NW Kids Magazine May 2012

nwkidsmagazine.com | may 2012

the baby issue Pod + Kin | Save The local Baby Store | New Mama Food Brain Rules For Baby | placenta medicine

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NW Kids Magazine | 3

Publisher / Advertising Director Michelle Snell michelle@nwkidsmagazine.com Editorial Beth Friesenhahn beth@nwkidsmagazine.com Kelley Schaefer-Levi kelley@nwkidsmagazine.com Guest Baby Issue Editor Kimberly Bepler Kimberly@abcdoula.com Account Manager Laurel Ackerman laurel@nwkidsmagazine.com Client Services Coordinator / Client Ad Design Karel Chan karel@nwkidsmagazine.com Advertising Inquiries: 503-282-2711, ext. 1 sales@nwkidsmagazine.com Design Robyn Barbon robyn@nwkidsmagazine.com Accounting & Business Services Heather Rex heather@nwkidsmagazine.com ON THE COVER, above and inside: Photos courtesy of BSP Studios, LLC. BSP Studios, LLC (also known as Bean and Sprout Photography) is based in Portland, Oregon.

Owner, Kati Radziwon, specializes in maternity, newborn, and family photography.

For more information, visit bspstudiosllc.com.

Make sure to capture those amazing moments as your little bean turns into a sprout.

NW Kids is published monthly by Miche Media, LLC. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy; sometimes we make errors. Please let us know when we do and accept our apologies.

Printed locally; Please recycle.

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Staff Photographer Emma Easley Darden emma@nwkidsmagazine.com Connect With Us: • Phone: 503.282.2711 • email: contact@nwkidsmagazine.com • Facebook: facebook.com/nwkids • Twitter: @nwkids

contents

INSIDE: 8 An Interview With Wendy Foster of Pod + Kin 10 The Difference Of Shopping Small 12 Resource Guide: Save The Local Baby Store

baby

18 Postpartum Balance Via Placenta Medicine 22 Keeping Your Relationship Strong When Baby Arrives

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23 New Mama Food 30 Soothing Beyond The 5 S’s

goods

14 Found Around Town: Baby & New Parent Essentials 16 Books: Best Books For Parents & New Babies 20 Book Review: Brain Rules For Baby

outings

24 Calendar Of Events 27 Events For New Parents & Babes nwkidsmagazine.com

online this month

Using The Garden As a Teaching Tool Baby Events In Portland The Amazing Act of Crawling Editors’ Picks For Mother’s Day Fun

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listings A Mother’s Love.................................................17 ABC Doula..........................................................19 Academy Theater...............................................33 Amanda Arp.........................................................7 Art Cubby...........................................................33 A-WOL Dance Collective....................................25 Baby Boot Camp................................................17 Baby Sensory.....................................................19 Barre3...................................................................3 Beanstalk............................................................11 Bella Stella.........................................................11 Belmont Firehouse...............................................7 Bennett Suzuki Violin Studio.............................33 Big Lake Youth Camp.........................................25 Billings Dance Center.........................................29 Camp Lutherwood.............................................34 Capturing Grace Photography.............................7 Catlin Gabel........................................................29 Child’s Play.........................................................11 Chinook Book.......................................................7 Circuit Bouldering Gym......................................21 Clever Cycles.........................................................3 Club K Afterschool.............................................31 Coffee Kids Boutique..........................................13 Do Jump!............................................................21 Dr. Korin..............................................................33 ecoBabygear......................................................13 EcoMaids............................................................11 Farber Swim School...........................................21 French American International School..............29 gDiaper...............................................................15 Girl Scouts OSW.................................................31 Himmelbjerget Danish Camp............................21 Hope Chinese Charter School..............................7 International Leadership Academy...................31 Jennie Borello Photography..............................17 Justus Orthodontics...........................................33 Kids’ Backyard Store.............................................2 Little Fruit Farm Montessori...............................19 Mamababy Boutique.........................................13 Meringue Boutique..............................................9 MetroArts Kids Camp.........................................25 Northwest Childrens Theater.............................34 Old Library Studio..............................................33 Oregon Children’s Theater Acting Academy......36 Oregon Children’s Theatre..................................36 Oregon Episcopal School...................................35 Park Family Dentistry...........................................7 Pfeifer MusicWerks............................................21 Philip Foster Farm..............................................25 Placenta Power..................................................11 Play Boutique.....................................................25 Playground Gym................................................34 Pod and Kin..........................................................9 Portland Children’s Museum.............................35 Portland Language Arts....................................33 Portland Trampolines...........................................2 Posy Quarterman Photography.........................15 Quasitime Cyber Academy................................21 Queens Mab.......................................................13 Reversed Lens Photography..............................13 Royal Ridges.......................................................29 Sante Mama.......................................................13 Scuola Italiana...................................................34 Sound Roots School of Music............................31 Spanky’s Legendary Consignment....................15 Spielwerk Toys....................................................17 Stroller Strides....................................................11 Willow Tree Wellness...........................................9 World of Smiles..................................................19 Zenana Spa........................................................15 6 | NW Kids Magazine

editor’s

corner

Spring is baby season in Portland!

While I love the flowering trees, those growing bellies make me smile just as big.

Not sure why Portland has this seasonal baby boom, but I am always glad to see it happen. As we learn that the birth rate has gone down several years in a row, it is always reassuring to see that families do want to continue this parenting journey in this baby-friendly city.

I have the privilege of editing this year’s Baby Issue once again, and I am so excited about what we have to offer you this May. I anticipate this issue all year long, and have been collecting ideas for months on what articles would mean the most to new and expectant parents. Teaching prenatal couples, seeing couples in their home after they welcome their baby, and then meeting with new moms every week facilitating mom’s groups gives me this precious window into the lives of newborn families. I have tried to include information I think would benefit families searching for great local products and services, and I hope this magazine will serve as a resource to make those connections.

This issue features local experts on all things baby related.

Childbirth educators will share tips on staying strong after baby arrives and review a new parenting book for us, we will be introduced to a brand new movement and education center, and a local store will contrast the difference in shopping at big box stores vs. local mom and pop retailers (with lots of heart!). We have a recipe to nurture a new family, soothing tips for fussy babies, and we will introduce you to placenta medicine (really not that gross)!

Having a whole new reason to celebrate Mother’s Day can be very exciting, but I always want to consider those who have lost their mothers or have lost babies, and those who are still waiting for their little miracle to arrive, as it can be a bittersweet time of year for them.

If you are past the baby having stage of your life, please share this magazine with someone you know who is welcoming a new little one…we hope it will enrich their journey!

— Kimberly Photo courtesy of Campbell Salgado Studio

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baby

An Interview With Wendy Foster of Pod + Kin Wendy Foster (of Mamalates fame) has recently opened a new studio on SE Belmont and 39th called Pod + Kin. We asked Wendy a few questions about her new place, and a little bit about why she is so passionate about helping women prepare for birth and recovery afterward.

Photos courtesy of Campbell Salgado Studio

What makes your new studio, Pod + Kin, so unique?

Portland offers an abundance of options for supporting pregnant and new parents, and we have put together a group of instructors from Portland’s most experienced and knowledgeable professionals. Our main focus is to offer classes and workshops that parents and children can take together, far beyond just infancy. Integrate movement classes with birth preparation/birth recovery and parenting classes, and you have a studio dedicated to supporting women and families through movement, education and local resources.

What other businesses and instructors offer classes and workshops at Pod + Kin? The vision of Pod + Kin is for women to join our community while pregnant, continue with us postpartum and stay with us while navigating the waters of parenting older children. All of our instructors bring years of expertise and have a passion for bellies and babies! In addition to Mamalates and PilateSculpt, we have MotherWise offering pre and postnatal yoga, ABC Doula offering workshops on newborn care, and Natural Latch offering breastfeeding classes for working mothers. We also offer 8 | NW Kids Magazine

childbirth education classes including PDX Hypnobirthing and Head over Heels Birth Education. We even feature specialty workshops for toddlers and teens so that the Pod + Kin experience doesn’t end with the “4th trimester” or mom going back to work.

What motivates you to work with prenatal and postpartum women?

I practiced Pilates during both of my pregnancies and felt prepared for labor. However, when my first son was born by cesarean, I found myself unfamiliar and disconnected in my own body postpartum. As an exercise enthusiast and certified Pilates instructor, and through hours of research, I developed the Mamalates program and found my way back into my core; I have been specializing in prenatal and birth recovery ever since. Mamalates helps women reclaim their core and incorporates babies into

the class; laying the foundation for exploring exercise together. We sought to extend these offerings with the expansion to the Pod + Kin studio.

Anything in the works for the next phase of Pod + Kin? The next phase includes parent/child movement classes including CoreKids, the Warrior workout for moms and sons, and Yoga for teen girls. Efficiency is a mom’s best friend. What is more efficient and beneficial than getting fit and connecting with your child or grandchild through movement? Pod + Kin will continue to offer family friendly options. Email us with your ideas!

For more information visit, podandkin.com or contact Wendy with questions, wendy@mamalates.com.

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baby

The Difference Of

Shopping

Small

by Erica Matteson of SantÉ mama Wellness Center and Boutique Photo courtesy of BSP Studios, LLC

Your due date is right around the corner, so where do you find all the gear that your friends said they couldn’t live without? You could head to Babies ‘R’ Us or Target; they have everything in one place. However, that could be a problem because they have TOO MUCH of EVERYTHING in one place.

When you arrive the lights are bright, there are too many aisles to navigate and the baby items are tucked away in the back of the store. Most of the time, you can’t find anyone over the age of 25 to offer advice on the different choices in diapers, or a team member to help you figure out which baby carrier will fit your body type. And do you really need three pacifiers or 10 different kinds of bottles? Why? What’s the difference?

Make a hard right and experience the difference in shopping small. When shopping in a small shop, you walk in the door and are greeted as a guest by either the owner of the store or a knowledgeable staff member committed to answering questions. They talk you through the journey of selection. In addition to tried and tested products, you see other families and information about resources

such as support groups, fun family activities, or education on returning to work.

Most small shops are also connected within the local community and can direct you to even more parenting resources. If you are looking for a product they don’t carry, they can help you search for it by calling around to other fellow small shops, all operating with the global desire to maintain strong community ties.

Another benefit of shopping small is that when you spend money at locally owned stores, twice as much money pours back into the community, providing funding to local families, parks, schools and other vital services. Who doesn’t want to have a robust community to raise a family in?

Shopping small means striving to meet families where they are and understanding they are unique; offering solutions that fit within that diversity. Visit a local baby store to experience the difference of shopping small. Enjoy the benefits of asking questions without feeling overwhelmed, and maybe stay for a cup of tea.

Erica Matteson is the owner of Santé Mama Wellness Center and Boutique in Vancouver, WA, where everyone behind the counter has doula training. She is the mother of three boys, and has been supporting families as a doula for over 12 years. santemama.com.

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resource guide:

Photo courtesy of Milagros Boutique

Save The Local Baby Store

With the recent loss of two of our favorite local stores (Mother Nature’s and Segal’s for Children), we are more passionate than ever to frequent our local baby boutiques. Here are some of our customers’ favorites at ABC Doula.

NORTH coffee kids - NEW (Opening May 12th) 7373 N. Burington Avenue coffeekidspdx.com queens mab 1920 N Kilpatrick queensmab.com

Northeast bella stella 2751 NE Broadway bellastellababy.com

Zenana spa 2024 SE Clinton zenana-spa.com

Northwest Babyworks 2431 NW Thurman babyworks.com/retail-store

Beaverton

Milagros Boutique 5433 NE 30th Avenue milagrosboutique.com

My Kidz World 16305 NW Cornell Road mykidzworld.com

polliwog 234 NE 28th Avenue polliwogportland.com

Hillsboro

Southeast Ecobaby Gear 2122 SE Division ecobabygear.com Mamababy Boutique 4029 SE Hawthorne mamababyboutique.com

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Piccolina 2700 SE 26th 4416 SE Woodstock piccolinareasale.com

My Precious Kid 633 SE Baseline mypreciouskid.com

Vancouver SantÉ Mama 113 NE 92nd Avenue santemama.com

Photo courtesy of Mamababy Boutique

Resale and Gift Boutique Baby • Kids Maternity • Women’s Clothing and Accessories 1920 N. Kilpatrick

www.QueensMab.com

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goods

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Found Around Town 7

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1. Baby Safe Feeder at Ecobaby Gear, $11 • 2. Future Librarian Onesie by Sarah Utter at buyolympia.com, $15 • 3. Woodland Baby Mobile by Sheep Creek Needlecraft on Etsy.com, $270 • 4. Softie Cloth Baby Wipes by Babee Green at Milagros, $18/pack of 12 • 5. New baby-bathing DVD “The Spa Bath” by ABC Doula Services at abcdoula.com/purchase, pod + kin, or Milagros, $12 • 6. Felt Booties by Sara Lora of Ball Hank n’ Stein on Etsy.com, $32 • 7. So’Pure Sophie Giraffe Teething Ring at Spielwerk Toys, $16 • 8. Vintage Alphabet Wooden Blocks by Magens Bay Designs on Etsy.com, $42 • 9. Tumble Bee by Laura Veirs at Everyday Music, $16 • 10 The MilkSaver (single pack) at Santé Mama, $30 • 11. Birth & Baby Kit at Earth Mama Angel Baby, $90 14 | NW Kids Magazine

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books

best books

For Parents And New Babies Reviews by Andrea Barnett of Green Bean Books Look, Look Outside

by Peter Linenthal (BB $6.99) Who says books for infants have to be bland?

Both parents and babies will love the newest addition to the family of Look Look, books by Peter Linenthal.

Turning his attention to the natural world in Look Look Outside, the talented author/ illustrator captures the lively movement of ladybugs, cars, and clouds with stunning results. Sparkling text and striking black and white images make it the ideal book for a newborn’s developing senses. Makes a gorgeous baby shower gift.

What Do You See

by Martine Perrin (BB $8.99) What do a yellow sun, a zigzag flower, and a buzzing bee all have in common? The answer lies within the delightful patterns of the newest board book import from French author and illustrator Martine Perrin. In a series of surprising twists, striped umbrellas become falling rain, and blue boats reveal vast oceans. At just six weeks of age, infants are already attracted to high contrast images full of patterns, angles, and shapes. Perfect for this beginning stage, What Do You See, will engage little ones with its playful tone, clever use of cut outs and hidden images. Design-savvy parents will love Perrin’s bold color-schemes and modern illustrations too.

Indestructibles Various Illustrators (PB $4.95) Finally, a series that understands that when it comes to babies, books are for reading eating! Made to grab and 16 | NW Kids Magazine

hold and gnaw-on, only Indestructibles books boast woven, tear-proof material that feels like paper, and use non-toxic printing methods that meet (even exceed) ASTM safety standards. Classic nursery rhymes, like Mary Had a Little Lamb, become entirely new tales with vibrant, wordless illustrations in multicultural settings. Titles like Jungle Rumble, and Plip-Plop Pond, encourage babies and adults to invent their own text and sounds. Tough and sweet and totally portable, Indestructibles take the worry out of reading with even the most active babies.

Bringing Up Bebe: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting

by Pamela Druckerman (Adult HC $25.95) Part cultural comparison, part scientific study, and part memoir, Pamela Druckerman takes on the differences between French and American parenting styles, with enlightening (and hilarious) results. After unexpectedly finding herself an American parent in Paris, Druckerman is struck by the implacable calm of French mothers and their well-behaved children. While not exactly a Francophile herself, Druckerman offers insight into some of the positive aspects of French child-rearing (including eating habits, manners, and bedtime) and wonders at the true cost of American ‘hyper-parenting.’

Entertaining and occasionally controversial, Bringing Up Bebe, is sure to be the most talked-about parenting book this year.

1600 NE Alberta Street 503-954-2354 greenbeanbookspdx.com

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baby

Photo courtesy of Fruit of the Womb Placenta Services

Postpartum Balance via Placenta Medicine

by Donna Estrada As a Postpartum Doula, I see new mothers in the wondrous, vulnerable and often stressful period after delivering a new baby. I offer care for moms experiencing fatigue while they recover from their birth, adjust to sleep deprivation, and meet their newborn’s needs. Many of the moms I have cared for over the years have experienced common problems such as fatigue, mood swings or weepiness known as the Baby Blues, and stressors including low milk supply. Hoping to be a part of the problem solving, clients hear me say, “Let me help you get some rest, have a healthy meal, get outside and move your body, call a friend, see your healthcare provider, take your prenatal vitamin”. Recently, I have added a new suggestion, “Take your placenta medicine”.

When I explained my research, a friend commented that it was just the kind of thing you would see parodied on an episode of Portlandia. However, the articles and testimonials I was reading compelled me to enroll in a course to become a Placenta Encapsulation Specialist.

I have been hearing about the practice of placenta ingestion for years, and planting both of my sons’ placentas after they were born seemed easy enough. But EAT it? I was intrigued and started reading. It turns out that the practice of ingesting placenta is not new and has scientifically proven benefits. The rich and readily absorbed stores of iron, protein, vitamins and trace hormones remain in the placenta at delivery. Placenta pills taken in the first few days postpartum have been linked to a reduction in fatigue. The trace hormones can help moms feel more emotionally balanced, reduce the risk of postpartum depression, boost milk supply, and can even lessen the sensation of pain!

While the practice is not exactly mainstream yet, the hope is that as more moms choose to take advantage of the benefits of placenta medicine, it will gradually become widely accepted. Consider it a valuable service to any new mom seeking balance in the postpartum period, and you might find yourself being won over with some of the stories from moms who experienced greater milk production and an easier recovery period from birth.

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The preparation of the placenta is relatively simple and straightforward, and can be done right in the family’s kitchen. The process involves gently steaming, drying, and then encapsulating the ground placenta in pill form according to Traditional Chinese Medicine standards. New moms can take a few capsules a day for the first two weeks postpartum and then decrease the dosage as needed.

Donna Estrada is a Certified Postpartum Doula (PCD, DONA) and Placenta Encapsulation Specialist serving families in the Portland Metro Area through ABC Doula Service, abcdoula.com.

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baby

Brain Rules for Baby Book Review

by Krista Escobar John Medina, Pear Press, $15 paperback, 293 pages.

One of the biggest plusses about Wall Street Journal best seller, Brain Rules for Baby, is that it is not a parenting book. In fact, it is a book written by University of Washington developmental molecular biologist, John Medina, who deftly intersperses humor with research-based information, and adds just a sprinkling of personal insight as he describes the way the brain of a human baby develops.

Before you know it you are half-way through and have picked up pointers ranging from four things proven to help your baby’s brain, to preparing your relationship for the transition to parenthood.

Expectant parents often pick up this book based on chapters such as “Smart Baby: Seeds” and “Happy Baby: Soil”. After all, what parent doesn’t want smart and happy babies? What they don’t always expect are deeply delicate topics that we often forget to associate with the birth of a baby. Laced with the author’s signature insight, the chapter on relationships is a must-read for everyone. The four biggest reasons you will fight (sleep loss, social isolation, unequal workload, depression) hit home and should be followed closely with “How to protect your relationship”. In short, “Empathy works so well,” Medina says, “because it does not require a solution. It requires only understanding.”

For those of us who are already sleepdeprived parents, helpful “key points” at the end of each chapter summarize the main concepts. Resist the urge to only read these areas because the all-important “why” explanations 20 | NW Kids Magazine

are in the meat of the chapters. As Medina so aptly remarks, “New parents need facts, not just advice, about raising their children.”

These findings are not only published but also replicated, and are not just passing fads of the 21st century. The myths that this research is helping to solve are supplied by real people.

New parents and grandparents, who often attend a talk where they meet Medina, and (might very well be tired of wading through the over 66 thousand parenting books on Amazon) want real answers to their questions. For instance, “How can I raise a moral child?”, or “Will playing Mozart to the baby in my belly really make them smarter?” The answers to those questions and corresponding evidence are, of course, in the book.

So, what is a brain rule? These are nuggets of behavioral, cellular, and molecular truths having been picked specifically for their relevance for new and expectant parents, and written in a way that we can understand.

Using these truths we can work towards making informed decisions on a variety of topics like raising a smart and happy baby, making the most of your pregnancy to aid baby’s brain development, and enjoying the kind of relationship with your partner that allows for our babies to grow optimally.

Krista Escobar is a postnatal and breastfeeding educator with Head Over Heels Birth Education, offering classes in the Portland area to expectant families. headoverheelsbirth.com.

camps

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baby

Keeping Your Relationship Strong

When Baby Arrives

by Barb Buckner-Suarez

Photo courtesy of BSP Studios, LLC

Barb Buckner-Suarez is a Childbirth Educator within the Legacy Health System and a mother of four who is passionate about helping couples stay strong as they begin parenting. She shares a few things to consider when trying to keep your relationship strong despite the addition of a brand new baby.

First mamas, get out of your partner’s way when it comes to parenting. As soon as you have an established milk supply and a baby that takes a bottle easily, choose a day that you can be away from your baby for at least eight hours. Camp out at your mom’s or girlfriend’s house, somewhere you’ll be comfortable and able to pump when necessary. You can call to check in, but you’re not allowed to race home.

The point is to walk, even for a day, in your partner’s shoes. It can be all too easy to take each other for granted in your initial roles as primary parent at home and primary parent at work. Please don’t leave your partner a detailed list of how to care for your baby, they can and do figure this out all on their own, if you allow them to. Remember, they are parenting, NOT babysitting! Will they do it differently than you would? Absolutely! But this is beneficial for your developing baby.

Make sure that you continue to take part in activities that feed you as individuals. There can be a tendency to drop book club, or poker night after the baby arrives because you “just don’t have the time.” In the immediate days and weeks after the baby is born, this might be true, but again, as soon as your baby can take a bottle in your breastfeeding absence, make plans to get together with your friends just as you did before the baby arrived. You may not stay out as late as before, maybe you drink less wine, but the support you can get as a new mom or dad from your extended circle of friends can be invaluable. And when you connect with others or activities that make you feel good as an individual it will allow you 22 | NW Kids Magazine

to come back to each other happier and more fulfilled.

No matter what all the books say about “providers recommend waiting 4-6 weeks before resuming sexual intercourse,” it is RARE that a postpartum woman is ready at that point to jump back into intimacy. There are a number of reasons why, but “no longer attracted to you” is probably not on the list.

What is? Fear that it will hurt, issues with how her postpartum body looks, extreme fatigue, concerns about getting pregnant so soon after delivery, reconciling what it means to be a both a mom AND a sex kitten. Be patient.

Communicate with each other. Recognize that there is nothing wrong with your relationship if she’s not ready for awhile. Go back to doing what you did BEFORE you had sex; ‘woo’ one another. And realize that in your new roles as parents you will be more open, vulnerable and loving than you’ve ever been before, and THAT can make you very sexy. Will your sex life be different on the other side of having a baby? Yes, but it’s possible for it to be even better.

Check Out Have you heard about the 5 Love Languages?

If you haven’t, check out this website 5lovelanguages.com and take the Love Language Challenge: 5 weeks, 5 Challenges, 1 Love Story. Once you know what your partner’s love language is and you begin speaking their language to them, watch what happens. I suggest that you start doing this several weeks BEFORE the baby arrives.

recipe

New Mama Food By joni cushman

Nutrient Dense Lentil Soup (freezes well)

ingredients

directions

3-4 C green lentils, rinsed (great source of protein) filtered water (chlorine free) 6 carrots (very grounding for sleep deprived families) 2 golden beets (good sugar for energy) 2 onions (cancer fighting, heart healthy) 4 zucchini (anti-inflammatory) 1 - 2 rutabaga (or other root veggie) 1 bunch washed spinach--chopped (high in iron, liver supporting) 1 tsp powder or fresh turmeric (cancer fighting!)

1 tsp curry powder (with tumeric and cumin) 2 cloves garlic (natural anti-biotic) 1 tsp fresh ginger (digestive health) 2 T coconut oil (supports thyroid, heart, and immune system) salt and pepper to taste (get “real salt” for the minerals)

Heat up a big soup pot with the coconut oil. Add chopped onion and a pinch of salt and saute for 3 mins. Add spices and all other veggies (chopped) except spinach. Saute for another 5 mins. Add lentils and cover with water to about 2” above all the ingredients. Let simmer about 30 mins. Turn heat down to low. Add spinach. If using coconut milk add it here too. Turn off heat and blend some of the soup and add back to the pot for a creamier texture.

* add or take away whatever veggies you want to fit your family * optional dollop of organic yogurt to each bowl * for a dairy free cream soup add 2 cans of coconut milk (try BPA free brand Native Forest)

This is a really crucial time to be as nourished as you can so you can handle your new bundle of joy with as much ease as possible. Ask a friend to come over to visit while cooking big batches of things, taking turns holding each other’s babies while you exchange meal ideas.

It is also important to have healthy snacks on hand, especially for breastfeeding mommies (as I was told by a friend that a bag of Doritos never looked so good than at 6 am after a sleepless night!).

Easy Snack Ideas trailmix fresh fruit and nut butter granola hummus and cucumbers nutbutter or oatmeal cookies sliced yams or jicama sticks Milk Supply Building Snacks oatmeal (for breakfast or in lactation cookies or granola bars) avocados almonds

Joni Cushman is a whole foods chef whose passion is creating delicious meals with health and healing as her primary motivation. consciouscooking.net.

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calendar

May 13

Performances May 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27

Northwest Childrens Theater – El Zorrito: The Legend of Boy Zorro In a world without rules, in a town without hope, one boy heeds the hero’s call! Come celebrate NWCT’s first bilingual (Spanish and English) adventure story about integrity, justice and the creation of a legend. $18-22, Fri 7pm, Sat 2pm & 6pm, Sun 2pm. nwcts.org

May 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 Oregon Children’s Theatre – The Storm in the Barn

Based on the award-winning graphic novel, the story of an 11-year-old boy in 1930’s Kansas and his family’s journey through hardship. Part tall tale, part historical fiction, with original music by Portland band Black Prairie. Recommended for ages 10 and up. $15-30, Sat 2pm & 5pm, Sun 2pm. octc.org

May 12-13, 19-20, 26-27 Oregon Children’s Theatre – If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

A revival of OCT’s 2006 hit! When a young boy gives a wayward mouse a cookie, he doesn’t know what he’s in for. You know the story, don’t miss the play! Recommended for all ages. $15-30, Sat 2pm & 5pm, Sun 2pm.

(No 5pm performance on May 26) octc.org

Laura Veirs and The Tumble Bees You Who Concert Series at McMenamins Kennedy School. $5/child and $10/ adult, doors open at Noon. Show at 1pm.

Tickets available at Blackwagon and youwhoportland.com

May 20

Mr Ben at The Village Ballroom A fundraiser for Northwest Down Syndrome Association. Food, music, raffle, kids book exchange and more. $10/per adult, 3-4:30pm nwdsa.org

EVENTS May 1-6

World Forestry Center –Masters of the Night: The True Story of Bats The last week of this compelling and educational exhibit that includes multisensory interactive displays about the world’s only flying mammals. $6-9, 10am-5pm. worldforestry.org

May 3

Cooper Mountain Nature Park Afterschool Nature Club – Wild About Wildflowers Get outside after school and learn about nature! Registration required. Ages 7-10, $13, 3:30-5:30pm. oregonmetro.gov

May 4

Portland Children’s Museum – Free First Friday Come and play for free! 4pm-8pm. portlandcm.org

Please confirm calendar events and performances as scheduling changes may occur.

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calendar

May 5-6

Ping Pong’s Pint Size Puppet Museum Grand Opening Oregon’s first puppet museum and Sellwood’s newest attraction – come learn all about puppets past and present. Admission is always free! 2-8pm. puppetmuseum.com

May 5, 12, 19, 26

Portland Spirit – Queen Melissa’s Tea Cruise Enjoy a traditional “High Tea” style cruise including dainty sweet and savory snacks, a book reading by Queen Melissa, winged-fairy face painting, whimsical games, and a photo with the Queen herself. Wear your most magical costume! $15-28, 11:30am-2pm.

May 6

Columbia Park - $5 5K Run Portland Parks and Rec’s first annual 5K Run citywide series! Kids and family run, climbing wall, and other activities. Kids under 17 free, everyone else $5, 9am. facebook.com/5dollar5k

May 8

May 12

50th Annual St. Johns Parade Come celebrate this North Portland tradition since 1962. Floats, bands, drill teams, horses and more. Parade starts at noon. stjohnsparade.com

May 13

Adoption Mosaic – Run Mama Run: Mother’s Day Run A 10K run or 5K walk to benefit Adoption Mosaic. Kids fun run, activities, crafts, an amazing raffle, and more! $45, registration required. 8:30am-12pm. runmamarunpdx.org

May 13

Portland Spirit – Mother’s Day Brunch Enjoy an elaborate buffet with breathtaking views. Includes a special gift for each mom. $29-58, 9:30-11:30am and 2-4pm. portlandspirit.com

May 14 - 20

Karl Johnson Silhouette Artist

Enjoy the zoo for just $4 the second Tuesday of every month. 9am-4pm. oregonzoo.org

Book your appointment at local children’s stores for a 5×7 hand cut original silhouette portrait, $25/each. For list of locations go to nwkidsmagazine.com/events

May 12

May 18

Visit the historic firehouse on Belmont the second Saturday of every month, learn about the history of fire safety in Portland, and check out all the exhibits! 10am-3pm. jeffmorrisfoundation.org

Walk through the park with a nature guide and experience all five senses of the natural surroundings. Rain or shine, $3/child, adults free, 10am. portlandonline.com/parks

Oregon Zoo – Second Tuesday

Belmont Firehouse – Safety Saturday

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Alberta Park – Ladybug Nature Walk

calendar

May 18

Mt. Scott Community Center – Milk Carton Mission and Swim Make and decorate your very own milk carton boat and race it against the others, then take a dip in the community pool. Free, 6-8pm. portlandonline.com/parks

May 18-20

2012 Tualatin River Bird Festival At Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge.

Participate in guided bird and habitat walks and hands-on conservation activities geared toward kids. Enjoy live bird shows, music, storytelling, and food, and much more! Free, Fri 6:30-9pm, Sat 6am-6pm, Sun 9am-2pm. tualatinriverbirdfestival.org

May 19-20 Dozer Day

An exciting family event! Kids of all ages enjoy riding real heavy construction equipment, digging for treasures, tire/pipe crawls and collecting stickers for their hard hats. Benefits many local children’s charities. $5-10, 11am-4pm. dozerday.org

May 20

Meet Artist Hilary Pfeifer Meet local artist, Hilary Pfeifer who’s coming to share her new alphabet book called Elephabet. She’ll offer a hands-on workshop where kids can draw their very own pachyderm portmanteaus! 1 pm, free. greenbeanbookspdx.com

May 25

University Park Community Center – 6th Annual Spring Fling Penny Carnival

May 26

Tigard Public Library – Pachyderm Portmanteau Party A hands-on workshop where you can draw your own pachyderm portmanteaus in honor of local author Hilary Pfeifer’s new book, Elephabet. Free. bunnywithatoolbelt.com

Events for New Parents & Babes Mondays

Zenana Spa – Breastfeeding Support Group Come weigh your baby and connect with other nursing mothers and a lactation educator. Ongoing weekly event, first session free and $5 suggested donation for future sessions. 12-1:30pm. zenana-spa.com

Mondays

Baby Blues Connection – Mama Care Group at Milagros Mama Care focuses on mothering beyond the first year, for moms who have a child older than 12 mos or who are pregnant again after recovering from a postpartum mood disorder. Ongoing weekly meeting, 10-11:30am. babybluesconnection.org

1-cent games and fun for the whole family.

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calendar

May 2 Tues & Weds

New Seasons – New Parent and Breastfeeding Support Group Meet other new families, share your experiences with your newborn, get support on all things baby. Ongoing weekly event, Tues at SE Division and Wed at Concordia locations.10-11:30am. newseasonsmarket.com

Tues, Weds & Thurs

McMenamins – Mommy Matinee Get out of the house for a movie – with baby? Yes please! Check website for each day’s show. $3, Kennedy School Tues-Thurs 2:30pm, St. Johns Theater Wed 1pm. mcmenamins.com

Tues & Thurs Mom + Babe

Postpartum pilates based movement for mom and baby at Pod + Kin. Come enjoy conscious movement with your babe while re-connecting with your self in this unique, uplifting mommy and baby Pilates based class. Pre- crawling babes welcome. Check webiste for class time. $85/6 week series. clients. podandkin.com

First Tues of the Month

Portland Art Museum – Baby Hour First Tues of the month, bring baby (0-1 yrs) for his or her first taste of fine art! Online registration required, $5-12, 10-11:45am. portlandartmuseum.org

Stroller Strides – Grand Opening at Oregon Zoo! A 60-minute workout designed for parents with stroller-aged kids (6 wks-5 yrs), now at the Oregon Zoo! This very first zoo session is free for newcomers. Ongoing schedule Mon, Wed, Fri 10:30am. strollerstrides.net

May 5 & 19

Milagros Boutique – Babywearing 101 How many ways can you wear your baby?

Learn proper use of slings, wraps, and more at this free class. 11am-12pm. milagrosboutique.com

May 20

Café au Play - Inviting Healing after a Difficult Birth Experience Intense emotions from a challenging birth or postpartum can leave parents feeling disconnected from their lives, bodies, and baby. Take the first steps on the journey of emotional healing with this workshop. Free, 12:30-1:30pm. welcomewithlovefamilycare.com

May 20

Milagros Boutique – Mocha Moms Playgroup Support group meeting for mothers of color to discuss anything and everything while the kids play. Open to anyone who supports the mission of Mocha Moms. Free, 2pm. milagrosboutique.com

May 29

ecoBabygear – PDX Slingbabes Learn more about wearing your baby at this monthly support group. Free, 10-11am. ecobabygear.com

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baby

Soothing Beyond the 5 S’s

by Kimberly Bepler

As a postpartum doula and new parent educator, one of my valued resources is the beloved Dr. Karp and his 5 S’s for soothing newborns (i.e. swaddling, side/stomach position, shushing, swinging, and sucking) from his book, The Happiest Baby on The Block. Having now worked with over a thousand babies, I have a few additions to Dr. Karp’s suggestions, I think are worth trying.

Photos courtesy of Campbell Salgado Studio

To start, add an “S” for Sling. Whether you use a pouch, sling, wrap or pack, carrying your baby is one of the best soothing techniques to use when you are maintaining infant happiness.

Wearing your baby accomplishes many things at once, including freeing up your arms to do your work, allowing the baby to be close and secure, helping to avoid flat head syndrome and most importantly, putting baby to SLEEP within a few minutes. Many clients call my slings the “magic pouch” since it works so quickly to calm and put baby to sleep. (A visit to a local baby boutique will give you a lot of information on what kind of carrier might work best for you and your baby; see page 18.)

To Karp’s Swinging (or using a rocking chair, or walking endlessly), I also recommend trying a yoga/bouncy ball. If well inflated, you can sit and bounce for a long period of time, even when you are exhausted, and babies LOVE them. Somehow the bouncy movement soothes more babies to sleep than most other 30 | NW Kids Magazine

movement techniques. Adjust your bouncing to the needs of your baby, soft bouncing for getting to sleep, harder bounces for soothing bigger cries. And when you add the sling with the ball, you have hands free soothing that you can do for hours if needed.

In addition to using the Side Stomach position, try the ‘Yoga Baby’ hold. This can be done by putting your baby’s back to your chest, supporting the head, and tucking baby’s legs up into folded position. It allows the baby to be in flexed position (helpful for baby’s tummy and digestion) and opens up their diaphragm for ease of burping (especially those stubborn continued on p. 32

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baby ones!). This position can also be done in the kangaroo carry in a sling or pouch.

To Swaddling, we add the “Bat Wings”.

Swaddling is one of the best techniques for calming babies, but even with a decent swaddle, baby’s arms can get out. We have found that an additional layer inside the swaddle, we call it the bat wings, helps to secure baby’s arms and help babies stay asleep longer. Try using a receiving blanket (30” square usually) folded into a triangle and the ‘wings’ folded securely over the babies arms (or over the arm and under the bum) and then swaddle normally. Many babies sleep fabulously when ‘bat winged’ but wake up frequently when doing just the basic swaddle.

Swaddling methods vary with your baby’s age; where you swaddle with the hands up and out initially, move the hands down to mid

chest later, and then only move the arms to the sides when the baby is developmentally ready (or escaping from their regular wrap, often between 6 and 8 weeks). Make sure to dress baby very lightly during the warm months to reduce the chance of overheating, and wrap the hips and feet loosely to allow freedom of movement.

And one more ‘S’ I would add is actually two S’s, Skin to Skin contact. The benefits of skin to skin for babies are tremendous, and it is pretty sweet for the parents as well. I find parents forget about skin contact, but that it is quite effective at calming both parents and infants.

Happy babies make happy parents. Give these techniques a try and see if they help calm you both.

Kimberly Bepler is the owner of ABC Doula Service (a postpartum doula service in business 11 years in PDX), a lactation consultant, a postnatal educator with the Providence and Legacy Health Systems, and a doula trainer with CAPPA. In addition to mothering her two kids, her passion is understanding newborns and helping parents relate to them. abcdoula.com.

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camps

summer is almost here! have you registered for camp yet?

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