Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in cincinnati, OH

Community Resources

by Amy Mumper

May 04, 2009

We are all trying to do our best to raise our families.  But, sometimes the unknown and unexpected can get in the way of doing it just how we want.  For those times, may I suggest a few community resources...

• 1. Domestic violence safe haven - Try the YWCA hotline
• 2. Food Bank - Freestore Foodbank
• 3. Medicaid benefits
• 4. Divorce support groups - JFS, Mental Health Association of SW Ohio
• 5. Pediatric Hospice Care - At Children's Hospital
• 6. Alcohol/Substance Abuse Support Groups, Alcoholics Anonymous in Cincinnati, Al-anon/alateen for those effected by alcoholics
• 7. Child Abuse Resources - From Children's Hospital
• 8. March of Dimes, Ohio
• 9. Legal Aid - Legal Aid Society of Cincinnati
• 10. Swine Flu Info
• 11. Hamilton County Head Start

Check out the Savvy Source Main Page for more ideas.

Age 7-Definitely A Year to Remember!

by Amy Mumper

May 03, 2009

Age 7-Definitely A Year to Remember!

Catherine Manabat is a guest blogger, writing on behalf of the American Association of Orthodontists.
The American Association of Orthodontists is a resource for parents to learn more about orthodontic treatments and provides general tips on how to achieve healthy, beautiful smiles, get braces-friendly recipes, and find an orthodontist near you by using the Find an Orthodontist Locator service. Why should you choose an orthodontist? Orthodontists receive an additional two-to-three years of specialized education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth.
Catherine is also a proud former "braceface" and smiles every day to prove it!
Every age is a special one for your child - and when it comes to caring for their smile, age seven is an especially important year to remember!

Some early signs of problems can be caught by you, the parent, but the more subtle ones can only be detected by an orthodontist. This is why the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that your child see an orthodontist for an orthodontic check-up no later than the age of seven. Orthodontists can determine problems with jaw growth and teeth while your child still has his/her "baby" teeth in place.

What are some signs parents can look out for that could indicate the need for an orthodontic exam?

o Early or late loss of baby teeth
o Difficulty in chewing or biting
o Mouth breathing
o Speech difficulties
o Crowded, misplaced or blocked out teeth
o Jaws that shift or make sounds
o Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
o Grinding or clenching of the teeth
o Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face

If you observe these problems in your child, regardless of age, you should consult an orthodontist. Parents often notice issues like crossbites, protrusions, underbites and spacing problems.

Orthodontists receive an additional two to three years of specialized education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth. They can catch less obvious "malocclusions" (ortho-speak for bite irregularities). They want to identify these kinds of problems in patients as early as possible so that appropriate care can begin as soon as the time is right for your child. 

For more information, please visit the AAO on the web and on Twitter.

Breastfeeding 101

by Amy Mumper

April 20, 2009

Hi, again, everybody!  Wow!  Another week gone by.  While we talk about different options for eating and healthy nutrition for your family, consider the guest post below.  (Special thanks to Caroline at Being Savvy Tampa!)  Breastfeeding was both rewarding and stressful for me, or should I say stressful, then rewarding!  I hope the tips below will encourage any of you out there currently breastfeeding, or just considering it.    Best of luck!

 Today's guest posters are authors Suzanne Schlosberg and Sarah Bowen
 Shea who have recently written a book titled The Essential
Breastfeeding Log. They would like to share with all of our new
mothers seven breastfeeding tips. As parents who each breastfed their
own twins for at least 9 months, they certainly know what they're
writing about! We hope you find these tips useful. What are some of
your own tips?

1. Remember: Just because it's natural doesn't necessarily mean it's
easy.  Virtually all babies are capable of breastfeeding, and virtually all
moms can produce enough milk. But it just may take more time and
effort than expected.

2. Educate yourself  The more you know about breastfeeding, the better, so take a
breastfeeding class offered by your hospital.  Also, you can join chat
rooms and check in with other nursing moms who are in your boat,
whether you have a preemie in the NICU or a 6-month-old who seems to
be self-weaning.

3. Get the gear  Sure, all that is really required for breastfeeding are breasts, but
we recommend investing in a reliable pump, a few good-quality nursing
bras, and a supportive nursing pillow.

4. Call in the pros  Many U.S. hospitals have lactation consultants on staff who can offer
advice and hands-on help during your postpartum stay. Also, ask the
nursing staff for guidance; they've been around more than their share
of new moms and newborns.

5. Set short-term goals  When you were pregnant, you may have declared, "I'm going to
breastfeed for one year," only to feel overwhelmed, even demoralized,
by that goal once your baby arrives and it's not smooth sailing. If
this happens, take it in steps.

6. Involve other people.  Sure, you're the one with the breasts, so there's only so much someone
else can do. Still, it's important for partners to support each other
on the breastfeeding front. And don't be shy about asking friends and
neighbors to bring meals and to help around the house.

7. Stay hydrated, get your rest, and eat well  The physiological system that drives lactation depends on a variety of hormonal and physical factors, many of which are influenced by hydration, energy, and sleep. In other words, if you're a dehydrated wreck, your milk isn't going to flow like the Colorado River.

Suzanne Schlosberg and Sarah Bowen Shea have combined their years of expertise for publications such as Fit Pregnancy, Women's Health, Shape, The New York Times, Parenting, Glamour, and more in their new
book THE ESSENTIAL BREASTFEEDING LOG.

An Interview with Emme: A Look at Weight Bias

by Amy Mumper

February 23, 2009

Did you know that this week is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week?  It seems we all struggle one way or another with our food choices.  And, with an almost seven year old daughter, the issue is even more in the forefront of my mind.  Recently, I participated in an interview that Savvy Source did with the plus-sized model, Emme.  (Thanks to Naomi, at Savvy Source Cleveland!)  Emme is now doing work to fight against weight bias.  What is weight bias?  Read on!   Read more...