Babies in Bloom

Baby Fair & CDGS

2008-09-28T23:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who attended our Fall Baby Fair and Cloth Diaper Garage Sale! If you braved the unseasonably warm weather, there were some wonderful deals to be had at the diaper tables, and some great products from our vendors. If you were unable to be there, you can see some of the vendors online - Beautiful Bellies and Babies, MKP Images, Little Shredder, Happy Baby, Happy Healthy Hip Parenting, Busynest Cards and San Diego Bargain Mama.

Congratulations to our prize winners, too!

Too Cute!

2008-09-24T13:41:00.000-07:00

Our gorgeous new shopping cart covers have arrived - beautiful fabric on one side, plush minkie on the other! We also have some fabulous new dyed Indian prefolds - the photo does not do the vibrant colors justice. Come in and see them for yourself!

More new products!

2008-09-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

Hyland's Homeopathic Remedies, BabyLegs and some new sweet clothes are all in stock now!

gDiapers are Here!

2008-09-18T15:56:00.000-07:00

We are thrilled to announce that we are now carrying gDiapers and refills - they are a great eco-friendly alternative to disposables!

New BPA-free Products for Your Child

2008-09-17T15:56:00.000-07:00

Looking for an alternative to plastic sippy cups or bottles? We have added several safe alternatives for your baby or child! We now have 12 ounce Klean Kanteen sippy cups, adapters and valves. We also carry the Green to Grow line of bottles, as well as the Adiri Natural Nurser.

The Other Side of the Glass

2008-09-16T18:09:00.000-07:00

This is a trailer from a new birth documentary directed towards fathers and partners. I am interested to see how the final movie comes out.

Screening: Birth Documentary

2008-09-10T22:48:00.000-07:00

New Documentary Leads the Way in Examining the Sensual Nature of Birth
Birth Resource Network and Gerri Ryan, LM, CPM proudly announces a screening of
Orgasmic Birth . . . a remarkable new documentary that examines the sensual and intimate nature of birth—an everyday miracle

WHEN: Friday, September 19th 6:30 – 8:30 pm at Mira Costa College
WHERE: 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside, CA, 92056 – Little Theatre Room 3601, Parking in Lot 3-E
Students: FREE Suggested $5 donation benefits Birth Resource Network
Contact: Gerri Ryan,619-434-9188 or babycatcherglr@cox.net
Presented by MiraCosta College Behavioral Sciences Department, Birth Resource Network and Gerri Ryan, LM, CPM. A Panel of Experts (midwives, doulas and childbirth educators) will answer questions and lead an audience discussion exploring undisturbed birth – A Woman’s Right of Passage.

Five years in the making, Orgasmic Birth challenges cultural myths by revealing the emotional, spiritual, and physical heights attainable through birth. Viewers witness the passion of birth as 11 women have their babies in unhurried, non-medicalized settings—including hospital birth centers—where they feel supported and safe. According to birthing experts who provide commentary in the film, a pleasurable birth that is allowed to take its time is an integral part of women’s sexuality and a neglected human right.

Women’s health advocate and bestselling author Christiane Northrup, MD, observes in the film that people have been "brainwashed" to view birth not as a natural process but as "an emergency waiting to happen." Yet birth is an everyday miracle that the body is well equipped to handle, given the proper setting and caregivers and ample time.

Health professionals in the film who present their views with evidence-based support include:
• Sarah J Buckley, MD, general practitioner/family physician with qualifications in GP obstetrics; author of Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering
• Maureen Corry, MPH, executive director, Childbirth Connection, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of maternity care
• Elizabeth Davis, BA, CPM, midwife, author, international lecturer, and co-founder and director of the National Midwifery Institute, Inc.
• Ina May Gaskin, MA, CPM, world-renowned midwife, author, and founder/director of the Farm Midwifery Center in Summertown, Tennessee
• Marsden Wagner, MD, former director of Women’s and Children’s Health, World Health Organization

This film is currently being screened worldwide. Locally, midwives, physicians, nurses, families young and old are being invited to view this epic film. Please join us for this memorable evening.

The BOLD Red Tent...mother's voices...intimacy...truth

2008-09-09T22:44:00.000-07:00

Who: Mother and Mothers-to-be

What: A sharing of stories and experiences

When: Sunday, September 14th, 2008

Where: 770 Rancho Santa Fe Dr., Encinitas, CA

Time: 2pm-6pmCost: $5 (proceeds benefit San Diego BORN)

Bring: A pillow to sit on. Babies-in-arms only.

The Birth Resource Network is proud to host a BOLD Red Tent Event. The concept is simple: gather women under a 'red tent' to listen to birth stories from our community and then use this 'testimonial' as a call-to-action by presenting a video to key local and national representatives.

We are calling all mothers and mothers-to-be to join us for this monumental event. We invite all stories; from the empowering that are to be celebrated, to the challenging births that need to be healed by telling your story.

All proceeds will benefit San Diego BORN, a non-profit organization that offers a one-stop resource for families to find mother- and baby-friendly maternity services. Refreshments will be served. This will be a very casual and safe environment.

Fresh Baby has arrived!

2008-09-08T22:58:00.000-07:00

Have you always thought about making your own baby food, but felt a little intimidated? Check out the So Easy Baby Food kits, trays and cookbook! We also have sets of free recipe cards for parents. Drop by and pick up your set today!

Mention the Blog & Get a Free SBB Sample!

2008-09-04T22:37:00.000-07:00

Have you tried the luxurious Susan Brown's Baby line of skin care products? We have just received samples of different yummy products to share with our customers! Mention the blog when you drop by the store and receive your free sample (while supplies last)!

Calling all pregnant mamas and babies under 2 weeks of age...

2008-09-03T20:25:00.000-07:00

Mary from MKP Images is looking for models! Newborn shots should be within the babies first two weeks of life. This is crucial since babies older than that tend to be awake more often and stir when moved. If anyone is interested, she will waive the session fee and in return a model release is required. Any image can be purchased from the session at regular price. She would also have the artistic freedom to try out shots she would like to capture and experiment with.

This is a wonderful opportunity. Those Babies in Bloom customers that had this opportunity a few months ago were rewarded with some absolutely stunning photos! Call or email Mary using the contact information on her website.

Thank You & Congratulations!

2008-09-02T20:13:00.000-07:00

I would like to think all of our wonderful newsletter readers for taking the time to complete our survey. We truly do value your input and I think you will be pleased with the new products coming soon to the store!

Congratulations to Laura C. - her name was drawn from all of those that completed the survey and she has received a $50 Babies in Bloom gift certificate!

The Birth Survey Is Now Available Nationwide

2008-08-29T22:17:00.000-07:00

As part of the Transparency in Maternity Care Project, the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS) developed The Birth Survey as a free online resource for new mothers in the United States to share their consumer reviews of doctors, midwives, hospitals and birth centers, learn about the choices and birth experiences of others, and view data on hospital and birth center standard practices and intervention rates.

Women who have given birth within the past three years can take the anonymous online consumer feedback survey. The survey asks mothers a variety of questions about their satisfaction with their maternity care providers and birth setting, and includes their feedback in the results. In addition to the consumer data, the Web site will begin to list obstetrical intervention data for each hospital as provided by state Departments of Health. The Birth Survey is designed to help women find quality providers and birth settings that are the best match for their needs and lifestyles. Providers and facilities also will be able to utilize The Birth Survey as a consumer feedback and quality improvement tool.

Help spread the word about The Birth Survey!

Breastfeeding Report Card from the CDC

2008-08-18T16:41:00.000-07:00

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released its Breastfeeding Report Card with information on how breastfeeding is being protected, promoted and supported in each state. The publication reports information state-by-state information on five “outcome” and nine “process” indicators. These indicators can be used to: tell the story of breastfeeding practices in each state; monitor progress and celebrate state successes; identify opportunities for growth and improvement in breastfeeding protection, promotion, and support within each state. For more information, go to http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/data/report_card.htm

Cover Kids Search

2008-08-05T15:27:00.000-07:00

San Diego Family is looking for children ages 2 -11 and one parent/child combo to appear on the cover of a future issue of San Diego Family Magazine or Out & About 09. Submitted photos of 25
finalists from each age group will be published in San Diego Family Magazine. It’s open to all San Diego County kids. Complete and return the online registration form with a recent, quality photo and the $25 per entry registration fee. On the back of photo, include child’s name, age and date the photo was taken. Photos will not be returned.

Entries must be postmarked by September 15, 2008. Questions? 619-685-6970 or coverkids@sandiegofamily.com. A portion of the proceeds from the contest will be donated to Ronald McDonald House.

Find your entry form on www.sandiegofamily.com. Print and mail to San Diego Family Magazine
Cover Kids, PO Box 23960, San Diego, CA 92193

New Resources for Working Moms, Employers

2008-07-31T03:22:00.000-07:00

Not-for-profit advocacy group MomsRising has added new resources for both working mothers and employers to its website. These free tools include guides for employees on proposing a flexible work arrangement, information for employers or managers who are considering the advantages of offering various flexible work options, and tips for stay-at-home moms who are considering re-entering the workforce and/or working from home or starting their own small business. These and other related resources are available at: http://www.momsrising.org/work.

World Breastfeeding Week

2008-07-30T03:24:00.000-07:00

August 1-7, 2008 will be World Breastfeeding Week, and the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) is calling for increased support for mothers “striving to achieve the gold standard of infant feeding: To breastfeed their babies exclusively for the first six months, and continue breastfeeding, together with feeding other appropriate complementary foods, for up to two years and beyond.” For informational resources, free downloads and details on breastfeeding-promoting activities, go to http://www.worldbreastfeedingweek.org. Tying in to the 2008 Summer Olympics, also taking place in August, WABA is also sharing the breastfeeding message with its own “virtual torch run.” To learn more, go to http://www.worldbreastfeedingweek.org/worldwide.htm

CA Labor Commissioner Cites Company For Not Providing Lactation Accommodation to Employee

2008-07-15T09:40:00.000-07:00

Santa Clara-June 20, 2008-California Labor Commissioner Angela Bradstreet today announced the issuance of a citation to a Santa Clara-based International Security Services, Inc. for failing to provide private accommodations for an employee to express breast milk for her newborn. The citation is the first of its kind since the law took effect in 2002. A fine of $4,000 has been assessed.

"Under the law, employers are obligated to accommodate employees who wish to provide breast milk for their infant children," Bradstreet said. "This employer failed to provide a reasonable amount of break time and a private room for an employee to express milk for her baby as required."

The labor commissioner received a complaint -- the first lodged as a result of the 2002 legislation -- from the employee on March 7, which prompted an investigation. The investigation revealed that the employee was not provided an appropriate, designated room. Initially the room that was provided was computer server room with security cameras. This offered an inadequate level of privacy needed to perform the milk expressing process.

Labor Code sections 1030-1033 became law in 2001 and mandates every employer, regardless of size, to provide a reasonable amount of time to accommodate expressing of breast milk and to make reasonable efforts to provide the employee with the use of a room or other location, other than a bathroom, in close proximity to the employees work area to express milk in private.

Bradstreet urged women who are not being provided appropriate accommodations for milk expressing to contact her office and file a complaint.

"This is not the type of law that we can address with enforcement sweeps and filing a complaint is important so that we can correct the violation and educate the employer," added Bradstreet.

The DLSE adjudicates wage claims, investigates discrimination and public works complaints, and enforces state labor law and Industrial Welfare Commission wage orders. To learn more about the functions of the California Labor Commissioner, visit our web site at www.dir.ca..gov/dlse.

UNICEF Features New Findings on Breastfeeding Support

2008-07-07T12:50:00.001-07:00

UNICEF’s Baby Friendly Initiative website is featuring two new studies about the importance of providing quality breastfeeding support to new mothers. Published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing and the European Journal of Public Health, these studies take a closer look at interventions that make a positive difference for infants and families in the earliest days after birth – and far beyond. Go to http://www.babyfriendly.org.uk/page.asp?page=13

Lamaze Launches Weekly E-newsletter for Parents

2008-07-03T09:41:00.000-07:00

Lamaze is proud to announce the launch of our new personalized weekly e-mail newsletter for expectant parents, Lamaze... Building Confidence Week by Week. Free weekly e-mails from Lamaze feature trustworthy information, practical tips and inspirational stories to help guide women and families through pregnancy, birth and beyond.

Unlike other weekly e-mail services on commercial Web sites, Lamaze... Building Confidence Week by Week:
* Focuses on health and wellness, not a laundry list of possible complications.
* Honors the amazing work of pregnancy and birth, and helps women gain confidence in their own instincts and strengths.
* Believes strongly in parents’ rights to safe and effective maternity care, full information, and the freedom to choose or refuse tests and treatments, and care that is sensitive to personal and cultural preferences.
*Follows a very strict advertising policy, and complies fully with the World Health Organization’s International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes.

No Added Sugar in Breast Milk, Unlike Formula

2008-07-02T09:51:00.000-07:00

In a country where childhood obesity is an epidemic, parents must be cautious of what they feed their children, starting in infancy. A recent article in The New York Times reports that all formulas contain added sugar, and that Similac Organic formula is sweetened with cane sugar (sucrose), a much sweeter sugar. Breast milk, on the other hand, provides the perfect nutrition for babies while reducing the risk of, infections, chronic diseases and childhood obesity. Read more in a recent press release distributed by Lamaze.

July Store Specials

2008-07-01T00:32:00.000-07:00

This month we are celebrating with 10% off all red, white and blue Essential Nursing Tanks from Bravado! We also have a limited number of matching shrugs to complete your ensemble.

If you're looking for a soft, cuddly treat for baby...all Under the Nile clothes, blankets, toys and accessories are also on sale - a great time to pick up these beautiful organic cotton items!

New Babies in Bloom yahoo group!

2008-06-23T00:28:00.000-07:00

For those of you who would like to connect with other like-minded parents, but just haven't found the right group yet, we invite you to join our new Babies in Bloom yahoo group.

As you experience the joy and excitement that a new baby brings, you may have questions and concerns. Many parents also say that they feel isolated from other adults during this transition.

We hope this message board will provide you a forum to make some friends, perhaps form a playgroup or find a few walking buddies and, most importantly, help to support you through this next chapter of your life.

The American Medical Association and Ricki Lake

2008-06-18T14:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the AMA issued a resolution stating "That our American Medical Association support the recent American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) statement that 'the safest setting for labor, delivery, and the immediate post-partum period is in the hospital, or a birthing center within a hospital complex, that meets standards jointly outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and ACOG, or in a freestanding birthing center that meets the standards of the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, The Joint Commission, or the American Association of Birth Centers' iii (New HOD Policy)" The entire resolution can be read here.

Today Ricki Lake, Jennifer Block and Abby Epstein responded. You can read their post (which includes actual home birth statistics) here.

If you haven't seen "The Business of Being Born" or read the book "Pushed," I would strongly recommend it. :)

One Father's Day Wish - The Gift of Donor Breast Milk

2008-06-15T22:00:00.000-07:00

Baby Isabella comes home. On this Father's Day, one father is grateful for the most extraordinary gift - donated breast milk.

Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) June 14, 2008 -- Jerry Sciulli's world was nothing but perfect less than 6 months ago. He and his loving wife, Kim, were expecting their first baby and were elated with the anticipation of becoming parents. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned. On January 9th 2008, Baby Isabella came into their world 3 months early and weighed only 1 pound and 4 and 2/3 ounces. Jerry and Kim dealt with the unexpected birth of Isabella as best they could.

When doctors told them that because Isabella was so weak, breast milk would increase her chance of survival, Kim started to pump immediately. Kim would try to pump at least 8 times a day and called her breast milk 'liquid gold.' As Isabella started to grow in her first couple of days of life both Jerry and Kim were thrilled. Then the unimaginable happened. Kim collapsed and died from a rare, unexpected heart problem called postpartum cardiomyopathy.

Days later, Kim's stored breast milk was dwindling while Baby Isabella remained in intensive care. Jerry knew that formula was not an option and would not have been what Kim had wanted. He set out to find donated breast milk for his premature daughter.

His best friend helped him contact International Breast Milk Project, an organization that provided donated breast milk from US mothers to infants affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa. This organization was able to help Jerry find donor breast milk for baby Isabella.

So this year for Jerry's first father's day, Isabella has been allowed to come home. She has been thriving on donor breast milk from moms across the US. Jerry hopes that this donated "liquid gold" continues to help his daughter grow up strong and healthy, just like her mother would have wanted.

For more information contact, Jill Youse, Executive Director, International Breast Milk Project (IBMP), 507-288-1885 or jillyouse@yahoo.com and/or visit IBMP's website at www.breastmilkproject.com