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The last time I was schlepping through the airport with my toddler, an array of rolling luggage, and a car seat somehow thrown over my shoulder, it wasn't a pretty sight. Then I saw a mom strolling along easy-peasy with this little contraption, apparently called a "Tote-A-Tot."
I don't normally go for gadgets. But this was one of those "WOW! That looks so much easier!" kind of moments. So for those of you with holiday travel coming up, I thought I'd pass this along... just in case this looks like it would make your life easier, too. Do any of you already own this thing? If so, chime in — what do you think of it? Does it work?
Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma
You may have seen the story in yesterday's New York Times about how it's not just women who suffer from postpartum depression (PPD)—those feelings can overwhelm fathers, too. There is so much that still needs to be done about PPD awareness even when it comes to new moms, that it's easy to overlook the issues that can plague dads, too.
I'm sure I wasn't the only one surprised to learn about the science behind male PPD. As Times writer Richard A. Friedman, M.D., explains, "there is probably more to male postpartum depression than just social or psychological stress; like motherhood, fatherhood has its own biology, and it may actually change the brain... There is also some evidence that testosterone levels tend to drop in men during their partner’s pregnancy, perhaps to make expectant fathers less aggressive and more likely to bond with their newborns. Given the known association between depression and low testosterone in middle-aged men, it is possible that this might also put some men at risk of postpartum depression."
Fortunately, there are many resources for new parents (whether you're a mother or a father) that can ease the new-parent adjustment and feelings of isolation. The Twin Cities also boast excellent counselors to help sort through more complicated responses, like PPD. For more specifics, see Pregnancy & Postpartum Support Minnesota for the Minnesota Perinatal Mental Health Resource List, as well as more information about the emotional challenges that often accompany the first years of starting a family. Fathers may also want to check out a web site devoted just to them, called Postpartum Men.
New dads, also know that Blooma caters to families — fathers, too — not just moms. Be on the lookout for special classes just for you, like infant massage for dads. Or, drop your baby off in our childcare room while you take time to breathe and move in a Yoga For You class. We know that not everything is solved with a good yoga class, but taking time for you is a good start, whether you're a new mama or a new daddy.
Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma
I read a disconcerting story the other day about the high number of chemicals babies are exposed to prenatally. Unfortunately, it's impossible to avoid these chemicals entirely, but there are ways to minimize your baby's exposure, according to Alexandra Zissu, author of The Complete Organic Pregnancy.
Zissu advises that you start by cutting back on or eliminating canned food, since cans may be lined with chemically-enhanced water-resistant coatings that include BPA. Getting rid of any pots and pots with Teflon or non-stick coatings, and switching to stainless steel or cast iron cookware is another healthy choice. Other options: resist microwaving your food in plastic, choose all-natural cleaning products (you'd be surprised what a bit of vinegar and water can do), and stick to 100 percent cotton materials that aren't treated with flame-resistant chemicals.
Whew! That's a lot to think about, I know. Your baby will thank you, for any small changes, both now and once baby is born, since those chemicals have been shown to pass into breastmilk as well.
For more information about the Environmental Working Group's cord blood report or a similar report by the Washington Toxics Coalition, read the full story at The Daily Green. EWG also has a very helpful website called Skin Deep that shows you which beauty products are safest (and which aren't).
Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma
Have you seen these cute black hoodies with "Breathe" written on the front? I just love them... a holiday present for my best friend, and a holiday present for me, coming right up! And how fab are these winter Om hats with the ear flaps?!
If these pique your interest, too, don't miss Swami Baby Boutique's 2nd birthday, this Saturday (Dec. 5) when you'll find adorable clothes for baby and fashionable yoga-inspired wear for men and women, too. Plus, 20 percent of sales during the party will be generously donated to Blooming in Uganda. Enjoy food from Aunt Else's aebleskiver and a cake from Sweets Bake Shop—mmm!
Come celebrate Swami's birthday at Local D'lish, Saturday, from 5-7 p.m. at 208 1st St N, Minneapolis 55401. Happy holiday shopping!
Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma
We couldn't let this week pass without spreading the word about an important and inspiring night coming up. This Friday night, please consider attending Visions for Healing, a special fundraising event being held at Mind Body Solutions’ yoga studio; there is no fee to attend.
The hour-long program will share the impact of the work of Matthew Sanford’s non-profit Mind Body Solutions, and offer a vision for transforming trauma and loss into hope and potential. For those of you who are not familiar with yogi, speaker, and author Matthew Sanford, please take a moment to read more about him here. http://www.matthewsanford.com
Registration for this Friday's event begins at 5:45 p.m. The program begins at 6:15 p.m. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Please RSVP to Jennifer by email at jenniferzarth@mindbodysolutions.org or at 612-803-1616. Mind Body Solutions is located at 17516 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka.
Thank you for supporting the work of Matthew and Mind Body Solutions with the same fervor that you support Blooma. We look forward to seeing you Friday night!
Love,
Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma
The last time I was schlepping through the airport with my toddler, an array of rolling luggage, and a car seat somehow thrown over my shoulder, it wasn't a pretty sight. Then I saw a mom strolling along easy-peasy with this little contraption, apparently called a "Tote-A-Tot."
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