Monday, June 30, 2008

The Baby Borrowers: Harmful to Children?

Zero to Three, the nonprofit National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families, has issued a statement of concern regarding NBC's new reality series, The Baby Borrowers:

“It’s not TV, it’s birth control” is how NBC promotes its new reality series “Baby Borrowers.” On June 25th, the show will be launched on national television as an “intriguing new social experiment that asks five diverse teenage couples to fast-track to adulthood by setting up a home, getting a job and becoming caring parents.” Unfortunately, the NBC series exploits very young children in the pursuit of entertainment.

The babies and toddlers participating in this series will be separated from their parents and caregivers for three days. Unfamiliar teenagers will take care of them during this time. This setup can be very harmful for the babies and toddlers involved. For the past 80 years, many studies have shown unequivocally that babies and toddlers suffer when they are exposed to this kind of prolonged separation from family and left with people that they do not know or love. As all parents know, babies and toddlers are very distressed by separation. They cry, cling, and search for their parents. The longer the separation, the more upset they become. Some children are unable to sleep and refuse to eat. The responses routinely last long past the child’s reunion with the parent. Prolonged separations heighten young children’s separation anxiety and damage their trust that their parents will be available to protect and care for them. Children can become angry and rejecting of their parents after being reunited with them, damaging the fabric of the child-parent relationship.

These findings have become the basis for a new science of early childhood. A robust body of early childhood development and brain research clearly confirms the critical nature of early development. It is a time when young children form attachments with parents and caregivers, develop security and a sense of self, and learn what to expect from the world around them. Studies show that babies and toddlers need to feel safe and secure in order to form a positive sense of self, to form healthy relationships, and to feel confident to explore their world. This sense of security is dependent on the availability and stability of their trusted primary caregivers. Being separated for a three-day period from a parent or trusted, familiar adult, and being thrust into the care of a total stranger who has no experience with the child—how he or she is comforted, likes to be fed, held, etc.—and who has no experience caring for young children at all, can be very stressful for the child.

As a “safeguard,” NBC has hired a nanny to be nearby in case there are concerns. However the nanny is no more familiar to that child than the two strangers who will be caring for him for three days. The nanny does not know him or what his signals mean—such as what he needs when he cries out in the middle of the night, or how he shows he is hungry, tired, or is overwhelmed and needs a break from play. Moreover, even though the parents of these young children are watching via closed-circuit television, the babies are not aware of that and have no way of knowing how long the parents will be gone.

Legitimate social experiments are not conducted on national television or on reality shows. "Baby Borrowers" may have a catchy theme, but it exploits young children with potential harmful consequences. This is no social experiment. It is an extremely misguided endeavor that puts at risk our most vulnerable citizens, young children who need our love and protection.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Friday, June 27, 2008

Save the Date: Orgasmic Birth film Sept. 25, 2008

Orgasmic Birth is a documentary that examines the intimate nature of birth and the powerful role it plays in women's lives when they are permitted to experience it fully. This documentary asks viewers to re-examine everything they thought they knew about giving birth and the potential it holds.

The way a woman gives birth has the potential to change how she feels about herself forever. The way she feels has consequences for how she mothers and cares for her baby. It has consequences for her other relationships and for society.

Join us to explore the possibilities!
Thursday, September 25 - 7:00pm
Orgasmic Birth
Riverview Theater, Minneapolis, MN

The film will be introduced by Orgasmic Birth's producer, Debra Pascali-Bonaro.
Debra will also offer an educational workshop: "Pleasure in Birth: Is It Possible?"
Woodwinds Health Campus in Woodbury, Thursday, Sept. 25, 1:30-3 pm

Tickets should be available any day now through the sponsors' web sites:

Heart Openers for Everyone!

**Also offered October 18, 2008!**

Blooma yoga instructor & way-cool mama
Jennifer Colletti will host a HeartOpeners workshop
staff_Jennifer Colletti that is sure to help you release tension, ease stress, and wash the weight of daily life right out of your body.

Join us for this vinyasa class based on heart-opening techniques. We'll concentrate on opening and nurturing the chest, heart, and throat area. Whether you're living a busy corporate life, are hunched over from toting your beloved tot, or feeling tension every time you nurse your newborn, this class is for you (um, doesn't that cover just about all of us?!). This lovely heart-opening practice will include an extended period of savasana relaxation and time for your questions.

Join Jennifer on Sunday, July 13, 1:30-3:30pm.
Workshop fee: $25

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Acupuncture & Pregnancy

Blooma acupuncturist Jalashree Pradhan gets rave reviews from her clients, prenatal and otherwise. We asked her to tell us a little more about the benefits of acupuncture and pregnancy. Here, her thoughts:

Pregnancy is a special, yet often challenging, time in a woman’s life. It brings with it a multitude of physical and emotional changes driven by hormonal shifts within the body.

For centuries, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used to effectively aid in the management of myriad pregnancy-related symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, edema, headaches, back and pelvic pain, as well as numerous other physical and emotional stresses that may present themselves over these wondrous months.

A recent study in The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology* notes that acupuncture, when provided as an adjunct service to standard treatment, is superior to standard treatment alone in relieving pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain.

Regular use of TCM during pregnancy creates the foundation for healthy mother and baby. In addition, those who have undergone regular treatments over the course of their pregnancy have been shown to experience shorter labor with fewer complications.

Acupuncture is a safe, noninvasive, and effective intervention for pregnant women. This is especially comforting since many Western medications may not be used during this very special time.

So, whether you are considering pregnancy or are currently pregnant, talk to your acupuncturist about making this incredible experience as positive and healthy as it can be.

---

*Acupuncture for pelvic and back pain in pregnancy: a systematic review
Carolyn C. Ee, Eric Manheimer, Marie V. Pirotta, Adrian R. White
American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology - March 2008 (Vol. 198, Issue 3, Pages 254-259, DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2007.11.008)

TM@B: This Month at Blooma, July 2008

this month at blooma
Workshops & events for July 2008


* Yoga for You, special class with Ann Fink
Thursday, July 3, 6:45-8:15pm, $18 or class pass

* Belly to Belly prenatal yoga & discussion group
Sundays: July 6, 13 & 20, 5:30-7pm, $48

* Enlightened Mama childbirth education
Saturdays: July 12 & 19, 12:30-6:30pm, $175

*Heart Openers workshop for everyone
Sunday, July 13, 1:30-3:30pm, $25

* Family Yoga
Sunday, July 13, 4-5pm, $30/family

* You Oughta Be in Pictures: 1/2-hour photo sessions for expectant mothers & tots under 1 year
~Sunday, July 13, 3-7pm
~Thursday, July 24, 6:45-9:45pm
$125

* Partner Yoga
Thursday, July 17, 8-9pm, $30/couple (includes wine & treats!)

* BYOB*Crawlers
Sunday, July 20, 3:30-4:30pm, $18 or class pass

* Birthing from Within childbirth prep weekend
Saturday & Sunday, July 26 & 27, 12:30-6:30pm, $200

* Prenatal Yoga Intensive for Couples
Thursday, July 31, 7-9:30pm, $75

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Blooma Blossom: Baby Rasana



Rasana Marie

June 24th
5:22 am
8 lbs 12 oz
22 3/8 inches

Friday, June 13, 2008

Blooma Blossom: Baby Ethan

Baby Ethan James
June 13, 2008
3:52 p.m.
6 pounds 7 ounces
19 inches


Blooma Blossom: Baby Owen

Blooma Boys!
Baby Owen with Big Bro Oscar

June 13, 2008

Mama says: “THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for being such a big part of this pregnancy and journey! Blooma was exactly what I needed, especially being new to the city. It is such a great place to connect and feel cared for! With each class my confidence grew. I know that the VBAC was successful much in part to the hundreds of squats and hip openers! Thanks also to the wonderful wellness practitioners--Channing and Deborah--for their healing touch and kindness. I couldn't have done it without all the love and support!”


Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Blooma Blossom: Baby Jack

Baby Jack
June 10, 2008
2:29pm
8 pounds
22 inches

Mama says: "I was supposed to have a water birth at Woodwinds, but Jack wouldn't turn despite all efforts. So he was born sunny side up, yet very healthy. My midwife was very impressed with me, saying in all her years birthing, she had never seen a woman so focused and strong. I told her it was not only because of my connection to Jack and working as a team, but because of the Prenatal Yoga Intensive classes at Blooma. She was amazed at my breathing and positioning, especially on my own. I was so proud to hear that and even more proud to have taken what I worked so hard for at Blooma, and put it to work during my birthing. Thank you so much for creating Blooma and for all the inspiring words!"

Blooma Blossom: Baby Juliana

June 10, 2008
1:27am
6 pounds, 8 ounces
20 inches

Mom says: "I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your classes. When I became pregnant I wanted to find a way to exercise and keep as much strength as flexibility as I could. I thought yoga would be great for that. I didn't expect to get the bonus of the relaxation techniques and the positive energy that you created in class. Those were just as beneficial. Thank you so much!!!"


Wednesday, June 4, 2008

MORE NEW CLASSES! Get Yoga for You every day of the week!

Blooma is proud, pleased, and honored to welcome Ann Fink to the mix of wonderful teachers at the studio. Ann--former owner of iYoga, artist, dancer, fashion designer,staff_Ann Fink and all-around free spirit--will bring her light-hearted, hard-working, dance-inspired flow yoga class to Blooma on Friday nights and Sunday mornings.

Annie's first Yoga for You classes will be held Friday, June 13, from 5:30-7pm & Sunday, June 15, from 8-9:15am. Drop-ins are welcome.

Check out the complete Yoga for You line-up:

** THE Yoga for You! LINE-UP**
Mondays: 11am-12:15pm with child care
Tuesdays:
7:30pm-9pm
Wednesdays:
8:30-9:45am & 11am-12:15pm, both with child care
Thursdays:
6am-7am
Fridays:
9am-10:30am & 11am-12:15pm, both with child care
5:30pm-7pm
Saturdays:
7:45am-9:15am
Sundays:
8am-9:15am

** QUESTIONS? REGISTRATION?**
Learn more about Yoga for You
Sign up at www.Blooma.com (click on Schedule)

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

NEW CLASS: BYOB now on Mondays

Life with an infant? Amazing, miraculous ... but not always easy! That's why we're adding a class to our BYOB*Bring Your Own Baby yoga bonding schedule: so you have more easy opportunities to get to Blooma with your little one, when it's convenient for you!Yoga Bonding

Starting next week on Monday, June 9, Jennifer Wetherall will be offering BYOB from 12:30pm to 1:30pm! Check out the complete BYOB and BYOB*Crawlers schedule:

** BYOB and BYOB*CRAWLERS CLASSES**

Mondays, BYOB: 12:30-1:30pm with Jennifer Wetherall
Tuesdays, BYOB: 11am-12pm with Jennifer Wetherall
Thursdays, BYOB: 11am-12pm
with Jennifer Colletti
Saturdays, BYOB: 11am-12pm with Jennifer Wetherall
~and~
Thursdays, BYOB*CRAWLERS: 12:30pm-1:15pm
with Susan Colvin/Emily MacLaury

The BYOB class is ideal for babies who are aged newborn to wiggly. Once babe starts to feel like more than a handful in BYOB, join us for BYOB*Crawlers, ideal for little ones who are eager to be on the move, up to about 18 months old.

** QUESTIONS? REGISTRATION?**

Learn more about BYOB*Bring Your Own Baby and BYOB*Crawlers
Sign up at www.Blooma.com (click on Schedule)