It's Hot and You're Pregnant

by Laurie Chamberlin, CD, ICCE

"I always have tremendous sympathy for women whose babies are due in the summer or early fall," says Debra Gilbert Rosenberg, LCSW, author of the recently released The New Mom's Companion: Care for Yourself While You Care for Your Newborn. Thank goodness there are ways to help you cope. Chances are you are already doing some of them. I asked 5 pregnant women yesterday what they were doing to keep cool and they all had the same response, “air conditioning.” Here are some more ideas. Add these techniques to what you are already doing to feel more comfortable and get the most out of your pregnancy.

Be mindful of your body temperature

• Drink. Sip water all day. A well hydrated body can tolerate high temperatures better than a dehydrated body.
• Swim. It's refreshing and cooling. It also feels good to take the weight off your low back.
• Mist. Carry a mister with you at all times. A cool mist can keep you comfortable in between the car and the store, or waiting in lines in a hot store.

Be mindful of your body messages

• Rest. If you start to get tired, or thirsty, your body is talking to you. Go inside at the first sign of not feeling well and rest and relax. We often tend to ignore signs our bodies give us. During pregnancy, it's a great time to tune in and give it what it's asking for.
• Little girl's room. During pregnancy we have to urinate more frequently. Respond to this body message.
• Thirst. Preterm contractions increase during the summer months, often due to dehydration. Keep that glass of water nearby.

Do's

• Lie down. Nap every day if you can. If you can't nap, rest quietly for about 30-60 minutes a day. This will help your body rejuvenate and allow you to keep your energy up.
• Legs up. Elevate your legs if they start to feel "heavy" or "tired".
• Shoes. Wearing comfortable shoes is a must. Good arch support is imperative to
  lower back and hip comfort.
• Walk. Every day if you can.
• Yoga. Women who do pregnancy yoga keep comfortable throughout pregnancy and
  gain a quiet confidence in their body's strength that assists them during labor, birth
  and mothering.

Avoid

• Constrictive or uncomfortable clothing. We all have that one outfit that looks great, but is uncomfortable. Wear what feels good.
• Standing Still. Move about. Fidget. Sway. Movement increases circulation and helps reduce lower back and hip pain.

SOURCES: Debra Gilbert Rosenberg, LCSW, author, The New Mom's Companion: Care for Yourself
While You Care for Your Newborn. Laurie Chamberlin, CD, ICCE, childbirth educator, prenatal counselor for childbirth preparation, lactation educator, doula.

Laurie Chamberlin, CD, ICCE, LE teaches childbirth preparation classes, refresher courses, prenatal breastfeeding class, and early pregnancy consultations. She is also a certified doula, lactation educator and prenatal counselor for childbirth preparation.

For more information you can call Chamberlin Childbirth at 530.477.5442
or go online at www.chamberlinchildbirth.com | lauriechamberlin@comcast.net

Blackberry Limeade

by Wendy Van Wagner

Blackberry Limeade

Go pick your own berries and make this refreshing drink for the rest of summer!

4 cups fresh blackberries
1 cup turbinado sugar, natural cane sugar, or grated palm sugar
1 kaffir lime leaf, crushed, or 1 tablespoon grated lime zest
1 green cardamom pod, lightly crushed
1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (about 8 -12 limes)
Thin lime slices, for garnish
2 cups ginger ale or sparkling water
Ice cubes

Lay a doubled piece of cheesecloth on a nonporous work area. As the berries will stain a wide array of cutting surfaces and clothes, this may be best done outside or over newspaper and wearing an apron or smock. Place the blackberries on top of the cheesecloth and gather into a bundle like a hobo sack. Hold the sack of berries over a glass, stainless steel, plastic, or ceramic bowl. Twist the top of the sack to squeeze the juice from the berries into the receptacle. This will yield about 1 cup of very strong, tart, dark juice. Refrigerate the juice until needed; discard the purple mash.

In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, 1 cup water, the lime leaf, and the cardamom pod. Bring to a boil. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes, or until the mixture is reduced to a thin syrup. Remove the lime leaf and cardamom. Allow the sugar syrup to cool and then chill it.

In a 1-quart pitcher, combine the blackberry juice, sugar syrup, and lime juice. Stir to combine and then refrigerate until cold.

To serve, stir the ginger ale (or water) into the pitcher, fill glasses with ice, and pour in the blackberry limeade. Garnish with slices of lime.

Serves 8.

Wendy Van Wagner is the owner of the local cooking school IN THE KITCHEN in Nevada City,
offering classes to both kids and adults. Join the revival of taste, table and tradition!
Tel:478-0669 | IN THE KITCHEN, 648 Zion Street, Nevada City, CA
Web site: www.wendyvanwagner.com | Blog: www.localfoodtastesbetter.wordpress.com

Summer Water Safety

In Nevada County there are lots of opportunities for swimming. From pools, to the Yuba River, and Donner Lake, it's easy to find somewhere to escape the heat and swim with your kids. Stay safe this summer and follow these water safety tips:

Practice Water Safety

• Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
• Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
• Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well. Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross
  water orientation and Learn-to-Swim courses.
• Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child;
  teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
• Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets
  around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.

Maintain Constant Supervision

• If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers—many children who drown in home pools
  were out of sight for less than 5 minutes and in the care of one or both parents at the time.
• Actively supervise children whenever around water—even if lifeguards are present.
  Always stay within arm’s reach of young children.
• Avoid distractions when supervising children around water.

SOURCES: The American Red Cross. For more swimming and water safety tips visit RedCross.org.

Family Vacation: Stressful to a Newborn?

QUESTION: My wife and I have a large extended family. We are planning a family vacation (approximately 20 people) and at that time our son will be two-months-old. Will it be stressful for our baby to experience this change in his environment?

ANSWER: Babies differ in their individual preferences, but regardless, your baby must adjust to you, too. Generally, young babies of this age are simply content to be wherever you are. Their home is in your arms.

When traveling, it may be necessary to hold your baby more than you would at home. In his own environment, he will come to know the familiarity of his bed, the room and even the smells of your family home. Other environments will be different. So he may want to be close to you and hear the sound of your voices, which he has known since inside the womb! Your voice and touch is soothing to him in any new situation. Singing to him, rocking him and taking walks will all be familiar activities, no matter where you go.

Establish a sleeping room that is quiet and safe in the vacation environment. Remember to keep pillows or other unsafe bedding away from him while sleeping. (These have been found to be associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.) You may even want to bring along his baby bassinet, which will assure even more familiarity -- and appropriate bedding -- on your trip. Be prepared with plenty of diapers and all other necessities for keeping him warm and dry. And be sure to keep yourselves well-fed and hydrated while traveling, especially if mom is breastfeeding!
Stay attuned to how your baby deals with external stimuli. Some babies will simply tune out noise and conversation when tired. They may fall asleep in your arms in the middle of a social situation. But others fuss and need help retreating from overstimulation from social interactions.

Be ready to withdraw to a quiet place, if needed, for your own or your baby's needs. Your baby will benefit from your sense of calm, so if you are getting frazzled, take a break and relax. Perhaps a nap with your son will help.

Sometimes use of a receiving blanket to shield your baby from visual stimulation will allow him to sleep peacefully in your arms, as you continue your conversations with relatives.

Observe how your baby responds to new relatives who will no doubt be interested to meet him. If your baby enjoys being held by others, allow it. But do not be surprised if he does not. A baby's sense of security comes from his capacity to attach and bond to his primary caregivers. If he fusses in other's arms, it is his instinctive way of keeping himself safe and secure. Honor his fusses by keeping him close instead of passing him around.

Consider your son's sleeping rhythms and try to anticipate his needs. If you can do so, schedule outings when he is newly awake and interested, rather than crabby. A baby front pack may prove extremely handy. And it may offer another way to shield your young baby from overstimulation.

Enjoy your relatives, but keep your baby away from smoke or unnecessary germs from those who have colds. And of course, common sense prevails in protecting him from mosquitos, excess sun and other environmental hazards.

Keep your baby close to your body, nestled on your chest or in your arms much of the time and he will likely fit in well with your family's vacation plans.

Gayle Peterson, LCSW, PhD practices in Nevada City. She is a member of BEPE (Birth and Early Parenting Educators). She can be reached for appointments at (530) 346-2534. Visit her web site: www.MakingHealthyFamilies.com for information and discussing this topic on Dr. Gayle’s facebook page for empowering parents.

Summer Doldrums

by Tulum Dothee,
Oakhaven Montessori

We are officially past the halfway mark through summer now. Here at Oakhaven we have found our rhythm. In fact we are so darn good at our summer schedule that we have been experimenting. You can do that you know. Once you have your mojo down it is OK to branch out and throw a few twists into the mix.

Be careful what you mess with. Hands off regular meals and snacks and rest times. Believe me I have tried and it does not end well. Keep the schedule and the location as expected. Our youngsters are in their sensitive period for order (ages 2 - 4 years) and change is these areas is not well received. We all know how tired and hungry kids look and act. Best to avoid it.

This summer has brought surprises. Both children and parents have been acting "full moonish" for the past month.

Here is how we look:

• Weepy
• Irritable
• Clingy
• Confrontational
• Irrational
• Argumentative
• Contradictory
• Tired
• Hungry
• Over booked
• Wanting to be seen and making sure we are.
• Wanting to be heard and making sure of that too.
• Experimenting with interesting social behaviors, like telling whoppers of untrue stories.
  

The more mature of us are:

• Nostalgic
• Full of emotion
• Wanting to go “home”
• Overwhelmed
• Over busy
• Overworked
• Getting clearer on what works for us.
• Setting more boundaries.

What I know:

It has been hot, hot, hot and in spite of our best efforts we have overbooked our summer. We are staying up later and getting up earlier. Everyone is tired. Our eating is irregular and we eat more fruit, which although yummy creates blood sugar spikes.

There seems to be something more going on as well. I try to understand what I am experiencing so I googled current astrological events and was impressed with how many there are. It did help. Try it if that is in your field of interest.

I know that if I work on me, they will follow. The children in our lives provide the perfect mirror. They express what we repress. From where I stand they are a mess. So if they are a mess I must be...messier? Yep, that’s about it.

Whenever I focus on them and what they are doing or not doing and try to change it, it doesn’t end well. My agenda is too omnipresent and interferes with the flow. When I hold on too tight, the problems stay where I am keeping them; close, too close.

Ask yourself, “Am I choosing love or fear, peace or stress, to be happy or right?”

Focus on connection:

No matter what, when I give myself permission to be and tell the truth about where I find myself, I create connection. For me connection is everything. It is where you and I meet and we are one. It is where all my answers are waiting. It is where everything comes clear and I know what to do.

If I want to help with a child’s contrariness all I have to do is connect with that child and wait. Be at peace with what is, and wait for the answer. It will come. As long as it is not a safety issue I wait until the answer comes to me. If folks wonder or ask what I am doing I announce that I am waiting for clarification. Once I know what to do I will do it.

Just for today have faith that all you need is already here, all you have to do is be quiet enough to hear it. In case you don’t know what that looks like, try this: Each morning, connect with each member of your family. Touch them and look into their eyes and wait to see what is true. Wait and watch. Keep your routines of meals and rests and mix up the rest. Have fun, laugh at the agendas and foibles of our humanity. Have faith that this too will pass. It always does, I promise.

Here is your summer doldrums first aid kit:

• Keep your perspective.
• Nurture your sense of humor.
• Decide what is really important to you and yours and announce it.
• Ask for help achieving your goals.
• Set realistic boundaries and expectations, tow the line on those and let the rest go.
• Choose your own mantra and keep it going in your head and aloud.
• Do less.
• Eat Better.

Before we know it we will have sailed out of the summer doldrums into the next learning opportunity, the fall harvest. Rest up. You’ll need it.

Tulum Dothee is a credentialed and certified educator and counselor, with 30+ years experience teaching and working with families. For more information visit her web site at www.oakhavenmontessori.com.

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The Nevada County Fair
August 12-16

Daily entertainment throughout the grounds. Carnival rides, games, livestock, singers, thrill acts, karaoke, magic shows, daily competitions, food contests, thousands of exhibits, rodeo, Monster Trucks, Demolition Derby, Ag Mechanics Auction on Friday, Junior Livestock Auction Sunday.

If you have young children visit the Kids’ Corner, located to the left of the Gate 1 entrance near the train exhibit. This area, open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., provides a quiet respite with a variety of free fun and educational activities for the youngest fairgoers. There will be music and story reading on a regular basis with books to be given away. There will also be activities that include play with bubbles, play dough, water play and the wonderful simulated milking cow. A quiet spot for nursing and diaper changing will be available as well.

Gates open 10am, close 11pm. Kids Day, August 13th free entry to those 12 and under. Admission this year will be $8 for adults, $6 for seniors (65 and older), $3 for children 6 to 12, and free to children five years old and younger.

Nevada County Fairgrounds, 11228 McCourtney Rd., Grass Valley.
Phone: 273-6217
nevadacountyfair.com

August Events

August 1, 2, 7 - 9
The Wizard of Oz
Nevada County Performing Arts Guild (PAG) presents The Wizard of Oz. A Delightful Original Musical for the Whole Family! Full of twists, turns, and enchanting original music. The Center for the Arts. Thursday & Friday 7:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday 2:00 p.m. Adults: $8, Children 12 & Under: $5, Students & Seniors: $6.
Phone: 277-7100

August 4
Free Parent Workshop
We have something that is proven to help! It’s called the “40 Development Assets”.
The more your children (infants through teens) have of these in their lives,
the better they do – actually, a whole lot better. It’s that simple. Guest Speakers: Sharyn Turner, RN Coordinator of School Health Services of Nevada City, and Vicki Downs, 40 Asset Trainer, Youth United Founder. 1:00pm-2:30pm, Superintendent of Schools Office, 112 Nevada City Highway.
Phone: 273-7956
drugfreenevadacounty.org

August 11, 18, 25
Family Summer Fun Days
10-11:30 every Tuesday.
8/11 Music and Movement
8/18 edible bugs-fun snacks for kids
8/25 Water Fun and water safety
Everyone welcome. No cost! Child Care programs are invited to join too! Held at SNCS Family Resource Center.
For more information contact
Cindy at: 272-8866 x 203

August 12
Perseid Meteor Shower
Campout at Elevation 8200'
High Camp, Squaw Valley. 5pm. On the peak evening of the meteor shower, families can camp under the stars and watch the night sky light-up at the best viewing location in Lake Tahoe. Professional stargazers on site to assist guests with questions, as well as use of telescopes. High Camp activities include ice skating until 8:30pm and swimming until 7pm. Continental Breakfast included. Reservations Required. Adults: $65. Kids: $45. Phone: 452-7110

August 14
Eat Local Food and Support Peace
The Peace Center of Nevada County is cooking a delicious organic dinner featuring locally grown produce. “The Peace Trio” with Rita de Quercus, Annie Johnson, and Fred Smith will lead the sing-a-long. Held at the Unitarian Universalist Community of the Mountains in downtown Grass Valley. 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. $10.00 sliding scale
Phone: 273-4030

August 23
Nevada County Concert Band
“Victors and Villains”
Pioneer Park bandshell. This is a family-oriented, open-air concert in the park.
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. FREE.
Phone: 272-6228
nccb.org

August 29-30
Dog Show - Gold Country Kennel Club
Nevada County Fairgrounds, 11228 McCourtney Rd., GV. 8am-5pm. Phone: 265-2787.

Ongoing Events

Every Wednesday

TDRPD Summer Music Series
Regional Park Amphitheatre, Truckee. 6:30-8:00pm. Free. Bring a picnic and come and enjoy live music down by the river.
www.tdrpd.com

Every Thursday

Farmers Market &
Community Concert Series
6:00-9:00 p.m. in downtown GV. FREE.
Phone: 272-8315
historicgrassvalley.com

Every Friday

P.L.A.Y. Groups (Parenting, Learning, Activities, Year-Round)
You can participate by dropping in any time or by joining a parent led group that meets on Fridays from 12-1:30 in the Family Resource Center. Just take a child development activity sheet and enjoy fun activities with your child while networking with other parents. SNCS Family Resource Center. For more information contact Cindy at: 272-8866 x 203

Every Saturday

Nevada City Farmers Market
Union Street between Broad and Commercial. 8:00 a.m. - 12p.m. Local farms, two stages of local music, artisans, children’s activities, and educational demonstrations as well as prepared breakfast and lunch vendors.
ncfarmersmarket.org

Baby & Me
Join in for songs, playtime, and discussion while getting to know other parents and babies. Join an existing group now. Birth to 12 months. Weekday mornings at the Grass Valley Methodist Church in downtown Grass Valley. FREE to first-time participants, sliding scale fee up to $50 for 10 sessions for subsequent groups.
Phone: Meg 913-2745
e-mail: meg@first5nevco.org
first5nevco.org/programs.cfm

Toddler & Me
Join in for songs and playtime in a preschool setting while getting to know other parents and toddlers. We are creating new groups now for children 12 to 24 months. Monday mornings at the T.K. McAteer Family Resource Center in Nevada City. FREE to first-time participants, sliding scale fee up to $50 for 10 sessions for subsequent groups.
Phone: Samie 265-0611 x223
e-mail: samie@first5nevco.org
first5nevco.org/programs.cfm

Early Pregnancy Consultation
Mention the First 5 Newsletter to receive 50% off. Now only $27.50. For women in their first or second trimester. Consultations scheduled regularly.
Call to schedule: 477-5442
lauriechamberlin.com

Now Enrolling

Oakhaven Montessori School
Enrolling now for the school year, 2 - 6 year olds, year round extended care, seasonal camps for 6 - 12 year olds, 271-1258, oakhavenmontessori.com

“Your Amazing Infant” - Truckee
A series for parents and their infants, ages birth through 3 months. These classes increase bonding through nurturing touch and physical interaction between parent and child. Call the Early Learning Project at 582-2583 or email rhall@ttusd.org for information.

Toddler Gym Time - Truckee
Toddlers and their parents enjoy free play in the big gym with an array of exciting developmental equipment. Have fun, meet new friends and build new skills. Call the Early Learning Project at 582-2583 or email rhall@ttusd.org for information.

Music Together - Truckee
Children birth to 4 and their parents will enjoy this research-based program that includes songs, instrument play and movement in a relaxed and playful setting. Call the Early Learning Project at 582-2583 or email rhall@ttusd.org for information.

“Baby and Me” - Truckee
These popular classes provide education, support, informal discussion and interactive fun for parents and non-ambulatory infants, 3 months to 1 year old. Call the Early Learning Project at 582-2583 or email rhall@ttusd.org for information.