COVER PHOTO BY LACI EBERLE PHOTOGRAPHY
Babies! PRESENTED BY
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Babies!
* CO-WORKING WITH KIDDOS * are a businesses practice workplace b aby p olicies
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n the modern workforce, most people who parent infants or young children and work outside the home must effectively split their wage with a caretaker. That might be a daycare center, a nanny, babysitter, or an in-home daycare provider. The average annual cost of such services in Wisconsin is more than $12,000, according to the Economic Policy Institute. That works out to nearly one-fifth of the state’s median household income, or more than half of the income of a family of three living at the federal poverty level. Here in the Chippewa Valley, a few businesses help ease this financial – and emotional – burden by allowing parents to bring their infants and young children into the workplace. It’s a trend that’s popping up in workplaces across the United States, harkening back to work structures that have existed since the beginning of mankind. The Bridge to Hope, a Menomonie emergency shelter and crisis hotline, has had a “bring your baby to work” policy in place since 2011. New parents are permitted to bring their infants to the office until they’re 180 days old, at which point they begin crawling and become harder to manage in such a setting. This practice helps parents save money on childcare and allows them to make the most of the bonding opportunities in early infancy.
“We just recognize how important can remember. During the 20 years she it is to have that connection with your has worked there, drivers and office infant, and we want to make that as workers have been permitted to bring easy as possible,” Naomi Cummings, their infants, toddlers, and even schoolthe program’s executive director, said. aged children into the workplace, In order to make workplace careprovided they follow safety protocols. taking run smoothly, staff members Some workplaces might find that some volunteer to help parents watch their employees aren’t pleased with such child during the arrangements, occasional situabut neither tion where they Peterson or must be away. Cummigs have According to found any Cummings, this issues. system also forges “It’s going a stronger bond to depend on among employees, the kind of comwho know they can pany you have,” always count on Peterson said. one another. “For us it works, “We serve and it works families here, so well.” to me it seems While not like a good fit,” all workplaces Cummings said. are suited for N a o m i Cu m m i n g s , “We’re kind of role the presence of Th e B ri d g e to H o p e models, too, paryoung people enting role mod– Peterson and els.” It helps the people who use The Cummings both cringe to imagine an Bridge to Hope’s services to see that all infant in a factory – offices can be ideal parents face challenges in bringing up candidates for these programs. The their children, she said. Parenting in the Workplace Institute Another area employer, Eau Claire has a number of suggestions for creatStudent Transit, has had a children-ining a functional policy and making the-workplace policy as long as human easy accommodations for changing and resources director Jennifer Peterson breastfeeding.
“We just recognize how important it is to have that connection with your infant, and we want to make that as easy as possible.”
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“A bus is kind of like an office on wheels,” Peterson said with a chuckle. “We call it an office with a view.” Peterson has taken advantage of the policy herself; She often brought her son to work with her when he wasn’t feeling well or during days when school was out. Now, her daughter Tessa, a bus driver with Student Transit, takes her own child to work with her. Policies like these allow parents to make a living without giving up part of their paychecks to daycare, and gives people peace of mind knowing that their baby is OK at all times, Peterson said. “We look for things that will make people happy, make them want to come to work, make them love their job,” Peterson said. And this, she thinks, is one of those things. Some kids “grow up” on the bus, Peterson added. One Student Transit employee’s grandmother and aunt both took him with them to work on occasion – now he’s a driver with the company. “When you have an infant, part of your heart is always with that infant,” Naomi Cummings, The Bridge to Hope’s executive director, said. “When the baby’s right there next to you, I think it gives you a peace of mind.” More information about children and infant workplace policies, including resources, can be found on babiesatwork. org.
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Babies!
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GET UP AND GET OUT!
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one lo cal mom’s advice on le aving the house with b aby
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ey there, Mama Bear. I see you. With the bags under your eyes, your hair a mess. You too, Papa Bear, I see that confused look of not being sure what to do. The newborn stage is hard for any parent, and looking back, it becomes a blur. Thankfully, it doesn’t last forever, or even very long in the grand scheme of your parenting future. I see you, and you’ve got this. But just in case that screaming bundle of joy has you gripping to the edge of your sanity, here are a few ideas on how to make you feel more like your pre-parent self.
L A Z Y M O N K I S A K I D ( A N D A D U L T !) F R I E N D LY H A N G O U T
We live in the glorious age of technology, and you better believe you should take advantage. Several grocery and department stores now offer drive-up service, and it’s a great thing when your little one has FINALLY fallen asleep and you can’t fathom the idea that she might wake up when you attempt to take the carrier out of the car. Not to mention trying to find a place for your purchases while the car carrier fills the entire shopping cart. There’s no need to juggle it all. Order your items online and allow those glorious customer service saints to meet you at the door.
When you’ve been spending all your energy trying to nurture a tiny human, some days the last thing you can think about is feeding yourself. To create some normalcy, my husband and I treated ourselves to a meal out once in a while, and Northern Tap House was our safe place. It’s loud, and that’s a good thing. No one ever gave us the stink-eye about our fussy baby. Bonus: They serve beer. Lots of it.
Breweries and wineries are another sanctuary for parents who need to relax. Plan your trip during nap time, grab some Burrachos to go, and find a nice quite table on the Lazy Monk patio. Let your worries float away while you sip a beer and cling to the memory of the person you were before baby.
We were fortunate that our daughter was born in May, so we could take advantage of being outside and getting some fresh air. We could choose any night of the week to find free live
outdoor music, lay out a blanket, and let her roll around for an hour or two while we took in the music. Enjoy this time, because next summer you’ll be chasing that sweet babe around the park.
When you’re getting a little stir crazy because you haven’t left the house in a few days, go to the mall. And walk. There’s no need to worry about how to dress your child for the weather, the terrain is flat, and there is plenty for you and baby to look at. Plus, all the other mall walkers will want to tell you how precious that little sweetheart is and how fast time flies. Eat it up. You created a human. Be proud. You’re doing great.
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SMALL FAVORS ADD UP
lit tle ways to help new p arents adjust to their lit tle ones
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aving a baby is a huge transitional event that changes so much about a couple’s lifestyle and schedule. From late-night fast food runs to 2am diaper changes and from dinner dates to Netflix dates on the couch, life sure changes. For the friend or family member of a new parent, it can be unclear what will be helpful. You may be wondering, Do they need my help? And what would I do anyway? Having experienced the newborn phase myself a couple of years ago, I have several ideas for you to be of help to new parents. F E E D THE M . This one is at the top of the list for a reason. With the exhaustion of constant feedings and diaper changes, no one feels like cooking. If you make a meal for your new parent friends and bring it to them, or buy them food from their favorite restaurant, they’ll love you forever. (Check out mealtrain. com to set up an organized system for volunteers to bring meals.) F E E D THE M , PAR T TW O . Even though new parents might not feel like cooking, they will still need groceries. But even getting out of the house to shop can feel overwhelming. With grocery pickup, it’s easy! Your friend can order what they want online, and then you can be the hero, pick it up and bring it to
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HO LD BA BY WHI LE M O M O R DA D TA KE A NA P O R A SHO WER. Rest and “me time” can be hard to come by as a new parent. All you have to do to give that gift to your friend is hold their cute baby for a few minutes. TELL THEM THEY ’ RE DO I NG A G REA T J O B. Every new parent doubts themselves as they learn the ropes of parenting. What does that cry mean? Did I feed him enough? Is she happy? Give their ego a boost by reminding them that they’re doing a fantastic job at raising their little one. Note: keep your unsolicited advice to yourself.
them! Check out these local stores that offer grocery pickup: Walmart, Woodman’s, Festival Foods, and Family Fare in Chippewa Falls.
G I VE THEM SPA C E – DO N’ T O VERSTA Y Y O U R WELC O M E. If you stop by to see new parents and the baby, just make sure not to settle in too much. Remember, they’re sleep deprived and exhausted. Say hello, hopefully drop off some food or clean something, and be on your merry way.
CL EA N T H EI R H O U S E. Many of us struggle to keep our homes clean without a newborn baby, but if you’re sleep deprived, cleaning will definitely be put on the back burner. Go over to the new parent’s house and do their dishes or a load of laundry. Not very into cleaning yourself? Check out a local cleaning service, such as AMK Cleaning Services.
Aside from this practical list, the best thing you can do for a new parent is to let them know that you’ve got their back. Personally, I will always remember the people who were there for me during those early baby days. Small acts of love make a big difference.
B U Y T H EM D I A P ER S A N D W I P ES . You can never have too many, I promise. Just check ahead for what size they’re using and their favorite brand.
* TAKING SAFE SLEEP ON THE ROAD * ensure your b aby ’s sle ep environment is safe, wherever you are
NICHD / CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE 2.0
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raveling with baby takes a lot of planning and supplies. Making a “safe sleep plan” is a part of prepping for a trip. Having a plan helps parents and caregivers know that your baby will sleep safely wherever they go. Babies love and need consistent sleep environments. Here’s how to create your safe sleep plan: Check if the hotel or house you’re visiting has a crib or portable play yard (i.e. Pack ’n Play). If yes: Make sure it meets safety standards! This means: • Less than two fingers should fit between side of crib and mattress. • Slats close together (can’t fit a 12-ounce can between them). • Not a drop-side crib. • No missing, broken, or damaged parts. • Not more than 10 years old. • Has firm mattress. If no: Bring a portable play yard. It’s easy to set up and provides a safe space for baby to sleep and play. Set it up away from windows, curtains, monitors, or cords.
have on. Don’t use the car seat as a sleeping area for baby when not in the car. Take your baby out of car seat when you arrive. Follow the ABCS. (And make sure everyone who will be watching your baby knows the ABCS too!) • Alone: no other people or objects in baby’s sleep area. • On Back: always put baby to sleep on back. • In Crib: bassinet or portable – firm sleep surface with only fitted sheet. • In Smoke-free air.
Keep the sleeping area bare. No blankets, pillows, or toys. Give your baby his or her own sleep space. It should be away from other kids, pets, and adults. Infants can get injured or have airway blocked if not sleeping alone.
For more information, visit: • safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/safesleepbasics/about • www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-EducationCenters/cribs/
Keep it cool. The best sleep temperature for babies is 68-72° F. Dress your baby in one more layer than you
Ellen Jacobs, MSN, RN, CLC, is a public health nurse with the Eau Claire City-County Health Department.
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Babies!
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BUNDLES OF JOY
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baby-centric listings and resources
BIRTH CLASSES Confident Birth Childbirth Class Series (Bradley Method) Receive Address upon Registration • brad-
leybirth.com/amandagunderson This 8 week natural childbirth class series is a great fit for any expectant couple due this winter. Former Bradley Method
Instructors, Amanda and Tim Gunderson, teach an in-depth and interactive childbirth course covering topics such as prenatal nutrition & exercise, stages of labor & positions, the coach’s role, complications, breastfeeding, postpartum & newborn care.
Falls • (715) 723-1811 • stjoeschipfalls.org/EventsClasses HSHS St. Joseph’s offers a variety of birthing classes free of charge. Classes fill up quickly, so it’s advised to register 3-4 months in advance. Options include a prenatal series class, prenatal Saturdays, prenatal refresher, breastfeeding, and a prenatal sibling class.
HSHS St. Joseph’s and Sacred Heart Hospitals Prenatal Classes 2661 County Highway I, Chippewa
Mayo Clinic Birthing Classes 1400 Bellinger Street, Eau Claire • (715) 838-5369 • mayohealthsystem. org Mayo Clinic offers family and prenatal classes for free of charge. Class options include breastfeeding classes, birth basics, newborn care, and more.
Prenatal Yoga at Latitude 44 Yoga Studio 313 E.
Madison St., Eau Claire • (715) 828-3936 • latitude44yoga.com This class is designed to strengthen and support your body throughout your pregnancy. Meditation, breath, and movement are used to focus on awareness and muscles that are key to a healthy pregnancy and labor. Connect with your body’s innate wisdom and other moms-to-be in the area.
BIRTH CENTERS & RESOURCES Apple Pregnancy Care Center 2600 Stein Blvd., Eau Claire • (715) 834-7734 • volunteer@applepcc.org • applepcc.org APPLE assists women with caring, counseling and information to help provide those with unplanned pregnancies the facts and services that will help them make choices they can live with.
Doulas of the Valley • (715) 563-3860 • rache-
alulbergdoula@yahoo.com • doulasofthevalley. com Doulas are non medical professionals that provide hands-on, educational, and emotional support to parents during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. We also offer a variety of specialty services including inhome care for high-risk mothers or those on bed rest during pregnancy, childbirth and newborn classes, and private consultations.
HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital Women and Infants Center 900 West Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • 715-
717-4156 • sacredhearteauclaire.org Choose your birth experience and receive care from highly-trained nurses and doctors. We offer spacious birthing suites for labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum care; overnight accommodations for partners; water birth tubs; birthing hammocks; innovative technology; special infant security system and free prenatal classes. Midwives and doulas welcome.
HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Women and Infants Center 2661 County Hwy I, Chippewa Falls • 715-
717-7421 • stjoeschipfalls.org Highly-trained nurses and doctors are focused on providing the best birth experience for you and your family. Offering comfortable, private labor and delivery suites; spacious showers; large sleeping accommodations for partners; innovative technology; special infant security system and free prenatal classes. Midwives and doulas welcome.
Marshfield Clinic - Birthing Services 2116 Craig
Rd, Eau Claire • (715) 858-4500 • marshfieldclinic. org Providing dedicated and experienced midwives for women’s health care needs.
Mayo Clinic Health System 1400 Bellinger Street,
Eau Claire • (715) 838-6100 • mayoclinichealthsystem.org Featuring certified nurse midwives.
OakLeaf Clinics 1110 Oak Ridge Dr, Eau Claire •
(715) 836-9020 • info.obgynclinicec@oakleafclinics. com • oakleafclinics.com Provides exceptional care for all phases of a woman’s life. Dr. Irfane Khatib’s philosophy has always been that the patient is first. They continue to focus on the patient’s unique health needs in staying healthy.
Southside Medical Clinic 714 W Hamilton Ave, Eau Claire • (715) 830-9990, OB/GYN (715) 836-9242 • southsidemedicalclinic.com For more than a decade, Southside Medical Clinic has been providing high
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quality medical care in a comfortable family-friendly environment. OB/GYN services include infertility evaluations and treatment, surgeries, hormone therapy, birth control, and management of menstrual issues.
RESOURCES FOR YOUNG FAMILIES Child Care Partnership 418 Wisconsin St., Eau
Claire • (715) 836-7511 ext. 1188 • Becca.Elbert@ wdeoc.org • ChildCarePartnership.org A resource and referral agency that works with parents by providing a list of child care providers that is customized to their family’s needs and the area they live. They work with child care providers to assess their program qualities, provide training on early childhood education, and work with other community agencies.
Family Resource Center for Eau Claire County 4800 Golf Rd., Ste. 450, Eau Claire • (715) 833-1735 • frcec.org Located in the Sears wing of the Oakwood Mall, the mission of the Family Resource Center is to provide programs and services that build on family strengths through prevention, education, support and networking in collaboration with other resources in the community.
Family Support Center 403 N. High St., Chippewa
Falls • (715) 723-1138 • familysupport@fsccf.org • familysupportcentercf.com Provides free services and support to families that are struggling with issues such as domestic assault, sexual assault, parental conflicts, and difficulty managing children.
Joshua’s Camp Eau Claire • (715) 514-1485 or
239-246-7530 • jcfinney45@yahoo.com • joshuascamp.org The realization of a wish made by Joshua Holm before he lost his battle with cancer in 2008. A place for families with children going through cancer treatment. A respite where everyone can smile, laugh, have fun, and enjoy themselves. Also hosts a special retreat for families who have lost a child to cancer.
River Source Family Center 403 High Street, Chip-
pewa Falls • (715) 720-1841 • riversourcefamilycenter.com The mission of River Source Family Center is to embrace and strengthen families with young children by promoting growth through education, information, referral, and opportunities to share experiences.
BABY CLOTHING Here We Grow Again Biannual Consignment Clothing Fair Held at Hobbs Ice Arena, 915 Menomonie
St., Eau Claire • (715) 839-5040 • herewegrowagainsale.com West Central Wisconsin’s upscale children’s consignment event. The place to find bargains on quality, name brand clothes, great toys, books, videos, baby equipment, and nursery furniture. Make some extra cash by consigning your child’s/ teens things or purchasing some great things for your child/teen at can’t-be-beat prices. Item drop off for consignment on Wed & Thu before sale.
Once Upon a Child Consignment Store 4058 Com-
monwealth Avenue, Eau Claire • onceuponachild. com Buys and sells gently used kids’ clothing, shoes, toys and baby gear offering you the opportunity to recycle your children’s nearly new items and get paid on the spot.
That’s Adorable, Kids Consignment Boutique 129
N. Barstow Street, Eau Claire • (715) 864-0883 • thatsadorableec.wordpress.com That’s Adorable is a Chippewa Valley children’s consignment boutique that buys and sells birth through size 12 clothing. They also sell books, toys, gear and local-made gifts. They host a weekly story time and a number of events.
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