Spring is on its way!
With Spring so close to us now, it is Mother Nature's time to bloom.  Much in nature has prepared for the coming of the Spring from animals expecting to plants slowly returning from hibernation.  Spring reminds me that we are born from this Earth and its materials.  Just like all other mammals, the "materials" given to us includes the ability to nurse. It is the natural step after creating a life...to sustain it.

As you welcome Spring into your hearts, take a breath in and marvel at the fact that you are born with the ability and power to create, sustain and nourish a life.  It is an empowerment that is as strong as the sun, water, air, and love - all of which are necessary for us to continue to live.

Enjoy the defrosting of the Earth!!

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

Previous Meeting Notes: Preparing for Birth and Breastfeeding
We covered a wide variety of topics from birth stories to going back to work. I appreciate all that attended and shared your stories and concerns.

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: March 10th (2nd Tues. of the month)
Time: 10-11AM - Please note new time and place!
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:  March 19th - (3rd Thurs. of each month)
Time: 7-8:30PM
Topic: Breastfeeding Myths and Facts (Your questions and concerns are top priority.)
Location: Earth Spirits on Rt. 20 in Sturbridge
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:  March 27th (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.  This meeting, bring a small ride on toy for the kids to zoom around on in the churches basement.

Did you know that breastfeeding can be beneficial for mothers with specific health challenges?

• For a woman who has had gestational diabetes, nursing her newborn can help keep her blood sugar levels at a healthy level, and may also prevent the development of diabetes later in life.

• Mothers who had a Type-1 diabetes diagnosis prior to pregnancy may need less insulin while breastfeeding than they do when not (work with your doctor to monitor levels if you fall into this category).

• Breastfeeding seems to have the long-term benefit of increasing bone density. One study determined that women in the study who had not breastfed had a higher risk of post-menopausal hip fractures those who nursed their babies.

• Much of the literature finds that the protective aspects of breastfeeding are "dose related", meaning that the longer a mother nurses the more likely her body is to experience protective effects.  

• Breast cancer risk is noted as being reduced up to twenty-five percent in mothers who nurse anywhere from six to twenty-four months over the course of their reproductive years. 

• The overall severity of rheumatoid arthritis seems to be worse in women who have never nursed; nursing mothers may have flare-ups while nursing but will benefit from the long-term effects.

To read about these issues in more detail, access A Well-Kept Secret Breastfeeding's Benefits to Mothers Alicia Dermer, MD, IBCLC Old Bridge NJ USA From: NEW BEGINNINGS, Vol. 18 No. 4, July-August 2001, p. 124-127: http://www.llli.org/NB/NBJulAug01p124.html

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. 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.

Please note: this is not official LLL information but is provided as a community service. 

ETHEX Corporation Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall Of Prescription Prenatal and Iron Supplements To Wholesale Level
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- St. Louis, MO, February 3, 2009 – ETHEX Corporation, a subsidiary of KV Pharmaceutical Company (NYSE: KVa/KVb), is issuing a voluntary nationwide recall of the products identified below (all lots within their expiration dates) at a wholesale level. The Company is taking this action as a precautionary measure, because the products may have been manufactured under conditions that did not sufficiently comply with current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP).

Patients who may have these products in their possession should continue to take them in accordance with their prescriptions, as the risk of suddenly stopping needed medications may place patients at risk. Patients should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using these products, or to obtain replacement medications or prescriptions.

Products Recalled to the Wholesale/Distributor Level:
Prescription Prenatal Vitamin Products:
Advanced NatalCare® Tablets
Advanced-RF NatalCare® Tablets
Cal-Nate™ Tablets
CareNatal™ DHA Tablets
ComBgen Tablets
ComBiRx™Tablets
NataCaps Capsules
NatalCare Gloss Tablets
NatalCare PIC Tablets
NatalCare PIC Forte Tablets
NatalCare Plus Tablets
NatalCare Rx Tablets
NatalCare Three Tablets
NataTab FA Tablets
NataTab RX Tablets
NutriNate® Chewable Tablets
NutriSpire™ Tablets
Prenatal MR 90 FE Tablets
Prenatal MTR w/Selinium Tablets
Prenatal Rx 1 Tablets
Prenatal Z, Advanced Formula Tablets
Ultra NatalCare Tablets


Prescription Iron Supplement Products:
Anemagen Caplets
Anemagen Forte Caplets
Conison™ Capsules
Fe-Tinic™ 150 Forte Capsules

Any wholesaler inquiries related to this action should be addressed to ETHEX Customer Service at 1-800-748-1472, faxed to ETHEX Customer Service at 314-646-3788, or e-mailed to customer-service@ethex.com. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm CST.
The recall announcement is posted on www.kvpharmaceutical.com.

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.

If you have anything gently used and would like to donate to someone in the group or do a swap (please no selling), email Erin Abrams by the 1st of each month.  Also if you are in need of anything, please email me.  info@lllsturbridge.org.

The North Shore Birth Center in Beverly, MA fought to remain open - on November 18, 2008, citizens held a rally to support the Birth Center (click the link below to view the rally video on YouTube). Due to the efforts of the campaign, the Board of Trustees of the Northeast Health Corporation voted against the proposed closure of the North Shore Birth Center (NSBC).  However, restrictions have been imposed.  Please read more at the Save the North Shore Birth Center website. Rally Video on YouTube>>

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.

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 for four weeks starting in March. If you interested here are the details:

PreNatal Yoga: either Sunday at 9AM or Friday at 6PM (she is looking to see which is the most convenient for the moms). Cost: $40/4 weeks. Class is one hour. style Svaroopa which is a restorative style of yoga.

Yoga: Tues at 7PM and Wed. at 9AM - style Svaroopa which is a restorative style of yoga. Cost: $52/4 weeks. Class is an hour and half.

Infant Massage: Friday at 10AM. She has a room full of toys so siblings are welcomed! Cost: $40/4 weeks.

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"

Dads Group
Dads Group for any dad of a child under 6 years old. The group runs six weeks and starts Wednesday, March 4th from 6-7:15. It will be held at the YMCA in Southbridge, there is free food and childcare. If people have questions they can contact Jenn Reed at work at 508-909-0061, ext. 10.
 

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.

Joshua Hyde (Sturbridge) Library
Location: Rt. 131 in Sturbridge
Fees: Free
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

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.
 

$$$$ DEALS on Vacationing around MA

Check out great new deals on Massachusetts lodging, restaurants, and attractions at www.massvacation.com . When you visit the site, you’ll see hundreds of newly discounted places to go and things to do – all across the Commonwealth.
Just download the wallet-sized “Mass Value Pass” and take advantage of discounts that start at 25% off. These offers expire on March 31.

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.

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