Basking Babies Buffet (BBB)
(all expectant or moms with babies welcome!)
(all expectant or moms with babies welcome!)
|
No charge....but donations are kindly appreciated! |
2014
July-December events still to come. We'd love to have you join us! Basking Babies Buffet meets the last Wednesday of every month (except December) from 12:30 - 2:00 PM at the Altoona Library. |
2014
June - Still to come - join us! May - Still to come - join us! April - Still to come - join us! March - Cloth Diapers February - Baby Proofing with Safety 411 January - Babywearing |
2013
2014 February: Baby proofing with Safety 411
Kiki form Safety 411 writes: "Young children have no fear or depth perception so it is important to protect them from the hazards of the home. From stairways to windows, sharp objects to falling TVs, get down on their level and see what they see. Remember that childproofing isn't a guarantee that they won't get hurt or a substitution for proper supervision, but rather it just slows them down so you can catch up to them."
2014 January: Babywearing
I lost count of all the wonderful moms and babies at this Buffet...I counted 25 and then gave up!!! Babywearing International of Central Iowa presented-Babywearing 101!!! Many moms brought their baby carriers and learned how to use them. Moms tried on different carriers to "get a feel" for the many options for babywearing! What a fun time for all!!! We learned the ABCs for babywearing and many other tips which will be shared on the website here in the next few days. Here is Suzi summary followed by some pics from our January 2014 Basking Babies Buffet.......
Babywearing International of Central Iowa was happy to present a babywearing demo at the January Basking Babies event. Volunteer Babywearing Educators, Suzi Lang and CarrieAnn Miller showed the group of around 25 moms basic carries in each of the different types of baby carrier. They also helped moms who brought their own carriers.Babywearing International of Central Iowa is a chapter of the non-profit group Babywearing International whose mission is to promote babywearing as a universally accepted practice, with benefits for both child and caregiver, through education and support."It was a really fun opportunity for outreach into the community and to meet some new faces that didn't know about our group before this. We love helping mamas wear their babies!" commented Suzi Lang. BWI of CI meets the first Tuesday of the month at 10am and 6pm at Wesminister Presbyterian Church on the corner of Franklin and Beaver.
Babywearing International of Central Iowa was happy to present a babywearing demo at the January Basking Babies event. Volunteer Babywearing Educators, Suzi Lang and CarrieAnn Miller showed the group of around 25 moms basic carries in each of the different types of baby carrier. They also helped moms who brought their own carriers.Babywearing International of Central Iowa is a chapter of the non-profit group Babywearing International whose mission is to promote babywearing as a universally accepted practice, with benefits for both child and caregiver, through education and support."It was a really fun opportunity for outreach into the community and to meet some new faces that didn't know about our group before this. We love helping mamas wear their babies!" commented Suzi Lang. BWI of CI meets the first Tuesday of the month at 10am and 6pm at Wesminister Presbyterian Church on the corner of Franklin and Beaver.
November 2013 BBB Summary
Five brave mommas and their beautiful babies came to the Buffet the day before Thanksgiving!!! We discussed cooking tips and then spent the rest of the time playing with the little ones and sharing from our experiences!! It was small and intimate and fun!!! Recipes shared can be found under the Services tab, the dropdown "recipes."
October 2013 BBB Summary
Melissa Wardell of My Smart Hands shared sign language tips for babies and toddlers. The group of 12 mommas who braved the rainy weather with their babies enjoyed their time together. Everyone tried out some signing and even a toddler let me take a pic of her trying it. A few came dressed for the fall occasion as well!!
September 2013 BBB Summary
Moms shared their favorite books as a child and wha they are reading to there babies now...Great info was shared by all and very much appreciated he moms reall enjoyed what Jenny Goulden, the Altoona children's librarian shared and asked for a summary from her. This is Jenny's summary with websites and then Buffet pics below:
Born to Read: Reading with infants 0-24 months
When should you start reading to your baby? Immediately. In utero, babies enjoy hearing the sound of your voice, you know this already. Scientific studies have shown that babies can at birth show preference for their mother’s native language. That means they’re hearing the rhythm, cadence, and vowel sounds of what you’re saying. To be honest, they don’t recognize the words, but they will hear the patterns. If you are going to read to your unborn child, pick books that you enjoy—the endorphin release will pass on to your baby. Choose something, rhythmic, repetitive and rhyming for best results. Dr Seuss is something you can try with an unborn child, but remember that the books are often too long for an infant or toddler. Nursery rhymes are a great way to go whether you’re reading them or simply singing and saying them. Children that know 4 nursery rhymes by the age of 4 tend to have better reading scores later in life.
Preliteracy Skills:
There are three things we want children to learn at this age, and they are what we call pre-literacy skills. These are the things that kids have to know if we want them to be readers someday.
Print motivation—The desire to pick up and look at a book! If you make reading a fun time, they’ll come back for more. When they bring you the same book for the billionth time, that’s a great thing! It means they have this skill. Find books that catch their interest. Touch and feel books, singing stories, and books that feature their favorite characters can meet this need. Don’t stretch reading time beyond their interest. If they are enjoying themselves, great. If not, stop and start again later! It’s more important that
they have a positive experience than that they finish the story.
Phonological awareness—they’re noticing the sounds in words. When you sing, for example, you elongate the vowels, which makes it easier for kids to mimic and babble. You want them to know the difference between the way you sound when you ask them a question and when you tell them to do something. Other things to build this skill: bounce your baby while you speak and sing. It helps them pick out parts of words and internalize the rhythm of language!
Vocabulary—You want your child exposed to as many words as possible! The best thing you can do for your baby is spend lots of time talking with it. The number of words a child is exposed to by the age of three is the number one predictor of academic success. Notice the difference:
No don’t. ·
Don’t touch that. It’s hot and you could get burnt. ·
Don’t touch that pan. It’s hot from sitting on the stove and if you touch it you’ll probably get burned and we’ll have to travel to the hospital and get your hand wrapped, and what will your father say when he comes home from work?
The idea is to expose children to as much language as humanly possible, and that includes rare words.
Children’s books have 3 times as many rare words in them as you will find in typical parent/child interactions, so read to them and don’t dumb it down!
Now, what should you be reading with them ?
0-6 months: Bold colors, patterns, pictures of baby faces and simple illustrations. Your child can only see about 6 inches in front of their face, so hold the book close, as you hold your child. Read to them even if they fall asleep midway through. If they start to fuss, stop. It’s way more important that they enjoy themselves than that you finish an entire book together. Don’t bother with the words on the page.
Just have a conversation about what you see. Books are also great for tummy time and bath time. Set them open and encourage your child to reach for them. Sing, talk, and play together.
6-12 months: Look for simple pictures, simple text. Books that can be manipulated like lift the flap, touch and feel are all great. They build that desire to explore books! You can read as much as they’ll listen to, but it’s still a good idea to practice dialogic reading. Talk about what you see, and wait to see if baby responds. Do they gurgle, kick their feet, or reach for the book. Don’t worry if they want to mouth the books. You know that the mouth is one of the primary ways that babies experience the world around them. Use sturdy board books that can handle the damage. They can also be fairly inexpensive.
12-24 months: Children in this age range vary greatly. Don’t worry if your baby doesn’t read the same way that other babies do. Don’t try to sit though too long of a story,but if they are having a great time, keep going! Story songs help with the fidgets. You still don’t have to read every word on the page. Somewhere in this time, you should see them able to notice when a book is being held wrong. If you hand the book upside down, you want them to notice and try to turn the book. Look for books with simple stories, bright pictures, etc. Let your child hold the book by themself. Ask questions and let your child respond. Don’t worry too much about questions like “what do you think will happen next,” but Yes/No questions or “where is it” questions. Remember, it takes a child under five years of age up to five seconds to process a question: give them plenty of time to respond. At around 24 months you might also check out our wordless book collection. These books are great for children who are starting to take initiative with books. They can practice telling themselves (or you as they get older) the story. This is great for understanding sequencing…another literacy skill.
Books to avoid— Watch out for the following problems in board books you pick:
Too many words·
Too crowded pages ·
Too big to hold
Websites:
http://www.wdmlibrarykids.com/early-literacy-overview/brain-development/
http://www.zerotothree.org/child-development/early-language-literacy/tips-tools-early-lit-and-lang.html
http://www.zerotothree.org/early-care-education/school-readiness-interactive-birth-to-3/
Born to Read: Reading with infants 0-24 months
When should you start reading to your baby? Immediately. In utero, babies enjoy hearing the sound of your voice, you know this already. Scientific studies have shown that babies can at birth show preference for their mother’s native language. That means they’re hearing the rhythm, cadence, and vowel sounds of what you’re saying. To be honest, they don’t recognize the words, but they will hear the patterns. If you are going to read to your unborn child, pick books that you enjoy—the endorphin release will pass on to your baby. Choose something, rhythmic, repetitive and rhyming for best results. Dr Seuss is something you can try with an unborn child, but remember that the books are often too long for an infant or toddler. Nursery rhymes are a great way to go whether you’re reading them or simply singing and saying them. Children that know 4 nursery rhymes by the age of 4 tend to have better reading scores later in life.
Preliteracy Skills:
There are three things we want children to learn at this age, and they are what we call pre-literacy skills. These are the things that kids have to know if we want them to be readers someday.
Print motivation—The desire to pick up and look at a book! If you make reading a fun time, they’ll come back for more. When they bring you the same book for the billionth time, that’s a great thing! It means they have this skill. Find books that catch their interest. Touch and feel books, singing stories, and books that feature their favorite characters can meet this need. Don’t stretch reading time beyond their interest. If they are enjoying themselves, great. If not, stop and start again later! It’s more important that
they have a positive experience than that they finish the story.
Phonological awareness—they’re noticing the sounds in words. When you sing, for example, you elongate the vowels, which makes it easier for kids to mimic and babble. You want them to know the difference between the way you sound when you ask them a question and when you tell them to do something. Other things to build this skill: bounce your baby while you speak and sing. It helps them pick out parts of words and internalize the rhythm of language!
Vocabulary—You want your child exposed to as many words as possible! The best thing you can do for your baby is spend lots of time talking with it. The number of words a child is exposed to by the age of three is the number one predictor of academic success. Notice the difference:
No don’t. ·
Don’t touch that. It’s hot and you could get burnt. ·
Don’t touch that pan. It’s hot from sitting on the stove and if you touch it you’ll probably get burned and we’ll have to travel to the hospital and get your hand wrapped, and what will your father say when he comes home from work?
The idea is to expose children to as much language as humanly possible, and that includes rare words.
Children’s books have 3 times as many rare words in them as you will find in typical parent/child interactions, so read to them and don’t dumb it down!
Now, what should you be reading with them ?
0-6 months: Bold colors, patterns, pictures of baby faces and simple illustrations. Your child can only see about 6 inches in front of their face, so hold the book close, as you hold your child. Read to them even if they fall asleep midway through. If they start to fuss, stop. It’s way more important that they enjoy themselves than that you finish an entire book together. Don’t bother with the words on the page.
Just have a conversation about what you see. Books are also great for tummy time and bath time. Set them open and encourage your child to reach for them. Sing, talk, and play together.
6-12 months: Look for simple pictures, simple text. Books that can be manipulated like lift the flap, touch and feel are all great. They build that desire to explore books! You can read as much as they’ll listen to, but it’s still a good idea to practice dialogic reading. Talk about what you see, and wait to see if baby responds. Do they gurgle, kick their feet, or reach for the book. Don’t worry if they want to mouth the books. You know that the mouth is one of the primary ways that babies experience the world around them. Use sturdy board books that can handle the damage. They can also be fairly inexpensive.
12-24 months: Children in this age range vary greatly. Don’t worry if your baby doesn’t read the same way that other babies do. Don’t try to sit though too long of a story,but if they are having a great time, keep going! Story songs help with the fidgets. You still don’t have to read every word on the page. Somewhere in this time, you should see them able to notice when a book is being held wrong. If you hand the book upside down, you want them to notice and try to turn the book. Look for books with simple stories, bright pictures, etc. Let your child hold the book by themself. Ask questions and let your child respond. Don’t worry too much about questions like “what do you think will happen next,” but Yes/No questions or “where is it” questions. Remember, it takes a child under five years of age up to five seconds to process a question: give them plenty of time to respond. At around 24 months you might also check out our wordless book collection. These books are great for children who are starting to take initiative with books. They can practice telling themselves (or you as they get older) the story. This is great for understanding sequencing…another literacy skill.
Books to avoid— Watch out for the following problems in board books you pick:
Too many words·
Too crowded pages ·
Too big to hold
Websites:
http://www.wdmlibrarykids.com/early-literacy-overview/brain-development/
http://www.zerotothree.org/child-development/early-language-literacy/tips-tools-early-lit-and-lang.html
http://www.zerotothree.org/early-care-education/school-readiness-interactive-birth-to-3/
AUGUST 2013 BBB Summary
Ten moms braved the over 100degree temperature and attended Basking Babies Buffet! We had one grandma (besides me) and a couple toddlers. Everyone enjoyed visiting and many did weight checks on their babies. Rebekah Swieter Ault talked about co-oping and the coop group she started on Facebook: "Des Moines Momma's Coop" and several planned to join this group. It is a unique group because they all work together with the discount buying and are not required to pay a membership fee. We hope next month to have a bit cooler weather and be able to once again enjoy the compny of one another!! It will also be the Buffet's second birthday!!! Pictures below from the August 2013 BBB:
July 2013 BBB Summary (Written by our speaker: Hazel Anderson)
Twelve Mommies and their wee ones joined us on July 31 at the Altoona Library for a talk on Home Organization by Hazel Anderson. We began with old time BIG flash cards:
1. Once begun, half done!
2. Inch by inch, it's a cinch!
3. Be a little "bit"(ter) Can't do it all? Do something(Martha Stewart)
4. Well, as long as I'm here...(use the "little whiles" to get things done)
5. Don't pass it by, pick it up. ("As long as I'm here...")
6. Do it!Do it right! Do it right now! If you don't have time to do it right, how will you have time to
do it over?
7. A place for everything, and everything in its place.
8. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Prevent problems by not bringing them into the home(clutter, etc.)
9. Don't put it down, put it away.
10. If you open it close it. If you take it out, put it away. etc. Gregg Harris "21 Rules of This House"
(These sayings were gleaned from many sources.)
We then talked about using timers in home management and a timer was given in a drawing. Flylady says you can do anything for 15 minutes! By "timing" a big project, like a really messy kitchen, one can see how little time these seemingly overwhelming projects really take. Don Aslett has an article on his website entitled "Got a minute" that is a list of some common household tasks and how little time they actually take.
Other tips were given, but the best and most important was saved for last:
An embroidery framed picture that was given to Hazel at the birth of her daughter, Rebecca, was shown. It reads:"Cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow, for babies grow up we've learned to our sorrow...so quiet down cobwebs...dust go to sleep...I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep!!"
Some of the mothers offered some ideas:
*I-pad ap Toodle Do $2 (android, too)
*Pantry "Out of Milk" ap
*dry erase board in the pantry to record what's needed
After the talk, mothers enjoyed socializing with each other.
1. Once begun, half done!
2. Inch by inch, it's a cinch!
3. Be a little "bit"(ter) Can't do it all? Do something(Martha Stewart)
4. Well, as long as I'm here...(use the "little whiles" to get things done)
5. Don't pass it by, pick it up. ("As long as I'm here...")
6. Do it!Do it right! Do it right now! If you don't have time to do it right, how will you have time to
do it over?
7. A place for everything, and everything in its place.
8. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Prevent problems by not bringing them into the home(clutter, etc.)
9. Don't put it down, put it away.
10. If you open it close it. If you take it out, put it away. etc. Gregg Harris "21 Rules of This House"
(These sayings were gleaned from many sources.)
We then talked about using timers in home management and a timer was given in a drawing. Flylady says you can do anything for 15 minutes! By "timing" a big project, like a really messy kitchen, one can see how little time these seemingly overwhelming projects really take. Don Aslett has an article on his website entitled "Got a minute" that is a list of some common household tasks and how little time they actually take.
Other tips were given, but the best and most important was saved for last:
An embroidery framed picture that was given to Hazel at the birth of her daughter, Rebecca, was shown. It reads:"Cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow, for babies grow up we've learned to our sorrow...so quiet down cobwebs...dust go to sleep...I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep!!"
Some of the mothers offered some ideas:
*I-pad ap Toodle Do $2 (android, too)
*Pantry "Out of Milk" ap
*dry erase board in the pantry to record what's needed
After the talk, mothers enjoyed socializing with each other.
June 2013 BBB Summary (written by Angela)
Approximately 15 mommas (I forgot to count) attended the June Basking Babies Buffet where ideas on outdoor summer activities were shared. A few of the fun things mentioned were sitting outside on a blanket under a shade tree with baby doing tummy time, stroller rides around the block or at the zoo, riding bike with a pull behind trailer, sitting baby in a booster chair on the deck and giving him Tupperware bowls of water to play in, and pushing baby in a safe swing. We discussed the importance of sun for mommas to help with serotonin and therefore reduce depression. The discussion then went to getting some sun for baby (Vitamin D) but being sure to use a sun bonnet/hat and keep the baby in the shade most all the time. The question of sun screen was brought up and the use of Coconut Oil was suggested and everyone was reminded not to use sunscreen on babies less than 6 months. There was discussion on netting to keep mosquitoes away from baby and possibly using some essential oil in the laundry that helps to repel mosquitoes. There was also talk of an essential oil spray mixture (I am hoping to get the recipe from one of the Grandmas that attended and if I do I will post it!!!) The group then gathered in small groups, some doing weight checks and feedings, others playing on the floor,
and others learning baby wearing tips. I took pictures, answered questions, served tea and enjoyed a room full of my favorite people: MOMS and BABIES!!! (pics below)
and others learning baby wearing tips. I took pictures, answered questions, served tea and enjoyed a room full of my favorite people: MOMS and BABIES!!! (pics below)
May 2013 BBB Summary
This Buffet found me (Angela) in labor (or rather a client). I assumed I would not be able to attend at all but then did get to be there for the first half hour before the client called for her doula! I quickly counted 14 moms and 14 babies and 2 pregnant moms (at least the ones that looked obviously pregnant to me!) I did hear most of the introductions and most everyone commented on how their babies liked to dance to music, or how they used it to help their little ones sleep or as entertainment in the car! As promised I did bring my guitar and play a few short kids' songs with my grandgirl assisting a bit. I came up with these two bits of info from the internet: "According to recent studies, children who play or sing music on a regular basis tend to do better in math, have higher self-esteem and be more able to focus and control their bodies." (from eHow) and "Music, especially classical music, is an important part of many cultures. Although it's not clear exactly how early exposure to classical music affects the intelligence and development of your child, exposing your child to classical music at an early age does have numerous benefits. These benefits range from soothing a fussy child to increasing your child's abilities to solve spatial tasks, states family and consumer sciences expert Dr. Diane Bales, Ph.D. Take advantage of these possible benefits by introducing classical music to your child." (from Livestrong.com) SORRY Just a few pics this time!!! But a big thanks to you moms who held this together for me and for those of you who had never attended before, I sure hope you will visit again. Normally we have tea and I am availabe to answer questions. Babies have a way of choosing their won time to enter this world and what a blessing for me to be a part of so many wonderful births!!!
April 2013 BBB Summary
Seventeen moms and 20 babies came to the BBB where the moms tried on different carriers and shared information on what they like and why. This IBCLC had it pretty easy as I enjoyed watching these moms share and laugh and practice carrying their little ones in different types of babywearing get up!!! We had 4 or 5 pregnant moms learning how to carry while quite pregnant : ) and then how
to carry two! The scale was utilized by many, some tea was shared, and questions and concerns about breastfeeding, baby, and beyond were answered!!!
Here are some pics of the day!!!
to carry two! The scale was utilized by many, some tea was shared, and questions and concerns about breastfeeding, baby, and beyond were answered!!!
Here are some pics of the day!!!
March 2013 BBB Summary
Eighteen moms and lots of cloth diapered babies!! And speaking of cloth diapers, Beth James hosted our Education Station and shared her knowledge on cloth diapering. Thank you Beth!!! What I consder my best cloth diaper pics (or at my attempt at taking them) are below. Four pregnant moms posed for an awesome side profile pic! (below) Moms and babies sat around the Dr Suess rug to play and chat. The two baby scales were put to good use! Warm tasty Breastmilk Boost Tea was served and the conversations among the moms was sweet! What an fun gathering!!!
February 2013 BBB Summary (regardless of a little snow)
PICTURES AFTER THE SUMMARY
Eleven moms and 12 babies were with us for a fun almost snowed out Snowy Buffet. Valerie Stanfill, herablist shared information with us which is copied and pasted below. We took a lot of pics and had a lot of laughs with the diaper pic!! We are doing another diaper pic next month!!!
How to make a tea Boil water and pour over herbs let steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
Poultice Wrap herbs in a towel and put in a bowl. Pour boiling water over it and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes. When cool enough place on skin.
Baths Put herbs in a cloth bag or tea bag. Hang from spigot when running bath or put directly in bath water.
Elderberry—Elderberry flowers for small children. Berries for adults. Wonderful for the flu
Echinacea—A favorite of Native Americans. Root or Flower can be used. Wonderful for building immune system. Not for long term use.
Cough Relief
Start by making a strong herbal tea. Let it steep for 10 to 20 minutes. Mix 1 tablespoon of tea with 3 tablespoons of raw honey. Keep in refrigerator. Give as needed.
Cough and Cold Relief Slice onions and garlic. Place in a jar and cover with honey. Let steep for 2 weeks. Keep in refrigerator for up to 6 weeks. Use as needed.
Essential Oils Never use EO’s without putting in a carrier oil or watered down. Add to baths or put in boil water or humidifier.
Willow Bark—Contains salicin. Salicin was isolated in the 1830’s and used to make Aspirin. Very bitter as a tea so mix with other herbs in teas or use in baths.
Peppermint— Wonderful herb for small children who don’t feel well. Use in baths or as a tea. Not only will it help them relax it contains high amounts of menthol the active ingredient in most vapor rubs. It will relieve coughs and upset stomach.
Ginger—Ever wonder why doctors recommend Ginger Ale to relieve upset stomach. It is because true Ginger Ale contains Ginger! Ginger is wonderful for upset stomachs.
Honey—Raw honey contains both antibiotic properties and antiviral properties. It will coat and soothe a sore throat while helping your body fight infections and virus.
Lemon—Lemon has been proven to help with coughs. Try making a tea with just lemon or adding it to herbal teas
Valerie Stanfill [email protected] NaturalLivingIowa.com
How to make a tea Boil water and pour over herbs let steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
Poultice Wrap herbs in a towel and put in a bowl. Pour boiling water over it and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes. When cool enough place on skin.
Baths Put herbs in a cloth bag or tea bag. Hang from spigot when running bath or put directly in bath water.
Elderberry—Elderberry flowers for small children. Berries for adults. Wonderful for the flu
Echinacea—A favorite of Native Americans. Root or Flower can be used. Wonderful for building immune system. Not for long term use.
Cough Relief
Start by making a strong herbal tea. Let it steep for 10 to 20 minutes. Mix 1 tablespoon of tea with 3 tablespoons of raw honey. Keep in refrigerator. Give as needed.
Cough and Cold Relief Slice onions and garlic. Place in a jar and cover with honey. Let steep for 2 weeks. Keep in refrigerator for up to 6 weeks. Use as needed.
Essential Oils Never use EO’s without putting in a carrier oil or watered down. Add to baths or put in boil water or humidifier.
Willow Bark—Contains salicin. Salicin was isolated in the 1830’s and used to make Aspirin. Very bitter as a tea so mix with other herbs in teas or use in baths.
Peppermint— Wonderful herb for small children who don’t feel well. Use in baths or as a tea. Not only will it help them relax it contains high amounts of menthol the active ingredient in most vapor rubs. It will relieve coughs and upset stomach.
Ginger—Ever wonder why doctors recommend Ginger Ale to relieve upset stomach. It is because true Ginger Ale contains Ginger! Ginger is wonderful for upset stomachs.
Honey—Raw honey contains both antibiotic properties and antiviral properties. It will coat and soothe a sore throat while helping your body fight infections and virus.
Lemon—Lemon has been proven to help with coughs. Try making a tea with just lemon or adding it to herbal teas
Valerie Stanfill [email protected] NaturalLivingIowa.com
November 2012 BBB ( last meeting for 2012) written by Elizabeth Jones (Pics below summary)
The November Basking Babies Buffet was held at the new location, the Altoona Public Library. The new location allowed for more moms and babies (14 total), and also had a great set up to allow moms and babies to play on the floor and hold good conversations. The area is also more private, which allows moms to be more comfortable nursing without the worry of non buffet goers walking in.
Angela was able to help several new moms and babies with weight checks and work on obtaining a good latch.
There was conversation about sign language and how it can help bridge the gap in communication in infants/toddlers since the motor skills develop more quickly than the vocabulary skills. We were also able to go over a few signs such as eat, drink, milk, more, please, and all done. A brochure was handed out from Smart Hands.
Rebekah was able to talk about essential oils and there health benefits. She shared the book she has that helps her identify how to help different situations/conditions. She has used oils for both her son and daughter's inabaiblity to sleep well at night. Oils have also helped her son's severe stuffiness. She told of a friend whose daughter had a fever of 102 and after putting a drop of peppermint oil in her belly button the fever was gone within 20 minutes. She also talked about how her husband was starting to get a sinus infection that was taken care of with oils. We were also able to see how quickly lemon oil worked to get rid of ink that had mysteriously appeared on some of the tables. : )
The tea was great!!! The sharing fun!!! And the information helpful!!! SEE YOU IN JANUARY!
Angela was able to help several new moms and babies with weight checks and work on obtaining a good latch.
There was conversation about sign language and how it can help bridge the gap in communication in infants/toddlers since the motor skills develop more quickly than the vocabulary skills. We were also able to go over a few signs such as eat, drink, milk, more, please, and all done. A brochure was handed out from Smart Hands.
Rebekah was able to talk about essential oils and there health benefits. She shared the book she has that helps her identify how to help different situations/conditions. She has used oils for both her son and daughter's inabaiblity to sleep well at night. Oils have also helped her son's severe stuffiness. She told of a friend whose daughter had a fever of 102 and after putting a drop of peppermint oil in her belly button the fever was gone within 20 minutes. She also talked about how her husband was starting to get a sinus infection that was taken care of with oils. We were also able to see how quickly lemon oil worked to get rid of ink that had mysteriously appeared on some of the tables. : )
The tea was great!!! The sharing fun!!! And the information helpful!!! SEE YOU IN JANUARY!
October 2012 Basking Babies Buffet (written by Angela)
So Babywearing was the topic at the October BBB and boy did I learn a lot!!! Rebekah Swieter Ault, RN, CLC brought several different types and I watched my grandson slide into one after the other as he served as a model…. but only until he had taken so much! Then we moved on to Beth James and Elizabeth Jones,RN who also shared their babywearing devices. These 3 moms planned to share what works and what doesn’t and why and they did a fantastic job! Then we had moms who were new to the group and brought their babywearing devices and shared their tips. What great information and what fun!!!! After all the discussion, several moms modeled with their baby to see what a “good fit” was for them! I even modeled with one of our bigger basking babies' boys! I truly enjoyed the comfortable hands free feel of babywearing!!! We had Breastmilk Boost tea from pretty tea cups and you will notice that even one of our little toddler boys enjoyed the tea! : ) Lots of pics of this Basking Babies Buffet below......
Basking Babies Buffet One Year Celebration
(written by Beth who is soon to be an IBCLC!! with pics below)
September 26, 2012
Twenty women and 18 babies gathered with Angela at the Altoona Library to celebrate the 1st year of Basking Babies Buffet. Everyone got signed up, enjoyed the display and the photo slide show, checked their baby’s weight, and entered for door prizes.
With a cup of “Breastmilk Boost Tea” and a delicious homemade granola bar (made with great breastmilk stimulating ingredients) everyone gathered around the tables. We introduced ourselves, and babies, or other ways that we know Angela.
Several babies were sporting cute necklaces and their moms discussed the benefits that they provided for their child. Necklaces were made of Baltic Amber, and some also included Hazelwood. The amber is noted to help with inflammation, and is commonly used during teething. The Hazlewood is noted to help with reflux and eczema.
The “discussion” of the day was SLEEP. Everyone was encouraged to share what works for them. Rebekah shared about her experience with essential oils from Young Living. She dilutes either lavender or peace and calming oil with some olive oil and rubs it on her baby’s feet at bedtime, or will dot a little on his sheets. She has said that it has helped tremendously. Swaddling was discussed; some finding it helpful and others who thought their babies did not like it. Angela talked about keeping the lights low and the noise level and stimulation low.... getting your baby fed and back to bed, saving "playtime for daytime."
Angela had 3 baskets for door prizes that included some or her baby soaps, baby bum butter, breast balm, burp clothes, and other goodies. The lucky moms that were the winners were Tonya, Elizabeth, and Kristin.
Twenty women and 18 babies gathered with Angela at the Altoona Library to celebrate the 1st year of Basking Babies Buffet. Everyone got signed up, enjoyed the display and the photo slide show, checked their baby’s weight, and entered for door prizes.
With a cup of “Breastmilk Boost Tea” and a delicious homemade granola bar (made with great breastmilk stimulating ingredients) everyone gathered around the tables. We introduced ourselves, and babies, or other ways that we know Angela.
Several babies were sporting cute necklaces and their moms discussed the benefits that they provided for their child. Necklaces were made of Baltic Amber, and some also included Hazelwood. The amber is noted to help with inflammation, and is commonly used during teething. The Hazlewood is noted to help with reflux and eczema.
The “discussion” of the day was SLEEP. Everyone was encouraged to share what works for them. Rebekah shared about her experience with essential oils from Young Living. She dilutes either lavender or peace and calming oil with some olive oil and rubs it on her baby’s feet at bedtime, or will dot a little on his sheets. She has said that it has helped tremendously. Swaddling was discussed; some finding it helpful and others who thought their babies did not like it. Angela talked about keeping the lights low and the noise level and stimulation low.... getting your baby fed and back to bed, saving "playtime for daytime."
Angela had 3 baskets for door prizes that included some or her baby soaps, baby bum butter, breast balm, burp clothes, and other goodies. The lucky moms that were the winners were Tonya, Elizabeth, and Kristin.
Basking Babies Buffet August Summary
(Written by Rochelle) Pictures below summary
Basking Babies Buffet, held on August 29th, met outside the Altoona Medicap Pharmacy on August 29th, 2012. We enjoyed Breastmilk Boost Tea while lounging with our babies in the shade. The below is a summary written by Rochelle, a mom that attends the Basking Babies Buffets!
The topic of discussion for our August meeting was remedies for teething. Several attendees had researched this topic on the Internet, and shared what they found with the group. Below are some of the remedies that were discussed for helping babies with teething pains.
- rub clove oil on baby's gums to help numb pain
- babies can chew the herb form of licorice or fennel for relief: they have cooling affects
- chamomile tea can be frozen into an ice pop or soaked into a small towel for a baby to suck on. The towel can be frozen. The tea should be made strong.
- pure vanilla extract rubbed on gums offers relief and calming properties
- baltic amber can alleviate the pain of teething. Baltic amber contains Succinic Acid. When warmed against the wearer's skin, it releases a natural analgesic which relieves pain.
- hylands teething gel and boiron camilia were also discussed
The above mentioned remedies were only suggestions, not recommendations. The purpose of the meeting was only to give mothers lots of options for how to help their babies during this milestone. We look forward to our next meeting on the last Wednesday of the month!
Basking Babies Buffet July Summary
(Written by Stay at home Mommy and Wife: Beth James) Pictures below summary
I think this past Wednesday’s Basking Babies Buffet was the best ever! While sipping on chilled Breastmilk Boost tea, we discussed the transition to solid foods. It was neat to hear the different avenues to take, some go the way of cereals or purees and a few mamas introduced the idea of baby led weaning, where baby is given solid finger foods to check out (like a strip of steak to gnaw on, green beans to pick up and try.) It is so neat to get together with other like minded mamas going through the same stages of babyhood and Angela bringing her years of experience, from her experience as a lactation consultant to mothering her own children, and ever ready calming hand to help out the frustrated young mamas. Personally, I was sent home from the hospital with scabbed nipples and encouraging yet not helpful “Keep working on it, everything will settle down in time.” But after ONE phone consultation with Angela, we got the latch down and are dancing together like old pros. “Breastfeeding is like learning to dance. You step on your partners toes at the beginning but soon you are moving together in perfect harmony.” I need my support group of mamas and I LOVE having Angela there to offer support, guidance, and encouragement gleaned from years of experience. And tea =)
(Pictures below) At the last Basking Babies Buffet we were able to try lactation cookies that were made by Stephanie and tea!
(Pictures below) Basking Babies had massage therapist, Jeanette Schrader from Tender Touch Massage come and show all the mom's how to give an infant massage.
(Pictures below) Taken February 29, 2012! All the mom's were able to try Basking Babies new Breastmilk Boost tea!
(Pictures below) Basking Babies Buffet met for the first time at the new location; Medicap in Altoona, January 25,2012!
(Pictures below) Basking Babies second buffet! We had great turn out!
