Making a decision to have a child— it’s momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.
~ Elizabeth Stone, novelist (1803–1881)
Although I always knew that I wanted to have children, someday, my pregnancy was not planned. In fact, just before we got the news, I was under the firm impression that, not only was I probably infertile, but that I most likely also had a malignant growth somewhere in the region of my ovaries as well. Well, at least the doctor was right about the growing part.
The result of the delayed notification resulted in what I often refer to as “the shortest pregnancy in the world.” I had a few short months to come to terms with the idea that I would be a mom, that there was a (rather large) baby growing inside me, that the “butterflies” in my stomach were actually a baby kicking, and that I had failed to do even one of the things that pregnant women are supposed to do to ensure the health of their child. No folic acid, an occasional glass of wine (thankfully, I had never been a big drinker, although I definitely felt like I could use one after I found out), lots of sushi and raw milk cheeses, some cold medication when I’d gotten sick—I was the textbook example of what NOT to do when you’re pregnant.
Thankfully, it turned out that all of my inadvertent sins had absolutely no impact on the healthy, happy, calm child that eventually came out. And from this, I learned a very important lesson: we worry too much. We’re all so concerned with doing the right thing, taking the right supplements, avoiding bad foods and fermented beverages, that we forget that Mother Nature has already pretty much taken care of everything for us.
I’m not suggesting you throw those vitamin supplements away—I found liquid calcium citrate, for instance, to be a lifesaver when the cheese cravings hit in the last month—or start drinking beer in your third trimester, but I do suggest that you take a breath now and again, and just spend some time enjoying the process and what’s to come. We have so much information, so many services and products, so many choices to choose from, that it can become more than a little overwhelming, and the result is a harried mentality that completely skips over the FUN that is being pregnant.
And speaking of fun, we hope that you have fun reading this year’s WestCoast Baby Guide. We searched for the latest products, services and information for new babies, parents and parents-tobe, and we hope you find these pages useful, informative and entertaining. We’ve also put together some wonderful giveaways, so make sure to enter your name for a chance to win something amazing for baby and you!
westcoastfamilies.com
E-mail: info@westcoastfamilies.com
Publisher Andrea Vance publisher@westcoastfamilies.com
For distribution inquiries, please contact: Jennifer Bruyns
Contributors: Jennifer Bruyns, Eclipse Photography, Nicola Enright-Moran, Amy Fardell, Michele Kambolis, Lara Leontowich, Rowena List, Tarina Palmer, Dr. Michal Regev Christina Stewart, Linh Tsui, Bev Yaworski
As for me, it’s been over four years since I became a mom, and, I have to admit, I still worry abut pretty much everything in her life and mine. I know, I’m working on it.
Happy Reading!
Photographed by eclipsephotography.ca
Great prizes for mommies and babies!
Enter to win any of these great prizes online at www.westcoastfamilies.com!
WIN! The Alma Crib and Mattress by Bloom
The award winning alma ($400) from Bloom is the most stylish and simple bassinet/crib, growing with your baby from infant to toddler. It requires no tools for assembly, sparing parents all the set-up troubles. The alma was created on a smaller scale so that it acts as both a bassinet and a crib, ideal for urban living spaces or a second home. Fitted with lockable castor-wheels (optional), parents find the alma easy to manoeuvre from the bedroom to the family room while the unique fold and travel bag makes it especially convenient to store and transport. Made from durable solid wood with two height positions, the alma measures 37” x 20” x 33”. The alma is available in cappuccino, coconut white, frost grey, gala green, and harvest orange. The coco mat mattress ($150) is made with organic coir from the only organic plantation in the world. The gentle spring of the coir is surrounded with ample organic lamb’s wool, and natural anti-dust mite protection (essential oils of lavender, lemon and eucalyptus). Winner receives the alma crib in coconut white, the coco mat mattress, and two 100% organic cotton fitted sheets. www.bloombaby.com
Deadline to Enter: December 31, 2010
WIN! This Amazing Starter Bundle from Raspberry Kids!
This fabulous mommy and baby starter package from Vancouver-based online store Raspberry Kids includes the following eco-friendly, organic and just plain cool items: (total value over $450)
Kinderville Silicone Little Bites Storage Jars (set of four) • Bepo Baby Carrier in Paige fabric • Easy Daysies Starter Kit with Fold & Go Portable Magnetic Board • Little Chipipi Designer Wall Stickers • Boon Fluid Cup • Boon Odd Duck • Schnookums Bows/Hat/Pacifier Clip/Snappies • ORE Sippy Cup & Plate • Oopsy Doodle Organic Onesie • Yoozzoo Plush Doll • Mi Yim Baby Andie the Hippo Organic Plush Doll. For more information on all of these products, visit www.raspberrykids.com.
Deadline to Enter: December 31, 2010
WIN! The Safety 1st OnBoard 35 Air Protect Infant Car Seat
This latest release from Safety 1st utilizes an innovative safety feature designed to protect children in side-impact collisions by putting a layer of air protection where it is needed most—around the child’s head. The OnBoard 35 Air accommodates preemies, infants and children weighing up to 35 lbs. SRP $189.99. www.safety1st.com
Deadline to Enter: December 31, 2010
WIN! A Boy’s or Girl’s Outfit from Peekaboo Beans!
These cute outfits from local company Peekaboo Beans are comfy, cozy, and very convenient for changing time! 95% cotton; 5% spandex. Available in size 3-6M, 6-9M and 12M, at EIO, Nestings and online at www.apples-n-oranges.com. SRP $36 each. www.peekaboobeans.com
Deadline to Enter: December 31, 2010
WIN! A Kangapouch in Your Choice of Size and Colour!
This down-filled baby sleep sack (value approx. $150) is the invention of a local Vancouver mom. Two adjustable snaps on top, a Velcro strip on each side, and a two-way zipper along the bottom allow for growth adjustments and easy night-time changes. Duck and goose down fill can be substituted for bamboo/cotton blend fill. Win a custom-made Kangapouch for your baby! www.kangapouch.net
Deadline to Enter: December 31, 2010
westcoast baby finds
Little Ella Bug Fingerprint Pendant
Made from recycled silver, these cute pendants are customized with your baby’s fingerprint. $65 at www.littleellabug.com.
KiddyGuard Avant Safety Gate
Highly versatile and easily installs in doorways or any openings up to 51” wide, as well as at the top of stairs. High quality materials include anodized aluminum casing and soft and sturdy mesh that can hold up to 220 lbs. The safety gate requires a minimum amount of space and “disappears” when not in use. $129.95 at local baby stores. www.regallager.com
Spa Baby Eco Baby Bath Tub
Made from 100% recycled plastic, the Spa Baby Eco is latex, BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free, while the upright design keeps water warmer longer. SRP $46.95 at local baby stores and online at www.spababytubs.com.
Bamboodino Tees and Onesies
Made from organic bamboo in cool dino designs. SRP $14.99-$29.99. www.bamboodino.com
Le Baby Hair Gel
Created by a mom, this hypo-allergenic hair gel is designed specifically for babies, kids and anyone with sensitive skin. Tames frizzies and flyaways without leaving hair sticky. No harsh chemicals, and paraben, sulphate and fragrance-free. Available at Fairies and Frogs in Maple Ridge and online at www.lebabyinc.com. SRP $9.95.
Graco Digital Baby Scale
It allows parents to measure a baby’s weight and length at home— between visits to the doctor. It can store and recall the last weight measurement; mom can weigh the baby before and after nursing without trying to remember pounds and ounces or kilograms. It will even deduct the weight of the baby blanket if one is used. Height can also be measured in inches or centimetres. SRP $89.99 at Sears and other baby stores. www.gracobaby.com
Tinytongs for Tiny Eaters
Designed by a mom! Made from polypropylene and TPE over-molding, Tinytongs are non-toxic, lead, BPA and phthalate-free, and are ergonomically designed to fit tiny hands and make picking up food easier. SRP $7.99 at www.tinytongs.com or specialty retailers.
Bamboo Zoo Collection from Dandelion Earth Friendly Goods
Made from soft bamboo velour and filled with natural corn fibre, these soft animals come as plushies, hand puppets, soft shakers and cuddlies. SRP $12.99-$19.99. www.dandelionforbaby.com
Wonder Bumpers by Go Mama Go Designs
Wonder Bumpers eliminates the aggravation involved with traditional bumpers. The unconventional design wraps each crib bar individually in padding preventing heads from banging against hard crib sides, while the small space left between each rail and secure zipper attachment eliminates the potential for suffocation. And, unlike traditional bumpers, little climbers can’t use Wonder Bumpers as a boost out of the crib. Available at Lusso Baby in North Vancouver or online at www.cymaxstores.ca. Prices vary. wonderbumper.com
Hevea Pacifier
Made from 100% natural, sustainably and ethically produced rubber and packaged in a beautifullydesigned box made from recycled paper (no plastic!), this is a great pacifier for your child AND the environment. Available at Little Earth Children’s Store in Vancouver or online at www.lilmango.com. SRP $9.99.
Elements Naturals Baby Wipes
100% plant-derived, natural and compostable, these are made from the world’s first renewable manmade fibre. Each package contains 80 unscented wipes. Available at Whole Foods or online at www.elementsnaturals.com. SRP $5.95.
Your Baby Can Read
Claims to teach infants and toddlers how to read. A comprehensive system of books, card ands DVDs, our testers found it to be fairly useful with their young toddlers. SRP $14.95 for 30-day trial at www.yourbabycanread.com.
Does Your Baby Need Therapy? A Look at
Infant Mental Health
By Michele Kambolis
We think of childhood as a carefree time of play and exploration—a time when one’s only worry is the agonizing choice between a vanilla and chocolate-dipped cone. Will it be soccer or baseball? Playing with Tommy or Kyle? How best to avoid the dreaded bedtime? So how can it be that some of today’s kids, some as young as babies, are in need of psychiatric attention, and among them, remarkably, are ones taking psychiatric meds? Have we narrowed the definition of normal? Are children under more stress? How do we diagnose a mental health problem in a mind that is so far from fully developed?
These are all questions professionals face, but parents must consider them, too, and it’s advisable to keep in mind that infant mental health encompasses much more. Teams of professionals who specialize in this area focus on the entire spectrum of a youngster’s well being, including development and the over-all health of infants and their families. Not only that, they focus on prevention, providing evidence-based interventions when infants and the under-five set show identified problems, or are seen as being at risk for them. The goals of infant mental health services are to ensure children have a sense of security and self-esteem, that they have the ability to form strong bonds, to learn, to cope and problem-solve, and continue to develop and grow. The teams also focus more broadly, educating families and communities about the full spectrum of an infant’s or child’s developmental needs.
A high priority for these teams is attachment. They recognize that a consistent, warm relationship with primary caregivers creates a basis for baby’s future ability to form other relationships and to ultimately develop the resiliency necessary for good mental health. That’s why the focus is to identify relationship issues when they begin to emerge, and not wait until the child is school-aged and the problem is full blown.
Why do we need infant mental health services at all? Just take a look at the latest reports. Many of us are unaware of the stark reality that mental illness is substantially more common than cancer—it affects everyone: all spheres of life, all ages. The facts continue to startle when we discover that while four children in every classroom of 30 are in this moment suffering from mental illness, only a quarter of those are receiving treatment. That means almost 110,000 children in British Columbia alone are, at this moment, suffering unnecessarily—including children younger than five.
One fact remains undeniable, with three out of four children left untreated, we are letting down our youth to a staggering proportion. Some parents have found solace and critical answers from the Infant Psychiatry Clinic team at BC Children’s Hospital who arduously work to meet this need by providing well researched approaches for the treatment of youngsters showing early signs of mental health problems. While assessing the under-five age group can undoubtedly be complex, the IPC team looks at a wide array of areas, including the developmental, social and emotional needs of young children. The team accepts the full range of conditions, including (but not limited to) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorder, attachment disorders, behaviour problems, developmental delays and mood disturbances. While a child this young may not be able to discuss their latest worries or frustrations, there’s a great deal to be ascertained from their behaviour and mood, their sleeping and eating patterns, and their ability to grow and learn.
The reduced stigma around mental health has undoubtedly changed the way parents and doctors alike address children’s emotional and behavioural problems. Today’s parents are far more likely to look to emotional reasons behind behaviour or ongoing somatic complaints (stomach aches/headaches, etc.). They’re also much more aware of approaches such as Play Therapy, a form of counselling that helps therapists reach children through their natural “playful”
language. Perhaps even more interesting to Mom and Dad is Filial Therapy, an approach where a skilled therapist teaches parents how to use counselling tools to help their child open up. Supportive therapies that incorporate teddy bears as co-therapists seem an easy pill to swallow for parents looking for answers to their child’s distress. Prescriptions for antidepressants, however, are met with less trusting reactions.
Psychotherapeutic drugs are the second most commonly prescribed class of medicines for the population as a whole, and it’s not surprising that a small amount of that has trickled down to the under-five set. But, preschoolers on Prozac? And how many kids are we talking about? A recent study published by the Canadian Paediatric Society looked at prescription medicine use by some two million Canadian children. The results were startling. They discovered that 795 children between ages two and five had been prescribed a stimulant, 451 an antidepressant and 286 prescribed an anti-psychotic. An educated guess based on the data suggests one out of every 340 children in the country is taking powerful drugs, a drastic treatment that can have serious side effects. While there are certainly cases in which psychotherapeutic drugs have been helpful, most parents walk cautiously, keeping in mind that relatively little scientific knowledge stands behind the paediatric use of these drugs. Quite simply, we don’t yet fully understand their long-term effects on the developing brain. It’s only when every therapeutic stone has been left unturned that most parents will consider turning to the prescription pad—and rightfully so.
Not so long ago we knew very little about adult mental illness—and the mental health of children was simply ignored. Some think we’re too quick to pathologize childhood behaviour. However, if mental illness in adults is real, then why could it not begin in early childhood? While early childhood mental health treatment may be in its infancy, at least parents with youngsters in distress now have a place to turn.
Resources for Parents
BC Children’s Hospital | bcchildrens.ca
The Infant Psychiatry Clinic at BC Children’s Hospital will assess, treat, and serve the developmental, social and emotional needs of young children, from birth up to their sixth birthday.
Infant Development Program of British Columbia | idpofbc.ca Infant Development Programs provide a range of family-centered prevention and early intervention for infants with developmental disabilities and those at risk for problems with development.
Alan Cashmore Centre | 604.454.1676 x. 331
Alan Cashmore Centre (run by Vancouver Coastal Health Authority) is a community-based approach to addressing risk in very young children and their families, offering early childhood mental health services for infants and children under five years old.
Depression During Pregnancy
Why We Get It and What We Can Do About It
The exact causes of depression and anxiety during pregnancy are not known, but many experts believe that some women are sensitive to the hormonal fluctuation that come with pregnancy and postpartum. Although we are not sure about the direct causes of depression and other mental health challenges during pregnancy, the following risk factors have been linked to depression and/or anxiety during pregnancy:
• Previous history of depression or another mental disorder
• Mental health issues in the immediate family
• Unwanted pregnancy
• Unstable relationship with the partner
• Abusive relationships
• Significant physical or medical problems
• Having no partner
• Financial concerns
• Lack of family and/or social support
• Recent or past trauma
Symptoms of depression and some anxiety symptoms are similar to common complaints during pregnancy. For example, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, mood fluctuation, lack of energy and worries are common in both. Many women who complain about such symptoms are being dismissed by well-meaning but ill-informed health care professionals. The problem is that, once a woman has complained to a professional about symptoms of depression and/or anxiety and has been dismissed, she is highly unlikely to complain about these symptoms again, which explains why many pregnant women who struggle with these disorders do not receive treatment.
Untreated depression is likely to get worse with time and can have dire consequences for both mother and baby. Untreated depression may result in a myriad of complications, such as: miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, low Apgar scores at birth, self-neglect of the mother that may adversely affect the baby’s health, poor bonding and self-harm. Not treating depression during pregnancy is not an option. And there are many options when it comes to the type of treatment.
By Dr. Michal Regev
Many women who get diagnosed with depression or anxiety during pregnancy are being prescribed anti-depressant medication, such as Prozac, Paxil, Wellbutrin, etc. When women question medication or are reluctant to take medication in fear that it may harm their baby they are usually told that the risk of not treating the depression is greater than the risk of the medication. Indeed, not treating the depression would be very risky. However, to tell a woman that medication is the only way to treat depression or anxiety is misleading. While antidepressants may be warranted and helpful in severe cases, it is hardly justified that they should be prescribed as the first line of treatment, especially in mild to moderate cases. Women should be made aware that there are several other highly effective treatment options for mood and anxiety disorders in pregnancy. Among these are:
• Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
• Interpersonal Psychotherapy
• Couples Therapy
• Bright Light Therapy
• Acupuncture
• Supplements
• Homeopathy
None of the above-mentioned treatment options have any known side effects. If it is determined that anti-depressant medications are indeed a necessary form of treatment, professional counselling should be used in combination with this treatment as anti-depressants do not help combat the emotional and psychological stresses that can be associated with depression, such as feelings of loneliness or pressures within the relationship. Pregnant women who suffer from mood and/or anxiety disorders need to be wellinformed of ALL of their treatment options and be encouraged to always seek treatment from registered health care professionals.
Dr. Michal Regev has a Ph.D. in Counselling and is a Registered Psychologist and Registered Marriage and Family Therapist, counselling individuals, couples and families since 1990. Dr. Regev has also taught graduate courses in psychology and counselling at U.B.C. and other academic institutions. www.drregev.com
Eco-Diaper Roundup
Choosing the Diaper That’s Right for You AND the Planet
By Nicola Enright-Morin
When it comes to green parenting, one of the hottest topics of all is diapers. Since ancient times they have existed in a wild array of shapes and sizes. They have been fashioned from rabbit and sealskin and everything else in between. In North America, a mom created the first diaper by sewing some absorbent material into an old shower curtain. The modern world never looked back and, since then, the diaper debate has raged.
Cloth or disposable is the question; and it’s often so complex that many parents abandon the quest altogether. But before we throw in the towel (or diaper), it’s important to consider the startling facts about disposable diaper waste. In Canada alone, over four million disposable diapers a day will be tossed into the trash; that’s an average of five to seven thousand per child— until they’ve conquered the grizzly world of potty training. And all those gunky diapers are on a one-way ticket to a landfill, where all manner of nasty diseases can manifest, including hepatitis B and polio. That’s not to mention the environmental damage we cause by making them.
The plastic, pulp and bleached paper are extremely detrimental to the environment in multiple ways. Yet disposables diapers are favoured by eighty per cent of Canadian families. Because, let’s be honest, cloth diapers don’t exactly have a reputation for being a joy to work with. It’s a crying shame that they get a bad rap, because they have crept quietly into the twenty-first century. In fact,
the cloth diaper has had a 360-degree makeover and can very much fit into a modern family lifestyle. But the cloth diaper is no angel when it comes to the environment either. All that water and home laundering rack up a heavy debt in greenhouse gas emissions—but if you line-dry you can help offset your carbon footprint. So if the intrepid terrain of eco-diapers has you puzzled, fear not, because we have rounded up a sampling of some of the best products around to help you make the choice for yourself. Below is a guide to some eco-friendly diapers available locally.
Cloth Diapers
Bum Genius
This is an impressive product. Soft and delicate on a baby’s skin and even the clean-up is way less painful than expected. The tabs are quite stretchy, and there are organic cotton and bamboo options as well.
Price: $24* (approx) for one reusable diaper and two inserts.
Bumbini
Local Vancouver company that specializes in fitted and all-in-one cloth diapers made from hemp, organic, fair-trade cotton and organic velour. We liked the variety offered, and the prices are fairly reasonable.
Price: $15.50-$34.50 per diaper depending on style of diaper you choose
FuzziBunz
Another great line of cloth diapers that you and your wee one are sure to love. Fits great on baby and gives them plenty of room to move around with no leaks. One down side we found was the snap fasteners instead of Velcro. If you have a wriggly baby on you hands these can be fiddly.
Price: $24 (approx) for one reusable diaper and one insert. Bum Genius and FuzziBuns diapers are available online at www.greenbumbum.com.
Bumbini diapers are available at www.bumbini.ca
Disposable Diapers
Nature Babycare
An eco-friendly option from Sweden, this innovative little diaper has an outer shell made from a corn-based material, and the packaging and diaper is potentially compostable (under certain conditions). Soft and comfy, this diaper ticks all the right boxes for usability and impact on the environment.
Price: $19.99 per pack (between 22-44 diapers depending on the size of your child).
Broody Chick
A fantastic little diaper, created right here in B.C. by a mother of three. As a diaper it works well, it’s light and gives the baby plenty of room to move around. The good thing about this disposable diaper is that it’s made from natural and sustainable resources and is fully compostable.
Price: $16.99 per pack (between 24-36 diapers depending on the size of your child).
Both of these diapers are available online at www.betterbabybums.ca and www.ecobotts.ca
The Hybrid gDiapers
You’ve heard of hybrid cars, now meet the hybrid diaper. The gDiaper has been hailed by many as the next big thing. It’s neither cloth nor diaper, but somewhere in between. There’s a washable outer pant and an insert, which you just flush down the toilet when you’re done. The whole product is biodegradable and according to the company website it will break down in a landfill in no more than 150 days—unlike regular disposables which take an astounding 500 years to decompose. However, unlike a cloth diaper, the gDiaper still loses marks for depleting resources—you only use the inserts once before tossing them, whereas with cloth you use the product over and over.
Price: Starter pack $47.49. Refill packs $19.99.
Available at London Drugs, Canadian Superstore, Whole foods, other local retailers, as well as online at gdiapers.com
Diaper Delivery
Happy Nappy
Want to do the “green diaper thing” but feel you simply don’t have the time? Well, there does exist a solution that really does have the best of both worlds. For totally convenient and guilt-free diapering, go to the online store Happy Nappy (www.happynappy.ca). A fully Canadian product and company, they not only deliver fresh and clean cloth diapers each week, they also take the stinky ones away and wash them in the most environmentally safe way possible.
Price: Around $25 a week.
Pregnant moms can get a start-up pack for around $60.
*All prices are approximate and correct at time of writing.
Childbirth Services
Aquadoula Birth Pools • Obstetric TENS units Private Prental Classes
When my maternity leave ended with my second child, I went back to my executive position for a flourishing professional services firm in downtown Vancouver. I was successful, well put together and business savvy. That was on the outside; inside I was mush. It felt unnatural to leave my kids in the hands of veritable strangers and ask those strangers to turn my kids into great people. I felt that was my job. The reality was I needed to work. We had a mortgage and bills and wanted our kids to have vacations and a post-secondary education. The price for these things was my downtown job. As much as I hated to leave them, I was forced to make peace with daycare. But how?
Feel Good About the Provider. “Finding the right place for your child comes first” says Lori Bankier, Registrar and Program Director for Rainforest Learning Centres. “Figure out if you want group care or family care, then take tours, talk with the providers, and bring your child for a day to feel out the program until you find one that meets your comfort level,” says Bankier. Crystal Janes, the Program Director for the Vancouver chapter of the Child Care Resource and Referral program, agrees. “Interview different providers until you find one that you feel comfortable with. Go with your gut.” Janes, mom to a seven-year-old, also advises you start early “There is a real shortage of spaces in our area. You need to start getting an idea of what you want before your child is born in order to find one that you feel at ease with.”
Deal With the Dreaded Drop-Off. Whether you decide on the intimacy and small size of a family provider or the structure and resources of a group facility, the dreaded drop off each morning can still be very difficult. Bankier, who is mom to two boys, reassures parents that “it is usually harder on you. Five minutes after you leave the building your child has settled and is getting on with his day, but you may leave there with the image of him in tears. You can carry that all day.” One way to alleviate this problem is to call the provider an hour later to see if your child has calmed. Bankier also suggests that the goodbye should be quick. The more your child physically sees you in the daycare environment, the harder it is for them to see you leave it. “I recommend a hug and a kiss and ‘love you, see you later’ and out the door you go,” says Bankier.
Community Resources
BC Child Care Resource & Referral Programs offer childcare referrals, resources and support to families in 170 communities across BC. Call 604.709.5661 to reach the Vancouver Chapter or visit on the web at www.ccrr.bc.ca.
The Ministry of Children and Family Development works to ensure that some of our most vulnerable children and families have the best chances possible to succeed and thrive. Find resources at www.gov.bc.ca/mcf.
Choosing Child Care
This document provides a comprehensive overview for parents use to select and subsequently monitor your child care provider. Follow www.health.gov.bc.ca/ library/publications/year/2003/com014.pdf to find the PDF document.
A local website dedicated to helping your family have fun is www.findfamilyfun.com.
The
Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC | www.cccabc.bc.ca
CCCABC is a voluntary organization of parents, child care providers, and other interested citizens advocating for a non-profit child care system that is high quality, affordable, accessible, publicly funded, and accountable.
Child Care Subsidy
Child care subsidy is available for those who qualify and are in need of child care. For information on the Child Care Subsidy program, please visit the BC government website at www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/subsidy_promo.htm.
Rosamond Chan, a child and family therapist with Wishing Well Counseling in Vancouver asks parents to realize “If your child is upset and crying as you are leaving, your child isn’t misbehaving, they are simply asking for you. Try to shift your perspective; it means your child has a healthy attachment to you.” On the flip side, Chan says “If your child seems happy with the drop off it can make parents question whether the child would rather be at daycare than home with mom.” That way of thinking can sting but, again, Chan recommends parents look to the bright side. “It simply means that you have done a good job making your child feel secure and able to explore independently.”
Child Care Has a Silver Lining . It can also help to remember that childcare can be very beneficial to your children. “Social interaction, structure, routine, skills that prepare children for life, exposure to different learning styles,” are definite takeaways from childcare, says Bankier. Janes adds “Kids get so much from being in a different environment from the one at home. They see different cultures, have different experiences; they really can grow developmentally because of this.” Children can also make lasting friendships in childcare. Janes says “Retaining friendships made in daycare is quite common and those friendships can be very valuable.”
Make the Most of Your Time Together. “Having our children in daycare during the week can really help us to make the most of weekends” says Chan, who is currently expecting her second child. She recommends setting boundaries on the amount of weekend work you do and taking time to focus on your child. “If you spend 30 minutes a week playing with your child and focusing on them, letting them guide the play, this will give you an opportunity to reconnect.” Like a lot of you, Bankier’s weekends tend to be full with sports, so in order to stay linked as a family, she and her husband made the decision to eat dinner together absolutely every night. “It may sometimes be in a restaurant, but at least we eat as a family. We connect every day over a meal.”
While I haven’t entirely made peace with daycare, I know that I worked hard to find a place I trust, with teachers I like and a program that matches my philosophy. So, thanks, in part, to daycare, my kids are flourishing.
Some Tips for Choosing Childcare
from
YMCA Child Care Resource & Referral (www.vanymca.org/childcare)
Quality child care has, at its core, care providers who are knowledgeable and who genuinely enjoy working with children. They should:
• Be affectionate and responsive to the needs of children.
• Listen to children when they speak and respond with interest and respect.
• Enjoy playing and interacting with children.
• Demonstrate knowledge about child development and have experience and training specific to child care.
• Provide positive guidance and discipline methods that build children’s self-esteem and self-confidence. (For information on appropriate methods of guidance and discipline please see the online booklet Guiding Children’s Behaviour at www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/ccf/child/publicat/comm/com015.pdf)
• Have clear knowledge about health and safety issues affecting children and have training in first aid and CPR.
• Be willing to access community resources, supports, and training.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and respect.
• Be open, informative, and communicative with parents, and demonstrate the ability to work together with families to develop common goals.
Some indicators of quality in the child care setting include:
• A warm and welcoming environment.
• Low child-to-staff ratios, group size, and turnover of staff.
• A daily schedule that is flexible and allows for the individual needs of the children.
• An environment that is safe for children.
• Ample space which includes opportunities for both quiet and active play.
• A fenced outdoor play area with a variety of safe equipment.
• A good supply of developmentally appropriate materials.
• Planned activities that add interest and variety to the program.
• An environment that is child-centered and provides opportunities for children to make choices and be independent.
• Materials that are easy for children to reach and displays that are located at children’s eye level.
• Children that are happy and actively involved.
• Cleanliness: toys, equipment, bathrooms, and food preparation areas are kept sanitary. Diapering areas that are located away from food preparation areas.
• Policies that have been developed around issues such as health, safety, guidance and discipline.
• An environment where parents are encouraged to visit.
The Financial Business of Raising Children
By Linh Tsui, CGA
If you’re like many professional couples struggling to balance the demands of caring for children with the obligations of a busy career, hiring a nanny may sound like a dream come true.
When Jessica and Adam Bramwell engaged the services of a live-in nanny to care for their two small boys, the couple anticipated respite from a hectic lifestyle that involved arranging daycare to accommodate their fluctuating work schedules. However, Jessica, in her role as family bookkeeper, soon faced a new challenge—that of familiarizing herself with the various legal requirements associated with hiring a nanny and ensuring compliance with all reporting and taxation obligations that the Canadian government requires. Jessica added “accountant” to her list of roles, along with cook, nurse, taxi driver, mommy, housekeeper and career woman.
As Jessica and Adam discovered, when you hire a nanny, whether full-time or part-time, whether live-in or live-out, you become an employer. You must approach this employer/employee relationship as if you were operating a small business.
You must comply with the following:
1. You must register for a business number with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
2. You must remit payroll withholding taxes to CRA. This includes the nanny’s income tax, CPP (Canada Pension Plan), EI (Employment Insurance) and the employer’s portion of CPP and EI.
3. You must provide an accurate T4 to your nanny at the end of each fiscal year and file your T4 summary to the CRA by deadline. Should you file late, you will be penalized a late fee of $25 per day.
4. British Columbia employers must follow all provincial labour standards to avoid liability under the Employment Standards Act (ESA). The ESA sets out minimum requirements for payment of annual vacation pay and statutory holidays. Failure to comply may warrant you an administrative penalty of $500 per ESA violation.
5. Employers must register for Workers’ Compensation coverage for the nanny.
In addition, should you inadvertently fail to comply with these requirements, you could be facing a world of legal trouble. When the nanny’s contract ends, she may file a lawsuit against you for non-compliance. The Canadian legal system protects the rights of the employee. The employer is expected to know the standards. A lack of understanding is rarely accepted as a valid excuse. Many nanny employers, including Adam and Jessica, simplify their lives by using a nanny payroll and accounting service.
Parenthood is an expensive proposition whether you hire a nanny or not. The Canada Income Tax Act provides a wide range of tax credits to offset the high cost of raising a child. According to statistics published by MSNMoney.ca, middle-income parents in the U.S. will spend approximately $221,000 to raise a child from birth to age 18. The Canadian figures are somewhat lower—a mere $193,000, as reported by Manitoba Agriculture’s economics department—and this figure just covers the necessities. Skating lessons, birthday parties and Cub Scout dues are extra.
With numbers like this, it’s smart to ensure that you are claiming every possible tax credit when you file your annual taxes.
For example:
1. Children under the age of 18 and born after 1991 receive a tax credit in the amount of $2038.
2. If your children are under the age of 16, you can claim child care expenses (daycare, nanny, nanny agency fee, overnight camps, boarding school, etc.) against your earned employment income.
3. The Income Tax Act offers a child fitness tax credit of up to $500 per year per child. Claims must be for eligible expenses in a fitness program, and can include dance and swimming classes.
4. You may be eligible for tax-free monthly payments for childcare expenses through the Canada Child tax benefit. This is based on your household income.
5. Parents with children under the age of six receive a monthly, taxable payment of $100 per month per child through the Universal Child Benefit.
6. If your child has a documented disability, you may be eligible to receive the child disability benefit.
7. You may be able to claim medical expenses for your child. You must provide receipts for medical costs, prescriptions, etc.
8. You may be able to claim tax credit for transit passes for your children.
9. Parents of college-attending children may be able to transfer the tuition to their tax return.
These and other tax credits may apply, depending on your individual circumstance. It is never too soon or too late to begin tax planning. To be sure you are claiming everything possible, discuss your situation with your accountant.
Linh Tsiu is a CGA (Certified General Accountant) specializing in payroll and taxation for employers of nannies and caregivers.
Room For 2 Maternity & Baby
BALBOA
KOOSHIES • MAYA SLINGS
Getting it Together for Baby
By Rowena List
Have you ever thought about how we come into this world with nothing and then, in a very short time, we have more stuff than our parents need for us? There is a lot of pressure to have everything for your new baby. In reality, having all the “stuff” will only add to your clutter and to the feeling of being overwhelmed after your new baby arrives. Babies grow quickly, so a lot of money is spent on items that are only used for a short time.
Here are five tips to help you “get it together” when it comes to your baby.
1. Make a request that as many items as possible for your baby come from a consignment store or are hand-me-downs. There is so much “inventory” in the baby world and most of it is nearly new or barely used. Previously enjoyed items are better for the environment and easier on your finances.
2. Don’t get caught up in the baby “gimmicks.” For example, do you really think you will use the “Soothing Centre” or will you cuddle your baby to sleep or let them fall asleep on their own? Ask yourself if these items are going to help you, or is it instant gratification? Leading baby sleep experts believe that artificially rocking your child to sleep in a swing or a vibrating chair will be a difficult habit to break once your baby outgrows these items.
3. Label the drawers and shelves that house your baby’s clothes: zero to 3 months, 3 to 6 months, 6 to 9 months, etc. (You may choose to do it by weight.) This will really help you use the age/weight appropriate clothes. It will also eliminate clothes getting lost in the back of the closet until they are too small and your baby doesn’t even get a chance to wear them. Having things labelled is also helpful to anyone who is caring for your baby when you are not around and for putting laundry away. Once your baby has grown out of the clothes, clean and store them in age/weight appropriate storage containers or, better yet, pass them on with love to another new parent. When you have more children, someone will gladly be passing items back to you. Please keep in mind that nothing takes on value unless it is being used.
4. In your diaper bag carry two plastic bags. Mark one “dirty” and the other “clean.” Store all dirty soothers, bibs, etc., in the dirty one and all clean items in the clean one. This is helpful if someone is helping you with your baby. It helps you get out of the house more quickly because you can take a quick inventory of what is in the clean plastic bag and see what you need to add. Having the diaper bag ready to go at all times is a huge time saver.
5. When traveling with your baby, check and see if your final destination has a baby equipment rental centre. Most places will have all the major items needed—stroller, crib, high chair etc.—and will deliver right to your hotel! This will really help when trying to get on the airplane with all the restrictions they have these days. Check and see if your accommodation has laundry facilities. If so, you will not need to pack as many items for that little darling who seems to be a laundry making machine. Enjoy these moments with your baby, and good luck on getting—and keeping—it together!
Rowena List is an in-demand image organizer, speaker, CD author, writer, trainer and mentor for individuals and organizations alike. For more detailed information or more tips on Getting it Together, please visit www.gettingittogether.ca.
10 Tips for Baby Travel
By Tarina Palmer
Traveling with a baby can strike fear in the heart of many new parents. Thankfully, babies can be surprisingly good travelers. Here are some tips to help you plan a family trip.
1. Obtain a passport. Your baby will need a valid passport if you plan to travel outside Canada. As soon as you receive your child’s official birth certificate, you can get photos and send the paperwork off. Check that your local photographer takes baby passport photos. Some do but many don’t.
2. Book transportation. If you’re flying with a baby, get used to the red eye. Night flights are ideal as it helps babies keep their sleep routine. Bring your breastfeeding pillow along. It’s not chic but it is useful. Try and reserve bulkhead seats well in advance.
3. Book accommodation. Fully-equipped apartments are reasonably priced and offer more flexibility than hotels. Kitchen and laundry facilities are useful. Pick a good central location and you’ll find you can explore the area at your own pace and still let your baby keep to their routine.
4. Rent a car. When you’re traveling with a stroller, several bags and, let’s not forget, a baby, you’ll find it’s just easier. A car also lets your baby sleep while you drive. Expecting sun, pack your sun shades. Most car rental companies will also rent you a car seat.
5. Rent a car seat. The rules about carrying children in car seats vary widely. While the car rental/hire company should know the local laws, it doesn’t hurt to do your own research. Be prepared to install it.
6. Pack a stroller and carrier. Or find a baby equipment rental centre at your destination—before you leave home. You’ll need both of these devices. Both offer a range of flexibility in different situations.
7. Pack baby toiletries. Transfer your favourite baby products into travel containers. Pack more than you think you need for the trip. Don’t forget washing powder for cloth diapers and clothes, and stuff your luggage with diapers.
8. Pack minimum clothing . Traveling with a baby means space is at a premium. If you’ve booked accommodation with a laundry, pack enough clothes to last 48 to 72 hours. DO make sure, however, that you have enough supplies while you are in transit. Flight delays and missing baggage are good reasons to pack a few extras.
9. Wear to bare . If you’re breastfeeding, make sure you wear clothing that facilitates doing this in tight, cramped locations like airline seats and in a car. A shawl is easy to pack and offers great flexibility.
10. Relax and be flexible . Part of the fun of travel is that things aren’t exactly like they are at home. Sometimes they’re better. While travel may never be the same, you’ll meet people and have experiences you never had before baby arrived! Roll with the punches and enjoy this time with your new family!
Tarina Palmer works in PR and is planning her next family trip.
Handy Resources
Passport Canada | www.ppt.gc.ca/index.aspx
Vacation Rentals by Owner | www.vrbo.com
European Child Safety Alliance | www.eurosafe.eu.com
Child Car Seats Europe | www.childcarseats.org.uk
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ANNUAL EVENTS
Baby & Family Fair
Vancouver thebabyandfamilyfair.com
Bellies to Babies Celebration Vancouver belliestobabiescelebration.com
Bright Nights Stanley Park Vancouver vancouver.ca/parks
Canyon Lights Capilano Suspension Bridge North Vancouver capbridge.com
Crème de la Crème Baby Showcase Vancouver cremedelacreme.ca
Early Years Festival Surrey surrey.ca
EPIC! Sustainable Living Expo
Vancouver epicvancouver.com
Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden Vancouver vandusengarden.org
Lower Mainland Toy & Product Fair Langley langleycdc.com
Vancouver International Children’s Festival Vancouver childrensfestival.ca
West Coast Women’s Show Abbotsford westcoastwomen.net
ACTIVITIES & THINGS TO DO
Aquaventures Swim Centre
Vancouver
604.736.7946 | aquaventuresswim.com
Arts Umbrella
Vancouver
604.681.5268 | artsumbrella.com
Cineplex: Stars and Strollers Multiple locations cineplex.com
Gabriela’s Movement Studio
Richmond
604.272.0607 | movementstudio.ca
Greater Vancouver Zoo
Aldergrove
604.856.6825 | gvzoo.com
Gymboree Play & Music
Vancouver | 604.739.1190
Tri-Cities | 604.945.4967
Surrey/White Rock | 604.590.5511 gymboreeclasses.com
Joyful Celebrations Theme Parties
1.877.824.4359 | joyfulcelebrations.ca
Jump Start Music & Movement
Various locations
604.777.7179
jumpstartmusicandmovement.com
Kids Market
Granville Island
604.689.8447 | kidsmarket.ca
Koko’s Activity Centre
Port Moody
604.469.3357 | kokos.ca
Kuddles Early Infant Stimulation
North Vancouver
604.729.6538 | kuddles.ca
Maplewood Farm
North Vancouver
604.929.5610 | maplewoodfarm.bc.ca
Mimic Baby Sign Language
604.687.0425 | mimicbaby.com
Music for Young Children
800.561.1692 | myc.com
Phoenix Gymnastics
Vancouver
604.737.7693 | phoenixgymnastics.com
Richmond Parks & Recreation
604.276.4300 | richmond.ca
Sunset Community Centre
Vancouver
604.718.6505 | mysunset.net
The Arts Connection
Richmond
604.241.0141 | theartsconnection.ca
The Little Gym
Langley
604.539.2543 | tlglangleybc.com
Vancouver Academy of Dance
Richmond
604.231.8293 | vancouverdance.com
Watermania - Richmond Aquatics
Richmond
604.448.5353 | richmond.ca
YMCA
Hocking Centre, Chilliwack | 604.792.3371
Cheam, Chilliwack | 604.824.5250
Tong Louie, Surrey | 604.575.9622
Downtown, Vancouver | 604.681.9622
Langara, Vancouver | 604.324.9622 vanymca.org
ADOPTION RESOURCES
Adoptive Families Association of BC
Burnaby
604.320.7330 | bcadoption.com
BC Foster Parents Association
Maple Ridge
604.466.7487 | bcfosterparents.ca
CHOICES Adoption & Counselling
Victoria
604.682.6234 | choicesadoption.ca
Annual Resource Listings
Family Services of Greater Vancouver Adoption Agency
604.731.4951 | fsgv.ca
Federation of Aboriginal Foster Parents
Vancouver
604.291.7091 | fafp.ca
Hope Services Abbotsford
604.850.1002 | hopeadopt.org
LDS Adoptions Services of BC Surrey
604.585.7735
Ministry for Children & Families
877.236.7807 | mcf.gov.bc.ca/adoption
Sunrise Adoption Centre North Vancouver
604.984.2488 | sunriseadoption.com
The Adoption Centre Kelowna 1.800.935.4237 www.kcr.ca/page/adoption-centre-of-bc
This new Canadian online company creates unique, customized and affordable announcement cards—whether for the birth of a new baby, holiday greetings, thank you notes or a birthday invitation. Only $1 per print, plus print-your-own and custom design options for all your announcement needs. www.angelfaceprints.com
Simplisse Breastfeeding Pump
Forget the Hoover action on most pumps, this manual version is designed to mimic a baby’s gentle suckling and has a highly pliable, soft breastcup. An electric version will come out this summer. www.simplisse.com
DigNi-Tee Delivery Gowns
Deliver in style with these hip, 100% cotton delivery gowns. Full coverage in the front and back, with convenient snaps down the sides and arms for IV, X-Ray and mammography access. SRP $30 at www.ivwear.com.
Daddy Scrubs
Now Dad can deliver in style, too, with Daddy Scrubs. V-neck shirt and drawstring pants are perfect for the delivery room, so that everyone knows who’s the Daddy! SRP $39.95 at www.daddyscrubs.com.
Glowbaby Journals
Designed by a Canadian mom, Baby’s First Journal records your baby’s feeds, sleeps, diapers, bath and vitamins and has notes sections for parents to write down milestones or questions for their doctor. Baby’s First Foods allows parents to record the introduction of solids to their child and note information such as temperature, texture, child’s reaction and, most importantly, record if there is an allergic reaction. It also includes 12 weeks of worksheets for menu planning. Available at Baby’s World in Coquitlam, Tiny Fingers, Tiny Toes in Maple Ridge, and online at www.glowbaby.ca.
Special Offers for Our Readers
Active Baby Destination baby store with largest selection of Active, Outdoor and Green products in lower mainland. activebaby.ca | 73-935 Marine Dr, North Vancouver
Offer Details: 20% off – one regular priced item. Offer exclude strollers, car seats, backpack carriers, on-sale and clearance products.
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Baby’s World 9,000 sq. ft. and over 6,000 items. 1300 Woolridge Street, Coquitlam BC (604) 515-0888 • www.babysworld.ca
Offer Details: Free home delivery and set up (Lower Mainland only) with furniture purchase of $2,000 or more. A $70 value.
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1985 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver
Offer Details: 20% off childrens reg. priced fashions Blu, Me Too, Sweet Peanut, Yogini , Kricket Stride Rite, Robeez, See Kai Run, not including No Zone or Puddle Gear...
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A fresh approach to portrait studio photography! Now with two locations—visit us in Kitsilano or in the Shops at Morgan Crossing (South Surrey). bopomo.ca | 2631 West Broadway, Vancouver
Offer Details: Can be used with orders over $150.00. Cannot be combined with other promotions or memberships.
Offer Details: Can be used with orders over $150.00. Cannot be combined with other promotions of memberships.
Expires: April 30, 2010 SAVE $15
Expires: April 30, 2011
Caregiver Tax Services
Specializing in Family Tax Benefits, Caregiver/ Nanny payroll services (T4, ROE), Income Tax Return and Accounting for Business caregivertax.ca
Offer Details: $50 off towards your caregiver/nanny annual payroll package Or 10% off towards accounting and taxation services
Expires: March 31, 2011
Bumbini Cloth Diaper Company
Offering a fantastic selection of modern cloth diapers and accessories, Bumbini is your one-stop diaper shop. bumbini.ca
Offer Details: Free shipping with your next purchase. Visit www.bumbini.ca and enter the promotional code BabyGuide at checkout.
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Classy Kids Consignment
• New & consigned designer maternity wear
• High end consigned children’s clothing
• Equipment, toys & books classykidsconsignment.com | 3712 W. 10 Ave, Vancouver
Offer Details: Save 20% off any regular priced single item. Maximum discount $20.
Expires: January 1, 2011
Cake Lingerie
Designed by an Australian mom looking for beautiful, yet functional and affordable lingerie, the line features maternity lingerie, sleepwear, loungewear and nursing bras. Available at Forever Yours Lingerie in Langley and online at www.cakelingerie.com.
Local Sustainable Fashion for Expectant Moms
The Mommy Consultant
If we can have career consultants, wedding consultants, why not a Mommy Consultant? The Mommy Consultant is Vancouver-based and helps you navigate the sea of books, products, information and procedures out there to save you time and money. www.mommyconsultant.ca
Nicole Bridger is a Vancouver designer known for her ethical and sustainable designs. Her latest line includes basic beautifully designed pieces without over the top flashiness: free flowy dresses with/out belted waists make for the perfect maternity apparel and elastic waist bands drop comfortably and stylishly for that growing bump. Available at Twigg & Hottie, Ingenue, and Tenth & Proper. SRP $62 and up. www.nicolebridger.com
Have a Happy Post-Natal Body
By Lara Leontowich
Having a baby has its challenges: coping with less sleep, learning how to nurse and feed baby correctly as well as managing weight gained during your pregnancy. As you adapt to baby’s new routine, exercising may seem like a daunting task. However postpartum exercising has excellent benefits. Besides the obvious goal of gaining back a pre-pregnancy weight, new moms often feel better both mentally and physically which in turn aids them in meeting all the demands of motherhood.
For new moms staring down at the jelly belly that was once a lean stomach or looking longingly at a favourite pair of jeans there can be a sense of urgency. Consult your doctor or health care provider before you begin any exercising. Medical experts generally agree you will need to wait about six weeks or more to heal before you begin.
When you’re ready, start slowly with light forms of exercise such as walking or dancing. Walking allows you to activate your muscles gradually and getting some fresh air has superb benefits for both mom and baby. A good weight-bearing exercise is dancing with your baby. It can uplift your spirits and the movement and music can be soothing to your infant. Remember to incorporate stretching into your walking or dancing routine as well.
Easy Tips to Get You Started:
• Try walking 20-30 minutes three to four times a week and gradually work up to 45 minutes. Your workout should be intense enough to make you breathe deeply and to make you feel a little winded. Just remember you should still be able to carry on a conversation while you exercise.
• If possible, do 20 Kegel exercises twice a day. Such exercises are designed to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. They are often recommended for women who are experiencing incontinence due to childbirth, medical treatment, or changes/stress on the body. Check with your health care provider to ensure this exercise is right for you.
• Many health professionals recommend eating five to six small meals a day. Eating more often can prevent hunger pangs and curb over-eating. Typically by keeping your metabolism working quickly you can burn more calories efficiently throughout your day.
• Maintain a healthy diet as part of your weight loss goals. According to Health Canada, women need about 350 to 400 extra calories each day for the first year of breastfeeding. Indulge in fruits and vegetables and have some protein at every meal such as fish, chicken and lean meats. Grill, bake or broil your food rather than frying. Avoid empty calories, such as high sugar snacks, soda and chips. A healthy diet includes milk and yogurt two or three times a day.
• Consider partnering with another new mom who is also motivated to get back to her pre-pregnancy weight. Chances are you will get better results if you exercise together and keep each other motivated—especially on those days when you are feeling rather sleep deprived.
Lara Leontowich is a BCRPA Certified Group Fitness Instructor and Pre & Post Natal Fitness Specialist. She is the owner of Runners and Booties Fitness and is also an avid salsa dance instructor and licensee of Salsa Babies & Salsa Tots. www.runnersandbootiesfitness.com
Special Offers for Our Readers
Endurance Nutrition Nutrition consulting provided by Registered Dietitian Louisa Lee, providing clients with the right nutrition tools to succeed. ennu.ca
Offer Details: $25 off infant nutrition consultation package or any other nutrition package of your choice. Please visit www.ennu.ca for more information.
Expires: December 31, 2010
Cross Roads 3-D Fetal Ultrasound www.crossroads3dbaby.com 507 West Broadway, Vancouver
Offer Details: 10% off with coupon
Expires: December 31, 2010
Kidlet Innovations
Kidlet Innovations goal is to provide parents with solutions to make family travel more convienent kidlet.ca
Offer Details: When you order one of our travel items and use code: babyguide you will recieve 15% off your order!
Expires: N/A
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Maplewood Farm
A municipal park/farm specializing in the display of domestic farm animals and birds. maplewoodfarm.bc.ca 405 Seymour River Place, North Vancouver
Offer Details: Enjoy on complimentary admission when a second admission of equal or greater value is purchased. Not valid for special events or group bookings. Farm open daily April through October; November through March. Closed Mondays.
Expires: March 31, 2011
CR+Cross Roads Clinics
Naturopathic Medicine
An Integrated Health Care Clinic at Broadway and Cambie, wellness for the whole family! crossroadsclinics.com 350-507 West Broadway, Vancouver
Offer Details : Complimentary 15 minute one-on-one consultation with a Naturopathic Doctor. Explore natural health options for your family. Come in or call 604-568-6899 to book your spot!
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Maplewood Farm A municipal park/farm specializing in the display of domestic farm animals and birds.
Offer Details: Enjoy one complimentary admission when a second admission equal or greater value is purchased. Not valid for special events or group bookings. Farm open daily Apr. thru Oct. ; Nov. thru Mar. Closed Mondays!
ECLIPSE Photography Award winning photographer, Kimberly Mara, has 20 years experience and is open six days a week in North Vancouver.
ECLIPSE Photography Award winning photographer, Kimberly Mara, has 20 years experience and is open six days a week in North Vancouver. eclipsephotography.ca 1682 Deep Cove Rd, North Vancouver
Offer Details: Kids in studio color special $250 for 50 images onto a CD.
Offer Details: Colour Special: $200 for 35 Color Shots 0r $300 for 70 Color Shots Includes: Sitting Fee, 4x6 Unmarked Proofs, Two Hours Studio Time & Props (B/W Photo Shoots Also Available)
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KidzOwn Boutiques Surrey/New Westminster baby/maternity store offering products and services, birthing classes, moms and baby fitness. kidzownboutiques.com 3-13890-104 Ave, Surrey
Offer Details: Present this coupon and receive up to 15% off of selected items in store.
Expires: April 30, 2011
The Momoir Project Teaching Writing Classes to Moms. Record your experiences and memories of motherhood, before you forget! themomoirproject.com
Offer Details: One free class when you sign up for the fall writing session in Vancouver.
Expires: August 15, 2010
Multiple Births
The Good, the Hard and the Triple
By Bev Yaworski
Threat
Media attention on multiple births by celebrities like Angelina Jolie, and reality TV shows featuring multiple-birth parenting, has raised the profile of twins and triplets. But do celebrity snapshots portray a “true-life” view of these special families? Not likely! Canadian families live removed from prying paparazzi cameras and shocking reality TV—although you may be aware of the famous Canuck hockey twins Daniel and Henrik Sedin.
May 28th was National Multiple Births Awareness Day—a date designated for raising awareness of issues faced by multiple-birth individuals and their families. This symbolic date is the birth-date of the Dionne quintuplets. Each day in BC, four multiple–birth infants are born. BC saw 1,379 twin births and 23 triplet births in 2009 (B.C. Vital Statistics Agency). Multiple birth rates continue to rise in Canada—mainly due to fertility drugs, in-vitro fertilization and delayed childbearing.
What is life like in a typical Canadian family with twins or triplets? What are some of the joys and challenges? The Bridson family of Richmond has four children—three boys and one girl—which includes their two-year-old twins. The Bridsons already had two boys, Jonathan and Elliot, when the twins, Arthur and Eleanor, arrived. Mom Rowena says, “Elliot was 18 months when the twins came along, it was a big adjustment for the first six months, having three children under two years of age. This added a level of complexity that might have not been there with first-born twins. The twins slept a lot their first month, so it was an easier transition—allowing Elliot to get used to not being the baby anymore, having two younger siblings—and there weren’t any jealousy issues.”
The twins have brought many joys to the Bridson family. “Our twins will feed and nurture each other. Arthur will bring over sandals for his sister. They give each other good night kisses and morning hugs,” says Rowena. “The older children are loving, caring, and playful with their twin siblings. That’s not to say they never disagree, but they are protective and caring of them as well.”
When asked if she had advice for multiple-birth families, Rowena offered the following suggestions. “Try not to worry so much about every little thing. Take it in stride because it is easy to feel over-whelmed. Enjoy the children while they are young. Sleep when the babies sleep. Don’t use the twins’ sleep time to catch up on your housework.”
Along with support from her family, a nanny, and groups such as Multiple Births—Richmond/Delta Chapter, Rowena says “relationships with other moms can be so precious when having twins. It’s helpful to talk to other moms and see someone else who coped and was happy going through the experience of having twins.”
The Widas family has triplets. Mom Lisa Widas says, “With our three five-yearold girls, we had a lot of help from family, neighbours, and friends.” Some of this family’s challenges have been costly childcare and getting three girls ready to go out anywhere. “Try getting three three-year-olds’ hair brushed, teeth brushed, socks and coats on, and everybody going “potty” before [heading] out,” says Lisa.
“When the girls were infants, I didn’t get out of the house by myself. I went for walks quickly between feeds and breast pumping, but I couldn’t just run to the bank, because three car seats and the triple stroller were too much for me,” says Lisa. “Things are getting easier now, but we face different challenges. Teaching them to ride their bikes without training wheels was difficult. Oneon-one time with the girls is tough, too. But, every milestone is a joy. First, just dreaming of the day that the girls could hold their own bottles. Now they are tall enough to go on the rides at the amusement park without us. And they will always have each other through every stage of their lives and are best friends.”
Linda Leonard, a registered nurse and Associate Professor with Multiple Births Support Program at the UBC School of Nursing, offers suggestions for multiple birth families. She emphasizes that both partners are integral in these
parenting situations. Many of these families have older children, which can present added challenges.
• Nutritional needs during multiple pregnancy and breastfeeding are greater than for a single pregnancy or when nursing one baby.
• Your in-hospital and community health care team will provide assistance with breast-feeding and bottle-feeding. Try to feed the babies at the same time or one right after the other—giving you a block of time to rest or attend to personal needs prior to the next feeding.
• Home support & childcare will be needed to provide reliable help on a regular basis.
• Link up with parents of multiples via a group in your community, telephone, online support sites, or a multiples-specific prenatal class.
• Keep communication open between yourself and your partner. Discuss each other’s expectations about the children’s care. Create a plan, knowing it will change as the family’s needs change.
• Ask and accept offers for help—this is often difficult for parents who are used to being independent. It doesn’t mean that you can’t manage parenting. It means you will have more energy to devote to your babies, to your personal needs and to those of your partner and older children.
• Inadequate sleep and postpartum depression/anxiety are linked: sleep when the babies are sleeping.
• Try to get out of the house on a regular basis after the babies are born: it is too easy to become socially isolated.
• Multiple Births Canada local BC chapters offer support for families. Richmond/Delta president Charlene Carter says, “Raising more than one child at a time can offer many unique challenges; the best way for families to deal with these challenges is to be informed and to know where to seek support.”
Resources
Resource Guide for Multiple Pregnancy & Parenthood: Twins, Triplets & More! written by Linda Leonard, a multiple birth specialist at the UBC School of Nursing, offers helpful information on everything from nutrition to car seats and family support. It can be accessed online at www.nursing.ubc.ca/pdfs/twinstripletsandmore.pdf
Multiple Births Canada (www.multiplebirthscanada.org) is a support group for multiple birth families with many local BC chapters including www.richmonddeltamultiples.ca and www.vancouvertwins.ca.
BC Nurse Line Phone (dial toll-free 811) is available 24 hours, seven days a week for family health problems, symptoms, etc.
BC Women’s Clinic | 604.875.2025
Pacific Post Partum Support | www.postpartum.org.
My 3D Ultrasound
Special Offers for Our Readers
My 3D Ultrasound In association with Greig Associates Baby Bonding 3D Ultrasound clinic owned and operated by the Radiologists of Greig Associates medical Imaging Centre.
Baby Bonding in 3D Ultrasound clinic owned and operated by the Radiologisrs of Greig Associates medical Imaging Centre. www.my3dultrasound.com 219-650 West 41 Avenue, Vancouver
Offer Details: Enjoy saving $20 off any 3D/4D ultrasound experience with My 3D Ultrasound. *Not valid with any other discounts or promotions. Expires: May 31, 2010
Offer Details: Enjoy saving $20 off any 3D/4D ultrasound experience with My 3D Ultrasound. Not valid with any other discounds or promotions.
Expires: N/A
Pinky Blue
One stop destination for cool strollers, modern nursery furniture, designer clothing, diaper bags, gadgets, etc. pinkyblue.ca 176-8120 No.2 Rd, Richmond
Offer Details: Bring this coupon and receive a 15% discount (maximum of $15) on regular priced purchases.
Expires: April 30, 2011
Watermania
Wave pool, waterslides, interactive water play features, 50 metre pool & more.
50 metre pool &
Not for Long - Children’s & Maternity Consignment Boutique
White Rock’s newest consignment boutique offering unique items for mums-to-be and little ones. 1567 George St, White Rock
Offer Details: 40% off any regular priced consignment clothing item. One coupon per customer, original coupon must be surrendered at time of purchase
Expires: December 31, 2010
Salsa Babies & Salsa Tots
Salsa Babies and Salsa Tot - Dance back into shape with the best little partner of all your baby and toddler. salsababies.com
Offer Details: Bring this coupon and receive your first class free of charge.
Expires: March 31, 2011
TOPS – Take Off Pounds Sensibly
TOPS is a non profit, non commercial weight loss support group founded in 1948. tops.org
Excellence Award
Facility Excellent Award Winner. richmond.ca 14300 Entertainment Blvd. Richmond
Offer Details: FREE admission - Valid for one single drop-in admission to any public swim session.
Offer Details: FREE Admission - Valid for one single drop-in admission to any public swim session. Expires: December 31, 2009
Expires: December 31, 2010
Jack & Lola
Your “one stop” destination for new and expectant parents. jackandlola.ca | 135 West 1 St, North Vancouver
Offer Details: Visit a chapter free of charge. Present coupon upon joining to receive one month free dues and a copy of My Day One to get you started. Expires: December 31, 2010
June 1, 2011
The Gourmet Pregnancy by
Leah Douglas
As all pregnant women find out, there are foods that should be avoided while they are expecting. The advice can be confusing, and eating out can be a minefield. The Gourmet Pregnancy was written to offer pregnant women a chance to continue to eat well, without confusion, and, always, with health. With healthy, flavourful recipes to satisfy every type of craving and great ideas for entertaining. SRP $29.95.
The Baby’s Table
by Brenda Bradshaw and Lauren Donaldson Bramley, M.D.
A collection of over 150 recipes for the new eater in the family from two Canadian moms. From information on expressing and storing breast milk, and examining milk alternatives, to explanations of common allergies and what to look for, this is a practical nutrition guide and cook book. SRP $23.95.
Making a Baby: Everything You Need to Know to Get Pregnant
by Debra Fulghum Bruce, Ph.D., and Samuel Thatcher, M.D., Ph.D.
Trying for a baby, or just thinking about it? This book explains how to protect, increase and extend your fertility. With recent findings on everything from dietary ways to boost fertility to the connection between insulin levels and ovulation, Making a Baby offers a wide range of medical, natural and anecdotal advice and information for the soon-tobe-expectant parent. SRP $21.00.
Between Interruptions: 30 Women Tell the Truth About Motherhood
by Cori Howard
“Most mothers don’t have time for long conversations. They may want them, crave them, begin them again and again—but they are constantly interrupted by kids, partners, work, and the day-to-day details of busy lives.” In this collection of essays by Canadian mothers from all walks of life— journalist, singer, Hollywood actress—one question is answered: what becomes of us when our children’s lives interrupt our own? SRP $21.95.
Eat, Sleep, Poop
by Scott W. Cohen, M.D., F.A.A.P
Written by an award-winning paediatrician during his first year as a father, Eat, Sleep, Poop looks at raising children from two different perspectives—the doctor’s and the new parent’s. From pre-delivery checklists and tips, to explanations about health, physical symptoms, sleep, nutrition and vaccines, Dr. Cohen offers clear, simple information on every possible topic of interest for new parents. SRP $19.99.
The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms
by Erica Wells & Lorraine Regel
Filled with real-life anecdotes from the authors, as well as hundreds of other mothers, The Survival Guide offers a map for new mothers to everything about their baby—and themselves. SRP $21.95.
Baby’s Favorite Rhymes to Sign
by Penny Warner;
illustrated by Gilbert Ford Sing and sign the classics with your baby…before he can talk! Whimsically illustrated, this book contains fun-to-sign beloved nursery songs and rhymes, with clear instructions for parents. SRP $18.99.
