by Laurie Chamberlin, CD, ICCE, LE
Tears streaming down her face, sadness and longing to go back and do it differently “How do you get the word out?” Dena questioned. “I took the classes, I learned about the pro’s and con’s, but I didn’t care about that when I was pregnant, I just wanted my baby out, no matter how it happened and then I ended up with a horrible experience” she continued. “I’ll do everything I can next time to have a vaginal birth, please Laurie, tell everyone, it’s not a simple as it sounds!”
Dena sat in my office, 15 months after the birth of her baby girl, reliving the experience of the cesarean birth of her first and only child. The pull of meeting her baby at the time, and ending pregnancy was for her, more important than how she brought her baby into the world. In hindsight she sees all the information that she couldn’t take in because emotionally, her mind was made up.
She reflected further, “It seemed so easy to just schedule a cesarean, I didn’t know everything that could go wrong, it seems everyone is doing it!’
And as usual, timing is everything, literally within hours of meeting with Dena I am emailed a link to Prevent Cesarean Surgery.
Truth is, birth by cesarean section is sometimes necessary, and when it is, we are extremely grateful. We know it has it’s benefits, it can save lives. This video is for pregnant women and their partners who want to know more about cesarean births and what they can do to avoid one. It’s short, it’s informative and the music is fabulous! Worth it, watch it, pass it on.
For a list of classes and services go to www.lauriechamberlin.com
Laurie Chamberlin, CD, ICCE, LE teaches childbirth preparation classes, lactation classes and is a prenatal counselor serving the Grass Valley/Nevada City/Auburn area. For more information contact: lauriechamberlin@comcast.net or call 530.477.5442.
July 14, 2009
Kids, Parents and Power Struggles by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka is by far the most helpful parenting book I’ve ever read… and I’ve read lots. It focuses on acknowledging the emotion behind your child’s behavior, with the idea that once your child feels understood they will bring down their intensity… and then you can work on enforcing your standards.
March 19, 2009
posted by Carol White
My mom just send me a funny article from the San Jose Mercury News titled, “For Christmas this year, it’s all about managing expectations.“ Mike Cassidy writes about trying to convince his family that this year Christmas is going to be like the Whos down in Whoville, holding hands and singing with no presents at all. I really enjoyed it.
There’s also a great article on the First 5 web site by Lindsay Dunckel called “Please can you buy it for me? Our children as consumers and what you can do about it.“ Read the article.
You have my best wishes if you are trying to scale back this Christmas. I know I’d love to have my holiday be more about spending time together, and less about “getting more stuff.”
December 22, 2008
posted by Amanda Scheerer
As families move further into the world of high tech online interaction and into what seems like endless faceless computer/media time, we are also working more hours to keep the family afloat and sharing less actual conversation time with our children.
Computers and other media do provide information and entertainment; however they lack the ability to model appropriate emotional responses to day by day situations. These emotional skills are an important component in our children’s healthy development.
“How are you feeling today?”
This question is a no-brainer for most adults; however, it is very different for young children. Being able to recognize our own feelings and emotions, and also being able to identify those same feelings and emotions in others, is a skill that each of us must learn. This skill is called empathy and it is an important key to helping children become well adjusted, resilient adults.
Disappointment, anger, sadness, family and peer conflicts and emotional frustration, can leave a child feeling at loose ends. The inability to understand these feelings and a lack of basic problem solving skills can easily lead a child into emotional meltdowns, tantrums, aggression or depression.
Take some time to work with your child on developing a few simple coping skills and you will create a more harmonious family atmosphere while also giving your children some basic and useful tools that can be pivotal to their social and academic success.
Here are some simple tips that you can use with your young child to begin this process:
- When you are out with your child, take the time to point out the emotions that you see being demonstrated by others around you. For example, at the park you may see children playing happily together, you can say – “Oh, look at those children, they look so happy, they are all smiling aren’t they? They must be having fun.” Or, if you see a conflict occuring between children, or a parent and child, you might say “He doesn’t look very happy, I think he must be feeling (sad/angry/frustrated); what do you think?”
- Cut out pictures which depict people showing strong feelings – happy, sad, excited, angry, surprised, disgusted, etc. try to find two of each emotion. Glue the pictures onto index cards. You may now use the ‘feeling cards’ for different activities with your young child. You can ask your child to match up two cards that illustrate the same emotion on each, or let them choose a card from a grab bag and name the feeling that the card shows.
- Talk to your children about things going on around them while you point out connections to the emotions those situations bring up. Talk about what scares them, what makes them happy, or what makes them sad.
- Make sure your child understands that it is okay to be happy or mad or grumpy or sad. Explain that we all have all of those feelings inside and that there are often times when people have differing emotions about the same situation, like when one child enjoys catching and looking at insects or bugs, yet another may be terrified of them. Pointing out these differences helps children to understand that we must be aware of others’ emotional needs as well as our own.
- Teach your child some self-soothing methods such as taking a few slow deep breaths when he is upset; counting to ten before responding to a frustrating situation in haste; or drawing a picture that expresses his emotions. A fun choice is take him outside to ‘run it off.’ Physical activity helps to calm down the body and the mind.
These tools, when used by a child who is feeling frustrated or angry, allow that child to feel more ‘in control’. When a child is able to understand and cope appropriately with his or her emotions, that child feels safer and more competent, which in turn helps to boost his or her self-reliance and self-esteem. Strong empathic and emotional skills have been studied and found to increase both social competence and academic success.
So, the next time that you ask a child “How are you feeling today?” remember that for them, it isn’t always an easy question to answer.
October 30, 2008
posted by Wendy Van Wagner
This recipe just appeared in the New York Times. I think it would be a really fun one to make with kids during or the morning after Thanksgiving. It shows how pumpkin can be incorporated into everyday foods, like pancakes! You could even save a few steps by using the filling of a leftover Pumpkin Pie for this one……….but let’s be honest……leftover pumpkin pie?!!??
Pumpkin Pancakes
- 3 cups pancake batter
- 2/3 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream, or more as needed
- A big pinch pumpkin-pie spice
- Peanut oil, for the griddle
- Butter, for the griddle and serving
- Warm Grade B maple syrup, for serving.
1. Stir the batter, pumpkin purée, 1 tablespoon cream and pumpkin-pie spice in a bowl. Add more cream as needed to loosen the batter.
2. Clean the griddle by running an oily cloth over it. If the cloth snags, use a paint scraper or something similar to remove, then wipe down the griddle with peanut oil.
3. Set the griddle over moderate heat. (It’s hot enough when a drop of water bounces off the surface.) Pour a thin layer of peanut oil over the griddle. Just before you drop the batter, run cold butter across the area where you are going to cook. When the butter bubbles, drop the batter in 4-inch circles and immediately raise the heat to medium high. Cook, adjusting the heat so as not to burn the pancakes, until bubbles appear all over, 1 to 3 minutes. Using a thin, clean metal spatula, quickly turn the pancakes and gently tap to make them uniform in thickness. Lower the heat and cook until the second side is golden, about 2 minutes more.
Serve with warm maple syrup. Makes about 12 4-inch pancakes. Adapted from “Eat Me,” by Kenny Shopsin and Carolynn Carreño.
October 29, 2008
posted by Wendy Van Wagner
I know my favorite time of year has arrived when those beautiful, mysterious, hard-bodies winter squash begin to appear at the farmer’s markets and in the grocery stores! Butternut, Acorn, Carnival, Delicata, Pumpkins and my personal favorite, Kabocha!
The ways of preparing squash are endless….soups, baked, roasted, or steamed. The warm, nutty and comforting flavor of winter squash really nourishes the body and fills you up.
Winter squash is a good source of complex carbohydrates such as starch and fiber. It is also a source of nicin, potassium, iron and beta carotene. Usually, the darker the skin is, the higher the beta carotene content.
Here is a basic tutorial on how to prepare winter squash:
Winter Squash
Winter squash matures on the vine and develops an inedible, thick, hard rind and tough seeds. Because this rind makes most squash difficult to peel, it’s easier to cook the unpeeled squash, and then scoop out the cooked flesh. Wash the exterior of the squash just before using. The seeds are scooped out before or after cooking.
To cut in half, grasp the squash firmly and use a sharp knife to slice through to the center. Then flip and cut the other side until the squash falls open. Remove and discard the seeds.
Dress any cooked winter squash with butter and herbs, a cream sauce, cheese sauce, maple syrup and nuts, marinara sauce or stewed fruit.
To Bake: Using a whole (1 to 1 1/2 pound) winter squash, pierce the rind with a fork and bake in a 350-degree oven 45 minutes.
Boil or Steam: Cut into quarters or rings 25 minutes or until tender. Boil or mash winter squash just as you would potatoes. Or add peeled squash cubes to your favorite soups, stews, beans, gratins and vegetable ragouts.
October 15, 2008
a child selecting kale at a farmer
posted by Wendy Van Wagner
I came across this article in my morning browse of NYTimes most popular articles. I thought I would share it here
I was especially excited to see shared meal preparation mentioned in this article.
“With hot stoves, boiling water and sharp knives at hand, it is understandable that parents don’t want children in the kitchen when they’re making dinner. But studies suggest that involving children in meal preparation is an important first step in getting them to try new foods.”
Sure, it might be a little bit more work to bring the little one into the kitchen with you, but if they are shown an interest, go ahead and let them in on it all. I have seen it over and over in my classes with kids; they are much more willing and excited to try new foods if they have had a hand in preparing them.
All of a sudden, sauteed kale is not longer icky, it is enticing!
And then of course, the article talks about the importance of modeling the behavior that you expect your kids to adhere to. If you are grabbing and grubbing on the go, your kids will obviously think that this is the way it should be.
I have included one of my favorite and easiest kale recipes for you all to try. Give it a go and make this with your kids, they may surprise you if they are involved with the cooking!
Sauteed Kale
Serves 4-6
- 2 bunches kale (chard works too)
- generous drizzle olive oil or butter
- pinch salt and pepper
- splash soy sauce
Wash the kale
Cut everything, including the stems into 1/2 inch strips. The stems add a nice crunch.
Heat the oil or butter in the frying pan to medium heat (I like cast iron)
Gently saute the kale in the pan for about 5-7 minutes. I try and keep it crunchy and bright green, while still being cooked through.
Toss in the soy sauce and salt and pepper if you so desire.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
October 15, 2008
posted by Laurie Chamberlin
“What if I don’t want to practice breathing? It irritates me,” says a very pregnant Marianne during the breathing practice session of our birthing class. I’ve never had anyone say this before and I don’t have an answer right away. So, I take a breath and reply, “It’s probably difficult for you because it is something new. Learning new things can be challenging.”
As a childbirth educator I want to motivate and inspire her to learn. However, my response doesn’t appear to bring Marianne any sort of satisfaction. Some students ears perk up when they hear that breathing helps reduce the pain of labor. How? Breathing acts as a tool to relax muscles and release tension in the body, thereby make contractions easier to cope with. “A relaxed body can cope with contractions better than a tense body,” is a mantra I use during my six week series hoping my students will remember this during labor. For specific breathing techniques you can visit http://www.babies.sutterhealth.org/
I’m human though, and it bugs me just a bit that I can’t seem to relay to Marianne, and I’m sure other students, just how useful breathing techniques can be to a laboring woman. Always evaluating my teaching effectiveness, I take this comment to heart. I search my soul, my life experience, my birth education for ways to teach this better.
Then it happened. A month or so later I dash into Flour Garden to grab an iced tea. I hear my name and turn to see a no longer pregnant Marianne and a dear little baby girl cradled in her arms. “I wanted you to meet my daughter,” she says. I look at her precious little girl with lots of dark hair sticking straight up sweetly held in her mothers loving arms.
This is what Marianne said to me about her labor.
“I really wish I would have listened to you and practiced the breathing you taught us in class. I was convinced that it wouldn’t help me so I just brushed it off. Even though my labor was really fast and I had a good experience, I wish I’d had my breathing down, especially during transition, it would have helped me deal with the pain! Using breathing techniques would have made my birth experience that much better.”
She is happy with how her labor went overall and I smile. My heart fills with joy. I realize I just found a way to improve the effectiveness of my teaching, by relaying Marianne’s story to future students.
September 11, 2008
posted by Tulum Dothee
If you plan on traveling somewhere this summer with young children, keep in mind the following…
- Young children can only sit for a couple hours at a time. Break up your drive with lots of stops. Running on the lawn at a rest stop will improve everyone’s mood.
- Have each child pack and carry a backpack with activities and protein snacks. Snack every two hours to keep spirits up.
- Pack additional surprise snacks and items to get you through tricky moments.
- Listen to books on tape appropriate for the entire family.
- Plan car trips during sleep/nap time.
- If you have to fly, plan the flight for the morning when your child is rested. Avoid traveling during the “witching hours” right before dinner.
- Play “What will we do when……” games while on the road. The role play will give your children valuable skills on how to act in public.
Once at your destination:
- Balance your together time. Schedule some outings for everyone and some for only the immediate family to give everyone a break.
- Help your children stay grounded by connecting every hour to read a book or play a simple game.
- If visiting friends or family let them know ahead of time that you will be leaving the gathering when the children have had enough.
- Chat after a gathering to share feelings, thoughts and experiences.
- Limit your visit to two to three days.
For more parenting tips, sign up for Tulum’s Mindful Parenting Tips.
July 30, 2008
posted by Amanda Scheerer
Summer has begun and the heat is rising; it’s the perfect time to be outside with the family having fun, and one super activity that is looked forward to by many families each year is poised to begin:
THE NEVADA COUNTY FAIR
August 6-10, 2008
Yup, I can hardly believe it is time again already. I love the fair, and have a
lot of time to enjoy it with loads of wonderful children because I am one
of the Coordinators at KIDS CORNER AT THE FAIR.
I know that family activities can be costly and that the Fair is sometimes daunting for those with very young children who are not big enough for many of the rides or who may get tired of traipsing around while the older kids are running amok, but Kids Corner is your ‘port in the storm’.
If you have children under 6 and haven’t been to Kids Corner yet you are in for a treat! Kids Corner is a wonderful place for our youngest fairgoers (ages 0 through 5 years old) to explore, play, rest, have fun, sing and dance, read stories, make art, AND receive a free book to take home. And the best part of all is that it is all completely FREE OF CHARGE once you are inside the Fairgrounds. No tickets are necessary and no lines to wait in before the fun starts.
The children will be led in musical games, singing, and dancing throughout the day at our ‘Corner Stage’ at the rear of the Kids Corner area.
And this year kids can create a “Wish for the World” ornament to decorate
and hang on our Magical Wishing Tree! As in previous years, Bubble Play,
Clay Creations, Water Exploration and a simulated ‘Milking Cow’ will also
be available to be enjoyed. As always, you will leave with a small farm animal
toy and a free book in hand for each child under 6 and you will also take home (if you like) your child’s crafts and a BIG SMILE!
Kids Corner is open each day of the fair from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm – there is water available for thirsty little ones and benches available for parental relaxation while the kids are exploring our many activity areas.
An infant changing and breast feeding area is available as well. Rocking
chairs and a changing table are provided by the Breast Feeding Coalition
in a shaded area in the Kids Corner enclosure to allow for your comfort and
privacy.
You can also save 50% of the admission fee for the fair by pre-ordering your tickets at the following link until August 5th: http://www.nevadacountyfair.com/fair/tickets.html
Or, for general information and the full fair schedule, you should check out this link: http://www.nevadacountyfair.com/fair/
All in all, it promises to be another great year at the fair, the time goes so fast, don’t let it slip by without visiting us at Kids Corner this year. We are located between the Kiddie park entrance and the Railroad Museum to the West of Gate 1.
Enjoy the rest of your summer . . . can’t wait to see you at the fair!!!
July 29, 2008
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