During the pushing phase of my 58 hours of labor with Violet (over five months ago...where does the time go?), I strained something in my left hip/glute area. When I received clearance 6 weeks postpartum and started working out again, I attempted to address this problem area via yoga. I also resumed running, and that, my friends, has been pretty torturous. I'm not a natural runner to begin with, and whatever was going on in my left hip/glute made for not so nimble runs followed by immense discomfort, including a searing pain that seemed buried deep in the bone on my left back side. So I slowed down on running and continued yoga, but felt pretty discouraged to feel no improvement over the course of a couple of months. I know these things take time, but still.

Continue reading "Hooray for Heather!" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 24 Aug 2011 | Permalink | Comments (2) | Filed in Local; Pre & Postnatal Services; Pregnancy & Postpartum
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One thing is for sure: in this fast paced, instant gratification world of social media, being an online person who disappears for a few days apparently results in some digital hand wringing. When I finally turned my Blackberry back on following 58 hours of labor, I was touched and surprised to see so much concern about my whereabouts on Twitter and Facebook. There have been some frequently asked questions, and I thought I'd share the responses here since some of the information may be handy to other expecting parents.

Continue reading "Postpartum Q & A" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 27 Mar 2011 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Family Issues; Local; Pre & Postnatal Services; Pregnancy & Postpartum
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Today's Dear Boston Mamas question comes from Jenny via e-mail:

Dear Boston Mamas, I'm pregnant with my first child and would love to find a prenatal yoga class in Harvard Square or Watertown. Do you know of any good classes/instructors? Thanks!

Continue reading "Dear Boston Mamas: Prenatal Yoga" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 18 Nov 2010 | Permalink | Comments (3) | Filed in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Local; Pre & Postnatal Services; Pregnancy & Postpartum; Sports & Fitness
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Welcome to Boston Mamas Rock! -- where I share the voices of fabulous local mamas from all walks of life. Read on for today's interview with Joanna Silverman, a mother of one and the educator and holistic health counselor behind Nourishing the Peas and the Pod. Read on to learn about Joanna's wonderful work with moms and kids. Then go ahead and nominate a fabulous fellow mama!

Continue reading "Boston Mamas Rock! Joanna Silverman" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 14 Nov 2010 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Boston Mamas Rock!; Local; Pre & Postnatal Services
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Are you looking for a compact, portable reference to help navigate the kid-friendly ins and outs of our fair city? Today I share my thoughts on Kim Foley MacKinnon's new book, Boston Baby: A Field Guide for Urban Parents. Read on for my review, as well as to learn about an opportunity to meet Kim and eat well tomorrow at Aura Restaurant, and be one of three winners to receive a copy of Boston Baby:

Continue reading "Boston Baby" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 4 Mar 2010 | Permalink | Comments (5) | Filed in Books & Entertainment; Childcare & Education; Food & Drink; For Grownups; Fun Indoors; Fun Outdoors; Local; Pre & Postnatal Services; Retail
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When Laurel was a baby, one of my favorite places to visit – for resources, retail, and a remarkable sense of tranquility – was Isis Maternity. With locations in Arlington, Brookline, Needham, and Boston (plus programming at local hospitals and community organizations), Isis is a must-visit for expecting and new local moms. And for our 3rd birthday party, Isis Maternity is offering three lucky readers a $25 gift card for use at any of their locations. Simply check out the rules below and leave a comment on this giveaway to enter to win (by midnight EST, Thursday, July 30).

Continue reading "Birthday Giveaway: Isis Maternity" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 29 Jul 2009 | Permalink | Comments (76) | Filed in Local; Pre & Postnatal Services; Retail
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Last night I visited WGBH for a preview of FRONTLINE’s Digital Nation – an upcoming documentary that will explore how the Web and digital media are changing the way we think, work, learn, and interact - and a discussion with the documentary’s producer, Rachel Dretzin. The preview and discussion were truly thought provoking and I found that some of Dretzin’s opening comments really touched a nerve. She referred to her dominant emotion around the current digital age as anxiety, with a feeling that people are “drowning in a sea of emails and text messages.” She also expressed her disdain over realizing that her kids “reach for technology to fill an empty space.”

Continue reading "Digital Nation" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 22 May 2009 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Development & Behavior; Family Issues; Pre & Postnatal Services; Tweens & Teens
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If you’d like to meet other moms and get critical information, exercise, and goodies all in one fell swoop, check out the Healthworks Moms Group event this Sunday (May 3) at 1pm. This free event at the Back Bay Healthworks is open to non-members and will consist of a brief seminar on buying green and safe products for babies, a 30-minute mommy and me exercise class, and socializing time with refreshments, complimentary nail services, and gift bags. E-mail mh@healthworksfitness.com to reserve your spot.

Back Bay Healthworks, 441 Stuart Street, Boston; 617-859-7700

Posted by Christine Koh on 30 Apr 2009 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Local; Pre & Postnatal Services
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Babies and toddlers attract a lot of attention on their own, but don a costume and they take the cuteness to a whole new level. And this Sunday (10/26), Isis Maternity will celebrate the opening of their fabulous new location at The Shops at Prudential Center with Pru Boo – a costume parade for kids under 3 (actually, 2 parades – pick your time of 11:30am or 12:30pm).

Continue reading "Pru Boo" »

Posted by Christine Koh on 24 Oct 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Local; Pre & Postnatal Services; Retail
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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 by Christine Koh on 25 Feb 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Local; Outreach; Pre & Postnatal Services
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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 by Christine Koh on 20 Sep 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Local; Pre & Postnatal Services; Pregnancy & Postpartum
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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 by Christine Koh on 12 Mar 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Fashion; For Mamas & Mamas-to-be; Local; Pre & Postnatal Services; Retail
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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 by Christine Koh on 6 Mar 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Local; Pre & Postnatal Services; Retail
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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 by Christine Koh on 27 Sep 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Local; Pre & Postnatal Services
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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 by Christine Koh on 21 Sep 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Local; Pre & Postnatal Services
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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 by Christine Koh on 10 Sep 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Family Issues; Local; Outreach; Pre & Postnatal Services
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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 by Christine Koh on 29 Aug 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Local; Pre & Postnatal Services; Pregnancy & Postpartum
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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 by Christine Koh on 23 Jul 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Fun Indoors; Local; Pre & Postnatal Services; Retail
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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 by Christine Koh on 21 Jul 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Local; Pre & Postnatal Services
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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 by Christine Koh on 20 Jul 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Fashion; For Mamas & Mamas-to-be; Local; Pre & Postnatal Services
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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 by Christine Koh on 16 Jul 2006 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Filed in Local; Outreach; Pre & Postnatal Services
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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 by Christine Koh on 14 Jul 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Filed in Beauty, Fitness & Wellness; Local; Pre & Postnatal Services; Pregnancy & Postpartum
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