Kamloops Momma - September 2010 by Kamloops Momma Magazine

Nutri-Grain Bars and Milk Boxes

ou know the dream where you go to school in your underwear and everyone laughs at you? Well, I thought those dreams ended when I finished school. I didn‘t realize they‘d start all over again when I had children. Until recently, that is, when I had my first back-to-school dream about my daughter. But the thing is, everyone was still laughing at me. It‘s my daughter‘s first day of school. No, she‘s not in her underwear; she‘s standing at the end of our driveway in her mismatched pyjamas. Her hair, which is clearly not brushed, makes all who see her wonder if her teeth aren‘t brushed either. She‘s holding a Nutri-Grain bar Letter from and a box of strawberry-flavoured milk— yes, the kind that mysteriously does not a Kamloops have to be refrigerated—and hoping that one of our clearly more reliable Momma neighbours is running late today and will be able to drive her to school. Why aren‘t I driving her to school, you might ask? Well, I‘m too busy…sleeping. An hour or so later I receive a phone call from the secretary saying that my daughter does not have her lunch bag. I reluctantly pull myself out of bed, grab her lunch and make my way to the school. As I begin my journey down the craft-paper covered halls to my daughter‘s classroom, I realize that a crowd is gathering around me. Teachers, students, parents, and even the principal are all pointing and laughing in my direction. I look around to see what‘s so funny and get a glimpse of myself in a mirror. I am horrified by what I see: I‘m standing there in my pyjamas, hair dishevelled, teeth unbrushed, holding the Nutri-Grain bar and a strawberry milk box that I have brought for my daughter‘s lunch. The worst part: I see my daughter standing at the other end of the hallway and she looks just like me. And then the dream is ended by a knock on my bedroom door. ―Good morning, Momma. The sun is shining,‖ exclaims my 3 year old daughter. I smile, give her a great big hug, and head to the kitchen to prepare a nice, wellbalanced breakfast. I‘m glad we still have 2 more years until her first day of kindergarten. I do have to admit, though, that I would have been pretty happy to stay in bed. Do you have „back-to-school‟ anxiety? Tell us your story...it might make me feel better! — Courtney Charlton, editor To share your ideas and comments, please contact us at info@kamloopsmomma.com or find us at facebook.com/kamloopsmommamagazine.

On the Cover: Three year old Kelton is showing off his super-hero flying skills (and daddy is showing off his super-hero muscles to hold him up!). Every age is an amazing time (yes, even the terrible two and threes), so be sure to capture these moments because before you know it, these little super-heroes are flying out on their own! Photo by Erin Brule, soon-to-be new mom and owner of Prairie Child Photography. www.prairiechild.com 250.574.1258

info@kamloopsmomma.com www.kamloopsmomma.com 3

A Look Inside Kamloops Momma... Putting the Pieces Together

Julez, 2 Photo: Amber Campbell

Author Richard Wagamese on learning from children

Schoolyard Survival for Parents

Dispelling the myth of the perfect family

Making Magic

Magician Clinton W. Gray at the Children‘s Art Festival

Preparing for Kindergarten

Sapphire and Amethyst, 2

One mom‘s plan

We’re not in Kansas Anymore

Photo: Sophie Sarrasin

Following a first-time mom from final trimester to 1st birthday

Get Connected Gabriel and Dallas, 5 and 2 Photo: Elisa Thibodeau

Ewan, 3, and Finley, 1 month

with local Parent-child groups this fall

Community Business Directory

A directory of local businesses for you and your family

Discovering the Good Ol’ Days

A tour of Golden Ears Farm

Taming Tantrums

Help your child deal with ‗no!‘

Get your Financial House in Order

Photo: Haylley Uppenborn

Tips for successful debt reduction

Dear Aunty

Answering questions about you and your child‘s health Sophie, 3.5 months

Going with the Flow

Photo: Heather Sayers

The Breastfeeding Celebration

A mini-meditation

Community Events Calendar Kamloops Momma is the fun, reliable publication connecting local families to each other and to our community. We provide information about regional events, resources and businesses, as well as articles intended to inspire, enlighten, and empower parents and caregivers. As a local resource, we want our community to get involved. We encourage and accept submissions from any person, business, or organization sharing our goal to strengthen our parenting community. Kamloops Momma is published every two months and available for free at businesses and organizations throughout our region. Readers can also download the magazine online and subscribe to have it delivered right to their door. Subscriptions are available for $20 a year.

Supporting nursing moms

Kamloops Momma Magazine Published by Courtney Charlton, Editor Contact: 778-472-0020 info@kamloopsmomma.com www.kamloopsmomma.com facebook.com/kamloopsmommamagazine All rights reserved. No written or illustrated part of this magazine may be reproduced, except brief quotations in articles or reviews, without permission from the editor and individual authors.

Putting the Pieces Together By Richard Wagamese

o tell the truth, I haven‘t been much of a parent. My life never plied much of a straight course except for the past eight years and I effectively missed the ‗how to be a dad‘ class. My two boys live with their moms in different cities ―When I get a and what I know of fatherhood, I‘ve come to chance to listen to know by telephone, email and Facebook. Still, there‘s hope. My wife has taught me children I try to pay what love means and that‘s my saving grace. strict attention to But there have also been awesome examples of parental love that I‘ve been graced what they say – to witness in my friends. Over the years I‘ve because I never been in a lot of homes and seen that vital energy at work and how it shone in the faces know when what and spirits of kids. They told me a lot of I‘m looking to things about the parent-child relationship and one of the things they said over and understand will over again is how much they actually learn their kids. come out of their from I‘ve been an empirical learner all my life. mouths and Books have informed my sense and idea of the world since I was small myself. But some spirits.‖ things can‘t be learned from books and some stories can‘t ever be written even by successful authors like me. I was talking with a friend one time about how someone went about changing the world. I was a young journalist then with my pants on fire and a huge hunger for knowledge and I wanted to know the big philosophical things. It was a heady question and I expected a long detailed reply. But what he said floored me. He was working on a project one day. The deadline loomed and he was under a lot of pressure. His

ten-year old son was begging him for attention. Just to quiet the boy down he tore a picture from a magazine. It was a picture of the earth taken from outer space. He ripped it into small pieces and sent him off to put it together. He expected a long period of quiet but the boy was back in five minutes with the picture assembled and glued to a piece of paper. ―How in the world did you do that so fast?‖ he asked him. ―Simple,‖ his son said. ―There was a picture of a man on the other side. So I put the man together first and the world came together just fine.‖ Amazing. My friend went on to tell me that in his estimation, that was how you changed the world. You put the man together first and the world will come together just fine. But we get so that we want such deep answers to the things that perplex us. We think the answers have to be elaborate. But the truth is that the answers to things are usually as simple as that story. Put the man together first. It means fixing what we can right now – and that usually means ourselves. When we do that, when we become whole, centered people, when we‘re glued together just right – the world becomes better too. One piece at a time. They say that out of the mouths of babes comes wisdom. When I get a chance to listen to children I try to pay strict attention to what they say – because I never know when what I‘m looking to understand will come out of their mouths and spirits. Richard Wagamese is an award winning Ojibway author of 7 titles. He makes his home in Paul Lake, B.C.

Schoolyard Survival...for Parents: Dispelling the Myth of the Perfect Family By Janet Whitehead

ou've gotten your children to the schoolyard, more or less fed, dressed with a touch of ketchup, slightly rumpled hair, and only had to bribe... er… encourage one child to attend school with a promise of a bowlful of gummy bears for after school snack. You'd be feeling okay about this but then you spot THE family dancing, laughing, holding hands and hugging cheerfully as they enter the building. The littlest THE child stops for what appears to be consoling. "Phew," you think, "all is not perfect." Mrs. THE of THE family spots you and heads your way. She glistens – hair done beautifully, make-up brilliantly natural, clothes pressed and coordinated. You, in contrast, have a haphazard pony in your hair and are wondering whether anyone at work will notice you haven't showered or that your outfit is the same as two days ago. Cheerfully, Mrs. THE says, "Little Billy, he was so concerned that they hadn't made a lunch for me today! My children have such fun making lunches each morning. They take turns cutting fruit, cleaning vegetables and wrapping sandwiches. Usually they make my lunch, too. But the older children forgot to tell Billy that I'd be having lunch with the President today, so the poor little guy felt bad. ―He had a great time last night, though, helping us all make homemade yogurt and granola from all natural organic products and juicing the wheat grass we grow in our year round garden. Little Billy, he even loves to be like the older kids and make his bed and lay out everything he needs for their after school classes of soccer and dance. Isn‘t it wonderful how children can be so joyful and bright all the time?" (The scenario for dads to picture is this: Mr. THE drives the truck of your dreams and you notice the very large decal that reads "sponsored by Pilsner Beer.‖) And you? You just took ―As a parent in the about 53 hits to your confidence as a parent. Mrs. THE school yard, it's so easy only triggered a few; you to compare yourself to the added a whole domino of others. beautifully dressed, the Okay, readers, which paralways laughing, the ent do you most resemble? Does anyone claim to be like social butterfly, the Mrs. THE? Probably not. It is however, that a rather creative artist, the wealthy likely, high percentage relates professional, the skinny very well to the parent with the ketchup covered kids. and the environmentally You see, THE family does perfect.‖ not exist. In the parenting realm of unrealistic expectations, it's almost like we fail to notice the other parent's hair out of place, the ketchup and spilled milk on their kids, or that she didn't say 'president,' she said 'resident.' Perhaps that's all she mumbled as she walked by you…the rest of the conversation might be what you imagined her life to be like.

As for that parent who does happen to be immaculately dressed—she, too, may relate to the ketchup covered kids parent. Perhaps she's thinking there's nothing perfect about getting up at 4:30 a.m. to create her image because she's terrified of leaving home unkempt. She may well be looking at you wishing that she had the confidence to be as gorgeously natural and relaxed as you are. As a parent in the schoolyard, it's so easy to compare yourself to the beautifully dressed, the always laughing, the social butterfly, the creative artist, the wealthy professional, the skinny and the environmentally perfect. So how do you get over it? 1.Let go the fantasy that has you thinking other parents are perfect with perfect families. They don't exist. Really. THEY DO NOT EXIST. 2.Use your imagination; it‘s a powerful tool. You know you have one because you've used it to imagine the perfect family. Instead, imagine you have a 'thought guard.' This is like a bodyguard that fends off energy draining thoughts. Your imagined 'thought guard' could be a magnificent genie, a powerful lion or even Arnold Schwarzenegger – just imagine anything you consider to be a strong being. Start to notice when you have 'hard on self' thoughts and playfully imagine your thought guard fending off the comparisons and unkind thoughts with their magic wand, loud roar, or overpowering stance. 3.Leave the schoolyard uplifted instead of defeated: Give a smile and a compliment. Acknowledge Mrs. Creative Artist by asking about their artwork. Tell Mrs. Always Laughing that her laughter brightens the schoolyard. And Mrs. THE in the immaculate outfit? Tell her how nice she looks. (Dads, acknowledge the guy with the nice truck. Maybe you can go for a beer.) Now go confidently, young parent, into that schoolyard armed with a thought guard and a repertoire of kind words for others. You will survive! Janet Whitehead is a certified life coach and creativity coach. www.musingsandmud.com

Making Magic at the Children`s Art festival By Courtney Charlton

linton W. Gray is an artist. No, he doesn‘t paint pictures, build sculptures, or take photographs. In fact, Gray does not create an object at all: he creates an experience. Gray is a magician. If the question, ―since when is pulling a rabbit out of a hat art?‖ crossed your mind, rest assured—there is so much more to magic than rabbits and hats. (Okay, Gray might have one rabbit...or maybe two, but he doesn‟t pull either of them from a hat, really.) Gray started learning magic tricks as an 8 year old in Williams Lake, BC. Today, more than 25 years later, he is a ten-time international award winning entertainer who travels the world performing more than 200 shows a year. So what makes Gray so good? In one performance, Gray can make ‗your card‘ appear anywhere, swallow a sword, escape from a straightjacket, read your mind, make you laugh uncontrollably, and inspire a sense of wonder and amazement that you will not soon forget. But what makes Gray really good is that he can impress both you and your child at the same time. Gray compares his shows to Pixar films: ―There‘s magic kids enjoy and jokes that go right over their head.‖ Now, you might think that entertaining children would be easier than adults, right? Wrong! ―The biggest difference in working with kids is that kids are much more difficult to fool,‖ reveals the illusionist. Magic relies on assumptions, which adults have a lot of. Children, on the other hand, are constantly questioning the world around them. Gray explains that if a 70 year old man walks on to a stage wearing glasses, adults simply assume that he requires glasses. If, twenty minutes later, the man ‗magically‘ puts his fingers through the lenses, adults are amazed by his ability to make the lenses disappear. But children can‘t be fooled. They look at the man when he walks on stage and ask why there are no lenses in his glasses. Pretty smart, huh? Kids don`t quite understand performance etiquette, though. ―If an adult figures the trick out, they keep it quiet, but a kid reveals it to the entire audience‖ says Gray, ―so you better make sure that 100% of the kids are fooled.‖ Want to see if you can be fooled...or if your child really is smarter than you? Clinton W. Gray is bringing his magic to this year‘s Children‘s Art Festival. Gray will perform a tent show, move throughout the crowds with his street-style interactive magic, and even host a magic workshop. To find out more about Gray, see www.clintonwgray.com. The Children‘s Art Festival is 11-4 on September 18, 2010. The free event includes creative workshops, live performers, family activities, and group art projects. 372.7323 or www.kamloopsarts.ca.

Preparing for Kindergarten: One Mom‘s Plan

By Shandee M. Whitehead

t's hard for me to believe summer break is coming to an end. The days are still long and warm, staying up late continues to be the trend, and an overnight trip to the lake is still in store. Nonetheless, it‘s almost school time again! For my family this means more than preparing for a change in routine, the onset of morning chaos, carpool schedules, PTA meetings, planning healthy lunches, and buying school supplies. For us, it means preparing our daughter for a major developmental milestone that even vetAvee and her mom, Shandee, prepare for kindergarten by trying on back-to―Just thinking eran preschoolers, and school clothes and a new backpack. Avee also holds on to a favourite doll that their parents, will likely she will bring with her to kindergarten. about preparing remember for the rest of So what steps will we take to help ease some of the for the first day their lives: Kindergarten. Starting kindergarten will be either an worry for everyone? How will we bring to an end the of kindergarten uncomfortable or an awesome experience questions of our daughter‘s happiness, her ability to for not only our daughter, but for us too. At make friends and become independent? How will we preseems to be the end of this summer we will be placing vent doubts about not having done everything we can to more anxiety her into unfamiliar surroundings to spend prepare her for the long academic journey ahead? time with strangers. On the other hand, she If only we had a checklist or handout to help us weigh provoking for will be making new friends, meeting new the ache in our hearts against the pride and anticipation, us than for our teachers, and gaining new skills. Like all oth- to guide us through this milestone; a chart to assist in preer parents, we want starting kindergarten to paring us for the sight of our daughter disappearing down daughter.‖ be nothing less than an awesome experithe hallway, to guide us down the long and unusual walk ence. back to our vehicle. Just thinking about preparing for the first day of kindergarten seems to be more anxiety provoking for us Here‘s what our family is going to do: than for our daughter. I know the anxiety will weaken after a few days of surrendering her to the encouraging 1. Tone down our own anxiety. Our daughter does an inhands of a capable kindergarten teacher. Nevertheless, credible job of picking up on our mood and feelings we still feel like we must agonize about what to do to get about a situation. We are going to keep our concerns and our entire family ready for our daughter‘s first day of kin- anxieties in check. I know that's easier to say than to do, dergarten. but if we are feeling anxious, our daughter will pick up on

those feelings and carry them to school. 2. End the lazy days of summer by beginning to talk about kindergarten. We will make it a daily routine to spend a few minutes talking about school activities. We will explain what goes on there, talk about the fun activities such as story time, playtime, and recess. We will communicate enthusiasm and excitement at all she is going to learn. 5 year old Avee enjoys the last days of summer before heading to kindergarten this fall.

3. Ask older children in our circle of friends and family to add enthusiasm by talking about things they remember and loved

about kindergarten.

6. Visit the school before school starts, find our daughter's classroom and meet her new teacher, the principal, and the secretary. Perhaps we will have a picnic on the playground and kick about a soccer ball on the school field. 7. Ask our daughter if she would like to take something from home with her on her first day. With a bit of luck, the presence of a familiar object will give her a sense of security in her new environment. We will bring our camera and take lots of pictures to save the memory. 8. Get up early on the first day, get dressed, have a good breakfast and go to school with her. 9. Spend some time in her classroom and then make our goodbye cheerful and brief. We will remind her when we will return and make sure we are not late picking her up. 10. Breathe! We know that getting ready for kindergarten does not have to be the main focus of our summer. Our daughter will likely be too busy playing to think much about it. However, we believe that taking time to prepare our family will go a long way toward guaranteeing a smooth transition. In addition, it will give us all an opportunity to proudly celebrate the first day of kindergarten as a momentous passage in her life. We will all celebrate and take pleasure in what will be a major achievement for us all.

4. Sign out books from our library that will help her get excited about the first day of kindergarten. (Three that have come highly recommended: The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing, First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg, and Countdown Shandee M. Whitehead is a school teacher and counsellor. She to Kindergarten by Alison McGhee.) has a Bachelor of Social Work, Teaching Certificate, and a Master of Education in Counselling. She is also the mother of two 5. Make a special event of shopping for school clothes and children, ages 2 and 5. school supplies. Even at five, our daughter loves to shop.

Back to School Lunch Idea: Cheesy Breadsticks and Dipping Sauce By Elizabeth deVries Using an easy recipe for bread dough, we started off dough with the bread machine. You can also use frozen bread dough or the Pillsbury dough that is ready to use right away! It's lots of fun to measure out all the different ingredients for bread dough and there are lots of steps that can use help from little hands. Once the dough was finished, we kneaded it and divided it all up into little pieces (36) and we rolled them out into "snakes". Then we put them onto the cookie sheet and covered them with granulated garlic, mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese and baked them for about 15 minutes until they were nicely browned. We packed them into a lunch kit with some veggies and some pizza dipping sauce (pasta sauce works too). Yummy lunch! For more ideas, check out â&#x20AC;&#x17E;Kidz in the Kitchenâ&#x20AC;&#x; at kamloopsparents.com.

~Following a first-time mom’s journey from the final trimester to baby's 1st birthday~

By Erin Brûlé

We’re not in Kansas Anymore

ash baby blankets. Fold baby blankets. Rewash baby blankets. Set up crib. Agonize over the best spot in the nursery for crib. Change mind and move crib. Repeat. I believe this is what they call 'nesting.' I am 37 weeks pregnant. This is our first child. My streak as a 'perfect parent' is about to come to an end. You know what I mean, right? Up until your first baby arrives, you get to fantasize about having a family and envision what you will be like as a mom. In this fantasy world, your baby sleeps well, feeds well, and never, ever cries, except maybe that sweet little cry newborns first have (but only ever for 5 minutes at a time). You don't even change diapers in this fantasy world. You are a calm and patient mother. You never At 37 weeks pregnant, first-time mom Erin Brûlé learns that nesting really is get over-tired, stressed out, or forget to make not a myth. time to take care of yourself. You have groceries in the fridge. Dinners are planned a week in advance. You have freshly baked cookies ing ―ME.‖ It is, after all, my body that is about to become super-human and perform, what I consider to be, the ultimate just in case a friend stops by for coffee. party trick. You shower every day. For the last 37 weeks, and for the next 3, this tiny thing has Oh, it's a happy little fantasy land, but I know my bubble is been growing inside me (which is truly amazing). The only about to burst! Of course, first order of business. We need to actually have thing is, she‘s not so tiny anymore. And she has to get out SOON! the baby. I know it is natural. And yes, I know my body was designed Correction: I need to have the baby. for this. But, that doesn‘t mean I don‘t have moments of absoIt‘s lovely to be all inclusive, you know, the standard “We‟re pregnant…blah blah blah” to make the father feel like lute fright. Of course, it doesn't help any that friends and perfect he is a full participant of the pregnancy (although, I noticed he strangers insist on telling me every grisly tale of difficult ladidn't go for three months eating nothing but crackers or cheerbour they have ever heard about, even the urban legends. ios, nor does he have the swollen Fred Flinstone feet!) A friend wrote about a button she got that read, ―Happy But when we start talking about the actual physical labour and delivery process, it stops being ―WE‖ and starts becom- birth stories only please.‖ I would like to borrow that button for the next 3 weeks. Of course, even after hearing these tales from the battle field, I‘m fairly confident I am going to enjoy the whole process of labour and delivery! (yes...I did just use the word 'enjoy') You might think I'm nuts. Maybe I am. But I do know that life as I know it (including the imaginary one), is about to end. Have any tips to make that transition easier? (or a happy birth story to share?). Find me at loopymama,com

(Actually, we are… but only for 3 more weeks!)

Erin is about to become a new mom and learn that parenthood is nothing like taking care of 3 cats. When she's not creating fantasy worlds of parenting in her head, she can be found photographing newborns and families at Prairie Child Photography. To catch updates as she enters the alien world of parenthood, check in at loopymama.com.

GET CONNECTED:

A guide to local parent-child groups this fall

Attachment Parenting

YMCA Child Interactive Centre

What: A playgroup for caregivers of children 0-5 with an interest in topics such as cloth diapering, baby-wearing, cosleeping, and extended breastfeeding (free + food for potluck) When: 2/month - days + locations vary Contact: 250-376-4723 or AP_kamloops-owner@yahoogroups.com

What: A drop-in playgroup for caregivers and children ages 0-6.Includes circle time, crafts, and a wide selection of toys and activities (Free w/ membership/ $3) When: Mon-Fri 9-12 Where: Southwest Y: Unit E, 1420 Hugh Allan drive Contact: 250-372-7791

Family Tree Drop-in

Healthy Beginnings

What: A drop-in playgroup for high priority families to expand their social network while increasing their awareness of the importance of early childhood development. Includes circle time, crafts, and healthy snacks (free) When: Mon and Wed 9-4 Where: 283 West Victoria St. Contact: 250.377.6890

What: A community-based drop-in group for parents/caregivers and their children ages 0-6 (free) Where: Interior Indian Friendship Society 2355 Parkcrest Ave When: Tues 9:45-11:45 Thurs 10:30-12:30 Contact: 250.554.3134

Kamloops Connexions

Parent-Child Mother Goose

What: A drop-in group for moms looking to build meaningful relationships (free) When: Fri 9:30—whenever (June-Sept) Where: Prince Charles Park, Downtown Contact: 250.377.6890 * Oct-June Morning Coffee House is held at the Southwest Community Church and childcare is available ($3+)

What: A group for parents, babies, and/ or young children that focuses on the pleasure and power of rhymes, songs, and stories (free, registration required) Where: Various locations When: Various times, programs starting this fall Contact: 250.554.3134

StrongStart Programs

More Low or No Cost Activities:

What: Drop-in centres for families with children ages 0-5. It`s a place to play and learn with your child in a warm, supportive, caring environment (free) Bumblebees: Arthur Hatton Elem. 315 Chestnut Ave. 250.376.7217 Mon-Fri, 8:30-11:30 Dragon Flies: Marion Schilling Elem. 2200 Park Dr. 250.376.2027 Mon-Fri, 8:30-11:30

Big Little Science Centre 250.554.2572

City of Kamloops Pools 250.828.3655 Friday Family Fun with Literacy 250.554.3134

Kamloops Children’s Museum 250.828.3576

KGTC 250.374.6428 Library Storytime Downtown:

250.372.5145/ N. Shore: 250.554.1124

Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Program 250.372.7791

Preschool Skate 250.828.3387 Storytime at Chapters Bookstore 250.377.8468

Community Business Directory Children’s Stores and Services Baby Canuck

Game-On Interactive Fitness

Saving Our Planet, One Change at a Time Cloth diapers and so much more. Custom orders and complete diapering packages 250.376.8997 www.babycanuck.ca

Putting the Fun into Fitness. All Ages, All Abilities, All FUN! 444 St Paul St 250.374.4263 www.gameoninteractivefitness.com

The KiDSROOM New back-to-school fashions arriving daily! Clothing up to size 16 Youth. Geox, Striderite, Roxy, Blu, Mexx and more! 460-500 Notre Dame Dr. 250.374.5022

Lizzie Bits Baby Co. Go Green! Use Cloth! Cloth diaper specialists. Unique children‘s items. High quality children‘s consignment. 7-111 Oriole Rd. 250.374.8706 lizziebaby.ca

Mulberry Bush Kids Stuff Inc. Gently Loved Consignment & New Items Infant to Adult Clothing, Baby Furniture, the largest inventory of Robeez, Melissa & Doug www3.telus.net/mulberrybush 250.374.2501

Snug-Glee Bumz Diaper Service Happy Baby, Happy Planet Service includes diapers, pick-up, delivery, and laundering all for $22.96/week!

250.554.9722 www.snuggleebumz.com

Daycares Enriched Daycare Aberdeen & Sahali Mall locations, 6am11pm 7 days/wk. Dance, fitness, music, science and more! Birthday Party Fun Spot! 250.377.8190 www.enricheddaycare.com

Sunshine Family Daycare Reggio Program Art, aesthetics, yoga and more! Contact Evva at 250.374.1843

Education and Tutoring Sharen Michael, B.A.

Elementary School Tutor Dyslexia Strategies, Family Counsellor, Child Life Specialist Dynamic ConneXions 250.372.5636

Family Fitness

Food Services Baking by Sandi Fresh homemade baking. Pies, loaves, squares, cookies, fudge, and more! Visit us at the North Shore Farmers Market! Sandi Riddell, 250.573.7664 clint@ocis.net

Health and Wellness Full Circle Healing Arts Natural Family Medicine Focussing on children‘s and women‘s health Dr. Jennifer Matthews, Naturopathic Physician 250.372.8728 www.fullcirclehealingarts.ca

Let’s Move Studio Yoga - Dance - Wellness Classes, workshops, and events letsmove@gmail.com 250.372.9642 www.letsmovestudio.com

Mighty Oak Midwifery Personal, professional, woman-centered maternity care. Now accepting new patients! 250.377.8611 www.mightyoakmidwifery.ca

Musings and Mud Coaching Studio Life Coaching with a creative twist! Janet L. Whitehead, certified professional coach janet@musingsandmud.com 250.376.8402 www.musingsandmud.com

Parenthood in the Making Childbirth Services Susanne Pytela, B.S.W. DONA trained birth and postpartum doula 250.572.6383 susanne.pytela@gmail.com

Twin Valley Wellness Centre Registered Massage Therapy Sports massage and rehabilitation Pre-natal and post-natal massage. Body cushion pregnancy system avail. 250.374.6396

Health and Wellness Cont’d Yoga with Katrina/Yoga Therapy

The Art Store

Playful and empowering yoga classes Private and semi-private yoga therapy sessions. Align, feel good, and live fully! www.YogaWithKatrina.com 250.374.6493

Bright Colours, Friendly Smiles Custom Framing and Fine Art Supplies 1302 Battle Street, Kamloops 250-372-9331 toll free 1-888-972-9331

Home-Based Sales Businesses Discovery Toys, Alison Gregory Discovery Toys Educational Consultant 250.851.2270 aligregory@telus.net discoverytoyslink.com/aligregory Teach. Play. Inspire.

Ladybugz Slings n’ Things Baby products you‟ll get attached too! NEW soft and sustainable bamboo ring slings. Custom orders welcome! Shannon, 250.319.4437 LadybugzSlings.com

My Strider Bike Co. Strider Running Bikes, teaching your toddler to ride on 2 wheels! www.mystrider.ca mystrider@shaw.ca 250.318.0365 Look for us on Facebook!

Stampin’ Up! Dawnica-Lynn Flatt Independent Demonstrator 250.554.2381 http://dawnica.stampinup.net Book your workshop Now to get great new products and free hostess gifts!

Parties and Events Sweet Spot Cupcakes Cupcakes for any occasion! Cakes and cookies now available. #8-1415 Hillside Dr. 250.574.6251 www.sweet-spot-cupcakes.com

Wild About Party Packs! All you need to get your party started! Party packs for Birthday, Baby, and Bridal wildaboutpartypacks@hotmail.com www.wildaboutpartypacks.com

Kamloops Momma

Photography and Art

Advertise Here! 778.472.0020 info@kamloopsmomma.com www.kamloopsmomma.com

The Art We Are Artisan Market Local art, comfy couches, unique, delicious and (mostly) healthy food! 201-322 Victoria St. 250.828.7998 theartweare@gmail.com

Hope-full Universe Unique décor for the playroom and for life! Hope Mikal, Artist 250.682.2936 hopefull.universe@gmail.com Come find us on facebook!

Prairie Child Photography Photos Moms and Dads love! Maternity. Newborn. Children. Erin Brûlé 250.574.1258 erin@prairiechild.com prairiechild.com

Twist of Fate Yarns A Momma Friendly shop for your knitting & spinning needs. Classes, drop-in knitting, & events! 778.471.5562 twistoffateyarns.com 2020– F Falcon Rd *Behind Lizzie Bits Baby Co.

Real Estate and Investments Larry Brinkworth, Broker My objective advice is centered on your needs The Mortgage Centre. DICO Holdings Inc. 250.374.2222 ext. 201 brinkworth.l@mortgagecentre.com

Ken Featherstone, Realtor Bringing Families Home Royal LePage Westwin Realty Personal Real Estate Corp. 250.374.1461 kenfeatherstone@royallepage.ca

Sandy Vollo, FLMI, ACS, AIAA Offering a complete suite of financial products and services to help you live your dream Abbott Wealth Management 250.372.3736 sandy@abbottwealth.com

―FOR HIRE: 3 person demolition crew made up of 12 , 8, and 7 year old children. Able to level an entire house, and more, in one day. Clean-up crew, consisting of one mom, will cost extra. Submit proposals at the destroyed property, a.k.a. my house.‖ - Alexandra Rawlings 13

Discovering the Good Ol’ Days at Golden Ears Farm

By Janet Whitehead

ost grandparents remember spending time on a farm. They recall being enlisted to pick raspberries, shuck peas, or feed chickens—even if they were only visiting for a day. They remember the sun beating down on them as they pulled weeds and mischievously planned their escape. Eyeing their mom hanging laundry, they'd wait for the moment when they could no longer be seen past the long line of bedding and they'd run. It's not that they were misbehaving little rebels; there were simply too many ―We are wondrous places to explore on the farm. and barns screamed "hide greeted by all who Cornfields here,‖ fruit trees needed climbing and happened by— outbuildings doubled as pirate ships waiting for their next imaginary advensome offering fresh ture. But times have changed and today strawberries and very few children have had the opporothers inviting the tunity to even set foot on a farm. "Fifty years ago, 50% of the populachildren to pick tion were farmers. Now it's .001 %," extheir own feast of plains Oli Martens, farmer at Golden raspberries right Ears Farm near Chase, B.C. The odds are against you knowing off the bush.‖ anyone who has a farm you can visit, but with one phone call and a small fee, your family can arrange a tour of Golden Ears; a cooperative farm that is "bringing back what's been lost." People from all over the world come to the farm to experience working on an environmentally conscious cooperative farm. Not many farms offer tours, but the farmers at Golden Ears Farm are excited to introduce people to a "new way of looking at living" where groups of people can live together, create together and accomplish much. They also want to provide the opportunity for children to learn where food comes from and to encourage envi-

Photo: Sarah Steele ronmentally conscious thinking. They really like having children visit, which is a good thing, since our group had four! Our Day at Golden Ears Farm The farm is located just 35 minutes from Kamloops, yet we feel like we travelled back to another time. Upon arrival, we are greeted by a big old friendly dog and smiles from various people working the farm. A clothesline full of sheets, a 'loo with a view', an old farmhouse and fresh farm air set the scene for an adventure. Martens, one of the early architects of the farm‘s cooperative concept, leads us on a meandering tour of critters, crops and creative living spaces. There is no planned spiel or even a planned route, just endless opportunity to explore and to discover. As we wander by the fields of squash and pumpkins, the kids naturally create a game of "who can find the squash?" Each giggles in anticipation as they rush to be the first to find a hidden squash under the giant leaves. When the children look up to see a tree house where one member of the farm community resides, all four children announce, "I'd like to live there." The simple tree house with plywood askew and plastic coverings for rain even has the adults in the group sighing, "I'd like to live there, too." We are greeted by all who happened by—some offering fresh strawberries and others inviting the children to pick their own feast of raspberries right off the bush. The children are delighted to feed three day old ducklings by hand and the adults are surprised to learn that ducks and chickens are given free run in the fields to help sustain the farm by eating fallen fruit and keeping bugs under control. Feeding grunting pigs, tasting herbs from the herb gardens, and pretending to play an old weathered piano that is more of an art sculpture than a discarded piano, thrills our group of children.

At the end of the tour, the children have a very difficult question to answer: what is their favourite thing about the farm? Aydan, 5, exclaims, "The pigs!" Tasha, 12, likes the herb gardens most. Evalee, 3, shares her own stories and sounds of what ducks do, making us all smile at her wit and wisdom. Tasha even has her own question for Martens: "How many â&#x20AC;&#x2022;Feeding plants are on this farm?" grunting pigs, "The Earth always tries to cover up the soil," says Martens. tasting herbs from He explains that there are one hundred varieties of plants the herb gardens, on the farm and some are weeds that fill in empty spaces. The weeds, however, have value. Many are edible and and pretending to some, like the stinging nettle, are exceptional for the farm's biodynamics. play an old We end our tour with a stop for ice cream and organic weathered piano fruit at Golden Ear Farm's Fruit Stand on the highway side west of Chase. that is more of an We leave with our legs exercised, our minds intrigued, art sculpture than a and our bellies full. Maya, 4, has one more question, though: "Where were the discarded piano, horses?" she asks on the way home. "It would be nice to go to thrilled our group of another human farm that has horses." Perhaps if you go to Golden Ears Farm, you could ask if children.â&#x20AC;&#x2013; they have horses and, if not, do they know of another human farm that does? The fruit stand closes mid-September but pumpkins will be available on an honour system of payment. Visiting the farm is a must for fall with hay rides, pumpkin patches and cooler weather enhancing the already fun tour. Above all else, a family farm tour is a great way to create space for discovery, sharing and enjoying the wisdom and wonder of your children. And grandparents? It's a great way to bring back old memories! Learn more about Golden Ears Farm at www.goldenearsfarm.org or call 250.679.8421. Oli Martens leads us on a tour of Golden Ears Farm. Tasha, 12, Aydan, 5, Maya, 4, and Evalee, 3, have a great time as they hunt for squash, pick fresh strawberries, feed ducklings and pigs, and even discover a weathered piano amongst the brush. Photos: Sarah Steele

Taming Tantrums By Marilyn Puff

to trust our ability to parent by focusing on who we are to our children (the parent or caregiver) rather than what we need to do (get groceries). When our interactions help to preserve the dignity and the connection we have while we are guiding and teaching our children, we are building a strong foundation. This foundation is crucial for maintaining our relationships throughout the teen years and beyond. Acknowledging the Root Cause Neufeld sees frustration as the initial emotional response when we can‘t change something or we cannot have something we want. Some children (and some adults) have very short fuses. If we look at any angry outburst it can be traced back to the root of the problem - frustration. When we see a child as frustrated, we want to do something to help alleviate the frustration. If we see them as angry, there is more of a chance we will label them as the problem, rather than looking at what has caused them to react.

EWS FLASH: Strong-minded child erupts in cereal aisle due to hearing some form of, “I know it’s tough, but you cannot always have what you want.” First Response to the Melt Down The by-line is: ―As adults we know life is full of frustration, but When the tantrum happens, we might be tired, cranky, or how do we help this screaming child learn that too?‖ just plain human and not feel like we can handle one more We‘ve all been there – a public place, a denied request, and a very unhappy child. We watch as our child‘s frustration upset, but one of the best things we can do is be responsible for handling our own emotions. When we model calm behavescalates and a myriad of our own emotional responses apiour we are better capable of guiding our child through their pear—from calm to embarrassed to frustrated. big emotions. ―The most violent period of life is If we become angry, uncertain, or often when a child is between 2 and 4 give in to demands, our child is in the years old,‖ says Gordon Neufeld, a ―The most violent period of life is alpha position and, ultimately, will Vancouver-based clinical and develoften when a child is between 2 and 4 not trust that we can handle the inopmental psychologist. ―We are just lucky that they are small and have years old. We are just lucky that they tense emotions that are natural to a young child; emotions that they have poor aim.‖ are small and have poor aim.‖ yet to learn how to mediate or But as anyone who has witnessed deescalate. a grocery store tantrum knows, small kids can have really big emotions and really big voices. So Strategies for Calming Down how can we tame tantrums? When I asked my 12 year old grandson if he still had temHealthy Attachment and the Parents as the Authority According to Neufeld, children deal with frustration more effectively when the parents or caregivers are in a position of authority. A child‘s safety comes from being dependant, knowing that you are their best bet, the alpha presence who can find a way to take charge of them and their intense emotions. There are some signposts to notice about how a child responds to ―no‖ or other frustrations in their lives.  Is your child regularly hitting or kicking, spitting or throwing things?  Are your child‟s outbursts focused on lashing out at you? When a child is not responding to your guidance and their behaviours are directed at you, they are trying to give you a message. Their behaviour suggests they are distressed and unhappy and they feel you cannot help them manage their intense feelings and actions. Children do not feel safe when they feel like they are running the show so their behaviours get progressively worse. When they are feeling safer, their behaviours improve. Their attachment need is for you to be the authority, help them weather the experience of hearing ―no‖ and learn how to calm themselves down. Preserving Dignity while Managing the Behaviours There is no simple answer to temper tantrum support. Since every child and parent has a different temperament, personality and emotional sensitivity, Neufeld encourages us

per tantrums, he said, ―Yes.‖ His tantrums look mostly like crying and trying to get his way. To a child of any age, try calmly saying, ―it‘s your job to calm down here. I can‘t do that for you, but I can help you with it,‖ and then, if they are able, talk about ways they can do this. This helps them to learn strategies to self-soothe when they get upset. Do not try to educate or address the tantrum until later when those involved are no longer emotionally charged, including you. Forget the explanations and the mini-lectures unless you know that this will quieten and reassure your child. Experiment with holding them closer or taking them to the car until things have blown over and they have settled. When time is in short supply, try to calm your child in a way that does not involve going back on your word or pushing them away because this devalues their attachment needs. You will notice over time if your methods are working when your child is responding by calming more quickly, by maturing and using their words, and by addressing frustration with less emotional chaos or aggression. It is priceless and great reward when you hear it out of the mouth of babes, ―Mommy, you need to calm down!‖ Marilyn Puff (BSW) and her husband have a blended family of 5 children and 5 grandchildren. She has a passion for understanding human relationships and has been a family counselor in Kamloops for 20 years.

A Great Time to get your Financial House in Order! By Larry Brinkworth

ith all the demands of summer holidays, time with the kids, yard work and summer projects, who wants to think about restructuring debt? But now might be just the right time to think about reducing your interest costs for the longer term. Homeowners with equity in their homes are in the enviable position of being able to significantly reduce their costs. Many borrowers are not aware that Credit Card Debt—you know, the Visas and Mastercards out there—are charging interest at nearly 20%. If you have an overdraft at your financial institution, that too could be over 20% per annum. And, if you have department store cards, they could be charging as much as 30% per annum and more. My advice? Stop that! If you are carrying just $10,000 in consumer credit card balances you are probably paying at least $1,500/ year more than you should. To put it another way, if you make $50,000 a year and you save $1500 in interest, that‘s like giving yourself a 3% raise in pay…more than some employers are offering as raises these days….just by restructuring your credit card debt. Even with recent announcements of increases in the Bank Prime Rate, interest rates are still historically low. So homeowners can refinance that 20% and 30% interest consumer debt at rates as low as 4.19% (as at July 26th and subject to

change with market fluctuations). Debt restructuring is a successful strategy only if you maintain strong credit habits. Three basic behaviors are required: 1. Stop or decrease your usage of consumer debt. Concentrate on your needs instead of your wants, but don‘t forget to live life. So whenever you can, after you have restructured, pay those card balances off – IN FULL. 2. Continue making payments on your new consolidation mortgage at the same payment or close to the same payment you are making on ALL your debts right now. That way you won‘t end up paying for that jar of peanut butter or a night at the movies over the next 25 years. 3. Keep your credit in pristine condition. Any mortgage or credit professional can coach you on how to do that. Keep your credit score high and you could save thousands in your lifetime over someone who is careless with their credit reputation. Successful debt restructuring can be complicated. So I always recommend that you seek the assistance of a Professional. Your objective has to be to improve your financial situation and make debt work for you instead of against you. Larry Brinkworth is an independent mortgage specialist at the Mortgage Centre. 250.374.2222 ext. 201 or brinkworth.l@mortgage centre.com

Dear Aunty…

Answering questions about you and your child’s health DEAR AUNTY: I am the mother of two children. My youngest is now six months old and I was told that I can no longer depend on breastfeeding as my only form of birth control. It's been years since I've had to think about this. What are my options? -Sheila Dear Sheila: You‘re right, it is time to consider an alternate form of contraception. Breastfeeding is an effective form of birth control (called ―Lactational Amenorrhea Method‖) only when all of the following conditions are being met: your monthly period has not returned, your baby is fully breastfed (no formula, water, cereal, etc.) and your baby is less than 6 months old. Birth control methods fall into one of three categories: Abstinence or Fertility Awareness: Either not having sexual intercourse at all or abstaining around the time you ovulate Non-Hormonal Methods: Certain brands of intrauterine devices (IUD), surgery (tubal ligation for women, vasectomy for men), or barrier methods (such as the male and female condoms, diaphragm, cervical cap) Hormonal methods: IUD with hormone, the oral contraceptive pill, the contraceptive patch, the vaginal contraceptive ring, and injectable Depo-Provera. It is important that you speak with a health care professional about your birth control options as there are many factors that should be taken into consideration, such as: Do you plan to continue breastfeeding? The estrogen found in some birth control pills and other combined hormone contraceptives has been shown to decrease milk supply. Are you in a monogamous relationship, or do you require a contraceptive that will help prevent sexually transmitted infections? If so, condoms may be your best bet. Will you remember to take a pill every day or would you prefer something that you have to think about less frequently? Depo Provera, for example, only needs to be taken every three months. Are you planning on having more children?

If not, perhaps a surgical option is right for you. You should also know that the Emergency Contraceptive Pill (―Morning After Pill‖ or ―Plan B‖) is also available over-the-counter at pharmacies across the province and can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy (studies have shown that Plan B is safe for breastfeeding mothers and their infants too). A great place for more information is Options For Sexual Health (www.optionsforsexualhealth.org) and their 1-800-SEXSENSE line where you can speak with a trained volunteer or nurse. DEAR AUNTY: I have an adventure-lovin', dangerseekin', climbin', 6 year-old boy and along with that territory comes the odd fall, bump, and bruise. Last week he fell from the monkey bars and hit his head. He seemed fine (except for the goose egg that seemed to come almost immediately) so he used a freezie as an ice pack, then went back to playing. However, I got to thinking: When is a bump more than a bump - when should we head to Emergency? - Brenda Dear Brenda: I checked with Dr. Ian Mitchell, an Emergency Physician at Royal Inland, about your question. "We definitely see an increase in Emergency Room visits in the summer," says Dr. Mitchell, "and concussions are among the injuries that kids seem particularly prone to once their summer seasons at the parks are in full swing." So what is the difference between a bump on the bean and a concussion? "A concussion occurs when a person loses consciousness," Dr. Mitchell explains. "They could be out for seconds, minutes, or rarely, even longer. Anytime your child hits his head hard enough to be knocked out, it's a good idea to bring them in to be looked at." What if he doesn't lose consciousness, but your "momma radar" says that something's not quite right? "If your child has difficulty walking, speaking, is vomiting repeatedly, or has a seizure, it means that you should bring them in to be assessed." So when is a bump just a bump? "The bottom line is," reports Dr. Mitchell, "if your child is crying as he would with any injury but is acting normally, you can apply ice to reduce the swelling associated with the "goose egg" and give Tylenol if he is complaining of soreness. He can get back to playing as soon as he is comfortable doing so." "Aunty" Erin Mitchell is a proud nurse, momma, and owner/ operator of Aunty's House Registered Family Daycare in Kamloops. She is currently working on a degree in child and adolescent psychology through TRU.

Do you have a question for ―Aunty‖ Erin? Please contact her at cdnnurse1995@yahoo.ca.

By Katrina Ariel

oing with the flow is truly the easiest way to play this grand game of life. I practice Anusara® Yoga, a profound and playful method of yoga. Anusara is a Sanskrit word that means ‗Flowing with Grace,‘ ‗Going with the Flow,‘ or ‗Following Your Heart.‘ Whether or not you practice yoga, this simple philosophy is something we all need reminding of in the busy-ness of our days. When we forget to flow with the current of life, we make things far harder than they need to be. The following mini-practice can help. Mini-Meditation: Sit beautifully. Give yourself a moment to feel grounded. Connect to the Earth. Then let a lightness come from the inside. Be spacious. Feel your inner body brighten. With your breath, lift your heart and open your shoulders. Soften your face. Ride your breath with your awareness. Feel each inhale and exhale move through you like a wave. Notice the crest and trough of the wave – the transition between inhale and exhale. Connect to the wisdom of your heart. Surrender to the inner knowingness that you are a part of something bigger. Soften the edges of yourself to feel the goodness of that bigger energy. Trust in the flow of this energy; give up all your worries to it. Know that everything is already taken care of; Know that everything will work out in the best possible way. Enjoy the peace that comes from this truth. Bathe in the breath – Drink it in like nectar. Ride the flow of your breath and the pulse of this energy as long as you‘d like. Katrina Ariel is an Anusara-Inspired™ yoga instructor teaching at Let‟s Move Studio. To learn more about her classes or get more free meditations like this, visit www.YogaWithKatrina.com

Shannon Stretcheniuk nurses her third child, Taylor, at one day

The Breastfeeding Celebration

By Courtney Charlton

efore having kids, Shannon Stretcheniuk was unsure about breastfeeding. ―I never thought I‘d be a nurser. I think I was tentative because it can be hard to separate the sexual part of breasts and the mother part of breasts.‖ With her first child, Stretcheniuk not only had to overcome her uncertainties, she had to cope with jaundice, latch difficulties, and an inability to rely ―I never thought I‘d solely on breast milk. ―I felt so bad; like I was starving my be a nurser. I think child!‖ But Stretcheniuk persevered. She I was tentative sought support and, eventually, loved because it can be the bond she created through nursing. Now a mother of three children with hard to separate nearly 5 years combined breastfeeding the sexual part of experience, Stretcheniuk certainly overcame her earlier reservations and is very breasts and the comfortable nursing... anywhere. She‘s mother part of even nursed her daughter in the shoe department at Sears! breasts.‖ Well, she‘s comfortable nursing almost anywhere. ―There is no way I would ever nurse in a bathroom. I don‘t eat near a toilet, so why should my baby have to?‖ Many women, however, are not comfortable breastfeeding in public. ―I think it‘s hard because opinions of breastfeeding are always changing,‖ explains Stretcheniuk, ―Many people from older generations did not breastfeed or at least not in public.‖ ―More people need to be aware that breastfeeding is

not something to hide.‖ With each of her children, Stretcheniuk participated in a global initiative to celebrate and support breastfeeding mothers: the Quintessence Breastfeeding Challenge. ―The challenge is about awareness—so breastfeeding moms feel comfortable breastfeeding in public.‖ The international ―latch-on‖ is held during the first week of October, world breastfeeding week. At the ―latch-on,‖ groups of women gather together to simultaneously breastfeed their children. At 11 am local time the number of children ―latched-on‖ is counted and submitted to challenge officials. The geographic location (province, state, territory) with the most children latchedon is then deemed the winner. But it‘s really more of a celebration than a competition. There are snacks, prizes, and a lot of laughter. ―It‘s fun, but chaotic,‖ laughs Stretcheniuk, ―People have older kids running around. They are trying to take care of them and trying to nurse their child at the same time as a room full of other mothers are trying to nurse their children.‖ But what if a child isn‘t hungry or too tired to latch-on? ―Sometimes it just doesn‘t work,‖ admits Stretcheniuk. ―At the first one, my daughter was screaming because she was so hungry and I had to nurse her beforehand. ―But I was just happy to know that so many people were breastfeeding and proud, I guess, to be a breastfeeding mother.‖ The Breastfeeding Celebration is on Oct. 2, 2010 at St. Paul‘s Anglican Church, 360 Nicola St. Registration begins at 10:30 and the latch-on commences at 11am. For more info, contact Deanna Hurstfield at 250.376.4723.

―My opinion is that anyone offended by breastfeeding is staring too hard!‖- David Allen 20

Tips for Successful Breastfeeding By Joanna Nemrava

he World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding exclusively until 6 months of age and encourages continued breastfeeding up to two years of age for optimal health and development of your baby. There are many ways that you can increase your likelihood for successful breastfeeding:

breastfeeding support and teaching around newborn care. You may also ask at the hospital to see a lactation consultant before you are discharged home with your baby. Visit the Breastfeeding Clinic at the Kamloops Downtown Health Centre (250.851.7954) to receive additional support and to connect with other breastfeeding moms. ask for help from friends and family ―Sometimes it is easy whoAnd 1: Prepare yourself! There are many good are experienced and supportive of your resources you can access to enhance your and immediate, but goals to breastfeed successfully. knowledge and skills for breastfeeding. The Breastfeeding is not only about nutrition, it is book Making More Milk by Diana West and Lisa sometimes there are about a relationship between a mother and her Marasco is excellent, as well as the book Jack challenges and this baby. Sometimes it is easy and immediate, but Newman‟s Guide to Breastfeeding. A great sometimes there are challenges and this relaonline resource is www.drjacknewman.com for relationship may take tionship may take time to develop as both new breastfeeding tips and video clips. time to develop as mom and new baby learn together. Remember that breast milk production is 2: Take care of your health! Make sure both new mom and supply and demand – baby has to be taking you are getting enough iron, calcium, omega milk for you to make milk. The most common 3s, vitamin Bs and E, as well as drinking new baby learn reason for poor milk supply is a poor latch so enough water throughout pregnancy and together.‖ that baby cannot take the milk efficiently. Even breastfeeding. Beginning in your second triif you are having challenges initially, with good mester you can safely take red raspberry leaf, nettle, and alfalfa as tea or supplement. In the third trimester, support most problems can be resolved by 4 – 6 weeks postpartum. Hang in there, your baby is worth it! add fenugreek. After the baby is born, you can add a herb called blessed thistle, which works together with fenugreek Mighty Oak Midwifery Care in Kamloops is a group of registo increase milk supply. tered midwives providing complete maternity and newborn 3: Make sure you get breastfeeding support – early! care from conception to 6wks postpartum. Midwifery services If you are under the care of a midwife, then your midwife will are fully covered under your BC Care Card, include hospital work together with you to achieve a successful early attachand homebirth options, no referral required. Please visit ment and breastfeeding experience, including in-home www.mightyoakmidwifery.ca for more info.

We asked you: Did you face any challenges breastfeeding your child? ―My daughter came and my milk did not. I took medication, bought breast pumps, and accessed community support resources all without success. I had to come to terms with the reality that I was not meant to breastfeed my child. I was able to accept this when I realized that my daughter was a happy, healthy baby. As long as she was happy, I was too!‖ - Sara ―At 2 months I developed thrush on my nipples and we struggled with that off and on until my son was 5 months old. I also had what they call nipple blebs, numerous days of plugged milk ducts, as well as a bout of mastitis...Lots of research and advice from other moms as well as Dr. Jack Newman and the breastfeeding clinic in Kamloops were all instrumental in helping me get through the tough times and keep going. There were many times throughout all of that that I felt so frustrated. It seemed as though my body was betraying me. All I wanted was to breastfeed my son (I wanted it more than anything I have ever wanted or needed in my whole life). I knew that it was an important beginning for both of us, yet my body seemed at odds with those wishes.‖- Lyn

Community Events Calendar Aug 15-Aug 31: Music in the Park Nightly entertainment at Rotary Bandshell, Riverside Park, 7-8:30 (free) Aug 15-Sept 7: North Shore Art Walk Tranquille Rd. 250.372.7323

Aug 18-Oct 30: Downtown Farmer’s Market Wed: Victoria St. between 4th+5th. Market starts at 8am Sat: St. Paul between 2nd+3rd Aug 19-Aug 26: Bizarre Bazaar @ The Old Courthouse, 7 W Seymour St., Thurs 12-7 Family oriented workshops from 3-5 (free)

Aug 16: Ryan Joyce, International Grand Illusionist, Kamloops Convention Centre, Aug 20/Aug 27: North Shore 7:30 pm 250.372.5312 Music in the Park Live enterAug 16– 22: BC Summer tainment at MacDonald Park, Swim Assoc. Provincials Fridays 7-8:30 (free) Canada Games Aquatic CenAug 20/Sept 17: Midwifery tre 250.828.3655 Info Nights 7pm, Mighty Oak Aug 16– Aug 30: The Spirit Midwifery Clinic, 202-322 Vicof Kamloops 2141 Train toria St., 250.377.8611 (free) Mon/Fri -7pm, Sat -11am 250.374.2141

Aug 20-Oct 31: North Shore Farmer’s Market Spirit Square, Fri. 4-8.

Aug 17-Aug 28: Children’s Summer Theatre Tues-Sat 1 + 3 pm Riverside Park (free) Aug 21 (Cont): Chapters (Thurs, 1pm at Bizarre Bazaar) Craft and Storytime Satur-

days 11-12pm 250.377.8468 (free) Aug 21/28: Artisan’s Square at St. Andrews on the Square Sat, 8:30-12 (free) Aug 25/Sept 29: Cloth Diapers 101 Lizzie Bits Baby Co. 250.374.8706 (free) Aug 29: Kidney Walk Riverside Park, 10am 250.851.2637 Sept 1-5: Cirque du Soleil Alegria Interior Savings Centre 250.374.9200 Sept 1-5: Interior Provincial Exhibition & Stampede Armstrong, 250.546.9406 Sept 4-5: Nicola Valley Fall Fair Merritt, 250.378.5925

Sept 12: Grandparents Day at BC Wildlife Park 9077 Dallas Dr. 250-573-3242 Sept 16: Max and Ruby Bunny Party Sagebrush Theatre, 3:30 250.374.5483 Sept 18: Children’s Art Festival Creative workshops, live performers, family activities, group art projects and more, Riverside Park, 11-4 (free) Sept 19: VW Turtle Race Proceeds go to Boys and Girls Club Power Start program. $10/turtle or 3/$25 250-554-KIDS, 250-374-3000 Sept 24-25: Culture Days @ The KAG Kamloops Art Gallery, free admission to all exhibitions 250.377.2400

Sept 4-6: North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Barriere, Sept 24-26: Kamloops Her250.672.5672 itage Days Heritage disSept 10: TRU’s 40th Anniverplays, lectures, geocaching, sary Celebration Mainstage performers, and musicians, entertainment, children‘s acSt. Andrews on the Square tivities, BBQ, and fireworks 250.377.4232 250.852.7195 Sept 24-27: Provincial WinSept 11: SuperWalk for ter Fair @ The KXA CeleParkinsons Rotary Bandshell, brate our agricultural heritRiverside Park, reg. 10 am, age, culture, and community 250.819.3674 250.572.6838 Sept 11: Kamloops Railway Oct 1-31: Adams River Days Kamloops Heritage Salmon Run Roderick HaigRailway, 9-4, 250.374.2141 Brown Provincial Park Sept 11: Porsche Club of info@salmonsociety.com America Show n’ Shine Oct 11: Teddy Bear Picnic Sun Peaks 250.578.5387 at BC Wildlife Park 9077 Sept 12: Dine and Support Dallas Dr. 250-573-3242 the Y Women’s Shelter at Fla- Oct 13: The Power of Being vours of India. 5pm and 7pm. a Girl Conference 8:45am –3 $25. 372-7725 or 374-0340 pm. Reg starts Sept 1 Sept 12: Rona MS Bike Tour 250.372.7724 Rotary Bandshell, Riverside Y Dream Home Open Park, reg. 7:30, 250.314.0773 House View this ultra-green Sept 12: Paws for a Cause home every Sat + Sun 11-5. Walk for the animals. Pioneer 1858 Ironwood Terrace, Sun Rivers www.ydreamhome.com Park, 8am 250.572.3297

Have an upcoming event? We’ll put it in our Events Calendar for Free! 778.472.0020 info@kamloopsmomma.com kamloopsmomma.com 22