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Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. David Simon, with Vicki Abrams exceeded my dream reading of a pregnancy and childbirth book that is supportive, nurturing, and infinitely practical in their book
Numerous books explore the physical and even psychological changes which occur during pregnancy and childbirth. This book is the first I’ve read that even touches upon the changes in parents’ souls during this magical time of transformation.
In short, I love this book! The language is poetic, the ideas are practical, reassuring, and balanced. The authors integrate Ayurvedic and Western medical concepts in a seamless fashion, describing the miracle of life and the nurturing connection of mother and baby from conception through birth, and don’t forget the father!
More than any other pregnancy or parenting book which I’ve read, they are compassionate and supportiive of each individual family’s choices-not presenting in a moralistic “this way is the only way” but with an encouraging and supportive tone.
The emphasis upon the loving attention to the baby, mother, and father, is precisely what the MomSource seeks to provide for families. . .through information, resources, support, and support referrals.
A Holistic Guide To Pregnancy and Childbirth: Magical Beginnings, Enchanted Lives
Increasing Joy: Planning for Life “After Baby”
The transformation from “couple” to “family” has often been anticipated and planned for, yet new parents may be astounded by the intensity of these changes. If you are expecting to be new parents, support can help you manage the stressful challenges of a newborn so you may cherish the joyful moments. A “helpnet” of your circle of family and friends can be critical in providing this support.
On November 5th Dr. Thomason spoke at Hartford Hospital’s Blue Back Square location about planning for help after baby comes home. Twenty five parents and parents-to-be attended and learned about how to plan and ease the transformation of your family. One lucky couple won a free individual 90 minute consultation with Dr. Thomason to develop their customized plan for “after baby”. Scheduling before the baby is born can benefit your entire family.
Call (860) 331-1750 to find out how Dr. Thomason can help develop your helpnet!
Papaya Patch closes . . .
It is with a sad heart that I pass on the news that a wonderful resource to the West Hartford community is closing. Carri Wolverton, co-owner of the the Papaya Patch, has announced that the store will be closing; beginning January 5th all sales are final. For the past six years the Papaya Patch has provided quality natural baby and children products for parents. The Papaya Patch not only offered quality products, but became a place where countless parents came and received information and support. Support groups and staff helped parents to make choices right for their families and to trust their instincts: perfectly matching the MomSource’s philosophy of providing support and connection. Until the store closes, it is still located at 7 South Main Street in West Hartford; (860) 521-0700.
Carri reports that two Papaya Patch employees, Eden and Meredith are working toward creating a co-op in the Hartford area. This is an exciting opportunity for parents. I quote:
“This co-op will include equal-exchange childcare in a natural, Waldorf-style play-space, a fully-functioning workspace including a full-service office with wi-fi internet access, a commercial raw-vegan kitchen, and an art/crafting studio. Meredith and Eden (. . . ) are hoping to create a community hub that feels like an extension of home, where like-minded individuals can come and get work done, where there are always people around to talk to; a place that feels warm and comforting and where families are valued and welcomed.
For more information, please visit their website, www.cooperativeinkind.com, and fill out their survey to help them understand how to best serve you and the greater community.”
I encourage you to visit their website and give them feedback regarding your needs and to encourage these brave women with a dream of connecting and supporting parents.
Dr. Thomason will be speaking at Hartford Hospital’s Blue Back Square location on November 5th at 7:00pm. The topic will be Increasing Joy: Planning for Life “After Baby”. Call (860) 545-1888 for more information or to register.
The transformation from “couple” to “family” has often been anticipated and planned for some time, and yet new parents may be astounded by the intensity of these changes.
As mothers recover from the physical and emotional demands of giving birth and fathers attempt to both support their wives and be “Dad”, the demands of newborns can feel overwhelming. If you are expecting to be new parents, support can help you manage the stressful challenges of a newborn so that you may cherish the joyful moments.
A “helpnet” of your circle of family and friends can be critical in providing this support. Dr. Sharon Thomason will speak about planning for help after baby comes home: the who, what, when, and where of assistance to ease this transformation. We will also discuss concrete considerations for nurturing your family: increasing your joy, decreasing your stress.
Ideally, you may engage Dr. Thomason’s service before giving birth, in a proactive way. Proactively, you will schedule a time for Dr. Thomason to meet with you and identify your support needs. She will help you develop a plan for those who can help your family during this transforming and joyful yet demanding time.
Answer: Dr. Thomason will visit with you in your home to learn more about you and your partner, your coping styles and needs, and the details of your support network of family, friends, and coworkers. After identifying your needs, she will help you strategize how to meet these needs, including empowering you to ask for help from those who can provide it. When there are gaps, she can provide referrals for those services that you may prefer to pay a professional to provide.
Answer: For many centuries, mothers gave birth with their mothers, aunts, and grandmothers nearby to help care for the new mother and the baby. It is only in more recent history that we have become more geographically distant from our female support network and emotionally distant from the legitimacy of this support.
Both the amount of sleep and the amount of uninterrupted sleep is important in providing the rest we need. Parents of newborns are “sleep challenged”. Five hours of uninterrupted sleep seems to be the “magic” number for one to feel truly rested. Flexibility is essential to cope with meeting the needs of your baby and getting enough rest yourself. Dr. Thomason will work with you to develop sleep solutions for the entire family.
A recent study found in the Journal Pediatrics that mothers of multiples had a 43% greater chance of having moderate to severe depression at the nine-month postpartum mark than mothers of one baby. The joys of multiples are exponential, and so are the demands. It is essential that families with multiple newborns get support. Dr. Thomason can help you identify where and how to seek that support. Contact Dr. Thomason.
In a 2006 study cited in the Journal Pediatrics it was found that 10% of Dads had depressive symptoms. In comparison to parents who were not depressed, it was found that Dads and Moms who were depressed were less likely to do activities with their babies such as sing and read to them. It is a big adjustment to parent a newborn. Call Dr. Thomason today!
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