Face Magazine ~ August 2009

AUGUST 2009

OH BABY! The most precious threads for baby and chicest looks for mom

EAT THIS The best foods for mom and baby

ON FIRE What’s hot now.

Trends every woman can pull off

PAIN NO MORE Banish pregnancy

ROBIN RACCA

How relentless hope gave one woman the one thing she waited for all of her life

aches and pains

WHAT A TRIP Local decorators headed to Romania

Mrs. Louisiana

WHERE ELSE WOULD

SHOP?

AMERICA

MEN’S & WOMEN’S CLOTHING In Style In River Ranch

August 2009

FACE Magazine 5

editor’sdesk

Babies, babies everywhere

I

It is officially raining babies in my world. So many of the women nearest and dearest to me are expecting little ones. Some were a surprise, some were the result of months of praying and hoping and all of them are in store for a lifetime of love as their mothers prepare for a life-changing experience and a new role.

It’s a role you can never prepare for too much and yet one you can never prepare for completely. FACE is all things women and what is more important to many women than the role of mommy? In the pages of our first ever Special Edition Baby Issue we hope you find some serious information to help you make decisions about your labor and delivery, some useful tips to keep you and your baby healthy and of course, some great fashion because “mom

jeans” don’t have to happen to you. You have a choice.

This month we feature Robin Racca and her precious son Zephyr. It’s a story of some serious praying and hoping and pain and heartache. If you’ve ever wondered whether it was just time to give up, read Robin’s story and you’ll see the fruits of relentless perseverance. Robin is a testament for taking her health into her own hands and being brave enough to risk the possibility of disappointment.

The experts at Acadiana Yoga and Wellness tell us why there’s perhaps no better time than during pregnancy to try some yoga. And for moms-to-be that are considering a totally natural birth, check out our interview with a local midwife who is changing the way women labor and deliver.

Yvette Quantz gives us a simple breakdown of nourishment for baby and mom. And Cookie Tuminello speaks to moms with adult children about the growing pains of grown kids.

A Baby Issue wouldn’t be complete without some real stories from the most important people at FACE – our readers.

Three local women share their birth stories and in doing so share a part of themselves as they describe their fears and joys during labor and delivery.

And for those not on the baby wagon, we have some great stuff for you. We check back in with Judy Dunn following a unique mission trip that led her to Romania. And we have the hottest fashion as summer winds down.

Kate Simmers shows off the trends every woman can wear.

It’s the mother of all issues, so sit down with a bowl of ice cream and pickles and enjoy.

FACE MAGAZINE

August 2009

Vol. 2, No. 3

PRESIDENT & CEO Elizabeth Guillot beth@facelafayette.com EDITOR Amanda Bedgood amanda@facelafayette.com 337.254.8874

Amanda

Bedgood

Amanda Bedgood is editor of FACE Magazine. Send your fashion inspirations, interesting stories and other musings to amanda@ facelafayette.com.

ADVERTISING MANAGER Carolyn Brupbacher carolyn@facelafayette.com 337.277.2823 GRAPHICS DIRECTOR Angelina Leger angelina@facelafayette.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jen Rausch, Andrea Veron, Amy Cavanaugh, Yvette Quantz, Cookie Tuminello CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Penny Moore, Mike Bedgood and Angelina Leger FACE Magazine Corporate Office 850 Kaliste Saloom Road Suite 108 Lafayette, Louisiana 70508 Mailing Address P. O. Box 52457 Lafayette, Louisiana 70505 Phone 337.988.8550

Fax 337.988.8549

Toll Free 866.934.FACE (3223) On the Web www.facelafayette.com E-mail info@facelafayette.com

FACE Magazine, LLC is published monthly and distributed free of charge in bulk to local businesses and offices. No portion of FACE Magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher or editor.

Any material sent to FACE becomes our property. We do not necessarily agree with or condone the opinions, beliefs or expressions of our writers or advertisers. We know you understand. FACE is not responsible for the return or loss of any unsolicited artwork, promotional materials or any other unsolicited items.

600 Silverstone Road • 337.981.7600 325 Oil Center Drive • 337.233.6975

© 2008 All Rights Reserved.

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August 2009

FACE Magazine 7

CONTENTS August 2009

36 l THE FACE

Robin Racca never lost hope she could be a mom. The lessons you can learn from her fearless determination.

10 l LIL FASHION

Even babies need great threads.

19 l THE REAL STORY

Three local moms tell us their real life stories of labor and delivery.

24 l BABYMOONERS

The one vacation you can’t miss.

25 l WORK IT OUT

A local expert gives us some simple moves to banish the pains of pregnancy.

32 l ONE WITH BABY There’s no time like now to check out yoga.

45 l FESTIVAL BOUND

youropinion

Letter to the Editor KUDOS TO HEATHER

What an amazing story in the July issue about Heather Cox! JULY 2 009 Last October I had the privilege 2 of hearing Heather share her SU 4 MUMTMER HAVSES story at a UMC breast cancer BE DIVE IN awareness event. I was so moved BOUANCH D by her testimonial and courageous ACCES H E A SORY journey. At the time, I thought REPO COX THER RT I wish more people could have WHITE HOT heard her speak. Thank you for sharing Heather’s cancer journey to raise awareness and empower Have an opinion about what people to take charge of their you see in the pages of FACE? health. I just wanted to drop you We’d love to hear it. Send a quick note to say how much I your letters to the editor to enjoyed reading your beautiful amanda@facelafayette.com story. You have a gift!

– Kelly Weller and we just may be publishing Miles Perret Cancer Service you next month.

The ho for a cottest swimwe water ol day in the ar

Heather to her, Cox thoug her he until it did. Beht it couldn’t woman.alth saved the ing proactivehappen What yo life ab u need of this Lafay out ette to do no w.

One music fanatic gives us the 411 on the summer’s best bets for music.

From the Destin, Hamptons to the best for hittin g the belooks ach

The sh

oes an

d bags

you sh ouldn’t live witho ut

Get re the se ady for the Cancer ason when event of Am Society rolls ou erican newest t their party

March of Dimes to hold 4th Annual “Brunch at Tiffany’s” For the fourth consecutive year, The Acadiana Division of the March of Dimes will hold its annual “Brunch at Tiffany’s” fundraiser on Friday, August 21 at 10:30 a.m. at the City Club in River Ranch. Participants of the event will be donned in hats and dresses and will enjoy a delicious fare of food and beverages along with entertainment.

Become a hero to the tiniest babies in our community by supporting the March of Dimes mission.

If you would like to purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or to volunteer please contact the March of Dimes office at 233-8476 or via email at jcrain@marchofdimes.com.

HURRICANE BLESSING CROSS

52 l ARTFUL DRESSING That ever-growing abdomen doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to fashion during pregnancy.

60 l WHAT’S HOT NOW Subtly sexy looks are all in the details.

68 l SHOW YOUR FACE See who was out and about in Lafayette from soirees supporting local causes to shindigs just for friends.

For all of Life’s Storms by d v Broussard

‘‘

If you want something bad enough you do what it takes.”

8 FACE Magazine

— Robin Racca

ON THE COVER: Robin Racca.

Photography by Penny Moore.

Makeup by Jenn Rausch.

331 HEYMANN BLVD • OIL CENTER • 233-5000 I N T E R I O R S

www.facelafayette.com

August 2009

•

G A R D E N

A C C E S S O R I E S

•

P R E S E N T S

FACE Magazine 9

babyfashion

OH BABY! When it comes to babies and fashion, is there any way to go wrong? These little ones can wear anything – as long as it doesn’t slow them down.

PHOTOGRAPHY PENNY MOORE

••• Amanda Claire in a crisp white and blue dress from Melodi’s Belles and Beaus, 913 Harding St., Oil Center.

12 FACE Magazine

MODELS Anna Catherine Cryer Henry Busch Amanda Claire Cunningham Leah Lege SHOT ON LOCATION AT ACADIANA CENTER FOR THE ARTS www.facelafayette.com

July 2009

FACE Magazine 11

••• Leah wears a dramatic birthday dress with pink tulle skirt.

From Bundle of Joy, 5520 Johnston St # I.

••• Amanda Claire wears green gingham with a pink embroidered collar.

From Melodi’s Belles and Beaus, 913 Harding St., Oil Center.

••• Henry has some team spirit in this purple and gold outfit from Caroline & Company, 113 Arnould Blvd.

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August 2009

FACE Magazine 13

••• Amanda Claire is ready for fall in a legging and dress outfit from Melodi’s Belles and Beaus, 913 Harding St., Oil Center.

••• Henry looks dashing in chocolate and blue. From Caroline & Company, 113 Arnould Blvd.

goodsummer buy hellofall

30% off

photos by dawn earles photography

summer merchandise

fall merchandise arriving daily

you know wear

Be the first to shop our new fall lines from Keedo, Baby Nay, Mignon,

••• Anna Catherine wears a purple and gold dress with her name embroidered along the bottom from Caroline & Company, 113 Arnould Blvd.

14 FACE Magazine

Every Day Nay, Cleo & Dot, Biscotti, Ragdoll & Rockets and Blink.

913 harding street www.facelafayette.com

August 2009

•

oil center

•

234 - 7171 • m - f 10 - 5pm

•

sa 10 - 4pm FACE Magazine 15

••• Anna Catherine wears a fall dress adorned with flowers and warm colors. From Caroline & Company, 113 Arnould Blvd.

••• Leah in a smocked purple and gold dress from Bundle of Joy, 5520 Johnston St # I.

••• Leah in a fresh pink hat adorned with a flower. From Bundle of Joy, 5520 Johnston St # I. 16 FACE Magazine

www.facelafayette.com

August 2009

FACE Magazine 17

healthalert

Feeding your baby bump Listed below are the top nutrients every mama needs to grow a healthy baby bump. The simplest way to accomplish this is to eat a variety of whole food products and limit your intake of processed.

Nourishing Nutrient

Why?

Food to Feed

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is necessary for new cell growth and development. Apricots, asparagus, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, collards, dandelion greens, garlic, kale, mustard greens, papayas, Since growing a baby is all about growth and development, peaches, pumpkin, red peppers, spinach, sweet potatoes, Swiss ensuring adequate intake of this vitamin is essential. chard, turnip greens and yellow squash.

Folate

During pregnancy folate needs increase from 400 micrograms per day to 600 micrograms per day. Consuming the recommended amount of folate helps decrease the risk of neural tube or spinal cord damage.

Asparagus, barley, beef, bran, brown rice, chicken, dates, green leafy vegetables, lamb, legumes, lentils, milk, mushrooms, oranges, split peas, pork, root vegetables, salmon, tuna, wheat germ, whole grains and whole wheat.

Vitamin C

Increasing your intake of foods rich in vitamin C provides so many benefits to you and your baby. Not only does vitamin C help with tissue growth and repair but it also helps to increase the absorption of iron, helping to prevent anemia, a condition some women struggle with during pregnancy.

Asparagus, avocados, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cantaloupe, collards, dandelion greens, grapefruit, kale, lemons, mangos, mustard greens, onions, oranges, papayas, green peas, sweet peppers, persimmons, pineapple, radishes, strawberries, Swiss chard, tomatoes, turnip greens, and watercress.

Vitamin D

The need for an increase in vitamin D intake is all over the news and there is a good reason for it. Studies are finding many people are walking around lacking this sunshine vitamin! During pregnancy vitamin D will help to increase calcium absorption and is necessary for development of bones and teeth.

Salmon (with bones), dairy products, eggs, butter, cod liver oil, dandelion greens, halibut, oatmeal, sardines, sweet potatoes, and tuna.

Did you know that inadequate calcium intake during pregnancy can increase your risk for osteoporosis later on in life? Calcium is essential in the development of your baby’s bones, and if you do not have adequate calcium intake then your body will withdraw the calcium it needs from your own bones to build the bones of your baby.

Milk and other dairy products such as yogurt and cheese, salmon (with bones), sardines, almonds, asparagus, blackstrap molasses, broccoli, cabbage, collards, dandelion greens, figs, kale, mustard greens, oats, prunes, sesame seeds, tofu, turnip greens, and watercress.

Due to the increase in blood volume during pregnancy, iron needs increase from 18 to 27 milligrams per day. Inadequate iron intake not only increases your risk for anemia, but also may increase risk for a pre-mature delivery. To increase the absorption of iron, pair with vitamin C rich foods. Coffee or tea may decrease iron absorption.

Eggs, fish, liver, meat, poultry, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, almonds, avocados, beets, blackstrap molasses, dates, kelp, kidney and lima beans, lentils, millet, peaches, pears, dried prunes, pumpkins, raisins, rice and wheat bran, sesame seeds, soybeans, and watercress.

Calcium

Iron

BABY BOOM

babystories

Every mother has one. The birth story. Short or long. Au naturel or assisted by meds. The way your little bundle of joy arrives in this world is as unique as they are. Check out some real stories from FACE readers about the big day.

BEE INSPIRED It’s all the buzz.

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A playful turn on classic designs that take you from day to night, from conservative to wow-where-did-she-get that!

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The bottom line is that pregnancy is the time to stop counting calories and instead focus on the nutrient quality of the foods you eat. Consuming more whole foods such as the ones listed above and limiting the amount of processed food in your diet is one way to ensure a healthy baby bump!

If you have any questions or concerns or would like additional help customizing your own Baby Bump Nutrition Plan then contact me and we can schedule an appointment.

Yvette Quantz, LD, RD, CLT, is a Lifestyle and Sports Nutritionist and owner of Food Therapy, LLC. Email her at Yvette@foodtherapyonline.com and get more information about Food Therapy at foodtherapyonline.com.

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August 2009

FACE Magazine 19

babystories

Fighting the Fear Clancy Ratliff Assistant Professor and Director of First-Year Writing at UL Henry Goodwin Born April 22, 2008, 7 lbs 10 oz.

At 28 weeks, ultrasound revealed that my little guy was breech. Time passed and passed, and he didn’t turn. I started getting physical examinations in which the doctor felt my cervix to determine which part of the baby was presenting.

It was always the baby’s bum. We talked about my options: external cephalic version or c-section. I read up on version, and it didn’t seem to have a very high success rate; it seems that often, these women have to have c-sections anyway. The thought of forcing him to turn made me a little uncomfortable, too. My doctor said he’d done versions before, but not very many, and that his success rate was not all that high. So scheduled c-section it was. I thought, ha! I won’t be made to feel a single labor pain! I’ll get some good drugs, the baby will be out in 10 minutes, I’ll be closed up by 30 minutes, then I’ll be relaxing with my beautiful baby and watching the Suns/Spurs game that night.

The night before my c-section, I went to sleep about 11 p.m. At 12:30, I woke up and cried until I had to get ready to go to the hospital (we had to be there at 5:30 a.m.). Part of me was so terrified: afraid of the needle in the back, afraid the anesthesia wouldn’t work and I’d feel the whole

thing, afraid that my own terror and anxiety at simply being awake and conscious DURING MAJOR SURGERY would cause me to jerk my arms and legs, tighten my abdomen, and in turn complicate my doctor’s job. My movement would cause the doctor to cut the baby, cut my bladder open, or who knows what else.

When we got to the hospital, I was in a bad way emotionally. I was alternating between sobbing and giggling hysterically, mostly sobbing.

I explained to the bewildered nurses why I was so scared, and that if I weren’t conscious during the procedure, I wouldn’t be afraid.

My doctor told me that they could give me general anesthesia if I

wanted, but that the reason they don’t is so that I can be part of the birth process (way to make me feel even worse!). Then the anesthesiologist, an assertive man in an Army beret, tried a different tack. He explained that they wanted to give me a spinal block and said that if they were to give me general anesthesia, there would be a higher chance that the baby would have to be intubated and given supplemental oxygen or put on a respirator. That just clicked. The image of intubation alone was awful enough to make me buck up and do this thing. The anesthesiologist said a lot of other things too, like that my baby was a blessing, that I’m young and healthy, and that as soon as the baby was out, they could give me something that would get me more sedated and out of it, but that I just needed to wait until the baby was out. It would all be worth it when I got to see my baby as soon as they got him out. But I was already persuaded.

My husband Jonathan was escorted off to dress in scrubs, which ended up taking a lot longer than I expected.

The nurse anesthetist felt along my vertebrae, digging into the spaces in between with her fingernails, as I leaned onto another nurse who was standing in front of me. They told me to take deep breaths. I started doing the breathing exercises I do when I’m in a plane and there’s turbulence, sort of a rhythmic breathing. They gave me a local anesthetic, which made me nervous, but I tried to keep breathing through it. When the big needle went in, I cried out in response to the dull pain, but the medicine acted immediately. The nurse said, “your legs will probably start to feel warm and tingly,” and as soon as she said “-gly,” my legs got the most warm, fuzzy-blankety feeling. I underestimated how much the anesthetic would also act as a sedative for my mind. And I needn’t have worried about jerking my arms or legs or tightening my abdomen; the medicine paralyzed me completely. I couldn’t do so much as wiggle my toes.

I kept asking, “Where’s Jonathan?” Finally, after they got the drape up

and my catheter in, they brought Jonathan in. I might have started crying again out of relief when I first saw him, but I think I calmed down soon enough. I had told him before that he’d better just talk to me and keep on talking – about anything at all, but I suggested the playoffs. Talk about all the permutations of possible second-round matchups; speculate about who would win in those games. He talked and talked about that, and I don’t really remember what he said. At one point, when the doctor was about to pull the baby out, he got Jonathan’s attention. Jonathan looked over the drape. “Don’t look at it!” I said. I was afraid he’d get grossed out, but he didn’t.

I heard Henry cry, and I started crying. The anesthesiologist was right; it was all worth it just to hear his little voice. Then they showed Henry to me, and I was kind of stunned. The nurse anesthetist pushed what I think was some morphine through my IV, and I completely relaxed. I barely remember chatting with the nurse anesthetist while I was being closed up.

The rest of the day consisted of holding Henry, nursing, watching TV, and talking rather incoherently to a couple of people on the phone. By the time the Suns and Spurs played, my head was lolling back, and I was falling asleep with my mouth open.

I’m well versed in the arguments for minimal medical intervention in birth. My dissertation director wrote an excellent book on midwifery, in fact. I don’t think women’s labor should be rushed at all, and I don’t think birth should be treated as a health crisis. However, I trusted my doctor, and even before knowing Henry was breech, I never had my heart set on a specific birth plan. Hopefully I will have the chance to give birth to another child; if so (and if the baby isn’t breech), I may do a trial of labor, but I won’t know until I’m in the situation.

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August 2009

FACE Magazine 21

babystories

Semi-natural Kira Smith, 22 Owner of eLeMeNO-Pee Reily Drake Smith Born July 25, 2008, 7 lbs 1 oz.

Birth is my passion. I have been studying midwifery for several years now, so it is no surprise that when I found out I was pregnant I was going to have a natural birth. Not just natural- I wanted a home birth! Studies have shown that home births are actually safer than hospital births for a low-risk, non-complicated pregnancy.

Sadly, my picture perfect pregnancy took a downward turn the last few weeks and I had decided that it was definitely safer for me and my son to have a hospital birth. Considering my OBGYN was “natural My son’s birth did not take place the way I pictured it would.

I have spent a lot of time the past year thinking about and sometimes even grieving about what I wanted and was not able to have , what I had and did not want and what I had hoped for and what really happened. Going through these memories is painful for me, yet as painful as it may be to remember I find myself thankful to have the opportunity to have lived through it and to be able to share it with others.

So what did happen that day? What I do know is that I turned from a girl, into a woman. What an empowering way to make the transition, might I add! Because I followed my intuition and listened to that voice inside of me my son made it to his mother’s, his father’s, his grandparent’s and all of the other people’s arms who have been waiting on his arrival for so long. My son came into this world brighteyed and full of life. I loved people commenting on how alert he was from the second he took his first breath.

The birth itself though was not anything like I had planned. I really wanted to give birth at home, but my body forced me to change my

plans. If you read my medical chart it will tell you that I went in for an “elective induction”, but this was not the case at all. Around 38 weeks my blood pressure was through the roof and I was getting extremely ill. Even at a steady 160/100 I did not have my doctor’s attention. I saw spots, my ears rung so loudly that I was unable to sleep and I just felt completely terrible for two straight weeks. I wasted more nights in the hospital than I can count just to be told I was “fine” and sent home again.

By the time 40 weeks came, every part of me knew something was wrong. When the OBGYN mentioned Cytotec, I was completely aware that I may be risking my life by agreeing to the induction. I still do not know if it was midwifery training or motherly intuition, but what I do know is that every single part of my being was telling me that my son was not doing well in my womb anymore. I told my husband this was something I felt like I had to do as a mother.

I wanted a natural birth and besides the induction medication, natural is exactly what I got. I was able to walk, shower, sit, and stand but most of all I was able to feel. I bonded with my husband, my mother and one of my closest friends in a way I never knew existed – in ways that only the “pain,” excitement and ecstasy of a natural birth can bond people. Most of all, I saw a side of my husband that I never knew existed. It’s a side that still amazes me to this day.

By the time pushing came, I was beyond weak. Little did I realize that I was suffering from a placental abruption (a VERY common side effect of Cytotec) and had been losing blood the whole six hours I was in labor – lots of blood! Although my son was doing well, I was out of energy and fading fast.

And then he was born.

They say when my son came out, I lit up. I remember wrapping him into my chest and whispering “hi baby, hi baby.” It wasn’t until I looked up and met my husband’s tear filled eyes that I realized just

how much our son looked like his father.

Then, he was taken from me and the room was suddenly filled with nurses scrambling and trying not to slip on the blood-covered floor. The doctor reached over me to press the call button several times insisting every nurse, even those unavailable, run to my room immediately. Every single thing that was cloth in that room was thrown on the floor in an attempt to absorb some of the blood. It was a frantic moment.

On a very personal note I had been terrified of death my whole life.

But suddenly there I was, with a blood pressure so low the machine couldn’t register it as nurses and doctors frantically tried to save my life as I practically bled to death in front of my family’s eyes. All I could think about was my son so quiet across the room as he was being touched for the first time by his father.

According to one nurse, I was two minutes from bleeding to death on my son’s birthday. As scary as this normally would have been, I just felt so calm. The only feelings I had on my heart was the peace I felt knowing that I gave my son life. I had no remorse. I had no fear whatsoever, I just remember watching my husband stare into our baby boy’s eyes and being filled with more love than I could ever attempt to describe. My son made it!

With my goal now complete all I wanted to do was soak in those moments because I truly thought those seconds were going to be my last.

But, I lived! And not a day goes by where I don’t think about how lucky I am to be here with my husband and our beautiful baby boy.

“In the way the world works, you would think it is I, as the mother, who gave my child life. But it wasn’t until I became a mother that I realized it would be my child who gave me mine.”

I’m having this baby now Muffy LeBlanc, 29 Owner of Hemline James LeBlanc Born October 29, 2008, 6lbs 1 oz So when I was in labor I was at work. I started contracting at about 11 a.m.. I ordered red beans and rice from WOW to insure these weren’t Braxton-hicks. (If you have ever had their red beans, they have lots of kick!)

I continued my contractions until my doctor’s appointment at 1 p.m. Meanwhile, I was walking laps around the store (Hemline) to keep the contractions coming. I was desperate to not be pregnant any longer! I was due Nov. 4.

I told the doctor at my appointment that there was absolutely no way that I was leaving without having the baby! I think she took me seriously. She sent me over to the hospital for monitoring. They 22 FACE Magazine

offered me a wheel chair, but I said I would walk to make sure this baby came out (I was at Women’s and Children’s so it wasn’t far).

I was planning on going natural, just because I took the Lamaze class and it kind of scared me to have an epidural. The nurse who was hooking me up to the fetal monitor was actually the one who talked me into having the epidural!

So there I was trying to convince my husband that this baby was coming today – he thought we were going to be sent home. I’m glad that nurse talked me into the epidural, it was great! I was in labor until about 9:30 p.m., and started delivery and pushing. I kept pushing and pushing but this stubborn little baby didn’t want to come out. www.facelafayette.com

The doctor was getting way frustrated, because the vacuum and all that stuff wasn’t helping. The baby’s heart rate was dropping, and I was getting really tired. Good thing I had been working out while pregnant, because you need to be in shape for labor! On my last push before they were going to start a c-section, my husband decided to help, grabbed James by the ears, and out he came! And there was the new love of my life!

August 2009

FACE Magazine 23

thisjustin

healthtips

Preggy pains

W

What you can do to alleviate the unique toll pregancy takes on your body

We all have everyday aches and pains. But, with pregnancy comes a unique set of those pains as a woman’s body yields to a growing belly and changing body.

Dr. Bryan Boudreaux of Cajun Spine and Sport says there are safe and effective ways to treat lower back pain that comes with pregnancy, including gentle exercises that will strengthen the areas most taxed by pregnancy.

“All pregnant women should focus on increasing core endurance,” Boudreaux says noting that the muscles around the core from front to back all play a major supporting role in holding the baby and with delivery. “Having a strong core is important to enhance the natural birthing experience,” he says.

While women can do nearly all the exercise and many activities they did before pregnancy, Boudreaux says there are some basic tips for

the Babymooners

changes to make during pregnancy that can help women.

“Wearing flat sensible shoes is a good thing because as the baby gets bigger, it throws off your sense of balance and high heel shoes put more stress on your lower back,” he says.

Also, remember to move more effectively when doing the smallest things liking picking up children and groceries bags.

“Bend at the knees, not at the back,” he says.

Also try sleeping on your left side, Boudreaux says, which helps the circulatory system work properly to flush the kidneys. And sleep with a pillow between your knees. When sitting keep your feet flat on the floor, sit in an upright position and have lumbar support.

Wear shoes with arch support because during pregnancy the same hormones that are preparing your body to carry and then deliver also make feet larger.

Don’t let your honeymoon be the last adults only vacation

W

Story by Amanda Bedgood

We all know what a honeymoon is, but you may not know about a babymoon. The newest trend in travel may be just what the doctor ordered.

One last trip before the baby arrives – or one last getaway before adding to your brood – is a chance for you and your partner to reconnect, mentally prepare for your new addition and most importantly relax.

Mickie Ainsworth, owner of Avenues to Travel, recommends a couple of spots that are close enough to home but far enough for a real getaway.

Don’t forget doctors recommend no travel more than an hour away once you are at 36 or 37 weeks so plan your trip for earlier in your pregnancy. While doctors say it’s totally safe to travel near and far throughout most pregnancies, many women may want to stick closer to home.

Mickie suggests a location with a spa.

“Go to the beach and relax or a spa where they do massage for pregnancy and get ready,” Mickie says.

Check out spas near golf courses so your hubbie has something to do while you’re being pampered. Many spas also ensure special dietary needs are met if you’re on the health wagon.

24 FACE Magazine

Places to check out San Antonio is a day drive and if you love the water, but not the beach, it’s a great spot. Stay over the River Walk, paddleboat and chill out.

Somewhere like Gulf Shores, Alabama is a close drive and offers some great condos on the beach. Mickie recommends The Beach Club overlooking, of course, the beach.

“The pool is at the base of the elevator, there’s a spa and you can walk right out onto the beach.”

And Mickie notes for the men there are tennis courts and access to golf.

“It would be very relaxing to go to the beach, sit under an umbrella and have a fake cocktail,” Mickie says.

If you’re willing to hop on a plane and want a quick flight, head to the Bahamas or Grand Cayman.

“It’s pretty close, they have wonderful beaches, great hotels and good spas,” she says.

For a worry-free vacation pre-baby she recommends Sandals Royal Bahamian all-inclusive resort. She says it’s pretty affordable, on the water and everything is included. Yes, that means meals for the mom to be.

Sandals also has a spa and is all adults, which might be just the getaway before the babies comes. www.facelafayette.com

August 2009

FACE Magazine 25

healthtips

healthtips

Tips for easing some of the pains of pregnancy What Can You Do? The ACA recommend the following tips for pregnant women: • Safe exercise during pregnancy can help strengthen your muscles and prevent discomfort. Try exercising at least three times a week, gently stretching before and after exercise. If you weren’t active before your pregnancy, check with your doctor before starting or continuing any exercise.

• Walking, swimming, and stationary cycling are relatively safe cardiovascular exercises for pregnant women because they do not require jerking or bouncing movements. Jogging can be safe for women who were avid runners before becoming pregnant-if done carefully and under a doctor’s supervision.

• Be sure to exercise in an area with secure footing to minimize the likelihood of falls. Your heart rate should not exceed 140 beats per minute during exercise. Strenuous activity should last no more than 15 minutes at a time.

• Stop your exercise routine immediately if you notice any unusual symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding, dizziness, nausea, weakness, blurred vision, increased swelling, or heart palpitations.

Pregnancy Ergonomics: Your Bed and Desk • Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees to take pressure off your lower back. Full-length “body pillows” or “pregnancy wedges” may be helpful. Lying on your left side allows unobstructed blood flow and helps your kidneys flush waste from your body.

• If you have to sit at a computer for long hours, make your workstation ergonomically correct. Position the computer monitor so the top of the screen is at or below your eye level, and place your feet on a small footrest to take pressure off your legs and feet.

Take periodic breaks every 30 minutes with a quick walk around the office.

STRETCH

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Nutrition • Eat small meals or snacks every four to five hours-rather than the usual three large meals-to help keep nausea or extreme hunger at bay. Snack on crackers or yogurt – bland foods high in carbohydrates and protein. Keep saltines in your desk drawer or purse to help stave off waves of “morning sickness.”

• Supplementing with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid a day before and during pregnancy has been shown to decrease the risk of neural tube birth defects, such as spina bifida. Check with your doctor before taking any vitamin or herbal supplement to make sure it’s safety for you and the baby.

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From the American Chiropractic Association

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FACE Magazine 27

familymatters

familymatters

One of a kind

Make the most of your unique baby

••••• Activity Level: Some children tend to be “observers,” happy to sit and play quietly, explore using their hands rather than their larger arm and leg muscles, and take the world in by looking or listening. Other children are “movers and shakers,” quick to squirm and crawl as infants, and always on the go as toddlers.

Although temperament is inborn, your child’s behavior and ability to interact successfully in the world can be shaped by his experiences and especially by his relationship with you. A shy child can become more outgoing and comfortable in new social situations when her parents provide gentle coaching and reassurance. There is no right or wrong or better or worse temperament, though some temperaments are easier to handle than others. The match between the parent and the child’s personalities also matters. You may feel more comfortable with certain aspects of your child’s temperament than others, especially those qualities that are more like you or that you like about yourself. For

example, a parent with a high activity level will likely be able to manage a highly active toddler more easily than a parent with a naturally lower activity level. Rather than fighting against your child’s temperament, try to embrace it and recognize its unique strengths. An “intense” or “difficult” child may also be thought of as “passionate,” “creative,” “spirited,” and “determined.” The goal isn’t to change your child’s temperament, but to help him or her make the most of its strengths and challenges.

Amy Cavanaugh, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist in private practice with Lafayette Psychotherapy Group and the infant mental health consultant for the Healthy Start Program of the Family Tree.

Amy Cava naugh

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••••• Emotional Intensity: Some children are less demanding than other children; they tend to be quiet and rarely fuss, sleep more than average, show emotions more moderately and tolerate a lot of stimulation. More emotionally reactive children express their feelings with great intensity (squeal with happiness) and react to physical stimulation more intensely (being unable to tolerate itchy tag on a T-shirt).

••••• Reaction to Change: Some children find changes hard, and can be quite inflexible about their routines. These children tend to react to even the smallest of shifts (e.g., a new food, running an errand after school), thrive on order and predictable routines to feel safe and secure, and need lots of time and support to get comfortable in new surroundings or with new people. They also tend to have more tantrums, especially around transitions from one activity to another. Other children take change in stride, finding new people, objects, or events interesting and adapting easily to almost anywhere you take them.

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As I’ve watched my daughter develop into her own little person over the last two years, I’ve often wondered: where did she get that part of her personality? Although I can recognize qualities in her that remind me of someone else in the family or even myself, she often surprises me with a characteristic or way of being in the world that is uniquely her own. In fact, every infant is born with his or her individual approach to the world, or temperament.

Temperament is innate; it is not something that your baby chooses or something that you as a parent create in your child. In general, there are five features used to describe a person’s temperament: emotional intensity, activity level, frustration tolerance, reaction to new people and reaction to change. These five characteristics mold the way your child experiences the world.

For example, one child may need time to “warm up” to new people or situations, whereas another child may jump into something new with both feet and no looking back. While some children will fall on either end of each of these five dimensions, many children will fall somewhere in the middle. No matter what your child’s temperament, understanding your baby’s unique needs will help you to be a more sensitive, nurturing and effective parent.

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••••• Frustration Tolerance: Children who are easily frustrated tend to get very upset as soon as something doesn’t go their way, have a hard time waiting for attention or help, and may give up quickly when challenged. More persistent children usually keep trying when faced with a challenge, are slower to “lose it” when denied their way, and can wait more patiently for their needs to be met.

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••••• Reaction to New People: Some children are “slow to warm up” to unfamiliar people. They may need more time and support from trusted caregivers before they feel comfortable interacting with someone new. They may also be happy to play on their own or with just one close friend or adult. It is important to note that these children are not necessarily less happy or less content than their more outgoing peers. Other children are more eager to approach new people, engaging new acquaintances by smiling, cooing and looking them in the eye.

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1000 W. Pinhook Rd, Suite 201 • Lafayette

BRADLEY J. CHASTANT, MD • JEFFREY J. JOSEPH, MD • JENNIFER DAIGLE HANBY, MD 28 FACE Magazine

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August 2009

FACE Magazine 29

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Just the facts ma’a m

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Pregnant? Want to be?

Dr. Lewis Hill, an OBGYN with Acadiana Women’s Health Group, gives us the 411 on what to do before you start trying, when to start and the do’s and don’ts when you do become pregnant. Read on.

Before you start trying to become pregnant take a prenatal vitamin. Folic acid is a must.

“It’s the single best thing,” Dr. Hill says of preventing certain birth defects.

He says often people conceive and don’t realize it and miss a crucial window to prevent some defects. If you have high blood pressure or diabetes check with your doctor before becoming pregnant. If either isn’t managed it can spell major problems.

Then there is the question of stopping birth control before pregnancy. How long is a gal to wait?

“The truth is, the pill is out of your body in two days,” Dr. Hill says. “You can get pregnant the very next cycle. There’s no reason for any fear of any effect on the embryo.”

Hopefully we all know how to get pregnant. But, the tricky part can be the when. If you have an average cycle of 28 to 30 days Dr. Hill advises trying every 48 hours the week of ovulation between day 10 and day 20. (Sperm counts need 48 hours to recover to ensure the optimum sperm count when you are ovulating.) And don’t forget sperm can survive for 5 days.

“It’s not so important to hit the day of ovulation, they are going to survive and wait,” Dr. Hill says.

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Any given month a couple has a 25 percent chance of becoming pregnant. And 85 percent conceive by the end of one year of trying. (And FYI, there are no special positions to ensure a boy or a girl.)

WHAT’S SAFE Hill says dying hair is fine. Just don’t eat it.

No more than 3 ounces of alcohol a day and no more than three caffeinated beverages a day. In the first trimester more than three caffeinated drinks in a day equals a slight increase in miscarriage.

Aspirin and ibuprofen are not a good idea anytime during pregnancy. And when it comes to exercise Hill says anything that avoids abdominal trauma is safe.

“There are women running marathons at 36 weeks. I have no idea why they would want to do it, but it’s safe,” he says.

Avoid raw meat and sushi. There is some controversy about how unsafe lunchmeat is, so avoid it if you can to be safe.

For the average gal, it’s safe to gain 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy.

“If they are obese we may counsel them to gain nothing or even reduce if monitored and the converse is true for those who are underweight,” Hill says.

For morning sickness Hill suggests ginger products and B6 vitamins. Also rehydrate with sports drinks that are high in electrolytes. And there are some medications that your doctor can prescribe that are safe as well.

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FACE Magazine 31

quiettime

Yoga baby

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[Story by Amanda Bedgood]

With a baby on board there’s more to get in shape than the body. Before your bundle of joy arrives take some time to get in the right place mentally as well. There’s one place in town where you can do both.

Acadiana Yoga and Wellness offers moms-to-be a prenatal yoga series.

Owner Jerry Guidry says the root of the word yoga, which means to tie together or to bind, is the perfect match for a woman who is pregnant.

“What a better way to be more in harmony with mind, body, spirit than when you are pregnant and responsible for two people and not one,” Jerry says.

Prenatal yoga prepares the body for the rigors of labor as well Jerry says.

“The clarity of mind you want to have to be present and focus not only for labor and the birth process, but pregnancy itself,” she says. “It’s such a wonderful miracle and time.”

Jerry says many people look at yoga from an exercise standpoint, but that’s only one part of the yoga experience. “It’s true the postures are a physical exercise, but it’s only one limb in the process, it’s only one part,” she says.

Once you get into yoga, it’s much “richer, there’s much more depth,” Jerry explains.

She says while there is a tremendous spiritual component, yoga isn’t a religion. “It’s not something you convert to,” she says.

Rather, yoga strengthens whatever spiritual beliefs you currently have whether you’re Catholic, Baptist, Methodist or whatever.

And there’s no experience necessary for the prenatal classes. Jerry says to check with your doctor to be on the safe side. Expect to learn a lot of ideas with breathing and how to make the body stronger and learn to stay more focused. “There are a lot of different tools, but we are not Lamaze or a birthing class,” Jerry says. “We are teaching things that strengthen the abdominal wall and pelvic floor tone.”

Both of those things can be a major factor in how easily birth goes and how easy the recovery process is.

“And frankly a lot of discomfort that comes with pregnancy is alleviated with our techniques,” she says listing back pain, sciatica, swelling of the ankles and feet and digestive problems.

“The movement and breath and relaxation helps in all those realms,” Jerry says.

••• Check out the prenatal yoga classes (or prenatal massage) at Acadiana Yoga and Wellness by calling 236-9000 or emailing info@acadianayoga.com. They are located at 911 Harding St. in the Oil Center.

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August 2009

FACE Magazine 33

healthalert

healthalert

What’s old is new again

The age-old method of labor and delivery may be the most modern of all

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[Story by Amanda Bedgood]

If the word midwife conjures up images of a seriously rustic home birth, it’s time to take a new look at the age-old way of bringing baby into the world.

Midwife Lynette Robinson says women for decades have surrendered the experience to professionals and treated labor like an illness.

“Modern women are taking back that ability,” she says.

Lynette is the midwife at Lafayette’s Gentle Choices Birthing Center where women receive full care from prenatal visits through labor and delivery to postpartum treatment and all without the meds.

“Moms manage pain by changing positions in labor, you can birth in a tub,” she says. “The water is very relaxing.”

She says babies there are born with hearty cries and fully alert.

Mothers have the freedom to walk around. There’s the occasional hulahoop contest on the porch of the facility. The swinging motion of the hips is great for a laboring mother.

“It’s a very supportive, family-oriented facility,” Lynette says. “We support family in their choices for quality of care and strive to be educational and informative.”

Lynette doesn’t push one method on the mothers seeking birthing classes at Gentle Choices. She teaches several and lets mothers decide what is best for their birth. They promote nutritional education to help mothers grow a baby that is closer to the right size for their pelvis.

Nationwide there is a movement toward midwifery as women seek to take back the birthing process. Some believe the domino effect created by medical intervention too often leads to C-sections. But, in Louisiana the trend toward more natural births has yet to really catch on.

“There is a paradigm shift though, Donna Romero of Gentle Choices says. “Women are realizing it’s their birth and their choice.”

Birthing at Gentle Choices isn’t for everyone, however. Women must get cleared from a doctor as having a low risk pregnancy and then checked again toward the end of pregnancy to ensure the baby is not breech or too large for a natural delivery.

And, of course, there are cases where medical intervention is needed and women must be transported to a local hospital. But, Lynette says they have been blessed thus far that no one has been transported in an emergency situation. Everyone who’s had to leave Gentle Choices to deliver has done so before it reached that level. And that, most likely, is because of the one-on-one attention and care mothers-to-be receive

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while in labor there.

“We know when something is changing and requires an intervention.

Things happen suddenly and midwives are trained on how to handle it and transfer,” Lynette says.

But, she says, often every pregnancy is treated as high risk in hospitals because of liability issues and hospital protocol.

But, Lynette and Donna are both quick to make it clear they are by no means anti-hospital and unlike some in the natural birth side of things make a point to say it’s all about the mother having a choice of which place to go is better for her.

According to the doctoral research conducted by Peter Schlenzka, an election to use a nurse-midwife and natural delivery may result in the following benefits: • Lower maternity care costs.

• Reduced mortality and morbidity related to cesarean and other interventions.

• Lower intervention rates.

• Fewer recovery complications.

Electing to use a nurse-midwife is appropriate for low risk pregnancies, which make up 60 to 80% of all pregnancies.

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FACE Magazine 35

theface

relentless

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Robin Racca is a believer. She’s one of those relentless women with a drive you can’t learn – it’s something she must have been born with – and you don’t develop over time. It’s a kind of determination that’s brought her through the heartache only a woman who harbors great hope can feel.

With great hope comes tremendous risk. The risk of disappointment and loss – Robin knows both too well.

But, the beauty of dangerous hope is that is seems for those who never lose it there is a great reward and Robin knows this. She holds evidence of that great reward in her arms each morning.

[photograhy by PENNY MOORE ] [makeup by JENN RAUSCH]

Robin, 36, always knew she wanted to be a mom. There were no doubts or questions in that one department.

And in 1996, to her surprise, she became pregnant with her boyfriend.

In less than a week she would miscarry. And while the loss wasn’t utterly heartbreaking, she was disappointed. At the time she had yet to marry, she was 6 weeks along and had only learned she was pregnant for a few days. By 1998, the two were married and pregnant again. Robin expected smooth sailing this time. She had morning sickness, she heard the heartbeat. But, at 12 weeks she lost the baby.

“I never thought it would happen again,” she says.

Robin and her first husband later divorced and remain good friends and by 2004 she became pregnant for a third time. This time with her second husband – André.

“I was very fertile, I was pregnant again on accident,” she says.

At 12 weeks Robin began bleeding and headed to the hospital where doctors heard a heartbeat and sent her home seeing nothing alarming with the baby. But, she soon miscarried sending her and André into a tailspin.

“I wanted a baby. Since I was a little girl I wanted to be a mom,” Robin says. “I’m very nurturing, motherly and already mothering.”

Robin says she didn’t birth her 16-year-old stepdaughter, “but I claim her.” (Although she is quick to say her stepdaughter’s mother is very much there.) As for adoption, Robin says she knew in her heart she could carry and have a baby. She headed to a new doctor as she tried for pregnancy number four.

She ate right, took prenatal vitamins and progesterone.

“I thought this is it,” she recalls.

At 13 weeks she started feeling cramps. Then she began to bleed. She headed to the ER and once again they saw a heartbeat and couldn’t see where the blood was coming from. Robin’s nurse this time told her about a disorder she recently discovered she had. It was the first Robin had heard of this disorder and she didn’t think a lot about it. She hoped she would hold on to this baby. She and André had already given the baby a name – River.

The Tuesday before Thanksgiving Robin was in the ER again with bleeding and again was sent home. By Wednesday the bleeding was worse.

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He’s extra special.”

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“I was clinging to every ounce of hope I had because I wanted this baby so bad,” she says.

She called her doctor again and again as her fears escalated. The doctor told her she would be fine and said after her vacation she would see Robin again.

“She said, ‘I’m on vacation, I’ll see you Monday.’ And on Wednesday night all hell broke loose,” Robin recalls with a shudder.

Robin’s family was in town for the holiday, including her sister who happens to be a neonatal nurse. That evening she would lose another baby. After she lost the baby she remembers just sitting on the floor of the bathroom in shock. Even the support of family surrounding her couldn’t dull the pain.

“We were so devastated and in a daze for three of four months,” Robin says.

She went to her appointment Monday visibly shaken.

“How does this happen again?” she asked the doctor. “I didn’t expect her to have the answer. But, expected a little compassion. She said, ‘Some people just really can’t have babies and I don’t know why.’ She gave me information on classes for grieving. I don’t care if you’ve lost one baby or ten – you need support.”

Robin was furious. At this point no one had done any sort of testing on her for what could be the cause of the miscarriages. When she asked about that next step she was told it was expensive and most of the disorders were rare. She didn’t likely have any of them.

“I thought I’d have to drive to Houston and it would cost tens of thousands of dollars to find out what’s going on,” she says.

She left her doctor’s office and never went back. In the car, she called a friend who had some troubles becoming pregnant and asked for her doctor’s name.

“Dr. John Storment,” she says with a smile. “He sat down with me, looked at me and said ‘This is not your fault.’ It was a rush of emotion. I didn’t think it was my fault. But, I was angry with my body. I was angry I had to go through it.”

Before Robin’s appointment with Dr. Storment she became engrossed in finding out the cause of her miscarriages. She researched the disorder the nurse had mentioned to her – phospholipid disorder. She headed to the doctor armed with knowledge about potential disorders. But, found she need not argue her case.

Her new doctor was ready and willing to test her and told her he thought they would find something when they did testing.

“It was four thousand dollars in testing blood work and took six or seven weeks to come back. Every week I just had to know. I just had to have an answer,” Robin says.

Dr. Storment called with the news. Robin had the disorder the nurse had mentioned to her that day in the hospital. The disorder, which is a mutation of a gene (called MTHFR), causes blood clots to form between the placenta and the uterus eventually causing the placenta to detach.

The treatment would be fairly simple (extra vitamins, baby aspirin, blood thinners and a daily shot throughout her pregnancy) and Robin was told 90 percent of women who are treated properly are able to have babies.

“That was huge,” Robin says of the 90 percent figure. “Thirty percent would’ve been enough for me. I was relieved, scared, everything you could imagine all in one. Here’s my answer. But, what if it doesn’t work?”

Despite Robin’s fear of disappointment she trudged ahead determined to become pregnant again. She started tracking her ovulation. She was relentless. And nothing happened.

“For someone so fertile, I wasn’t getting pregnant? I was making myself nuts,” Robin says.

After all Robin and André endured, a family friend offered her a getaway to Cabo for her birthday. She planned the vacation for the time she would be ovulating and decided in the mean time to chill out. She quit counting days and tracking her cycle.

But, two weeks before Cabo, she learned she was pregnant for the fifth time.

“The one time I forgot about it,” she says and shakes her head.

When Robin took the test there was no great joy. No jumping up and down.

FACE Magazine 39

‘‘

You have to be proactive in your health.

You can’t wait for it to come to you.”

40 FACE Magazine

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“We just stared at each other,” she says. “We had so much hope, so much belief. We had been so heartbroken.”

André told her later he was terrified the entire pregnancy that Robin would lose another baby. Robin’s doctor worked to put her mind at ease.

“He said, ‘Relax, I got this. You eat right and rest and I will do everything in my power to help you have this baby. You don’t worry about a thing,’ “ Robin tried not to let the fears of miscarriage or the lingering questions as to ‘why her?’ surface.

“I had prayed and prayed and prayed so long for this. There are kids getting pregnant in the back seat of cars and women with crack babies and I’d be a great mom,” she says with a laugh at the irony of wanting a baby so desperately and not being able to have one while other people who didn’t want one could have one without complication.

“Please God, I can’t lose another baby. I will lose my mind,” she prayed.

During Robin’s pregnancy friends and family surrounded her.

“They came together and made sure I was safe,” she says.

Co-workers at Tsunami, where she is the manager, made sure she didn’t overexert herself. Every day she gave herself a shot in the abdomen. She lifts her shirt a few inches to show me a smattering of deep purple bruises that remain more than 5 months after she quit the shots.

“People asked how I gave myself a shot every day. I would’ve cut off a toe to have a baby. A shot is nothing.”

Week after week Robin watched her baby grow and hoped for the best. After her first trimester she was sent to a new doctor – Dr. Stephen Schorr – who she speaks of with great fondness.

“He is phenomenal,” Robin says matter of factly.

She said Dr. Schorr didn’t sugar coat anything. He made her no promises. But was very supportive.

“He said, ‘we are going to make this happen. But, I can’t promise you will have this baby.’ He was realistic.”

By 13 weeks Robin was moving full steam ahead as usual. The day Hurricane Gustav hit, however, Robin began bleeding.

She headed to the hospital where they found a blood clot, but also found a heartbeat and healthy baby.

They told Robin it was a strong, healthy boy.

“I said, ‘Are you sure?’ And they said, ‘If not there is something wrong with this girl,’” Robin says with a laugh.

They told her it was a tiny clot and she would put her feet up. It would likely go away, but she had to spend two weeks on strict bed rest. Within a few days the bleeding stopped.

Robin’s goal was to make it to 27 weeks.

“I know the chance of survival shoots up dramatically,” Robin says.

Every week Robin went in for an ultrasound and every week she saw her son grow. The doctor told her because of her past miscarriages she was more likely to have a still birth, which is why she had the regular ultrasounds.

“He wanted to be on top of it,” Robin says. “I can’t say enough of the quality of care. I felt like their only patient.”

They planned to induce her a week before her due date. And Robin prayed for a natural birth (plus an epidural).

Before her due date, Robin was induced between 10 and 11 p.m. on a Wednesday. She figured by Friday she would have the baby. But, by 3 a.m. complications started to surface. Whenever they upped pitocin to move her labor along, the baby’s heart rate would drop. But, when they stopped the pitocin, her labor would stall. By 5 a.m. her water had broken and the baby’s heart rate continued to fluctuate. They asked Robin to sign forms for a C-section if it became necessary.

“Can I just push a little longer,” she asked the doctor.

But, for the health of Robin and her baby the doctor said a C-section would be the way to go. Within 5 minutes she was heading down the hall. She woke André who was sleeping in the room and sent word to her family to come quickly.

At 7:44 a.m. Zephyr Jude Racca was born.

August 2009

“When we heard his cries we just started laughing,” Robin says holding her 5-month-old boy on her lap. “It was the most precious, sweetest little sound I’ve ever heard.”

“He’s here. O my gosh! We worked so hard for this. Now he’s here.”

The doctor told André he could look over the sheet and see his son for the first time. He said he wanted to wait for his wife. He wanted them to see Zephyr’s little face for the first time together.

“And then I cried,” she says as tears well up in her eyes at the memory of seeing Zephyr that day.

“Every day, every single day I look at him and tear up. How easy it was – the answer. It was right there. I look at him every day and he’s the most perfect thing. If he knew how much we wanted him – he’s finally here.

Even when he’s fussing and crying – it’s OK.” After all, Robin says, “He’s extra special.”

Robin herself is a special kind of person. She’s the kind of person who after all she went through, never lost hope.

“I had so much determination,” she says. “I wouldn’t take no for an answer and I couldn’t believe God didn’t want me to have a baby.”

Robin says the experience of miscarrying so many times was terrifying in a way she couldn’t have imagined.

“Nothing prepares you for losing a baby,” she says.

But, she is willing to tell her story, retell those painful moments in the hopes that even one woman reading her story will have hope. She says people like the doctors who helped her are there and can make a difference.

“They want you to have a baby and succeed,” she says.

And while it isn’t cheap, Robin says some places have payment plans and options. You just have to ask.

“You have to be proactive in your health. You can’t wait for it to come to you,” she says. I read everything I could and armed myself with knowledge.”

Robin says just talking about these painful experiences has made her realize how many other women have endured something similar. She wonders today what if the nurse that day wouldn’t have mentioned her painful experience and her disorder to Robin.

“You have to talk and ask question and dig. If you want something bad enough you do what it takes.”

FACE Magazine 41

tidbit

cookie’scorner

boomerang surviving children

to

NURSE or not to

NURSE

They Leave, They Come Back, They Bring More.

What’s a Parent To Do?

A

Amen to that! I am sure at some point during our illustrious reign as parents, we have all experienced this war of wills with our children. From the time they are small and even after they are grown, we are still trying to mold them into our image. And guess what? It almost never works. In reality, the only person we can change is ourselves. So, that’s when you have to start asking the question, ‘What will work for me?’

To compound matters, you add the tight job market and you have children not leaving home until their late 20’s. Plus some entire families are having to move back in with their parents due to job loss or financial distress.

A few years ago, my daughter and my three small grandchildren, who at the time were 8 years old (twins I might add) and a 5-month-old baby, moved in with me for awhile. Picture this if you will. Before the ‘miniinvasion’ as I refer to it, my house was literally my castle. I was the only one in it. It was nice, neat, organized, and quiet. Ah, the sweet sound of serenity. And then all of a sudden there were four other beings inhabiting my space. Well, guess what. Bam! I hit one of life’s little potholes and had to change directions on the what and how my life was supposed to be.

Needless to say, the move in was a shock to the system – her’s and mine.

It took both of us awhile to get over our initial “What’s going on here?” condition and to regroup. I had my way of doing things and she had her way. Unfortunately, they were nowhere near the same. I function better with organization (imagine that) and she flies more by the seat of her pants.

I found the more I tried to change her, the more friction it created for

“Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig.”

– Robert Heinlein

both of us. I finally realized that my role in this scenario was to love, accept and support her during this trying time, and try to keep my own dignity – and sanity.

In order to maintain some semblance of order and chaos control, it was time to set down some guidelines for how we were going to cohabitate during this trying time without killing each other.

Being the business strategy coach that I am, organizing schedules for us was no stretch - sticking to the schedule was a whole other ball game.

Were there breakdowns? Sure there were. Was it hard at times making 42 FACE Magazine

P

Post pregnancy there is one thing that can burn some major calories, delay the onset of your period and seriously boost your child’s immune system.

So why isn’t every woman doing this one thing that has a laundry list of benefits for baby and mom? Because it’s breastfeeding and for some moms it isn’t the easiest of tasks. But, according to lactation consultant Evelyn Landry RN, IBCLC, RLC at Lafayette General Medical Center, moms are realizing the importance of breastfeeding and finding a way to do it.

“The largest percentage of moms can breast feed with the right support and encouragement,” Evelyn says. “Human milk is so absolutely perfect. The mix of nutrient and antibodies. It is complete nutrition for them.”

She says the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breast-feeding for the minimum of one year and for the first six months they don’t need anything else.

Moms like Aimee Foret, a nurse in the NICU at LGMC, are proud to say their babies have had nothing but mother’s milk. Breastfeeding was something she always planned to do with her 10-month-old son Jonah.

“It is a pain, but to me it’s worth it to make sure my baby gets the best nutrition possible,” she says of continuing to breastfeed while working.

From a reduction in ear infections and respiratory infections to a reduced risk of SIDS the benefits of breastfeeding are tremendous and carry into areas outside of general health and touch the child’s emotional well being.

“We know the bonding is built in, incredible bonding for mother and child and that’s just built into it. Long-term testing documents breast fed babies generally score higher on IQ testing. They are getting the maximum nutrition for every system,” Evelyn says.

Breast milk can also protect babies from Crohn’s Disease and diarrhea, which in some cultures is life saving and in ours at least healthier.

“They are also less likely to be obese because they are getting the right kinds of fats they need. Less risk of heart disease, high blood pressure,” Evelyn says.

The irony is that breast fed babies are often nice, chubby babies and then when they are older less likely to have issues with obesity.

And there is a reduced risk of diabetes. They also have incredible development in the oral cavity because of using the jaw muscles.

Nursing on one breast and then the other means eye muscles are getting a workout and there’s the bonus of less risk of asthma.

it work? Yes, it was. Did my daughter and I get testy with each other? Yes, we did. Did we cry sometimes? Yes, we did. Did we laugh too? Yes, we did. But here are some valuable lessons I learned from this experience.

1. ACCEPTANCE. You can’t change other people. The only person you can change is yourself. You have to accept them for who they are or you have to make other choices.

2. DETERMINE WHAT YOUR BOUNDARIES ARE. You can accept others for who they Cookie are without giving away your own integrity.

Tuminello Because once you do give away your integrity, you become resentful.

3. MAKE THE COMMITMENT. Making a commitment to anything is a choice. Once you make the decision, then do whatever it takes to make things work. Commitment is what is going to get you through the breakdowns.

4. NO PLAN IS PERFECT. Accept the fact that there will be breakdowns. As long as you don’t stay stuck in them you will be okay.

5. YOU CAN BE RIGHT OR YOU CAN BE HAPPY. You can’t have both. Choose wisely.

6. ENJOY THE PRESENT. Sometimes we get so fixed on the future and when some trouble is going to be over, we miss the beauty of the moment unfolding now. For me, it was watching my grandchildren grow on a daily basis, and my daughter becoming a stronger woman and mother.

After nine months, my daughter and family did move out into their own place. To be honest, part of me was glad to reclaim my personal kingdom, but another part of me was sad to see them go. I look upon the time we spent under one roof and take comfort in knowing that stronger bonds were formed between myself and my daughter and grandchildren. I also realized that everyone needs a hand up every now and again, and we, as humans, should often be more willing to extend the hand of human kindness.

Now if I could just find a singing pig, I’d be all set in my castle.

Cookie Tuminello, also known as ‘THE Team Builder of the South’, has been empowering CEO’s, managers, business owners, and team members and igniting productivity since 1999. To find out more about this sassy, savvy and successful coach, get her free Report ‘50 Ways To Take Your Power Back Now’ and receive weekly Coffee With Cookie success tips, you can visit www.CookieTuminello.com. www.facelafayette.com

August 2009

COME MEET OUR TALENTED STYLISTS

APRILDEL N SCHE MEGH RICHAAAN RD

NIE A L E M ULET BO NICOL COME E AUX

HER T A E H SECA FON

NOW HIRING!

FACE Magazine 43

While some of the benefits of breast feeding are seen up to only 4 or 6 months, Evelyn says every drop from the first to the last offers immunities.

And the benefits don’t just extend to baby. Mothers have reduced risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers with long term breast-feeding.

“It helps the mom get back to pre-pregnancy faster. Uterus gets stimulation to contract and reduce itself in size. After a few months, there’s an easier time shedding some of the weight because they are burning calories when they nurse and will delay usually their fertility, especially if they exclusively breast feed,” Evelyn says.

Aimee says breast-feeding brought her back to pre-baby weight in less than a month after Jonah was born.

“I lost all the pregnancy weight in three weeks and a few pounds past like that and I eat like a horse,” she says. “The breast feeding burns it off.”

So why doesn’t every single mom breast-feed for a year or more?

The answer is easy. It can be hard.

Breast-feeding early on can mean feeding 8 to 10 times a day. Some mothers may not produce enough milk. Perhaps they don’t feel comfortable pumping at work.

But, with the right support and planning Evelyn says the largest percentage of mothers can produce adequate milk supplies.

She says with breast feeding it is crucial to get a good start by allowing the newborn unlimited access to the breast, which can mean 8 to 12 feedings a day.

“If you get a great start the first couple of weeks, less likely to have problems with volume later,” Evelyn says.

Low milk supply can be the biggest roadblock for some women, especially those who go back to work. Aimee began pumping weeks before heading back to work and continues to pump at work and at night to keep up her milk supply.

By planning and watching the cues of the baby, mothers can often alleviate the problem of a low supply.

“The emptier the breasts are, the more they make milk. They may think they just nursed and won’t nurse again and it’s not giving your hormones

the stimulation that’s needed when they (baby) are going through a rapid growth phase,” Evelyn says.

And the converse is true. When a mother has a milk supply just sitting there, it signals the hormones to slow down so production cuts back.

“If mother responds by letting the baby nurse every hour, she has a much bigger supply and the baby settles down again,” Evelyn says. “It’s a natural supply and demand system. They may think ‘He just ate, there’s no reason to be hungry again.’ They may go back to sleep, but you missed that opportunity to increase the milk supply.”

Two of the rapid growth phases – at 2 to 3 weeks and at 6 weeks – for babies are often when the downward spiral begins of low milk supply and women give up.

For working moms it’s important to begin pumping between feedings a few weeks before they go back to work.

“I’m not saying it’s not a lot of work, I know how hard it is to be away from their babies and then to pump,” Evelyn says. “But, they feel so empowered and good about themselves that they are able to keep providing for the baby and then they can sit down in the evening and relax and nurse that baby.”

Breastfeeding facts • Some studies show that when cancer cells are dropped into breast milk they are destroyed.

• Breastfeeding can save $1,100 to $2,000 a year.

• Breastfeeding can lower your stress levels and reduce postpartum bleeding.

• Nursing triggers the release of the hormone oxytocin in your body; you’re more likely to feel relaxed while breastfeeding.

• Breastfeeding may protect against osteoporosis later in life.

• Breastfeeding may protect your baby from childhood leukemia.

• Breastfeeding can protect your baby from developing allergies.

• Babies who are breastfed are hospitalized 10 times less than formulafed infants in the first year of life.

justforfun

FESTIVAL OR BUST

Story and Photos by Jenn Rausch

Our resident makeup maven gives us the lowdown on getting down and dirty all in the name of great music. The weak willed need not apply.

I

I know I’m not the first one to ever say this, but nothing good ever comes easy. That’s my view on outdoor music festivals. They can be a very uncomfortable situation, but are beyond worth it to struggle through to experience the majesty and awe of raw live music.

My very first experience was 4 years ago, a Southern Music festival in Manchester, Tennessee called Bonnaroo – a music and arts festival. I realized a music festival is a great, cheaper way to see a ton of great bands rather than following individual bands from city to city.

A good friend of mine told me about this amazing outdoor festival near the Appalachian Mountains right around the town where the ever-popular Southern elixir Jack Daniels is made. Curious I thought to myself. It sounded very out of my comfort zone – something I severely needed at that time in my life. There were the uncontrolled outdoors where we would sleep in a tent and “rough it”. It was full of sweaty and un-bathed hippies smelling of patchouli. There was dirt, dust, insects, and even the feared port-a-potty.

After the initial shock of the rustic surrounding and loads of people literally piled on top of one another, I began to oddly enjoy this musky, survivor-man type fun. I’m not trying to discourage anyone at all, quite the opposite. But, a camping festival that is three days of camping can be hard. Hard, but so worth every ounce of sweat and balmy, restless nights in a tent. And yes, it’s even worth the port-a-potty experience.

My advice is to try it, at least once, even if it’s a festival that is like Voodoo Fest in New Orleans. You can come and go as you like, no camping involved.

You can stay in a nice air-conditioned hotel, use a proper restroom and take a much-needed break from the heat. It’s just that being at an outdoor

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camping festival, where you don’t get to leave the grounds is so beyond anything a hard-core music lover could ever want. It’s 24/7 of fellowship for people who want to drink, eat, live, love and experience the awe of live music outdoors. You feel like you’ve championed through something – something that was hard yet unbelievably satisfying. Bonnaroo people are sort of in their own special club; it is a truly rare and wonderful thing. It’s pure and raw collective love of music, and that’s an awesome thing.

FACE Magazine 45

reachingout

A rundown of festivals to come this summer (none of these involve camping or a lack of bathing, just a little sun, heat, and fun.)

My personal favorite dream line-up is Austin City Limits, which also just happens to be one of my favorite cities. It’s held in Zilker Park, right past the bustle of the heart of the city and the fun and eclectic Barton Springs Road and South Congress Street. The big hitters at this festival are Pearl Jam, Dave Mathews Band, Kings of Leon, Beastie Boys, Mos Def, Ben Harper, Sonic Youth, and The Decemberists. www. aclfestival.com Outside Lands: In the fabulous and exciting Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California. August 28-30. Headliners include Pearl Jam, Dave Mathews Band, Beastie Boys, Black Eyed Peas, Ween, and Modest Mouse. SFOUTSIDELANDS.com Voodoo Fest: Right in our back yards in New Orleans. The weekend of Halloween which just screams a good time! Big names are Kiss, Eminem, Jane’s Addiction, Widespread Panic, The Flaming Lips and George Clinton. thetenthritual.com

MORE THAN

J

Loretta’s

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One coupon per customer Coupons may not be combined with any other offer Expires 09/12/09

Judy Dunn had never been on a mission trip. After all, what could this decorator extraordinaire offer? She had no medical expertise or other skills often called upon for far-flung mission work. What she did have, however, was some compassion, creativity and most importantly willingness to step outside the comfortable.

And that’s how Judy found herself on a bus heading 6 hours into the Romanian countryside on a pothole riddled road toward an area where there is virtually no running water or electricity.

“It was amazing,” she says.

More than a year ago Judy, of Dunn’s Designs, decided to use her God-given talents to renovate a Romanian school for the community’s poorest children thousands of miles away. She asked her staff to join her on the trip spearheaded by members of First Baptist Church of Lafayette. After more than a year of work and support from the community, Dunn’s raised more than $29,000 allowing eight staff members to go on the journey as well as purchase supplies for the trip.

“We have to thank Acadiana,” Judy says immediately when speaking of the trip.

“Without our clients and the percentage we set aside the people from Dunn’s couldn’t have gone. It wasn’t just Judy or Dunn’s Designs. It was Acadiana.”

The preschool in Romania receives little funding and helps teach the community’s poorest Gypsy children. Most of those children are destined for a life of poverty and often crime. It’s a vicious cycle the backers of the school hope to break by teaching the community’s youngest children the basics before they go to school. Otherwise these children quickly fall behind in school, drop out and end up stealing to survive.

“These little children are so excited, laughing, having a good time and they

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46 FACE Magazine

Story by Amanda Bedgood

Look at mission work in a new way

Lollapalooza: August 7-9 and let’s not forget about this one! I always wanted to go to this festival since I was in junior high. Depeche Mode, Tool, The Killers, Kings of Leon, Jane’s Addiction, Snoop Dogg are just a few big acts to hit the stage in Grant Park in exciting Chicago. lollalpalooza.com

a $50 or more purchase

decor

don’t know they are poor,” Judy says. “Just telling them a story, painting with them, something that seems so insignificant to us is so important to them. For a meal they’ll have a bowl of soup and a piece of bread. They bathe three times a week and some had never used a shower. They were afraid of the water coming out of it.”

During the first half of their days there, volunteers worked with children in a camp-like setting teaching Bible stories, working on crafts, singing. Then for the second half of the day they completed projects on the facility, including putting in a new playground.

It was a powerful experience for Judy. Upon her arrival home she couldn’t help but feel some kind of guilt at walking into a nice home.

“You can make a difference. You never know if who you are teaching is going to be the one to break the cycle. When I came home and walked back into my house you almost feel guilty,” Judy says. “You did the best you can and you make a difference when you can.”

There is much left to be improved upon at the facility. A third floor needs to be finished and their basement frequently floods and can’t be drained because of the cost ($100 to pump out the water). Judy plans to head back again and hopes a little project they did while there will inspire the folks at Extreme Makeover: Home Edition to lend a helping hand.

In a tribute to the program, in which families are allowed to see their revamped home after shouting “Move that bus! Move that bus!” the children in Romania (many of whom do not have access to a car and use a cart and horse) did a mock video. The children shouted, “Move that cart! Move that cart!” to see the improvements on their school. They sent the video in the hopes they can get help with further improvements.

Lafayette Location

www.facelafayette.com

August 2009

FACE Magazine 47

healthmatters

thecause

Shop til you drop

C

Christmas might be the last thing on your to-do list. Trust us, come September you’ll be singing Jingle Bells as you head to Lafayette’s can’tmiss shopping event – Tinsels and Treasures.

The Junior League of Lafayette shopping market and events for three days in September draws more than 10,000 people and takes the entire crew of JLL ladies to pull it off.

This year expect 133 vendors with goods from merchants both local and across the country, according to T & T chair Dustii Angelle.

“Twenty-five percent are new merchants this year. From Florida, Maine, California. We’ve evened it out where you have clothes, home, holiday, we’ve got kids stuff,” Dustii says. “It’s a one-stop shop for everyone and we’ve even incorporated some guy stuff this year.”

While T & T is great for a jump-start on holiday shopping, there are a lot of other goodies to buy.

“It’s not just Christmas,” Dustii says. “You can find everything from dips and foods to monogramming for kids – on site. And we have clothes galore, jewelry, everything.”

The festivities kick off Wednesday, September 23 with Preview Party.

“It will be bigger and better than ever,” Dustii says of the Sweet 16 themed event since it is the league’s 16th annual event.

Andy Smith band will play at the opening cocktail-attire party sponsored by Iberia Bank with auctions from art by George Rodrigue, Hope Hebert and Clay Judice among others to time at vacation homes, Pippen McGee children’s furniture and a raffle for a serious piece from Lee Michaels. Tickets for the Preview Party are $60 a person and $110 a couple and include a free buffet, wine and beer. There’s also the chance to do some shopping before the big opening day Thursday. (Preview Party tickets are also a 3-day pass to the market.)

Tickets for one day at the market at $8 in advance and $10 at the door and a 3-day pass is $15. For the stroller moms, Thursday is likely the best day with stroller hour from 3 to 8 p.m.

Santa’s Sneak Peek for kids to visit with the big guy is on Thursday and Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. and there will be cookies and other goodies for the kids.

Friday is the don’t-miss style show sponsored by Moss Motors with clothing from local retailers.

Saturday is the big raffle at 4 p.m. for a men’s Rolex and diamond stud earrings that are a carat and a half. For $5 you get a ticket for a chance to win both. And there will be gift-wrapping at a great price every day.

If you can’t find close parking at the convention center, don’t forget a shuttle runs every 5 minutes from Blackham Coliseum and drops you off at the door at no cost.

To buy tickets go to juniorleagueoflafayette.com and they will mail them to you or you pick them up at a call window during the market.

Lessons learned on the trail Nutritionist Yvette Quantz can often be found in the pages of FACE Magazine doling out her insight in the food arena. Beginning in July, however, the wife, mother and business owner will share her journey as she trains to run in her first ever marathon. Follow her each month as she faces the challenges of training and the joys of accomplishment and pay attention – you may learn a thing or two.

I

Into the sixth week of the marathon-training program I decided that this month I will share few things that I have learned so far about training.

1. Before your official training program begins, build your fitness base. I say this because the 16week program I am following is pretty intense (well, at least in my opinion). If I had not been participating in a regular exercise program prior to starting the official marathon training, I don’t believe I would be doing what I am doing today. Establishing a fitness base helps prevent injuries and also helps prepare you to mentally focus on overcoming the tough days. I personally found Strength and Endurance’s Boot Camp to be a great jump start for total body conditioning. It not only helped to prepare me physically but also in preparing my will to believe that I can always push myself a little hard or go a little further, and when it’s finished I will still be alive!

2. Surround yourself with people who have “been there, done that!” Having friends to call and talk to has made this journey a whole lot easier. For example, the first time I went running with a fuel belt (you know those fanny packs that you see runners wear and wonder – why??), well I finished my 12 mile run and felt awesome - so accomplished. That

48 FACE Magazine

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is until I took off the fuel belt and felt the blister on my back!

Apparently I did not secure the fuel belt tight enough and was suffering from the consequence.

Had it not been for my “been there, done that” friends I would have thrown away the belt and sworn never to wear it again.

However, what I learned is that the belt needs to be VERY tight around your waist to prevent chaffing.

Now I run with a fuel belt three to four times a week and love the fact that I can run hands free and still have my water, ipod, phone and fuel at my side when needed.

3. Never say Never. You will be amazed at what you will do when you start stepping out of your comfort zone. Before I began this training program there were a few things that I thought I would never do, however, I was wrong. For example running with the fuel belt. Who knew I would actually be strapping it on most mornings as I head out the door?

Another thing I thought I would never do, and certainly never believed I would actually enjoy doing, is sitting in the cold plunge after a run. I remember when the chiropractor I am working with looked at me and said, “The cold plunge is about to be your new best friend.” I thought to myself, “No way, this man is crazy! I hate that thing. Why would anyone put themselves through the misery of standing in freezing water for ten minute, I’ll pass.” Well, again I was wrong. The cold dip has become my friend and I do think it has helped tremendously in injury prevention.

4. Injury prevention needs to be practiced on and off the running trail. During the past 6 weeks I thought I had been taking all the necessary precautions to prevent injuries. I do my warm up and cool

One woman.

One goal.

Months of work.

down, I stretch, sit in the cold dip, ice, stay hydrated and take rest day. However, I was not always so careful in my everyday routine.

One afternoon in the grocery store wearing my usual summer attire (shorts, t-shirt, and sandals), a heavy glass bottle fell on my toe… ouch! I left the store limping and praying that I did not break my toe. Thankfully my clumsiness only resulted in a big bruise, but that experience certainly made me realize how vulnerable we are and the precautions that need to be practiced both on and off the running trail.

5. Fueling yourself properly before, during and after is essential. Preparing your body with the right fuel can make a huge difference not only in performance and energy levels but also helping you keep hunger levels in check. Personally I learned that having a piece of whole grain bread with peanut butter and honey is the perfect fuel source before a long run.

More on this topic next month.

I hope you enjoy this journal and I want to remind you that me writing this is not necessarily Yvette Qu antz about running, but instead about putting your mind to a goal, working everyday to achieve it, and overcoming the obstacles that are thrown in your way. So if I can accomplish anything by sharing my experiences with you, I hope it is to inspire you to set a goal, write your plan, and start working every day to achieve it!

Yvette Quantz, LD, RD, CLT, is a Lifestyle and Sports Nutritionist and owner of Food Therapy, LLC. E-mail her at yvette@foodtherapyonline. com and get more information about Food Therapy at www. foodtherapyonline.com

FACE Magazine 49

ROOM TO GROW

I

It seems these days that everyone is very interested on the subject of me having a baby. I could say “I stubbed my toe” and the response would go a little something like this “You stubbed your toe? You must be pregnant!” I say “No.” and then the individual {cough} my mom, will say “Andrea, I’m ready to be a grandmother, you know.” Oh, how I do know, momzie. It’s not that I don’t want children. Not the case. I just prefer to live my oh so glamorous lifestyle of Andrea Veron Decorator at Large, sans bambino for right now. {glamorous being the real sarcasm there} I can hardly get my own self ready, much less dressing for two! What a feat!

All jokes aside, not wanting to have a baby at the moment doesn’t stop me from wanting to design a baby’s room for your viewing pleasure, hot-mammas. No sir’ee. Now, let’s get to talking about our little glamour-puffs surroundings and what we could employ to pull off the perfect bedroom for our style-maven in the making.

MPER PAD

CRIB

instantglamification

I feel that the first angle to chat about is that this room is also your room and it will be for a few years to come. Thinking about the sheer volume of time spent in there, I would suggest that we start with comfortable seating. Splurge on the chair. Here, I chose a beautiful study in classic design, the tub chair. This particular piece is a swivel rocker and sits like a dream, not to mention how the sophisticated clean lines and refined curves make it pure eyecandy. I can say with absolute confidence that this chair, done up in that beautiful striped damask, would be a real showstopper.

The other point that I’d like to discuss is that I designed the room for longevity. I subscribe to the belief that a well decorated interior can last a lifetime, only calling for upgrades here and there as your needs change. I chose classic pieces that will grow with our little petunia for years to come, because cry as we might, she won’t be little forever. When we use this approach, the only element that will have to be traded out would be the crib.

Everything else can adapt with a bit of tweaking as needed.

While we’re at it, we might as well talk about starting her off as a collector and enthusiast for art and antiques. What little gal doesn’t want an antique Louis Phillipe mirror? Or a wonderful diptych painting by the incredibly talented George Marks? What, you don’t know any? Be honest, it sure trumps a wall of My Little Pony figurines, doesn’t it? These nuances alone create a sense of history and sophistication that will assure that she is the envy of all the lemonade stand princesses. See, we aren’t necessarily designing for a baby. We are designing with growth in mind and

our outlook is to supply the room with a few pieces that she can take with her out of your home and into her adult life.

A wonderful thought in my opinion.

As far as our fabric choices go, I would propose outfitting the windows in that wonderful striped silk. It is absolutely sumptuous in person. The detailing on the embroidery is truly mouthwatering, and my heart skipped Andrea V eron a beat when the sample came in. It being of great character allows us to use simplistic drapery panels and a nofrills roman shade as the second layer of the treatment. I chose to highlight the embroidery color as the basis for the roman shade, which is actually the perfect blend of bubblegum and magenta in real life. I would use that pink linen as the fabric on the roman.

Just a simple, relaxed roman shade. Nothing more, nothing less.

Can you imagine the beauty of all of this? I’m so happy to be able to fantasize right along with you, it’s been so much fun for me to pull this all together and take you on the creative journey that is vital to the make-up of my being. If you would like any additional information on any of the items that I featured, please contact me. I’d be honored to help you with them.

Andrea Veron is an independent decorator living and working in Lafayette. She can be contacted at amveron@cox.net.

Strength. Tradition. Excellence.

The percentage of our budget spent on the central office is consistently lower than the state average and comparable to other top-performing systems.

Governor Bobby Jindal has embraced our newly implemented discipline matrix & recommended it for use across the state.

Since 2007, LPSS has won more than $20 million in national competitive grants, with more than 80% being spent on direct services to children and 10% on teacher training and support.

Our LA4 preschool program is the state’s largest. Enrolled children experience fewer retentions and special education referrals, and post higher test scores than those not participating.

The Schools of Choice program has been recognized nationally as a model.

Our French Immersion program is 18 years old and the largest in the state.

For the past 20 years, we have partnered with the Acadiana Arts Council to put local artists in our classrooms, providing our children with a unique learning experience.

337.521.7000

August 2009

The foundation of a successful

LPSS students consistently exceed the state average on standardized tests.

LPSS is home to the state’s first and only Early College Academy, enabling students to attend high school on a college campus and graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree.

LPSS was chosen by state education officials to pilot a new management process and to serve as a model for other districts in the state.

LPSS was one of the first nine school districts in the nation to achieve accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and one of the first three in Louisiana.

lpssonline.com

education.

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Dressing with BABY on board

summertrends

the ART of

Say adios to frumpy maternity fashion. Today’s momma-to-be is totally chic in effortlessly smart outfits from polished dresses to edgy tops and spot-on denim. Caitlin Gossen, mother of two with one on the way, shows us how it’s done.

Model Caitlin Gossen Photography Penny Moore Shoot Location Acadian Center for the Arts

A vibrant print top with a boho feel is perfect with jeans. From Bundle of Joy, 5520 Johnston St # I. 52 FACE Magazine

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A black and white top pairs well with yellow accessories. Add a forgiving top with stretchy leggings for a look that is as comfortable as it is cute.

From Bundle of Joy, 5520 Johnston St # I.

Look fabulous while staying fit in yoga pants, top and jacket.

From Bundle of Joy, 5520 Johnston St # I. 54 FACE Magazine

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June 2009

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A black and champagne damask dress brings drama to maternity fashion with a serious collar.

From Bundle of Joy, 5520 Johnston St # I.

A denim skirt and cowboy boots make for a flirtatious combo.

From Bundle of Joy, 5520 Johnston St # I.

saveface

Banish pre-baby breakouts

P

Pregnancy is, for the most part, a joyful and exciting experience.

Well, for the most part. Mood swings, crazy food cravings, weight gain, swollen feet, stretch marks, and your skin can go from perfect to blemished or from dry to oily.

I’m not trying to be negative about it, just a realist; it’s not all roses and sunshine when going through a pregnancy (or so I’ve heard and seen, I only have fur babies). In my years as an esthetician I have dealt with many a mother-in-training who is dealing with ferocious breakouts and excess oil.

Hormones can wreak havoc on your skin, changing the skin you know and love. Pregnancy also means certain treatments or products may have negative or harmful side effects.

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Skin care products and essential oils are absorbed into your skin and taken into the bloodstream, which means it ultimately will be taken in by the baby. It may seem a bit much to ban these products if you’re with-child, but why not be safe rather than sorry?

The more powerful the product – Retinoids, Salicylic acid, Beta Hydroxy acid – the more likely it will be absorbed into the bloodstream. These products have been linked to birth defects.

Safe products include Glycolic acid, AHA’s(alpha hydroxy acids), Benzyl peroxide, and lactic acids.

Glycolic acid is great for controlling breakouts and absorbing excess oil. AHA’s are super anti-aging acids that help to exfoliate and moisturize the skin. Lactic acid is great for all skin types, especially

dry or pre-maturely damaged skin.

Benzyl peroxide helps clear up breakouts and keeps skin clear.

Facials are a great way to relax and help with dry skin or breakouts during pregnancy. Extractions, deep exfoliation and a clearing mask can make the aggravation of hormonal breakouts go away.

Just stay away from peels. But, say ‘yes’ to microdermabrasion, which can help resurface skin. Certain essential oils like Peppermint and Lavender should be avoided because they can get into your blood stream and have been linked to birth defects. Just let your massage therapist or esthetician know you’re pregnant and they will take the proper precautions.

And in 9 months when you have that bundle of joy in your arms all the negatives fade away and it’s all

worth it in the end. I still think all new mothers deserve a day at the spa.

It’s super important to relax and take time for you, moms. Ya’ll do Jen Rau sch too much.

Jen Rausch is a makeup artist and esthetician at Riverspa in River Ranch.

www.facelafayette.com

August 2008

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WHAT’S HOT NOW

summertrends

If you’re looking for something sexy to set your look on fire, search no more. Turn the heat up ever so slightly with the best items to wear as summer winds down.

Model Kate Simmers Makeup and Hair Nicole Dugas Comeaux at Cabelo Photography Mike Bedgood Shoot Location Tokyo Live

A green dress with a low-slung belt and cowl neck goes perfectly from day to night. From Moseley & Hollard, 1200 Camellia Blvd., Suite 103, River Ranch.

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A baby doll dress with a bustier bust is great for the end of summer heat and works into the fall thanks to rich hues. From Vertigo, 201 Settlers Trace Blvd., River Ranch.

Animal print just won’t die and we don’t mind. Try it in a basic tank shape with a surprising color – like blue. From Lemon Drop Unique Boutique, 1209 Albertson Pkwy., Broussard.

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June 2009

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A thin knit dress with a perfect fit in a staple color can transforms again and again thanks to new accessories.

From Allure Boutique, 2800 West Pinhook Rd, Suite 10.

A one-shoulder silhouette can’t be beat when combined with draping fabric and rich blue hue. From Bevo’s of Lafayette, 715 Bertrand Drive.

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June 2009

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A few strategically placed stones take a knit dress from day to night. Pair with gold jewelry and bronze mile high T-strap heels and a fold over clutch.

From Brother’s on the Boulevard, 101 Arnould Blvd.

Rows of graduating colors on super stretchy fabric make the perfect skirt.

Pair with an easy black top and long necklace. From Partners’ LTD, 102 Arnould Blvd.

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REMEDIES GRAND OPENING

RACE AGAINST THE CLOCK July 9, 2009

June 25, 2009 – Remedies in River Ranch

The seven radio stations of Regent Communications in Lafayette along with United Blood Services held their second annual Race Against the Clock 24 Hour Blood Drive. More than 630 listeners came out to give blood.

The store for life’s little aches and pains hosted its Grand Opening Thursday, June 25. Through a combination of pain relief and healthy living, REMEDIES® will help in keeping a healthy and vibrant lifestyle.

MOODY INAUGURAL CLASS

BREWMASTER’S DINNER

July 14, 2009

July 7, 2009 – Stan’s Downtown

Joby John, dean of the B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration at UL presented the inaugural classes of the newly formed Moody Executive Institute at a breakfast ceremony and announced plans for the development of an executive M.B.A. program within the college.

Stan’s Downtown hosted the AcA’s Gulf Brew VIP and Brew Angel sponsors who were treated to culinary delights by six local chefs who prepared a six-course meal paired with six exotic brews.

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SMITH – HEBERT WEDDING June 19, 2009 – Home of Kim Smith and Monique Hebert Kim Smith and Monique Hebert were married June 19 in an intimate ceremony at their home with friends and family.

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1209 Albertson Pkwy Broussard • Next to Subway

837-4033

837-4033

1209 Albertson Pkwy.

Broussard • Next to Subway