The Magic of Menstruation with Amanda Laird - Register NOW for the June Breastfeeding Cafe

How much do you really know about menstruation and your body? So many menstruating people don't truly understand their cycles and what's happening each month, so I've invited Amanda Laird the host of the Heavy Flow Podcast to join me at the June Breastfeeding Cafe for a talk about the Magic of Menstruation. 

In this talk, Amanda (a Registered Holistic Nutritionist), will unpack menstrual myths, explain why the menstrual cycle is a vital sign and teach you what you didn't learn in health class. She will also address every new mom's most burning question: "when will I get my period back?!"

This is going to be a good one! If you would like to attend the Cafe on June 5th at West End Mamas and learn all about menstruation Register Here. Remaining space is very limited in this FREE Community Event, so please don't wait to Register. If your plans change and you can't make it, please email care@with-care.ca so we can open up your spot to another community parent who would like to attend. **Please Note that this is a FREE Community event, but this month Participants are encouraged to bring a box of tampons or a large purse to be donated to the Period Purse.

Also, if you haven't listened to The Heavy Flow Podcast yet, I highly recommend it. You can check out the episode that I was a guest on, as well as tons of other amazing episodes here. Enjoy!

- Care

**After this month the Breastfeeding Cafe will be on summer holidays and will resume in the fall. 

The Ins & Outs of Family Estate Planning with Laroux Peoples: Video + Discount

Once you become a parent, planning for every possibility becomes important. That's why having a Will and Power of Attorney in place is so essential. We all hope that nothing happens to us until we're old and grey, but planning means that your family won't be left in a difficult position in the very rare chance that something happens to one or both parents.

If you don't have your estate planned, you need to Watch this quick video I made with Laroux Peoples, a local mom and awesome lawyer that specializes in Wills and Powers of Attorney. Laroux answers some of the frequently asked questions parents have about preparing their estate, and offers an amazing discount to my readers and clients. 

Plus, if you're in the Toronto area Register NOW to join Me & Laroux on May 1st at 9:30am for the May Breastfeeding Cafe at West End Mamas. Laroux will be talking about Future Planning: Wills & Powers of Attorney for Parents, and answering all of your questions. Remaining space is very limited for this FREE community event, so don't wait to Register. 

Laroux generously offers my clients 20% off their Wills and Powers of Attorney when they mention With Care. Plus she comes to your home when your documents are ready to be signed...aka...no need to pay for a babysitter or parking. Basically the best news ever. 

Follow the link to set up a FREE phone consultation with Laroux so you can get all of your questions answered and finally have this big one checked off the never-ending parenting to-do list. You're welcome ;) 

- Care 

**Please note this video and post does not constitute legal advice or establish a solicitor/client relationship by way of any information contained herein. The contents are intended for general information purposes only and under no circumstances can be relied upon for legal decision-making. Please consult with a qualified lawyer to seek advice concerning the specifics of your particular situation.

*This is a sponsored post which means I was provided compensation and/or product for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I only partner with products and services that I genuinely love and want to recommend. 

Kegel's are NOT always the Answer! Pelvic Floor Recovery for Moms - Register Now for The April Breastfeeding Cafe

I am so excited to have Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist Trang Bui from West End Mamas joining me at The Breastfeeding Cafe in April to discuss Postpartum Recovery and the Pelvic Floor.

Before pregnancy the pelvic floor doesn't mean much to most people, but after having a baby, it can play a huge part in your recovery and wellbeing. So many people (well meaning health care providers included) believe that the answer to all Pelvic floor issues is kegel exercises, but did you know that these exercises can actually worsen symptoms for some women? That's why it's so important to speak to a skilled care provider and have an individualized assessment, so you can better understand how to best help your personal situation. As a midwife and mom of 3, I believe that all pregnant women should see a pelvic floor physiotherapist prenatally, so they can prepare for their delivery and understand what to be looking for in their postpartum recovery.

If you have questions about your pelvic floor and recovery since having a baby, or just want to learn something new about your body, join us at The Breastfeeding Cafe on April 3rd at West End Mamas at 9:30am. Come and learn what your pelvic floor is all about, find out what's normal versus what's common after having a baby, and how Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy can help in your postpartum recovery. Trang will be available to answer your questions about common issues including incontinence, painful intercourse, pressure in your bottom, and back pain, just to name a few. So many women suffer silently in pain and discomfort, when simple treatment can be very effective.

If you want to join Me and Trang at the Breastfeeding Cafe at West End Mamas in April please Register Here. Remaining space is extremely limited, so don't wait!  

This session is mainly focused on postpartum recovery but pregnant people are always welcome to join this Free Community Event. If you're expecting, please make sure you check out West End Mamas FREE monthly sessions on Pelvic Health Basics for Birth with their amazing team of physiotherapists. Space is very limited for these events, so don't wait to register.

If you're in need of some one-on-one treatment mention With Care to receive 20% off your 1st Wellness Service at West End Mamas. I can speak from personal experience when I say that their on-site childcare is the answer to all of your mama wellness woes. Plus check out their Postpartum Restore Your Core Fitness Classes with Laura Wood if you're needing some help getting moving and reconnecting to your core.

Hope to see you at the Cafe! Register Here

- Care 

Easter Mini Sessions at Movies for Mommies Humber Cinema - Register Now!

Easter is around the corner, so you know what that means? Time for some ridiculously cute pics of babies in bunny ears! Anchor Studio Photography will be joining me at Movies for Mommies for 2 weeks to offer complimentary Easter Mini Photo Sessions. Appointments will be scheduled between 12pm-1pm on each day (March 5th & 19th). Photo sessions are free and attendees have the option to purchase photos for $25/digital image (discounted packages for more photos are also vailable). **PLEASE NOTE: Sessions are reserved for Movie Attendees Only**

Space is very limited for these sessions, so please email care@with-care.ca ASAP to request a spot. Don't forget to let me know which day you prefer, March 5th or March 19th. If the date you prefer is full I will offer you a time on the other day, or a spot on the wait list. These sessions fill up very fast, so please don't wait!

*If you can't make it to the Movies for photos during these times check out these beautiful Mom & Me Mini Sessions that Anchor Studio is hosting at the gorgeous Mint Studio April 7th & 8th. Sessions are $199 plus HST for a 20 minute session with 5 edited digital images available for download (or $299 for 8 images). Space is limited for these sessions REGISTER HERE.

*The movie being screened March 5th is Game Night & the movie for the 19th is still TBD (I will update this post as it becomes available). If you would like to receive notice of our weekly screenings and special events please join my Movies for Mommies Humber Cinemas Newsletter.

- Care

3 Things You Need to Know About Breastfeeding Beyond 6 Months + Register for The March Breastfeeding Cafe

Taya & Baby Mabel photo credit: four bees photography

Breastfeeding isn't always straightforward, so it's essential to have amazing support along the way. I find that there tends to be a lot of support for parents with newborns, but with older babies, breastfeeding questions are often overlooked. That's why I'm so excited to have Taya Griffin joining me as guest speaker at the March Breastfeeding Cafe, to answer questions about breastfeeding babies of all ages.

Taya is an incredible Lactation Consultant and mom of 2 beautiful girls. She is my go-to referral for all breastfeeding related issues because she is so gentle and caring, but also incredibly knowledgeable. Taya offers amazing Prenatal Breastfeeding Classes at West End Mamas (Register for her next session May 29th), as well as Private In-Home Education & Support, and sees clients at Kidcrew Medical & Dental Clinic.

As a little sneak peak to the amazing advice parents will receive at the Cafe, Taya has provided me with answers to 3 of the questions she gets asked most often about nursing an older baby and returning to work. This is amazing advice and so important for parents to know, so make sure you read it below.

If you want to join Me and Taya at the Breastfeeding Cafe at West End Mamas in March please Register Here. Remaining space is extremely limited, so don't wait! (Edited to Note that the Cafe is now Full! Please email care@with-care.ca to be placed on the waitlist.) *See post for full details

3 Things You Need To Know About Nursing Beyond 6 Months - By Taya Griffin

"As a Lactation Consultant who works in a clinic and community setting, I see babies of all different ages, and answer questions from mothers about nursing well beyond the first and second year. Breastfeeding an older baby is fun, as they are full of personality and their own special quirks, but it definitely comes with its own set of questions that are very different from the newborn stage! Here are three of the top questions that I get asked about nursing an older baby."

1) Do I need to pump when I go back to work?

"Should you be returning to work before the 1 year mark the answer is yes.  You will need to pump each time that baby feeds while you are away from them.  However the luxury that many Canadian mothers have of staying home for a year (and now 18 months for some mamas!) means that upon a return to the workforce there is no need to pump.  Baby will likely want to breastfeed as soon as they see you, and throughout their time with you, but while you are away your breasts will figure out that they are no longer needed. If mother feels some discomfort in the first few weeks of returning to work, hand expressing off a little milk will help to relieve the breasts until they get used to the time away from baby."

2) If I am still breastfeeding will my baby need cow’s milk? 

"This is one of the best aspects of breastfeeding beyond the year mark.  If your baby is breastfeeding at least three times a day there is no need to worry about them receiving any other kind of milk.  Between your breastmilk and a well- balanced diet they will receive more than enough of the vitamins and minerals that they need."

3) My baby won’t take a bottle – how will they drink liquid if I am not around?

"Health Canada’s new guidelines recommend that babies are introduced to a cup at the six month mark. Drinking from a cup, not a bottle, is a life-long skill that we all need and is better for the teeth and palate.  As a transition I have helped many families move from breast to doidy cup (a cup with a small spout) to an open faced cup with a lot of success." 

Thanks for this great advice Taya. For all of the local West End parents, don't forget to Register for the Cafe so you can ask Taya all of your questions in person. Plus we'll be doing fun Giveaway at the Cafe for some delicious Booby Boon Lactation Cookies. You can also get in touch with Taya directly via Email or call her at 416-996-0321 with any questions. 

- Care 

Westside FUN Day Camp GIVEAWAY! ENTER For a Chance to WIN a Week of FREE Camp! + Discount Code Included! (CONTEST CLOSED)

This winter has already been a tough one, and if the groundhog is right we still have several more weeks of battling our kids into snow suits, hats, mitts and boots...argh. I'm already so done with the cold and snow, and totally dreaming of summer weather. Soooo... as a little reminder that summer will arrive (seriously, it has to!!) I have an amazing GIVEAWAY with Westside FUN Day Camp!

You can Enter for a Chance to WIN A Week of FREE Camp for your kiddo at this amazing West End Day Camp. This prize is valued at $390+tax!! Plus get a code below for $40 off your 1st Week!

Westside FUN offers day camp programs to kid's ages 4 and up and has a great combo of activities, so every kid will have fun! That's what really drew me to the camp. Activities include: Sports, Arts & Crafts, Drama & Puppetry to name a few. The camp operates out of King George Junior Pubic School at 25 Rexford Road (main intersection: Jane & Dundas St W), right here in the Bloor West/Junction neighbourhood and has a really great community feel. 

My big kids, Ben and Lucy, are so excited to be going to Westside FUN this year. They've already checked out the website and can't wait to join the Blue Birds & Golden Stars.  Plus Mommy is pretty darn happy that they'll be in a quiet neighbourhood, and within walking distance for easy drop off and pick up. It's a win win for us all!

To ENTER for a Chance to WIN a Week of FREE Camp at Westside FUN Simply comment below with your name and email address. (Alternatively you may comment below with your name and then submit your email address to care@with-care.ca for entry). Plus make sure to check out my Facebook page & Instagram feed for 2 more ways to enter! 

Contest is open to all Canadians* 18+ and closes **EXTENDED to Wednesday February 21st at 11pm EST** A winner will be chosen at random and contacted within 24 hours. *Westside FUN Day Camp is located in Toronto Canada. No travel or accommodation costs will be covered. CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED

Learn More about Westside FUN's Programs & Register Here. Please note that Westside FUN only runs programs in July, so space in their programs is Extremely Limited. Don't wait to register! Use code CARE40 for $40 off your 1st week at Westside FUN! Multi-week and sibling discounts are available, so make sure to check those out!

Good luck and enjoy dreaming of summer :) 

- Care

*This is a sponsored post which means I was provided compensation and/or product for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I only partner with products and services that I genuinely love and want to recommend. 

Congrats On Your Move Diaper-eez!

Our good friends at Diaper-eez made a big move this past weekend. We're sad to see them leave the Bloor West strip, but we're so happy that they're staying in the neighbourhood. Their Bloor Street location closed on February 19th and their new boutique location at 501 Runnymede Rd (Runnymede & Annette) opened yesterday. Drop by to check out the new shop and mention With-Care for 10% off*. If you can't make it in to the store, head online and use code withcare for 10% off*

 

Diaper-eez new store hours at 501 Runnymede Rd.

• Tuesday-Friday: 12pm-5pm
• Saturday: 10am-5pm
• Sunday-Monday: Closed

Thanks for shopping small and supporting our local stores. 

- Care 

*Some restrictions apply

Is Your Family Ready for Winter? Come Pillage In The Village!

It's that time of year again. Time to start thinking about switching over seasonal gear and going through your closets to see what fits & what needs to be replaced for your family this winter. I don't know about you, but I find it a stressful time of year as the cost of snowsuits, boots, skates & other seasonal gear really adds up. As always our family relies heavily on gently-used clothing & gear to get us through the changing seasons on budget.

If you're looking to save some money this season check out your local Community Parent-to-Parent sales. Our local sale in the Bloor West Village area Pillage In The Village is coming up at the beginning of October and is always a great event with tons of amazing deals. It's an absolute fav of mine and a sale that I try not to miss.

Where: Swansea Community Center, 15 Waller Ave

When: Saturday October 4th from 1pm-3:30pm. *50% off sale runs from 3pm-3:30pm.

*Most sales do not allow children, strollers or bags inside. So leave the kids at home & have fun shopping for some great deals with your laundry hamper!

*I strongly encourage you to make note of your kid’s shoe & clothing sizes & what you need most, so you can go directly to those areas of the sale first. These sales are extremely busy & not for the faint of heart!

If you want to know more about local parent to parent sales and other ways to save money while dressing your family, check out this 3-part blog series from last spring about 3 Ways to Save Money & The Environment While Dressing Your Kids. 

Upcoming Toronto Parent to Parent Sales:

• The Parent Bazaar(Sept 13, 2014)
• TPOMBA Fall/Winter Clothing Sale (Sept 20, 2014)
• South Etobicoke Mommy Market (Oct 18, 2014)
• (Oct 18, 2014) Great Kids Stuff Sale (Oct 25, 2014)
• Mom to Mom Sale Markham & Stouffville (Oct 25, 2014)
• Toronto Mom to Mom Fall Sale Event (Nov 1, 2014)

Good luck getting some great deals for your family this fall!

- Care