Back when I was still pregnant, I wrote about prenatal yoga in this area. Since then, I've found several resources for both prenatal AND postnatal yoga here in the Pioneer Valley and wanted to share them.
The prenatal yoga classes I ended up going to were through Cooley Dickinson Hospital (at the Amherst location; there's one in Northampton as well). The classes were led by Arden and were gentle, relaxing and very informative about all things pregnancy and birth related, to boot. It was in one of those classes where I first felt my daughter move!
I feel it is quite difficult to find sufficient info on the internet for Cooley Dickinson classes, so this is kind of a rigmarole, but for Prenatal classes you can click here to view the calendar (then click on Prenatal Yoga - it will give some info & tell you to the number to call for registration).
Now that Ruby's here, I'm looking for us to go to yoga together. We haven't gone yet, but in my looking I've found a few likely candidates:
Yoga Sanctuary in Northampton offers pre and postnatal, baby-friendly classes. I know people who have been very pleased with the prenatal classes here.
Vega Yoga in Holyoke also offers an "Infant-friendly Yoga" class that doesn't seem to involve the baby, but the pre-crawler is welcomed there.
Cooley Dickinson Hospital offers Momma & Baby Yoga on Mondays and Wednesdays (again in Amherst and Northampton). This class is the only option I've found that includes the baby in the description: "Fun and therapeautic movement for baby" so it seems like a great option for us!
I'm sure there's more out there, but these can get you started!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
MOMMA & BABY YOGA CLASS
We haven't taken it yet, but when searching for a Mama & Baby Yoga class in the Pioneer Valley, this sounds like a great one! Ruby and I definitely plan to take it soon.
I wanted to share this information, but couldn't find it online, so this is copy & pasted from the email info I get:
MOMMA & BABY YOGA CLASS
On-Going class
Bring your baby! From 6 – 7 weeks old up to experienced crawlers welcome.
Get back in shape, have fun with your baby, and connect with other parents.
• Center through breathing and awareness
• Reduce stress
• Get relief from aches and pains due to nursing and poor posture
• Recondition abdominals and pelvic floor
• Recover from rigors of childbirth
• Fun and therapeutic movement for baby
• Stay strong and centered through demands of childrearing
You can linger an additional 15 minutes at the end of class. In that time, we are happy to do poses with you that you might have missed because you were busy with your baby.
Om Shanti – Arden and Corinne
*************************************************************
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Special Note: PLEASE PRE-REGISTER BY THE SATURDAY BEFORE YOU WOULD LIKE TO START YOUR 1ST CLASS
When you pre-register, leave your phone number and the dates (one or all) you are planning to attend. We reserve the right to cancel class if there are (4) four or less students pre-registered.
If you can’t make class for an unexpected reason,
please call or email your teacher the day before to let her know
COST: $13 each class OR $44 for four classes. Financial Aid is available.
Bring mat, baby blanket, toys and whatever else you feel is necessary.
Classes are offered every month continuously. The schedule below is a sample of dates.
Mondays in Northampton
at Cooley Dickinson Hospital
10:15 – 11:30
AUGUST 9 in Childbirth Conf. Room
AUGUST 2 & 16 in Conf. Room B
No Class Aug 23, 30 & Sept 6
Pre-register CALL or EMAIL: ARDEN
yoga@rcn.com
585-8990
Park at the main entrance and please use free valet.
Classes in Conference Room B
Take the stork elevator to lowest floor.
Walk straight ahead.
Class in Childbirth Conference Room
Take the stork elevator to the top floor (1)
Directly across from the elevator.
Wednesdays in Amherst
170 University Drive, CDH outpatient building across from CVS and Big Y.
10:30 – 11:45
AUGUST 4, 11, 18 & 25
Pre-register
CALL or EMAIL: CORINNE mailto:shraddha@galaxy-usa.net
253-4817
Meets in the Community Room
on the top floor.
If using front entrance, walk upstairs.
If using back entrance, take elevator to top floor and go to the opposite end of building
from Hampshire OB/GYN)
I wanted to share this information, but couldn't find it online, so this is copy & pasted from the email info I get:
MOMMA & BABY YOGA CLASS
On-Going class
Bring your baby! From 6 – 7 weeks old up to experienced crawlers welcome.
Get back in shape, have fun with your baby, and connect with other parents.
• Center through breathing and awareness
• Reduce stress
• Get relief from aches and pains due to nursing and poor posture
• Recondition abdominals and pelvic floor
• Recover from rigors of childbirth
• Fun and therapeutic movement for baby
• Stay strong and centered through demands of childrearing
You can linger an additional 15 minutes at the end of class. In that time, we are happy to do poses with you that you might have missed because you were busy with your baby.
Om Shanti – Arden and Corinne
*************************************************************
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Special Note: PLEASE PRE-REGISTER BY THE SATURDAY BEFORE YOU WOULD LIKE TO START YOUR 1ST CLASS
When you pre-register, leave your phone number and the dates (one or all) you are planning to attend. We reserve the right to cancel class if there are (4) four or less students pre-registered.
If you can’t make class for an unexpected reason,
please call or email your teacher the day before to let her know
COST: $13 each class OR $44 for four classes. Financial Aid is available.
Bring mat, baby blanket, toys and whatever else you feel is necessary.
Classes are offered every month continuously. The schedule below is a sample of dates.
Mondays in Northampton
at Cooley Dickinson Hospital
10:15 – 11:30
AUGUST 9 in Childbirth Conf. Room
AUGUST 2 & 16 in Conf. Room B
No Class Aug 23, 30 & Sept 6
Pre-register CALL or EMAIL: ARDEN
yoga@rcn.com
585-8990
Park at the main entrance and please use free valet.
Classes in Conference Room B
Take the stork elevator to lowest floor.
Walk straight ahead.
Class in Childbirth Conference Room
Take the stork elevator to the top floor (1)
Directly across from the elevator.
Wednesdays in Amherst
170 University Drive, CDH outpatient building across from CVS and Big Y.
10:30 – 11:45
AUGUST 4, 11, 18 & 25
Pre-register
CALL or EMAIL: CORINNE mailto:shraddha@galaxy-usa.net
253-4817
Meets in the Community Room
on the top floor.
If using front entrance, walk upstairs.
If using back entrance, take elevator to top floor and go to the opposite end of building
from Hampshire OB/GYN)
Monday, August 9, 2010
Elizabeth Mitchell
Ruby and I are out of town, but in the meantime, here's a great music recommendation!
A lovely friend gave me this CD of Elizabeth Mitchell's children's music, and I haven't been able to stop listening to it. I seriously love it.
This song, "Little Bird, Little Bird," is so precious. I've even started calling Ruby my "sugar lump"!
Enjoy!
This song, "Little Bird, Little Bird," is so precious. I've even started calling Ruby my "sugar lump"!
Enjoy!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
World Breastfeeding Week
Today marks the beginning of World Breastfeeding Week!
You know what I'm doing to celebrate? Weaning my baby. Ha! That's right - I'm sticking it to the (breastfeeding wo)man!
Remember back when I discussed my breastfeeding issues? In a nutshell, my daughter didn't latch on properly to begin with (because of her own in utero, self-soothing, tongue sucking habit) which led to a low supply for me, which never got better, despite all and every attempt. So, from early on we've supplemented with formula (through a bottle) and I knew that one day she'd reject the breast and only want the bottle. I've mentally and emotionally prepared myself for this for a long time, and obviously wanted to prolong the breastfeeding as much as possible.
About a week ago she started refusing the breast during the day. I tried, but there was crying, screaming, general freaking out. This has continued for a week, and now she only nurses at night, and those feedings are getting shorter and shorter. I don't know if she's getting impatient or I'm just not producing as much (likely) or fast enough for her, or what... but our nursing days are clearly about to end.
But you know what? Today she turned 3 months. That was a goal I wanted to reach in our breastfeeding relationship, and we did it. And I'm so, so thankful.
And even though everyone knows, or thinks, breastfeeding is best, I have been so humbled by this experience. I know that it doesn't always work out, and there's nothing wrong with bottle and formula feeding.
There is so much pressure (especially in this area) to breastfeed, that I feel there's no room for anyone else. One socializing option Ruby and I had was to go to breastfeeding clinics and groups around here, and I decided not to, because I feel like people might judge me. I hope I'm wrong, and I considered going, but right when I did is when Ruby started to prefer the bottle (I don't know if I'd consider this weaning, or baby-led weaning or what?). So I've gone to other groups instead.
Anyway, whether you breastfeed or formula feed, good for you for giving your baby whatever nourishment that baby needs - that's all the matters!
You know what I'm doing to celebrate? Weaning my baby. Ha! That's right - I'm sticking it to the (breastfeeding wo)man!
Remember back when I discussed my breastfeeding issues? In a nutshell, my daughter didn't latch on properly to begin with (because of her own in utero, self-soothing, tongue sucking habit) which led to a low supply for me, which never got better, despite all and every attempt. So, from early on we've supplemented with formula (through a bottle) and I knew that one day she'd reject the breast and only want the bottle. I've mentally and emotionally prepared myself for this for a long time, and obviously wanted to prolong the breastfeeding as much as possible.
About a week ago she started refusing the breast during the day. I tried, but there was crying, screaming, general freaking out. This has continued for a week, and now she only nurses at night, and those feedings are getting shorter and shorter. I don't know if she's getting impatient or I'm just not producing as much (likely) or fast enough for her, or what... but our nursing days are clearly about to end.
But you know what? Today she turned 3 months. That was a goal I wanted to reach in our breastfeeding relationship, and we did it. And I'm so, so thankful.
And even though everyone knows, or thinks, breastfeeding is best, I have been so humbled by this experience. I know that it doesn't always work out, and there's nothing wrong with bottle and formula feeding.
There is so much pressure (especially in this area) to breastfeed, that I feel there's no room for anyone else. One socializing option Ruby and I had was to go to breastfeeding clinics and groups around here, and I decided not to, because I feel like people might judge me. I hope I'm wrong, and I considered going, but right when I did is when Ruby started to prefer the bottle (I don't know if I'd consider this weaning, or baby-led weaning or what?). So I've gone to other groups instead.
Anyway, whether you breastfeed or formula feed, good for you for giving your baby whatever nourishment that baby needs - that's all the matters!
The Baby Community in the Pioneer Valley
I finally got my act together last week and got the hell out of the house in Easthampton, and out into the baby community of the Pioneer Valley!
We ventured into neighboring Northampton and Hadley for our baby events last week. Now, I had originally considered baby-oriented happenings on here a couple weeks ago and then procrastinated and kept to myself. But no longer!
First, I went on to meetup.com (what would we do without the internet??) and looked up baby and parent groups in the area. I found three and requested to join all of them. I heard back from two (both seem to be more "official" mommy and me groups) that I had to attend one meetup before I'd be allowed access to the page and events.
So, last Saturday Ruby and I headed out and to Barnes and Noble in Hadley, for story time. Although this event is open to the public, the Amherst Parents Group folks were getting together there as well. We met some very nice parents and kids, ranging from 6 months (Ruby was the youngest) to about 4 years old. It was great, and I am excited to go to another meetup with this group (there seems to be a get together nearly every day!)!
The next day I consulted my Macaroni Kid email and saw that on Monday mornings there's "Tummy Time" at the Forbes Library in Northampton. We knew that the Easthampton Family Center also had an informal summer play group at Nonotuck Park on Monday mornings, but because the Tummy Time at Forbes was aimed specifically at non-crawlers/walkers, I figured we'd meet babies more in Ruby's age group, as opposed to toddlers. And we did! Another successful outing!
This week Ruby and I are going out of town on Thursday (to NYC so Ruby can get in touch with her roots for the first time!) but we plan to definitely go to Tummy Time again tomorrow, and on Tuesday we will either go to Lilly Library in Florence for morning storytime (I looked at their website and couldn't find the details, but if I hear more through word of mouth I'll post it here) or to the "New Mom's Circle" at Cradle at 1pm.
It's just so nice that now that we are out and about, we have lots of great options. I love this area!
We ventured into neighboring Northampton and Hadley for our baby events last week. Now, I had originally considered baby-oriented happenings on here a couple weeks ago and then procrastinated and kept to myself. But no longer!
First, I went on to meetup.com (what would we do without the internet??) and looked up baby and parent groups in the area. I found three and requested to join all of them. I heard back from two (both seem to be more "official" mommy and me groups) that I had to attend one meetup before I'd be allowed access to the page and events.
So, last Saturday Ruby and I headed out and to Barnes and Noble in Hadley, for story time. Although this event is open to the public, the Amherst Parents Group folks were getting together there as well. We met some very nice parents and kids, ranging from 6 months (Ruby was the youngest) to about 4 years old. It was great, and I am excited to go to another meetup with this group (there seems to be a get together nearly every day!)!
The next day I consulted my Macaroni Kid email and saw that on Monday mornings there's "Tummy Time" at the Forbes Library in Northampton. We knew that the Easthampton Family Center also had an informal summer play group at Nonotuck Park on Monday mornings, but because the Tummy Time at Forbes was aimed specifically at non-crawlers/walkers, I figured we'd meet babies more in Ruby's age group, as opposed to toddlers. And we did! Another successful outing!
This week Ruby and I are going out of town on Thursday (to NYC so Ruby can get in touch with her roots for the first time!) but we plan to definitely go to Tummy Time again tomorrow, and on Tuesday we will either go to Lilly Library in Florence for morning storytime (I looked at their website and couldn't find the details, but if I hear more through word of mouth I'll post it here) or to the "New Mom's Circle" at Cradle at 1pm.
It's just so nice that now that we are out and about, we have lots of great options. I love this area!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Macaroni Kid Rocks!
Do you know about Macaroni Kid?
This is a site that lists all kinds of upcoming events and info relating to kids & parents in Amherst, Northampton and the entire Pioneer Valley. It's great!
My favorite part is that you can sign up to get weekly emails of all upcoming events. I'm all about weekly emails. Those rock my world.
When I first started looking at the events I thought they were all geared toward kids that were a little older than Ruby, at least a couple years old. But upon closer inspection of this week's events, I found a listing for Tummy Time at Forbes Library in Northampton on Monday mornings from 11:00-12:30. Because it was for all non-crawling/walking babies, we gave it a try (more on this coming soon...) and we met other parents of babies, made connections and had a great time! So it seems Macaroni Kid has something for everyone in the child/parent world.
I hope you find something fun to explore soon!
This is a site that lists all kinds of upcoming events and info relating to kids & parents in Amherst, Northampton and the entire Pioneer Valley. It's great!
My favorite part is that you can sign up to get weekly emails of all upcoming events. I'm all about weekly emails. Those rock my world.
When I first started looking at the events I thought they were all geared toward kids that were a little older than Ruby, at least a couple years old. But upon closer inspection of this week's events, I found a listing for Tummy Time at Forbes Library in Northampton on Monday mornings from 11:00-12:30. Because it was for all non-crawling/walking babies, we gave it a try (more on this coming soon...) and we met other parents of babies, made connections and had a great time! So it seems Macaroni Kid has something for everyone in the child/parent world.
I hope you find something fun to explore soon!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Breastfeeding Issues in the Pioneer Valley
When I was pregnant, I had every intention to breastfeed. And, when Ruby was born I did breastfeed. And I still do. BUT...
In between Ruby's birth and today, there's been a lot of drama surrounding all that breastfeeding.
Hysteria is the only word that truly reflects what my husband and I went through that first week of Ruby's life. The baby was losing too much weight and the doctor was freaking us out about it BIG TIME (we've since switched pediatricians). We were new parents who were worried and terrified about our daughter's health.
It was hell.
I wanted my daughter to grow and be healthy, which is why I wanted to breastfeed her! I wanted her to get the benefits of breast milk, I wanted to do whatever I could that was natural for her and me, as well as the bonding... I didn't understand what was going wrong!
Luckily, we were directed to Mary Carey of Pioneer Valley Lactation Consulting. I called her on a Thursday afternoon and she was at our house the next morning.
Mary was SO kind and friendly, and in about a minute of seeing Ruby and talking with us she was able to offer answers and solutions about our issues, which were with latching AND low supply.
Mary's visits (and follow up calls) were so amazing and helpful. I truly believe that, had I not met with her, I would have given up on breastfeeding, which would have absolutely broken my heart. But she gave me such great information and tips, and was just so supportive of everything, including what we eventually found to be the best way to feed Ruby. Her overall approach was also so relaxed and calming, and that made such a difference when we were initially so terrified.
I recommend Pioneer Valley Lactation Consulting to anyone in Western Massachusetts who is looking for breastfeeding education, regardless of whether or not you are having any issues.
Ultimately, nothing we tried - not power pumping, prescription drugs, oatmeal, fenugreek or More Milk Plus - could get me to make enough milk for my baby. They all helped up my supply a bit, but never to the point where I didn't have to supplement with formula. Now I breastfeed and supplement with Earth's Best formula.
I know now that not every woman can breastfeed, no matter how badly they want to or try. I also think that time hooked to a pump can be more detrimental to bonding with your baby than giving them a bottle of formula. I think the day I returned the rented pump to the hospital was the day I started building a relaxed and wonderful relationship with my daughter.
In between Ruby's birth and today, there's been a lot of drama surrounding all that breastfeeding.
Hysteria is the only word that truly reflects what my husband and I went through that first week of Ruby's life. The baby was losing too much weight and the doctor was freaking us out about it BIG TIME (we've since switched pediatricians). We were new parents who were worried and terrified about our daughter's health.
It was hell.
I wanted my daughter to grow and be healthy, which is why I wanted to breastfeed her! I wanted her to get the benefits of breast milk, I wanted to do whatever I could that was natural for her and me, as well as the bonding... I didn't understand what was going wrong!
Luckily, we were directed to Mary Carey of Pioneer Valley Lactation Consulting. I called her on a Thursday afternoon and she was at our house the next morning.
Mary was SO kind and friendly, and in about a minute of seeing Ruby and talking with us she was able to offer answers and solutions about our issues, which were with latching AND low supply.
Mary's visits (and follow up calls) were so amazing and helpful. I truly believe that, had I not met with her, I would have given up on breastfeeding, which would have absolutely broken my heart. But she gave me such great information and tips, and was just so supportive of everything, including what we eventually found to be the best way to feed Ruby. Her overall approach was also so relaxed and calming, and that made such a difference when we were initially so terrified.
I recommend Pioneer Valley Lactation Consulting to anyone in Western Massachusetts who is looking for breastfeeding education, regardless of whether or not you are having any issues.
Ultimately, nothing we tried - not power pumping, prescription drugs, oatmeal, fenugreek or More Milk Plus - could get me to make enough milk for my baby. They all helped up my supply a bit, but never to the point where I didn't have to supplement with formula. Now I breastfeed and supplement with Earth's Best formula.
I know now that not every woman can breastfeed, no matter how badly they want to or try. I also think that time hooked to a pump can be more detrimental to bonding with your baby than giving them a bottle of formula. I think the day I returned the rented pump to the hospital was the day I started building a relaxed and wonderful relationship with my daughter.
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