The Nurturing News - lib.store.yahoo.netlib.store.yahoo.net/lib/nurturecenter/summer2006.pdf · therapist Gayle Peterson answers the question: ... Friendly Communication Skills

Summer 2006 Volume 6, Issue 2

Inside This Issue...

What We Offer:Services:

♦ Classes & Support Groups♦ Breast Pump, Scale, and

Waterbirth Tub Rentals♦ Breastfeeding Education

and Counseling♦ Baby Gift Registry♦ Lending Library

Products:♦ Maternity and Nursing

Clothing and Bras♦ Layette and Baby Gifts ♦ Organic Baby Clothing♦ Pregnancy, Breastfeeding,

Birth, and Parenting Books

♦ Baby Carriers & Slings♦ Breast Pumps and

Breastfeeding Supplies♦ Dutailier Gliders &

Replacement Cushions♦ Arm’s Reach Co-Sleepers♦ Britax Car Safety Seats

The Nurture Center is located at 3399 Mt. Diablo Blvd. near Brown Avenue in Lafayette, accessible from the Oak Hill Road or Pleasant Hill Road exits off Highway 24. The Center’s hours are Monday thru Friday, 9:30 am – 5:30 pm, Saturdays, 10am to 5pm. There is parking available in the front and rear. Classroom is in the rear of the building.

Summer Classes♦ Pregnancy & Postpartum In-

formation Night♦ Childbirth Preparation Series♦ HypnoBirthing® ♦ Childbirth Preparation

Refresher♦ Breastfeeding & Newborn

Care Classes♦ New Parent Care (for

Grandparents)♦ Drop-in New Parent Group♦ Free Baby Carrier Class♦ Advanced Babywearing Classes♦ Happiest Baby Program♦ Baby Signs Workshop♦ Natural Home Remedies for

Kids♦ Mommy Ergonomics♦ Feeding Your Baby Solid Foods♦ Prenatal Yoga♦ Baby & Me Yoga ♦ Infant Massage Classes♦ Music Together® Classes ♦ Infant, Child & Adult CPR♦ Financial Planning for New

Parents♦ Paw Prints Keepsake Work-

shop

And More...

The Nurturing NewsThe Nurture Center, LLC

The Indispensable Source for New Parents3399 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Lafayette, CA 94549

925-283-1346 [email protected]

Nurturing the NurturerArticle Page

Sore Nipples 3

Summer Classes & Groups 5

Birth Balls 19

Time for a Second Child? 21

Continued on page 2

As parents, our job is never-ending. For the next 18-21 years, you are either “on duty” or “on call” 24/7.

Strangely, while this never-ending job doesn’t necessarily get easier with time, it often seems less like “work” as our children (and we) mature, and more like “life.”

But it is easy, as we grow into our role as caretakers of our chil-dren, to forget another important person who relies upon our care - ourself. We all make this mistake sometimes.

If you don’t make sure that your own nutritional, health, emo-tional, and spiritual needs are met, who do you think will? It has been my experience that the answer is “no one.” As much as our partners may want to attend to our needs, they cannot do it for us. No one but you really knows what it is you need, and many of the things that fulfill us as human beings cannot be done for us.

No one but you can make sure that you eat a balanced diet, get regular exercise, indulge in treasured hobbies or activities, get needed downtime, or connect with beloved friends and family.

The Nurturing News Summer 2006Page 2

This is your life. And raising children is a path, not a destination. You cannot travel the path with joy and stamina without giving yourself the same care you give your children. So take some time this week and plan a couple of activities you can do that will help “fill up your tank.”

* * * * *World Breastfeeding Week is August 1 through 7,

and we are celebrating at The Nurture Center! Drop by any day that week to enter a drawing to win prizes, in-cluding a Medela Pump in Style® Breast Pump, an Arm’s Reach Mini Co-Sleeper®, a Nurture Center member-ship, and other prizes. Also, on August 2nd at 7pm, The Nurture Center and Kay Goodyear, IBCLC will be of-fering a FREE Prenatal Breastfeeding Preparation Class (see Classes Section for details). Kay will also be in our store on August 5, from 12 to 2pm, to answer any of your breastfeeding questions and concerns. In an effort to sup-port our community’s need for breastfeeding education, we are also lowering the cost of our Breastfeeding Preparation classes going forward by 50%. If you are expecting, and have not already taken a breastfeeding class, this is a won-derful opportunity to improve your odds for breastfeeding success, and to make your breastfeeding experience easier and more comfortable.

* * * * *Speaking of breastfeeding, in this issue of The

Nurturing News yours truly offers some information and advice about preventing and coping with sore nipples on page three. On page nineteen, birth doula Holly Wiersma provides information on the use of a birth ball in pregnancy and birth. And on page twenty one, marriage and family therapist Gayle Peterson answers the question: “is it too soon for a second child?”

Healthy and Happy Parenting,

Meri Levy, M.A., C.L.E.Executive Director

How important is it to make sure that your own needs are met?

Only you can say. One mom might be able to tan-dem-nurse twins and a toddler while home-schooling her older two children and never see a movie or have dinner out for five years. Another might feel burdened and over-whelmed if she doesn’t have lunch with a friend or enjoy a leisurely uninterrupted bath weekly. Or maybe you need an hour every day to drink a cup of tea and read the paper or a good book. You are the only person who can say when your engine’s running low on gas, and what it takes to fill it up.

And it doesn’t help to feel guilty about what you need to do to take care of yourself. If your child needed a nap long after his peers had given it up, would you tell him to “tough it out” and be grumpy for half the day? No, you would do whatever you could to arrange things so that he could get his nap. You deserve the same recognition for your unique temperament and needs.

And you don’t do anyone any favors if you let yourself run on empty for too long. No one wins if you allow your-self to run out of gas on the side of the road. And everyone is affected when you are running low, not just you. You don’t make it to the finish line any faster if you never slow down and take it easy.

Page 3The Nurturing NewsSummer 2006

Convenient and Easy to Use

DawnTalk Friendly Communication Skills

Childcare Handbook available on two-audio CD’s by Dawn Fry*

DawnTalk is a set of language skills that: honor and respect children express understanding, graciousness and empathy inspire compassion and love increase emotional intelligence

Solutions At Your Fingertips You will love the convenience of listening to Dawn Talk CD’s in the car, while doing projects around the house and especially while relaxing. With just a push of a button you can get the childcare answers you need.

DawnTalk Childcare Handbook $39.95, plus shipping and handling. Mention this ad in the Nurture Center Newsletter and receive a 15% discount.

Get your copy today! E -Mail [email protected] or call (510) 638-1464

*Author, Dawn Fry is a Childcare Professional with more than 60,000 hours of "hands on" experience. Families and Childcare Educators all over America love what Ms. Fry teaches because it makes sense when you hear it and works wonders when you use it.

Learn more at www.DawnTalk.com

Coping With Sore NipplesBy Meri Levy, C.L.E.

You’ve decided to breastfeed, and you should feel great about it! You are doing a wonderful thing for your baby and yourself. However, there’s nothing quite like nursing a newborn to make even the most confident new mom feel like a complete amateur. New babies can be sleepy, squirmy, and fussy during feeding times, and hav-ing sore nipples only makes it harder to feel confident and patient with the learning process.

During the first two weeks of breastfeeding, it is normal to have some mild soreness or tenderness in the breasts and/or nipples, especially at the beginning of a feeding. The usual reasons for this are three:

1. Your breasts are not used to being used as a food pro-ducer, feeding method, and pacifier up to 12 times or more each day.

2. Early feeding sessions are more likely to create soreness, since the baby suckles harder to try to bring down the colostrum. Once there is real milk to reward the baby for his efforts, the suckling becomes more manageable.

3. Mom is more likely to tolerate a less successful latch-on in the early days, while she is learning how to feed, which can cause soreness.

However, if your nipples are extremely sore and cracked, bleeding, bruised or blistered, or if any more than mild soreness in the start of a feeding lasts for more than about two weeks, or if soreness continues throughout a feeding, it is usually a sign that a deeper latch is needed.

Notice if your nipples come out of the baby’s mouth in the same shape as they went in -- a flattened nipple is a sure-sign of a shallow latch.

Proper Latch-On TechniqueThe most important single factor in preventing and

resolving sore nipples is to get a deep latch-on with the baby. If you feel the roof of your mouth with your finger, and then move back to the soft palate farther back, you can imagine how much more comfortable it is to have your nipple rubbing against the latter and not the former. There are two things I think help the most to get a good latch-on:

1. POSITIONING. Hold your baby securely for feedings, with the baby’s body aligned (the head not turned to the side), the baby’s hips flexed, and the head free (in what-ever position you choose, make sure that the baby is free to tilt his head back to open his mouth wide). Proper positioning is crucial for newborns to stimulate their reflex to open their mouth wide and draw the nipple far back into their mouth.

2. ASYMMETRICAL LATCH. The baby should be held somewhat below the breast level, so that the baby tilts his head back to open wide, and latches onto the underside of the areola first. One trick is to point your nipple at the baby’s nose, and when the baby opens wide and tries to latch on the underside of the areola, flip the nipple into the baby’s mouth. This technique often gets a deeper latch than pointing the nipple straight into the


baby’s mouth.

When your latch is good, even if your nipples are sore, you should notice less pain during feedings. Traumatized nipples should heal quickly. If your baby’s suckling hurts like heck for more than just the fi rst minute of a feeding, you probably don’t have a deep enough latch. Use your pinky in the corner of the baby’s mouth to take the baby off the breast and try again.

Comfort Measures for Sore NipplesFor ordinary soreness, or for increasing the comfort of

traumatized nipples while they are healing, the following products are recommended:

1. Modifi ed Lanolin nipple ointments. Products such as Purelan™ or Lansinoh for Breastfeeding Mothers™ are derived from sheep’s wool and purifi ed to remove allergens and contaminants.

2. Natural nipple salves. For moms who want to avoid animal products and mineral oil, or who don’t like the goopiness of lanolin, we recommend nipple salves from Earth Mama Angel Baby or MotherLove. These organic salves contain shea butter and calendula to help heal sore nipples, and they are safe in moderate quanti-ties for your baby to ingest.

2. Soothies. These glycerin gel pads can be chilled in the refrigerator, and placed inside your bra to soothe your nipples and promote healing. They also protect your nipples from friction while they are healing.

Other ideas for coping with soreness include varying nursing positions, and offering the least sore breast fi rst at

feedings, to allow the other one to heal (babies often nurse more vigorously on the fi rst side).

Preventing Sore NipplesIf you haven’t yet begun breastfeeding, there are some

things you can do to minimize the risk of sore nipples.

Don’t bother using nipple creams before your baby is born or before you feel any soreness. Using such prod-ucts once you do feel tenderness is just as effective as using them from the start, so have them on hand, but save the nipple cream for when (or if ) you need it. On the other hand, expressing a drop of breastmilk, spreading it over the nipple and letting it air-dry can help protect your nipples from irritation.

Despite the common misconception that nursing less often is benefi cial for preventing soreness, the opposite is truer. Nursing frequently or for long periods, with a proper latch, will not harm your nipples. But less frequent nursing can cause a couple of problems:

1. Engorgement, leading to latching diffi culties. When your breast is engorged with milk and tissues are in-fl amed, it can be very hard to get the baby latched on correctly.

2. A very hungry baby who is diffi cult to latch on correctly without a lot of trauma to the baby, the mother, and the mother’s nipples

So, one way to help prevent sore nipples is to nurse often (at least 8-12 times per day), for as long as the baby wants. And, learn to recognize and respond to your baby’s early feeding cues, so you can feed before your baby is frantic.

When To Get Professional HelpIf you do not get relief within 48 hours from an im-

proved latch, or if you are unable to obtain a better latch, there may be something more going on, and it would be appropriate to see a Lactation Consultant. There can be many reasons why you and your baby can’t get a good latch, from something simple to more complex issues, and a Lac-tation Consultant can help you get it sorted out.

Meri Levy is a Certifi ed Lactation Educator, mother of three breastfed children and Executive Director of The Nurture Center. Join Meri at her New Parents Support Group each Tuesday at 12:45pm.

Lisa Broughton, BS, IBCLC

Breastfeeding Education Problem solving

Home visits

Phone: 925-323-2627 [email protected]

International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Breastfeeding Support

Home Visits Bilingual Classes

4085 Legion Court Lafayette, CA 94549

Phone: 925-284-5298 Cell: 925-788-4872 Email: [email protected]

Betsy Hansen, IBCLC


Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week!World Breastfeeding Week is August 1 through 7!

The Nurture Center and Kay Goodyear, IBCLC will be hosting a FREE Prenatal Breastfeeding Preparation Class on August 2 at 7pm (See Breastfeeding Class on page 8). Kay will also be in our store on August 5, from 12pm to 2pm to answer any of your more advanced breastfeeding questions and concerns. Meri Levy (Owner of The Nur-ture Center) and Deanna Jesus (Program Director) are also certified Lactation Educators and are happy to help you as well. In an effort to support our community’s need for Breastfeeding Education, we are also lowering the cost of the Breastfeeding Preparation classes going forward by 50%! We’d love to have you join us.

Birthing Babies Childbirth Preparation Class

This is a six-week class series. Birthing should be, and can be, a joyous occasion, even if the outcome isn’t as you had planned or hoped. Every birth is different and there is no one “right” way to birth. Experience your birth, your

way, by being as prepared as possible. Classes will cover the stages of birth, comfort measures, relaxation and calming techniques, available medications, labor attendants, unfore-seen circumstances, and the basics of breastfeeding.

Make informed choices in your hospital or home-birth with an OB or Midwife. Couples will be given a birth ball and rebozo as well as educational handouts. Couples may bring their birth attendants with them at no additional charge.

Instructor: Deanna Jesus, Certified Labor Doula, Lac-tation Educator, and HypnoBirthing Childbirth Educator. Deanna has been attending births for over three years. Learn more about Deanna at

www.BirthingBabies.com

Dates/Times: Tuesdays, June 21 through August 2, from 7 to 9pm (No class 7/12), or Saturday and Sunday, July 22 & 23, from 9am to 3pm, or Tuesdays, August 9 through September 20 from 7 to 9pm (No class 9/13), or Saturday & Sunday, September 30 & October 1 from 9am to 3pm.

Cost: $395 per couple (materials and refreshments includ-ed). Advance registration required.

Summer Classes and GroupsFeatured Classes

Register by calling 925-283-1346, visiting The Nurture Center, or online at

http://shop.nurturecenter.com/clatnuce.html


Advanced Baby WearingYou’ve taken our “Introduction to Baby Carriers”

class, and now you’re ready to learn more specific carries (and techniques) for your wrap, ring, sling, or pouch. We are introducing three advanced classes that will each spe-cifically focus on a particular type of carrier. Take one class, or all three! Bring your child(ren) with you, your baby carrier(s) and move on to the next level of baby wearing.

Instructor: Dawn Holtan and/or Liz Fierro - experienced sling mamas.

Dates/Times:

Wraps: Thursday, June 22, from 3 to 4pm

Mei Tais: Thursday, July 27, from 3 to 4pm

Slings, Rings, and Pouches: Thursday, August 24, from 3 to 4pm.

Cost: $25 Per person or $40 Per Couple. Advance registra-tion required.

DoubleTalk: A Resource for New Parents of TwinsBeing a mother of twins is a joyful experience. It can

also be demanding and, at times, overwhelming. You’re invited to join with other moms of multiples for our workshops where we explore a variety of topics, including scheduling and sleep strategies, coping with crying babies,

going back to work (or not), reconnecting with your part-ner, emotional adjustment, separation anxiety, twin dynam-ics, baby-proofing basics and much, much more.

Two unique series are offered to explore the different stages of your babies:

Moms with twins 0 – 6 months old: Mondays, June 12 through July 31, from 9:30 to 11:30am. Daddy Double-Talk for dads with their twins on Saturday, July 15, 10 to 11:30am. Series fee for the eight-week series including participant handbook and snacks is $250.

Moms with twins six months through one year: Wednesdays, June 21 through July 26, 10am – 12pm. Series fee for the six-week series, including participant handbook, snacks and parent helper is $200.

Instructor: Karen Pollak has been an educator at John Muir Medical Center for over nine years, teaching classes to couples expecting multiples. In 2001 she founded “Double-Talk: A Resource for New Parents of Twins”. In addition to her workshop series, Karen also provides one-on-one consultations on scheduling and sleep issues for babies. She is the mother of three sons, including fraternal twins.

For more information please visit: http://www.doubletalkfortwins.com. To register for classes please call Karen Pollak at (925) 330-5660 or email: [email protected].

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East Bay Moms

Activities for Parents with their Infants and Toddlers

\Hikes\Stroller Walks\Field Trips\Moms Night Out\Music Together® Classes\Parent Education\Gymboree

Web Site\ www.eastbaymoms.comTelephone\510-653-7867 E-Mail\[email protected]

New-Parent Care (for Grandparents)Becoming a grandparent is exciting. Come learn the

latest baby care information: how to soothe, swaddle and bond with your new grandchild. Learn what new parents really need and how to communicate with your children (the new parents) so you are not intruding on this wonder-ful and private time. Discuss how to effectively pass on your vast wisdom about parenting in a loving and gentle way. Learn the art of when, and if, to give advice. A must for every grandparent!! New parents, send your moms & dads to learn about helping you after the birth of your baby.

Instructor: Beth Hammond, DONA certified birth and postpartum doula. Beth specializes in the care of new-borns, especially multiples. She is also a volunteer trainer with Newborn Connections, an organization that helps at-risk new moms with newborn care issues.

Dates/Times: Thursday, July 27, 7 to 9pm.

Cost: $40 per couple. Advance registration required.

Pregnancy, Childbirth and Postpartum Preparation

Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum Information Night - Free!

Our Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum Information Night is a valuable resource for expectant parents. Please join us for a wonderful evening with a panel of experts. We’ve invited doulas, childbirth educators, a lactation consultant and others who will share their knowledge, give an overview of their field and follow with questions and answers. You will be empowered to better practice self care during pregnancy and make decisions regarding your upcoming birth. Bring your partners, birth support and questions to this informa-tive gathering.

Date/Time: Wednesday, July 12, 7 to 9:30pm, or Wednes-day, September 13, 7 to 9:30pm.

Cost: This class is free of charge. Advanced registration is required. Seating is limited, please RSVP.

HypnoBirthing® (The Mongan Method) HypnoBirthing® is a unique method of relaxed,

natural childbirth education, enhanced by self-hypnosis techniques, providing the missing link that allows women to use their natural instincts to bring about a safer, easier,


more comfortable birth in a way that most mirrors na-ture. Emphasis is placed on both pregnancy and childbirth education, as well as on HypnoBirthing® methods. You will use deep relaxation and visualization which will help you learn to ‘let go’ and ease the “Fear-Tension-Pain” cycle of birth. HypnoBirthing® is as new as tomorrow and as old as ancient times. The birthing mother should be accompanied by her partner, doula and/or birth attendant. Each couple is encouraged to have all other birth attendees come to the class with them at no additional charge.

Instructor: Deanna Jesus, Certified Labor Doula, Lacta-tion Educator, and HypnoBirthing Childbirth Educator. Deanna has been attending births for over three years. Learn more about Deanna at www.BirthingBabies.com

Dates/Times: Tuesdays, June 13 through July 18, from 7 to 9:30pm (No Class 7/4) or August 8 through September 5, 7 to 9:30pm.

Cost: $350 per couple (materials and refreshments includ-ed). Advance registration required.

Pregnant Again Childbirth Education Review

Congratulations, you are expecting again! In this re-fresher course you and your support team will review many aspects of labor and birth including: relaxation and breath-

ing techniques, positioning and comfort measures, anesthe-sia options, and breastfeeding techniques.

Instructor: Deanna Jesus, Certified Labor Doula, Lacta-tion Educator, and HypnoBirthing Childbirth Educator – Deanna has been attending births for over three years. Learn more about Deanna at www.BirthingBabies.com

Dates/Times: Saturday, June 17, from 10am to 12pm or Tuesday, July 25, from 7 to 9pm or Saturday, August 12, from 1 to 3pm or Tuesday, September 12, from 7 to 9pm.


Prenatal Breastfeeding PreparationMost of us know that “breast is best” when it comes

to optimal nutrition for your baby. Give yourself the best chance of success by preparing yourself for the ups and downs of breastfeeding your new baby. This class will in-troduce expectant parents to basic breastfeeding techniques, the physiology of the breast, appropriate feeding positions, attaining a comfortable latch, establishing an adequate milk supply, handling common breastfeeding problems, and knowing when to get help. It will also cover the advantages of breastfeeding, and ways partners and family can support the breastfeeding mom.

Instructor: Kay Goodyear, MSN, RNC, IBCLC. Kay works as a nurse in the perinatal area and has been a lacta-tion consultant in private practice for 10 years.


Massage Instructor and parent educator.

Dates/Times: Saturdays, July 8 through August 12, from 3:45 to 5pm or August 19 through Sep-tember 23, from 3:45 to 5pm

Cost: $108 per person. Advance registration required.

Postpartum and Parenting Education

Introduction to Infant MassageThis one-hour class will introduce parents to infant

massage. Infant massage encourages healthy growth and development and affects your baby’s mind, body and spirit. The Instructor will demonstrate basic massage strokes and discuss the benefits of massage for you and your baby. Ex-pecting couples welcome as well.

Instructor: Kim Lyons, CMT, Infant Massage In-structor, and Yoga Instructor for children with special needs.

Dates/Times: Saturday, July 29, , from 2pm to 3pm.

Cost: $35 per person / $60 per couple. Advance regis-tration required.

Infant Massage Four-Week SeriesBegin your week bonding with your baby using Infant

Massage. During this 4-week course you will learn massage routines that are carefully balanced in Swedish & Indian

Dates/Times: Thursday, June 22, from 7 to 9pm or Wednesday, Au-gust 2, from 7 to 9pm (The Au-gust class is FREE in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week!).


Newborn & Infant Care Class

This class will prepare expectant parents for the first weeks of parenthood and includes discussion about the appearance and behavior of newborns, sleep and feeding issues, as well as diapering and bathing. The class will also cover how to prepare for the postpartum period.

Instructor: Beth Hammond, DONA certified birth and postpartum doula. Beth specializes in the care of newborns, especially multiples. She is also a volunteer trainer with Newborn Connections, an organization that helps at-risk new moms with newborn care issues.

Dates/Times: Saturday, July 8, from 10am to 12pm or Saturday, August 19, from 10am to 12pm or Saturday, Sep-tember 30, from 10am to 12pm.


Prenatal Yoga (Six-week Series)Yoga has been used for centuries to help center a

person and relieve stress. In many countries yoga for preg-nancy is considered the only exercise option. Yoga can be a great way to stay flexible, relieve stress and prepare for your birth. By using, stretching and cultivating the muscles used in birth, you inherently make birth easier. The muscles are prepared by yoga to function more efficiently in labor. (Not to mention the glorious relaxation skills you can bring to your birth after the months of practicing.) Yoga can also alleviate the discomforts caused by pregnancy. There are poses for sciatic pain, round ligament pain, and yes, even morning sickness.

Instructor: Veera Sanjana, Certified Yoga Instructor, Infant

Paw Prints will be at The Nurture Center on Thursday, June 29, 2006 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm

Call The Nurture Center for an appointment or reserve your spot on our website.


Massage and reflexology. Classes include relaxation techniques and discussions on topics such as sleeping, crying infants and baby emotions. Pregnant mothers and partners are encouraged to attend as well as new parents. Expecting couples will use a doll to practice on so when the baby ar-rives, you are skilled and ready!

Instructor: Veera Sanjana, Certified Infant Massage Instructor and Parent Educator.

Date/Time: Mondays, July 10 through July 31, from 12:30 to 1:30pm or Mondays, Au-gust 14 through September 11, from 12:30 to 1:30pm (No class 9/4)

Cost: $125 per family (multiples + $50 each). Advance registration required.

An Introduction to Baby Carriers and SlingsThis class will help you get comfortable using a ring

sling, pouch, wrap, or mei tai (a westernized Asian baby carrier) with your baby/toddler. We have lots of carriers available for practice or bring yours in and learn how to use it more effectively. Another option is to come try the different carriers, and then buy the one you like best at our store.

Instructor: Dawn Holtan and/or Liz Fierro - experienced sling mamas.

Dates/Times: Ongoing Class meets the fourth Thursday of every month from 12:30 to 2:30pm ( June 22, July 28, and

August 24).

Cost: Free! Advance registration required, please RSVP to reserve your seat, as class frequently fills up.

Infant, Child, and Adult CPRThis 4-hour course covers the nec-

essary skills to perform lifesaving tech-niques, such as Rescue Breathing, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and the Heimlich maneuver, as well as other First Aid skills. CPRescue provides an easy-to-understand program in a relaxed training environment. Includes a two-year CPR certification for infants, children and adults. Skills are taught using hands-on demonstrations and practice with state of

the art CPR manikins.

Instructor: Patti Willson, a certified Master Trainer for Medic First Aid, Int’l, as well as the American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) and the American Heart Associa-tion (AHA). Parents please arrange child care for this class.

Dates/Times: Saturday, August 5, from 9am to 1pm or Saturday, September 23, from 9am to 1pm.

Cost: $50 per person. Advance registration required.

Photo by Suzanne Hagenwww.suzannehagen.com


Mommy (and Daddy!) ErgonomicsA woman’s body goes through many changes dur-

ing pregnancy and the months thereafter. Many of these changes affect the muscles and ligaments and can diminish overall strength. This ninety-minute class is designed to teach mom (and dad) the techniques to decrease the physi-cal stresses and strains of child care. Classes are offered to parents with children up to age three.

Instructor: Danielle Litoff, MPT has nine years of experi-ence in postpartum, sports and geriatric physical therapy with a special focus in Orthopedics and Women’s Health.

Dates/Times: Wednesday, June 14, from 7 to 8:30pm or Saturday, July 8, from 12:30 to 2pm or Wednesday, Sep-tember 27, from 7 to 8:30pm

Cost: $40 per person, $70 per couple. Cost includes copy of course outline, pictures, and recommended reading for home reference. (Infants up to six months welcome in class). Advance registration required.

Childproofing Step-By-StepEvery parent wants to encourage their child’s grow-

ing curiosity and sense of wonder without undue danger. For many new and veteran parents, it can be challenging to prioritize the childproofing measures that are needed. It’s also difficult to figure out which of the many available child safety devices work well and are appropriate for their home and it’s even harder to install them! During this 90-min-ute class you will develop a prioritized list, receive expert advice regarding effective products, and touch on time-

saving installation tips. In short, we can make the chore of childproofing a little bit easier so that you can enjoy peace of mind while your little explorer begins to venture away from the blanket on the floor (along with their new friends!).

Instructor: Rachel Murray, owner, Safe and Sound Chil-dren.

Dates/Times: Saturday, August 19, from 1 to 3pm or Sat-urday, September 30, from 12:30 to 2:30pm.

Cost: $25 per person / $40 per couple. Advance registration required.

The Happiest Baby on the Block ProgramThe Happiest Baby Program pioneered by Harvey

Karp, M.D. in the book “ The Happiest Baby on The Block”, teaches a new parent (prenatally or with babe in arms) a step by step approach to quickly calm crying babies and to help them sleep longer. This two hour class provides hands on training on topics such as:

• the missing 4th trimester

• the calming reflex

• the 5 S’ s of baby calming

Coming to the rescue of beleaguered new parents, this


class will give new moms and dads (as well as other family members and care providers) the simple, effective and fun tools they need to quickly soothe their babies’ cries and to help them sleep a little longer. The Happiest Baby Program will teach new moms and dads how to become... the happi-est parents on the block!

Instructor: Holly Wiersma, CD, CLE is a certified Hap-piest Baby Instructor. She is also a DONA-certified doula, having spent over ten years supporting over 200 local families in a variety of birthing experiences. She is also a certified lactation educator and a proud mother of four.

Dates/Times: Saturday, July 15, from 1pm to 3pm

Cost: $85 per couple, which includes your choice of The Happiest Baby on the Block VHS or DVD and Soothing Sounds CD (a $40 value). Advance registration required.

Creating a Natural Home Remedy Kit for Kids

Fevers… bellyaches… earaches… colds. Ah, the excitement of being a parent! Come and discover what you can do as a parent to help your little one get through these and several other common childhood complaints. Local naturopathic doctor Anja Lindblad will be sharing a few child-friendly tricks of the trade with parents, such as “warming socks”, “onion ear muffs” and homeopathic rem-edies for fevers. She will also be assisting parents in putting

together a natural remedy kit to have on-hand for all of these unplanned situations. Dr. Anja is offering a money-back guarantee that you will come away with pertinent information from this class. See her after class if you have questions.

Instructor: Dr. Anja Lindblad is a local licensed naturopathic doctor who has been working with new fami-lies for the past four years. She specializes in healthcare re-lating to the childbearing years, including adjunctive pre & postnatal care and naturopathic labor support. She recently relocated to the Bay Area with her husband and 4-year-old son. More information about Dr. Anja can be found at www.drAnja.com.

Dates/Times: Saturday, June 24, from 1 to 3pm or Thurs-day, August 24, from 7 to 9pm


Balance Wheel: Coping With New-Family Stress

Do you have knots in your shoulders? Headaches? A tight jaw? Forget things easily? Is the baby crying all of the time? Are you? Eat too much or too little? What is your stress quotient? The Balance Wheel™ program helps par-ticipants learn in a no stress, relaxed atmosphere.

Stress Mastery and Self Care Skills for Life

During this introductory class we will:

* Assess your stress quotient

* Learn how to be mindful in your day


Continued on page 14

A New Baby? Time for a Financial Checkup

Please call for your complimentary confidential consultation.

Diane L. Woodward, CFP® Certified Financial Planner™ Professional

CA Insurance License 0785820. Registered Representative offering securities and investment advisory services through FSC Securities Corporation, member NASD, SIPC and SEC registered investment advisor.

500 Ygnacio Valley Road Suite 150

Walnut Creek CA 94596 925-906-4600 main 925-906-4619 direct

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* Learn simple, fun, easy to do anywhere STRESS RE-LIEVERS, and

* Simply be good to yourself

This class is effective for individuals and couples.

Instructor: Deborah Norton, RN, NP, PhD

Dates/Times: Saturday, August 26, from 1 to 3:30pm

Cost: $40 per person or $60 per couple. Advance registra-tion required.

Wee Signs 101: A Baby Signs Parent Workshop - Signing Fun for You and Baby!

Would you like to stop wondering what your infant wants, needs and feels? Learn how you and your family can benefit by using the beautiful language of sign. We invite you to join the thousands of families who have already discovered the magic of this revolutionary new way to talk with babies before they can talk.

This workshop is specially designed for parents of hearing children from birth to 24 months and will provide you with the knowledge and strategies you’ll need to begin using the Baby Signs® Program at home. Early childhood educators, parent educators, social workers and health spe-cialists are welcome. Breastfeeding children are also wel-come to come, but this class is targeted at parents.

Instructor: Andra Lekich, Baby Signs® Independent Certi-fied Instructor

Dates/Times: Saturday, June 24, from 10am to 11:30am or Saturday, July 29, from 11am to 12:30pm or Saturday, September 9, from 1pm to 2:30pm

Cost: $85 per couple (includes all materials, including the “Baby Signs Parent Kit”). Advance registration required.

Feeding Your Baby Solid FoodsGive your baby the gift of good eating habits. When

you feed your baby solid foods, you will be laying the foun-dation for better eating habits and attitudes throughout life. In this class you will learn to recognize the signs that your baby is developmentally ready for solid foods. This class will show you when and how to introduce new foods to your baby. Early feeding is an important place for com-munication between parent and child. You will learn how to interpret feeding cues from your baby that you can use to guide you. We will discuss and share ideas for making baby food, as well as safety and allergy concerns. Having developmentally appropriate expectations of your child and feeding in a supportive fashion will help make feeding times more enjoyable. You will learn how to encourage your child to eat a variety of foods and to eat the right amount to grow properly.


Childproofing Call Baby Proof Now! to discuss your unique childproofing needs:We offer: • Complete home safety reviews • Only the best safety products • Professional installation • 30 years of experience • Other small construction services

510.851.1749Edward B. Rustvold III, General Contactor

Ca Lic. 68879 - HIC CertifiedCertified Child Passenger Safety Technician

Member: Int’l Assoc. for Child Safety

L I C E N S E D • B O N D E D • I N S U R E D

Instructor: Jane Fowler Ph.D., R.D. Jane is a Nutritionist, Registered Dietician and Parent Educator who specializes in child feeding and eating behavior, and solving feeding problems. She teaches classes, is a public speaker and con-sults with individuals, families and organizations.

Dates/Times: Thursday, June 29, from 7 to 9pm


How to Raise a Healthy EaterEating is important business and it should be joyful,

too. Parents want their children to eat and grow well, but feeding children can be confusing and at times overwhelm-ing. In this workshop you will develop an understanding of how young children learn to eat a variety of food. Good feeding is good parenting, so you will be shown how adults can maintain a division of responsibility in feeding. This provides understanding and support for children in learn-ing eating skills and clearly defines your role as parent in a way that is comfortable and empowering. We will discuss typical eating concerns of parents such as: the picky eater, the child who eats very little, and the child who eats a lot. Topics will be covered in three class sessions.

Instructor: Jane Fowler Ph.D., R.D. Jane is a Nutritionist, Registered Dietician and Parent Educator who specializes in child feeding and eating behavior, and solving feeding problems. She teaches classes, is a public speaker and con-sults with individuals, families and organizations.

Dates/Times: Thursdays, July 6, 13, and 20, from 7 to 9pm


Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning -- Protecting Your Family’s Future and Preserving Your Hard-Earned Wealth An Estate Planning Attorney will show you how to

make sure your family is safe, financially secure, and well cared for during a critical life change. With the addition of a child to your family, your responsibility as parents grows. Learn all you need to know about estate planning and most importantly discover how to get it done.

Instructor: Richard L. Collari Jr., is an Estate Planning Attorney with over seven years of experience in this area of the law. He concentrates his practice on providing his estate planning services to new and expectant families. He frequently teaches seminars focused on how estate planning can protect families while still preserving wealth. Mr. Col-lari lives in Danville with his wife and two young sons.

Dates/Times: Saturday, June 3, from 10am to 12pm or Saturday, August 26, from 10am to 12pm

Cost: $25 per family. Advance registration required.


Childproofing Call Baby Proof Now! to discuss your unique childproofing needs:We offer: • Complete home safety reviews • Only the best safety products • Professional installation • 30 years of experience • Other small construction services

510.851.1749Edward B. Rustvold III, General Contactor

Ca Lic. 68879 - HIC CertifiedCertified Child Passenger Safety Technician

Member: Int’l Assoc. for Child Safety

L I C E N S E D • B O N D E D • I N S U R E D

Parent and Baby Together ClassesMusic Together - The Joy of Family Music

East Bay Music Together was named “Best of the Bay” and “ Family Favorite” by Bay Area Parent Maga-zine Readers from 2001-2005, by Neighborhood Parent Network Members and the East Bay Express. See www.easybaymusictogether.com for more information.

What will you and your child find in a Music Togeth-er® class? Drums of all sorts, bells, triangles, flutes, shakers, scrapers, kitchen instruments, scarves, stretchy dancing ribbons and instruments galore. You’ll also find rainbow colored falling leaves, cows sitting in the old oak tree, tyrannosaurus rex, shining stars, rockets to the moon, trains to the beach, happy village harvest dances, Korean lulla-bies, Cuban rain forest songs, and much much more! High energy movers and quiet observers can all be seen intently involved in their own way in the exciting musical happen-ings around them, whether it’s a rousing Israeli wedding dance, or the glorious sounds of Big Ben’s bells and chimes played on resonator bars.

Music Together was developed in the ‘80 s by lead-ing researcher and renowned child development expert Dr. Lili Levinowitz, and composer/educator Ken Guilmartin at their research school, the Center for Music and Young Children in Princeton, N.J.

Instructor: Renee Benmeleh is a registered Music Togeth-er® teacher who came to the US from Venezuela in 1980. She graduated from the Mills College Music Department in 2000, and received both the Mary Atkins Entertainer of the Year and the Outstanding Achievement in perfor-

mance for Excellence in Music awards. She is a gifted Jazz and World Music singer. She has worked with children extensively through the NANNY CARE agency, and as a classroom assistant for children with Asperger’s Syndrome. Renee is also trained in the Orff Schulwerk approach to early childhood music education.

Dates/Times: Summer Series begins the week of July 10. Classes will be mixed-age groups, and will be offered at 9:30 and 10:30am on Tuesday. Each class is forty-five min-utes long.

Cost: Six-week series $115 or Eight-week series $135 (Cost includes materials.) Advance registration required.

Baby & Me Yoga (Six-Week Series)Enjoy a fun, playful time while learning Hatha yoga

postures and simple breathing exercises to stretch, realign, strengthen, and rejuvenate your mind and body. These classes are designed to give a gentle workout while enhanc-ing the Mother/Caregiver bonding experience. Meet and talk to other mothers, share stories and gain friends.

Instructor: Veera Sanjana, Certified Yoga Instructor, Infant Massage Instructor and Parent Educator.

Dates/Times: Tuesdays, July 11 through August 15, from 2:30 to 4pm or Tuesdays, August 22 through September 26, from 2:30 to 4pm. NOTE: Additional dates and times may become available…please check the website for more updated information.

Cost: $90 for the six-week series. Advance registration required.


Paw Prints – A Keepsake WorkshopSusan Meindersee of Paw Prints will be creating per-

sonalized baby hand/foot print keepsakes at our store. This is a wonderful opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind gift or keepsake! Paw Prints are unique and personal impressions of your child’s hand and foot prints down in ceramic clay. After impression is taken, Susan will finish the product at her studio (8-10 weeks). Finished products will be deliv-ered back to The Nurture Center on Thursday, September 7, after 11am. Please ask to see samples of Susan’s work in our retail store. Oh, and Paw Prints are not just for kids! If you want to bring in Spot or Fluffy to get their real “paw prints” done...that’s great!

Dates/Times: Thursday, June 29, from 1 to 5pm (By ap-pointment only.)

Cost: $25 Deposit will hold appointment time. Deposit will be applied toward your final purchase price.

Support GroupsNew Parent/Baby Groups

This is an ongoing, drop-in support group where parents can discuss topics of interest and interact with other parents. The focus is on making connections with other new parents, and sharing issues and insights about

parenting a baby. If you would like to be con-tacted regarding upcom-ing topics, sign up at the Center. Advance registra-tion is NOT required. Come on Tuesdays with your baby, and get con-nected! Send an email to [email protected] to be placed on an email list for upcoming topics.

Facilitator: Meri Levy, a certified lactation educa-tor, mother of three, and Executive Director of The Nurture Center.

Dates/Times: Tuesdays - 12:45 to 2:15pm (newborn – one year).

Cost: First session free, then $8/session (members $7) or four sessions prepaid for $28 (members $24). No reserva-tion required.

La Leche League Lamorinda Group

This La Leche League Group meets on the second Thursday of each month. Leaders are eager to help you find solutions to any breastfeeding problems you may be facing. Join us to discuss any issues or concerns you may be experiencing as a breastfeeding mother or just to be with other lactating moms.

Facilitator: La Leche League Leader – Diana Torp

Dates/Times: The second Thursday of each month from 12 to 1:30pm ( June 8, July 13, and August 10).

Cost: All La Leche League meetings are free of charge. Meeting space is donated by The Nurture Center. La Leche League memberships are encouraged for $40 a year as a way to support the group. No reservation required.


* New series begins at The Nurture Center on July 10 *

International Cesarean Awareness Network, Inc. – ICAN of Mt. Diablo

The best way to avoid a surgical birth is to educate yourself. This is a local chapter of The International Ce-sarean Awareness Network, Inc. (ICAN). ICAN’s mission is to improve maternal-child health by preventing un-necessary cesareans through education, providing support for cesarean recovery, and promoting Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). For more information visit www.ican-online.org.

Facilitator: Holly Wiersma, CD, CLE and Deanna Jesus, CD, CLE.

Dates/Times: The 2nd Wednesday of each month from 11:30am to 1:30pm ( June 14, July 12th, August 9, and September 13).

Cost: This event is free of charge. Please RSVP, as seat-ing is limited. Meeting space is donated by The Nurture Center.

Small Intimate Classes

Experienced Instructors

Meet Other New Parents

Talk with Community Experts

(* Total Value Not To Exceed $20)

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and love.

Expires July 30, 2006 ( Online Coupon Code: summer06 )


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Jane Fowler, Ph.D., R.D. Nutrition Consultant

Helping people to eat well and enjoy it!

Infant and Child Specialist Solutions for feeding problems Adult eating concerns-Family meals Classes and Presentations

By appointment (925) 938-8174

Visit The Nurture Center at www.NurtureCenter.com


Is it time for a new home?

There were three in the bed and the little one said,“Roll over, roll over!”

So they all rolled over and one fell out…!!

Short on space?I give caring, knowledgeable guidance throughout securing your next home. A resident of Lafayette,

Specializing in Lamorinda and Walnut Creek.

Shirley Siegel

925.932.7364 Direct

925.899.3223 Cell

www.shirleysiegel.com

You’ve heard the buzz about birth balls… Is it just a trendy fad or is there really something to using a birth ball in late pregnancy and labor? What’s the real scoop?

First let’s identify what a birth ball is. It’s a large, sturdy, non-latex inflatable ball. It is inexpensive, versatile, portable and easy to clean. Origi-nally these balls were used in physical therapy. These days they can be used at home, in prenatal yoga classes, and have become a standard tool available in many hospitals for use in labor. (A birth ball is also carried by many doulas when they attend births!)

So, what can the birth ball do for you? During pregnancy, using the ball stimulates good postural reflexes and keeps the deep supportive muscles of the spine in good working order. It tones the abdomen and provides support to the pelvic floor. Many women find sitting on the ball

Birth Ball BasicsBy Holly Wiersma CD(DONA), CLE

more comfortable than us-ing a chair or couch in late pregnancy. The pregnant woman can roll up off the ball much easier than get-ting out of a normal chair. Using the ball can enhance pregnancy exercises. A hands and knees position can be sustained longer over the ball and will help the baby assume an optimal position for labor.

During labor, using the ball encourages pelvic open-ing, relaxation and mobility--this can help to speed labor. There are generally two ways of using the birth ball…sit-ting and leaning. Sitting on the ball fosters rhythmic movement that relaxes the back, pelvic area, hips and legs and, for many women, reduces the pain of contractions. It

Continued on page 20


can also provide perineal support and take the pressure off hemorrhoids. The upright positioning takes advantage of gravity and helps the baby stay well aligned in the pelvis.

Using forward leaning positions over the ball helps relieve back pain and allows the support person or doula to provide massage or counter-pressure as needed. While on the ball the mother assumes positions that can encourage rotation and descent of the baby in a posterior position.

There are even uses for the birth ball after the birth. It can be an excellent tool to help mom get back in shape, but babies love it too. For baby, first sit yourself on the ball and then hold baby close against your body. Rocking back and forth is very soothing, as is gentle bouncing while cud-dling baby. Both of these movements can be calming for baby.

If you’ve now got one foot out the door, on your way to purchase a birth ball, please first consider a few safety tips. Make sure you purchase a ball made from specially formulated burst-resistant material. This eliminates the possibility of injury caused by a sudden burst if the ball is cut or punctured. Birth balls also come in three sizes. A woman under 5’2’’ should use a 55 cm ball, under 5’8’’ use a 65 cm ball and over 5’7’’ a 75 cm ball. The ball “fits” prop-erly if when sitting on the ball the thigh is parallel to the floor and the legs bend at a 90-degree angle.

Take care to always use the ball with bare feet or rubber-soled shoes for firm footing. If you are concerned about feeling stable, have someone hold the ball as you sit down. It is highly recommended that someone be continu-ally with you when using the ball in labor, especially in the hospital setting. (Note that you can safely utilize the birth ball while having either external or internal fetal monitor-ing.)

And, by the way, birth balls can be cumbersome to carry and transport. Consider also purchasing a birth ball carrying strap or a birth ball cover. A cover can also make the ball more comfortable than sitting straight on the cold plastic.

For more information on the use of a birth ball con-tact your Doula! Doulas have many practical suggestions for helping mothers utilize the ball for comfort and posi-tioning before, during and after birth.

Reference: Birth Balls - Use of Physical Therapy Balls in Maternity Care by Paulina G. (Polly) Perez, R.N., Cutting Edge Press.

Holly Wiersma, CD, CLE is a DONA-certified doula who has supported over 200 local families, for over ten years, through a wide variety of birthing experiences. She is also a certified lactation educator, Happiest Baby on the Block educator and proud mother of four.

Maxafe burst-resistant birth balls and the book “Birth Balls -- Use of Physical Therapy Balls in Maternity Care” are available at The Nurture Center.

Lee Safran, MFT (510) 496-6096

Postpartum Stress Support Groups

Individual and Couples Psychotherapy

www.leesafran.com Berkeley and Kensington

Offices


EAST BAY WALDORF SCHOOLA RUDOLF STEINER SCHOOL • FOUNDED IN 1980

3800 Clark Road • El Sobrante, CA 94803 • 510-223-3570www.eastbaywaldorf.org

Limited spaces available for fall—call for more information.

PreKindergarten–12

Beautiful 11-acre campus adjacent to Wildcat Canyon

Central school bus routes

Early Childhood Classes forParents & Children 4 yrs & under

Art, music, drama, foreign

languages, and movement

permeate our rigorous

academic curriculum,

engaging the whole

human being—through

head, heart, and hands.

Is It Too Soon To Have a Second Child?Gayle Peterson, MSSW, LCSW, PhD

QUESTION: My son, our first child, is not even a year old and I would love to have another baby. Everyone tells me I would be biting off more than I can chew and that it is best to wait. I want to do what is best for my family. Is it really too soon to be thinking about another child?

ANSWER: Whether you are “biting off more than you can chew” is something only you can determine. Much depends on your own goals, your desires for your family and your present family resources. It is not the number or timing of children that assures success in parenting, but thorough consideration of your emotional, economic and physical resources!

You must attempt to project your needs into the future, your child’s needs and to the best of your abil-ity, predict your family’s future economic and emotional stability. Quite a tall order, I realize! Naturally you cannot completely know the future, either, and things out of your control will no doubt come up to rock the boat.

It is a common recommendation by psychologists that children be spaced at least three to three and a half years

apart. The reason for this is to not add stress of a sibling to the early formative stages of a child’s life. Babies and tod-dlers thrive on undivided attention. Even when you talk on the phone, a young child will feel the loss of your emotional energies, which are temporarily focused elsewhere.

As a child nears the age of two, he or she experi-ences considerable stress involving conflicting needs around dependence and independence. Tantrums and frustrations may be temporarily on the rise. Adding a sibling at this time increases the stress of this period, giving a child the potential for increased feelings of abandonment and rejec-tion due to tired parents and energies focused on a new baby. Introducing a new baby during this developmental stage can sometimes result in exaggerated rivalry which can influence the sibling relationship for the long term.

By about three years of age, it is believed that children come through the struggle to be more independent, and have succeeded in identifying their limits more appropri-ately. It is also hypothesized that the three year old has internalized love to some extent, and therefore has greater ego strength and security. They have developed what psy-chologists term “object constancy” meaning that they are less susceptible to feelings of abandonment and rejection when their immediate needs are not met instantaneously. They can endure greater frustration because they know Mommy or Daddy loves them and will be there as soon as she or he finishes changing the baby’s diaper.

Now, to come back to thorough consideration! Many other things influence the way a child will mature. When assessing the answer to your question you should take into account the personality and traits of the baby you have now. From your knowledge of him, how do you think he will fare to add another sibling in another nine months (or so)? How long do you anticipate it will take you to get


Join Us at The Nurture Center

for Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum

Information Night

find out about birth alternatives and postpartum resources in

our community

Wednesday, July 12 7:00pm to 9:30pm

pregnant? Is there any rush? For example one client couple chose to have their children two years apart, not because they felt it was ideal, but because there were fertility issues involved. Their chances of conception went down with age.

What are your reasons for having a child soon? for waiting? Write these down and discuss your concerns with your husband. What does he want? What kind of parents do you want to be and what kind of family do you want to have? Will having a child now facilitate your goals together, or diminish them? Do you have the energy and resources between you to parent the way you want with two children at this time? What do you and your husband believe about the pluses and minuses of having children less than two years apart (assuming you will get pregnant right away)?

Do not underestimate the value of your own belief system about your family and what is best. In truth no one can tell you what is best in your situation, and much is de-termined by the beliefs of the two leaders (Mom and Dad) in the family. Your feelings and attitude will permeate and can influence children substantially. For example, if you be-lieve it best to have children close together, and are realistic about your energies and resources, your children will absorb the messages and beliefs you hold about the family. When large families are happy families, beliefs about the primacy of children’s needs and the parents true enjoyment (and ful-fillment) in their roles seems to supersede the importance of spacing.

You are doing a good job to be taking concern and consideration of your situation and energy seriously. Your son is fortunate to have a thoughtful mother who weighs these very important life decisions carefully!

Gayle Peterson, MSSW, LCSW, PhD is a family therapist specializing in prenatal and family development. She is the author of An Easier Childbirth, Birthing Normally and her latest book, Making Healthy Families. She is a clinical member of The Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and a Diplomate with the National Association of Social Work. She also serves on the advisory board for Fit Pregnancy Magazine. She is former clinical director of the Holistic Health Program at John F. Kennedy University in Orinda, California and adjunct faculty at the California Institute for Integral Studies in San Francisco. A national public speaker on women’s issues and family development, Gayle Peterson practices psychotherapy in Berkeley, California and is a wife, mother of two adult children and a proud grandmother.


Newsletter InformationThis issue of The Nurture Center newsletter

is being provided free of charge to current members and parents and professionals in our community. To subscribe or unsubscribe, or to switch to receiving an electronic copy, call us at 925-283-1346 or email [email protected].

Advertising InformationThe Nurture Center newsletter is published

quarterly. Circulation is approximately 2,400. The deadline for our fall issue is August 1. See below for newsletter advertising rates:

Business Card Ad (2” x 3.5”) $50

Quarter page (4.75”x 3.5”)

Vertical $90

Horizontal $100

Members of The Nurture Center receive a 10% discount on all advertising. A 10% discount also applies to annual advertising paid in advance. Send advertising inquiries to [email protected], call 925-283-1346 or pay for advertising online at

http://shop.nurturecenter.com/newad.html.

DisclaimerThe views expressed in this newsletter are those of

the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of The Nurture Center, LLC, its members, owners, or employees. Information in this newsletter should never substitute for the advice and care of your health professional.

Advertisers and professional members of the Nurture Center pay a fee to advertise their services and to support our parent education work. Listing their services in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement of these service providers or their services.

All parents should check references and background carefully before hiring any service provider, or work with a reputable agency who does this work for them.

Membership InformationThe Nurture Center offers memberships to parents

and professionals who wish to support our parent education and support work.

Membership costs $50/year ($25 for doulas), and includes discounts on all products in our store, classes, and newsletter advertising, lending library privileges, and professional listings in our listings directory, in our newsletter and on our website.

You may become a member by mailing a check to The Nurture Center, 3399 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, CA 94549, or by visiting

http://shop.nurturecenter.com/anmem.html. For a limited time, we are offering a free Nurture

Center membership when you place a custom stationery order for birth announcements, or when you purchase a Dutailier glider for local pick-up.

Organizational InformationThe Nurture Center, LLC is a store and resource

center for new parents located in Lafayette, California. Our parent education and support programs are funded by proceeds from our retail store and by membership contributions. You may reach us by phone at 925-283-1346 or by email at [email protected]. You can shop our store online at http://shop.nurturecenter.com.

Meri Levy, Executive DirectorSherry Henderson, Associate DirectorDeanna Jesus, Program DirectorChristin O’Leary, Internet Sales Manager

Nurture Center Staffmembers:Stephanie PearceRamona Lappier

Jeannine OtterbeckClaire Stevenson Martha SalgueroHeather Porter

The Nurture Center, LLC3399 Mt. Diablo BoulevardLafayette, CA 94549

Laura Aguiar, Jade AcupunctureKay Baker, RN, Bay Area Baby Nurses & DoulasJudy Ballinger, RN, Doula Plus AcupressureElon Bartlett, D.C., Bartlett Chiropractic Family Wellness CenterSamsarah Becknell, Birth Professionals of the Bay AreaShoshana Bennett, PhD. Postpartum Assistance for MothersJacques Bernou, D.C. Doctor of Chiro-practicNiccole Blalock, CD, CBE, Birth Dreams Childbirth ServicesLisa Broughton, IBCLC, Lactation ConsultantPenny Christie & Associates Massage TherapyMason Cornelius, LM, Nova MidwiferyChristina Del Gallo, Mama Massage

Christie Elwood, CMT.Mary Ellen Escalante, Full Flower Doula ServicesAnna Maria Fenton, Labor Doula/Childbirth EducatorJane Fowler, Nutrition MattersLaura Sara Geduldig, Go There! CoachingKay Goodyear, RNC, IBCLC, NurtureJenny Goyne, DoulaBeth Hammond, CD (DONA), Birth and Postpartum DoulaBetsy Hansen, IBCLC, Lactation ConsultantDeanna Jesus, CD, Birthing Babies ~ A Celebration of LifeNiele Maimone, DC, Align Healing CenterTreesa McLean, Doula, The Doula SchoolAdina Meastas Photography

Thank You to Our Professional Members!

PRESORTEDSTANDARD

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

LAFAYETTE, CAPERMIT NO. 89

Rachel Murray, Safe and Sound Chil-drenRosalina Navarrete, Postpartum Doula and Baby NurseLisa Norman, LM, East Bay Midwifery and Doula ServicesMarcie Parisi, MA, Marriage and Family TherapistMary Perez, LM, Gentle Swan Birth ServicesPrenatal Peek Bay Area, Elective 3D/4D UltraSoundDebi Raya, CMT, Birth Doula, Former MidwifeLee Safran, MFTKristy Vicari, Living WellHolly Wiersma, CD, Loving Hands Doula ServiceRoxann Zarchin, IBCLC, Lactation Consultant

Visit us online atwww.NurtureCenter.com

Documents

The Nurturing News - lib.store.yahoo.netlib.store.yahoo.net/lib/nurturecenter/summer2006.pdf · therapist Gayle Peterson answers the question: ... Friendly Communication Skills