Warmest Greetings,

This months topic is Improving Family Nutrition.  As a breastfeeding mother, many of us weigh dietary decisions that effect the whole family.  Whether is it caring for yourself so you can make the most superior food for your nursing child to cooking a hearty meal to satisfy the whole family.  Here is one of my favorite recipes that combines great veggies that are hidden and lots of protein:

Mexican Casserole:

In a sauté pan, heat oil.  Add a 1/2 onion, 1/2 green pepper and 1/2 of red pepper for about 3-5 minutes then add either a pound of ground beef, ground turkey, ground buffalo or other meat substitute.  When meat is brown, add your favorite Taco Seasoning per directions.

In a 9x11 casserole dish layer:
Ripped up corn or flour tortillas - enough to cover the bottom - try no to overlap.
Meat Mixture from above
One can of corn
Layer of chopped spinach (dice finely so littlest eyes can't detect it)
One can of refried beans (sporadically placed as a layer - comes out more like blobs. ;)
Mexican cheese
Chopped tomatoes

Bake at 350 for about a half an hour.  Serve with corn tortillas, guacamole, sour cream all the fixin's. Enjoy!!

Many BLLLessings,
Erin Abrams, LLL Leader of Sturbridge, MA

Previous Meeting Notes:

One concern that worries many new moms is if there baby is getting enough to eat.  To support this,  La Leche League International (LLLI) recently released a new tear-sheet: Is My Baby Getting Enough? If you would like to receive a copy of this, please email Erin: info@lllsturbridge.org.

Mark Your Calendars & join in the FUN!!!
Toddler Playgroup:
Open to all mothers that have toddlers nursing and siblings or plan to nurse through toddler-hood.
Date: April 14th (2nd Tues. of the month)
Time: 10-11 AM
Location: Kennedy Donovan Center; Rt. 169 in Southbridge.
Please join us for some inside craft and fun, geared for children ages 0-5 years - siblings are welcomed. If the weather is warm then you can use the playground outside. First visit is FREE and then it is $2 to attend when you buy a pass or free for Southbridge residents. The program is mostly grant funded by the state and the fee is to help support the extra costs the state doesn't cover.
Click here for directions

Nighttime Meeting:
Date:   April 16th (3rd Thurs. of each month)
Time: 7-8:30PM
Topic:  Improving Family Nutrition (Your questions and concerns are top priority.)
Location: Earth Spirits on Rt. 20 in Sturbridge
Recipe Swap: Bring a healthy recipe to share (please print a few off to hand-out and swap).  It can be a snack, meal, side dish, etc. 
Our night time meeting is a time for mothers to uphold the LLL traditions - mother-to-mother support.  If LLL has helped supported you and your child in breastfeeding, please consider attending a meeting and offer another new nursing mother your support with your experience and stories of your adventure through breastfeeding.  Even though we have a leader facilitating the group, other stories and experiences are valuable to helping other nursing mothers. Breastfeeding babies and toddlers who would be unhappy away from their mothers are welcome.
Click here for directions.

Daytime Playgroup:
Open to all ages
Date:  April 17th (4th Friday of each month)
Time: 10-11:00 AM
Location: Sturbridge Federated Church
Click here for directions.
Open to all moms, nursing children and siblings.  The Church has a nursery stocked full of great toys and there is an open area for kids to run around. 

What effect does the mother's consumption of caffeine have on the breastfeeding infant?

THE WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING, page 225, states that the amount of caffeine in five or fewer five-ounce cups of coffee (less than 750 ml) will not cause a problem for most mothers and babies. (It might be helpful to measure the number of ounces in a typical coffee mug, as many are 8 to 12 ounces or more.) The BREASTFEEDING ANSWER BOOK, page 98, reminds mothers that when figuring caffeine intake, remember all sources of caffeine such as colas, some pain relievers, some cold medicines, and other medicines. Chocolate contains theobromine which can act like caffeine in both the mother's and baby's systems. A baby who is being over-stimulated with caffeine will be wide-eyed, active, alert and perhaps fussy.

In Breastfeeding: A Guide For the Medical Profession (fifth edition), by Ruth A. Lawrence, M.D. and Robert M. Lawrence, M.D., page 369, the authors write:

"Caffeine ingestion has been singled out for discussion because it is a frequent concern, but the data provided in most reviews are misleading. With a given dose of caffeine that is comparable to that in a cup of coffee, the level in the milk is low, (1% of level in mother) and the level in the infant's plasma is also low. However, caffeine does accumulate in the infant."

In addition, the authors note that "Smoking has been observed to augment the caffeine effect." This resource also cites other studies which indicate that a baby's ability to metabolize caffeine develops by three to four months of age.

If a mother suspects her baby is reacting to caffeine, she may try avoiding caffeine from all sources (coffee, tea, soft drinks, medications, chocolate) for two to three weeks. Mothers should keep in mind, however, that abruptly discontinuing all caffeine may result in headaches or other symptoms of withdrawal for the mother. If caffeine stimulation is the cause of the baby's sleeplessness, he should begin settling down to more normal sleeping patterns between a few days and two weeks after his mother eliminates caffeine from her diet.

If you think that your newborn may be effected by caffeine, you might enjoy the article "Newborns Who Confuse Day and Night."gies.

Resources for Additional Information

These items may be available from the LLLI Online Store or through your local Leader.

THE WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING, published by La Leche League International, is the most complete resource available for the breastfeeding mother. (Softcover, 465 pages.)

La Leche League International BREASTFEEDING ANSWER BOOK, 3rd Revised Edition, by Nancy Mohrbacher and Julie Stock is the LLLI popular resource book that includes up-to-date references, expanded information, and three new chapters. This publication is an indispensable resource for all who counsel breastfeeding mothers. (Hardcover, Spiral-bound, 680 pages

Our FAQs present information from La Leche League International on topics of interest to parents of breastfed children. Not all of the information may be pertinent to your family's lifestyle. This information is general in nature and not intended to be advice, medical or otherwise. If you have a serious breastfeeding problem or concern, you are strongly encouraged to talk directly to a La Leche League Leader. Please consult health care professionals on any medical issue, as La Leche League Leaders are not medical practitioners.

	You don't have to join LLL to come to our meetings but by joining LLL of Sturbridge you help support YOUR breastfeeding community.  The $40 LLL Regular Membership  includes a discount in the LLLI Online Store, a subscription to New Beginnings Magazine and much more.  To find out more benefits and other levels of membership, visit http://www.llli.org/membership.html.
	New Beginnings Magazine Free with a 1 year membership - Our bi-monthly magazine is filled with valuable information on breastfeeding and mother-to-mother sharing.
You can submit your payment online but if you mail it directly to our chapter your money will be directly contributing to your local community.  You can send check made out to LLL of Sturbridge, MA and mail it to our Treasure, Danielle Parrettie, 436 Pleasant St., Southbridge, MA 01550.

If you are in need of a book, please email Beth Sadecki at elizaspecials23@gmail.com  for any book that may be in our library. Beth can email you a list of books that range from breastfeeding, attachment parenting, discipline, tandem nursing, and more.

Items and events in this category are not associated with LLL and are listed here as a service to the community.  If you know of a community event, please email Erin at info@lllsturbridge.org by the first of the month.

Earth Day at the Joshua Hyde Library:
Join us for an Earth Day craft.  Wed. April 22.  Drop in between 10:30 AM and 8:30 PM.  Ages 3 and up.
http://www.town.sturbridge.ma.us
/Public_Documents/
SturbridgeMA_LibDocs/SturbridgeMA_RecCal/S0137658A-013765AB

Earth Day 2008--Recycled Sculpture Contest Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 10:30 AM Children\'s Room Printer-Friendly Version Bring in your original sculpture created from found objects during library hours. For children in K-6th grade. Pick up entry form now! More info: http://www.town.sturbridge.ma.us/Public_Documents/SturbridgeMA_
BoardCmt/Library%20Calendar/S01361255-013612A5

Other Upcoming Events:  http://www.town.sturbridge.ma.us/Public_Documents/SturbridgeMA_LibCal/?FormID=158
APRIL 2009 EVENTS
RED SOX HOME OPENER - Stop in for a fun craft! Wear red socks and win a prize! Monday, April 6. 1:30-4:30 PM. No registration required.
Brickworks challenge - Enjoy a new Lego challenge based on today’s story. Grades 3-7. Thurs. April 9. 3:45 – 4:45 PM. Register in advance.
Earth Day Join us for an Earth Day craft. Wed. April 22. Drop in between 10:30 AM and 8:30 PM. Ages 3 and up.
Busy Builders New story. New Lego challenge - Grades K-2. Thurs. April 23. 3:45 – 4:45 PM. Sign up in advance.
Nasty Gnarly Story time_ We’ll read “Three Nasty Gnarlies” by Keith Graves, and make and eat Grubby’s Mud Puddle Surprise! Friday, April 24. 11:00 – 11:45 AM. Ages 5 and up. Sign up in advance

Capen Hill Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 4th (Rain Date: Sunday, April 5th)
Time: 10-4
Come join us for a day of family fun! 5,400 unique eggs are decorated to look like animals (frogs, butterflies, flowers, squirrels, elephants, lions….) and then hidden throughout the day along our 72 acres of trails. Come anytime during hunt hours. No rush. Find prize eggs. Live animals at the visitor’s center, face painting, balloons, Hunt Bunny, refreshments and more. Only $10 per family! More info: http://www.capenhill.org/events.html

Community Baby Shower

Hi ALLL,
This May is the 3rd annual Community Baby Shower organized by the Healthy Families of Southern Worc. County. If you are interested in participating, please see the below letter by LLL friend Jenn Reed. LLL of Sturbridge will be there...
********************************************************

Hello!

It is hard to believe it is that time of year again - to start getting ready for our 3rd Annual Community Baby Shower. The purpose of the Community Baby Shower is to provide children and their families with health and safety information, and social service related information, as well as to promote healthy pregnancies and parenting. Families will have the opportunity to get information about local services available, as well as workshops on pregnancy, health, and child related topics. We are offering a variety of workshops, and free gift bag to all expectant/newly parenting families who register. This is an excellent opportunity for you to show off your program or agency, and provide helpful information to families. The baby shower (and its organizing network) is designed to reach 15 towns in Southern Worcester County, from Oxford to Warren, and back again.

This year's Baby Shower will take place on Thursday, May 14th from 12:30-4:30pm. Each organization is responsible for its own display and/ to choose a health/support related topic for new parents. This year topics will include child development, nutrition, self-care for new parents, newborn care, and more. Tables and chairs are provided.

Please let me know if you have any questions and please forward this email along to your distribution lists and any interested providers.
Best,
Jennifer C. Reed, MSW, LICSW
Program Director

Healthy Families of Southern Worcester County
of Worcester Community Action Council, Inc.
61 Pine Street
Southbridge, MA 01550

508.909.0061 ext. 10
508.909.0062 fax

jreed@wcac.net
www.wcac.net

Yoga in the Area
Inbalance Massage Studio
Martha Davis at InBalance Massage Studio in E. Brookfield on Rt. 9 is offering PreNatal Yoga, Yoga, and Infant massage.  More info: 508-867-2700 & http://www.inbalancemassage.net

Mommy and Me Yoga with Sarah Whiteman, CYT
This strengthening Hatha yoga practice is focused on the needs of the new momma - core toning with centering and energizing poses.  Baby (6 weeks to crawling-away-from-you) is welcome to come to class with you. If she needs your attention, you are right there to care for her. If baby is happily resting or playing next to you, super. If he just wants to be in-arms, he will be incorporated into your practice with modified poses. It's all good.  

Taught by Sarah Whiteman, CYT, with the assistance of her 6 month old daughter, Anna. We have structured the class fees to accommodate all sorts of schedules and preferences. Your first class is a free trial.

First drop-in is free or first 6 Week Series, $67.00 1x per week, 6 Week Series, $80.00 2x per week, 6 Week Series, $140.00 Drop-In, call to confirm, $16.00 Join a series anytime, fee will be prorated.

More info: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://www.mothersandcompany.com%2Fmotion-category.aspx%3Fcat%3Dmomyoga"

Old Sturbridge Village Story/Craft Time
Wednesday's at 10am, OSV offers a preschool story and craft program.  The program lasts about 45 minutes and includes a story and a related hands-on activity in the Village with a costumed staff person.  It is a lot of fun and quite a unique preschool experience.  The cost is $3 per week for members' Children and $7 per week for children of non-members.  Adults are required to accompany the children, but are not charged admission to the program.  No registration is required. More info: 508-347-3362 or www.osv.org.

Music Man
Location: Sturbridge Coffee House
Fee: Free
Date(s) and Time(s): Tuesday from 4-5PM; Fridays from 10-11am
More info: Friday mornings have been so popular that SCH has added him to Tues. afternoons.  Armed with his guitar, harmonica and childhood classic songs, the Music Man gets the kids full of energy.  www.sturbridgecoffeehouse.com  

Story time for PreSchoolers at Broad Meadow Brook Programs
Location: Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary in Worcester
Fee: Adults $5.00 m/ $6.00 nm, Children $5.00 m/ $6.00 nm
More info: http://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Broad_Meadow/index.php

Family Yoga: FlowForms Yoga on Lake Ave. in Worcester offers Family Yoga (and PreNatal workshops) each month.  Family Yoga is for children of all ages and the grown ups who love them. Play and explore in this nurturing and uplifting class, taught by LLL friend, Jen Faldetta.  Jen offers a heart opening class to share with your whole family - all ages are welcomed, it is worth the trip (and Trader Joes is right around the corner to make it more worth while ;).  The next workshops is Sunday, Feb. 15th.  Class is $18/class for two family members and $6.00 for each additional person.  More info: www.flowformsyoga.com.
 

La Leche League International has a mother-to-mother forum on their website that is a great resource for mothers to share experiences on their time.  Much like how LLL meetings first began: experienced mothers helping new moms, and friends supporting each other, the online forum is another way to tap into a breastfeeding support group.  To connect to the forum, go to: http://forums.llli.org.

Kennedy Donovan Center - Located on Rt. 169 in Southbridge. Look for the yellow building half way between Rt. 20 in Charlton and entering Southbridge on Rt. 169.  Sign has a big "KDC." on it.

EarthSpirits - http://earthspirits-herbals.com - Located on Rt. 20 (East bound side) above TJ O'Brien's.  After entering Sturbridge from the MASSPike, drive down Rt. 20 West, go to your fourth traffic light (at Rt. 20 and Cedar St.) and make a left hand turn to reverse your direction onto Rt. 20 East - immediately you will see the entrance to EarthSpirits.

Sturbridge Federated Church - Located between the Town Hall and Library.  take Rt. 131 off of Rt. 20 when entering Sturbridge.  Travel up a 1/4 mile and you will pass the Post Office (red building) on your left.  At the traffic light, take a left and park on your right side.  If you need additional parking you can park across the street in the back of the Town Hall.  The Federated Church is adjacent to the Joshua Hyde Library. Enter through the side entrance and take the elevator down to the nursery.  From the elevator, take a right and enter through the doors and the nursery is on your left.

Submission are accepted by the first of each month, if not they will be included in the following month's newsletter.  Please send submissions to info@lllsturbridge.org.

To Unsubscribe, please email info@lllsturbridge.org.