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...