Articles

Considerations for Helping Someone Cope With Their Loss

by Sue Wintermeyer-Pingel RN,MS,ACNP-BC It is only natural to mourn or grieve after the death of a child. The loss of a child surrounding pregnancy is one that brings about many feelings and emotions. There are many things that can be done to help someone who is grieving a pregnancy loss. The following are some suggestions for those close to the bereaved who may not know what to do or to say. Suggestions for those Close to the Bereaved 1. Immediate opportunities to deal with loss - A bereavement protocol adapted from... >> read more

Infant Massage History & Benefits

Infant Massage History & Benefits TheraCare Therapeutic Massage and Healing Arts Center  History of International Association of Infant Massage Vimala McClure founded the International Association of Infant Massage in the United States in the early 1980’s. The purpose of the organization was to recruit and train instructors to teach parents and caregivers the theory, skills and techniques of parent-infant bonding through infant massage. While living in India in the 1970’s, Vimala McClure observed the beneficial effects of daily massage with infants. Upon returning to the United States, she began massaging her own babies,... >> read more

Pregnancy Massage - A Nurturing Touch

Pregnancy Massage - A Nurturing Touch TheraCare Client Resource Guide - Vol. III by Kathryn Hannan Pregnancy is a wondrous time in a woman’s life and she will be adapting to tremendous amounts of change. Physically her body makes several adjustments with the new pre-natal demands. Emotionally and socially she prepares herself for her new role/identity as “Mother”. Even though these are natural positive steps toward motherhood, these changes can also create stress and anxiety. Fortunately research has shown pregnancy massage can have a profound effect on the mother’s physical and psychological... >> read more

Toddler Art Projects

by Kim Mitchell ART PROJECTS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN Young children mainly get caught up in the act, or the process, of doing art, and are not as much interested in the product of their creativity.  The following art projects have been selected with this in mind. FROOT LOOP SAND Materials needed include: Foot Loops cereal Food processor or rolling pin Construction paper Glue stick 1.Make Froot Loop sand by crushing Froot Loops cereal in a food processor or with a rolling pin. 2.Rub the glue stick onto a piece of construction paper, then sprinkle the Froot... >> read more

Selecting Baby's First Care Provider

By Marciah Boerema, Infant Care Instructor Selecting a health care provider for your newborn will be an important decision and one you will want to complete by the eight month of your pregnancy. A good place to start your search is by asking your OB or midwife for a referral. Your close friends, co-workers and neighbors may also serve as a good source. Since you can expect to make 9-12 visits during your child’s first year, it is important that you feel comfortable with your health care provider and your... >> read more

Recipes To Make With Young Children

by Kim Mitchell RECIPES TO MAKE WITH YOUNG CHILDREN Cooking with young children can prove to be both an entertaining and educational experience.  Here are 10 simple recipes you and your child can create and share with others. DOUGH TREATS Have child roll out and twist biscuit dough.  Brush shape with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.  Bake @ 475 degrees for 4-5 minutes. CALIFORNIA RAISIN BONBONS 1 C. honey 1 ½ Cups powdered milk 1 C. peanut butter 1 ½ C. wheat germ ½ t. nutmeg 1 C. raisins Crushed corn flakes Combine all ingredients... >> read more

Choosing Childcare

by Mary G. Schuman, ACSW Deciding on childcare providers is one of the most important decisions parents make for their children. The purpose of this article is to provide some basic information about choices and what to consider when making your selection. It is important to consider your child’s needs and to make a careful choice that you continually evaluate. There are four main types of care for your child: 1) In-home (live in or out), 2) Family Daycare homes, 3) Group Day Care homes,... >> read more

Sibling Preparation: Suggestions for Parents

Congratulations! You have decided to expand your family. Now, how do you introduce your newest member to your already, established family? Lamaze Family Center Ann Arbor has put together a list of suggestion we have gathered from other families who have gone through this transition already. We hope you can draw from their ideas when making the transition of adding a new, little member to your family.  Remember to consider your particular family situation and the age of your older sibling(s) when considering and selecting from this list.  Refer to baby... >> read more

Mike's Story: An unxpected turn of events (well, baby)

The BirthFirst words that come to mind are: unbelievable, love, awesome, courageous We were committed to a natural birth process without the use of drugs or medical interventions. We took classes to feel empowered and educated on methods to mentally and physically tackle this plan. We spent many hours developing our birth plan and working out the details in our minds to prepare for the birth. As the due date was approaching, we felt ready and very excited. According the doctor, everything was great, baby’s head was... >> read more

Brian's Story: She was my atlas, my hero

The Birth It was New Year's Eve. Our baby was 10 days past her due date at this point and we were enjoying a quiet evening -- as we do every year -- with our family. The ball dropped, the clock struck midnight, there were kisses and sparkling wine. After the celebration, we headed to bed for some much needed rest. Three hours later, around 6:00 AM on New Years Day, it was to be the beginning of labor. The contractions were small, but they were strong... >> read more