NEWSLETTER/ CALENDAR October – December  2007

The Birthing Tree Cooperative
October-December 2007 Community Newsletter

You can now view our calendar of upcoming events, workshops and classes at our website, www.thebirthingtree.com!  You can also register online!  A HUGE thank you to PearsonKramer, local internet business specialists and full service web design and development firm.  www.pearsonkramer.com

LOOKING FOR

If you have newborn clothes that you would like to donate, I would be glad to store and distribute to new moms who are in need.  Please call me to make arrangements. Marcia Panagakos, LISW, Social Worker , St. Vincent's Hospital, Women's Services and Pediatrics. 699-1247

Have a used exersaucer stored in your garage or closet? I would love to buy it for my infant.  Kathy 955-1808 or kathydkeith@hotmail.com

Seeking part-time nanny/babysitter for 2-year and 8-month-old. Flexible days and times. Call Janine at 577-1240.

Seeking energetic, loving part-time nanny/babysitter for 4-month-old baby. Flexible days/times. $12.50/hour. Call 231-8809.

FOR SALE

*Avent Isis hand-held breast pump.  Used but in excellent condition including original parts, directions, and case.  $25
* Avent bottles and nipples in numerous sizes, enough to get you through baby's first year and beyond. $25
* Bummis diaper covers for cloth diapers.  Sizes: 3 newborn, 6 small, 3 medium.  $45 
* Graco SnugRide infant car seat with two bases.  Used but in excellent condition including original accessories and installation/use directions. $70
* Kolcraft universal infant carseat stroller. $30
Please contact Kendel at kenfes@earthlink.net or at 988-5215

Fisher-Price Aquarium Take-Along Swing, used but in great condition. $30 Call Janine, 577-1240

PARENTS CONNECTION

Parents Groups/ Play Groups
First Time Mom’s Group / End of pregnancy, newborn and babies welcome! contact Jessica jessicabcooper@comcast.net

Career Mom’s Group contact barbachano@earthlink.net Christina 424-9465

MOMS club of Santa Fe-Southwest is a non-profit group for stay-at-home moms offering playgroups, activities, and support. Interested moms can contact Anna at 984-1635 or write to sfmomsclub@hotmail.com

Melissa Moore, Membership VP for MOMS Southwest chapter.  Contact mountainorbit@comcast.net for info about this international MOMS chapter. Weekly events, playgroups etc.

Single father of 3 year old boy in Rancho Viejo seeking to build rapport with parents of pre-schoolers and young families in the growing Rancho Viejo community. Possible activities might include; playdates at the park(s), rides on things with wheels, organized games, hikes on the trails, and mindful fathers chatting about parenting and possibly the pros and cons of competing brands of power tools, etc. 
Contact; Matthew  hopscotchdesign@hotmail.com

Mothers, Moms, Madres, Mommies! Make yourself a priority in a meaningful, deep, healing way!  Sit in circle with other Mothers and revel in inspiration, love and support.  Explore virtues such as kindness, gratitude, and generosity and focus on nurturing yourself.  If you wonder if a circle could be for you, e-mail me and I’ll keep you informed as new circles unfold in 2007.  Harmony West harmonyrosewest@earthlink.net
Support Group for pregnant and postpartum moms with anxiety and depression Fridays at 11:00am-12:00pm. Friendly, confidential and nurturing. Donation $25/ Medicaid accepted. Call 982-9375 or email  sacedtransitions@msn.com

RESOURCES

Events
Sunday September 22nd, 3pm: FAM JAM! Music Together presents an outdoor interactive family jam for you and your children ages 0-6. Come sing and dance with us in the courtyard at the AGORA SHOPPING CENTER in ELDORADO for 45 minutes of playful, joyful family music! We'll have egg shakers, scarves, drums and more as we lead you in an outdoor Music Together experience! Enjoy other music that afternoon as well, with a variety of wonderful local musicians. For more info, call Devi at 466-6999 or visit www.famjam.net.

Gathering for Mother Earth  Contact: kathy Sanchez, Tewa Women United
505-747-7100, 505-363-7100cell, tewawomen@cybermesa.com.  A welcoming public event for all cultures or all ages. Focus/Theme:  Time for unity in the hands of midwifery,mothering, and Birthing new life connections.  For more information: www.tewawomenunited.org   Come enjoy the day with us.  Date: Sept.22, 2007
Location: POJOAQUE PUEBLO POW-WOW GROUNDS  Time: Sunrise to Sunset with music till 8:30 PM

ESSENTIAL NURTURING FOR THE CHILDBEARING YEAR  16 CE HOURS with Elizabeth Rose, BS, LMT, RMTI, DONA Certified Doula / October 13-14, 2007
• 9 am to 6 pm  $225 / SCHERER INSTITUTE OF  NATURAL HEALING  To register call 505-982-8398 YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A MASSAGE THERAPIST TO TAKE THIS CLASS.  Through the sacred pathways of pre & post natal nurturing touch, and labor support as a doula during the birth process, the student will develop her intuition, deepen her trust in nature's miracle, awaken the healer within, and strengthen her knowledge and skills in working with women in the childbearing
year.  Elizabeth Rose has practiced and taught Massage for the Childbearing Year for 17 years and has attended 85+ births as a Midwife Assistant and Doula.

ALACE Labor Assistant Workshop, Albuquerque, NM  November 9-11, 2007
For more information contact:  Gwynhyfar @ (801)916.9884

Services/Classes
Evening childcare provided by Gabriela's Daycare for all ages 5 and up-(or younger children if accompanied by older siblings)- on Saturday evenings. Get out there with your fellow-parent friends or have a night out together!  Care provided from 5:30-9:30, dinner, games and a movie. Fee is $ 20.00 per child. Bring pajamas so you can pick them up ready for bed... call Gabriela at: 986-1388 for availability and dates.

Breastfeeding? Or Considering it?? La Leche League of Santa Fe offers mother-to-mother support through monthly meetings and our help referral line. We meet on the second Friday of each month at 10 A.M. in the Vitamin Cottage, 3328 Cerrillos Road. Call 989-5808 for more information and visit http://www.lalecheleague.org/

Exercise is good for you and your baby!  Prenatal Exercise Specialist, Natalie Roberts (505) 424-9944  natalie@formfitness.org

• Reduce pregnancy-related discomforts
• Faster, easier, less painful labor
• Reduce back strain
• Improve immunity
• Reduce the risk of complications
• Improve endurance
• Less excess weight gain

Dr. Quinn Evans has a general practice in acupuncture and herbal medicine including helping women with breech presentations and those choosing alternatives to medical inductions. He also assists in postpartum recovery. Call 988-8819 to get more information or set up an appointment.

Beautiful Birth Center in Taos offers nurturing waterbirth, homebirth and birth center births with  licensed midwives.  Visit our informational website www.midiwferycenter.org, call for a free consult and join our growing Santa Fe clientele!  Insurance and medicaid accepted.  Contact us at 505-758-1216 or midwiferycenter@hotmail.com

IMPACT Personal Safety is a local nonprofit organization that is dedicated to ending the cycle of violence by teaching awareness, violence prevention, personal safety and self-defense skills to adults and children. For more information visit their website at www.IMPACTPersonalSafety.org or call 505-992-8833. You can also email IPS@IMPACTPersonalSafety.org.

Many Mothers: Many Mothers is dedicated to caring for mothers and families with newborns. Volunteer service is for three months, a few hours a week. For more information on volunteering or to receive services,  please call Julie Peet 670-1106 or email at jpimagine@hotmail.com .  Please visit our website www.manymothers.org

Kate Dow, PhD., LPCC Sacred Transitions, Inc.  Individual, couple and family counseling for new parent stresses, mother moods and marital struggles. Insurance/Medicaid accepted. Call 982-9375 or email at sacredtransitions@msn.com

BABY CARRIER CLASS  Modern carriers based on centuries old concepts allow you to comfortably carry an infant or toddler. Pouch slings, rings slings, mei tais, soft back carriers and wraps. Classes will be held approximately every 3 weeks. For more information contact M'Liss at #424-0619 or email at mastelzer@earthlink.net.

FAM JAM! Music Together®: World reknown music and movement program for families with newborns, babies, toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarteners! In its 20th year, Music Together® is taught in 14 countries and most of the United States. Research-based, experiential, heartfelt, playful and FUN for children and caregivers. Materials (CD's & Songbook) included in tuition. DISCOUNTED TUITION for PREGNANT COUPLES (your baby is already able to benefit from music in utero!). FALL 2007 Semester in Santa Fe & Eldorado begins SEPTEMBER 10th and runs 10 weeks. Classes offered  mornings, after-school, evenings and weekends. PJ's class Thursdays at 6:45pm! ENROLLMENT IS IN PROGRESS: enroll securely online at www.famjam.net or call 466-6999. Did you know? FAM JAM! is now offering Music Together Preschool at Garcia Street Club. We also offer classes at New Vistas in Santa Fe and for WIC and Abrazos in Bernalillo. We start classes in Albuquerque this Fall as well. For more information, please visit www.famjam.net.
Prenatal and Postpartum Yoga Classes:  Linda Spackman teaches yoga classes for expectant and new mothers every Monday and Wednesday 10:45 – 12:15 at Yoga Source, 901 W. San Mateo.  Classes feature appropriate poses to support the multitude of changes during pregnancy and postpartum.  Classes are lively, upbeat and embracing.  A great place to get to know other moms.  Babies up to 6 mos. welcome.  Info 989-9846 or 982-0990
Comadres Midwifery Services, Shiela VanDerveer, CPM  PO Box 2906 Taos, NM 87571 (505) 613-2530 Comprehensive care for clients who desire a homebirth and have low risk pregnancies including vaginal births after cesareans. Our services include well woman care, sexual health education/counseling, herbal medicine consultations and cranial sacral therapy.

IAM KIDS  Local Professional childcare for your newborns, toddlers and older children. Bonded Dependable, intelligent, knowledgeable professionals are available for your childcare needs....one time or contract. Call Linda at 660-8000 for further
information and rates.

Natural Childbirrth Classes: The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth for times and dates call Marjorie 670-8047 or e-mail mrg8f9g08@earthlink.net.  I am passionate about gentle birthing and the natural process. Fees are reasonable and I have 10 years of experience.

HypnoBirthing~ A Celebration of Life ~A series of six classes for women and partners preparing for a home or hospital birth.  HypnoBirthing  is a unique method of relaxed, natural childbirth education enhanced by self-hypnosis techniques. You will be given the HB course book and two CD’s.  $295.00
Intro to Hypnosis: A one-hour class exploring how events create our beliefs, which create our emotions, which lead to a formed behavior. Free
Private Hypnotherapy Sessions $75  Julie Peet at jpimagine@hotmail.com or 670-1106

BIRTHING FROM WITHIN child birth preparation for parents.  Six week series plus one postpartum class.  For more information, call Elizabeth Christine 310-7654

Rashes? Strange Symptoms? Recurring Issue? Allergies?  I healed my son of a big label, naturally and painlessly! You can too!  NATURAL HOLISTIC HEALTH SOLUTIONS
that give you real answers and measurable improvement.  Serving the whole family.  Contact: Mia Rue Robins (505) 989-3701 or (505) 920-1480.
Disclaimer: We do not claim to diagnose or cure illness or disease.

Women & Children's Bodywork - Including Prenatal & Postpartum Massage: Isabel Washburn has opened a new, nurturing bodywork practice for women and children in Santa Fe. Services include massage for prenatal and postpartum women and doula support. Please call for more information or to set up an appointment at 828.776.5953 (mobile) or 505.424.1528. Isabel Washburn, Temporary LMT, 1500 5th St. Suite 2, Santa Fe, NM. Temporary License #3573.

Products
Santa Fe-based Mothering Magazine is a national bimonthly magazine that reports on natural family living. Articles cover pregnancy, childbirth options, breastfeeding, educational alternatives and family health issues. Come visit our office at 1807 Second Street,  Ste. 100. Check out our lending library and local resource section.  Pick up our latest issue and see for yourself why families all over the world trust Mothering.

Would you like to try a free sample of Arbonne International’s Swiss Skin Care- a botanically based, results oriented product?  Thinking of working from home and wondering what might work for you?  For info about either or both of the above contact Elenya Grafals, Independent Consultant-Area Manager at elenyais@comcast.net or 505-690-0264.

Visit Sprouts! a fun new children's clothing store in the Northern New Mexico Midwifery Center in Taos! We have new and slightly used children's clothing for wonderful prices!  Amazing brand names marked down to an affordable price! Mon-Fri 9-12 and 1:30-5  1331 Maestas Rd, Taos

Jurlique for babies.  The purest skincare on earth!  Completely mineral oil and paraben free.  Cleansing Balm, Soothing Cream, Barrier Cream, Bath Oil, Shampoo and Body Wash, Calming Massage Oil.  986-1356

The Birthing Tree Cooperative Childbirth Preparation Classes
Sign up online at www.thebirthingtree.com for all upcoming events!

Fall Calendar for Parenting Classes/Workshops
Unconditional Parenting: Moving Toward Love and Reason 
Thursdays, Sept. 20th and 27th  6pm-8pm (two sessions)
A two session workshop based on the book by the same title by Alfie Kohn.  We begin by asking ourselves “What are our long term goals for our children?”  In the first session, utilizing DVD presentation, Kohn contends that the widespread parenting practice of rewards and punishment can produce temporary compliance, but does nothing to help kids grow into responsible, caring, ethical, happy people.  The facilitator, Abby Bordner, family educator, will look at our own use of these practices in parenting.  In the second session we present ten important guidelines to help participants reconnect to their own best instincts as parents.  $50   

The Language of Connection and Cooperation  Thurs., Oct. 4th- Nov. 8th  6pm-8pm
This six session parenting workshop lays a strong foundation of positive communication skills that will change your parenting relationship.  Based on the practical skills presented in Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlich’s book How to Talk so Kids Will Listen and Listen so Kids Will Talk, this workshop encourages parents to demonstrate a style of respect and love when talking and listening to their children.  Some topics include engaging cooperation, encouraging autonomy and acknowledging emotions.  The workshop follows a parent workbook and over the course of six sessions gives parents new skills for understanding and supporting children.  This is useful information for all parents, educators and adults who are involved in the lives of children. 
Facilitator: Abby Bordner.  $150

Peaceful Siblings  Tues., Oct. 16th- Nov. 20th 6pm-8pm
A six session workshop based on the book Siblings Without Rivalry by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlich.  This workshop is meant as a follow up to The Language of Connection and Cooperation workshop, as it references many of the communications skills learned there.  Utilizing parent workbooks and facilitation, parents confront the realities of parenting two or more children.  The workshop addresses the perils of comparison, the myth of “equal” treatment and how to intervene helpfully when siblings fight.  Parents will learn skills to communicate effectively and respectfully, while enjoying time with their children.  Facilitator:  Abby Bordner.  $150

Positive, Powerful Self-Esteem in Children  Thurs. Nov. 15th  6pm-8pm (one session)
Building self esteem is one of the many dynamics of our relationships with children.  Our words and actions have a tremendous impact on how a child thinks and feels about her/himself.  What are the contributing factors to self esteem?  Why is it important?  In this workshop we explore the value of self esteem and how it impacts children’s learning.  The presentation will focus on how to be in relationship with children so they feel valuable from the inside out.  Facilitator: Harmony West.  $25

Massage for Children  Thurs. Nov. 29th   6pm-8pm (one session)
Through clear instruction, parents learn how to use massage to calm their child and relieve tension.  Massage can be a loving way to connect with our children when an intention is set and mindfulness is practiced.  Massage can be used to help with sleep disturbances, health problems and anxiety in children.  Facilitator: Elizabeth Rose, LMT.  $25

Meditation for Parents  Tues., December 11th  6pm-8pm  (one session)
A two hour workshop to review the basics of meditation practice and how it can be useful in the work of parenting.  We will discover and explore the value of mindfulness - awareness meditation and its relationship to parenting with compassion and courage. With all the ups and downs of the parent-child relationship, being with our children is a very powerful wake up call to be genuinely present and available.  Let's go further into what it actually is to "be there" for our children and ourselves with fresh eyes.  $25

Childbirth Preparation Classes:
Prepare for Home Birth  A new series of five classes, specifically for women and partners preparing for a home birth.  This series presents exercises and information to explore the emotional and physical journey of labor and birth.  The classes address pain coping, partner support and facing unexpected interventions.  This holistic preparation gives birthing mothers and their support people skills to embrace the challenges of birth.

Childbirth Preparation Classes  New series begin monthly.  Six supportive, informative classes to prepare expectant parents for the tasks of labor, birth and parenting.   Taught by doulas to help build confidence in normal birth, preparation for informed choices in the hospital setting and connection with other expectant couples.  Series includes the breastfeeding class and St. Vincent hospital tour.

Natural Childbirth  This one evening class is meant to supplement the Childbirth Preparation Classes.  This class is for moms who prefer to labor without medicine or medical interventions.  We will discuss emotional challenges, partner support, and communicating with your care provider.  We will also discuss facing unexpected interventions and embracing the birth you are given.  Offered monthly.

Refresher Course  An opportunity for experienced moms to connect with this baby, review pain coping and prepare the family for a new baby.

St. Vincent Hospital Tour offered once a month.

Breastfeeding Class  A one evening class to present the basics and prepare moms to breastfeed.  Offered once a month.

Private Classes Conveniently scheduled private sessions for childbirth preparation, labor, birth and parenting.