A Mother's Haven

Ah the joys of pregnancy! You're glowing, your belly's growing... and with that, sometimes you develop back problems. Lucky for you there are now a number of support products to ease discomfort and let you progress with ease and style. As your belly grows, you may find it uncomfortable and difficult to move with this sudden new weight. The Upsie Belly by Belly Bandit provides immediate relief, making it easier to increase your range of motion and daily activity throughout your pregnancy. Featuring revolutionary SecureStretch materials that mold to your body with just the right amount of tension. This allows for strong support and a stable fit while the exclusive soft-front closure allows you to move freely, without digging or discomfort. Because your baby bump is all the matters, Upsie Belly is created from ultra soft bamboo made from viscose materials. Instantly relieves pregnancy discomforts: - Minimizes stretch marks - Adds back and abdominal support - Helps rel...

Nurturing your toddler's self-esteem is essential to boosting his self-worth and laying the foundation for your child's development as he tries things on his own. Self-esteem is believed to come from having a sense of belonging, believing that we're capable, and knowing our contributions are valued and worthwhile. As a parent, you want to ensure that your child develops pride and self-respect — in himself and in his cultural roots — as well as faith in his ability to handle any life's challenges - whether social or educational. Here are ten simple strategies to help boost your child's self-esteem: Give unconditional love. A child's self-worth blossoms with the kind of no-strings-attached devotion that says, "I love you, no matter who you are or what you do." So go ahead and lavish your child with love. Give him/her plenty of cuddles, kisses, and pats on the shoulder. And don't forget to tell him/her how much you love them. Discipline with l...

The Belly Bandit wrap is designed exclusively with a woman's post pregnancy body in mind. The seamless creation hugs your body for a comfy inconspicuous fit under most garments. The smooth, tagless design and latex free materials won't irritate most skins. Among many of its benefits, you'll find that the Belly bandit : - Provides a Slimmer Look Instantly - Helps lose inches faster - Reduces Discomfort - Supports Back & Legs - Adds Support While Breastfeeding - Improves Posture HELPFUL HINTS FOR SIZING YOUR BELLY BANDIT     SIZES BAND SIZE FITS BELLY SIZE X-SMALL 28"-32" /71 cm-83cm SMALL 33-37"/ 84cm-95cm MEDIUM 38"-43" / 96cm-111cm LARGE 44"-49"/ 112cm-126cm X-LARGE 50"-57"/ 127cm-126cm Due to the size and shape variations in women's bodies, it may be tricky to size yourself for a Belly Bandit. Correct sizing is essential for comfort and product effectiveness. Buying a B...

Little travelers need a surprising amount of stuff! Here are some tips and a checklist of items that can help alleviate stress while traveling. - Start preparing to pack a few days before you travel. Keep a running list of things to take, or put items out on a table or dresser as you think of them. - Use a diaper bag with a waterproof lining and a shoulder strap. - Be prepared for leaky diapers and baby spit-up on the airplane: Tuck an extra outfit or two for your baby – and an extra shirt for you – into your carry-on bag. - Prevent leaks by packing medicines and toiletries in resealable plastic bags. - Pack each of your baby's outfits in its own zipped plastic bag so you don't have to hunt around for tiny socks, shirts, and so on. - Take your camera, battery charger, and an extra memory card. - Take a clip-on reading light so you can read without disturbing your baby. - Take the phone number for your baby's health care provider in case you have questions whil...

I was pretty clueless when my daughter was born. In 2000 I had never heard of tummy time or Baby Einstein. I followed my instincts and spent my time with her holding her, singing to her, talking to her, lying on the floor with her, going for walks and of course nursing her and changing a lot of diapers! I even managed to give her a bath every so often. When teaching newborn care classes many parents ask me what to do with a baby all day (and night) long. The obvious basic care of feeding, diapering, bathing and dressing are clear to them but what else? Here are some ways to interact with your newborn: – hold her – massage her daily  Touch is the most important sense in newborns. The more a baby is touched or held, the more it lowers her stress, promotes healthy weight gain, enhances her immune system and lowers her heart rate. – do tummy time  Tummy time has many benefits including strengthening the back and neck muscles, which will help her learn t...

I would have rather given birth at home, but between my insurance, being a first time mom, having a partner that was a little scared of the idea and living a mile off a dirt road that was very difficult to traverse in the rainy season, the hospital was where I needed to be. I was uncomfortable with hospitals because of past experiences with sick family members as many of us are. I was able to understand though that I was going to the hospital not because I was sick or anything was wrong, but to give birth. While laboring at home you can mostly control the environment. No one is watching you or interrupting you, the temperature can be controlled, the lights can be adjusted, you can move around freely, take a bath or shower, light candles and go outside. At the hospital your partner and/or doula can do their best to create an environment that works for you. By creating a birth environment that connects to the “old” part of the brain you will be thinking less, trusti...

Sippy cups can be a great way for your baby to transition from nursing or bottle-feeding to a regular cup. They can also improve hand-to-mouth coordination. When your baby has the motor skills to handle a cup but not the skills to keep the drink from spilling, a sippy cup can give him some independence while keeping cleanup to a minimum. When should I introduce a sippy cup to my child? Encourage your child to use a regular cup when you think he's ready. Some babies enjoy using a sippy cup as early as 6 months, and others aren't interested until after their first birthday. Most babies seem ready around 7 to 9 months, though. What's the best way to transition to a sippy cup? Some babies take to a sippy cup immediately, while others take a while to get used to the idea. Here are some tips to make the transition smoother: - Start off with a soft, pliable, nipple-like spout, which will feel more familiar to your baby than a hard plastic spout. Some trainer cups...

Your body already knows how to give birth - it just needs some preparation... Supported Birth covers stages of labor, pain coping techniques, drugs, and cesareans as most typical childbirth classes do. What makes Supported Birth different from other Childbirth Preparation classes is that it is taught in an interactive and personalized way where couples will participate in discussions as opposed to only listening to lectures. Couples will use self-exploration and come out of class feeling empowered and positive about birth by learning there is no one right way to give birth. This class is especially good for women who have fears about giving birth and those attracted to the idea of natural childbirth. This four week course educates women and their partners to make conscious choices about the birth of their baby based on a combination of technical knowledge, confidence in the natural biological process of birth, self exploration, and many different pain coping tools and techniqu...

Breastpump Rentals Only you can provide for your baby. We can help! A Mother’s Haven carries Medela breast pumps for rent and sale and Medela pumping supplies. Pumps for sale are available in our online store. Pumps for rent are available for in-store pick up only. Medela Symphony® Breastpump Medela Symphony® Breastpump is the first breastpump with 2-Phase Expression® technology which is proven to achieve faster milk ejection and faster milk flow.*  More efficient and comfortable.  Unique overflow protection.  Double or single pumping.  One knob control.  Whisper quiet operation.  Easy-to-clean.  Compatible with Preemie+ technology (Preemie+ Card sold separately). Featuring the original 2-Phase Expression® technology – found only in Medela breast pumps. Babies breastfeed in 2 phases: 1. Stimulation Phase – when babies first go to breast, they suck fast and light to start milk flowing. 2. Expression Ph...

We'd all like to think that we'll never be in a position of having to save our baby's life, but it could happen. Babies choke on food and toys, or slip under the water in the tub or a pool, or get caught in drawstrings and curtain cords. If your baby is ever choking or suddenly lifeless, you would want to know what to do! Although you might be able to find some tips on the internet, these techniques differ depending on the age of the child, and doing them improperly can possibly be harmful, so it's important to set aside a few hours to take an infant and child CPR course in your area, to learn and practice the proper techniques. If you live in Los Angeles, whether in the San Fernando Valley, the Westside, or even Burbank, Pasadena, or Glendale, we have the class for you. At A Mother's Haven, our Infant and Toddler CPR and Family Safety Class class will show you just what to do in those situations. We offer the “ Save a Little Life ” course at our Encino loca...

Parents worry endlessly about how to protect their children from strangers and violence, but many overlook one of the biggest threats to their children's safety and well-being — their own home. Whether your little bundle of joy is crawling, walking, or still perfecting tummy time, it's never too early to begin childproofing, so make sure you do so carefully. Take Safety Measures Is your sweet little munchkin pretending to be top chef by getting into all kitchen cabinets and appliances? Mommy's Helper Appliance Lok helps keep appliance door safe from little hands. It has a locking strap for refrigerator or stove and can be easily installed. The most effective way to ensure your baby's safety is to take a baby's-eye view of your home. Get down on your hands and knees and see how things look from down there. What's within reach? What looks tempting? Where would you go if you could crawl, toddle, or walk? This will help you figure out which cupboards, dra...

  The Cinch is an adjustable belly wrap to help you get your figure back after baby! The wrap provides 360 degree support for compression along your abdomen and support along your back.  The adjustable panels shrink with you so you only need to buy one size, and the lightweight yet firm material is comfortable and compressive all day long.  Come on in to try The Cinch on and see how you can get your body back even after having a baby! Visit us at: 16101 Ventura Blvd. Suite 230 Encino, CA. 91436 p. (818) 380-3111 w.  shopthehaven.com

You've heard it so many times before... it takes a village to raise a child! Well it does... sort of. We know that your first year with your baby is challenging - You're tired, overwhelmed, and confused - This is where Mothers' Gathering comes in. Whether this baby is your first or fourth, we offer classes that are catered to your specific needs. It's about building a community. This class can help alleviate those feelings of loneliness - even if you have family or friends around, you can feel alone in this journey as a new mom. Allow yourself the chance to get support from people who truly understand what you're going through. You will make friends for life. Mothers' Gathering provides the opportunity for your little one to find a new buddy, and most importantly, for you to build lasting friendship with other moms. These friendships will undoubtedly make a tremendous impact on your journey through motherhood. Much more than a "Mommy and Me...

Since everyone was asking for them, we now carry the Milkmakers Lactation Cookies!  And they're delicious! These cookies are wonderful for moms who are trying to help keep their milk supply up, whether at home or going back to work.  Baked into each lactation cookie are oats, brewer's yeast, and flax seed - all ingredients that help to increase breastmilk supply and help new moms get the nutrition they need.  Oats are eaten by nursing moms worldwide to boost breast milk supply, and are a nutritional powerhouse providing pl enty of whole grains, fiber, iron, and an abundance of healthy vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Brewer’s yeast is a traditional herbal remedy used to stimulate and increase the production of breastmilk and is a rich source of the B-vitamins and amino acids essential for nursing moms and their babies. Flax seed provides an abundance of omega-3 fatty acids, necessary for brain development, which can be passed from mother to baby through...

Scared of cutting your baby's nails?  The Zoli Buzz B Baby Nail File/Trimmer is safe and gentle for newborns, infants, and toddlers.  The cushioned pads gently file baby's nails with easy adjustable two speed control on all the tiny fingers and toes.  It comes with the nail trimmer, extra cushioned pads of varying textures, 1 AA battery, and a storage/travel case. Visit us at: 16101 Ventura Blvd. Suite 230 Encino, CA. 91436 p. (818) 380-3111 w.  shopthehaven.com

Breastfeeding is endorsed by the world’s health and scientific organizations as the best way of feeding infants. Years of research have shed light on the vast array of benefits not only for children but also for mothers and society. While breastfeeding is best for you and your baby , it is a learned skill . The natural aspects of breastfeeding are the baby’s innate suck mechanism and need for sustenance and your body’s production of milk. Because many of us were not breastfed, and didn’t grow up watching women nurse their babies, it is a topic and skill that we must learn as soon-to-be parents. Proper positioning and latch-on are essential for successful nursing. Learning prenatally how your body produces milk, and practicing proper nursing techniques, are the first steps to successfully breastfeeding your baby. In this class you will: - Learn about the anatomy and physiology of breastmilk production - Learn and practice proper positioning and latch-on - Learn how often a ...

Aden+Anais just came out with their New Beginnings Gift Sets - perfect for baby shower presents! The Aden and Anais New Beginnings Gift Sets come in Liam the Brave (boy), For the Birds (girl), and Jungle Jam (unisex).  The gift set includes: 1. Two cotton muslin swaddle blankets in cute prints 2. One Burpy Bib, great for using as a burp cloth and then a bib 3. One Musy Mate Lovey, a cuddly muslin companion for your baby 4. Swaddle Love Book, which demonstrates the history and techniques of swaddling Visit us at: 16101 Ventura Blvd. Suite 230 Encino, CA. 91436 p. (818) 380-3111 w.  shopthehaven.com

Is the hospital staff really going to let you take this baby home? What can you really expect when bringing home baby? Learn the essential skills you need to take care of your new baby in this fun, informative, hands-on class! You will be given information to help you physically care for a new baby, gain an understanding of newborn behavior and needs, and develop parental confidence. This class cover the following topics: - Typical newborn eating and sleeping patterns - Handling a newborn in the first few days/weeks - Feeding - Burping - Diapering - Bathing - Changing clothes - Swaddling - Cord care - Nail care - Soothing a crying baby - Illness - what to look for - Care of the Mother - Layette - what to buy - Topics that are important to your family This 3 hour class is held once a month on a Saturday afternoon from 2–5 pm. Our convenient Encino location caters well to San Fernando valley residents, living in Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana and Woodland ...

The Miracle Blanket is truly a miracle for many moms and babies! Research has shown that the two best fussiness "eliminators" are classic swaddling and gentle abdominal pressure. A lateral belly wrap is a very old Irish remedy for fussiness that is comprised of a long band of "stretchy" fabric that is wrapped around a babies abdomen to provide a gentle, even, lateral pressure around the baby's mid-section.   The Miracle Blanket is the first and only product that combines these two incredibly effective solutions in one product. Because of the way  design combines the perfect classic swaddle with the even, horizontal pressure of the lateral belly wrap, it seems to work better than anyone ever thought possible. Here are some of it...

These natural baby clothing in bamboo and cotton prints are sure to be your child's favorite! There's an incredible variety - pants, shirts, tunics, dresses - you name it! The fabric is stretchy and soft, the construction is of the highest quality, the colors are rich and beautiful, and the design is simple and well executed. Bamboo is an eco-friendly, sustainable crop that grows wild without the aid of fertilizers or pesticides. Bamboo wicks water from the body 3-4 times better than cotton, keeping skin comfortable, rather than sticky, in summer weather. And, Bamboo stays 2-3 degrees cooler in hot weather & warmer in cold. Check out some of the cool new styles we got in stock! This adorable layette gown is perfect for brand new little ones! Elastic bottom makes diaper changes easy! Easy fold over cuffs prevent baby from scratching himself. The baby doll top is in a crimson lattice pattern, with ruffles around the hemline and the sleeves. The baby doll t...