the smart choice in education
enriched curriculum
individualized reading, writing, math, science, computers, music, arts, French, sports, drama, yoga, dance
specialized programs
traditional 3 year cefa™ Junior Kindergarten program for 2-3, 3-4 and 4-5 year olds; cefa baby™ for 1-2 year olds
excellent faculty
cefa™ certified teachers also licensed in ece and trained in montessori and reggio. Loving and nurturing teachers inspire children to learn using exclusive cefa™ educational methods and games full day or part-time school on-site chef, classrooms of 12-16 children, cinema, circus, art room and art gallery
kingsway@cefa.ca
A grand adventure is about to begin.
~ A.A. Milne (1882-1956) in Winnie the Pooh
“Mommy, I have a baby in my tummy!”
“That’s nice, sweetie. How did that happen?”
“You said a seed needs to be planted in the Mommy’s tummy, so I took some sunflower seeds from Baba and ate them! When will I get my baby?”
This wasn’t the first time my five-year-old had brought up the question of when she could have a baby in her tummy. In fact, she is slightly obsessed with looking after her two existing “babies,” who sleep by her bed in their little dolly playpen. I had repeatedly explained that she would have to wait until she was all grown up, had finished university and gotten a job (fingers crossed), and, of course, met someone nice to have the baby with. I explained that usually the daddy plants a seed, which grows in the mommy’s tummy, until it’s time for the baby to come out.
She was a bit disappointed when I explained that sunflowers weren’t a good substitute and she decided that I should have the baby instead. Which brought me up short. Long before I first got pregnant, I had always planned on having just one child. Since I’ve had her, I haven’t given much thought to having another. But the idea was tempting.
Some friends recently had twins, and their joy and pleasure in their new additions reminded me of the wonder and excitement of those first few months (and the exhaustion). While my pregnancy was ideal (I didn’t even know about it for several months), the birth was long, difficult, and ended in a c-section. Could I go through that again? I’m still not sure. But I know I’m not the only one who has wondered if they’re ready to become a mom—whether for the first or even third time.
Hopefully, our 12th annual issue of this publication will provide some help in this regard. We’ve put together the latest info, finds and ideas on how to get ready—emotionally and physically—for pregnancy, parenthood and post-natal recovery. Our resource listings have been updated with the latest services and providers of everything you and your baby might need, and we have some great contests that you should be sure to enter.. Wishing you a healthy and joyous journey on your path to parenthood.
Tel: 604.249.2866 Fax: 604.247.1331 www.westcoastfamilies.com E-mail: info@westcoastfamilies.com
Publisher Andrea Vance publisher@westcoastfamilies.com
Managing Editor Anya Levykh editor@westcoastfamilies.com
Art Director & Layout Krysta Furioso studio@westcoastfamilies.com
Accounts Receivable & Bookkeeping Jennifer Brule finance@westcoastfamilies.com
Administration / Editorial Assistant Jennifer Bruyns admin@westcoastfamilies.com
Advertising Inquiries sales@westcoastfamilies.com 604-249-2866
For distribution inquiries, please contact: Jennifer Bruyns
Contributors: Bopomo Photography, Debbie Bowman, Jennifer Bruyns, Gian Falcone, Sarah Juliusson, Michele Kambolis, Lara Leontowich, Alyssa Schottland-Bauman.
All contents copyrighted ©. Written permission from the publisher is required to reproduce, quote, reprint or copy any material from WestCoast Families. PUBLICATIONS MAIL 40027247
Photographed by eclipsephotography.ca
Enter to win any of these great prizes online at www.westcoastfamilies.com!
WIN the Bloom Nano and Snug (Value $200)
Ideal for contemporary families living in smaller urban spaces, the Bloom Nano is good for children six months to three years. It’s sleek styling and flat-fold design is complemented by features like the FDA food-grade plastic and leather tray (removable and dishwasher-safe), leatherette seat upholstery, and five-point padded harness. The Bloom Universal Snug provides padding and extra comfort for newborns and babies up to 12 months, and is made from 100% bamboo fabric. Also features contoured shape and removable full head support. Designed to fit with the Nano, as well as most strollers, car seats and baby gear. Available at Baby’s World, Lusso Baby and online. www.bloombaby.com
Deadline to enter: March 31, 2012
WIN this Customizable Baby Starter Set from Silkberry Baby and Little Bambino! (Value $220)
Check out these two distinct lines, both created by local Vancouver moms! Prize includes one Silkberry Baby toddler comforter (100% cotton) with removable silk filling (100% mulberry silk floss), one Silkberry Baby 100% silk fleece baby blanket, one Silkberry Baby bamboo bib with waterproof backing, one Little Bambino Zip hoodie, one Little Bambino long-sleeved bodysuit, and one pair Little Bambino comfy pants. Winner will be able to customize from available sizes/styles. www.silkberrybaby.com | www.littlebambino.ca
Deadline to Enter: December 31, 2011
WIN the Chariot Cougar 1 from Baby’s World (Value $575)
Part of Chariot’s Cross Country series, and with the perfect balance between features and value, the Cougar 1 assures your child’s comfort with additional climate control venting, padded seats and the smooth ride of CAS—Chariot Adjustable Suspension. Features include 2-in-1 weather cover, extra leg room and lower step-in height for your child, large folding rear storage bag, Good for babies starting at six months of age up to approximately 30 kg. Available at Baby’s World, your one-stop shop for everything you and your baby might need, plus expert advice from the highly knowledgeable staff. Prize includes jogging kit as pictured here. www.babysworld.ca | www.chariotcarriers.com
Deadline to Enter: February 29, 2012
WIN this Complete Newborn Diaper Package from gDiaper! (Value $190)
Earth- and baby-friendly gDiapers has your wee one covered with their fabulous baby bundle that includes 12 tiny gPants (for newborns up 10 lbs), 6 little gPants (8 to 14 lbs), and 80 biodegradable gRefills. Plus, receive a package of six gCloths, the super-absorbent and reusable inserts that can be used instead of gRefills with your tiny and little gPants. www.gdiapers.com
Deadline to Enter: January 31, 2012
westcoast baby finds
Silkberry Baby Sleep Sack
Silkberry Baby offers bedding, clothing and bath items made from sustainable, eco-friendly silk, cotton and bamboo. All products are toxin- and chemical-free, use azo-free or low-impact dyes and prints, and are hypo-allergenic and anti-microbial. Made from 100% soft cotton and with a removable 100% mulberry silk floss filling, this sleep sack offer 2-in-1 functionality for both cool and warm nights. Sizes small (newborn to 6 months) and medium (6 to 36 months). Available at Room for 2 Maternity and Baby, Beansprouts, Off to Bed and more, as well as online. $85.99. www.silkberrybaby.com
Cow Cowleen Rattle from Terra Kids
Part of the Zubels collection, this soft and cuddly seven-inch rattle is made in Peru through Fair Trade, and is hand-knit using 100% cotton and organic dyes. Terra Kids is a local, online store based in Delta, B.C. that specializes in fair trade, organic, recycled and socially responsible toys. $14.99. www.terrakidstoys.com
Custom Baby Spoons from Alli’s Originals
This Canadian company makes unique and customizable silver jewellery and gifts. Check out the cute silver spoons that are perfect for baby’s first meal. $23 each. www.allisoriginals.com
Wonderbra Baby Love
This new line of nursing bras features styles both with and without underwire, molded stretch cups and a one-handed release clasp. $39. Available at Sears, The Bay and specialty boutiques. www.wonderbra.ca
Little Bambino Zip
Little Bambino creates hip, functional baby clothes from eco-friendly bamboo and organic cotton. The Bambino Zip hoodie eliminates issues with stuck heads, poky zippers, and kids who just like to take things off. Made from 70% bamboo and 30% cotton, with waterbased inks and low-impact dyes, these outfits are moisture-wicking and hypoallergenic. Generously sized for longer fit. Available in sizes six months (fits up to 18 months) and one year (fits up to 30 months). Available at Jack & Lola and online. $30. www.littlebambino.ca
Agoo 4-in-1 Water Bottle Set
A great idea for active, eco-friendly babies. Each set includes one 350 mL stainless steel water bottle, a matching pair of bamboo leggings and three lids (nursing nipple, sippy spout and sports lid). Available at Active Baby, Baby’s World, Pinky Blue and online. $29.99. www.agoo4u.com
Joya Rocker from Monte Design
This Canadian company specializes in modern, high-end and custom-made nursery furniture that will last through several generations. Pictured here with brown, water-resistant and stain-repellent suede microfiber, walnut frame and striped lumbar pillow. $895. Available at Baby’s World and online. www.montedesign.net
Xango Mangosteen Pericarp Oil
For centuries, Southeast Asian inhabitants used a paste of mangosteen peel and coconut oil to treat various skin conditions. Today, XANGO honors this restorative tradition by embracing nature’s most concentrated xanthone complex. Safe for pregnant moms and babies. $100. At local health stores. www.xango.ca
Go-Pod from KidCo
This portable and ultra-lightweight activity centre is perfect for small spaces or travelling families. With its fold-and-go, design, four seat-height positions, loops to attach toys, drink/snack holders and attached floor pad to keep baby safe and entertained both indoors and out, it’s ideal for outdoor activities like gardening and camping. Suitable for babies from four months to walkers. $54.99. Available at Baby’s World, Active Baby and Pinky Blue. www.kidco.com
Nosefrida: The Snotsucker
Made in Sweden, and BPA and Phthalate-free, the Nosefrida is a hygienic nasal aspirator designed for newborns and toddlers. Its safe design (nothing goes inside the nose) means babies are more accepting and parents minimize germ transfer. Made from nonallergenic and latex-free polypropylene. $19.99. Available online at www.cheekymonkey.ca. www.nosefrida.com
gStyle from gDiapers
Best for Babes Nursing Tops
The nursing cami ($54) features four-adjustment back hooks to accommodate changing post-partum bodies, while the tee ($39) has a lift-front panel for ease of nursing. www.bestforbabes.org
Dwinguler Padded Playmat
This eco-friendly, padded playmate comes in various sizes and can work as a floor mat, covering, seat cushion and play space for active kids. $89-$179. www.canadianplaymat.com
gDiapers, makers of eco-friendly and fashionable cloth diapers, has expanded their line to include dresses and tees with funky matching gDiaper pants, for girls and boys too cool for school! $17.99-$24.99. Available at local retailers and online. www.gdiapers.com
Kingsway • Vancouver, BC V5T 3K4 (604) 708-0956 Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm www.weeonesvancouver.com • Large selection of new and used clothing, books and toys • Quality items, reasonable prices, great service • Gift Cards available
Getting Emotionally Ready
By Michele Kambolis
From the time new moms see that second pink line magically emerge, showing they’ve created an entirely new being, the preparation begins.
The pregnant mind might assume we’re talking about the almost $10,000 typically spent on baby’s first year. But, the changes run far deeper— into the emotional and psychological transformation that defines motherhood. Is motherhood something we can ever really be ready for? When it comes to mentally preparing, there really aren’t any simple solutions. But, with a little mindfulness, even a first-time mother can have moments of feeling like the original Madonna.
Share in the Wisdom of Women
In ancient times, the minute a woman discovered she was “with child,” she was confined to private quarters for rest and contemplation. Other women would tend to her, sharing reassuring stories of midwifery and the narratives of childbirth. Now we scour the net for the ultimate cool diaper bag—and, yes, diaper bags can be cool—or tweet about each and every thought in our pregnant mind, if you don’t have a problem with sharing the experience with the world; my attitude is “bring it on!” Anything that keeps you talking about something as profoundly life changing as motherhood can only be a good thing.
Along with the websites, blogs and numerous books dedicated to motherhood comes an overwhelming urge to get motherhood “right.”While the information can be helpful, having intimate conversations with friends who’ve already “been there” can be worth their weight in gold. Candid conversations with other mothers will reassure you that motherhood, while filled with joyful moments, is not always a time of bliss—despite the counter-idea culture feeds us. They’ll be the first to tell you that love and patience for oneself begets love for one’s child, so be gentle and know that there is no “perfect parenting.”
Have a Dear Diary Moment
Having many “dear diary” moments and documenting all that’s going on in your inner world will help keep you self-connected as the changes emerge. Your willingness to write down the moments that find you strong and tireless, or at other times exhausted and unsure, will memorialize a sacred time in your life. Fast forward 30 years and you may even find yourself reading your musings back to your adult children as they prepare for their own child (but that would make you a grandmother!).
Ready, Set, Reflect
The passage from woman to mother is complex and, for many, causes us to take a mindful look at who we are and who we want to be. Suddenly, we’re in true adulthood, with the awareness that the choices we make are far-reaching and impact a newly forming human being. Becoming aware of the demands of your new role, with the wisdom that it takes time to feel personal readiness, may be the key. One study found that women who gave a great deal of thought to what parenting entails were better adjusted moms compared with moms who didn’t consider the impact on their lives. So, before you cheerily agree to host your sister’s 40th birthday two months after your baby’s due date, meditate on personal readiness and how the new baby will realistically impact the family.
Growing Belly, Shrinking Budget
New moms share in the chatter of endless topics: sleeplessness, loss of
intimacy, irritability, dark roots caused by the inability to make it to the salon—we even discuss the more concerning topic of postpartum depression. Yet, somehow we neglect to talk about the emotional impact of living off one income. Financial change is one of the most stressful events one can face, and yet we cringe at the thought of discussing it openly.
Discussing ways to adjust the family budget before baby arrives is downright smart. Even better, making an early switch to one income can give you an emotional head start and help you adjust to the new budget. After all, who wouldn’t need an emotional head start on cuts to those trips to your favourite fashion house?
Emotional Boot Camp
As soon as we become pregnant, we abandon the second cup of coffee, the Chardonnay we love so much and, for some, that nasty nicotine habit that formed in college. We become obsessive about taking care of our bodies, yet promises of emotional self-care often take a back seat.
Finding ways to tend to your emotional care and bolster those mental health tools will not only prepare you for childbirth, it’ll hold you in good stead during those first few years. Working on positivity, ownership of your emotions, regulating negative thinking, taking time for “self” and finding balance are all a priority now. Your ability to manage your internal reality in an honest way will be your best ally—and you’ll be the best version of yourself as you scream at the nurse for an epidural.
Redefine Yourself
There probably isn’t a more defining time in a woman’s life than becoming a mother. It leads us into the truth of who we are and, for some, shatters previous notions of who we are supposed to be. The psychological implications are profound and as you begin to identify as a mother, you are committing to something as innate and valuable as life itself—creating room for bonding and life-sustaining attachment with your baby.
Other roles you hold will attempt to crowd in, drawing your attention away from the emotional presence necessary for your child. Your amazing ability to adapt to this new definition of self is laying the foundation for the most important role of your life. So go ahead and ask yourself, what does it mean to you to be a mother? How is this role valued among those around you? Are there other roles that might compete with your mothering? While it’s literally impossible to be completely prepared for all the emotional changes that lie ahead, contemplating questions like these will help you to hold both the outside ear to your new baby’s needs and an inner ear to your own.
Michele Kambolis is the Clinical Director of Harbourside Counseling Centre, Vice Chair of BC Mental Health Foundation and founder of CHIKids. She can be contacted at 604.689.9116 or www.childinfo.ca for any questions about your child’s mental health and development.
Nourishing Yourself: Conception & the Early Months
By Sarah Juliusson, M.Sc.
Are you newly pregnant or considering having a baby in the coming year?
Congratulations! The leap to conception and pregnancy is full of learning and growth, and each family’s journey is unique.
Despite the abundance of community support for new families, this early phase of conception and new pregnancy can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you get a healthy start:
Nourish a Healthy Conception
Think of pre-conception as a time to build a healthy habitat for a growing baby. The first few months of a pregnancy are vital to healthy development of the growing fetus.
1. Schedule a pre-conception check-up with your family doctor
This is a wonderful opportunity to get a sense of your current health and steps you can take to ensure a healthy beginning. Be sure to take note of your menstrual cycle for several months prior to this visit. You will also be screened for medical conditions which could impact a pregnancy, and offered the option of genetic screening. Also consider starting acupuncture care to help your body prepare for conception.
2. Take note of any habits that would be best set aside during a pregnancy Smoking? Alcohol? Caffeine? Recreational drugs? Now is the time for you to begin creating new lifestyle habits to support a healthy conception and pregnancy. Check in with your doctor about the safety of any prescription drugs or herbs you may use routinely. You may also want to consider a change in contraceptive methods in the months leading up to conception to allow your body some time to restore its natural rhythm.
3. Did you know that stress can cause difficulty with conception?
Take a serious look at the stress in your life—now is your time to create new patterns and nourish your heart. Meditation, journaling, counselling, yoga, exercise, and time outdoors can all be a wonderful support.
4. Start taking folic acid and support a healthy diet.
In the three months prior to the time you begin trying to conceive you should ensure a good nutritional balance in your diet with plenty of protein and fresh fruits and vegetables. Now is the time to begin taking folic acid to help reduce the risk of neural tube defects, and prenatal vitamins to help support nutritional well-being.
Nourish a Healthy Pregnancy
Once you have conceived, you begin a new journey of supporting your body to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Simple steps such as gentle exercise, a balanced diet, plenty of water and adequate sleep are a wonderful support for your body during this time of growth and change.
Still, those who experience morning sickness can attest to the difficulty of maintaining a healthy diet through this challenging time, and many women worry that their nutritional needs are not being met. If you struggle with nausea or vomiting, nourish yourself with all the foods that do work for you, and do your best to continue with prenatal vitamins and folic acid. Small and frequent meals with good protein are ideal. Most importantly, be gentle with yourself and know that your body is nourishing your baby to the best of its ability.
It Takes a Village
If indeed “it takes a village to raise a child,” why not begin creating your village now, allowing for a community of health professionals and friends to nurture you on this new path.
While you can receive early prenatal care from your family doctor, now is a perfect time to be exploring your options for your prenatal, birth and postpartum care. While geographic proximity is ideal, also consider the style and philosophy of care you desire, seeking a midwife or doctor practice that matches your values. It is ideal to begin this relationship in early pregnancy to allow for a gradual building of trust over the months to come.
Early pregnancy is a wonderful time to begin attending prenatal yoga or fitness classes, and starting to adjust your normal physical routine to the changes in your body. While you could simply buy a prenatal exercise DVD, the sense of community that comes from a group class is an invaluable resource as you approach new parenthood.
As your baby grows, so will your village, with a network of support from health care to prenatal fitness and childbirth preparation. Welcome to this new time in your life—there is so much to look forward to!
Sarah Juliusson, M.Sc. Parent-Child Nursing, is the founder of Dancing Star Birth (www.dancingstarbirth.ca), supporting your journey with Birthing from Within prenatal classes and Mothers Unfolding groups for new mothers.
baby & belly news
Sleep Training: To Do or Not to Do?
The debate over whether or not to sleep train babies is a hotly contested topic, with strong adherents to both sides of the argument. To sleep-deprived parents, however, sleep training may be a life-saver. There are no easy answers, and each child reacts differently to sleep training attempts. If you are considering sleep training for your child, first consult with your family doctor, naturopath or paediatrician, and think about purchasing a “white noise” machine, which much of the medical community recommends for colicky or fussy babies. The soothing sounds of the ocean (or birds chirping or frogs croaking) can help calm your little one and allow them to drift off when parents are not there. Also consider bringing in a professional sleep consultant, to help plan your approach. For more information on sleep training, visit www.babycenter.ca/baby/sleep.
Prenatal Genetic Testing in B.C.
Did you know that prenatal genetic screening is available for free to all pregnant women in British Columbia covered under MSP? The B.C. Prenatal Genetic Screening Program is a free service that any woman can access at her choice. The program lets parents know the chances of their baby being born with Down syndrome, trisomy 18 or an open neural tube defect. For parents with a higher risk of transmitting Tay-Sachs, genetic testing is also available (the disease is most prevalent among Jews from Eastern Europe, French Canadians from southeastern Quebec., and Cajuns from southern Louisiana). For more information on screening, and how and when to access this service, visit www.bcprenatalscreening.ca.
Canada’s New Car Seat Regulations
Transport Canada has issued new car seat regulations on all car seats sold in Canada, and they come into effect on January 1, 2012. The regulations stipulate that all new car seats must adhere to the new design and testing standards, which include greater weight limits, and wider and longer seats. Babies will remain rear-facing until 10 kg, while forward-facing seats will be required for kids up to 30 kg. If you’re planning on using a pre-used or pre-purchased model, no need to panic. The car seat doesn’t need to be replaced before its expiry date unless it’s been involved in a car accident (regardless of whether there was any damage or not). If you still have concerns about the car seat you plan on using, it’s always a good idea to contact the manufacturer directly. For more information, visit BCAA’s Road Safety Foundation website at www.tsfbcaa.com.
Car Seat Testing
Did you know you can get a free car seat check at various spots around town? The Safety Station at BC Women’s Hospital provides free car seat checks for new parents. If you’re buying your car seat before your due date, check out Boomers and Echoes on the North Shore, which has certified staff that do free BCAA checks on Saturday mornings. Any donations go toward the Children’s Christmas Stocking Fund. For an online car safety checklist, visit www.bcchildrens.ca and click on Health Topics, then Child Safety.
See ad in this issue
ANNUAL EVENTS
Baby & Family Fair
Vancouver 604.251.9414 | www.thebabyandfamilyfair.com
Bellies to Babies Celebration
Vancouver www.belliestobabiescelebration.com
Bright Nights Stanley Park Vancouver www.vancouver.ca/parks
Canyon Lights Capilano Suspension Bridge North Vancouver www.capbridge.com
Crème de la Crème Baby Showcase Vancouver www.cremedalacreme.ca
Early Years Festival Surrey www.surrey.ca
EPIC! Sustainable Living Expo
Vancouver www.epicvancouver.com
Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden
Vancouver www.vandusengarden.org
Lovestruck Baby and Family Fair
Vancouver www.lovestruckbabies.com
Lower Mainland Toy & Product Fair Langley 604.534.1135 | www.langleycdc.com
Surrey Children’s Festival Surrey www.surrey.ca/childrensfestival
Vancouver International Children’s Festival
Vancouver 604.708.5655 | www.childrensfestival.ca
West Coast Women’s Show
Abbotsford www.westcoastwomen.net
ACTIVITIES & THINGS TO DO
Aquaventures Swim Centre
Vancouver
604.736.7946 | www.aquaventuresswim.com
Arts Umbrella
Vancouver
604.681.5268 | www.artsumbrella.com
Atlantis Swim Programs
Vancouver
604.874.6464 | www.atlantisprograms.com
Cineplex: Stars and Strollers Multiple locations www.cineplex.com
Gabriela’s Movement Studio
Richmond 604.272.0607 | www.movementstudio.ca
Greater Vancouver Zoo Aldergrove
604.856.6825 | www.gvzoo.com
Gymboree Play & Music
Multiple locations www.gymboreeclasses.com
Joyful Celebrations Theme Parties
877.2845.4539 | www.joyfulcelebrations.ca
Jump Start Music & Movement
Multiple locations
604.777.7179 www.jumpstartmusicandmovement.com
Kids Market Granville Island
604.689.8447 | www.kidsmarket.ca
Kindernusik Multiple locations www.kindermusik.com
Koko’s Activity Centre Port Moody
604.469.3357 | www.kokos.ca
Annual Resource Listings
Maplewood Farm North Vancouver
604.929.5610 | www.maplewoodfarm.bc.ca
Mommy Connections www.mommyconnections.ca
Music for Young Children
800.561.1692 | www.myc.com
Phoenix Gymnastics
Vancouver
604.737.7693 | www.phoenixgymnastics.com
Sunset Community Centre
Vancouver
604.718.6505 | www.mysunset.net
The Arts Connection
Richmond 604.241.0141 | www.theartsconnection.ca
The Little Gym
Langley
604.539.2543 | www.thelittlegym.com/langleybc
Watermania
Richmond
604.448.5353 | www.richmond.ca/aquatics
YMCA
Multiple locations www.vanymca.org
ADOPTION RESOURCES
Adoptive Families Association of BC Burnaby 604.320.7330 | www.bcadoption.com
BC Foster Parents Association Maple Ridge 604.466.7487 | www.bcfosterparents.ca
Choices Adoption & Counselling Victoria & Vancouver 604.682.6234 | www.choicesadoption.ca
Family Services of Greater Vancouver Adoption Agency
604.736.7613 | www.fsgv.ca
Federation of Aboriginal Foster Parents Vancouver 604.291.7091 | www.fafp.ca
Hope Services Abbotsford 604.850.1002 | www.hopeadopt.org
Ministry for Children & Families 604.660.2421 | www.gov.bc.ca/mcf
Sunrise Adoption Centre North Vancouver
604.984.2488 | www.sunriseadoption.com
BABY CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
Active Baby North Vancouver 604.986.8977 | www.activebaby.ca
Baby Green Spout Online www.babygreenspout.com
Babes on 4th Vancouver 604.739.9870
Babykins Multiple locations & Online 604.275.2255 | www.babykins.com
Baby on Board Richmond 604.273.0884 | www.babyonboard.ca
Baby Planet Boutique Online
888.823.6129 | www.babyplanetboutique.com
Baby’s Best Designs Online
604.682.7281 | www.babysbestdesigns.com
Baby’s World Coquitlam 604.515.0888 | www.babysworld.ca
Bamboobino Online 604.551.3882 | www.bamboobino.com
Beansprouts
Vancouver
604.871.9782 | www.beansprouts.ca
Beba Bean
Coquitlam & Online
604.552.7741 | www.bebabean.com
Bigfoot8 Kids Store
Port Coquitlam
604.464.6388 | www.bigfoot8.ca
Bobbits for Kids
Vancouver
604.738.0333 | www.bobbitsforkids.com
Boomers & Echoes Kids & Maternity North Vancouver
604.984.6163 | www.boomersandechoes.com
Buckets of Fun Consignment
Surrey
604.542.8697 | www.bucketsoffun.ca
Chick Pea Children’s Boutique New Westminster www.chickpeakids.com
Childish Notions Online
877.968.4667 | www.childishnotions.com
Classy Kids Consignment
Vancouver
604.222.4035
Cotton ‘n’ Crayon
Surrey
604.535.0466 | www.cottonncrayon.ca
Crawlies: Clothing for Babies on the Move Online
705.427.0696 | www.crawlies.ca
Dandelion Kids
Vancouver & Port Moody www.dandelionkids.ca
Dream Designs
Vancouver
604.254.7030 | www.dreamdesigns.ca
For Kids Only Consignment New Westminster
604.937.3755
Goober Baby
Multiple locations & Online
604.837.9775 | www.gooberbaby.com
gDiapers Online www.gdiapers.com
Hip Baby
Vancouver
604.736.8020 | www.hipbaby.com
Isola Bella Design
Vancouver
604.266.8808 | www.isolabella.ca
Jack & Lola
North Vancouver
778.340.5225 | www.jackandlola.ca
Just Kids Clothes
Online
604.649.3779 | www.justkidsclothes.com
Kai Kids Online www.kaikids.com
Kidazzles White Rock
604.531.7931
Kidlet Innovations Online
778.788-0680 | www.kidlet.ca
Kidzown Boutique
Surrey
604.581.1234 | www.kidzownboutiques.com
Köhlr Baby Sleepsacks & More Online
604.317.5705 | www.kohlrbaby.com
Koo Koo Design Online
604.495.6355 | www.kookootowels.com
Kuddle Muddle Kids
North Vancouver
604.929.2524
Little Critters Outfitters
Abbotsford & Cloverdale www.littlecrittersoutfitters.com
Little Earth Children’s Store Vancouver
778.737.7004 | www.littleearthvancouver.com
Little Treasures Children’s Boutique Granville Island
604.677.3792
Lusso Baby North Vancouver
778.340.0648 | www.lussobaby.ca
Mabel’s Labels Online www.marilyn.mabel.ca
MacGillycuddy’s for Little People Vancouver 604.263.5313
Mally Bibs Online
877.497.2427 | www.mallybibs.com
Milk Factory Designs Online
604.899.1180 | www.milkfactory.com
Mountain Baby Online
888.990.2292 | www.mountainbaby.com
My Little Green Online
855.545.7467 | www.mylittlegreenshop.com
Parade Online
888.687.7163 | www.parade.ca
Pebble
Vancouver
604.568.6923 | www.pebblebaby.com
Peekaboo Beans
604.279.2326 | www.peekaboobeans.com
Pinky & Company Online
604.515.4081 | www.pinkyandcompany.com
Pinky Blue Children’s Store Richmond
604.204.2720 | www.pinkyblue.ca
Planet-Twin
Maple Ridge
604.657.7333 | www.planet-twin.com
Play & Learn North Vancouver604.980.4055
Po Po’s Ponchos
Vancouver 604.258.9045 | www.poposponchos.com
Robeez Footwear
Multiple locations & Online
800.929.2649 | www.robeez.com
Room for 2 Maternity & Baby Vancouver
604.255.0508 | www.roomfor2.ca
Saf & Benjamin Vancouver
778.328.8194 | www.safandbenjamin.com
Sage Creek Naturals Online
877.513.2183 | www.sagecreeknaturals.com
Sleep Huggers Online
780.462.2351 | www.sleephuggers.com
Spa Baby Tubs Multiple locations & Online www.spababytubs.com
Sparkle & Junebug Vancouver 604.568.5434
Stonz Wear Baby Booties Online
604.568.6364 | www.stonzwear.ca
Stuck on You Online
866.904.9790 | www.stuckonyou.ca
Tiggy Winkles Children’s Consignment
Vancouver 604.731.8647
Tip Toey Joey Fort Langley
604.999.6932 | www.tiptoeyjoey.com
Tricky & Titch Online
604.985.5546 | www.trickyandtitch.com
Tsitah Threads Squamish
604.505.5414 | www.tsitah.com
Wee Ones Reruns Vancouver
604.708.0956 | www.weeonesvancouver.com
BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT
Abbotsford Health Unit
604.864.3400
BC Newborn Hotline
604.737.3737
BC Women’s Hospital Breastfeeding Clinic
604.875.2424 | www.bcwomens.ca
Cloverdale Public Health
604.575.5100
Crescent Moon Childbirth
604.535.1175 | www.crescentmoonchildbirth.org
Guildford Public Health
604.587.4750
La Leche League
Multiple locations
800.665.4324 | www.lllc.ca
Langley Public Health Office
604.539.2900
Mama Goddess Birth Shop Online
7415.754.5411
www.mamagoddessbirthshop.com
Medela Canada
800.435.8316 | www.medela.ca
North Shore Health Region
604.984.3841
North Surrey Public Health
604.587.7900
Pacific Spirit Health Centre West Vancouver
604.261.6366
Richmond Health Services
604.278.9711
South Delta Health Unit
604.587.4600 | www.fraserhealth.ca
Vancouver Breastfeeding Clinic
604.738.1912 | www.breastfeedingclinic.com
DIAPER SERVICES
Babykins
Richmond
604.275.2255 | www.babykins.com
Bouncing Babies
604.992.9270 | www.bouncingbabies.ca
Bumbini Cloth Diaper Company
604.838.0788 | www.bumbini.ca
Diapers Naturally Cotton Diapers Service
Burnaby
604.682.8860 | www.diapersnaturally.ca
Discount Diapers Corp
866.342.7371
Ecobotts Eco-disposable Diapers
778.340.1779 | www.ecobotts.ca
Eco Bumz
Online
866.376.8081 | www.ecobumz.com
gDiapers Online
866.553.5874 | www.gdiapers.com
Happy Nappy Diaper Service
604.539.8322 | www.happynappy.ca
Wee Care Online
888.722.2229 www.weecarediapercompany.com
DOULAS & MIDWIVES
Bloom Family Wellness
604.988.1411 | www.bloomwellness.com
The Birth Place
Maple Ridge
604.466.5811 | www.thebirthplace.ca
Birthing Buddies
604.928.2334 | www.birthingbuddies.com
Cherish Childbirth Care
604.626.1079 | www.cherishchildbirth.com
Crescent Moon Childbirth
Surrey, Langley & White Rock
604.612.6906 | www.crescentmoonchildbirth.org
Dancing Star Birth
604.254.1100 | www.dancingstarbirth.ca
The Divine Child Doula Services www.thedivinechild.ca
Doula Services Association of BC
604.515.5588 | www.bcdoulas.org
Family Midwifery Care
604.515.1505
Annual Resource Listings
Family Practice Maternity Service
BC Women’s Hospital
604.875.3436
Gloria Lemay
604.737.7063 | www.glorialemay.com
Midwifery Associates
604.450.1126 | www.midwiferyassociates.ca
Midwifery Care North Shore
604.984.6960 | www.midwiferycare.ca
The Midwifery Group
604.877.7766 | www.midwiferygroup.ca
Midwives Association of BC
604.736.5976 | www.bcmidwives.com
Mother Me
604.524.1793 | www.motherme.ca
New Additions Doula Services
604.682.2801
Newbirth Mothercare
778.834.2057 | www.newbirthmothercare.com
Pacific Midwifery
604.874.7999 | www.pacificmidwifery.ca
Pomegranate Community Midwives
Vancouver
604.255.5556 www.pomegranate-midwives.com
Ridge Meadows Midwifery Practice
604.466.5541
South Community Birth Program
604.321.2201 | www.scbp.ca
Village Health Clinic
604.575.7275 | villagehealthclinic.ca
EDUCATION
BC Montessori Association gator1200.hostgator.com/~maria/ Brighstars
604.682.8554 | www.brightstars.ca
CEFA: Core Education & Fine Arts
604.913.7713 | www.cefa.ca
Children’s Education Fund
604.646.7282 x. 292
Choice School
604.273.2418 | www.choiceschool.org
Collingwood School
604.925.3331 | www.collingwoodschool.ca
ColourStrings Music
604.730.5418 | www.colourstringsvan.com
Council of Parent Participation Preschools in BC
604.435.4430 | www.cpppreschools.bc.ca
CST Consultants (Canadian Scholarship Trust Plan) 778.245.1107 | www.cst.org
Darrell Wiebe for Heritage Education Funds Vancouver 604.836.9434
Googol Learning 604.720.9377 | www.googolpower.com
Lille aux oiseaux Montessori 604.725.4017 | www.godaycare.com
Little Mountain Montessori 604.709.9621
Monarch Autism House
604.205.9204 | www.monarchhouse.ca
Montessori Mes Petits Preschool 604.980.1102 | www.ourpreschool.com
Music For Young Children Maple Ridge 604.463.2151
North Star Montessori 604.980.1205 | www.northstarmontessori.ca
Reach For The Stars Montessori 604.688. 7827 | www.montessori.com
St George’s School 604.224.1304 | www.stgeorges.bc.ca
The Arts Connection 604.241.0141 | www.theartsconnection.ca
Usborne Books at Home 604.886.8767 | www.kidsbookmart.com
Vancouver Bilingual School 604.261.1221 | www.vancouverbilingual.com
Vancouver Academy of Dance
Richmond & Vancouver
604.231.8293| www.vancouverdance.com
Vancouver Waldorf School
North Vancouver
604.985.7435 | www.vws.ca
Wee Hands
866.746.7446 | www.weehands.com
York House School
Vancouver
604.730.2419 | www.yorkhouse.ca
FAMILY AND SUPPORT SERVICES
Abbotsford Community Services Family
Centre
604.859.7681 www.abbotsfordcommunityservices.com
Antepartum Home Care Program (For women expecting multiples)
604.875.3557
Association of Neighbourhood Houses of Greater Vancouver
604.875.9111 | www.anhgv.org
Autism Society of BC
888.437.0880 | www.autismbc.ca
Baby Bliss
604.617.5140 | www.babyblissplanner.com
Battered Women’s Support Services
604.687.1867 | www.bwss.org
BC Association of Family Resource Programs
Vancouver
604.738.0068 | www.frpbc.ca
BC Housing
604.433.1711 | www.bchousing.org
BC Parents Connection www.bcparentsconnection.ca
Belly to Baby Prenatal Education
604.469.2698 | www.bellytobaby.ca
Birth Transitions Pre-natal Classes
604.787.5386 | www.birthtransitions.com
Burnaby Family Place
604.299.5112
Canuck Place—A Children’s Hospice
Vancouver
604.731.4847 | www.canuckplace.org
Caregiver Tax
Coquitlam
604.786.2566 | www.caregivertax.ca
Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House
Vancouver
604.874.4231
Cherish Childbirth Care
604.626.1079 | www.cherishchildbirth.com
Collingwood Neighbourhood House
Vancouver 604.435.0323 | www.cnh.bc.ca
Coquitlam Share Family & Community Services Society
604.540.9161
Dr. Meagan Smith, Registered Psychologist
North Vancouver
604.990.2547
Dr. Michal Regev, Registered Psychologist Vancouver www.drregev.com
Dr. Oliva Scalzo, Registered Psychologist
Vancouver 604.251.7275
East Burnaby Family Place
604.444.1090 | www.ebfp.ca
East Side Family Place
604.255.9841 | www.eastsidefamilyplace.org
Family Services of Greater Vancouver
604.731.4951 | www.fsgv.ca
Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House
Vancouver 604.251.1225 | www.froghollow.bc.ca
Gordon Neighbourhood House
Vancouver
604.683.2554 | www.gnh.vcn.bc.ca
Guildford Family Place
Surrey
604.596.4321
Hastings Family Drop-in Centre
Vancouver
604.718.6222
Helen Sands, Sleep Consultant
604.803.0068 | www.helensands.com
Information Children Parent Support Line
604.291.3548
Langley Community Services Society
604.534.7921 | www.lcss.ca
Life Coach Family Counselling & Education
604.222.3474 | www.withloveinmind.com
Little Mountain Neighbourhood House
Vancouver
604.879.7104 | www.lmnhs.bc.ca
Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Community Services Family Place
604.467.6911 | www.comservice.bc.ca
Marpole Oakridge Family Place
Vancouver
604.263.1405 | www.marfamplace.org
McKenna Counselling Delta
778.554.8050
Mommy Connections www.mommyconnections.ca
Mount Pleasant Family Centre Vancouver 604.872.6757 | www.mpfamilycentre.ca
New Westminster Family Place 604.520.3666 | www.nwfamily.bc.ca
North Shore Family Services 604.988.5281 | www.familyservices.bc.ca
Pacific Post Partum Support Society 604.255.7999 | www.postpartum.org
Parent Support Services Society of BC 604.669.1616 | www.parentsupportbc.ca
Parents of Multiple Births 866.228.8824 | www.multiplebirthscanada.org
Place Maillardville Neighbourhood House Coquitlam 604.933.6166 | www.placemaillardville.ca
Ray-Cam Cooperative Centre Vancouver 604.257.6949 | www.raycam.com
Richmond/Delta Parents of Twins and Triplets Club 604.271.8348
Richmond Family Place Society 604.278.4336 | www.richmondfamilyplace.ca
Riley Park Community Centre Branching Out Vancouver 604.257.8545 | www.rileypark.ca
Semiahmoo Family Place South Surrey 604.531.5882 | www.semiahmoofamilyplace. com
Shari Bender, Registered Psychologist Vancouver 604.221.9053 | www.psychologists.bc.ca/pro/ sharibender
Fraser Health Authority
604.587.4600 | www.fraserhealth.ca
Single Mothers Support Network 604.732.3300 | www.singlemothers.ca
South Delta Health Unit 604.587.4600 | www.fraserhealth.ca
South Vancouver Family Place 604.325.5213 www.southvancouverfamilyplace.org
South Vancouver Neighbourhood House 604.324.6212 | www.southvan.org
St Matthews Day Care Society
Burnaby
604.527.1031 | www.stmatthewsdaycare.com
Storey Law
604.731.5676 | www.storeylaw.com
Sunrise Family Drop-in
Vancouver
604.251.2913
Support for Parents of Young Children Program
604.596.4321 | www.options.bc.ca
Tania Zulkoskey Counselling
Vancouver
604.771.8647 | www.tzcounselling.ca
The Children’s Foundation Surrey & Vancouver
604.434.9101 | www.childrens-foundation.org
Tri-City Family Place Society
604.945.0048 | www.tcfp.citysoup.ca
Tummy Tickles (Fetal Doppler Rental)
866.961.1580 | www.tummytickles.com
We Care Home Health Services
604.264.9003 | www.wecare.ca
West Side Family Place
Vancouver 604.738.2819 | www3.telus.net/wsfp FITNESS, HEALTH & WELLNESS
3D Baby Vision-Fetal Imaging 877.675.2229 | www.3dbaby.ca
Access Natural Healing
Vancouver
604.568.4663 | www.accessnaturalhealing.com
Alive Yoga Therapy
604.505.9108
Aquaventures Swim Centre
Vancouver 604.736.7946 | www.aquaventuresswim.com
Arbutus Acupuncture & Massage Therapy Clinic
Vancouver 604.264.9921 | www.healthtoday.ca
Barry Rich, MD Langley
604.539.1915 | www.nsv.ca
BC Association of Optometrists 604.737.9907 | www.absee.ca
BC Children’s Hospital 604.875.2345 | www.bcchildrens.ca
BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre 604.875.2330
Bonn Chiropractic
Vancouver
604.688.5437 | www.bonnchiropractic.com
CHI KIds
Vancouver
604.689.9116 | www.thechikids.com
Corebody Pilates & Yoga
North Vancouver
604.916.9335 | www.corebody.ca
Corinne Eisler
Registered dietician & paediatric nutrition specialist
604.738.4344
Crescent Moon Childbirth
Surrey, Langley & White Rock
604.612.6906 | www.crescentmoonchildbirth.org
Cross Roads Clinic
Vancouver
604.568.7115 | www.crossroadsclinics.com
Dial-A-Dietician 811| www.dialadietitian.org
Dr. Gerry Pochynok
Pacific Paediatric Dental Centre
North Vancouver
604.983.2253
Dr. Maria Fabbro
Naturopathic physician
Vancouver & Burnaby
604.540.9119 | www.drfabbro.com
Dr. Pollock Infant Circumcision/Vasectomy
New Westminster & Vancouver
604.717.6200 | www.pollockclinics.com
Dr. Sabrina Chen-See, Family Wellness Chiropractor
Vancouver
604.566.9088 | www.drchensee.com
Family Passages
Vancouver
604.266.6470 | www.familypassages.ca
Fit for Two
Multiple locations
604.602.1546 | www.fit4two.ca
The Fitness Group www.fitnessgroup.com
Fitness on the Go In-home personal training
888.808.2348 | www.fitnessonthego.ca
Healthcord
Vancouver
877.714.6361 | www.healthcord.com
Helen Sands, Sleep Consultant
604.803.0068 | www.helensands.com
Hycroft Wellness Centre Prenatal Fitness
Vancouver
604.731.8027
Integrative Healing Arts
Vancouver
604.738.1012 | www.integrative.ca
Into Yoga
Multiple locations
604.421.9872 | www.intoyoga.ca
Jump Gymnastics
604.568.9690 | www.jumpgymnastics.ca
Just4Kids Paediatric Dentistry
604.575.7785 | www.j4kdentistry.com
Kidzown Boutique
Surrey
604.581.1234 | www.kidzownboutiques.com
Lady de la Sol Botanicals
Online
877.471.1144 | www.ladydelasol.com
The Little Gym Langley
604.539.2543 | www.thelittlegym.com/langleybc
Mashala Baby Organics
Online
800.981.4626 | www.mashalababyorganics.com
mbody Fitness and Wellness Spa
Vancouver
604.891.5189 | www.mbodyspa.com
McNeil Consumer Healthcare
877.223.9807 | www.mcneilcanada.com
Momentum Fitness
Vancouver
604.732.4884 | www.mfit.ca
My 3D Ultrasound (Greig Associates)
Vancouver
604.267.3387 | www.my3dultrasound.com
My Adventure Boot Camp
Vancouver
604.329.7867 www.myadventurebootcamp.com
North Star Fitness
Vancouver
604.761.7064 | www.northstarfitness.ca
Nourished from Within
Vancouver
604.290.1231 | www.nourished.ca
Open Door Yoga
Vancouver
778.371.8179 | www.opendooryoga.bc.ca
Pacific Life Chiropractic
604.850.0551 | www.pacificlifechiropractic.com
Annual Resource Listings
PDG Pediatric Dental Group
604.263.2422 | www.pdgdental.com
Phoenix Gymnastics
Vancouver
604.737.7693 | www.phoenixgymnastics.com
Pilates Unlimited
Vancouver
604.875.0404 | www.pilates.ca
Innergy Corporate Yoga
604.219.2080| www.innergycorporateyoga.com
Runners and Booties Fitness
Multiple locations
778.285.6265 www.runnersandbootiesfitness.com
St John Ambulance
604.321.2652 | www.sja.ca
Tania Zulkoskey Counselling
604.771.8647 | www.tzcounselling.ca
Théra Wise: Natural therapeutic ointments
Multiple locations & Online
604.879.2623 | www.therawise.com
TOPS: Take Off Pounds Sensibly
Multiple locations
800.932.8677| www.tops.org
Tot 2 Teen Dental Care
604.218.9401 | www.tot2teendental.com
Tummy Tickles
Fetal Doppler rentals
866.961.1580 | www.tummytickles.com
Van Yoga Programs
Vancouver
604.646.0134 | www.vanyoga.com
Yoga Pod
North Vancouver
604.924.9642 | www.yogapod.com
UC Baby
Vancouver
905.615.9732 | www.uc-baby.com
FURNITURE & HOME DÉCOR
Baby’s World Coquitlam
604.515.0888 | babysworld.ca
Baby on Board
Richmond
604.273.0884 | babyonboard.ca
BC Playthings North Vancouver
604.986.4111 | www.bcplaythings.com
Belly Bonding Casting Co
604.219.7379 | www.bellybonding.ca
BippityBoppity Boo Children’s Rooms
604.468.1755
Boomers & Echoes Kids & Maternity
North Vancouver
604.984.6163 | www.boomersandechoes.com
Comfy Cozy Blankies
604.839.4643 | www.comfycozyblankies.ca
The Creative Individual Wall Murals
604.857.3270 | www.thecreativeindividual.com
Cribs & Carriages North Vancouver
604.988.2742 | www.cribsandcarriages.com
Crocodile Unique Baby Store Surrey & Vancouver www.crocodilebaby.com
Desneige Memory Castings Online
877.615.8450 | www.desneige.ca
DoudouBebe www.doudoubebe.com
Dream Designs
Vancouver
604.254.5012 | www.dreamdesigns.ca
Felt Fantasia
604.595.6627 | www.feltfantasia.com
FinoLino Fine Linens & Accessories Vancouver 604.736.1828 | www.finolino.net
Fu-Shun Baby Online
604.535.0092 | www.fu-shundesigns.com
If Walls Could Talk
604.582.6811
IKEA
Coquitlam | 604.636.1000 Richmond | 604.233.8491 www.ikea.ca
Kids Market Granville Island
604.689.8447 | www.kidsmarket.ca
Lusso Baby North Vancouver 886.740.9830 | www.lussobaby.ca
Maria Tratt Custom Wall Design 604.218.4258 | mariatratt@gmail.com
Molly’s Furniture Salad Vancouver 604.732.7712 | www.furnituresalad.ca
Nestings Kids Vancouver
604.734.5437 | www.nestingkidsvancouver.com
Northern Feather Dream Makers
Multiple locations www.nfdreammakers.com
Off to Bed
Fort Langley
604.513.1151 | www.offtobed.ca
One Tiny Suitcase
Baby Equipment Rentals
877.663.8469 | www.onetinysuitcase.ca
Organic O’Canada
Vancouver
604.630.2337 | www.organicocanada.com
Pinky & Company Online
604.515.4081 | www.pinkyandcompany.com
Pinky Blue Children’s Store
Richmond 604.204.2720 | www.pinkyblue.ca
TJ’s The Kiddies Store
Multiple locations & Online
800.755.4857 | www.tjskids.com
Wee Piggies & Paws Online
905.988.5437 | www.weepiggies.com
GROCERY SERVICES
Avalon Dairy Delivery
604.434.2434 | www.avalondairy.com
Dairyland/Saputo Foods
800.667.1228 | www.morethanmilk.ca
Green Earth Organics
604.708.2345 | www.greenearthorganics.com
Neighbours Organic Weekly Buying Clubs
Co-operative organic food delivery
604.222.0262 | www.nowbc.ca
Small Potatoes Urban Delivery
604.215.7783 | www.spud.ca
Stong’s Market
604.266.1401 | www.stongs.com
Organics at Home
604.983.6657 | www.organicsathome.com
MATERNITY: NEW & CONSIGNMENT
Baby Planet Boutique
Online
888.823.6129 | babyplanetboutique.com
Bellies in Bloom
Victoria & Online
250.479.0803
www.belliesinbloommaternity.com
Blissfulbabes Nursing Wear www.blissfulbabes.com
Boomers & Echoes
North Vancouver
604.984.6163 | www.boomersandechoes.com
Bravado Designs Online
800.590.7802 | www.bravadodesigns.com
Classy Kids Consignment
Vancouver
604.222.4035
Corsierre 3-in-1 Nursing Bra Upgrade Online
877.612.5477 | www.corsierre.com
Flirty Maternity
Maple Ridge
604.657.7333 | www.flirtymaternity.com
Forever Yours Lingerie
604.532.1933 | www.foreveryourslingerie.ca
Hazel & Co./Jools Vancouver www.jools.ca | www.hazelhipmoms.com
Jelly Beans Kids Consignment Coquitlam 604.939.4846
Kidazzles
White Rock
604.531.7931
Kidzown Boutique Surrey 604.581.1234 | www.kidzownboutiques.com
Little Earth Vancouver
778.737.7004 | www.littleearthvancouver.com
Mama Goddess Birth Shop Online
415.754.5410 www.mamagoddessbirthshop.com
Mooternity Nursing Fashions Online
778.838.1707 | www.mooternity.com
Not For Long Boutique
778.294.0401
Nummies Nursing Bras www.nummies.ca
Pinky & Company Online
604.515.4081 | www.pinkyandcompany.com
Room for 2 Maternity & Baby Vancouver 604.255.0508 | www.roomfor2.ca
The Classic Closet Consignment Boutique Surrey 778.395.8290 www.classicclosetconsignment.com
The Maternity Shop Online
888.860.1211 | www.thematernityshop.com
Tiny Town Children’s & Women’s Consignment Surrey
604.597.0040
NANNIES & CHILD CARE RESOURCES
Able Nannies
604.540.7453 | www.ablenannies.ca
Almost As Good As Mum Nanny Agency
604.542.0548 | www.almostasgoodasmum.com
Canzac Nannies & Babysitters
604.985.3654 | canzacnannies.com
Care Solutions
877.925.8474 | www.absolutecarenanny.com
Child Care Options Resource & Referral Program
604.572.8032 | www.childcareoptions.ca
Elite Nannies
604.876.5520
First Steps Child Care Options
604.876.5520 | www.childcareoptions.ca
International Nannies
604.609.9925 | www.internationalnannies.com
Langley Child Care Resource & Referral Program
604.534.7921
Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Child Care Resource & Referral
604.467.6911
Moppet Minders Child & Home Care Services
604.942.8167
Nanny Finders Directory
888.628.1622 | www.nannyfindersbc.com
Nannies on Call
877.214.2828 | www.nanniesoncall.com
Norfolk Nannies
604.263.5867
North Shore Childcare Resource & Referral Program
604.985.7138 | www.nscr.bc.ca
Not Just Nannies
604.723.5683 | www.notjustnannies.net
OptiMum Childcare & Nannies
604.671.4965 | www.opti-mum.com
Richmond Child Care Resource & Referral Service
604.279.7020 | www.volunteerrichmond.ca
St. Matthews Day Care Society
604.527.1031 | www.stmatthewsdaycare.com
Susan’s Nannies
604.779.8579 | www.susansnannies.com
Vancouver Child Care Resource & Referral
604.376.6447 | www.wstcoast.org
YMCA Childcare Resource & Referral 604.931.3400 | www.vanymca.org
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO
Bliss Photographic Images
604.970.3872 | www.blissphotographic.ca
Blue Haze Photography
778.893.4665 | www.bluehaze.smugmug.com
Bopomo Pictures
604.678.1411 | www.bopomo.ca
Bullfrogs & Butterflies
778.554.4708 www.bullfrogsandbutterfliesphotography.com
ChooChoo Photography www.choochoophotography.com
Coates Portrait Design
604.739.9600 | www.coatesportraitdesign.com
d’Soleil Photography 604.283.1121 | www.dsoleilphoto.com
Eclipse Photography
604.984.7427 | www.eclipsephotography.ca
Gemini Visuals Creative Photography 604.312.6330 | www.geminivisuals.com
Gina Spanos Photography
604.298.3611 | www.ginaspanos.com
Jane Photography
604.435.9581 | www.janeeatonhamilton.com
Joy Photography
778.688.8688 | www.joyphoto.ca
Kalem Photography
604.273.0401 | www.kalemphoto.com
Kevin James Day Photography 604.970.2675| www.kjdkids.com
Kids of Vancouver—Veridamo Photography 604.970.2224 | www.veridamo.com
Life Story Videos
604.805.7999 | www.lifestoryvideos.ca
Mika Photography www.mikaphotography.ca
Perfect Moments Photography Abbotsford 604.832.1628 | www.perfectmoments.ca
Portraits by Anita 604.376.6447 | www.portraitsbyanita.com
RD Captured Memories
Langley
604.761.5178 | www.rdcapturedmemories.com
Raw Photographic
604.834.8824 | www.rawphotgraphicarts.com
Red Wagon Digital Images
604.318.3259 | www.redwagondigitalimages.ca
Shayna Kerrie Photography Vancouver
604.614.0778 www.shaynakerriephotography.com
Sweet Earth Photographics
778.865.4131 www.sweetearthphotographics.com
Sweet Pea Photography
604.986.0204 www.sweetpeaphotography.com
Toy Box Studios
604.681.2252 | www.toybox-studio.com
What I See Photography
778.829.0071 | www.whatisee.ca
TOYS, GIFTS & LIFESTYLE
Animal Crackers Announcements
604.710.4760 | www.animalcrackersonline.com
Babes on 4th Vancouver
604.739.9870
Baby’s World Coquitlam
604.515.0888 | www.babysworld.ca
Baby Celtic Productions Online
604.929.6914 | www.babyceltic.com
Baby Green Sprout www.babygreensprout.com
Baby on Board Richmond
604.273.0884 | www.babyonboard.ca
Baby Planet Boutique Online
888.823.6129 | www.babyplanetboutique.com
Bamboletta Dolls Online www.bamboletta.com
Bamboobino Online
604.551.3882 | www.bamboobino.com
BC Playthings North Vancouver
604.986.4111 | www.bcplaythings.com
Bears Toy Store West Vancouver
604.926.2327
Beba Bean Online
604.552.7741| www.bebabean.com
Belly Bonding Casting Co
604.219.7379 | www.bellybonding.ca
Boomers & Echoes Kids & Maternity North Vancouver
604.984.6163 | www.boomersandechoes.com
Bug in a Rug Online
519.856.1373 | www.buginarug.info
Camelot Kids Granville Island
800.746.2230 | www.camelotkids.com
Cards By Kids Online
604.987.4187 | www.cardsbykids.ca
Childish Notions Online
877.968.4667| www.childishnotions.com
Classy Kids Consignment Vancouver 604.222.4035
Creative Kidstuff Toys North Vancouver
604.987.3210
Creative Memories
800.468.9335 | www.creativememories.ca
Crocodile Unique Baby Store
Surrey & Vancouver www.crocodilebaby.com
Desneige Memory Castings Online
877.615.8450 | www.desneige.ca
Dimpleskins; Natural Body Care Online
604.395.6262 | www.dimpleskinsnaturals.com
Discovery Toys Canada Online
800.341.8697 | www.discoverytoysinc.com
DoudouBebe www.doudoubebe.com
The Fort Toy Box Fort Langley
604.882.8697 | www.forttoybox.com
Goober Baby Online www.gooberbaby.com
Knotty Toys Granville Island 604.683.7854 | www.knottytoys.com
Just Imagine Fun Clothing Vancouver
604.222.3523 | www.dressups.com
Annual Resource Listings
Kaboodles Toy Store
Kitsilano & Granville Island www.kaboodlestoystore.com
Kai Kids www.kaikids.com
Kids Market Granville Island
604.689.8447 | kidsmarket.ca
Kidsbooks
Multiple locations www.kidsbooks.bc.ca
Kuddle Muddle North Vancouver 604.929.2524
Little Forest Baby Care System Langley & Online
415.601.9669 | www.littleforest.com
Lucy Ann Online
604.531.8836 | www.lucyann.ca
Mabel’s Labels Online
866.3062.235 | www.marilyn.mabel.ca
Mama Goddess Birth Shop Online gifts & birthing kits 415.754.5410 www.mamagoddessbirthshop.com
New Mom Registry www.newmom.ca
Northern Monkey Sock Dolls Online www.ushops.com
Peapod Creations
Multiple locations & Online www.peapodcreations.ca
Pedagogy Toys New Westminster 604.522.1003| www.pedagogytoys.com
Pinky Blue Children’s Store Richmond 604.204.2720 | www.pinkyblue.ca
Sage Creek Naturals Online 877.513.2183 | www.sagecreeknaturals.com
The Shrunks Online
866.354.2237 | www.theshrunks.com
Terra Kids Toys 604.598.8697 | www.terrakidstoys.com
TJ’s The Kiddies Store Multiple locations & Online 800.755.4857 | www.tjskids.com
Toy Jungle
Coquitlam & West Vancouver www.thetoyjungle.ca
Toy Traders Langley 604.532.9516
The Toybox Vancouver 604.738.4322
Tupperware
866.376.7521 | www.tupperware.ca
The Village Toy Shop Port Moody
604.949.0444 | www.villagetoyshop.ca
Usborne Books at Home Online
604.886.8767 | www.kidsbookmart.com
Wee Travel Baby rental gear
604.222.4722 | www.weetravel.ca
SAFETY
Babysafe 604.321.2652 | www.sja.ca
Baby’s World Coquitlam 604.515.0888 | www.babysworld.ca
BCAA: Infant/Child Car Seat Information Line 604.298.2122 | bcaa.com
Boomers & Echoes Kids & Maternity North Vancouver 604.984.6163 | www.boomersandechoes.com
Road Safety: Child Restraints/Car Seat Safety roadsafety.ca
St John Ambulance 604.321.2652 | sja.ca
Safety Station at BC’s Children’s Hospital 604.875.2244 | bcchildrens.ca/safetystation
WEB LINKS WORTH CHECKING
www.britishcolumbiamoms.com www.helpwevegotkids.com www.vap.informe.com www.parentsinbc.ca www.savvymom.ca www.urbanmommies.com www.urbandaddies.com www.vancouverdad.com www.vancouver.parentzone.com www.vancouvertwins.com www.wetcoastwomen.com www.ywsinglemoms.org
Pre & Post-Natal Nutrition
By Alyssa Schottland-Bauman
You’re pregnant. Yippee. Congratulations. Whether it’s your first time expecting or blessed to experience it again, if there ever was a time to get on that health kick you’ve been meaning to start, now is the time. Not only for your own well-being, both physically and mentally, but also for the miracle you are growing. It is a marvel to think about how your body can grow another being inside you; almost unfathomable when you think about all the intricacies. And to do so, your body needs all the nutrition it can get.
Make Those Calories Count
Every calorie counts when growing baby. So sorry to break the news, but now is not the time to double up on the cake. (Is there ever a good time for that?) And that extra slice of pizza will only make losing the baby weight even harder. The whole idea of eating for two, well, that’s not exactly accurate. Every woman has different caloric needs, but the average woman should consume between 1,500 to 2,000 calories a day. During the first trimester, unless you are underweight from the get-go, there is no need to increase your calorie consumption at all—I know, shocking. During the second and third trimesters, believe it or not, the body only needs an extra 200 to 400 calories to support optimal growth and also to avoid excess weight gain (you want the extra weight gain to be baby bulking up, not mama). Those 200 to 400 extra calories really aren’t much when you think about it. It’s an apple with some nut butter, or an extra piece of toast with some hummus or bean spread on top. It’s essential during this nine-month journey to make every calorie count. So let’s make sure that almost everything you eat (occasional indulgences are necessary, after all) is nutritionally dense. Do this by adding in healthier choices to crowd out the high caloric nutrient void.
So What’s the Plan?
Six to 10 servings of complex carbohydrates: Crowd out the white bread, white pasta, white rice and other refined carbohydrates (packaged foods) by adding in 100% whole grains. This means brown rice, whole grain pasta, quinoa, millet, oats, spelt, amaranth, barley and other ancient grains. Look for 100% whole grain breads. Experiment with sprouted grain breads.
Two to four servings of fruit and three to five servings of vegetables: Increase fruit and vegetable consumption. Try to add a little more green to every meal. Greens are the most missing ingredient from our North American plates and they pack in the nutrients and health benefits. Dark leafy greens are high in calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, zinc and vitamins A, C, E and K, and these tasty leaves are crammed with fibre, folic acid, chlorophyll and many other micronutrients and phyto-chemicals. And baby likes that. Avocados are also a super healthy, nutrient dense choice. They are a great source of mono-unsaturated fatty acids, the good fat that baby needs, while a huge source of lutein, fibre, folate, Vitamins B, E and C.
Two to three servings of dairy: If dairy works for you, choose low fat cheeses (pasteurized only), milks and yogurts. Try to crowd out sweetened yogurts (high in nutrient-void calories) by eating plain yogurt. Sweeten it yourself by sprinkling with natural sweeteners like honey, fruit (berries and bananas), and nut pieces (high in nutrients and protein too). If dairy doesn’t work for you, here is another opportunity to get your calcium needs from greens.
Two to three servings of protein: Lean meats like chicken and fish are always the healthier options. Completely avoid high-mercuric fish like swordfish, marlin and shark, and limit tuna consumption. Wild salmon is the best choice as it is an excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, essential for optimal foetal brain development. Limit processed deli meats to a minimum, as they are loaded with nitrates. Baby doesn’t like them. Beans, lentils and nuts are great sources of plant protein packed with antioxidants and fibre. Add these health-boosting sources by substituting them in place of meat. For example: Add beans to salads instead of the usual chicken.
It is a good idea to limit sweets, unhealthy fats and oils. That being said, a little bit of indulgence satisfies another part of who we are and it is essential we don’t deprive ourselves of this pleasure either.
Going Organic
Remember everything you ingest, baby gets, too. So not only is baby benefitting from all the goodness in these healthy choices, but baby is also getting the toxins, pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, and extra hormones that are unfortunately in some of our food. And baby’s growing brain and body isn’t developed enough to handle the added stresses. Keep them to a minimum by going organic. Now is the time to make the switch, especially when it comes to fruits, vegetables, meats and dairy.
Breastfeeding
Baby is here and you are probably overjoyed with love, high-flying emotions, anxiety and everything else that may come from post-pregnancy. Eating healthy can help to keep hormones in check. And if you are breastfeeding, you are probably starving all the time. Feeding baby every three hours is a huge job, burning over 600 calories a day. So forget about what your jeans are saying, now is not the time to diet, as it could interfere with breast milk production. Some women need an extra 300 to 400 calories daily depending on pregnancy weight gain. Again, extra calories should come from nutrient dense foods. Breastfeeding might even expedite weight loss, as it helps to burn fat reserves laid down during pregnancy. It is important to manage your expectations. It took nine months for you to gain the weight. It will take some time to lose it. You are not going to walk out of the hospital at a pre-pregnancy weight. But if you continue to make the above healthy choices, combined with moderate exercise, the excess baby weight will naturally melt off.
Supplements
Taking folic acid and a multivitamin ensures optimal health during preconception, pregnancy and breastfeeding. And even if we are eating as healthily as possible, pregnancy and breastfeeding takes so much out of the body that it could deplete certain essential vitamins and minerals. An omega-3 essential fatty acid, vitamin D and iron are supplements to consider.
Alyssa Schottland-Bauman is founder of Nourished {from within} (nourished.ca), a health consulting firm. She instils long-lasting lifestyle tools in women who are starved for time and hungry for balance. She believes the modern woman can do it all, and she shows them how, from nutrition to self-expression.
Kale Chips — a super-healthy snack
Ingredients
• 2-3 bunches of kale, stemmed and chopped into chip size pieces. (I like green kale in this recipe)
• 2 tbsps. olive oil
• Pinch of Gomasio (mix of sesame seeds, seaweed and sea salt)
• 2 pinches of nutritional yeast (Optional, but it’s a great add-on here. It contains 18 amino acids, and is a complete protein, rich in vitamin B and other trace elements.)
Method
Preheat oven to 400. In big mixing bowl, massage washed dry kale with olive oil. Add spices. Mix. Lay flat on parchment-lined baking sheets. Put in oven for 8-10 minutes until crispy and fragrant. Serve lukewarm or cool.
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Postpartum Tips for C-Sections
Mothers
by Lara Leontowich
One of the biggest concerns that new mothers have is weight gain after pregnancy. While it is normal and healthy to gain weight during pregnancy, many new mothers want to shed the baby weight as soon as possible after baby is born.
How soon you can begin to exercise after giving birth will largely depend on what kind of shape you were in prior to your pregnancy and your fitness during pregnancy. Most people will say that you can resume activity and exercise “when you feel better,” but new mothers recovering from a c-section should wait until their six-week check-up with their doctor or midwife before starting an exercise program. Weight gain not only includes weight from your baby, but also from body fluids and tissues to support the growth of your baby. During the first few days postpartum, you should not push yourself too exercise too hard or too soon. Your body needs time to rest, relax, and heal.
Mary Beth Knight, author of Strategies for the C-section Mom, recommends that, until you are cleared by your doctor or midwife, the first two weeks at home, new mothers should limit their movement daily to walking around their homes and carrying nothing more than their new baby.
Delivering a baby by c-section can strain abdominal muscles, causing the muscles to weaken and make them less able to provide support for the back, so care must be taken when lifting objects. The hormone relaxin—which is responsible for relaxing the joints in the pelvis so that the baby has room to pass through the birth canal—is still is present in the body and can cause muscle joints to feel loose, which can lead to inflammation and discomfort of the joints. It has been known to take approximately four months for relaxin levels to return to normal after baby is born, so new mothers should avoid quick or explosive movements.
Once given clearance from a doctor or midwife to resume an exercise program, the plan should include exercises that improve core strength, proper posture techniques, muscle strength and joint stabilization. For easing back into an exercise program, walking is the best cardiovascular exercise for new mothers. Try to incorporate walking two to three times a week for five to 10 minutes each time. Increase by adding three to five minutes per session, aiming for 20 minutes by week four. The primary focus at this stage should be on health, energy and the well being of mother and baby.
Guidelines for exercising postpartum:
• Exercise should be regular and around two to three times per week
• Exercises should not cause pain or heavy bleeding
• Drink water regularly to keep the body hydrated
• Have adequate rest along with proper caloric intake
• Stop exercising if breast infection or abscess appears
One exercise that new mothers can perform from day one of recovery is Kegels. Kegel exercises, when done regularly, strengthen the pelvic floor. Even though c-section mothers do not have a vaginal birth, pregnancy has an effect on the pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor supports all organs that sit between the tailbone and public bone. Kegel exercises help to maintain strength in the pelvic floor and reduce the chances of urinary incontinence.
According to Strategies for the C-section Mom, the steps to completing a proper Kegel exercise are as follows:
• Sitting or lying down, contract the muscles you use to stop the flow of urine.
• If your buttock muscles tighten, you are not exercising the right muscle.
• Contract your pelvic muscles for three seconds and then relax for three seconds.
• Repeat this exercise 10 to 15 times per session. Try to do this at least three times per day.
Knight also recommends not to rush the healing process after a c-section and return to fitness too soon. Remember, it took you about 40 weeks to carry your baby to term, and most doctors and midwives say that it will take about 40 weeks or up to one year to get back to your pre-pregnancy weight.
Lara Leontowich is a BCRPA Certified Group Fitness Instructor and Pre & Post Natal Fitness Specialist. She is the owner of Runners and Booties Fitness (www.runnersandbootiesfitness.com) specializing in the ever popular Shop ‘n Stroll Fitness Program offered for new moms.
Helpful Resources
Essential C-Section Guide by Maureen Connolly and Dana Sullivan
Strategies for the C-Section Mom by Mary Beth Knight
Motherwell Maternity Fitness Plan by Bonnie Beck
Cesarean Recovery by Chrissie Gallagher-Mundy Befit Mom website: www.befitmom.com
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In The Wake of Wakefield
The Autism/MMR Debate and What It Means For Parents
By Debbie Bowman
It used to be that the most common questions among parents regarding vaccinations were innocuous concerns involving needles, crying or grumpy babies. Today, many parents face a question that’s more worrisome and harder to answer: “Should I vaccinate my child at all?” There are compelling arguments on both sides of the debate, and the plethora of information on the internet and in the media only muddies the water.
Enter Dr. Andrew Wakefield, a saint in the eyes of some and a villain to others. In 1998, he published a study in The Lancet, alluding to a possible link between autism and the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Since then, the study has been retracted under allegations of falsified information, and Dr. Wakefield has been struck off the British Medical Register. Even so, the ensuing debates resulted in many parents questioning the wisdom of vaccinations.
Dr. William Abelson, past president of the B.C. Paediatric Society, finds the Wakefield scandal especially upsetting. He attests that when Dr. Wakefield vilified the MMR vaccine, he “tarred and feathered” all vaccines. In fact, Dr. Abelson explains that vaccination rates have actually gone down in the last decade. In addition, large amounts of money and time were spent to find a possible link, “though none were found,” states Dr. Abelson.
Dr. Bratt, a naturopathic doctor with a practice in North Vancouver, disagrees. She notes that two separate studies were conducted that duplicated Dr. Wakefield’s findings. “I believe a link between autism and vaccinations does exist,” states Dr. Bratt, “though I don’t believe vaccines are the sole cause of autism.”
Dr. Abelson agrees there are some side effects connected to vaccinations, though he doesn’t believe autism is one of them. He also believes the risk of side effects is small when compared to the risk of contracting infectious diseases. He feels that time has made many of us forget what it was like to live with organisms such as polio. “My dad had polio,” he remarks. “Our parents and grandparents lived in fear of it.” He doesn’t want that sort of fear to happen again, but he believes it could. “We don’t live in a bubble—current vaccines target very serious illnesses that still occur in Canada. The progression of some of these illnesses can be so rapid that children continue to die of them despite accessing medical care.”
Dr. Bratt feels we need to tread more carefully. “I believe that with vaccines it’s the same as with drugs—there will always be side effects.” In fact, Dr. Bratt notes that some vaccines contain common allergens such as egg protein and yeast, which can cause a strong reaction if the baby has an existing allergy to these substances. As well, she explains that it’s impossible to know ahead of time which babies will experience adverse effects; “We don’t know which babies will have reactions such as brain swelling or seizures. It depends on a lot of things, such as the strength of their immune system.”
During press conferences following his study, Dr. Wakefield purported some of the side effects of vaccines could be mitigated if the combined vaccines were separated into single dose vaccines. As a result, many parents opted to vaccinate their children at a delayed or slower pace—something Dr. Abelson believes is an unwise choice: “These vaccination schedules have been studied and scientifically prepared, and are based on optimal immune response.” Specifically, Dr. Abelson feels that delaying vaccines can put children in the path of undue harm.
Dr. Bratt, on the other hand, feels that the vaccination schedule is particularly unsafe: “Testing has only been done on the individual vaccinations—not on the combination of vaccines routinely given to children.” In addition, she feels vaccines are given too early and in too large a quantity to infants; for example, up to 30 vaccinations by the time a child is 18 months. According to Dr. Bratt, this is too much, too soon, for such a young body. “These babies still have developing brains and immune systems,” she remarks.
However, according to Dr. Abelson, the amount of antigen given to a child in the combined vaccines is small compared to what children are exposed to every day. “A child’s immune system is designed to ward off a remarkable amount of antigens on a daily basis,” he states.
Unfortunately, separating the MMR vaccine is a moot point for most parents now, as six months after Dr. Wakefield’s study, the separated MMR vaccine was taken off the market. As a result, many parents made the difficult decision to not vaccinate their children at all.
Although there is some disagreement between Dr. Abelson and Dr. Bratt, they both agree that vaccines are important. Dr. Abelson equates vaccines with seat-belts. He explains that even though we don’t plan on getting in a crash, we wear the seat-belts because the risk is there. Vaccines are the same, he says. Just as he wouldn’t think of transporting his kids without buckling them in, he wouldn’t let his kids navigate their childhood without vaccinations.
Dr. Bratt also feels there is a place for vaccines. “Actually, I’m not anti-vaccine,” she states, “but I am pro-safe vaccine. I want these vaccinations to be as safe as possible for the child.”
So how can a parent make vaccinations safer? Dr. Abelson says that parents need to become aware of the possible side effects and how these can be demonstrated in their children. As well, he states that parents need to ask their doctor questions they may have about vaccinations. “This is important,” he says. “There’s a lot of misleading information on the web these days, so parents need to discuss any concerns with their paediatrician.”
Dr. Bratt also has a list of things parents can do:
1. Don’t vaccinate your child if they are sick, on antibiotics, or recovering from an illness.
2. Don’t vaccinate your child if they’ve had a serious reaction to vaccines in the past.
3. Separate vaccines if possible.
4. Boost your child’s immune system ahead of time by feeding them a nutrientrich diet and by giving them supplements such as vitamins C, A and Zinc.
5. Check titres (blood immunity levels) before giving booster shots, as your child’s original vaccine may still be working.
6. Make sure any flu shot your child receives is Thimerosal-free.
Whatever side a parent takes, the health of their child is the deciding factor. Parents yearn for peace of mind about that choice, so they need to know they made their decision based on solid information. Never be afraid to discuss your concerns with your naturopath or paediatrician, and weigh all factors before making a decision. Good luck and good health!
To be well informed, parents need to read information from both sides of the debate. Here are two reliable websites for that purpose:
The Canadian Paediatric Society: www.caringforkids.cps.ca
The Vaccination Risk Awareness Network: www.vran.org
There are many books written on this topic. Here are two books considered by professionals as the most informative:
Your Child’s Best Shot by Ronald Gold, MD
The Vaccine Book by Dr. Sears
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Great Reads for Everyone!
Baby, We Were Meant for Each Other: In Praise of Adoption
by Scott Simon
In this warm, funny and wise book, Simon tells the story of how he and his wife found true love with two tiny strangers from the other side of the world. Woven into the story are the experiences of other adoptive families. $25.00
Baby-Led Weaning:
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by
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Child
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Your infant is crying and you don’t know why. Your toddler refuses every type of food—except one. Your preschooler wages war every morning over what to wear. Dunstan takes these issues and looks at them from the child’s perspective, providing insight into our children view the world around them, and how their reactions to sight, sound, taste, smell and touch affect how they behave, learn and communicate. $32.00
Your
Baby
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by Dr. Kevin Nugent, photographed by Abelardo Morell
In this visual guide to a baby’s behaviour, Nugent and Morell capture the precocious communication strategies that babies exhibit from the moment they come out of the womb, and help parents decode what their babies are saying to them. $23.95
On Year to an Organized Life with Baby
by Regina Leeds, with Meagan Francis If you’re overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done before baby comes, this is the book for you. Leeds creates a weekby-week plan, packed with timelines, checklists and tips for everything you need to know in order to get your home, health, work and life ready for your new baby. $19.95
Stop Second-Guessing Yourself
by Jen Singer
With humour, tips, insights and lots of straight-from-the-hip advice, Singer, who is the creator of MommaSaid.net, talks new parents off the ledge and shows how to embrace the roller-coaster of life with baby and enjoy laughs along the way. $18.95
The Conscious Parent: Transforming Ourselves, Empowering Our Children
by
Shefali Tsabari, PhD
With a preface by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, The Conscious Parent explores how creating a higher state of consciousness in yourself leads to deeper awareness in our children. Tsabari recognizes a child’s ability to spark deep sour-searching, which can lead to transformation in both parent and child. $23.95
Your Baby in Pictures: The New Parents’ Guide to Photographing Your Baby in the First Year by Me
Ra Koh
Celebrated photographer and mom Me Ra Koh helps you capture the those precious moments form the first 12 months with 40 beautiful “photo recipes” that anyone can do, with any camera. $22.99
