Whether or not you've seen The Business of Being Born, if you are expecting – or interested in maternal rights in general – consider heading to Being Born in Massachusetts: Pushing for More Midwives this Wednesday (Feb. 27). During this panel, women’s health authors, midwives, and public health/OB-GYN specialists will discuss how the issues raised in Business relate to birthing practices in Massachusetts. Those interested in learning more about pending legislation for a state licensing board for midwifery should click here.

Posted 25 Feb 2008 in Local; Outreach; Pre & Postnatal Services | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Whenever I have a tough day with my one kiddo, moms of multiples loom even more impressive in my mind. So I’m thrilled to introduce new guest contributor Heather, a fabulous Boston mama to a 4-year-old daughter and 8-month-old triplets. Among other things, Heather will offer content on parenting multiples; today, she writes on a terrific Massachusetts-based group that supports families of triplets+ across New England:

Continue reading "Triplets, Moms, and More" »

Posted 20 Sep 2007 in Local; Pre & Postnatal Services; Pregnancy & Postpartum | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Sometimes (particularly after a stretch of indulgent eating) serving as a fashion consultant to a friend is more fun than shopping for yourself. Yesterday I had great fun hitting the maternity pavement with a girlfriend desperately in need of bumpworthy business attire.

After checking out Target and Kohl’s, both of which have a few business separates options but are better suited for casual wear, we hit the jackpot at Destination Maternity in Natick. Surprisingly not overwhelming in square footage, this one-stop shopping location includes retail areas each for Motherhood, Mimi Maternity, A Pea in the Pod, Destination Maternity, and Edamame Spa, which ensures satisfying a range of budgets and clothing styles, whether you are in the market for a $10 basic vs. $300 designer dress.

Continue reading "Destination Maternity" »

Posted 12 Mar 2007 in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Fashion; For Mamas & Mamas-to-be; Local; Pre & Postnatal Services; Retail | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

I’m a sucker for cute kids’ boutiques and since opening in the fall, I’ve been keeping my eye on Bird by Bird in Inman Square. Originally debuting with a modest selection of products conjuring a bit of a spare, upscale boutique feel that intimidated some readers who wrote in, Bird by Bird has since impressively expanded its offerings to feature an array of stylish products from both national and independent (including local) designers; the shop now feels decidedly warm and welcoming. Some particularly cool finds include an impressive, hip collection of screen printed and appliquéd tees and onesies (various designers), beautiful mixed fabric creations from Lorna Lowe Custom Couture and Beary Basics, and the snuggly soft hoodie cardigans by Angel Dear. Apparently, they also have started carrying the stylish, locally crafted baby slings by gOzOzO, in designs exclusive to Bird By Bird.

Bird By Bird also periodically offers programming such as fitness and baby signing; click here for their latest announcements. They also have future plans for an online store.

Bird By Bird, 1361 Cambridge Street, Cambridge; Tel: 617-497-1361

Posted 6 Mar 2007 in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Local; Pre & Postnatal Services; Retail | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

On Saturday, September 30 at 3pm Isis Maternity in Needham is offering an event for families composed of two moms (or dads) + baby. Financial Advisor Blythe Meyomesse and Family Lawyer Joyce Kauffman, Esq. will offer their expertise on financial and legal issues facing non-traditional families. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions. Registration is required (Tel: 781-429-1597). This event is free for members ($19 for non-members); extended families and infants are welcome free of charge.

Posted 27 Sep 2006 in Local; Pre & Postnatal Services | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Infants are limited to nonverbal communication; no wonder they respond so well to massage and signing. Sheryl White, owner of Baby Kneads, is an established infant massage and signing teacher serving the Metro West and Boston area. Sheryl offers tutelage in a number of formats: out of her home in Southborough, through private consultations in client’s homes, with teachers at day care centers, through free programs at libraries and family networks, and at Isis Maternity ($40.00 for signing and $25.00 for massage; 10% discount for members) and WarmLines ($25.00 for members; $35.00 for non-members for infant massage).

Click here to contact Baby Kneads about public programs and individual consultation.

Posted 21 Sep 2006 in Local; Pre & Postnatal Services | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Life’s major transitions are ever present and can be overwhelming without help.

A few weeks ago, Barbara Meltz of the Globe offered a feature (“A fresh start: Visiting Moms help new mothers care for, and understand, their babies” 8/21/06) on the Jewish Family & Children's Service (JF&CS). JF&CS has served the Greater Boston community for over 140 years, offering support to children and families, seniors, and people with disabilities regardless of background or ability to pay.

Meltz’ article focuses on the JF&CS’ Visiting Moms program, in which volunteers complete training sessions and receive supervision, and share their experience and compassion with new mothers.

Other resources include support groups for mothers of multiples, new mothers, postpartum adjustment, and lesbian new parents, and an adoption resources orientation. The seniors' resources also likely will be of interest given that as we age, so do our parents.

JF&CS has locations in Waltham, Boston, and Norwood; support groups and events occur across the Greater Boston area.

Posted 10 Sep 2006 in Family Issues; Local; Outreach; Pre & Postnatal Services | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

What a pity that my food poisoning induced “labor” precluded use of our doula (the services of which were available gratis via participation in a doula study at our hospital). As first time parents, my husband and I loved the idea of having a childbirth expert in the room to take the pressure off of Jon, and keep our multi-paged (!) birthing plan on track.

Of course, the birthing plan and doula went out the window when I had my emergency C-section. So while I am unable to provide a personal reference, a dear mama friend from Cambridge – who searched long and hard for her doula – offers high praise for the following resource:

Continue reading "Serenity Now" »

Posted 29 Aug 2006 in Local; Pre & Postnatal Services; Pregnancy & Postpartum | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Isis Maternity has become a one-stop mama tour de force in the Boston area. With locations in Brookline, Needham, and Arlington, Isis offers a host of programs such as childbirth education, parenting preparation, fitness, mom & baby groups, developmental groups, music and movement classes, workshops, massage & private consultations, and events.

I give Isis high marks for offering drop in playgroups for babes up to 3 years (separate sessions for immobile and mobile babes) given that committing to a weekly group can be tough. Drop in playgroups are free for members and $5 for non-members. See Isis’ website for details on the drop in playgroups and membership details. Membership fees are reasonable ($39 for first six months, $19 for every six month block following; members of Isis-affiliated organizations can receive a discounted membership) and include discounts on programs, products, and affiliated vendors.

Update 12/12/06: Membership fees are $7.50 per month (pay for the first four months upon joining; members of Isis-affiliated organizations can receive a discounted membership) and include discounts on programs, products, and affiliated vendors.

Posted 23 Jul 2006 in Fun Indoors; Local; Pre & Postnatal Services; Retail | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

You love your partner for offering massages, but often it’s tough to coax them to go for more than 5-10 minutes. How can you blame them? They didn’t take Massage Therapy Stamina 101 last fall.

For pre/postnatal massage services, I highly recommend someone near and dear to me: Jennifer Koh, LCMT. I have received both pre- and postnatal massage therapy from Jennifer; both approaches were relaxing and therapeutic. I’m just always sad when it is time to slide off the table and re-enter the real world.

Jennifer operates her practice out of The Healing Center, 259 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington. Give her a call (781-424-1060) or send her an email to book an appointment. Her regular hours are: Sunday (12-6pm) and Mondays & Tuesdays (6:30-9:00pm); other appointments may be available upon request. Fees are $70 for one hour, or $100 for 1½ hours.

Update (1/11/07): In addition to her practice at The Healing Center in Arlington, you now also can book appointments with Jennifer in downtown Boston at Boston Bodyworker.

Posted 21 Jul 2006 in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Local; Pre & Postnatal Services | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Ah, how I took the Nursing Weight Loss Plan for granted. I was one of the lucky ones whose pregnancy weight fell off quickly, thanks to the voracious infant who nursed her way through the entire 2004 World Series, and otherwise was happiest being walked around and around the block in a sling.

Then a few months post-nursing, many baked goods, and three major clothing crises later I discovered that I had gained 15 pounds. My fabulous husband, who insisted he didn’t even notice the weight gain (perhaps it’s the myopia) suggested that there was one thing I should do and two things I could do. The “should” was to buy myself a pile of clothes that actually fit and made me feel good. The “could’s” were to join him in trying to cut down on the daily desserts, and/or find a fitness outlet.

Continue reading "Your Fabulous You" »

Posted 20 Jul 2006 in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Fashion; For Mamas & Mamas-to-be; Local; Pre & Postnatal Services | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link

Soon-to-be and new mamas in need of support will be interested in checking out the services of Birthing Gently. Established in 2002, Birthing Gently is a practice specializing in high-risk deliveries; their full range of services includes: labor and postpartum doulas, midwives, childbirth education (including hypnobirth), and lactation consultants). They serve families in Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire.

Birthing Gently also has developed the “Heart to Heart” Program, an online self-matching support service/support forum for expecting and new parents of children with medical conditions. Registration is required to ensure privacy, but access to the forum is free of charge.

Posted 16 Jul 2006 in Local; Outreach; Pre & Postnatal Services | Permalink | Comments (1) | E-mail this link

Sometimes the best way to cope with the rigors of mamahood is to let out an emphatic “Ohm!” To locate a studio near you, check out Boston Yoga; this resource website is blissfully clean and easy to navigate. The studio directory extends to the Cape, Southern New Hampshire, and beyond.

Even better, Boston Yoga loves mamas! Check out their pre/post natal class recommendations.

Posted 14 Jul 2006 in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Local; Pre & Postnatal Services; Pregnancy & Postpartum | Permalink | Comments (0) | E-mail this link