Parents,
Freelancer, Donna Roberson, is working on an article for baystateparent on the cost of having a child in the first year for our March baby issue.
We are so interested in what you have to say about the costs of baby from everything to feeding, diapers, and daycare to clothing, furniture, and the extras.
- How expensive was it? Was it more than you really planned for?
- What came up that you didn't expect?
- What was your greatest expense?
- Did you have a baby shower or previous children that helped cut down on expenses?
- Did you buy a lot of things for the first child that you didn't really need?
- Anything else in your mind that stands out from that first year.
If you respond, the article may include a quote from you with your name, number of children (and their gender and ages) and the town you live in (so please let us know!)
Thank you!
Donna Roberson, freelancer, and Carrie Wattu, editor
Showing posts with label baby. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baby. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Start of a Baby Boom???
More babies were born in the United States last year than ever before, according to a report by the National Center for Health Statistics. About 4,315,000 children were born in 2007, that is 15,000 more births than the peak time of the baby boom in 1950s.
Years leading up to 2007 showed slight increases in the number of births, not the substantial growth of the baby boom years, which were 1946 through 1964, according to the statistics.
To read the complete report visit http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr56/nvsr56_21.htm
Years leading up to 2007 showed slight increases in the number of births, not the substantial growth of the baby boom years, which were 1946 through 1964, according to the statistics.
To read the complete report visit http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr56/nvsr56_21.htm
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Stroller Strides to Launch First Fit4Bay Prenatal FitnessClasses
For the past seven years, Stroller Strides has supported thousands of women through new motherhood with its postnatal mom-and-baby fitness program. This fall, the family-friendly exercise company will extend its same supportive services to the pregnant client, with its launch of Fit4Baby – an exclusive prenatal fitness program developed by Stroller Strides.
“We’ve long anticipated this expansion into prenatal fitness,” says Lisa Druxman, founder of Stroller Strides. “There is still quite a bit of misinformation out there in regard to exercise during pregnancy, and our clients can rest assured that we are well-versed in the latest research and recommendations pertaining to this important population of women, and are therefore able to offer the safest and most effective program to date.”
Like Stroller Strides, Fit4Baby will offer a total body interval workout including strength training, cardio and flexibility exercises that can be completed in either an outdoor or indoor environment. During the one-hour class, exercises will be adjusted to accommodate clients’ various stages of pregnancy, and further education from instructors on each phase will help participants understand the bodily changes taking place, how to best care for themselves, and the preparation process for motherhood.
‘Beta’ Fit4Baby classes will launch in select cities in August 2008, and all Stroller Strides franchisees will have the opportunity to become trained in the program in October.
Following the training, franchisees can begin offering the classes at any of their already existing Stroller Strides class locations, which currently number more than 700 and are found throughout the United States and in Canada.
“There’s increasing awareness that exercise is beneficial to both mom and baby during pregnancy,” Druxman explains. “Virtually every prenatal ache, pain and discomfort in a healthy pregnancy can be alleviated or lessened with exercise, and the added bonus of exercising in a group setting is the strong bonds and friendships that are built along the way.”
Prior to starting Fit4Baby or any other exercise program, pregnant women should obtain a physician’s clearance.
Stroller Strides classes are offered in over 700 locations in the United States and now in Canada. The hour-long classes emphasize cardiovascular activities and muscle-strengthening exercises using resistance bands and strollers, allowing moms to interact with their babies throughout their workout. To further assist mothers in all aspects of their lives, Stroller Strides partners with LUNA® and BOB™. For more information about Stroller Strides, including class locations, visit http://www.strollerstrides.com/
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“We’ve long anticipated this expansion into prenatal fitness,” says Lisa Druxman, founder of Stroller Strides. “There is still quite a bit of misinformation out there in regard to exercise during pregnancy, and our clients can rest assured that we are well-versed in the latest research and recommendations pertaining to this important population of women, and are therefore able to offer the safest and most effective program to date.”
Like Stroller Strides, Fit4Baby will offer a total body interval workout including strength training, cardio and flexibility exercises that can be completed in either an outdoor or indoor environment. During the one-hour class, exercises will be adjusted to accommodate clients’ various stages of pregnancy, and further education from instructors on each phase will help participants understand the bodily changes taking place, how to best care for themselves, and the preparation process for motherhood.
‘Beta’ Fit4Baby classes will launch in select cities in August 2008, and all Stroller Strides franchisees will have the opportunity to become trained in the program in October.
Following the training, franchisees can begin offering the classes at any of their already existing Stroller Strides class locations, which currently number more than 700 and are found throughout the United States and in Canada.
“There’s increasing awareness that exercise is beneficial to both mom and baby during pregnancy,” Druxman explains. “Virtually every prenatal ache, pain and discomfort in a healthy pregnancy can be alleviated or lessened with exercise, and the added bonus of exercising in a group setting is the strong bonds and friendships that are built along the way.”
Prior to starting Fit4Baby or any other exercise program, pregnant women should obtain a physician’s clearance.
Stroller Strides classes are offered in over 700 locations in the United States and now in Canada. The hour-long classes emphasize cardiovascular activities and muscle-strengthening exercises using resistance bands and strollers, allowing moms to interact with their babies throughout their workout. To further assist mothers in all aspects of their lives, Stroller Strides partners with LUNA® and BOB™. For more information about Stroller Strides, including class locations, visit http://www.strollerstrides.com/
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Tuesday, June 17, 2008
STUDY: Government Finds Gaps in Breastfeeding Support at American Hospitals & Birthing Centers
Many birth facilities in the United States are not providing maternity care that is fully supportive of breastfeeding, according to a study in today′s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports a publication of the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Research has shown that what happens in the hospital or birth center plays a crucial role in establishing breastfeeding and helping mothers to continue breastfeeding after leaving the birth facility.
The study, “Breastfeeding-Related Maternity Care Practices among Hospitals and Birth Centers – United States, 2007,” analyzed responses from nearly 2,700 birth facilities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. It asked birth facilities about their practices and policies in caring for women who choose to breastfeed their newborns. The practices were scored on a scale from 0 to 100 points.
The study found that hospitals and birth centers in many southern states scored lower in practices supportive of breastfeeding compared to other regions of the nation, with average total maternity practice scores ranging from 48 to 58.
Western and New England states generally had higher scores compared to other parts of the country.
Vermont and New Hampshire tied for the highest overall maternity practice scores (81), followed by Maine (77) and Oregon (74). (Massachusetts was not mentioned in the governmental press release.)
In addition, Oregon, Maine, and Vermont report that more than 75 percent of children were ever breastfed.
The study reported scores related to seven aspects of maternity care.
Nationally, the average facility score was 63 for key maternity practices in infant nutrition and care.
Out of a possible 100 points, the national scores were: labor and delivery, 60; breastfeeding assistance, 80; mother-newborn contact, 70; postpartum feeding, 77; breastfeeding support after hospital discharge, 40; nurse/birth attendant breastfeeding training and education, 51; and structural and organizational quality, 66.
The study also found that mean total scores combining all seven categories of practice varied significantly among states – ranging from a score of 48 in Arkansas to 81 in both New Hampshire and Vermont.
“These findings underscore the importance of improving the way hospitals and birth centers provide assistance, encouragement and support for breastfeeding,” said Laurence Grummer-Strawn, Ph.D., chief of the nutrition branch in CDC′s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity. “We have a great deal of work to do to accomplish our national objectives related to breastfeeding, and birth facilities can make a huge contribution to this effort.”
National Healthy People 2010 objectives call for 75 percent of new mothers to initiate breastfeeding, 50 percent to continue for six months, and 25 percent to continue for one year. In addition, the national objectives have a goal for 40 percent of mothers to breastfeed exclusively for three months, and 17 percent of women to breastfeed exclusively for six months.
Studies show that both babies and mothers gain many benefits from breastfeeding. Breast milk contains antibodies that can protect infants from bacterial and viral infections. Breastfed babies are also less likely to become overweight compared to formula-fed babies. Research also indicates that women who breastfeed may have lower rates of diabetes and breast or ovarian cancers than women who don′t breastfeed.
For general information about breastfeeding, visit www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding
Research has shown that what happens in the hospital or birth center plays a crucial role in establishing breastfeeding and helping mothers to continue breastfeeding after leaving the birth facility.
The study, “Breastfeeding-Related Maternity Care Practices among Hospitals and Birth Centers – United States, 2007,” analyzed responses from nearly 2,700 birth facilities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. It asked birth facilities about their practices and policies in caring for women who choose to breastfeed their newborns. The practices were scored on a scale from 0 to 100 points.
The study found that hospitals and birth centers in many southern states scored lower in practices supportive of breastfeeding compared to other regions of the nation, with average total maternity practice scores ranging from 48 to 58.
Western and New England states generally had higher scores compared to other parts of the country.
Vermont and New Hampshire tied for the highest overall maternity practice scores (81), followed by Maine (77) and Oregon (74). (Massachusetts was not mentioned in the governmental press release.)
In addition, Oregon, Maine, and Vermont report that more than 75 percent of children were ever breastfed.
The study reported scores related to seven aspects of maternity care.
Nationally, the average facility score was 63 for key maternity practices in infant nutrition and care.
Out of a possible 100 points, the national scores were: labor and delivery, 60; breastfeeding assistance, 80; mother-newborn contact, 70; postpartum feeding, 77; breastfeeding support after hospital discharge, 40; nurse/birth attendant breastfeeding training and education, 51; and structural and organizational quality, 66.
The study also found that mean total scores combining all seven categories of practice varied significantly among states – ranging from a score of 48 in Arkansas to 81 in both New Hampshire and Vermont.
“These findings underscore the importance of improving the way hospitals and birth centers provide assistance, encouragement and support for breastfeeding,” said Laurence Grummer-Strawn, Ph.D., chief of the nutrition branch in CDC′s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity. “We have a great deal of work to do to accomplish our national objectives related to breastfeeding, and birth facilities can make a huge contribution to this effort.”
National Healthy People 2010 objectives call for 75 percent of new mothers to initiate breastfeeding, 50 percent to continue for six months, and 25 percent to continue for one year. In addition, the national objectives have a goal for 40 percent of mothers to breastfeed exclusively for three months, and 17 percent of women to breastfeed exclusively for six months.
Studies show that both babies and mothers gain many benefits from breastfeeding. Breast milk contains antibodies that can protect infants from bacterial and viral infections. Breastfed babies are also less likely to become overweight compared to formula-fed babies. Research also indicates that women who breastfeed may have lower rates of diabetes and breast or ovarian cancers than women who don′t breastfeed.
For general information about breastfeeding, visit www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Congressman Markey Proposes a Federal Ban on BPA
Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA), a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee with oversight over the Department of Health and Human Services, will introduce the “Ban Poisonous Additives (BPA)” Act today to prohibit the use of the chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) in all food and beverage containers.
BPA is prevalent in plastic bottles and most baby bottles and the linings of canned food and beverages, but more than 100 scientific studies have shown that low doses of BPA in animals can lead to increases in cancer, brain damage, altered immune function and other health problems.
Rep. Markey said, "From baby bottles to cans of chicken soup, BPA is present throughout American life. But concerns about the effects of BPA on human health have been mounting, and we've reached a point where the risk is simply too high. For the sake of the health of every man, woman and child in America, the best course of action we can take right now is to completely ban BPA in food and beverage containers, especially because there are alternatives already available."
BPA is used to harden plastics and is associated with a broad spectrum of hazardous effects. Often used to make plastic bottles and as a coating in the linings of food and beverage cans, it has been shown to leach out of the containers into liquids and foods, and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention found measurable amounts of BPA in the bodies of 93 percent of the U.S. population studied.
"Representative Markey's legislation is an essential step to improving the health of all U.S. citizens," said Jeanne Rizzo, R.N., executive director of the Breast Cancer Fund. "The presence of bisphenol-A in commonly used goods is shockingly prevalent, and the average consumer is unaware of what products to avoid. Americans expect and believe that their government is safeguarding their health, and this legislation is an important step in that direction."
Rep. Markey's BPA Act will ban BPA in all food and beverage packaging.
The bill has been endorsed by the Breast Cancer Fund, Consumers Union, the Environmental Working Group, Health, Education and Resources, Inc., Making Our Milk Safe, the National Research Center for Women and Families, the Public Interest Research Group, the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals and the Chicago Consortium for Reproductive Health in Minority Communities.
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BPA is prevalent in plastic bottles and most baby bottles and the linings of canned food and beverages, but more than 100 scientific studies have shown that low doses of BPA in animals can lead to increases in cancer, brain damage, altered immune function and other health problems.
Rep. Markey said, "From baby bottles to cans of chicken soup, BPA is present throughout American life. But concerns about the effects of BPA on human health have been mounting, and we've reached a point where the risk is simply too high. For the sake of the health of every man, woman and child in America, the best course of action we can take right now is to completely ban BPA in food and beverage containers, especially because there are alternatives already available."
BPA is used to harden plastics and is associated with a broad spectrum of hazardous effects. Often used to make plastic bottles and as a coating in the linings of food and beverage cans, it has been shown to leach out of the containers into liquids and foods, and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention found measurable amounts of BPA in the bodies of 93 percent of the U.S. population studied.
"Representative Markey's legislation is an essential step to improving the health of all U.S. citizens," said Jeanne Rizzo, R.N., executive director of the Breast Cancer Fund. "The presence of bisphenol-A in commonly used goods is shockingly prevalent, and the average consumer is unaware of what products to avoid. Americans expect and believe that their government is safeguarding their health, and this legislation is an important step in that direction."
Rep. Markey's BPA Act will ban BPA in all food and beverage packaging.
The bill has been endorsed by the Breast Cancer Fund, Consumers Union, the Environmental Working Group, Health, Education and Resources, Inc., Making Our Milk Safe, the National Research Center for Women and Families, the Public Interest Research Group, the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals and the Chicago Consortium for Reproductive Health in Minority Communities.
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FREE Learn How to Massage Your Baby Classes in Easton
Infant Massage is a shared interaction between parent(s) and baby, and provides many benefits:
•helps relieve discomfort associated with teething, gas and colic
•helps babies sleep longer
•helps to foster the parent/infant bond and communication
Classes include hands-on demonstrations of massage strokes, relaxation techniques and discussion. Classes are for infants, birth to 1 year, and take place for 5 consecutive weeks at The Children's Museum in Easton.
CLASSES ARE HELD ON THESE DATES
•Tuesday, June 10
•Tuesday, June 17
•Tuesday, June 24
•Tuesday, June 24
•Tuesday, July 1
Classes are from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and presented by Karen Swartz, who is a Certified Child Life Specialist and is currently employed at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence R.I. She received a BS in Human Development from Wheelock College, as well as her MS in Child Life and Family Centered Care from Wheelock. If you have any questions, contact Karen at 508-297-2032 or kswartz@lifespan.org.
This FREE class has limited space.
Pre-registration is required.
However if you miss a class, you may still be able to attend subsequent classes.
Call the Children's Museum in Easton at 508-230-3789.
About the Museum: The Children's Museum in Easton is an educational, cultural, and social learning center for children and families with a primary focus on children ages 1-8. We are located in a historic Old Fire Station in North Easton. Our mission is to help children and families become lifelong learners, using hands-on experience as the key to stimulating curiosity and motivating learning. With 3 floors of interactive exhibits and over 100 programs that allow kids to explore the world around them, we offer something for everyone!
http://www.charityadvantage.com/ChildrensmuseumEaston/home.asp
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•helps relieve discomfort associated with teething, gas and colic
•helps babies sleep longer
•helps to foster the parent/infant bond and communication
Classes include hands-on demonstrations of massage strokes, relaxation techniques and discussion. Classes are for infants, birth to 1 year, and take place for 5 consecutive weeks at The Children's Museum in Easton.
CLASSES ARE HELD ON THESE DATES
•Tuesday, June 10
•Tuesday, June 17
•Tuesday, June 24
•Tuesday, June 24
•Tuesday, July 1
Classes are from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and presented by Karen Swartz, who is a Certified Child Life Specialist and is currently employed at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence R.I. She received a BS in Human Development from Wheelock College, as well as her MS in Child Life and Family Centered Care from Wheelock. If you have any questions, contact Karen at 508-297-2032 or kswartz@lifespan.org.
This FREE class has limited space.
Pre-registration is required.
However if you miss a class, you may still be able to attend subsequent classes.
Call the Children's Museum in Easton at 508-230-3789.
About the Museum: The Children's Museum in Easton is an educational, cultural, and social learning center for children and families with a primary focus on children ages 1-8. We are located in a historic Old Fire Station in North Easton. Our mission is to help children and families become lifelong learners, using hands-on experience as the key to stimulating curiosity and motivating learning. With 3 floors of interactive exhibits and over 100 programs that allow kids to explore the world around them, we offer something for everyone!
http://www.charityadvantage.com/ChildrensmuseumEaston/home.asp
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Tuesday, March 25, 2008
American Baby Faire CONTEST WINNERS
The following readers of Bay State Parent magazine are the 20 winners of 2 free tickets to this weekend's American Baby Faire Boston event at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro on Saturday & Sunday.
Tickets were mailed to:
Jen D'Intinosanto of Clinton
Cristin Murphy of Worcester
Jen Leider of Fitchburg
Jackie Seemung of Marlboro
Megan Evans of Ashburnham
Christine Gaudreau of Leominster
Viviana Alzate of Worcester
Judy Kkittler Zmijak of Lancaster
Leslie Genova of Melrose
Jennie Mayhew of Foxboro
Betsy Nazar of Mansfield
Lisa Nguyen of Worcester
Constance Talley of Charlton
Amy J. Frank of Warwick, R.I.
Jennifer Fitzgerald of Gardner
Gwyneth Marini of Attleboro
Melanie Brothers of Charlton
Deb Burwick of Worcester
Amy Whitehead-Pleaux of Worcester
Stacey Briggs of Maynard
Lisa Sherman of Brockton
For more info about the show visit, http://www.baystateparent.com/news/2008/0301/calendar/011.html
Visit http://www.baystateparent.com/ and this blog at http://baystateparent.blogspot.com/search/label/contest
for more exclusive contests!
Tickets were mailed to:
Jen D'Intinosanto of Clinton
Cristin Murphy of Worcester
Jen Leider of Fitchburg
Jackie Seemung of Marlboro
Megan Evans of Ashburnham
Christine Gaudreau of Leominster
Viviana Alzate of Worcester
Judy Kkittler Zmijak of Lancaster
Leslie Genova of Melrose
Jennie Mayhew of Foxboro
Betsy Nazar of Mansfield
Lisa Nguyen of Worcester
Constance Talley of Charlton
Amy J. Frank of Warwick, R.I.
Jennifer Fitzgerald of Gardner
Gwyneth Marini of Attleboro
Melanie Brothers of Charlton
Deb Burwick of Worcester
Amy Whitehead-Pleaux of Worcester
Stacey Briggs of Maynard
Lisa Sherman of Brockton
For more info about the show visit, http://www.baystateparent.com/news/2008/0301/calendar/011.html
Visit http://www.baystateparent.com/ and this blog at http://baystateparent.blogspot.com/search/label/contest
for more exclusive contests!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
FREE Baby Faire Tickets -- Just fill out a survey!
Bay State Parent magazine is giving away free sets of tickets to the American Baby Faire's Boston stop at Gillette Stadium on March 29-30.
The next 10 people who fill out the survey at www.baystateparent.com/Common/survey_form.html will receive 2 FREE tickets, worth $20.
Don't forget stop by the Bay State Parent magazine booth & this year parking is FREE!!!
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The next 10 people who fill out the survey at www.baystateparent.com/Common/survey_form.html will receive 2 FREE tickets, worth $20.
Don't forget stop by the Bay State Parent magazine booth & this year parking is FREE!!!
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Friday, March 7, 2008
CONTEST: Win 2 Free Tickets to the American Baby Faire in Boston at Gillette Stadium on March 29-30
The first 20 people to fill out the survey at the link below will win 2 free tickets to the Boston stop of the American Baby Faire at Gillette Stadium on Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30. Tickets are valued at $10 each. There is FREE parking at the event.
To enter visit:
www.baystateparent.com/Common/survey_form.html
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Saturday morning, March 8:
5 winners already -- 15 more 2-pack of tickets still available!!!
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To enter visit:
www.baystateparent.com/Common/survey_form.html
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Saturday morning, March 8:
5 winners already -- 15 more 2-pack of tickets still available!!!
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Thursday, May 17, 2007
Bay State Parent Wins 2007 Sword of Hope Award
Bay State Parent magazine won honored with a 2007 Sword of Hope Media Award from The American Cancer Society, New England Division last night. Freelance Writer Trish Reske of Westborough was the winner of the award in the freelance category. Her April 2006 article on women, who had battled cancer and then gave birth to a child entitled Conceiving after the Inconceivable was submitted into the bi-annual competition by Editor Susan Scully Petroni. Reske, her husband David, and Petroni attended the awards dinner held last night, May 16 at Harvard University’s Faculty Club in Cambridge. The 2007 Sword of Hope award covers print and broadcast journalism published or broadcast during 2005 and 2006. The 15 award winners represent 13 news organizations based in Massachusetts, Maine, and Connecticut.“Reske wrote a very emotional and uplifting article for Bay State Parent,” said Petroni. “She deserves to be honored for her writing and for the hope she gave many of our readers who have or are battling cancer.” Read the award-winning article online at: www.baystateparent.com/news/2006/0401/Articles/024.html
The judges for the 2007 American Cancer Society Sword of Hope Awards were: Ann LoLordo, deputy editorial page editor at The Baltimore Sun; Garland Waller, associate professor of television at Boston University; David Galletly, vice president at WAMC/ Northeast Pubic Radio, Albany, New York; and K. Viswanath, PhD, associate professor at Harvard School of Public Health, and a researcher at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.
This is the second time Bay State Parent magazine has been honored with this award. Freelance writer Stacy Juba won in 2005, for an article on skin cancer facts.
Thus far this year, the magazine has won 29 awards. In fact, Bay State Parent has won 75 awards since changing our name to Bay State Parent from Today's Parent three years ago. We truly are Massachusetts' Premier Magazine for Families.
Established in 1974, the American Cancer Society’s Sword of Hope Awards pay tribute to the essential role of the news media in raising public awareness of cancer, deepening the understanding of cancer, and ultimately saving lives.
Other 2007 award winners were:
* In the Daily Newspaper, circulation over 50,000, category, Irene Sege of the Boston Globe won for “Wednesdays with Perry and Jay,” a feature story following breast cancer survivor Perry Colmore as she provided emotional support to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.
* In the Daily Newspaper, circulation under 50,000, category, the Fairfield Citizen-News won the award for an article entitled “Two-Time Cancer Survivor Urges Young Mothers Not to Wait to Get a Mammogram” by Michele Hermann.
* In the Weekly Newspaper category, Boston’s Bay State Banner tied with The Forecaster of Falmouth, Maine. In the Bay State Banner, Karen Miller’s “Be Healthy” section won, along with Mo Mehlsak’s story about colon cancer prevention and detection in The Forecaster.
* In the Radio category, WBUR-FM, Boston, won for Allan Coukell’s piece entitled “New Lung Cancer Test,” tied with WNPR-FM in Hartford, with “The Mystery of Breast Cancer,” produced by John Dankosky, George Goodrich, and Evette Cooke.
* In the Magazine/Periodical category, The Women’s Times of Great Barrington, won for their “Guide to Breast Cancer Resources.”
* WFXT Fox 25 in Boston won in the Television News/Feature Story category for “Fenway First Pitch” by Butch Stearns.
* The Local Cable Access award went to Community Vision 21 in Newtown, Connecticut, for the Charter Communications program “In Your Community,” produced by Dave King.
* In the Continuing Overall Effort category, there was a tie between WCSH6 in Portland, Maine, for their “Buddy to Buddy” program, and the Connecticut Post for Meg Barone’s series of cancer articles.
* A special Judges’ Award was given to the Sunday Republican of Springfield, for “Where Hope Dwells” by Ronni Gordon.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Music in Motion Class in Northborough
The Children’s Department at the Northborough Free Library on Main Street is holding a Music in Motion class on Tuesday, May 15 from 10 to 10:30 a.m. for children ages 12-24 months with an adult. The class features dance and rhythms with Lisa. Registration is required to attend. To register call, 508-393-5025.
Baby Sign Language Class in Northborough
The Children's Department of the Northborough Free Library on main Street is holding a Baby Sign Language Class on Saturday, May 19 from 10 to 10L:45 a.m. for babies 6-12 months old with an adult. Registration is required to attend the event. To register, call 508-393-5025.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Massachusetts Is One of the Worst States in Protecting A Mother's Right To Breastfeed
Last week, a Hingham mom, who also happens to be a practicing cardiologist in Brockton, was told to stop breastfeeding her 2-month old infant, by the manager of an iParty store in South Weymouth.
While corporate iParty has informed all of its stores that women have the right to breatsfeed in public, the incident highlights the fact that Massachusetts is one of the worst states in America in protecting a women's right to breastfeed.
A point not lost with us here at Bay State Parent magazine.
In fact, we highlighted this lack of support for moms in our 7th Annual Pregnancy & Baby Issue in March. Freelance Writer Jennifer Lefferts researched and wrote the report.
You can read the entire special report online at: www.baystateparent.com/news/2007/0301/Articles/031.html
Additional articles include:
* Massachusetts is one of the worst: www.baystateparent.com/news/2007/0301/Articles/032.html
* Benefits of Breastfeeding: www.baystateparent.com/news/2007/0301/Articles/034.html
* Resources: www.baystateparent.com/news/2007/0301/Articles/033.html
To read more about the iParty incident, visit http://news.bostonherald.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=196602
While corporate iParty has informed all of its stores that women have the right to breatsfeed in public, the incident highlights the fact that Massachusetts is one of the worst states in America in protecting a women's right to breastfeed.
A point not lost with us here at Bay State Parent magazine.
In fact, we highlighted this lack of support for moms in our 7th Annual Pregnancy & Baby Issue in March. Freelance Writer Jennifer Lefferts researched and wrote the report.
You can read the entire special report online at: www.baystateparent.com/news/2007/0301/Articles/031.html
Additional articles include:
* Massachusetts is one of the worst: www.baystateparent.com/news/2007/0301/Articles/032.html
* Benefits of Breastfeeding: www.baystateparent.com/news/2007/0301/Articles/034.html
* Resources: www.baystateparent.com/news/2007/0301/Articles/033.html
To read more about the iParty incident, visit http://news.bostonherald.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=196602
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Making Time For The New Mom
For some new moms, getting out to socialize, for downtime or to reestablish pre-baby hobbies or interests gets put on the backburner after baby arrives and takes precedent.
The effects of that could be detrimental. Dr. Debra Pallatto-Fontaine, professor of teacher education and family studies at Becker College in Leicester/Worcester, said a new mom must be willing to care for herself and maintain her identity as a woman, and if she's feeling overtired, depressed, or isolated, she cannot feel overjoyed about being with the baby 24- hours a day, seven days a week.
"Many women/mothers tend to put others' needs before their own and, as a result, become stressed and sometimes even resentful," she said. "Babies need moms who are not tired all the time or wishing they could have some free time."
There needs to be a healthy balance between baby play dates and what moms want to do, she advised.
Bay State Parent magazine contributing writer Robin Burke delves into this issue and offers new moms ways to find time for themselves in the magazine's Mom's Play Date department inside the March issue.
Pick up a copy of the issue, which contains our 7th Annual Pregnancy & Baby Guide, or read Robin's report online at: http://www.baystateparent.com/news/2007/0301/Articles/048.html
*And check out the magazine's tips for finding adult-only play dates:
http://www.baystateparent.com/news/2007/0301/Articles/049.html
The effects of that could be detrimental. Dr. Debra Pallatto-Fontaine, professor of teacher education and family studies at Becker College in Leicester/Worcester, said a new mom must be willing to care for herself and maintain her identity as a woman, and if she's feeling overtired, depressed, or isolated, she cannot feel overjoyed about being with the baby 24- hours a day, seven days a week.
"Many women/mothers tend to put others' needs before their own and, as a result, become stressed and sometimes even resentful," she said. "Babies need moms who are not tired all the time or wishing they could have some free time."
There needs to be a healthy balance between baby play dates and what moms want to do, she advised.
Bay State Parent magazine contributing writer Robin Burke delves into this issue and offers new moms ways to find time for themselves in the magazine's Mom's Play Date department inside the March issue.
Pick up a copy of the issue, which contains our 7th Annual Pregnancy & Baby Guide, or read Robin's report online at: http://www.baystateparent.com/news/2007/0301/Articles/048.html
*And check out the magazine's tips for finding adult-only play dates:
http://www.baystateparent.com/news/2007/0301/Articles/049.html
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Baby Faire Winners!
Thanks to everone, who stopped by the Bay State Parent magazine booth at the American Baby Faire in Boston this past weekend. The winners of our raffle are: 1) Chicco's 0.6 Comfort Travel Stroller - Carol Contilli of Gloucester.
2) Chicco's Jungle Activity Mat - Jessica Silvia of East Falmouth.
3) Primo's EuroBath filled with a rubber duckie and bath essentials - Deanna Greenstein of Quincy.
We raffled off three of my seven picks for best new products for mom and baby. To read the article, visit www.baystateparent.com/news/2007/0301/Articles/035.html
Congrats to the winners!
Saturday, March 10, 2007
American Baby Faire in Boston - Day 1
Hello to all the future moms & new moms I met today at the American Baby Faire in Boston. Thanks for stopping by our booth. (If you are pregnant, you should mark your calendar to attend the faire at the Bay Side Expo Center tomorrow (March 11) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Stop by the Bay State Parent magazine booth to enter our free raffle featuring three of my seven picks for best new products for mom & baby. We are raffling off a lime green Comfort Travel Stroller from Chicco ($65 value), a jungle-themed play mat for babies ($35 value), or a Primo EuroBath filled with goodies ($35 value.)Winners will be called next week and announced to all on this blog.
I'd love to hear from those of you who attended the faire -- on your favorite new product discovered or best giveaway you brought home. Drop me an e-mail at editor@baystateparent.com
--Susan
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
WEEKEND PICK: WIN BABY GEAR!
If you are pregnant or just had a baby, you will not want to miss attending the American Baby Faire in Boston this weekend at the Bay Side Expo. (Saturday & Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)Stroll and stop at more than 100 exhibitor's booths, inlcuding Bay State Parent magazine's booth. You'll find the newest products for infants and toddlers, as well as lots of free product samples and coupons.
Stop by the Bay State Parent magazine booth to enter our FREE raffle for the chance to win either a lime green Comfort Travel Stroller from Chicco ($65 value), a jungle-themed play mat for babies ($35 value), or a Primo EuroBath filled with goodies.
This educational day for adults also is a fun adventure for little ones, who will be treated to continuous live children's entertainment, a bounce house, a 24- foot Old Woman in the Shoe slide, a super spiral bouncer, and an Action Center filled with toys.
The American Baby Faire is sponsored by Babies "R" Us. Admission is $8 for adults, and free for children under 12 and grandparents. $3 discount admission coupons are available at your local Babies "R" Us. Parking is $12.
I'll be there on Saturday morning. Stop by and say hello!
--Susan
P.S. Types of exhibitors to expect include:
Baby & Toddler Apparel
Baby Bottle Manufacturers
Beauty and Cosmetics
Birth Announcements & Invitations
Cellular Phone Sales
Chiropractors
Drug Stores
Educational Toys and Videos
Financial Services & Insurance
Formula & Food Companies
Furniture & Bedding
Health & Fitness Centers
Home Security Companies
Hospitals & Birthing Centers
Infant & Toddler Books & Toys
Maternity Apparel
Personalized Gifts & Accessories
Photographers
Scrapbooking & Crafts
Stroller & Car Seat Manufacturers
Monday, February 26, 2007
March Issue Preview
The March issue went to the printers this past weekend. You should be able to find it at your favorite location beginning Thursday! If you are pregnant or just had a baby, you will not want to miss this issue. Inside is our 7th Annual Pregnancy & Baby Guide. There are 10 great articles in the guide. They include:
* A report on how Massachusetts is one of the worst states in the union to support and protect a women's right to breastfeed
* The beginning of our two-part series The Truth About Miscarriage and Life After Miscarriage.
* Discover the reasons behind the increase in C-sections in the Bay State.
* Changes you can expect to see in your baby during his first three months
* Trends in naming newborns and the top 10 names for boys & girls in Massachusetts
* Should I hire an au pair?
* Finding & making time for mom after baby's arrival
* The smallest sweets perfect for a baby shower
* 12 marvelous maternity shops
* 7 essentials for every new mom & baby
But if you are not having a baby, then you'll still can't afford not to pick up this month's issue to read our Special Report: Tackling the Childhood Obesity Problem.
Freelance Writer Rosemary Cafasso researched and wrote a multi-article report on how organizations and families are putting muscle into the fight against obesity.
The package also contains a look at the soon-to-be released book Ending the Food Fight by a physician at Children’s Hospital in Boston and an interview with children's author & illustrator Marc Brown, of Arthur fame, who teamed up with Rosemary Wells (Max & Ruby) to collaborate on The Gulps, a children's book, to be released in April, which tackles the childhood obesity issue and the need for families to solve the problem together.
Also inside March, read a:
* Adoption Insights: Preview of the 34th Annual New England Adoption Conference
* Special Needs Parenting: Understanding Children with Asperger's Syndrome
* Ask the Teacher: How to Prepare Your Fourth Grader for the MCAS
* Tween to Teen Department: New Commonwealth Driving Rules for Teens, effective March 31
Hope you enjoy this issue as much as we do!
Drop me a line with your thoughts at editor@baystateparent.com
--Susan
P.S. Stop by our booth at the American Baby Faire in Boston on March 10-11. We'll be raffling for FREE a few of our essential items for moms and babies featured in this month's issue!
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