A Mother's Haven

A number of our readers requested to hear more about a holistic approach to treating babies with colic and reflux. Since drugs are often not the answer to treat these common symptoms in babies, another method is usually necessary. Fortunately, a holistic treatment plan could provide relief for these babies and ultimately resolves their symptoms. We've compiled a list of steps taken from The Holistic Baby Guide By Randall Neustaedter, OMD 1. Solve feeding issues. The first step is to address any feeding problems that may contribute to your baby's discomfort. This includes breastfeeding problems and other physical issues. 2. Stay close. Try comforting your baby with constant holding and carrying, perhaps aided by using a sling. 3. Address food sensitivities. Your baby may be sensitive to foods that she's eating. Breastfed babies are often sensitive to the foods that their moms have eaten. Eliminating those foods may ease a lot of symptoms. 4. Get professional as...

Finding a good preschool for your child can seem like an overwhelming process but before you even begin the search, you must ask yourself - Is my child ready? So how do you know? There are no set guidelines. But there are a few things to consider or assess before conducting your search for the perfect preschool. Is your child fairly independent? Preschool requires children to have certain basic skills. Some may even require your child to be potty-trained while others may be willing to help with the process. They may expect your child to be able to take care of some other basic needs, like washing his hands after painting, eating his lunch without assistance, and sleeping alone. It is important your child feels comfortable performing certain tasks on his own. Not sure how to start? With most kids, praise goes a long way - compliment each achievement to help build their self esteem. Has your child spent time away from you? If your child has been cared for by a babysitter or...

Our next interview is with Terri O'Donnell - Manager Extraordinaire! You all may know Terri as the "mom" of the store since she's the go-to person for everything ranging from classes to nursing bras to carriers! Terri is a master of keeping things running smoothly and under control here at A Mother's Haven and we're so grateful to have her here! What do you think makes A Mother's Haven different from other baby boutiques? It's more than a store - it's really an educational center with incredible customer service. Our classes take you from pregnancy to the first few years of your child's life so it's an incredible resource for moms and families in general. What would you say is the best part about working at A Mother's Haven ? I love the feeling of knowing you've helped someone. Working at A Mother's Haven really gives you the chance to make a difference in someone's life. Often new moms come in here confused an...

Go to sleep under a starry night sky! The award-winning Twilight Turtle and Twilight Ladybug make bedtime fun for children of all ages. These constellation nightlights are the perfect bedtime companions. Twilight Turtle and Twilight Ladybug by Cloud B are the first and only plush constellation nightlights ever created. They come with three soothing color options green, blue, and amber, each illuminating different brightness levels, creating magical, tranquil environments that help children peacefully drift off to dreamland. Not just for the avid stargazer, these adorable and unique celestial night lights gently transform nurseries and bedrooms into a starry night sky that comfort and calm children and adults alike. Twilight Turtle & Twilight Ladybug are more than just a soothing bedtime companion, they are also an interactive and educational toy. Within the star pattern are 8 actual constellations. Children will be excited to learn and identify these major constella...

We had a discussion in my last childbirth class on eggs.  It is recommended that pregnant women eat 2 eggs a day.  Why are eggs so important?  Eggs are a great source of protein, provide 13 minerals and vitamins and are the most concentrated food source of choline.    Choline helps brain cells develop properly and may affect a baby’s ability to learn and remember .  Choline also helps protect babies against neural tube defects .  Another added bonus is that choline may help a pregnant woman’s brainpower .   Pregnant women need 450mg of choline per day and breastfeeding women need 550mg per day. 
Here is a breakdown of other food sources that contain choline besides eggs : 1/2 cup spinach: 240 mg 1 hard-boiled egg: 113 mg 1 medium potato: 105 mg 3 ounces boneless pork loin chop: 84 mg 1 cup cooked navy beans: 81 mg 3 ounces roasted chicken leg: 73 mg 3 ounces cod: 71 mg 3 ounces tilapia: 71 mg 3 ounces lean ground beef patty...

One of the best things about having a toddler is watching, and listening, as their language develops. They go from making sweet little goos and gahs, to being able to carry on a small conversation with you. Parents often tell us that talking with their kids is one of their most favorite things to do. So how do you help support their speech development... Talking with your child often, from the time they are very young and with lots of eye contact is how they will learn language the best. They'll start by mimicking and repeating and will want to talk back. Scrap the baby talk, especially after the age of about 6-9 months when they start developing their first sounds. Use your regular grown up voices , and chances are they'll learn to communicate as effectively as you. Since babies this young often get frustrated easily by not being able to express themselves, taking a sign language for babies class is an effective solution for many parents. They enrich parent-i...

We hope that you're enjoying finding out more about our incredible instructors at A Mother's Haven Boutique & Educational Center. We are so thankful to have them here to teach all of our moms & babies and to create our wonderful community! Our next interview is with Lauren Ryan who teaches our Supported Birth and Caring For Your Newborn classes . Supported Birth is a four week course that educates women and their partners in making conscious choices about the birth of their baby with the help of technical knowledge, confidence in the natural biological process of birth, self exploration, and a variety of coping tools and techniques. Caring For Your Newborn is a 3 hour class held once a month on a sturday that teaches expecting parents the essential skills they'll need to take care of their new baby in this fun, informative, hands-on environment. AMH: Lauren, what can expecting moms learn or get from your classes? Lauren: In Supported Birth – Couple...

Are you going back to work or just need an extra pair of hands to help around the house? Here are some points to consider when looking for a caregiver to you child. First and foremost, this is one area you shouldn't compromise on — your child deserves the best caregiver you can find , so be prepared for a long search. You'll need to be patient and resourceful, consulting everyone from friends and family to nanny agencies about possible candidates. It's important to get recommendations from whoever you choose to hire regardless of where you get them from, so you can get a sense of their interactions with others who are in a similar situation to yours. To start, you'll need to identify your priorities - what are your specific requirements . Consider talking to your partner about what your ideal sitter or nanny would be like. Would it be someone older or younger? Starting our or more experienced? Is a degree in early childhood education important to you? Make a li...

After we heard everyone raves about (and asking for) the Zoli Cups , we are now carrying them in the boutique! Both the BOT XL 9oz and the BOT 6oz sizes, plus the replacements straws. Moms like these sippy cups because the end of the straw is weighted and thus always goes to where the water is in the cup so baby always gets something to drink when they sip.  The silicone straws are flexible and safe for babies, and the whole cup is BPA & Phthalate free.  The top flips down to cover the straw for travel.  BOT is designed without a valve so that young children can sip more easily. Wash & Care of your Zoli BOT Sippy Cup : - Before you use your BOT for the first time, separate the lid from the cup (but leave the straw in) and clean all parts thoroughly with soap and water (or on the top rack of your dishwasher). - DO NOT remove the straw from the lid to clean.  Leave the straw in the lid, and hold it under running water.  Gently rub the silicone stra...

Aden+Anais has come out with new gorgeous organic cotton blankets , sold in three-packs.  ' Once Upon a Time ' is a solid lavender blanket, one with leaves & deer, and one with ladybugs & butterflies (finally a purple set!).  ' Wise Guys ' is a solid white blanket, one with owls, and one with turquoise, white, & beige.  ' Into the Wood s' is a solid blue blanket, one with leaves, and one with acorns.  See below for the prints. These blankets (like all Aden+Anais swaddling blankets are 47" x 47" and pre-washed).  They are lightweight and breathable - and extremely versatile!  Moms use them for everything from a nursing cover to burp bloth, to tummy time blanket to sun-blocker over the stroller to swaddling!  These organic swaddles are GOTS certified and manufactured in an environmentally responsible way to be eco-conscious. Visit us at: 16101 Ventura Blvd. Suite 230 Encino, CA. 91436 p. (818) 380-3111 w.  shopthehaven.co...

Often as moms we end up getting a lot of unsolicited advice. This advice, although well intended, might conflict with our own instincts and intuition. I believe that as mothers, trusting our intuit has become an increasingly difficult thing to do. There is a lot of pressure today to be the “perfect” mom. We have this unrealistic image in our heads of this woman who always knows exactly what to say, what do to, who perfectly organizes and manages every detail of her family's life. In trying to live up to this idealized image in our heads, we often begin to lose who we truly are. The reality, however, is that not only should we let go of the goal of perfectionism, but according to renowned author and professor, Jon Kabat-Zinn, “perfect is simply not relevant." He states that “what is important is that we be authentic, and that we honor our children and ourselves as best we can. Being present, paying attention, being true to yourself.” I believe that, if we let it, ...

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 ...

We hope that you're enjoying finding out more about our incredible instructors at A Mother's Haven Boutique & Educational Center. We are so thankful to have them here to teach all of our moms & babies and to create our wonderful community! Our next interview is with Danielle Vorzimer - our moms have the great experience of being with Danielle in our Mommy and Me or Mothers' Gathering classes , where we put together about 10 new moms with babies all born around the same time. Everyone's going through the same stages and issues, and the instructor educates and supports the whole group through the huge life change of raising a baby! AMH: Danielle, what can new moms expect to learn or get from your Mothers' Gathering class ? Danielle: Not only will they gather information and incredible support through other moms but they will also form invaluable friendships. This class creates an environment where new moms can share their experiences in a safe and u...

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 First Aid class will show you just what to do in those situations. We offer the “ Save a Little Life ” course at our Encino location about on...

Just had a new baby?  Looking to rent a hospital grade breastpump to get your milk supply going? Here at A Mother's Haven, we rent out the Medela Symphony breast pump to new parents, as well as we sell all of the pump parts, including the Symphony pump rental kit , the Medela pump tubing , the Symphony membrane caps , the different size breastshields , etc. It can all be a bit confusing about which pump to get - if you stop by the boutique at 16101 Ventura Blvd Ste 230, Encino, CA 91436, we're more than happy to talk with you and figure out the best pump for your situation (low milk supply, going back to work, etc).  Or call us with any questions! Medela Symphony Breast Pump Rental Rates: $75 per month (pay month-to-month) $195 for a 3 month commitment $300 for a 6 month commitment (no deposit required) Call us at (818) 380 - 3111 to reserve your pump! Visit us at: 16101 Ventura Blvd. Suite 230 Encino, CA. 91436 p. (818) 380-3111 w.  shopthehaven.com

Sign language is a great way to help you communicate with your pre-verbal baby. It helps babies that are ready to communicate, but can’t quite bridge the gap to full speech yet. Imagine how your life would be different if your baby could tell you what he or she is thinking! Signing with babies has numerous benefits - not to mention, it's a lot of fun and helps you bond with your child. Babies that sign are often less fussy because they're able to communicate what they want in ways other than crying. Research also shows that babies that utilize sign language get a great start in life – with increased vocabularies and more advanced cognitive skills, even years after they have stopped signing. Our Sign Language for Babies (SLFB): a 6-week interactive series includes: * An overview of language development * Over 50 American Sign Language (ASL) signs * Easy ways to incorporate signing into your daily routine * Fun songs and activities to facilitate the learning of sign...