Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Lamaze Staff Members Represented at UofM's Breastfeeding Support Team

By Cara Genisio, LCCE

Earlier this month I was fortunate to attend a meeting with the Breastfeeding Support Team at the University of Michigan Hospital. The BST is a group of labor and postpartum nurses with additional training in breastfeeding; they work to provide support to breastfeeding mothers and their newborns during the time that the moms and babies are at the hospital after birth.

Moira Tannenbaum, one of our Breastfeeding class instructors, attended the meeting with me, and we were both proud to represent the Lamaze Family Center and to speak for the prenatal educators in our community. Attending the meeting definitely strengthened my pride in what the LFCAA does to provide a supportive space for nursing moms, both before and after their babies are born.

All of us moms—and I include myself, as a nursing mom of a four-month-old boy—know how vital emotional and social support are to successful breastfeeding. The feeling that we can breastfeed safely and confidently in public; the feeling that our families and health care providers understand the patterns and rhythms of normal newborn breastfeeding; the knowledge that there are resources in our community should we encounter some bumps in the road—all of these things contribute to a strong foundation, a dependable surface to stand on and hold us up despite the inevitable challenges that we face in our personal breastfeeding journeys.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Program for our auction now online!


There is still time to join Lamaze Family Center for our 2011 FUNdraising kick-off event with our (first annual) Sweets, Treats & Silent Auction on Saturday, Dec. 4 from 7:30pm - 10:00pm at Zingerman's Bakehouse!

Come support Lamaze and the many local businesses, services and artists who have donated great items to our 2011 kick-off event. We are featuring items and services from over 60 local businesses. Come shop local, get a head start on your holiday gifts, and support a great organization!

Here is a sneak peek of just some of the great items available this Saturday:

* Zingerman's Baking Class
* Photography packages by Cheryl Hall, Draugalis, Edda Pacifico and Michelle Massey Barnes
* Whole Foods Gift Basket
* Britax Car Seat donated by The Little Seedling
* Four Big Chill Big House tickets for the UofM vs. MSU game on December 11th
* Buffalo Sabres team jersey signed by Ryan Miller, US Olympic Silver Medalist

Tickets are still available on our website or at the door.

Please join us for a great night out: wine, coffee and desserts by Zingerman's included. The event is being hosted in the Zingerman's Bakehouse CAKE! room at 3711 Plaza Drive, in between the Bakehouse and the Creamery near the Ann Arbor Airport.

View the complete program or buy your tickets today!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Authentic Buffalo Sabres jersey signed by Ryan Miller featured at Lamaze event on Dec. 4


Among other great items available at our Silent Auction this Saturday, Dec. 4, we are featuring an authentic Buffalo Sabres team jersey signed by Ryan Miller, current Buffalo Sabres goaltender, 2010 Vezina Trophy winner as best NHL goalie, former Michigan State Spartan & Hobey Baker Award winner, 2010 Olympic Silver Medalist, and Olympic Tournament MVP.

Live auction bidding starts at 8:45pm. In addition, we have over 50 other great products and services from local businesses in our silent auction, which begins at 7:30pm and ends at 10pm.

To purchase tickets for Sweets, Treats & Silent Auction, click here.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Celebrating National Adoption Month: Toddler Group Valuable Experience for Mom and Son

Our first guest blogger is Sara Saylor, an Ann Arbor mom who's son, Turo, was born in Ethiopia. In this blog, she explains the benefits for both she and her son when they participated in Lamaze's Toddler Play Group.

When we joined our toddler class at Lamaze, my son, Turo, had only been home from Ethiopia for three months. He was trying to adjust to his new surroundings, new language and new family. I was trying to figure out how to parent a toddler. The warm, supportive environment we found at Lamaze helped us as we navigated our new lives as mother and son.

For Turo, the toddler class was a great space for him to explore and interact with other little ones. At first, Turo would zoom around the room without much purpose. He’d try something and move on to the next spot. But as he grew familiar with the routine, he began to feel comfortable playing and engaging with other kids. Once he realized this was a regular thing, he looked forward to going and would ask about class whenever we drove near the building.

I enjoyed the class because it gave me a chance to interact with other moms. Having a 21-month old who was born in another country, I worried about his development, attachment and language. It was reassuring to be in the company of other mothers who had been at this for at least a year and half longer than I. I appreciated their knowledge and experience as I bungled through those early months. I soon realized, however, that they had many of the same questions about their toddlers as I did. It was a bit of a relief to discover that motherhood can be challenging whether you’ve given birth or adopted your child. And as a stay at home mom, I looked forward to having other grown-ups to talk to during the day.

Six months later, Turo still looks at the little album his teacher gave him at “graduation.” As we look at the photos, I can’t help but think back to those early, unsure days and am grateful we were able to access the services of the Lamaze Family Center.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Tickets are on sale for our Dec. 4 event!

Looking for a fun night out away from the kids? Would wine and Zingerman's pastries entice you to hire a babysitter? We'd love to see you at our (first annual) Sweets, Treats & Silent Auction on Saturday, Dec. 4. Tickets are now available on our website for $25/person, which is a bargain for a night out, and the event is being hosted in the Zingerman's Bakehouse CAKE! room at 3711 Plaza Drive (in between the Bakehouse and the Creamery near the Ann Arbor Airport).

A sample of our auction items is available on our site and the full program will be posted the week of the event.

If you have a product or service that you would like to donate to the Silent Auction, email Jodie. We would love to feature more local businesses in helping you promote your products/services and help raise funds for our programs, like our Miscarriage and Newborn Loss Support Group, teen childbirth, and scholarship childbirth program.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Sex & Intimacy After Baby: Mom's Night Out on Nov. 16 at The Quarter


We're excited about a new class we are offering in January called "Sex & Intimacy After Baby: Making It Matter For Moms." Any mom who has had a baby (even if it has been 5 years or more) can relate to the topics that we'll cover, like work/life balance, body image and self-esteem and the inevitable changes to your relationship that comes when baby arrives.

Sex therapist Kelly Grocoff, MSW, (pictured at right) will lead this five-week class as a companion to the book "Sex Matters for Women," by Sallie Foley, MSW; Sally A. Kope, MSW and Dennis P. Sugrue, PhD.

As an incentive to learn more about this class, and hear Kelly speak about this provocative and important topic, we're offering a special Mom's Night Out on Tuesday, November 16 at The Quarter Bistro in Ann Arbor.

Come enjoy a complimentary wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres from 6:30-8:30 at The Quarter; Kelly will speak at 7:15pm and talk about common concerns and changes.

The event is free, but advance registration is required, so email Meredith now to reserve your spot for this fun night out!


Friday, October 15, 2010

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Rememberance Day

Friday, October 15 is being recognized as National Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day, and to honor these losses, everyone is being asked to light a candle at 7pm (in your time zone) along side friends and family to remember these lost little ones.
For more information about National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, click here.

At Lamaze Family Center Ann Arbor, we have been supporting families for over 26 years through the Mary G. Schuman Miscarriage and Newborn Loss Support Group, which meets monthly on the second Tuesday of the month at the center. The group is for mothers, father, relatives and friends; anyone affected by stillbirth, early infant death or other perinatal loss is welcomed to this group. For more information or to see additional resources, click here.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Tips for welcoming new baby brother or sister


We offer a great class for big siblings-to-be called Becoming Brothers and Sisters, where older siblings can practice holding a baby doll, diapering, swaddling, gentle touching, and much more. Unlike other classes offered in the community, our class is the only one that takes place at University of Michigan Hospital, so kids ages 2 years and up benefit from the fun classroom component, and also get a tour of the actual Labor & Delivery floor.

Lamaze Family Center Ann Arbor offers the following suggestions when making the transition of adding a new member to your family. For ease of writing, suggestions are written as though the baby is the second child and the older child is referred to as “he”. Remember to consider your particular family situation and the age of your older sibling(s) when considering and selecting from this list.

  • Refer to baby as “our baby” as opposed to “the baby” or “Mommy’s baby” or the “new baby.”
  • Let your child feel as much a part of the preparation for baby’s arrival as he wants. For example, he can assist in making birth announcements by drawing pictures or help choose baby’s homecoming outfit.
  • Bring your child to a prenatal visit to listen to baby’s heartbeat.
  • If possible, visit a home with an infant so he realizes his baby will not be an instant playmate.
  • Talk to your child about the advantages and unpredictability of a baby of either sex so he won’t have his heart set on either.
  • If possible, make any room changes at least six weeks before your due date. This is especially important if you are planning to use the same crib and furniture you are currently using for your older child.
  • Before baby arrives, allow your older child to explore and play with the baby’s equipment, clothes, and toys.
  • Make arrangements for his care during Mom’s hospital stay about 4 to 6 weeks before the baby’s birth. Discuss your plans with your child. It is thought to be best that he be cared for by a close relative or familiar babysitter in his own home. If arranged outside your home, consider having a trial overnight.
  • Prepare him for the fact that you will be away from him while having the baby. Consider writing a special letter, making a tape of stories or leaving a picture or yourself for him to keep.
  • At this time many children enjoy knowing they are more capable for caring for themselves. Before baby arrives, teach your child independent behavior that is age appropriate, i.e., playing by himself, dressing, etc. It is unrealistic to expect these behaviors to develop spontaneously once baby arrives.
  • Have him pick out a gift for baby to welcome their arrival. Parents can give the older child a gift for becoming a new big brother or sister.
  • Buy a doll he can care for just as Mom and Dad will care for the baby when baby is born.
  • Purchase a few small, inexpensive gifts for him so when visitors bring the baby a present, he will have a gift, too.
  • Prepare for baby’s homecoming. See if Mom’s arms can be free for hugging older siblings.
  • Telephone calls between Mom and child are wonderful. Rehearse calls to familiarize your child with how Mom’s voice sounds on the phone.
  • Have your child pass out something special (i.e., stickers) to friends announcing baby’s birth.
  • Your older child can color pictures and cards to welcome Mom and baby home.
  • Prepare a birthday cupcake or cake and have a party at a sibling visit. Discuss what "birth” day means.
  • Tape your child’s picture or a drawing made by him in baby’s bassinet. This helps him recognize “his” baby when he comes to visit.
  • Encourage your older child to smile and talk to baby, especially when baby is fussy. Let him know you are aware baby is responding.
  • Permit him to hold baby with supervision. Show how and where to touch baby.
  • Delay introducing any new developmental tasks (i.e., school, toileting) when baby first arrives. It is also normal at this time for children to balk at established routines.
  • Continue to reminisce with your older child about his babyhood. Support and reinforce the advantages of being more grown up. Remember there will still be times when he will want to be held and cuddled like a baby. Have reasonable expectations of your child’s behavior.
  • Expect some jealousy and regression. Try to ignore regressive behavior. Help your child learn constructive outlets for aggressive behavior. Remember the safe expression of jealousy is normal.
  • School age children tend to adjust more easily because their world has expanded to include more attachments and activities outside the family. Avoid giving him unrealistic responsibilities, though, that are beyond his capabilities.
  • Consider that your child is jealous of the time you are spending with the baby and try to have each parent plan special time alone with him.
  • Divide care giving as evenly as possible between both parents. Avoid having Mom solely take care of baby while Dad/partner takes care of the older child. This also shows Dad/partner as a role model in baby care.
  • Make feeding times special by encouraging your older child to snuggle or share special time.
  • Breastfeeding moms may wonder what to do if their preschooler asks to nurse, too. Some moms suggest that allowing the older child to try to nurse and remaining matter of fact will usually cause the child to lose interest. Some prefer to offer their older child other drink options and reinforce the benefits of being more grown up.
  • Be aware that as a parent it may be difficult to balance the relationships with your children. This can result in having some feelings of resentment and guilt. It can be helpful for parents to talk over these feelings with each other.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Warning on Sleep Positioners

Since we teach Infant Care and Infant CPR, we often get the question about whether or not infant sleep positioners are safe. This came into our inbox this week and we felt important enough to share.

This past week, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers to stop using infant sleep positioners. There are two primary types of infant sleep positioners: flat mats with side bolsters or inclined (wedge) mats with side bolsters. Manufacturers of both types typically claim that their products help keep infants on their backs and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, the FDA has never cleared an infant sleep positioner to prevent or reduce the risk of SIDS, and CPSC and FDA are unaware of any scientific studies to support this claim.

For more information, including photos of infant sleep positioners, go to http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10358.html. Consumers can report a problem with an infant sleep positioner through the FDA’s MedWatch program at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/HowToReport/default.htm or with the CPSC at https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx.

Source: Judy Meehan, CEO Maternal-Infant Health News,

Friday, October 1, 2010

Milwaukee or Bust!


Five Lamaze Family Center Ann Arbor educators (and Golden Chicken Award nominee Jen Fife-Adams, a former LFC educator) are attending the 50th Anniversary Lamaze International/ICEA Mega Conference in Milwaukee this weekend.

World-renowed educator, advocate and doula Penny Simkin wowed us with her keynote this morning, and we have attended breakout sessions covering latest research, creating VBAC classes, interactive teaching strategies and more. Lamaze is offering breastfeeding moms a Lactation Lounge (I am lugging my pump around with me this weekend, and appreciate a private spot to pump and relax), and tomorrow's sessions include courageous childbirth, attitudes about home birth, reducing Cesarean rates and labor dystocia.

We're excited to bring back some great information to share in our childbirth classes; we are doing great work in our community and it is so empowering to hear about the other educators' classes, techniques and ideas that we can use to help our families.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Doulas Care and Lamaze Co-host Book Signing


Book Signing at Nicola's Books on Monday, October 4

Help celebrate the second edition of "The Official Lamaze Guide: Giving Birth with Confidence" with the authors at Nicola's Books in Westgate on Monday, October 4, from 7:30-9:00pm.

Authors Judith Lothian, RN, PhD, LCCE, FACCE and Ann Arbor's own Charlotte DeVries will be on hand to sign books, answer questions, and meet and greet attendees.

Looking for a great baby shower gift or know someone who is newly pregnant? The Official Lamaze Guide makes a fabulous gift! Filled with evidence-based research and great tips and advice for pregnancy, the book is accessible, down-to-earth and fun to read.

Come join us for this free reception and book signing!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Doula Dilemma: Laboring through hurdles

By Stephanie Schaldenbrand, Birth Doula

So often I am asked, “How are you going to support me through the labor hurdles?” “How are you going to keep me from making the decision to get the epidural?” First of all, let’s define what I mean by “labor hurdles.” Labor hurdles are those moments in a birth where everything comes to a crashing point, feelings of either you are going to “die from this labor” or with support, you find your inner warrior and persevere through the moment. Each labor has these moments.

For those of us who have been in labor, we remember these moments very well. It’s that precious moment when we need our support team to really focus us on what our hopes are for this birth. These are the moments that we were very subjective to being swayed into making a decision that we didn’t want. Before the birth, ask the pregnant mom, "How hard do you want me to push you in this moment? I can get you over this hurdle but do you want me to?” Could the higher epidural rate be a symptom of labor women finding themselves at the labor hurdle and no one telling her she has the strength to make it over? Is there no one willing to stand next to the laboring mom and say, “You can do this. You are doing this.”

Welcome to the Lamaze Family Center Blog!

We are excited to be able to communicate with you in a fun, fast and interactive way.

Our appeal is broad:
  • If you are pregnant and looking for a comprehensive, evidence-based childbirth class, look no further than our Lamaze classes, taught by certified Lamaze instructors.
  • We have two board-certified lactation consultants on staff who teach our monthly breastfeeding classes and we also offer a fun infant care workshop/bootcamp to get you ready to care for your new baby.
  • Recently had a baby and looking to connect with other new moms? Join one of our Mother's Groups.
  • Struggling with the overwhelming reality of being a new mom and can't kick the "baby blues?" We host a monthly Postpartum Depression group facilitated by therapists/social workers.
  • Is your child over 1 year old, but not old enough for preschool? We offer weekly parent-toddler playgroups, an interactive art class for 18months-3yr olds, an outdoor science camp perfect for your 2-3 yr old, and more.
We'll post articles and photos to keep you up to date on what is happening at Lamaze and the world of evidence-based childbirth education, as well as fun tips and ideas for your growing family.