Upcoming Workshops at BirthWays in Berkeley

BirthWays is struggling to keep our doors open during trying financial times, and we need your support! We're hosting a series of free, donation-based workshops, where all tax-deductible proceeds go to BirthWays. Please join us, or pass this invitation along to other new and expecting parents and professionals who might be interested.


Acupuncture for Fertility, Pregnancy & Birth
April 26, 6:30-8pm
BirthWays, 1600 Shattuck Ave, Suite 122, Berkeley CA
Free, donation-based event
NOTE: Seating is limited. You must register here to reserve your space.

Come and learn from a licensed acupunturist how acupuncture can support your fertility, health and a smooth labor and birth.
Presenter: Frank Griffo, L.Ac.
Suggested donation $15 - 35, all proceeds go to BirthWays


Nutrition for Expecting Moms
May 12, 6:30pm - 8pm
BirthWays, 1600 Shattuck Ave, Suite 122, Berkeley CA
Free, donation-based event
NOTE: Seating is limited. You must register here to reserve your space.

Learn about your nutritional needs during pregnancy, postpartum healing, breastfeeding, and how to begin introducing solids into your baby's diet.
Presenter: Angie Needels, Certified Natural Chef and Nutrition Educator
Suggested donation $15 - 35, all proceeds go to BirthWays


Choosing Childcare
June 13, 6:30pm - 8pm
BirthWays, 1600 Shattuck Ave, Suite 122, Berkeley CA
Free, donation-based event
NOTE: Seating is limited. You must register here to reserve your space.

Learn about your options when choosing child care, how to assess the quality of a childcare, and how to choose one that's the best fit for you!
Presenter: Judy Kriege, Bananas
Suggested donation $15 - 35, all proceeds go to BirthWays


Nourishing Our Children
June 20, 10am - 12:30pm
BirthWays, 1600 Shattuck Ave, Suite 122, Berkeley CA
Free, donation-based event
NOTE: Seating is limited. You must register here to reserve your space.

Come learn tips and secrets on meeting your child's nutritional needs with delicious, healthy foods.
Presenter: Angie Needels, Certified Natural Chef and Nutrition Educator
Suggested donation $15 - 45, all proceeds go to BirthWays


Infant & Toddler Language Development
June 20, 6:30pm - 8pm
BirthWays, 1600 Shattuck Ave, Suite 122, Berkeley CA
Free, donation-based event
NOTE: Seating is limited. You must register here to reserve your space.

Learn about language and cognitive development in babies and young children, including the roles of social interaction and media.
Presenter: Dr. Priya Shimpi, Mills College
Suggested donation $15 - 35, all proceeds go to BirthWays

 

 

We hope to see you there!

 

The BirthWays Team

BirthWays, 1600 Shattuck Ave, Suite 122, Berkeley, CA 94709, USA

Babies are Invited to Visit Elders at Chaparral House in Berkeley

I have been involved in intergenerational programing at Chaparral House for the past couple years.  Our group of 4 year old and up has been providing a variety of shows for the elders.  It has always been my dream to do more mixing of elders and children as they are both populations that could benefit from each others charm. 

Last week, I witnessed as a crawling baby wandered over to an older gentleman.  His face lit up as he opened his arms up to welcome this happy little one into his lap.  This brief, quiet interaction was extremely powerful as two different generations shared each others joy. 

The Chaparral House in Berkeley is a special place to visit.  And now they are inviting babies into their 'house'!

Here is a flyer they sent out:
 

Chaparral House

Intergenerational Visits

Visit our elders with your Babies!

Come visit weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.  Sit in a common area or visit a few residents in their rooms and watch the joy you and your baby bring to

the faces of our elders.

Baby & Mom’s Groups: Come visit our elders!

Pregnant Women:  Share the experience of your pregnancy with our residents

Contact Erika Shaver-Nelson

Events Coordinator

To Schedule Your Next Visit!

ESNelson@chaparralhouse.org

(510) 848-8774

www.chaparralhouse.org

Chaparral House is a non-profit skilled nursing community that provides the highest quality of residential healthcare to Berkeley and the extended community. 

Our residents range in age form 60 to 100.  Many of our residents have limited vision and are hard of hearing, most use wheelchairs for mobility and some are confused or forgetful.  Our residents have led active lives, traveling to foreign countries and being active in community affairs. Our residents have worked as college professors, doctors, teachers, scientists, artists, homemakers and volunteers.

 

Jean Liedloff, author of The Continuum Concept passed away

I have recommended The Continuum Concept book since the day I finished reading it.  It is a book worthy of a read for everyone.

This was taken from The Liedloff Continuum Network (http://www.continuum-concept.org/news.html)


"March 15, 2011 – Jean Liedloff, author of The Continuum Concept, passed away peacefully in her home, a houseboat near San Francisco. She had been ill for many months and was receiving hospice care to ease her suffering.

Prior to her passing, Jean expressed gratitude for a fulfilling life and the honor of carrying a message that has positively affected the lives of so many children and parents. She felt happy knowing that those people are keeping her message alive by living it and sharing it with others.

A detailed obituary is now being written and will be posted here soon. We also have plans to create a memorial website where Jean's readers and friends will be able to post their thoughts about the impact of her work on their lives."

Blessings + Thanks Jean.

Babies in Buckets?

Here is a picture taken in the Netherlands, 24 March 2009.  Babies sit in water-filled tubs to cool down after a baby massage class.  The 'cooling down' is to stimulate a womb-like environment.  Look at those expressions!

Homemade Fingerpaint For Your Baby

Most finger paints are not meant for little ones, but they want to explore textures too!  So next time you need an art activity for your baby try these ideas.  Babies can do this directly on their highchair tray, the table in front of them, a cafeteria style tray, freezer paper or paper grocery bags work (you might need to tape it down for it to stay put).

For this recipe, all you need is flour, water and preferably a natural food coloring (Have you seen these?  Blue from blueberries, red from beets, etc.  Check them out at your local grocery store).  Pour one cup of flour into a bowl, slowly stir water into the flour until you have a mixture that feels like fingerpaint.  Add several drops of the coloring (as many as you'd like the color to be).  You can always separate into smaller bowls to make multiple colors.

Voila!  Safe finger paint for your baby.  Also, try an array of messy, spreadable foods!

Children's Playground Designs in England

Through my travels I always take pictures of interesting playgrounds and other kid friendly places.   Here are some highlights from our last trip to England.  I will have to also recommend the Princess Diana Playground in Hyde Park, London.   Although I didn't post all the pictures of my family enjoying themselves!

I am always amazed how other countries will offer what the US feels is unsafe.  Look at the kiddie splash pool in the one shot, no fence, just an wide open puddle!  Also, this trip, I found that a lot of playgrounds have added zip lines!  Imagine kids 'flying' through the air and jolted to a stop at the end.   Although we live in California, rarely have I seen sunshades at parks...and this is England where they don't get as much sun!  And finally, ah, every one of these playgrounds has a cafe.  A cafe!  Think, cup of tea, snacks for kids, right there where you are playing.

What about Daddy?

It's so nice when dads can join the tum e time class, either by themselves or with their family.  Dad resources are growing, here are a couple recommended groups in the East Bay.

Jon Sarlin:  There are two groups, both free and informal.  One is for expecting dads and newborns, the other for 10 months and up.  Information can be found on Craigslist or you can call Jon at 510.595.4662.

Fathers Forum:  Bruce Linton, leads an on going Men's Group for Fathers group in Berkeley and a 2.5 hour "Becoming a Father Class" at Alta Bates.  For more information on these and other resources, you can go to www.fathersforum.com or call Bruce at 510.644.0300.