South Jersey MOM by South Jersey MOM

NOV/ DEC

2019

www.southjerseymom.com

THE ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE WHEN IT'S

THAN

Baby s e u l B

HOLIDAY FAMILY EXPO Saturday, December 7th Cherry Hill Mall

BAKE YOUR WAY

THROUGH THE HOLIDAY!

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: • Hometown Heros • Cookie Playdate • Feeding Milestones

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EDITOR

Photo credit JCPenney Portrait Studios

ovember arrives with a focus on all things South Jersey MOM: parenting, family, fun and the home that brings them all together. Early in the month, we soak up the last days of autumn and outdoor living; by the last week of November (specifically the fourth Thursday) all eyes turn towards the holidays. For me, Thanksgiving is the perfect gateway to the holiday season. It begins with my husband’s family of twenty-two and three dogs that come together for a feast at my in-laws. The kids, all eleven and not so small anymore have a blast playing games, making up dance routines, playing football and laying around Nana and Papa’s house

for the day, eating Nana’s famous chocolate chip cookies and playing board games. The kids pick holiday pollyanna out of a bowl with Nana. Papa captures the day on video and asks the kids what they are grateful for. From there, it’s a long weekend of improvised fun: football, shopping, outside fun and decorating—the less structure, the more we enjoy it all. December becomes a flurry of holiday traditions, activities, and parties. Let us help you get through the holiday season by flipping through our pages to find great tips. This month we feature “How to Host a Cookie Decorating Playdate” for your little guys (page 8). Everyone loves baking and decorating cookies, why not do it with friends to make it even more fun! What are the holidays really about anyway? What is it you want to teach you kids, gifts or gratitude? If you’re a parent striving to balance both, then don’t miss “The Attitude of Gratitude” (page 12). And to keep my family healthy this holiday season I’ve started using thieves essential oil in the diffuser mentioned in my faves. The cinnamon scent smells great and it kills bacteria...I love multi-purpose products! Wishing you and your family a healthy and blessed holiday season. Your friend & fellow MOM,

Karen Ognibene Executive Editor karen@superiorgx.com

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South Jersey MOM

November/December 2019 CEO/Publisher Christopher Ognibene • (609) 670-1794 chris@superiorgx.com Executive Editor Karen Ognibene • (609) 230-6280 karen@superiorgx.com Marketing & Business Development Specialist Michelle Scianni • (856) 986-9606 michelle@superiorgx.com For General Advertising Inquiries Marissa Josephick • (856) 537-7089 ocrazyjane@gmail.com

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Production Manager Lisa Celfo lisasjmom@gmail.com Editorial Assistant Julia Ognibene Cover Photographer Crystal Olexa www.southjerseymom.com Katelyn Shea • Web Designer allthatsdigital.com • (215) 366-3316

Superior Graphics Print Management LLC publishes South Jersey MOM™ monthly and distributes it throughout the region. The publication is available free of charge at select locations. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is not permitted without the authorization of the publisher. Superior Graphics Print Management, LLC, Publisher of South Jersey MOM P.O. BOX 268 • Wenonah, NJ 08090 Main: (609) 670-1794 Fax: (856) 210-1524 All materials and services provided in this magazine are for informational or educational purposes only

Enter Your Child’s Photo to Be On Our Next Cover Every issue South Jersey MOM features a local child on the cover. If you think you have the “Cutest Kid in Town”, send a 4x6 photo to South Jersey MOM. P.O. Box 268, Wenonah, NJ 08090. On back of photo write child’s name and age along with guardian contact info.

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he ‘Hometown Heroes’ show, is now working on their 3rd episode with NJ on Air. It features a local south jersey contractor helping children with special needs. Many families in our area are struggling with no one to turn to for help around the house. Their caregivers have so much on their plate that home projects become insurmountable and costly. That’s where Scott and his crew come in to provide free services that not only make their home safer, but brighten their spirits. Scott D’ Antonio is a small business owner with a big heart. He started out in the music business and thought if he made it big, he would help families in need throughout his community. When music didn’t pan out, he became a painting contractor in south jersey. He soon realized that he could give back through home improvement projects. It began with a coupon he would donate to local charities for fundraising called ‘Handyman for the Day’. These charities include: Breast Cancer organizations, Epilepsy foundation, MS, Purple heart, Pediatric Cancer, South Jersey Animal Rescue to name a few. Four years ago, he connected with now charity coordinator, Natalie Simmons. Together they expanded on his passion to help children with

6 | November/December 2019

special needs and their families. They were able to create a network outreach finding families in need once a month to serve. Scott and his crew provide an 8-hour day of labor from their service menu. Projects have included; wheelchair ramps, room makeovers, handicap accessible bath conversions and other home safety repairs. Meanwhile, continuing to still donate fundraising coupon to local charities. As the mission grew, Scott’s humanitarian efforts began to gain recognition. He was named one of 2016 SJ Magazine Men of the year, Guest appearance on SNJ today Hotline and received 2018 Humanitarian Award from the Volunteer Center of South Jersey. Most recently, Scott and Natalie joined forces with NJ on Air to create a reality show “Hometown Heroes”. Here, they are able to feature the incredible families they meet along with awareness for the challenges of special needs children. They are also hoping the show will help expand their service to larger projects as more people get involved. Their charity network has grown to include: Bayada, Fred’s footsteps, Clayton’s Hope, Special Events for Special kids, One Love south Jersey and many more. It’s a positive outcome of ‘Hometown Heroes” who come together to serve their community. When asked what drives him to serve others, he shared this: “ I was very fortunate to have had the most wonderful parents, who taught me well. Especially my mother, who was caring and kind to everyone (including strangers). They installed in me values that I have passed on to my family and our charity community. My passion for making a difference in this world is driven by the desire to help others who are in need. I believe that is one of the many purposes in my lifetime. If I can influence and motivate people to be selfless, by thinking of others before themselves, then I am succeeding. Someone asked me “ You want to be a Hero?” and I replied “Absolutely!” I want people to know how much I care and want to help in their time of need.” If you’d like to learn more about ‘Hometown Heroes’ and join the movement, follow their FB page! You can also watch episodes of ‘Hometown Heroes’ on www.njonair.com. Scott D’ Antonio • 856/810-1805 • scott.dantonio@comcast.net www.scottdantonio.com

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When it’s More than ‘Baby Blues’:

HELP FOR POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION By Alice M. Jannini, LCSW, CCLS Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Postpartum Support Group Facilitator at Virtua

hether you’re giving birth to your first child or your fourth, bringing home a new baby is one of the biggest life changes a woman can experience. For many women, the transition can be accompanied by postpartum adjustment and mood disorders. A bit of baby blues, exhaustion, and overwhelming feelings are to be expected. But when anxiety increases or feelings worsen and extend beyond the first few weeks after birth, it could be a sign of postpartum depression.

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS “Baby blues are caused by a shift in hormones in the first few weeks after giving birth. With baby blues, symptoms like weepiness and anxiety come and go,” explains Virtua licensed clinical social worker and certified child-life specialist, Alice Jannini, LCSW, CCLS. The baby blues gradually go away as hormones level off. “Postpartum adjustment and mood disorders are more serious; they affect the way women feel about themselves and their ability to function. Women describe the feeling as ‘this isn’t me and the way I want to be.’ Anxiety and depression affect their daily functioning and activities,” says Jannini. Symptoms include: • Difficulty sleeping • Mood shifts • Difficulty concentrating and focusing • Obsessive-compulsive symptoms • Anxiety (including panic attacks) • Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby “There’s another severe form of postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis, that occurs in 1 to 2 women out of 1000,” cautions Jannini. “Women with postpartum psychosis experience delusions, hallucinations, severe paranoia, severe agitation and bizarre thoughts, and these women are usually unaware of the severity of their symptoms. Women with postpartum psychosis need intense support such as a crisis center, hospitalization, or intense psychiatric monitoring.” RISK FACTORS Jannini explains that along with the hormonal changes linked to pregnancy and birth, postpartum depression risk factors include: • A history of anxiety and depression • Stressful life events such as a loss or trauma • Moving • Lack of social support • Problems with pregnancy, the birth, or with the baby after birth www.southjerseymom.com

BONDING WITH BABY The process of bonding with a new baby can be complicated for women experiencing postpartum adjustment or mood disorders. When women are concerned about feeling tired and overwhelmed, this can translate into feeling that they’re not bonding with their babies. “In the beginning there’s the adjustment of getting to know your baby. Sometimes, women feel like they’re bonding with their babies, and other times, they just feel tired and overwhelmed by it all,” says Jannini. “This is an important time to support moms who are experiencing postpartum adjustment symptoms, and help them manage feelings and expectations about bonding.” RECOVERY When a woman doesn’t seek or get the proper care, recovery from postpartum adjustment can extend beyond her baby’s first year of life. “Recovery is a unique process for each woman,” says Jannini. “It’s important not to be isolated, but rather to assemble a system of support with help from family, friends and professionals,” says Jannini, who holds group meetings at Virtua for new mothers experiencing postpartum adjustment. “Attending a postpartum support group, or even a mommy and me or breastfeeding support group, is helpful because these groups provide a safe place for women to share feelings and realize that they’re not alone. These groups help women to form relationships with other moms who are experiencing similar feelings,” she adds. Jannini also recommends individual therapy so that moms have their own time to respond to their unique symptoms and difficulties. GETTING HELP “At Virtua, postpartum adjustment and mood disorders screenings take place in the hospital and at follow-up OB/GYN visits,” says Jannini. “At these appointments, women should feel safe to share their feelings with their doctors so they can get the help and support needed to recover.” To learn more about TLC for Moms, Virtua’s Postpartum Depression Support Group, please visit www.Virtua.org. If you’ve recently had a baby and are experiencing postpartum symptoms, don’t keep those feelings to yourself and, most importantly, remember you’re not alone. Call Virtua’s postpartum depression support at 1-866-380-2229 to speak to a professional who can help.

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Hosting a Cookie Decorating Play Date! By Jenna Mackiewicz

n my opinion, holiday decorations aren’t completely finished until the house smells of warm cookies that are placed out for all to snack. Whether you are the embodiment of Cindy Lou Who or leaning towards the “Bah Humbug!” side, everyone loves cookie baking and decorating during the holidays (or at least devouring the delicious baked goods that come during the holidays!) That being said, it’s time to get those little fingers to work! For this cookie play date, most of the work will be done decorating the cookies. It’s hard enough to stay organized while sending out invites, picking up supplies, and getting everyone together so a basic sugar cookie recipe will make sure things go as quick and painless as possible. If you wish to add a little something special, pick up some cinnamon sugar and turn these babies into snicker doodles! Here’s what you will need: • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon baking soda • ½ teaspoon salt • 1 ¼ cup of softened butter or margarine • 2 cups white sugar or cinnamon sugar if you so please • 2 eggs • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract • ¼ cup white sugar or cinnamon sugar for decoration • 2 large bowls • A mixer

8 | November/December 2019

w Preheat

the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt then set that aside for later

w In

another bowl or the mixer if you chose, cream together the butter and 2 cups of sugar until thoroughly mixed and of a fluffy texture. Add the eggs one at a time. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients as well as the vanilla.

w You

choose: roll the dough into ping pong sized balls or use a rolling pin to flatten the dough to about a 1/4th of an inch and use cookie cutters to create fun shapes. *If you’ve chosen to add cinnamon sugar now is when you should roll the dough balls in the cinnamon sugar or sprinkle cinnamon sugar on your cookie shapes.

w Place

cookies on a ungreased baking sheet about two inches apart. Pop the delicious

cookies in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until brown on the edges. Allow 10 minutes to cool before decorating. Now comes the fun part! Eating the cookies! Oh, wait no... First we must decorate them. For a holiday theme try picking up color appropriate frosting such as red, green or yellow. Side note: frosting is for decorating, not for having a spoonful when no one is looking. For a simpler fix, if you happen to have food dye just pick up white icing. This recipe should yield about 30 cookies so plan your supply list accordingly. You know the kids will get it all over their clothes, the floor, the dog, but hear me out… Take a sandwich bag and fill it with icing. After you have spread a thick layer of red frosting on your cookie, cut the tip of the bag and have the kids ice their own holiday themed designs onto the cookie. There you have it folks, satisfied kids and a satisfied sweet tooth!

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Inspira Health’s New Medical Center Opening Doors By Laurie Trongone, AVP Women’s and Children’s Services, Inspira Health

Located in the heart of Gloucester County, Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill brings innovation to your backyard with local access to high quality health care

he wait is almost over. Inspira Health is preparing to open the doors to its newest cutting-edge medical center. Located in the heart of Gloucester County, Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill brings innovation to your backyard with local access to high quality health care. Inspira Mullica Hill will elevate the patient experience with 210 private patient rooms; state-of-the-art surgical suites; a modern emergency department with dedicated pediatric and senior ER’s; cardiac catheterization lab; the latest in medical and communication technology; and Smart Room technology to enhance patient safety and comfort. The birthing experience will include award winning nurses and well as top amenities, and the pediatric care is provided by Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children physicians. THE BIRTH OF AN INNOVATIVE EXPERIENCE Inspira Mullica Hill gives mothers-to-be the freedom to own their birthing experience. You’ll feel right at home in our modern, homelike birthing suites – the Mullica Hill maternity center combined input from architects, parents, and our expert maternity team to create a unique environment that is both advanced and family-centered. The private labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum (LDRP) suites allow mothers and their newborns to stay in one room until they are ready to go home. The luxurious LDRP rooms also include a personal refrigerator for breast milk storage, comfortable sleeping accommodations for your partner, and a jetted tub to soothe www.southjerseymom.com

mothers-to-be during labor. And for moms who may need to have a cesarean section – the unit is equipped with operating rooms and gentle c-sections are standard whenever possible. The Mullica Hill experience doesn’t stop there. Inspira will also provide quality services for you and your newborn including wireless fetal monitoring, specialized aroundthe-clock care from Nemours pediatricians and neonatologists, and individualized pain management ranging from in-house anesthesia to aromatherapy.

DEDICATED PEDIATRICS IN YOUR COMMUNITY Raising a family is no easy feat, but Inspira Mullica Hill is here to help. We know that young patients have unique health care needs and can require specialized care. The new hospital offers dedicated pediatric services with an exclusive pediatric emergency department. The pediatric ER is adjacent to a pediatric unit for inpatient care, including its own waiting

area and patient rooms for children to receive highly skilled pediatric care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. The pediatric unit has on-site dedicated, specialized professionals to offer your child advanced and kid-friendly care throughout all stages of their development. Whether it’s an early-morning or late-night visit, the new hospital’s around-the-clock Nemours pediatricians can cater to your child’s needs at any time. ONE-STOP CANCER CENTER Our mission is to improve the lives of our community and help you focus on what’s important: enjoying life’s moments with your family. Residents of Gloucester County and surrounding communities will not need to travel far to receive the best in cancer care with Inspira’s leading-edge Cancer Center, opening in early 2020. The center will provide patients with convenient one-stop access to comprehensive oncology services. By co-locating medical, radiation, and surgical oncologists in one space, patients who need to see multiple specialists will be able to do so in one visit, in one location, and possibly in the same exam room. Whether you’re planning the birth of a new baby, looking for advanced pediatric care, or in need of specialized cancer services, Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill provides comprehensive high-quality care and services for adults and children close to home. For more information, or to schedule an appointment with an obstetrician or midwife, call 1-888-312-4784.

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DECODING DEVELOPMENT:

Understanding Feeding Milestones in Infants and Toddlers By Stefanie LaManna, Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist at Advanced ENT

eaching your child to eat is one of the most important roles as a parent—but how do you know if your child’s eating skills are developing appropriately? The following list of expected feeding milestones will help you determine if you should be concerned about your child’s eating development. 0-6 Months • Your baby should be solely bottle or breastfed.

Teaching your child to eat is one of the most important roles as a parent—but how do you know if your child’s eating skills are developing appropriately?

6-7 Months • Once your baby can sit in a high chair and hold his/her head up without support, he/she is ready to start eating baby food. • Your baby may also show interest in your food or open his/her mouth when offered a spoon. These signs also indicate he/she is ready to start eating solid foods. • Your baby may show interest in sucking or biting a baby cookie or biter biscuit. • You can introduce an open cup and practice small sips of breast milk or formula. • Your baby may push food or liquid out of his/her mouth with his/her tongue when he/she is first learning to drink from a cup or eat from a spoon. This is normal and with practice, he/she will learn to move the food to the back of the mouth to swallow. 7-9 Months • You can introduce soft table foods such as bananas and dissolvable solids like puffs. • Your baby will begin to learn to bite and chew pieces of food, with your help, and can move food around his/her mouth with his/her tongue. • Your baby will start to use his/her lips to clean food off of the spoon. 10 | November/December 2019

9-12 Months • Your baby may be able to start drinking from a straw. • Your baby should move his/her jaw and tongue a lot when chewing and moving food around in his/her mouth. • Your baby should begin to bite and chew foods by him/herself.

12-18 Months Your child should: • Eat table foods, but meat should be chopped into small pieces. • Be able to bite off a piece of a hard cookie. • Drink from a cup or straw without spilling too much liquid out of his/her mouth.

There is a range of what is “normal” for milestones and not every child will meet them at the same time; however, some of the following behaviors could indicate your child has trouble eating and drinking. If you see some of these signs, talk to your child’s pediatrician about your concerns. • Arching during feeding • Coughing or choking during feeding • Fussiness during or after feeding. • Taking a really long time to feed (more than 30-45 minutes) • Getting sick often with pneumonia or chest infections • Less than normal weight gain or growth A Speech-Language Pathologist who specializes in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders can evaluate your child’s eating and determine if there is a problem. For more information or to schedule an appointment with the Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Center, contact Advanced ENT at 856-602-4000.

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The Attitude of Gratitude THE ATTITUDE WE WANT OUR KIDS TO HAVE...

By Samantha E. Gill

y youngest child’s weekly therapy session was due to start in about 5 minutes. It is at our house. This is “old hat” for us, as she/we’ve know this therapist since my daughter was an infant. During a recent therapy session she arrived with a gift for my daughter. Very generously she found, while out shopping on her own, an Elsa (Disney Movie... unless you’ve been living under a rock ... just kidding) costume/dress-up as a surprise.” My little one, with special needs (and with a special gift for saying exactly what is on her mind) blurts out “not again! this is boring! where is the wig! where is the shoes” I. Could. Have. Died. The therapist started cracking- up as she knows my daughter. Me = not so much. Where was the gratitude kid?! Hello!? I work super hard each day with my kids on gratitude. In an effort to save my Mommy-face... here are some ways to help cultivate the ever-important attitude of gratitude... the attitude we WANT our kids to have. Go Tell it On the Mountain: I have one of the nifty new fake chalkboards stuck to the wall in the kitchen. You roll it out and stick it to the wall and wah-lah instant fake chalkboard! Each week I write on it a ‘saying of the week’ (make it motivational ... it can be a prayer depending on what, if any, religion you practice) then below it, I write what each of the kids did “good” that week - meaning - what they did extraordinary, that week. For example: “you were a huge help to your friend at school when he fell on the playground his Mommy told me. I am so proud of you for your compassion” I then make a big thing about it. It remains up on the board all week and I tell my kids how grateful I am to have them in my life. Give it away, says the Red Hot Chili Peppers: I have learned that your kids watch you like a hawk - and I don’t just mean in the bathroom. They want to know that you practice what your preach. Are you doing what you say to them too? Are you living the life you are asking them to live? Not to get all “Zen” on you... but it is true. They just won’t go out and buy ocean front property in Arizona. These little ones are too smart. In order for them to fully ‘get’ and appreciate gratitude, they have to see it and practice it WITH you. So

12 | November/December 2019

YOU as the parent have to start living it. So you need to start givin it away there Mama... fill up that clothes donation bag along with them... your closet needs to be trimmed too. Maybe do a good a deed for a stranger in need. Every year on my youngest child’s birthday we did a DVD drive to the local hospital as a way to show appreciation and thanks to their pediatritrics section as she spent so much time there. We wanted to not only receive on her birthday, but give away and help others and I wanted my kids to have an understanding of this. My kids helped label each of the DVDs and deliver them to the hospital. They learned birthdays aren’t just about getting. Weekly roundup: We are church-goers around here. (Yes... even the service dog goes.) But whether or not you go to church or not, or what your religion is you can find gratitude and teach gratitude. Before we go to church on Sunday’s my circus... I mean, me the kids (and dog) are usually all in bed together very cooperatively discussing getting dressed for Sunday church (sarcasm... kids are saying they don’t want to get dressed and Mom is saying please get dressed...) So Mom says “Lets do our weekly round up... what are we all grateful for this week and what do we love about one another?” and then one by one we are each given a chance to speak ...without interruption ...it is the rule. It is nice to hear what we all say. “I am grateful for my service dog, Data. I love my sissy because she helps me.” and then one more: “I am grateful for Mommy because she reads to me each night and I love her (tug!)” and suddenly the whole Elsa dress thing didn’t seem so horrible anymore. Here’s to being grateful! Samantha Gill is a full-time geriatric social worker, a sometimes writer and a full time single mommy to Audrey, 6, and Addie, 5. Addie has mild brain abnormality, petit seizures, a rare lung disease and is on the Autism Spectrum Disorder. Addie and her service, Dog, Data, enjoy going to Pre-K together in Northfield, NJ, as well as, rockin’ out to music. Audrey dreams of sea otters, saving the planet (and the sea otters...), singing on stage and stardom, however, her heart overflows with empathy for her little sis. I can’t dream yet as I have yet to take a nap or sleep soundly, however, I hope to do this someday. My awesome tribe and I exist (loudly) in South Jersey. www.addies4everfriend.org.

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wha t u yo would do? OCT 19, 2019 thru APR 19, 2020

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Private Special Education … Sometimes, it starts with a twinkle in the eye. Just a little spark of curiosity that soon blossoms into a journey of discovery, learning and achievement. That’s because at our private special education schools, we see beyond a child’s disability, and awaken the joy and creative expression within. Our schools are welcoming places where students feel at home and are able to enjoy a rich and rewarding social life. Our students feel cherished, well cared for and respected for a very good reason—it is part of our mission and our commitment. Students at our special education schools experience a school day as it should be—filled with discovery, achievement, learning and friendship. Here, they have people they know they can count on—outstanding teachers, therapists, counselors, psychologists and job coaches who constantly encourage and support them.

an option You Should Know About! With individualized attention, on-site therapies and vocational training, our schools deliver unparalleled services for students with special needs. Our New Jersey Department of Education certified special education teachers, licensed therapists and counselors provide expert, advanced instruction and support … along with plenty of smiles.

These unique services are provided at NO COST for families. Find out if private special education is the right fit for your child. Our staff can help answer your questions. To find out more about what programs may be right for your child, call us at 1-800-697-8555 or visit SpecialEducationSchools.org

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I’M EXPECTING VIRTUA. Whether you’re a busy mom about to expand your family or thinking about becoming a mother for the first time, we’re here to get you there. That means whether your “there” includes an OB or a midwife, support for breastfeeding, critical NICU care, or a variety of information and guidance, we want to be your partner in this exciting journey. Let’s talk about getting you there.

We Deliver.

virtua.org/WeDeliver

833-OB-FOR-ME