.

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babyourself.com • Spring 2012

All of these defects occur during the first 28 days of pregnancy — usually before a woman even knows she’s pregnant.

That’s why it’s so important for all women of childbearing age to get enough folic acid — not just those who are planning to become pregnant. Only 50% of pregnancies are planned, so any woman who could become pregnant should make sure she’s getting enough folic acid.

50%

PHOTO COURTESY ELISABE TH NIXON PHOTOGR APHY

Green Goodness!

Take the Folic Acid Quiz!

by

(answers in the left margin)

Green Smoothie

1. How much folic acid is recommended?

(700 mcg folic acid)

A. B. C. D.

2 ½ cup spinach leaves ½ cup Romaine lettuce 1 cup green grapes 1 apple

2. What is another name for folic acid?

A. B. C. D.

2. B

3. D

4. C

5. D

Put all ingredients through a juicer. Pour over ice. OR use a blender for a thicker texture. Add ice to the blender as you blend all ingredients together.

Answers: 1. C

100 mcg 1000 mcg 400 mcg 80 mcg

Vitamin F Vitamin B9 Vitamin B6 Vitamin B2

3. What are good sources of folic acid?

A. B. C. D.

Green leafy vegetables Orange juice Enriched grain All of the above

4. When should I start taking folic acid?

A Not-So-Green Green Smoothie

A. B. C. D.

(With the strawberries added, the end result is not green.)

(690 mcg folic acid)

Once I find out I’m pregnant In my second trimester Before becoming pregnant When my doctor tells me to

5. What are benefits of folic acid?

2 ½ cups spinach 1 cup carrots 1 cup strawberries One apple

YUM! Kid tested, babyourself approved!

A. B. C. D.

Prevents birth defects Production, repair, and functioning of DNA Reduce the risk of preeclampsia All of the above

Folic Acid Join Orlando Sports Chiropractic for a FREE Purification Seminar Saturday, March 24th at 12:00 pm 7513 West Sand Lake Road Orlando, FL

All Attendees will recieve a DISCOUNT on Purification Packages!

Buy your package at the seminar and receive a FREE Blender Bottle, and a FREE Travel Supplement Case!

Enter to WIN a FREE Purification Kit!

babyourself.com • Spring 2012

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Spring Fashion Runway in your own backyard!

Photography by The Nielsens Photography & Design Hair and makeup by Kelli Durrant Styled by Coastal Kidz | Styled by Walk on Water babyourself Set Location Cypress Grove, Orlando FL .com • Spring 2012

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Elizabeth, J.B. (3 yrs), Crosby (4 mos) Coates of Maitland.

“We are looking forward to spending lots of time at the beach with friends and family this spring.”

Rose and Avery Juan of Dr.Phillips.

“Spring is our favorite time of year! We are looking forward to many play dates at the park and swim lessons in preparation for the pool this summer. Most of all, we are excited to celebrate Avery’s 2nd birthday!”

Left: Dress $44 ,Ya Cobolt One- Shoulder; Necklace $68, Bracelet $88, Earrings $46, Brighton Le Ritz; Twinkle Sun Glasses $80, Brighton Heels $49, Lindsay Phillips; Baby bag $99, Vera Bradley.

Available at Walk on Water, Lake Mary & Winter Park Blue & Brown Boy’s Rash Top $39.95 & Boardie Shorts $39.95, SNAPPER ROCK SPF 50 Chick Onesie $28, Mud Pie Chick Bow $8, Socks $8 Available at Coastal Kidz, Lake Mary

Angela Clark of Orlando.

“I am a 33 year old real estate agent living and working in the downtown Orlando area. I am currently 34 weeks pregnant with my first child (a sweet baby girl). My husband and I are over the moon excited and looking forward to her arrival late winter/early spring.”

Far Left: Dress $47, Ya; Necklace $105, Bracelet $72, Earrings $46, Brighton; Juniper Handbag $38, Lindsay Phillips; Heels $90, Athena Alexander Available at Walk on Water, Lake Mary & Winter Park, FL Mermaid Onesie Dress $26 Available at Coastal Kidz, Lake Mary, FL Lower Right: Dress $80, Pine Apparel; Necklace $62, Alisha D; Bangles $38 each, Brighton; Purse $65, Vera Bradley; Sandles $78, Yellow Box

I love how you can shop any store when you’re pregnant!

Available at Walk on Water, Lake Mary & Winter Park, FL

Below: Left, Rabbit Blue & White Polka Dot Dress $28; Right, Carrot Blue & White Check Shortall $28. Available at Coastal Kidz, Lake Mary, FL

A Unique Boutique Something Special For Everyone In Your Life

Brighton Pandora Vera Bradley

Clothing ~ Shoes ~ Handbags ~ Gifts ~ Accessories

Open Daily 10-9pm Friday & Saturday 10-10pm Sunday 12-7pm

122 N. Fourth St. #1014 Lake Mary, Fl.

Colonial Town Park Winter Park Village

Mon. – Thurs. 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

407-805-0477

407-539-2079

w w w. w a lk o nw a t e r f l . co m

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“a unique gift shop & children’s boutique” www.coastalgiftsanddecor.com

babyourself.com • Spring 2012

407-323-5533

Floral lime & white Rash Top $32 Lime & White Polka Dot Shorts $18, SPF 50 Blue & Brown Boy’s Rash Top $39.95 Boardie Shorts $39.95 SNAPPER ROCK SPF 50

SPF 50 Clothing!

Available at Coastal Kidz, Lake Mary, FL

Sleeveless Top $32, Ya Cami $22, Yahada Jeans $102, Silver Necklace $120 Beads $40 & $25 Bracelet Leather $45 Beads $70 & $65, Pandora Available at Walk on Water, Lake Mary & Winter Park, FL Bicycle Shirt $26 Navy Shorts $28 Kai Bean Kids Available at Coastal Kidz, Lake Mary, FL

Party on the Lawn Bottom Right and Left 2-pc Chick Tutu Set $42; Center 3-Chick Blue & White Polka Dot Longall $28 Available at Coastal Kidz, Lake Mary, FL

babyourself.com • Spring 2012

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BICYCLE SAFETY BASICS

There’s nothing quite like the freedom and fun of riding a bike. Especially here in Central Florida, biking can be enjoyed any time of year!

But before you and your young ones take to the road, be sure to put safety first.

Using lights on your bike, obeying traffic signals and laws and avoiding distractions are just some of the ways to stay safe on the road.

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babyourself.com • Spring 2012

SOURCE: ht tp://www.amfam.com/learning-center/my-family/bicycle-safet y.asp

Use Your Head – Wear a Helmet You should always wear a helmet. The helmet should fit squarely on the top of the head and cover the top of the forehead. The strap should be comfortably snug and should hold the helmet in place without moving or sliding.

It’s also wise to wear bright-colored and reflective clothing to make you more visible to motorists.

Avoid wearing loose clothing that may catch in the bike chain or wheels. Tennis shoes or closed-toe shoes should be worn to avoid foot injuries.

Find the Right Fit It’s important for your bike to be the right size for your body.

Riding a bike that is not the correct fit can cause a loss of balance and control. Consider the following factors to find the rightsized bike: * Check to make sure you can place the balls of both feet on the ground when sitting on the seat. * Make sure you can comfortably reach the handlebars when sitting on the seat. * Be sure you can apply enough pressure to trigger handlebar brakes.

Know the Rules of the Road Young riders need special attention when they are learning how to balance both biking and safety. Here are a few tips to keep children safe on the road.

Children under 12 months or older than four years should not ride as passengers on an adult bike.

Adults should accompany riders under age nine and not allow them to ride on the road.

Young children and inexperienced riders should walk their bikes across the street.

Do not ride after dark.

Teach hand signals Right turn – Put your left arm straight out and bend at the elbow to put your forearm and hand straight up.

Left turn – Place your left arm straight out and parallel to the road.

Braking – Place your left arm straight out and bend at the elbow to put your forearm and hand straight down.

Get out and explore the bike trails of Central Florida!

Go to www.ragincajunbikeshop.com as your resource to find trails and paths, featured rides around Central Florida, and great specials!

Located at 1809 S. Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32806

407-999-9821

Hours Tuesday-Friday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Closed Mondays

babyourself.com • Spring 2012

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I had never even heard of doggie day care before I began my research! But as soon as I took the tour of Bow Wow, I knew that our Cooper would love it. He would be able to socialize with other dogs and get to release all his energy. And I could focus on growing a baby!

After baby Alexandra (Lexi) was born, the hubs took the advice of many, many dog owner friends and family, and he brought Cooper a blanket that the baby had been wrapped in. While we were in the hospital, Cooper slept with baby Lexi’s blanket at Bow Wow Resort.

But surprise! We were preggo! 9 ½ weeks, as it turned out -- just as old as our Cooper. It was very confusing for me, since I thought I HAD a period the month before (but that’s another story).

Our dog advisors also told us to bring the baby in the house first, before bringing Cooper into our home. Apparently, the dog then thinks the baby belongs there, as opposed to intruding on his space.

At first, Cooper was very curious.

Since he was barely a year old, he was also just learning about everything.

Then the curiosity wore off and the jealously followed. The hubs and I were lucky; he only took his jealousy out on us by CONSTANTLY demanding our attention. We really were solely to blame for that behavior, though.

Cooper had been spoiled rotten!

Before the baby, he had free reign of the house and even slept with us.

When Lexi became mobile, we were concerned about her and Cooper vying for the same space. At that point, Cooper was about 80 pounds and still hyper as can be! We were really afraid he might unintentionally step on her or just knock her over as he walked by her. So we kept him gated out of the living room. This caused more crying from him than from the baby.

So, here I was with a Golden Retriever puppy and I was 9 ½ weeks preggo. No big deal, right? WOW, how wrong! Dogs, especially puppies, particularly Golden Retrievers, need LOTS of attention and exercise. Not a very easy task, I learned, when you are preggers.

As Lexi became more stable on her feet, we allowed them to roam together. I was so pleasantly surprised. Of course, Cooper was 18 months old then, but Golden Retrievers are notoriously not mature dogs --loving, sweet and pretty or handsome, but NOT mature.

While I adored Cooper, I just did not have the energy or strength to take care of him. My body was growing a baby! But my husband worked 60 hours a week, so it really was ALL up to me. I could not bear to give Cooper up, so I went on a research quest for help. And I found what I consider our miracle - Bow Wow Resort.

However, to my joy and surprise, Cooper is absolutely amazing with our baby Lexi.

Now, at 16 months old, she beats the heck out of him daily; she tries to ride him, pulls his hair, hits him in the nose, and he lies there, tolerating it all. It’s great! As it turns out, dogs are a toddling girl’s best friend too!

Cooper &Alexandra A Story Of A Puppy & A Baby

by Michelle Graiff | Photography by Elisabeth Nixon Photography

So the hubs and I decided to get a puppy.

Thanksgiving 2009.

My hubs insisted on a Golden Retriever since this was the breed he had throughout his childhood. I did not grow up with dogs. I had a beautiful, white, fluffy cat I adored for about 5 years, but no dog. I, therefore, knew nothing about the needs and behaviors of a dog. I knew that a dog is a man’s best friend, and that pretty much summed up my dog-knowledge.

We made the schlep out to Sumterville and picked out the most adorable Golden Retriever of the litter. Well, they were all adorable and, honestly, I just tried to pick out the one that seemed the most laid back.

On New Year’s Eve 2009, we were finally able to pick up our little furry, red-haired puppy. He was 12lbs of preciousness. We named him Cooper.

A few days later, I started having some severe breast pain. Not the normal getting your period boob aches, but REAL PAIN. The hubs thought I should take a

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babyourself.com • Spring 2012

pregnancy test. I agreed, even though I was not actually period-late. I agreed only because I had never before felt this type of pain.

Doggie recommendations for preggos or families with young kiddos**: Large Breeds • Labrador or Golden Retriever • Bernese Mountain • Newfoundland • Mastiff Small Breeds • King Charles Cavalier • Miniature Schnauzer • Maltese • Pug ** It is important to note that these recommendations are based on behavior and temperament, as this is the most important factor for families with young children. However, as a parent to a small child and a clean freak, I occasionally get stressed out since my cleaning chores doubled with our lovey and VERY fluffy (as in constantly shedding) Golden Retriever. Almost all breeds shed, but at varying levels. It’s important to also research a breed’s grooming needs when making your choice as well. The big hairy breeds may cause great joy and happiness, just keep in mind they might also require Merry Maids on speed-dial.

Top 4 things to do when bringing baby home with Fido:

1. Training, Training, Training

– preferably BEFORE bringing baby home.

Bow Wow Resort

Hang with the RUFF

CROWD

• Overnight Stays • Daycare • Grooming

2. Don’t forget your pooch needs lots of love, attention and exercise.

3. The pooch loves to sniff anything related to baby – blankets, towels, toys, etc. – and may also enjoy occasionally eating these items as well, so it is necessary to monitor the items to which he has access.

4. For your own sanity – fence in your

yard! You and your baby may actually be able to nap in peace if your pooch can freely roam the yard.

407-786-1010

www.bowwowresort.com 3468 E Semoran Blvd • Apopka (just west of Bear Lake Rd)

M-F: 7AM-Noon/3PM-6PM closed: Noon-3PM (nap time) Sat: Sat: 8AM-Noon Sun: Sun: 9AM-Noon babyourself.com • Spring 2012

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dou·la

[doo-luh] -noun a woman experienced in childbirth who provides advice, information, emotional support, and physical comfort to a mother before, during, and just after childbirth



Kristi Corley

Doula Extraordinaire Editor in Chief of babyourself magazine

ways to contact me!

p. 321.696.3962 e. kristi@babyourself.com fb. Kristi Neff Corley (send me a friend request!)

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babyourself.com • Spring 2012

Autism

Alyssa is mom to four kids under the age of 6. She enjoys working out and writing on her family blog (corleyz. blogspot.com) when time allows.

BY

ALYSSA CORLEY

Sometimes parenting doesn’t go the way we expect. One doctor’s appointment, one phone call, one diagnosis can shatter our plans or dreams.

April is Autism Awareness month.

This is one mother’s story.

Secondly, I learned that grief is not wrong; it is natural. I felt so guilty for feeling sad about Brady having Asperger’s. I felt (and sometimes still do feel) that I need to be stronger. When I give in to these feelings of guilt and shame and do not allow myself to grieve the “normal” I had hoped and planned for my family, it is destructive, and it doesn’t help Brady. Recognizing my emotions is vital for my own emotional health, for my family’s spirit, and for my child’s growth. I have learned that tears are fine.

There have been times on this journey when I have felt lost. When our psychiatrist looked at my husband and me and compassionately broke the news that our five-year-old son has Asperger’s Syndrome, the earth shook; my heart stood still; I couldn’t breathe.

And lastly, acceptance. Coming to terms with what my life holds for me gives me purpose. Embracing my life as a mother to an Aspy kid is beautiful, just as he is beautiful. Finding support through the internet, good reading materials, the special ed department at school, and making myself “aware” has improved my life. After accepting Brady’s diagnosis, we could move forward.

It felt like all of our dreams had been wadded up, thrown away.

It was a heavy blow. Five years prior, when I was a glowing, expectant mama, I never could have imagined this would be my future. This just couldn’t be true.

I still sometimes find myself in that dark tunnel of grief or denial, thinking about the dreams I had for my child and family. But then, unexpectedly, light comes pouring through.

Brady is my light, Asperger’s and all! All children are a gift. I am learning to embrace the uniqueness of each.

The first signs weren’t obvious to us. Our little Brady just seemed a tad stubborn - what toddler isn’t? He didn’t smile very often, but that was just because of his serious disposition.

When he was a little over two years old, our little boy could identify every make and model of every car made. He had memorized every store name and could tell you where you had been shopping by looking at your grocery bag.

He knew where your clothes where made by reading their tag. He was amazing!

People told us that he was a genius. Some people said he was “head strong.” Others said he probably had OCD. By age four, Brady was really struggling socially. He was impulsive and had high anxiety. We finally came to terms that this was beyond us, and we sought help. The diagnosis was heartbreaking, but the clarity of naming it was relieving.

I have learned that proper diagnosis is absolutely key. We went so long listening to others, defending our child, playing guessing games. I couldn’t really start helping my child until I knew for certain what I was dealing with.

I needed the help of professionals who have experience diagnosing and helping children with autism.

A bag or storage tote for every purpose!

India Hill

Thirty-One Gifts Independent Consultant Indiahill31@gmail.com www.mythirtyone.com/India 937-838-4746

babyourself.com • Spring 2012

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By Courtney Schmidt

PharmD

Is Natural Always Better?

Important Questions To Consider Before Choosing A Natural Remedy I have a friend who makes natural medicine at home. She buys various herbs, soaks them in vodka for several weeks, and dispenses them to friends and family to treat and prevent illnesses like common colds and the flu. When I asked my friend why she chose this particular therapy, she replied: “It’s natural. It’s good for you.”

This sort of response has become commonplace, and it represents why a lot of people are turning to alternative therapies. We want our families to be healthy, and when we look around at all of the things that can possibly go wrong in life, we feel helpless.

If there is a possibility that we can do even small things to tip the scales in our favor, then we might be willing to try it. Natural medicine may seem like a relatively safe and easy way to do just that.

Countless influences promote the use of natural products to improve health and wellness. Many of us believe that natural alternatives not only offer solutions that conventional medicine cannot, but that anything labeled as “natural” is safe. We have accepted this “natural is better” line of thinking as fact without asking the critical questions. Here are some of the important questions we must evaluate before deciding if “natural” really means “better”:

Is my belief based on an emotional feeling or proven facts?

If we were honest, most of us would probably admit to some feelings of fear when we think about our health. Will we, or someone we love, develop cancer, multiple sclerosis Alzheimer’s or autism?

These fears drive us to seek answers to avoid those fateful diagnoses. Although natural medicines and supplements seek to calm our fears of possible illness, we owe it to ourselves and our children to evaluate whether or not they can actually fulfill what they promise.

Simply labeling a product as “natural” does not mean that the item is safe or effective for its intended user.

Many things found in nature are most certainly not safe: arsenic, cyanide and hemlock, to name a few.

The safety and medical usefulness of a substance is not determined by where it comes from, but by what it is and how it affects our bodies.

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Conventional medicines have been extensively tested to determine how they will affect our bodies, the diseases they target and how they can be used safely and effectively. Natural medicines often have not undergone this degree of testing, so it is not possible to accurately determine whether they are safe or effective. Furthermore, many natural products that have undergone testing have failed to show a benefit, or worse, have been proven unsafe.

As we make health decisions, we must consider why we believe what we believe and whether our beliefs have a solid foundation in fact. Otherwise, we may make decisions that could actually cause harm rather than good for ourselves and our families.

What are reliable sources for determining whether something is safe and effective?

We are fortunate to live in a time and place where answers to our questions are only a click away.

However, we must utilize online health information wisely. Recognize that information found on the Internet can often be incomplete, inaccurate, misleading or misunderstood.

“As a good rule of thumb, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Utilize the expertise of trained healthcare professionals to guide your information search. Physicians and pharmacists are trained to interpret medical studies, which determine how medicine affects our bodies. Ask them what information is available regarding therapies that interest you.

Become familiar with reputable medical associations who are responsible for making recommendations based on trustworthy medical evidence. A few key resources are:

-American Academy of Pediatrics (aap.org or healthychildren.org) -Center for Disease Control (cdc.gov) -National Institutes of Health (health.nih.gov) .

How do we differentiate help from hype?

As a good rule of thumb, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

•Consider the source of the claims that are being made. Is this source qualified to make recommendations regarding complex medical issues? Does this source have a financial incentive to convince us to use a product?

•Consider what type of proof is offered that validates these claims. Does the evidence offered actually prove what they claim it does?

•Consider whether or not the product has been accepted by medical experts. If not, determine why it has not been accepted.

The world of health information can be vast and overwhelming. As we look at various healthcare choices, though, we can start to critically examine our options. Then, we can separate clever marketing and unfounded promises of health and well-being from available therapies that can truly impact our lives in a positive way. Whether the therapy is derived naturally or otherwise, we can search for those that have proven to be beneficial and use them wisely.

Courtney Schmidt is a pharmacist and writer at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. She received her doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of Florida in 2006. Courtney is passionate about equipping parents with the best possible health information to help them raise healthy, thriving children.

She is also Mommy to a 2-year-old little girl, Avery. For more of her insight into raising healthy kids, visit myilluminateblog.com.

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Carter’s

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Room

THE INNER CHAMBERS OF A GOLF PRO HOPEFUL Photography by The Nielsen’s Photography & Design

Ah, the life of a one year old.

Waking and sleeping with your eyes on the green!

Carter comes from a family of golf lovers, and his nursery shows it! The central focus of the room is a full-wall mural depicting the start of a young boy’s journey to life on the course!

Throughout the room are more scenes of a golf pro, from Arnold Palmer to Bay Hill. See more details of this nursery at babyourself.com/carters-room

babyourself.com • Spring 2012

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a real mom with real kids & a really noisy home You know that saying, “I was a perfect parent before I had children”? Well, that was me.

I spent my teenage years babysitting.

I had gobs of cousins. I had nephews. I was an elementary school teacher. I read books and subscribed to magazines. Clearly, I was ready to be an excellent parent!

Then, I had my first baby.

Aside from her massive projectile vomiting and weight gain issues, she really cooperated quite nicely with my plans, settling right into a routine. As she became mobile, she cheerfully obeyed my instructions not to touch our telephone, not to bang on the television, not to pull the dog’s eyebrows, not to bonk together the glass knick-knacks at relatives’ homes.

Obviously, I had read the right books! My parenting skills were yielding a delightful toddler!

When the first baby was 15 months old, daughter number two came along. Feeling like an expert by now, I applied the same parenting principles. It was like the same song, second verse. This baby also settled right into our routine.

Wow! I was doing everything right, and look at the results – two adorable little girls, often wearing cute, matchy-matchy outfits, who were happy, obedient and napped on the same schedule!

You know that other old saying, “Pride comes before the fall”? Yeah, well, that was me too.

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hc ic

Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Right around the same time my oldest child turned 3, I had my first son. He obviously hadn’t read the same parenting books and articles! He didn’t like to eat, sleep, play or poop on schedule. He preferred to cat-nap. He preferred to cluster-feed. He wanted to be held often.

While he was causing me to question everything I knew about mothering a newborn, my 3-year-old daughter woke up one day and realized she had an opinion. About everything! And she wanted to see what would happen if her opinion was different than mine. What if she didn’t want to take a nap? Or use the potty? What if she wanted to push the buttons on the TV? Or bonk her sister in the head with a stuffed animal? What if she wanted to jump on her bed instead of going to sleep at bedtime?

Suddenly, I realized what I should have known all along – I knew NOTHING about being a mother! It was all – every single bit – trial and error!

So I decided to let my new son cat-nap when he wanted. I fed him when he was hungry. I bought a sling and wore him while I made dinner or played outside with his sisters. And he was a happy baby.

I relaxed. Some. Since having 3 more boys, I have relaxed even more.

You know what happens if your baby screams and cries for hours and hours and refuses to give up a pacifier and you give in and let him keep it 6 more months?

Nothing. Eight years later, nobody can tell whether he gave up that pacifier at 12 months or 18 months.

The same is true about potty-training.

Now that my boys are reading Captain Underpants books and climbing trees and racing down soccer fields, nobody can tell which son was potty-trained when he was 3 and which one was almost 5 (yes, FIVE!) before he was accident-free.

I do not see a difference at all between the children who stuck close to a sleep,

BY J ENNIFER

H ATCHER

eat, wake schedule and those who nursed themselves to sleep every couple of hours.

Nobody can tell which of my babies soothed themselves back to sleep or which ones needed to be patted or held or nursed back to sleep.

All that time I spent reading books and deciding on the RIGHT way to parent my babies! Goodness! I could have been doing something FUN! I could have been sleeping. And had I known how sleepdeprived I would be for eight years of my life, I would eagerly have chosen to sleep when I could.

Now my babies are not babies any more.

They are all in school, picking out their own clothes, reading, doing chores. My oldest is officially a teenager. And you know what? I still don’t know what I’m doing. It’s still so much trial and error. I just do the best I can. And I try not to get too worked up about the small stuff. I’m still learning that, though – how to pick my battles.

I mess up. I apologize. And I try again.

And I pray they won’t need too much therapy when they’re adults. Because I’m not a perfect parent – not since I had actual children enter my home. by

PHOTO COURTESY ELISABE TH NIXON PHOTOGR APHY

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Creating a unique

birth experience for every

mommy Two amazing moms, two unique personal styles, two totally different birth experiences, one legendary boutique hospital for women and babies – welcome to the Dr. P. Philips Baby Place at Winter Park Memorial Hospital, a Florida Hospital. It’s a place where every moment of every day centers around making mom feel comfortable, pampered and surrounded by the finer things as she embarks on life’s greatest milestone. What’s more, the Birth Experience Design team ensures the big event is totally customized for each mom’s unique vision of happiness – after all, no two mommies are exactly alike!

Meet

Mariam an energetic go-getter mommy

Mariam Ladores was buzzing about with excitement long before the arrival of her baby. She read magazines, books and spoke to other mommies about what to expect. She wanted to look and feel her very best throughout her pregnancy and delighted in getting pampered at the Baby Place. Her birth experience dream included a luxurious yet warm and friendly environment with a very personal approach.

From pedicures and tea to the nightly turndown service, Mariam’s one-of-a-kind “birth wish” came true.

“After Birth Experience Designer, Vickie Smith gave us our tour of the Dr. P. Phillips Baby Place, it was an easy decision to have our baby there. It’s luxurious yet it’s very warm and inviting - from the precious baby pictures lining the hallways to the lovely Relaxation Lounge to the beautifully designed private suites with lots of extra amenities.”

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Amy Smith Photography

“I was particularly focused on the safe arrival of my twin babies. The Baby Place quickly put my mind at ease. They also went to great lengths to make sure that I was as comfortable as possible. I had an amazing in-room massage that helped relieve a lot of tension from the swelling. Vickie also had my favorite meals prepared and coordinated dinners for my family in attendance. It was such a wonderful experience.”

When a mommy chooses the Baby Place to celebrate life’s biggest milestone moment, she becomes part of Amy Smith Photography

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Janelle a focused outgoing

an exclusive group of women who receive legendary care in chic luxury and total privacy. The new threestory, Mediterranean-inspired building offers the most advanced care available in a nurturing, opulent, boutique-style environment – to create the ultimate childbirth memory of a lifetime.

mommy

After several years on the journey to mommy-hood, Janelle Burch’s dreams were finally coming true with double the blessing – fraternal twins. In the high risk category, her focus was on ensuring the safe arrival of her babies. It was also very important for Janelle’s peace of mind to have her family support group present.

Her birth experience dream came true in the Magnolia Retreat, an ultra-exclusive oversized suite featuring a separate sitting parlor and other luxuries. The twins, who came earlier than expected, received the advanced medical care they needed in the Dreamery - the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Winter Park Memorial Hospital.

Meet

Vickie designer of mommy’s happiness

Vickie Smith, a registered nurse, serves as the Birth Experience Designer for the Dr. P. Phillips Baby Place at Winter Park Memorial Hospital. She consults with each mommy personally to accommodate their every wish. To schedule a personal tour with Vickie and see what everyone is talking about, call 407-646-7200.

www.WinterParkHosptial.com

babyourself.com • Spring 2012

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advice from our

Career Momma

Financial Independence: Taking the appropriate steps to greener pastures As a woman, where are your shoes taking you? Why are high heels the only shoes that some women count on for power and confidence? What about the running kicks that recently took you on a 13.1 mile race? Or the flats you wore through nine months of pregnancy? Don’t forget about the slippers that take you to your child’s bedroom day after day, night after night…or the bare feet that continuously pick up toys, clothes and take you to the kitchen to prepare meals for your family. Maybe heels are the power shoe of choice for an important day in the office, but I know plenty of amazing women who have done extraordinarily powerful things without a stiletto in sight.

Shoes appropriate for one activity may not be suitable for another.

It’s not the shoes that determine our direction, path or journey; it’s where our steps are taking us.

Are women different when it comes to financial planning? The unequivocal answer is: Yes. Here are a few reasons why: Women tend to live longer than men, earn less, save less for retirement and have different insurance needs. Women also tend to approach financial planning advice differently. The biggest single financial challenge Americans face – a challenge that is especially acute for women -- is lack of preparation for retirement.

To become financially independent you must turn part of your income into capital; turn capital into enterprise; turn enterprise into profit; turn profit into investment; and turn investment into financial independence.

More simply, to become financially independent you must turn your knowledge and work into income (EARN), keep part of your income for capital without spending it (SAVE), and then produce returns with your capital (INVEST). Financial independence is the ability to live from the income your own personal savings and investments produce, which gives you freedom to spend time with loved ones for the remaining years of your life.

Randomly scattering seeds and then hoping to produce the outcome you intended offers no chance for success. The following steps practiced throughout your life will produce the best harvest for healthy, abundant and green pastures.

Plan

Planning is the most difficult step, as it begins with assessing the cumulative effects of your past financial decisions. You must specify what is most important, define personal/financial goals for future satisfaction, and design an action plan.

Plant

The plan is only successful if you ”plant” the proper seeds. With the help of a professional, you must diversify your seeds across the appropriate asset classes to exploit entrepreneurial thinking and innovation across the globe while minimizing risk.

Grow

Healthy pastures are attained by avoiding common investor mistakes of stock picking, market timing, performance chasing, and paying the high costs of speculative active management.

Successful investing requires you to diligently adhere to certain principles, remain committed to your plan and manage your emotions.

Cultivate

Protecting and promoting the growth of capital can be achieved by embodying standard practices that are aligned with fundamental investing principles such as rebalancing and remaining disciplined with proper investment philosophies and strategies.

Harvest

You must have a sufficient harvest to survive, to be free and to live a good life during 40 years of adulthood and 30 years of retirement.

Distribute

Most investors spend considerable time and energy accumulating retirement assets during their working years, but often invest little thought and planning into producing and sustaining a rising retirement income stream that mitigates ever-rising expenses to maintain their lifestyle.

Regardless of gender, people need a space to discuss emotional issues that revolve around money. Surround yourself with positive networks where deep and meaningful conversations are frequent to produce better outcomes. Studies show that those who are expressively invested in a financial plan always have a higher success rate in terms of implementing their plan and fulfilling their financial and lifestyle ambitions.

If you sow a thought, you reap an act. If you sow an act, you reap a habit. If you sow a habit, you reap a character. If you sow a character, you reap behaviors with consequences. Expect to harvest the fruit of your thoughts, actions, habits and behaviors – and definitely wear the most appropriate shoes for all of the above! You reap what you sow. Sow wisely.

Katie Miller Witter, co-owner of Financial Harvest Wealth Advisors, a Registered Investment Advisor Firm located in Winter Park, has more than ten years of investment advisory experience and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP®) Candidate and CERTIFIED SUCCESSION PLANNER™. She obtained her Bachelors of Science in Business Finance & Marketing from the University of Florida and her Masters of Business Administration from the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College. She serves on the Crummer Alumni Board, Downtown Orlando YMCA Board, and is a graduate of Leadership Winter Park and Leadership Orlando. Katie is married and lives with her husband, David, and son Will, in Winter Park, Florida. Katie can be reached at 407.937.0707 or babyourself.com • Spring 2012 30 katie@financialharvest.com

PHOTO COURTESY THE NIEL SENS PHOTOGR APHY AND DESIGN

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babyourself.com • Spring 2012

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The Alexander Center for Neonatology at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies is expanding.

We need your support so that we can continue to provide the best care possible for our little miracles.

More than two decades ago, The Alexander Center for Neonatology made a commitment to Arnold and Winnie Palmer that “good” would never be good enough. In everything we do, we know that we must reach a level that is beyond what is merely good or acceptable. Our children and families deserve the highest level of medical care in a nurturing, supportive environment.

Over the past few years, we have outgrown our current space.

Fortunately, Winnie Palmer Hospital was designed and built with future growth needs in mind. Our vision for the 11th floor expansion includes 30 new Level II NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) beds and approximately 19,000 additional square feet, divided into three pods with 10 beds per pod. This will provide us with the space we so desperately need to save the lives of our precious and fragile newborns.

Help us Continue to Deliver

Big Miracles to Our Tiny Babies.

Sustaining our commitment to this high level of excellence is an ongoing challenge. In order to provide the best care possible for our children and families, we must always be on the leading edge of technology, seeking out the most talented people, and continually growing with the needs of the community. None of these elements of success come without a cost.

For more information on the expansion of the Alexander Center for Neonatology at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, please contact the Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation at 407.841.5114. Name and gift options are available ranging from $25,000 to $5 million.

Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation 3160 Southgate Commerce Blvd., Suite 50, Orlando, FL 32806 407.841.5114 • apmcfoundation.com

Text

“tinybabies” to 20222 to make a $10 donation to the NICU expansion project at Winnie Palmer Hospital.

The generosity of others through philanthropy has always played – and will continue to play – a vital role in making the dream a reality. Please help us continue to deliver big miracles to our tiny babies. Text “tinybabies” to 20222 to donate today.

A one-time donation of $10.00 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. All donations must be authorized by the account holder. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. User must be age 18 or older or have parental permission to participate. By texting YES, the user agrees to the terms and conditions.

Service is available on most carriers. Message & Data Rates May Apply. Donations are collected for the benefit of the Winnie Palmer Hospital by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.hmgf.org/t. You can unsubscribe at any time by texting STOP to short code 20222; text HELP to 20222 for help.

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The Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. Our federal tax ID# is 59-2244943. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.