KC Baby Magazine Fall 2016

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FREE Oct-Dec 2016 KCParent.com Since 2002

maternity

the

NICU Issue

NICU know-how for parents

life lessons : surviving

baby’s first year

Tips

to nurture the nesting instinct

The Best Fall Fun

for little ones

physicians

lee’s

summit

group

Sallie L. Veenstra, MD Barbara S. Trites, MD Lisa B. Fletcher, MD Deann E. DeWitt, MD Allison C. Henschel, MD Sarah J. Gladstone, MD Bryan L. Phillips, MD

Lee’s Summit Physicians 1425 N.W. Blue Parkway Lee’s Summit, Missouri 816.524.5600 LSPhysicians.com Raintree Pediatrics 995 SW 34th St. Lee’s Summit, Missouri 816.525.4700 Raintree-Pediatrics.com

We offer pediatric walk-in urgent care seven days a week, medical advice by phone, after-hours on-call physicians and online scheduling!

Daniel E. Gershon, DO Veronica Manka, MD Jeffrey P. Yannette, MD Jennifer M. Sauer, MD Cynthia M. Dean, DO Ashley Campbell, DO Danielle Leivian, MD Robin Dawson, MD Anne Parkin-Cohen, MD Lauren Lee, C-PNP Kelly R. Fritz, C-PNP

Blue Springs Pediatrics 1600 NW South Outer Road Blue Springs, Missouri 816.554.6520 BlueSpringsPediatric.com

Julie Kirkpatrick, C-PNP Camille Lucitto, C-PNP Sarah Dedrick, C-PNP Angela Stott, C-PNP Kimberly McNerney, C-PNP Tiffany Vitt, C-PNP

Urgent Care Blue Parkway Office Mon-Thur, 8:00 am-7:00 pm Friday, 8:00 am-4:00 pm Sat-Sun, 8:00-11:00 am Blue Springs & Raintree Mon-Fri, 8:00-11:00 am Scheduled appointments Mon-Fri, 10 am-12 pm & 1-4 pm Free Prenatal Consults Mon-Fri, 10 am-12 pm & 1-4 pm

trust.

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kcparent.com oct-dec 2016

Now what?

WHETHER YOU’RE PREGNANT FOR THE FIRST TIME, ADDING TO YOUR FAMILY OR STILL TRYING, WE CAN HELP.

The area’s most advanced fertility, birthing and NICU services are available at these HCA Midwest Health hospitals: Centerpoint Medical Center Menorah Medical Center Overland Park Regional Medical Center Research Medical Center

Learn more at hcamidwest.com/babies

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Explore

Kansas City Zoo October 1 & 2, 8 & 9, 15 & 16, 22 & 23 Hoots and Howls October 15 Brew at the Zoo & Wine Too *21 and over

Koala Flats

October 29 & 30 Boo at the Zoo

OPEN THROUGH NOVEMBER!

November 5 & 6 Great Pumpkin Smash November 25–27 Santa Dives with Penguins December 3 & 4 Holiday Wild December 3 & 4, 10 & 11, 17 & 18 Santa Dives with Penguins & Penguin March December 31 Zoo Year’s Eve

Always a New Adventure!

iveR!s SanNtDSaIN D DECEMBE WEEKE

Check online for more Zoomazing experiences!

kansascityzoo.org | 816.595.1234 | Open Daily The Kansas City Zoo, a private, non-profit organization is operated in agreement with the Kansas City, MO Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, partially funded by the Zoological District in Jackson and Clay Counties in MO, and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

EXPERT MEDICAL CARE FOR YOUR LITTLE ONES - AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY

At Shawnee Mission Internal Medicine & Pediatrics, each of our physicians is Board-certified in both pediatrics and internal medicine. That means they not only provide professional, reliable care for babies and children, but also for teens and adults - so you can get friendly, convenient care for the whole family all in one place.

5420 W. 151st Street

Leawood, KS 66224

Michael Greenfield, MD Katie Lorentz, MD

Paul Moore, MD

Our physicians treat patients of all ages, from newborns to older adults. We welcome informational interviews with expectant parents in search of a caring, qualified pediatrician in south Johnson County.

To make an appointment or to schedule a pediatrician interview, call 913-632-9675.

To request an appointment online, visit ShawneeMission.org/PrimaryCare.

Easing the Transition to Motherhood Located within the Shawnee Mission Birth Center, Mommy & Me Boutique is a new mother’s source for breast pumps, nursing bras and breastfeeding support products. Let our certified nursing bra fitters help you find the perfect nursing bra. No appointment necessary.

Body Silk Seamless Bra Luxuriously soft, seamless and wire-free for added comfort.

Removable foam inserts provide a lovely shape and nipple discretion. Smooth knitted fabric gives unique body hugging stretchiness. Available in butterscotch and black, S-XL. $49

Located within the Shawnee Mission Birth Center 9100 W. 74th Street Shawnee Mission, KS 66204 Hours Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

For more information, call 913-632-4124 or visit mommyandmekc.com.

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baby&

maternity

the

NICU issue

OCT-DEC 2016

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 16 19 24 30 34

Our Baby Story Nesting Nuggets Craft Corner Real Mom Reviews Calendar of Events Belly Laughs

NICU TIPS FOR PARENTS, PG. 12

YOUR PREGNANCY

YOUR BABY

YOUR TODDLER

10 Infertility Story of Hope

14 Nursing in Public

12 NICU Know-How

18 Ways to Assist a New Mom

20 Soothing Separation Anxiety

16 Nesting 101

22 Surviving Year One

28 Fall Photo Ops

19 Wood Slice Mobile

25 Encourage Love of Reading

30 Play Dates

9 Pumpkin Patches

24 Real Mom Reviews 26 Family Fave Winners 32 Date Night

Our cover features Sara from Lenexa. Cover and select interior photos by KiaBondurant.com

baby&

34 Belly Laughs

FREE Oct-Dec 2016 KCParent.com Since 2002

maternity

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NICU

ON THE COVER NICU Know-How Nurture Nesting Instinct Surviving Year One Fall Photos and Fun

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12 16 22 28

IssUe

NICU know-how for parents

life lessons : surviving

baby’s first year

TIps

to nurture the nesting instinct

The BesT Fall FUN

for lIttle oNes

A safe and nurturing environment for your child. l

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editor’sletter

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s KCParent.com is THE place for FREE stuff!

Check it out for great giveaways and contests!

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O MANY decisions face a mom when she is pregnant and has a newborn! One of those is whether to breastfeed or bottle feed. I was sure I wanted to breastfeed my babies. My mom had nursed all six of us, and being the oldest, I was around it quite a bit. It seemed to me the natural way to proceed.

I naively assumed breastfeeding wouldn’t be any big deal: Baby would be born and Baby would breastfeed because that’s just what babies do. Well, was I wrong—it was tricky! I had a heck of a time getting my older to latch on. Luckily, my mom was with me and was able to pass along different tips and tricks to try to make it work for me.

Because it was tricky at the start, I was hesitant to nurse in public. I wasn’t comfortable enough to try it, but boy, I sure wish I had. It would have made being out and about with Baby that much easier!

When we were out somewhere and she got hungry, back home we went. If I had to do it again, I would make an effort to learn to nurse in public. Mom of two Christa Hines has put together a terrific article on pg. 14 with tips for you to master the art of nursing in public. I hope it works out for you!

Seasons are changing, and crispness is in the air! Fall is the perfect time to get out with little ones for great family photo ops. Our resident Kansas City expert Kristina Light has put together a list of local landmarks all over KC to visit with Baby to get fun “first” photos. Check it out on pg. 28.

Happy fall, Kansas City!

Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com Art Director Kim Tappan Tappan Design Kim@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Advertising@KCParent.com Electronic Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com Local Contributing Writers Kim Antisdel, Liberty Melissa Bellach, Overland Park Lauren Greenlee, Overland Park Christa Hines, Olathe Karen Johnson, Olathe Megan Kapple, Kansas City Kristina Light, Kansas City Sarah Lyons, Olathe Julie McKinley, Lee’s Summit Katie Newell, Kansas City

LOCAL CONTENT

Business Office 11936 W. 119th #335 Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax

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Margaret Sarver, Editor KC Baby & Maternity is published four times per year: Winter (JanMarch), Spring (April-June), Summer (July-Sept) and Fall (Oct-Dec).

It is distributed free of charge throughout the Kansas City area. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. KC Baby & Maternity is not responsible for statements made by advertisers or writers. All photography and letters sent to KC Baby & Maternity will be treated unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of KC Baby & Maternity.

kc pumpkin patches Carolyn’s Country Cousins

Gieringers’s Family Orchard & Berry Farm

Bring the entire family to our 50-acre u-pick pumpkin patch and farm. Open 10:00-7:00, Sept. 17-Oct. 31. Families love taking an old-fashioned hayride to the field to pick their own pumpkins and visiting our animals at the petting barn!

Weekends feature Uncle Lester’s pig races, live entertainment and great food. For more information, call 816.781.9196 or visit us at www.CarolynsCountryCousins.com.

Johnson Farms At Johnson Farms, you’ll be in the country, but close to home. Take a wagon ride out to the pumpkin or vegetable patch and pick your own from right off the vine. Experience our giant jumping pillow, tunnel maze or 20-acre corn maze, all INCLUDED in your admission. Delicious food and friendly animals each time you visit! Plenty of parking and outdoor fun for all ages. www.JohnsonFarms.net. 816.331.1067 @johnsonfarmsMO

Louisburg Cider Mill and Country Store Store hours 8:00-6:00 (Mon.-Sat.), 9:00-6:00 (Sun.) Ciderfest: Sept. 24-25 & Oct. 1-2; live music, food and­craft booths.

Watch as fresh cider is pressed and enjoy the delicious cider donuts! Fall family fun will be happening until Oct. 31st.

Enjoy the 10-acre Ghost of the Corn Maze, huge pumpkin patch, farm animals, children’s play area, jump pillow and more! 913.837.5202. www.LouisburgCiderMill.com

We’re growing! For years, families have come for u-pick strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and peaches. This fall, come to the farm and enjoy our new fall season.

Guide your way through our Farmers Feed Families interactive corn maze, play in thousands of bushels of corn, jump on the huge pumpkin pad, slide down the combine, grab some u-pick pumpkins or just enjoy a fall day. www.GieringersOrchard.com

Faulkner’s Ranch-Pumpkin Season!

Oct. 1-31, 10:00-6:00 daily. Special events on weekends.

Visit www.FaulknersRanch.com for all of the attractions and upcoming events. Clean, quality, interactive fun at Faulkner’s Ranch. 816.761.5055

Shuck’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

Three mazes located within one, with different levels of difficulty. Barrel train ride, corn crib—it’s a large sandbox, only it’s filled with corn. Hay mountains, tractor-pulled hayrides, laser tag, concessions and field trips. www.ShucksMaze.com

Deanna Rose-Pumpkin Hollow

Join us for the 18th annual Pumpkin Hollow, take a horsedrawn hayride through the woods, ending at Pumpkin Hollow. All inclusive in the ticket price. Children can hop aboard the Pumpkin Hollow Express, get lost in the corn maze, slide down a hay pyramid and choose a pumpkin to take home. www.DRFarmstead.org

KC Parent is giving away 50 family 4-packs to all of your favorite pumpkin patches!

PLUS find our geo-based online Pumpkin Patch Guide. All the details are at KCParent.com.

Open Sept.17-Oct. 31 10:00am-7:00pm 7 days a week

Fabulous Fun on the Farm!!

• Scheduled school tours • Old-fashioned pig races , entertainment & music on weekends • Little Bud’s Railroad: Kansas City’s only farm train • Old-fashioned tractor wagon rides • Pumpkin donuts, fudge & home cooking • Traditional farm animals • Rocks and mining • 60 acres u-pick pump kin field

Bring in this ad & receive $1 off single admission.

Cannot be combined with other offers.

kcparent.com oct-dec 2016

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ourbabystory

F

or as long as I can remember, my heart’s desire has always been to be a mommy. I love the memories I have from my own childhood and wanted a chance to create a legacy with a family of my own. I would dream about quiet, snuggly evenings and park playdates with other moms. I would dream about walking her into her first day of kindergarten and cheering her on at soccer games. I would even go so far as to dream about shopping for a prom dress, visiting her in college and watching her marry a man that she loved as fiercely as I love her daddy.

Unfortunately, the road to achieve this dream was far from easy. You see, at the age of 4, I was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and swelling of the joints. My entire life I had to push myself to accomplish things that were pain-free and easy for my friends.

At the age of 24, I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, an annoying little disease that causes the individual vertebrae of the spine to fuse. Eventually, I lost the ability to look up and the majority of the range of motion necessary to turn from side to side. My sacroiliac (hip) joints are also completely fused. Imagine my frustration when I became unable to walk (or even tie my shoelaces) without a great deal of pain and effort.

The same year I was diagnosed with AS, I had the privilege of marrying my best friend. Fertility issues are common in people with autoimmune issues. We knew we wanted a family so, even as newlyweds, we never did anything to prevent pregnancy.

We spent two years attempting all the “affordable� fertility treatments before deciding to take it to the next level (IVF).

More than one specialist turned us away, advising us to start looking into adoption.

(When doctors looked at my ovaries, it appeared that I had never in my lifetime

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An Infertility Story of

Hope

ovulated. My hormone levels were also completely out of whack. This was not a good combination.)

To the average person, I appeared completely healthy. Why was my body failing me at such a young age? I believed I had to be doing something wrong. I began to explore the world of holistic and alternative medicine. As I studied, I read testimonies of people who had greatly reduced the effects of chronic disease by doing nothing more than altering their diet. I also read stories of infertile women who now have babies.

After learning to read labels, and realizing how toxic most convenience foods are, I decided I would have to start cooking from scratch. Luckily, my husband has a culinary degree, and he was more than willing to help. With his assistance (and the help of the Food Network), I began to learn to cook real food, the way God created it. As I did this, my body began to heal. Each improvement encouraged me to make another small change, always striving for better.

So did it work?!? You betcha! I am now the mother of two amazing miracles. We

“

So did it work?!? You betcha! I am now the mother of two amazing miracles. We were blessed with our first daughter after undergoing a converted IVF cycle that our reproductive endocrinologist almost abandoned.

were blessed with our first daughter after undergoing a converted IVF cycle that our reproductive endocrinologist almost abandoned. Because we had put so much time and money into the procedure, she agreed to switch it to an IUI but told us not to get our hopes up. The procedure was a success, and Annie Grace was born in January 2008. Both by God’s grace and the commitment I’d made to my health, I was able not only to get pregnant, but carry a healthy, beautiful baby to term.

I vowed to stay committed to healthy eating and whole foods. I kept studying natural health, refocusing a lot of my time and effort on how to properly feed babies and children. I found many studies suggesting the food we feed our babies during the first two years of life can give their bodies the foundation they need to fight off disease in the future, even if they

”

default to poorer choices later on.

As Annie grew, I prayed that God would provide her a sibling, either naturally or through adoption. I prayed that the commitment I have made to my health would be rewarded. Imagine our surprise and delight when, one week before Annie’s first birthday, I discovered that I was pregnant. I did it! I’d triumphed over infertility. Elliana (Ellie) Faith joined our family in August 2009. Our family currently feels complete, and I am flooded with gratitude over the way we have been blessed.

As for myself, God has used my pain for glory as well. I am now a certified nutrition coach with a passion for helping others find their own healing. I am also a published cookbook author (Feeding Our Families: Bringing back the made-from-scratch family dinner), culinary instructor at the Culinary

Institute of Kansas City (KCCulinary.com) and educator on the power of exogenous ketones. Most importantly, I now have the energy to keep up with two young kiddos and be an active, hands-on mom and wife. God allows me to breathe hope into others throughout the Kansas City area by providing opportunities for me to speak at local events, mom groups and conventions.

Our family’s story is truly beauty from ashes, and I wouldn’t desire it any other way.

Katie Newell is a mama with a passion for helping others become better. You can read more of her story, order her cookbook or contact her by visiting HealthnutFoodie.com.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

Should I consume my placenta?

This question is on the rise with more and more pregnant women.

So, why are so many women interested in consuming their placenta?

“ 96 percent of the women said they had a ‘positive’ or ‘very positive’ experience consuming their placenta, and 98 percent said they would do it again.”

Dr. Daniel Benyshek and graduate student Sharon Young, UNLV in Las Vegas, NV

Placenta Encapsulation KC www.PlacentaKC.com

913.782.3174

Because science has shown that it can help with postpartum depression, lactation and energy. The placenta is loaded with vitamins, minerals and nutrients. The placenta contains high amounts of iron, B6 and B12, as well as estrogen and progesterone. These are all very important during the postpartum recovery.

At Placenta Encapsulation KC we believe every mother and baby should have the best baby-moon as possible. That is where we come in; we will discreetly process your placenta into capsules for easy, non-tasting ingestion.

We offer pickup and delivery services, we follow all the FDA guidelines, work with your birthplace, and we have a separate processing facility.

Hundreds of women have encapsulated their placenta with us and have sworn that it has helped with their postpartum recovery. You only get one chance to do this and to have it done correctly. Contact us to find out more information and to book encapsulation with a trusted, certified Placenta Encapsulation Specialist. kcparent.com oct-dec 2016

11

NICU

t

know-how

he birth of your baby is a special time, but if your new little one requires a stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), that time may become stressful. According to Dr. Kathleen Weatherstone, HCA Midwest Health’s Neonatal ICU Program medical director, 10 percent of all babies born need some type of special care at delivery and that may include the NICU. NICU care encompasses four levels. According to Dr. Alison G. Blevins, MD, OB/GYN, at Olathe Medical Center, the levels break down like this:

level I

Level I or Well Baby Nursery, for infants born 35 weeks or later who are generally healthy.

level II

Level II or Special Care Nursery, provides care for

infants born 32 weeks or later and weigh at least 1,500 grams (about 3 pounds). Infants within this level can receive advanced treatment, such as intubation, for a short period of time or respiratory support with a special mask. Infants within this level usually have conditions that are expected to resolve quickly. Coming spring 2017 to Olathe Medical Center is an advanced, Level II NICU where parents can stay overnight with Baby in the same room.

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Level III NICU can provide all of the above but can care for critically ill infants less than 32 weeks or those weighing less than 1,500 grams. These critically ill infants may require continuous life support or critical medical and surgical care with access to a full range of subspecialists.

level III

Level IV NICU has all of the

level IV capabilities of Level III and

is located at institutions that can facilitate on-site surgical repair of serious congenital or acquired malformations.

Sometimes doctors and parents know ahead of time that a stay in the NICU will be necessary. Dr. Blevins says, “While we

would like to always be able to predict and plan when a NICU admission may be needed, it may not be determined until the time at which the mother goes into labor— or even after delivery has already occurred.”

In either case, the NICU staff will be ready to treat your baby and work to get him home as soon as possible.

During a NICU stay, parents can do some things to help support their baby.

“Parents are the most important people to their baby,” Dr. Weatherstone says. “We encourage parents to be in the NICU as much as possible and be caregivers as much as they are able.” For Baby, hearing his parents’ voices, as well as feeling their touch, is important. And not only is the interaction good for Baby, it benefits the parents as well.

personal stories from NICU mothers

Tazrina and Tahiya Tazrina, a mother to a healthy little boy, was anxiously expecting her second child.

The world fell out from under her when she went into labor at 25 weeks. Her baby girl, Tahiya, was born at a fragile 1 lb. 8.5 oz. and spent 127 days in the NICU at St. Luke’s Hospital on the Plaza. Tazrina describes the experience as a rollercoaster. “We’d have a good day, then a bad day. Her oxygen needs would decrease one day, and the next she would stop breathing and they would go back up. Even at the very end—she was supposed to come home the next day—she had a setback and had to stay for 10 more days. You cannot expect or anticipate anything in the NICU because every day is a new unpredictable rollercoaster.”

But despite the agony this experience caused her family, Tazrina has found a silver lining. She is thankful that her daughter did eventually come home to live with her big brother. And she is proud of her own strength. “I didn’t know I was this strong, but my daughter gave me that realization.”

Laura and Logan Laura’s baby boy Logan was born fullterm. After a healthy pregnancy, she and her husband did not anticipate complications.

But within a few hours, doctors were alerting Laura that something was wrong with their new son. He was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, as well as a heart condition often associated with Down Syndrome that required NICU recovery.

However, the nearest NICU was four hours from Laura’s small hometown, so while her son was flown there by helicopter, Laura had to drive with her husband a mere 10 hours post-delivery. They also had a young son at

home whom they had to leave with family unexpectedly.

Laura describes the heartbreaking experience: “They took a Polaroid of him and had me look at it while I pumped in hopes to get milk flowing. They gave me a swatch of flannel to wear under my shirt and had one in his bed. Every hour or two we would switch so we still could smell each other. It broke my heart.”

Laura also says, “The waiting is hard.

It’s a lot and lot of waiting. Good days are boring days. If it’s a day full of activity, something is wrong. Hurry up and wait.”

Tazrina and Laura speak of the importance of support from family and friends and the power of prayer. Both had husbands who had to return to work and young sons at home who needed care.

And both were at the NICU for hours a day, trying to bond with their new babies.

Laura provides the following advice for friends and family: “If you have a friend in the NICU, send gift cards for gas and nearby restaurants. Set up a meal train for when they are home. Be patient and listen.

The parents will be obsessing about every diagnosis, so just listen. Be the friend who asks questions. Come visit the NICU, as it can be a lonely place.”

Through all the heartache that comes with having a NICU baby, both mothers rave about their NICU doctors and nurses and speak of times of pure joy. Tazrina remembers the day Tahiya was transferred to a crib from an incubator as a day she cannot describe in words. Laura remembers a day that Logan opened his big blue eyes and just stared at her, as if to say, “Love me. Just love me.” And that was all that she needed.

Both Tahiya and Logan are happy and healthy growing children thanks to amazing NICU doctors!

Olathe mom Karen Johnson has three children, ages 6, 4 and 2. She writes at The21stCenturySAHM.com.

Both premature and fullterm babies can be found in the NICU. *Not all hospitals have a NICU, so babies are transported to another hospital immediately after birth if there are complications. *Each baby is assigned a multidisciplinary team, which may include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, dietitians and physical, occupational and speech therapists and others working in collaboration to care for him/her. *Babies are ready to leave the NICU when they do three things: maintain their temperature, breathe comfortably on their own and gain weight while taking full feeds by mouth.

NICU FACTS

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

kcparent.com oct-dec 2016

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e

xperts agree that breastfeeding supports the healthy development of your baby and your overall well-being and it establishes a lasting bond with your little one. Breastfeeding is also conveniently portable. But if you’re like many new moms, embarrassment and a fear of judgment may make you nervous about nursing in public.

“Feeding Baby on the go is very doable and takes just a little know-how and practice to get the hang of it,” says Marji Stark, a St. Luke’s International board certified lactation consultant.

Here’s how: start slow. Give yourself time to adjust to new motherhood and your baby’s feeding habits. Plan to keep your outings short, nurse your infant before you leave home and again before you get out of the car.

“Practice at home in front of the mirror,” says Kelly Josephine, RN, IBCLC, North Kansas City Hospital Lactation Services. And for your first few outings, choose “a low-stress environment such as a park.”

plan ahead. As you get more comfortable with breastfeeding and predicting when your baby will want to eat, you’ll feel less anxiety when you head out. Wear clothing that makes nursing easy. Many moms opt for nursing tops or tanks with an over-shirt. Light scarves or blankets also can provide coverage. Pack an extra shirt in case of leaks or spills.

“There are many breastfeeding covers that vary in complexity from the type of fabric, slings and other customizations. Find one that works for you,” Josephine says, who recommends BabyWearingInternational.com.

mastering the art of nursing in public feeding baby on the go is very doable and takes just a little know-how and practice to get the hang of it.

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know where to go. Ask other nursing moms where they breastfeed when they’re out and about.

Patronize area businesses and family attractions friendly toward nursing mothers, like Nordstrom’s, Toys R Us, the Kansas City Zoo, Union Station and Kauffman Stadium, which offer special rooms for moms to breastfeed.

“Our Royals recently renovated their breastfeeding room and, wow, does it look amazing,” Stark says. “The team even included a TV so moms won’t miss a play when they slip out of the heat to take care of Baby. Another reason to love our hometown team!”

Seek quiet spots to feed your baby, like clean dressing rooms in department stores and booths or corner tables that offer some privacy in restaurants.

But avoid bathrooms, Stark says. “Babies should not have to eat in a restroom—adults never do.”

You also can seek shelter in your car or ask a friend or family member to help “shield” you while you breastfeed, Josephine says. seek support. “New mothers need to be around new mothers,” Stark says.

Most area hospitals offer weekly educational meet-ups for nursing mothers, where they can find encouragement and support from other moms.

Keep track of Baby’s eating habits, sleep and more with free breastfeeding apps: • My Medela • Baby Nursing/Breastfeeding • Baby Feeding Log • Eat Sleep: Simple Baby Tracking

For more information about state breastfeeding laws and federal laws for working mothers who nurse, check out the National Conference of State Legislatures at their website: NCSL.org/research/health/breastfeeding-state-laws.aspx.

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines resides in Olathe with her husband and their two children. Christa is the author of Confidently Connected: A Mom’s Guide to a Satisfying Social Life.

“Mothers who attend a breastfeeding support group gain confidence, are more comfortable nursing in public and tend to nurse longer than mothers who do not,” she says.

To find additional support, check out your local La Leche League, Facebook groups like Mom2Mom Global for military families or Breast, Bottle and Beyond, and consult with your pediatrician for a referral to a lactation consultant.

“Once you’ve found your breastfeeding bravado, look for opportunities to encourage mothers coming along behind you.

A smile and a thumbs up to a mother nursing on a park bench or at the table next to you goes a long way,” Stark says.

know the law. When you know your rights, you’ll feel more confident with your choices. Both Kansas and Missouri support breastfeeding mothers. Part of the breastfeeding law in Kansas states: “A mother may breastfeed in any place she has a right to be.” And in Missouri it states that mothers “may breastfeed or express breastmilk in public or private locations where they are authorized to be.”

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

Did You Know?

• Breastfeed even if you’re sick. Your body makes antibodies that get passed along to your baby through your breast milk, helping to boost your infant’s immune system.

• Breastfeeding can save a family more than $1,200 to $1,500 in formula-related expenses in the first year alone.

• Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer in moms.

Source: WomensHealth.gov

For more tips on breastfeeding basics, log onto KCParent.com.

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nestingnuggets

nesting 101...hello, third trimester!

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esting isn’t just for the birds.

And if you’re entering your third trimester, there’s a good chance you know it all too well.

Nesting, the act of preparing for a little one’s arrival through sporadic bursts of energy coupled with unusually strong compulsions to clean or organize, can take on a life of its own, particularly in the last few weeks of pregnancy. For some women, nesting manifests itself in a desire to color code the sock drawers or alphabetize the medicine cabinet. For others, it may be found in an uncontrollable urge to tackle bigger feats, like cleaning out the garage or repainting the house. But according to research conducted at McMaster University, the impulse a pregnant woman feels to prepare her surroundings is an adaptive behavior stemming from a need to protect and control an environment as much as prepare it. This need for control is a key feature in preparing for childbirth.

“Nesting is not a frivolous activity,” says lead study author Marla Anderson, a graduate student within the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behavior.

“We have found that it peaks in the third trimester as the birth of the baby draws near and is an important task that probably serves the same purpose in women as it does in other animals.” She concludes, “Providing a safe environment helps to promote bonding and attachment between both the mother and infant.”

McMaster University psychology professor Mel Rutherford notes one of the greatest paradoxes of nesting in the third trimester is that women complain about feeling increasingly tired while performing a higher level of activity, confirming just how powerful the instinct can be. This productive surge is most likely to peak during weeks 38 to 39 of pregnancy, when adrenaline kicks into high gear, equipping a mother to nurture her child. But don’t

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worry if a drive to tame Mount Laundry or scrub the tile grout with a toothbrush hasn’t hit you. While nesting is common, it does not hit every woman nor does it determine how well you will parent.

If you’ve caught the nesting bug, take advantage of it. This may be the longest amount of peace and quiet you will have for a while. Just make sure not to overdo it.

Take frequent breaks, eat periodic snacks throughout the day and delegate heavy lifting, climbing ladders and using toxic chemicals or paints to outside helpers.

Here are some important details you will want to cross off your list before your due date.

stock the fridge. Better yet, clean the fridge out first, tossing any items that have expired. Stock up on quick and easy snacks, as well as basics like fresh fruits and vegetables, pre-washed salad mixes, yogurt,

milk and cheese. If Baby takes his time coming, restock the next week.

stock the pantry. Preparing for Baby’s arrival is kind of like preparing for a snowstorm: the last thing you want to do is go out in it (or with it, as the case may be) if you don’t absolutely have to. Do yourself a favor and pad the pantry early with staple items like canned soups, whole grain crackers, cereals, rice, pasta, nuts and dried fruit to avoid a hungry mom/cranky baby episode on aisle four.

stock the freezer. No one plans to have labor-related complications or a colicky baby. Do yourself a favor and promote yourself to off-duty chef when your little one comes. Take note of your family’s personal preferences and prepare favorites like lasagna, enchiladas, hearty soups and casseroles in bulk. If you run out of freezer room, allow that nesting impulse

If you’ve caught the nesting bug, take advantage of it. This may be the longest amount of peace and quiet you will have for a while.

to bless someone else. Olathe mom of three Leslie Schmidt admits, “I made so many casseroles, I started giving them away.”

stock up on baby supplies. Babies don’t really need much. Or do they?

Conflicting answers abound depending on the family and expectation. Write out everything you will need for your little one’s arrival and fill in the gaps that have been missed in baby showers. Don’t forget small but important items like swaddling blankets, layering items, tiny nail clippers and a rectal thermometer.

Also, remember the big items like choosing a pediatrician. The third trimester is the perfect time to get baby’s doctor lined up.

stock up on personal supplies.

Baby supplies are a fun novelty, but don’t forget to have personal supplies on hand for your own changing body. Have Tucks medicated pads, ice packs, super absorbent maxi pads or Depends close by, as well as several pairs of soft, breathable granny panties you’re not emotionally attached to. Why? Your postpartum body will need

time to transition back down to its new normal. Expect to use larger than normal pairs for a while that may need to be thrown out shortly thereafter due to blood and discharge stains. If you plan to breastfeed, make sure to have nursing pads, a good pump and lanolin, along with a collection of nursing tanks and bras on hand.

stock the linen closet. Before you throw in the towel on nesting, throw washcloths, bed linens, throw rugs and, yes, all those bathroom towels (along with any other item that might otherwise not get washed frequently) in the wash. After all, your washer and dryer will be pulling double duty soon enough just getting spit stains out!

Lauren Greenlee nested before the arrival of each of her three boys. She and her family reside in Olathe.

It can seem like there is A LOT to do before Baby arrives! For a pregnancy “to-do” list, head to KCParent.com.

Parent’s Night Out

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per hour • 2 weeks – 12 years old • Hourly care • Age appropriate activities & large playground

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Located near I-35 and Shawnee Mission Parkway

Did You Know According to the American Pregnancy Association, there are both internal and external factors at play throughout nesting. The urge to clean and organize, pregnant or not, is typically at an alltime high after long winter months of being cooped up indoors. It’s no surprise then that nesting impulses are strongest within mothers due in late spring and summer.

Other outside motivational factors include boredom, frustration, excitement and the knowledge that time for projects will be more limited once Baby is born.

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is on the way: eight creative ways to assist a new mom help in any way you can, then quickly make your exit. Text the next week to ask when you can stop in again to help out in another way. Moms enjoy company; they just need small doses of time rather than one long, drawn-out visit.

ready-to-eat is best.

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ringing home a brand new baby is no easy task. Even for a seasoned mother on her second or third child, the process isn’t any less daunting. It’s especially important during this time that the new mom feel love and support from her tribe: relatives, co-workers and friends.

While the tradition of stopping by with well wishes and a casserole certainly won’t be turned down, it doesn’t hurt to take your new baby welcome game up a notch. Here are some ideas guaranteed to put a smile on a new mom’s face.

use 21st century technology.

New moms don’t have time to pick up a ringing phone and chat with you about your visit. Join the digital revolution and text Mom a few times that you’d be available to stop by and let her choose one. If you don’t hear back right away, give it a day or two, then check back in.

short and sweet, and then repeat!

One hour is the absolute maximum length for a visit. Remember, a new baby is on his own time schedule, so that could mean an emergency breastfeeding session or a spit-up catastrophe. If that occurs, offer to

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It’s tempting to bring a casserole, but with all of the potential dietary restrictions, it’s impossible to know what ingredients could spell trouble for Mom. Consider bringing a large dish of healthy fruit and veggies that are already cut, washed and ready to eat. Bonus points if the snacks come in a reusable container that you don’t expect to get back! If you’re familiar with Mom’s dietary needs and likes, offer to come and make her favorite dish while she relaxes with the baby. Who doesn’t want a chef in her kitchen?

help fluffy out.

Oftentimes a new baby means the original baby in the house—the family pet— doesn’t receive the attention he’s accustomed to. Volunteer to stop by and walk the dog or clean out the cat litter. Consider bringing a special bone or toy that might keep the animals entertained as well. The more the pets are out of Mom’s hair, the more she can concentrate on her new bundle of joy.

offer your stellar maid services.

Laundry is a never ending task, and it’s multiplied 10-fold with a new baby. Offer to help fold some clothes or move the wet clothes over to the dryer. Unload the dishwasher and wipe off the kitchen cabinets.

Clean a toilet! These are all tasks every mother wishes someone would tackle but would never dream of asking for help with.

practicality is golden.

New moms barely have time to take a shower, let alone run to the grocery store for toilet paper and wipes. Offer to stop by with some essentials and then deliver the goods with a steaming cup of coffee and an offer to watch the baby while she drinks it. (Drinking hot coffee is like cashing in a winning lottery ticket to a new mom.)

watch the older kids.

New moms who already have children are walking a very thin line of sanity. While the newborn is crying, the 3-year-old has found crayons to decorate the walls with and the oldest just bought a pay-per-view movie with the bedroom TV remote.

Volunteer to take the older kids out for a few hours so Mom can rest and recharge.

remember Dad. While women traditionally stay home with the baby, the new adjustment can be tough on dads as well. Consider offering a service that is typically taken care of by Dad. Mow the lawn, shovel the driveway or offer to change the oil in the car. Taking care of one of these tasks ensures Dad gets time with his family when he returns home from work. (And a cup of hot coffee for Dad is just as golden as it is for Mom.) Taking care of a newborn can be isolating and difficult, but taking care of a 6-month-old isn’t any easier. Keep any offer of support alive and well past the length of the new mom’s maternity leave. After all, it takes a village Kim Antisdel is a freelance writer and interior design sales rep for Kansas City and surrounding areas. She lives in Liberty with her husband, two stepdaughters and infant son.

craftcorner

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wood slice mobile

t’s possible to create a custom mobile for your baby’s nursery with just a few materials. This little project is so inexpensive to create, and the best part is that you can tweak it to fit your nursery theme perfectly!

Whip one up for yourself or give it as a gift for that expecting mama in your life.

Materials Needed: Wood slice | Eye hooks | Twine | Drill Whatever you want to hang from your mobile

This little project is so inexpensive to create, and the best part is that you can tweak it to fit your nursery theme perfectly!

Step One: The first thing you need to do is attach three medium sized eye hooks from the top of the wood slice. Make sure they are pretty equal in distance from each other.

Then, tie on the twine to each eye hook. The twine will come together and form another knot at the top in the last step.

Step Two: Next, attach as many eye hooks as you need, depending on what you are hanging from your mobile. I had six fish, so I attached one eye hook in the center and five around the edges. Then, tie on more twine and attach your trinkets.

Step Three: Tie the three top Megan Kapple is a blogger from Kansas City, MO, where she lives with her husband and three young daughters. She loves anything DIY and crafty and blogs about her adventures at HomemadeGinger.com.

pieces of twine together in one knot and then tie the three strands to another eye hook in the ceiling or a screw, depending on how heavy your mobile ends up being. kcparent.com oct-dec 2016

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separation anxiety

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eeling nervous when it’s time to stay with a caregiver is normal for your child. Separation can be difficult for both of you. Children can begin to feel comfortable, and separation anxiety will improve with these strategies.

Prepare

Before it’s time to leave your child, discuss what will happen. Let him know you will leave him with a babysitter, what you will be doing while you are gone, and assure him you will be back. If possible, plan something fun the child and the caregiver can do together. If a child knows what to expect, he has the opportunity to ask questions and ease some of the apprehension he may feel.

Practice

Young children, especially infants, benefit from easing into a new routine. Try leaving the child for short periods of time before going back to work full time. By slowly increasing the length of time, you will help your child develop a relationship with the caregiver and adjust to being away from you.

Be consistent

Do your best to use the same caregiver each time you leave so your child feels more comfortable. Your child will spend a lot of time with the babysitter, especially if both parents work full time outside the home, and feeling safe and comfortable with the sitter is important for children.

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Choose the best time

A child who is sick, hungry or tired is more likely to struggle with separation anxiety.

Make sure she is fed and rested before you have to leave.

Keep it familiar

If possible, have the caregiver come to your home, where your child feels most comfortable. If that is not possible, have the child bring something from home that makes him feel comfortable, such as a special stuffed animal or blanket, a photo of the family or a favorite toy. Another idea is to have the caregiver bring a special toy along with her that the child will recognize and associate with her each time, helping to create consistency and comfort for the child.

Set a time limit

When it is time to leave, give your child a time you will return. Toddlers do not understand the concept of time, but you can let them know they can expect you after a specific activity. Explain that you will be home after lunch, when naptime is done or when the movie is over (let the caregiver know when to start the movie). This will help the child understand what time you will be home and relax when you do leave.

Leave quickly

When it is time to go, even if it is as hard for you as it is for your child, leave without

fanfare. Say good-bye, give one last kiss or hug, remind your little one you will be back soon and leave. Quickly! Of all the tips, this is probably the simplest and the most important. Your child is looking to you for how to react to the situation and if you are calm, happy and confident, he will begin to feel that way too.

Develop a good-bye ritual

Developing a special good-bye with your child creates consistency and it is also fun.

A good-bye ritual is when you and your child say good-bye the exact same way each day. This routine can make the child feel comfortable when you leave and confident you will return.

Separation anxiety is age appropriate for children from infancy to around 3 years old. These coping strategies can help both you and your child feel at ease when it is time to leave him with a caregiver. In time, children do outgrow their anxiety over separation. Most parents will tell you that one day they are surprised to find their child happily walks into school without shedding a tear—while they themselves still tear up a little.

Sarah Lyons is a mother of six children, including 2-year-old triplets. She will try some of these tips as her triplets head off to Mother’s Day Out this year.

Dentistry That Will Make Kids

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kcparent.com oct-dec 2016

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life lessons: surviving year one

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or new parents, few things are as intimidating as the thought of taking your newborn home for the first time. There are so many questions and so many concerns. Will you know what to do when Baby cries? What if you forget how often Baby needs to eat? Will Baby sleep?

No matter how many books you read or how many classes you take, you’ll discover your baby is one of a kind. Which means it will be hard to know the answers until you are actually home with your baby. “I read all the books, took all the classes, spent tons of time online. Once I got home with my daughter, I figured out what worked for us. But it was really scary feeling so unsure about everything in the beginning!” says Allison Sherwood, Overland Park mom.

As you embark on the journey of the first year with a new baby, having the support of friends and family will be very important. Being equipped with tips and advice from parents who have been there and done that can’t hurt either! Here are some tips from metro area parents on how to survive the first year with your new bundle of joy:

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No matter how many books you read or how many classes you take, you’ll discover your baby is one of a kind. Which means it will be hard to know the answers until you are actually home with your baby.

Trust your instincts. No one has ever raised your baby before—your baby is totally unique and original. If you feel like something is off, even if others don’t agree, feel free to seek out some support. Talk to your moms group, your pediatrician or call a nursing hotline. Trust your gut instincts and do what you need to do to feel confident and comfortable while caring for your baby.

Babies are not one-size-fits-all.

Whether you are bringing home baby number one or baby number five, you will encounter totally unique experiences. “I really thought bringing home baby number two would be just like baby number one— just more diapers. Wow, was I wrong!

Hardly anything was the same. I think that was the biggest adjustment in having two

little ones. Realizing that the whole saying about ‘every child is different’ really is true!” says Brandy Rollins, Shawnee mom.

Don’t sweat the milestones.

Your pediatrician will tell you that milestones are a general guide. Each baby hits milestones at different times.

Just because your friend’s baby walked at 10 months doesn’t mean your child is behind if he or she doesn’t walk until 14 months. Communicate openly with your pediatrician about any concerns, but don’t stress out about your baby’s following his or her own timeline.

Let go of guilt. As a parent, you’ll always find things to feel guilty about.

The guilt can be hard to overcome and can steal the joy in your first year with Baby (and for years to come, if you let it). Try hard to let go of the guilt and focus on the positives that are right in front of you. “When I started staying home with my kids, I felt guilty all the time about how dirty the house was.

I spent my time playing with them instead of cleaning. I finally had to let go of the guilt or I wouldn’t enjoy playtime! And I probably would have felt guilty for not playing if I spent that time cleaning. I swear, the guilt is always there,” says Kim Bradley, Olathe mom.

Love grows. In those first few moments of holding your newborn, you will feel your heart can’t possibly love anyone more. But love grows and evolves, just like your baby. “I worried so much that I wouldn’t love my second like I loved my first. But of course I did.

It doesn’t feel like taking any love from the first one—it is just like you grow in your ability to love and suddenly have more than enough love for them both,”

says Cassie Sanders, Kansas City, KS, mom. Realizing that the days ahead will contain just as much love and laughter as the first few days can allow you to relax and enjoy the ride.

Get the gear that makes life easier. So many cute gadgets are on the market to help parents. From baby carriers and bottle brushes to nightlights that monitor Baby’s breathing, there is a gadget to fit every need. If shopping is your thing, buy the gadgets that make sense for your family. If you are more of a pick-and-choose parent, identify the gadgets that actually take some work off your plate and make your life a bit easier. “I never thought about it before I had my son, but I discovered those bags to steam your pump parts after using them. It saved me so much time at work when I had to pump during the day,” says Stephanie Reynolds, Kansas City, MO, mom.

Melissa Bellach is a freelance writer and mom of two living in Overland Park.

Baby’s First Year Quiz: How much do you know about Baby’s first year?

When newborn babies cry, do they produce tears?

Answer: No, babies do not produce tears until they are 4 or 5 months old.

How early can Baby identify Mom’s voice?

Answer: Babies as young as 2 days can identify Mom’s voice from a single syllable.

How fast does Baby’s brain grow?

Answer: Baby’s brain will double in size during the first year of life.

How many bones does Baby have?

Answer: When babies are born, they have 300 bones; adults have 206.

How often does Baby urinate?

Answer: A newborn urinates about every 20 minutes.

When does Baby start to smile?

Answer: Baby’s first social smile appears between 4 and 6 weeks after birth.

For what to expect the first 24 hours of Baby’s life, visit KCParent.com.

kcparent.com oct-dec 2016

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realmomreviews Re-Play Infant Spoons

Muslin Swaddle Blankets Incredibly fresh and adorable prints make these 47” x 47” swaddle blankets a must-have for your nursery.

They are lightweight and breathable, perfect for popping into your diaper bag to take on the go with Baby. Best part, they’re machine washable and come out softer after each wash. Use them past the baby years for picnics or movie night cuddles. $18, SpearmintLove.com

Neat Cheeks Kids love face wipes that smell (or even taste) nice, but I don’t love the chemical content that may be found in them! Neat Cheeks are sweetened with Stevia extract, are designed for sensitive faces and feature non-GMO ingredients. No more tears when it’s time to wipe your baby’s or toddler’s face—yay!

Prices vary, NeatCheeks.com

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This set of baby utensils is made from recycled milk jugs, so you can feel better about the environment while teaching Baby to feed herself. They’re designed for use by parent or child and come in a travel case to keep spoons clean while on the go.

Perfect for trips to the park or the zoo when you need a little snack! Plus, they’re dishwasher safe! $5.99, Re-Play.com

Babyganics Natural Wool Dryer Balls There are so many ways to reduce chemicals in your home that it can be almost overwhelming to know where to start. An easy fix for one big aspect of baby life—laundry—is to toss the old dryer sheets and pop these 100 percent natural wool dryer balls in with your baby’s clean clothes instead. They help lower drying time and are made in the USA. $18, Target and Target.com

The Whole 9 Months: A Week-By-Week Pregnancy Nutritional Guide by Jennifer Lang, MD, and Dana Angelo White, MS, RD Wondering what’s best to eat while you’re expecting?

You’re not alone! This new book covers how to eat a wholesome diet when struggling with pregnancy nausea and food aversions (something I definitely struggled with during my pregnancies). Growing a healthy baby isn’t as hard as you might think! The recipes included might just become favorites to be used long after Baby’s arrival. $15, Amazon.com

Happy Family Clearly Crafted Pouches Like the look of those baby food pouches but worry that you can’t see the contents? Happy Family knows that parents need transparency when it comes to feeding their little ones, so they’ve created clear pouches. No more mysteries!

Prices vary, Target

Make My Day Bibs Mealtime can be a challenge. Moms deserve tools to help them cope when Baby refuses every food in sight! These adorable baby bibs come in a variety of styles—for both boys and girls—and feature BPA-free silicone and a built-in crumb catcher. They can even be washed in the dishwasher!

Fits babies 6 months to 3 years old. $21, MakeMyDayProducts.com

Julie McKinley is a stay-athome mom of a 5-yearold son and 3-year-old daughter. Keeping up with her kids is a full-time job, so she is always on the lookout for innovative products that make life a little easier!

In between snuggles and diaper changes, she blogs at DirectorJewels.com.

For even more great product reviews, head to KCParent.com!

encouraging baby’s love of reading

Story time is a great way to calm down and connect before resting and is still is one of my favorite parts of my day with my children.

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egin your baby’s literature journey even before his birth. Suggest a children’s book theme for your baby shower or have guests bring their favorite children’s book in lieu of a card to stock your children’s library. Also asking seasoned mothers for their favorites can help when adding items to your baby registry.

Another tip is to set an example by reading for pleasure. Children are always watching and wanting to mimic their parents. So enjoy a guilt-free break knowing you are teaching your children reading can be fun! Along with this, make reading part of your daily routine. When all three of my babies were infants (and once we had some sort of schedule down), I would read chapter books to them as they nursed and drifted off for their afternoon nap. I looked forward to that time and it was a restful 30 minutes of doing something I enjoyed in the midst of mothering an infant. I chose the Narnia series by C.S. Lewis, which was fun for me to reread and fun for older siblings to listen to as well. My babies learned to hear the cadence of my voice while I was reading and had a positive association with it. If you don’t have anyone listening in on you, choose any book that interests you to start reading aloud.

As my babies grew, we made story time part of our routine before morning nap, afternoon nap and bedtime. It is a great way to calm down and connect before resting and is still is one of my favorite parts of my day with my children. We have a well-stocked home library, a Little Free Library in our yard, and we utilize the public libraries. New books and old favorites help me enjoy reading to them, which then rubs off on them.

Many types of books can start babies on their exploration of language. Some books encourage touching different textures, such as That’s Not My Truck, part of the Usborne Touchy-Feely Books series. There are scratch-and-sniff books, books that make noises or music, pop-up books like the many written by Jack Tickle and hideand-seek flap books. Picture books can teach letters, numbers, shapes, vocabulary and more. Plus, the favorite bedtime storybooks, such as Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney and The Very Hungry Caterpillar

by Eric Carle, can send your little one happily off to sleep. All the fun board books written

by Sandra Boynton are rollicking fun.

Now, not all children will magically love sitting in your lap and listening intently

to three books twice a day—but don’t give up! Lynnora Stary, Olathe mother of two, encourages, “In our literacy classes for my Masters in Education at Rockhurst University, the overwhelming evidence and research said ‘read to them.’ If they are squirmy, pin them down and read as much as you can before they wiggle away. Nothing else is as powerful or influential!”

If sitting still and listening are not your baby’s strong suits, sneak in reading like you would try to sneak in veggies for a picky eater. Read your recipes as you cook, read signs at family attractions, read during bath time (there are bath books!), read while she is strapped in her high chair eating or play audio books in the car. Having books accessible to your child throughout the house in baskets or mixed in with his toys allows him to have the opportunity to explore them on his own.

Having a new baby at home is a challenging time, so find what works for you once you’re rested enough to resist lulling yourself to sleep while reading to your baby.

Stephanie Loux is the mother of Layla, 6, Mason, 4, and Slade, 1. kcparent.com oct-dec 2016

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KC Parent Family

2016 WINNER

family faves Medical Categories: Favorite OB/GYN practice: Rockhill Women’s Care Northland Women’s Health Care

Favorite Pediatrician Practice: Pediatric Partners Priority Care

Favorite Dental Practice: Jenkins & LeBlanc Pediatric Dental Specialists

Favorite Orthodontist: Fry Orthodontics Hannah Orthodontics

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After tabulating thousands of votes, we are pleased to announce the businesses which have been chosen as a KC Parent Family Favorite 2016!

Winners are listed in alphabetical order. There are multiple winners in each category.

Favorite Place to Have a Baby: Menorah Medical Center St. Luke’s Health System

Kansas City Area Attractions: Favorite Animal Attractions: Deanna Rose Farmstead Kansas City Zoo Sea Life Aquarium

​Favorite Garden and/or Nature Center: Ernie Miller Nature Center Overland Park Arboretum Powell Gardens

FavoriteS 2016 Favorite Museum:

Favorite Outdoor Family Destination:

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art National Museum of Toys and Miniatures National World War I Museum and Memorial

Kansas City Zoo Schlitterbahn Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun

Favorite Live Show:

Favorite Indoor Family Destination:

Broadway Across America Coterie Starlight Theatre

Bass Pro Shops Great Wolf Lodge Paradise Park

Favorite Sports Family Experience:

Favorite Place to Have a Birthday Party:

Kansas City Royals Sporting KC T-Bones

Little Monkey Bizness Paradise Park Urban Air

Favorite Festivals & Fairs:

Favorite Pizza Place:

Celebration at the Station Oktoberfest (Downtown Lee’s Summit) Old Shawnee Days

Pie Five Pizza Shoppe SPIN! Pizza

Favorite FREE Attraction:

Favorite Kid-Friendly Restaurant:

Crown Center Seasonal Exhibits Kaleidoscope Mahaffie Summer Family Nights

Fritz’s Red Robin T-Rex Cafe

Best-Kept Secret:

Programs & Classes:

Arabia Steamboat Museum KC Rail Experience at Union Station Powell Observatory

Favorite Dance:

Favorite Parents Night Out: Crossroads Legends Outlets Pinstripes

Favorite NEW Place in KC: Go Ape Main Event Topgolf

The Culture House KC Ballet School Miller Marley

Favorite Gymnastics: 360 Gymnastics Gage Center Integrity Gymnastics

Favorite Drama/Theater: Christian Youth Theatre ​The Coterie The Culture House

kcparent.com oct-dec 2016

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favorite places for fall photos in kc

It’s Baby’s first autumn. Capture smiles this season at local landmarks.

Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Pumpkins Carolyn’s Country Cousins 17607 NE 52nd St, Liberty, MO, 816.781.9196, CarolynsCountryCousins.com. Admission charged.

The Setting: Carolyn’s is one of the largest patches in the area and one of the most popular.

The attraction is beautiful, educational and offers a lot of family fun. It is a priority for Carolyn and her team to continue a tradition of agricultural education, and visitors find signage and exhibits throughout the attraction teaching about animals, crops and the role of farming in America. A day at the farm is more than fun—you learn something too!

The Fun: Unique features at Carolyn’s include Little Bud’s Railroad, a giant rocking chair, Uncle Lester’s Pig Races, visits with the Pumpkin Princess and the trike track. The pedal kart track with large karts for big kids, teens and two-seaters for a parent and a child are a favorite with our family. In addition to these great attractions, we love that Carolyn’s is a REAL pumpkin patch, with beautiful pumpkins picked right off the vine (amidst displays of Charlie Brown and the gang awaiting the arrival of the Great Pumpkin)! You also may select specialty “off the vine” pumpkins in their shop.

Fave Tip: Known for their delicious pumpkin donuts (my personal favorite!), apple cider slushes (I purchased a refillable pumpkin cup years ago and bring it every year) and concessions, Carolyn’s lets you enjoy a delicious lunch on site.

Forest Magic Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens 8909 W. 179th St., Overland Park, KS, 913.685.3604, OPABG.org. Admission: $3/ages 13 and over, $1/6-12, Free/5 and under. Each Tuesday admission to the arboretum is free.

The Setting: The Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens are breathtaking. The Monet Garden is exquisite, as if right from one of Monet’s paintings. The first of the botanical gardens, the Erickson Water Garden, is home to bird and butterfly plants, wildflowers and ornamental grasses. In December, the Arboretum is transformed into a wonderland of candles and lights, music and holiday fun. Thousands of candles line the walkways and trails.

Holiday lights will be on display from trees, buildings and bridges. Best of all, something is always in bloom, creating ideal backdrops for snapshots.

The Fun: Children love exploring the maze in the Children’s Garden and the whimsy of the Train Garden. Enjoy bird-watching, rose-sniffing and picnics.

Fave Tip: Check the arboretum’s calendar for special programs.

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Cityscapes Downtown Kansas City The Setting: Ride the streetcar and snap urban photos at several local landmarks.

Some of our favorites include:

• Crown Center: Take photos outside

near the fountains or inside in front of the waterfall in the Westin Crown Center lobby.

• Union Station: Capture smiles watching the model trains at the KC Rail Experience or in the Grand Hall.

• Rooftop Park: Above Consentino’s Market in the KCP&L District, enjoy a stroll (and perhaps a picnic purchased from the grocer’s deli) atop the roof of this downtown building. The green space offers a great place for a break and photos with a view of the city skyline.

• City Market: The farmers market is open on weekends with vendors selling seasonal produce.

• Central Branch KC Public Library: Take the kids through the pages of a giant book as you enter their magical children’s section. Then, go to the roof where you can play a giant rooftop game of chess and catch photos of the city skyline.

• KC City Hall Observation Deck: Open Monday through Friday, 9:00-3:00, the observation deck offers another unique view of the city.

The Fun: Crown Center offers a lot of fun options, from Kaleidoscope (free) to Legoland and Sea Life. Or enjoy Science City at Union Station. Catch a movie at the Alamo in the KCP&L District or discover local artists in the Crossroads.

Fave Tip: On the second Saturday of the Month (through October), visit Sprint Family Fun Days, a free festival for families in the Power & Light District. Admission charged for some activities.

Waterfalls in the Woods Waterfall Park in Independence 4501 S. Bass Dr., Independence, MO, 816.325.7375

Fall Harvest

The Setting: The 18-acre park, near Bass Pro Shops in Independence, is nestled in a wooded area with walking trails overlooking a small lake and waterfalls.

Powell Gardens 1609 NW US Hwy. 50, Kingsville, MO, 816.697.2600, PowellGardens.org. Admission mid-March through October: $10/adults, $9/ seniors (60+), $4/children 5-12. Admission November through mid-March: $7/adults, $6/seniors (60+), $3/children ages 5-12.

Fave Tip: Visit nearby Bass Pro where little ones especially enjoy the large aquariums of native fish.

The Setting: Powell Gardens is home to a beautiful island garden, rock wall garden, conservatory, Heartland Harvest Garden, Iris Hill and acres of trails overlooking beautiful flowers, plants and prairie. One of the loveliest gardens at Powell Gardens, the Rock & Waterfall Garden, is a photographer’s dream! With a vibrant display of blooming flowers and the pleasant melody of rolling water, this is one of the most peaceful spots at the garden.

The Fun: Let the kids frolic in the play area in the Heartland Harvest Garden, where they explore a mint maze, pretend to feed chickens and gather eggs, and catch a bird’s eye view of the garden from the top of the silo. In October, attend Glow Jack-O’-Lantern Festival or the Antique Tractor Festival. Then play in the pirate fort overlooking the pond or enjoy a game of I Spy throughout the gardens.

Fave Tip: You may pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the picnic shelters. They ask that food only be enjoyed in designated areas and that all guests clean up after themselves.

The Fun: The park also features a fantastic playground and picnic area. Playing at Waterfall Park is an escape to the woods right in the midst of the city.

Kristina Light looks forward to pumpkin donuts with her girls every year.

Note: These ideas are great for taking personal snapshots for the scrapbook and Instagram. For professional photography, be sure to contact sites in advance for their rules and guidelines for photography.

kcparent.com oct-dec 2016

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>> FALL 2016 CALENDAR

Visit the KCParent.com calendar for over 1,000 more events!

playdates WEEKLY

Daily Daily Open Jump Mon-Thu, 4:00-8:00; Fri, 4:00-11:00; Sat, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.; and Sun, 10:00-8:00. Urban Air Overland Park is an attractive solution to a common problem: needing one place to entertain kids of every age.

UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

Indoor Playtime Mon-Thu, 10:00-9:00; Fri-Sat, 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; Sun, 10:009:00. Jump City offers bouncing, sliding and jumping fun for kids 12 years old and younger. With wall-to-wall inflatables, a variety of arcade games and full concession options, Jump City is a place kids love. JumpCityKC.com

Open Play Hours vary daily. Admission: $9/walkers; $5/crawlers; FREE/open play for parents and infants. Little Monkey Bizness. Every Friday evening 4:00-9:00 is Family Night. 913.631.7000, ShawneeMission.MonkeyBizness.com/ open-play Pay for Play Mon-Fri, 10:00-5:00 Rainbow Play Systems; $5/child. Play on playsets in the indoor showroom.

Readers – These events typically occur every week, but there may be exceptions. Please remember that events are subject to change, and many facilities close on federal holidays, during inclement weather or when school is closed. Always call ahead to verify times.

Tip: Visit KCParent.com/Going-Places/ for even more ideas!

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Monday Moms FREE Monday

9:30-8:00, Paradise Park.

Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224, Paradise-Park.com

did you know?

KCParent.com has a terrific list of inexpensive fall outings for little ones. Check it out today!

Tuesday FREE Open Play Tue-Thu, 8:00-8:00; Fri, 8:00-4:00; Sat-Sun, 9:00-Noon, Parkside Coffeehouse (Cedar Ridge Christian Church). Indoor playground and toys for children and coffeehouse. 913.393.3000 Jumperoo Tue & Fri, 9:00-Noon, Urban Air in Overland Park. Includes access to indoor playground and trampoline attractions for ages 5 and under.

UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com/overlandpark-kansas-trampoline-park

Toddle Time Tue & Wed, 9:00-11:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Tunnels, games, puzzles…lots for your little one to play and learn. $1-2/child. 913.895.6390, OPKansas.org

Toddler Time 10:00-Noon, Sky Zone Lee’s Summit. Toddler Time is specifically for the little ones 5 and under. Pay only $9.99 for your child and one parent can jump for FREE. SkyZone.com

Baby Bounce Story Time 9:30, Plaza Branch. Bring your infant (newborn to 18 months) for a fun story time every Wednesday. 816.701.3481 Power Hour 1:00-3:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Special $5 admission 1:00-3:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays.

913.631.7000, ShawneeMission.MonkeyBizness.com

Summit Branch MCPL. Designed to instill a foundation for early literacy through play and one-on-one interaction.

MyMCPL.org/events

10:00-11:00 or 11:00-Noon (choose a session), Kemper Museum. Dress up, play color-matching games, try on crazy hats and read stories with a trendy twist.

816.753.5784

Wednesday Toddle Time Tue & Wed, 9:00-11:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Tunnels, games, puzzles…lots for your little one to play and learn. $1-2/child. 913.895.6390, OPKansas.org

Jumperoo Tue & Fri, 9:00-Noon, Urban Air in Overland Park. Includes access to indoor playground and trampoline attractions for ages 5 and under.

UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com/overlandpark-kansas-trampoline-park

Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Paint pottery and enjoy a story. $9.50/child. 913.383.0222 Story Time at Wonderscope 10:30 & 11:15, Wonderscope Children’s Museum.

Free with admission. New stories and activities each week in ArtWorks Exhibit.

Wonderscope.org Junior Jaunts Third Friday of the month, 10:15-11:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Bring your baby in a stroller or carrier for an adult-focused, yet infant-friendly, mini museum tour. Free. Nelson-Atkins.org

Story Time for Babies 9:15-9:45, Lee’s

Tots on Tuesday Third Tue of each month,

Friday

Thursday Story Time for Babies 9:15-10:00, Liberty, Raytown and Boardwalk Branches MCPL. Designed to instill a foundation for early literacy through play and one-on-one interaction.

MyMCPL.org/events

Nature Story Time 10:00 & 11:00, George Owens Nature Park. Children are invited to participate in a nature focused story time and craft.

816.325.7115

Paint Me a Story Alternating Fridays, 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire. Paint a ceramic piece, listen to a story and enjoy a snack. $15/ child. 913.661.2529 Family Night 6:30, Kansas City Public Library Plaza Branch (4801 Main St). Free weekly programs include concerts, puppet shows, theater, magicians and more. 816.701.3481

Family Fun Night 4:00-9:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Admission is only $6 for kids to climb and bounce the evening away.

913.631.7000, ShawneeMission.MonkeyBizness.com

kcparent.com oct-dec 2016

31

>> FALL 2016 CALENDAR

Visit KCParent.com and search “Favorite Dates” for even more ideas!

parents night out

The TEN Tenors: Home for the Holidays at Yardley Hall (JCCC) Body Worlds and the Cycle of Life Thru Oct 31, Union Station, UnionStation.org.

View more than 100 human specimens preserved through the remarkable process of Plastination and see firsthand how the choices we make each day impact our incredible bodies—at work, at play, in health and in illness.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Oct 7-16, Muriel Kauffman Theatre at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, KCBallet. org. This modern twist on Shakespeare’s classic comedy of mischief and mystery between mortals and fairies has delighted audiences since its premiere in 1985. This hit ballet includes the full company, along with 50 Kansas City Ballet School students and live vocalists.

Elvis Costello Oct 7, Yardley Hall, JCCC. edu/performing-arts-series. Performing

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with guitar and piano in front of a giant television set on which are projected family photos, mysteries, mottos and other mischief, Costello sings his best known songs and the hits of tomorrow in a way that is both intimate and vividly emotional.

announce that the 2016 World Series of Barbecue—the world’s largest barbecue competition—will take place at the Kansas Speedway. This is the finale of the competitive barbecue season for hundreds of elite teams on the barbecue circuit.

Missouri Barn Dinner with SOIL Collective and Boulevard Brewing Co Oct 9, Powell Gardens, PowellGardens.org. SOIL Collective chef/partner Calvin Davis is coming to Powell Gardens to prepare a multicourse dinner featuring produce grown in the Heartland Harvest Garden— the nation’s largest edible landscape.

Courses will be paired with Boulevard Brewing Company brews.

Holiday Open House Nov 4-6, Downtown Lee’s Summit, DowntownLS.org.

Check out all of the wonderful gift and decorating ideas featured in the shops in Downtown Lee’s Summit! Enjoy classes taught by local experts and business owners while shopping for the holidays.

Customers also can enter to win a Downtown Lee’s Summit shopping spree.

World Series of Barbecue Oct 26-30, Kansas Speedway, AmericanRoyal.com.

The American Royal is pleased to

Sister’s Christmas Catechism Nov 26Dec 18, Cohen Community Stagehouse at Starlight Theatre, KCStarlight.com.

You’ll think you’re watching an episode

of CSI: Bethlehem when Sister takes on the mystery that has long perplexed historians: What ever happened to the Magi’s gold? (We assume Mary must have used the frankincense and myrrh as a potpourri—they were in a barn after all!)

The TEN Tenors: Home for the Holidays Dec 3, Yardley Hall, JCCC.edu/ performing-arts-series. Home for the Holidays is a magical experience for the whole family that will dazzle, delight and captivate audiences. With soaring versions of “Joy to the World,” “Sleigh Ride,” “White Christmas,” “Amazing Grace,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Feliz Navidad” and many more, this show is the perfect way to celebrate the spirit of the season.

The Nutcracker Dec 3-24, Muriel Kauffman Theatre at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, KCBallet.org. In 2015, the Kansas City Ballet launched an all-new The Nutcracker, broke box office records and received critical acclaim!

Make this your family holiday tradition and see it again for the first time!

Holiday Luminary Walk Dec 9 & 10, Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, OPABG.org. Stroll down candlelit trails through the gardens and woods at the 17th annual Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens’ Holiday Luminary Walk. Volunteers and staff members are transforming the arboretum into a wonderland of candles and lights, music and holiday fun. Holiday lights will be on display from trees, buildings and bridges.

A Night of Painting Visit a paint-yourown canvas shop at various locations (search “Creative Canvas Shops” on KCParent.com for a complete guide).

BYOB painting classes and studios offer the perfect chance to get those creative juices flowing and do something out of the ordinary! Check shop calendars for a variety of canvas paintings and select an evening to learn how to complete your own masterpiece.

Escape! A new trend in entertainment is a game where you and your partner (or small group) collaborate a breakout

from an interactive escape room while cracking codes and solving puzzles.

Located in Downtown Kansas City, both of these venues require reservations: Breakout KC (BreakoutKC.com) and Escape Room (EscapeRoomKC.com).

First Fridays in the Crossroads, First Friday of every month, Crossroads Arts District, KCCrossroads.org/first-fridays/.

Enjoy the city’s liveliest and most popular event. Arts organizations, galleries, studios and a wide variety of local businesses feature regional and national artists, as well as live entertainment starting at 5:00. Best explored on foot, the First Friday tradition continues to grow with up to 10,000 attendees. Most make it an evening, with dinner and drinks from a colorful array of restaurants and entertainment venues.

Happy Hour in the Bloch Lobby Thursdays, 5:00-8:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Nelson-Atkins.org. Enjoy small plates and a full bar before or after you visit a gallery or attend a talk.

Fri./Sat., Oct. 14 & 15 2-DAY PLAYWEAR SALE

Save 50% off entire stock of Playwear Clothing (Pink Tickets).

Sizes 3 mos. to kid’s 12.*

It’s a lIfestyle

Sat., Nov. 5 HOLIDAY DRESS-UP EVENT

Perfect holiday looks all at our perfect prices. Don’t miss this value & selection!*

Fri./Sat., Nov. 18 & 19 2-DAY BABY SALE

ALL regularly priced resale baby clothing newborn to 18 mos. is 50% off for 2 days only!*

Fri.-Sun., Nov. 25-27 3-DAY THANKSGIVING SALE Save 25% off ALL resale clothing, toys, & equipment. Shop early to gobble up this deal!*

NOW BUYING! Call your Olathe store for details OLATHE • 11933 Strang Line Rd.

913-780-6600

Sat., Dec. 3 FILL A BAG FOR $6

Fill as many bags as you like full of our selected resale items for only $6 per bag.* *Offer cannot be combined with any other sale, coupon, or discount.

10%

CHILDCARE AVAILABLE

OFF CLASSES WITH THIS AD

EXP. 12-31-16

EverFit is a class-based fitness studio as it gets colder outside, bring your workout inside!

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FOR THE LATEST UPDATES

16200 Midland Dr. n Shawnee, KS 66217 EverFitKC.com n 913-258-8060 kcparent.com oct-dec 2016

33

bellylaughs

“If you have dreams about vegetables, it means the baby will be a boy.”

– Mary

We asked KC Parent’s 44,000+ Facebook fans:

What’s the strangest advice you’ve received while pregnant?

Sabrina: Don’t eat peanuts when you’re pregnant because it might cause your child to have a peanut allergy.

Julie: Drinking anything orange can cause jaundice Jennifer: A birthing class teacher told a whole class of us not to take a bath!

Lindy: I was told an old wives’ tale that I couldn’t raise my arms above my head because it would twist and stretch the umbilical cord.

Trish: Don’t eat Tootsie Pops—they are bad for you— but you should have a glass of wine a day!

Carrie: “Stop worrying so much. Women have been having babies since the dawn of time.” That always drove me crazy.

Sally: Having heartburn means that my baby will be born with a lot of hair.

Julie: Eat nothing but apples every second day during pregnancy as a way to treat gestational diabetes.

Stephanie: Don’t use a vacuum cleaner because it will cause contractions.

Melanie: A friend told me not to look at, think about or even touch my belly if I see something or hear something disturbing. She said it will “mark” the baby!

Mary: If you have dreams about vegetables, it means the baby will be a boy.

As always, consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

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kcparent.com oct-dec 2016

KANSAS CITY

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#cartersloveskc

JUST DELIVERED!

Three brand spanking new locations at Shawnee Station, Summitwoods Crossing and Independence Commons! Come in to any of our six KC locations to shop little baby basics™, easy outfit sets and hundreds of styles, size nb-8 and enjoy an extra 20% off your $40+ purchase.

your purchase of $40 or more Valid through January 31, 2017 • In store only Promo code: 063360 Present and surrender coupon at time of purchase only at carter’s stores in the U.S. One coupon per customer per day. Dollar-off discounts applied prior to percent-off total purchase discounts. Coupon cannot be used in combination with any other coupon offers, doorbuster specials, Grandparent Wednesdays and special military discounts. Cannot be combined, copied, transferred or sold. Altered, duplicated or reproduced coupons will not be accepted. Valid for merchandise only, not valid on gift card purchases, gift services, applicable taxes, shipping and handling charges, previous purchases, online or redeemable for cash. Consumer pays sales tax. Coupon discount will be applied as a percentage off each item in your transaction. You will receive the price paid (after discount) on all returned or exchanged merchandise. The value of the coupon discount will not be refunded on returns or exchanges. Employees not eligible. Carter’s reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice. Void where prohibited.

Carter’s and Little Baby Basics are trademarks owned by a subsidiary of Carter’s, Inc. Valid through January 31, 2017.

NOT VALID ON DOORBUSTER SPECIALS OR CLEARANCE

©2016 Carter’s, Inc. All rights reserved.

The new Birth Place featuring a Level II NICU.

This changes everything.

Change is coming. It happens when you’re expecting a new member of your family. It happens when you choose to bring that little one into the world at Olathe Medical Center’s new Birth Place. Soon, you’ll relax in a suite built for families, with the added security of a new Level II NICU on standby.

Your new baby. Our new Birth Place. Change is good.

Arriving Spring 2017 - Secure webcam-enabled nurseries - Advanced, Level II NICU where you can stay overnight with your baby in the same room - 4-story obstetrics wing featuring luxury suites with queen beds, big enough to share Meet the Doctors Who Deliver at Olathe Medical Center.

Visit olathehealth.org/birthplace.

olathehealth.org/birthplace

The Birth Place