Thursday, September 11, 2008

Our wonderful new Website!

As most of you are now aware, our great new website is up and running (along with our new name, TOKYO MOTHERS GROUP)! It's fantastic, combining a calendar of events, photo gallery, membership directory, resources guide, a forum and much more!

If you haven't already done so, come along and register yourself on the new site!

See you all there from now on!

http://www.tokyomothersgroup.com/


Thursday, August 21, 2008

Easy Labor- for the next time

It`s great to stay up to date with whats going on with new books on giving birth. Dr. Willliam Canmann`s book, Easy Labor, has been published in Japanese. Our speaker on Sept 17, Dr. Sumika, translated this amazing book.


It`s really important to get as much information to have a successful labor.

Here is Dr. William Canmann on PregTASTIC podcast,

PregTASTIC podcast allows you to "subscribe" to their audio files, and have them delivered to your desktop or portable mp3 player automatically every day. Subscription is free as always, and you don't even have to tell them anything about yourself.


Easy Labor
Far too many expectant mothers find themselves unprepared for labor. How can you combine natural and medical techniques to manage labor pain? What can be done to calm and eliminate fears and stresses associated with childbirth? How have epidurals changed? Authors of Easy Labor, Dr. William Camann and Kathryn Alexander answer these questions and more.

Nice summary of the cesarean experience in July 2008 issue of Pregnancy Magazine, with multiple comments from Bill. See more from this author, Nancy Ripton, at her website.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Tokyo New Mothers Group needs YOU!

We have many new and exciting changes planned over the coming months for TNMG!

To start with, we are looking into updating our site and making it more user-friendly and accessible all to mothers, both new and experienced, out there. To do this, we need to raise funds! And we need you! We will be holding our first fundraising event in October (more of which we will tell you about later) and we are looking for more volunteers to help us make this event a success. We are holding the first fundraising meeting for this on August 1st, so if you want to join in the organizing fun, email us!

Another new system we are setting up is our Mentor scheme. This is going to be a scheme specifically for anyone new to Tokyo or new to motherhood. We are looking for more of our members to become mentors: to meet, support and encourage new mothers as they embark upon their "Tokyo new mother" journey. We know you all have a lot to offer and invaluable experience to share, so please email us if you would like to get involved! The first meeting for this is July 30th.

We will continue to update you with more information as our changes start to happen. There are some great ideas in the pieplines that we hope to get off the ground, AND if you have any ideas of your own that you'd like to see flourish or if you feel you have something to offer us in terms of help, we'd love to hear from you!
Remember, TNMG is YOUR group so let's all work together to make it the best it can be!

TNMG Co-ordinators

Friday, July 18, 2008

At the Airport - Tips about the Stroller - flying rugrats

Tips about Strollers when Flying with Kids

Strollers are an absolute ‘must have’ item for easing your ability to get around within airport terminals. You can also use storage space in mid-size or large strollers to hold carry-on items. Parents tend to have a lot of “gear” when flying with children.

Your stroller is a valuable tool that makes it easier for you to safely transport your child and carry-on luggage around the terminal and to your departure gate.



You will want to keep your stroller with you until the moment that you are preparing to step on the plane.

After check-in, you must pass through an airport security checkpoint. Most airports require you to remove your child from a stroller. You must then fold up your stroller and run it through the x-ray machine. Depending on the age of your child, security officers may instruct you to carry your child through the metal detector with you. If your toddler is walking it is common for security officers to ask your child to walk through alone though.

When you arrive at your departure gate, you will need to wait in line and speak to the gate agent about gate checking your stroller. The gate agent will provide a tag for your stroller and a claim ticket for you to keep. You do not surrender your stroller at that time. Keep your stroller until boarding time and you are preparing to step on the plane.

At your destination, you will need to retrieve your stroller. Some airlines bring strollers back to you right outside the airplane door in the same location as wheelchairs for the disabled. Other airlines may send gate-checked items to baggage claim. This is common if your flight is on a very large plane such as a Boeing 747-400.

Depending on the number and age of children you have with you, you may have difficulty getting your children and belongings to baggage claim without a stroller. If you are concerned about how you will manage if your stroller ends up sent to baggage claim, discuss your concerns with the gate agent before boarding. You can also discuss your concerns with a flight attendant during flight. The airline may be able to arrange a loaner stroller to be waiting for you at your destination. You can use the loaner to transport your child until you can retrieve your own stroller from baggage claim.

http://www.flyingrugrats.com/at_the_airport/ap_topic4.htm

Traveling with a Baby - Suite 101

Kelby Carr

Mar 25, 2006

It can be quite tempting to save a few bucks on airfare by sharing your seat with your baby, but it isn’t the safest or sanest way to fly.

Yes, your baby may technically be able to fly for free if he or she is under age two. Airlines do not require tickets for those babies and toddlers who sit in an adult's lap. That doesn't necessarily mean it's a good idea. If you wouldn't dream of traveling in a car with your infant loose, you probably should consider that when flying.

A ticket for baby

There are several pros to just coughing up the cash for baby to get his or her own ticket, such as:

Your baby will be secured in a car seat and in the airplane's seatbelt. Even in the event of minor turbulance, this could prevent major injuries.
You will be freed of holding the baby the entire time. This isn't so troublesome on a short D.C.-to-New York jaunt. Try a trans-Atlantic flight with a squirmy toddler in your lap (I have). Do it once, and you'll never make that mistake again.
Your baby will likely be happier and less fussy secured in a car seat. It is also easy to give your baby a bottle for lift-off and landing in the seat, which will prevent painful ear pressure.
Your mealtime will also be much easier. With baby or toddler in your lap on the airplane, you can forget about eating a decent meal or even putting your tray down.
There is, however, one big con to buying baby an airplane ticket:

You will have to add the cost of the baby or toddler's airplane ticket, instead of the baby flying for free. Sometimes, if it's a cheap $200 round-trip flight, that isn't such a problem. For $1,500-plus international flights, this decision can understandably give parents some pause.
Baby flies free

The big pro to this choice:

Well, baby flies free. As much as things cost these days, especially while traveling, it's pretty hard to turn away a free ride.
There are several cons to this choice, however:

The baby's safety is a big one. The baby cannot travel in his or her car seat, but must sit on your lap. In fact, you as the parent are safer than your baby, since you will have a seatbelt. There is a product that is FAA approved that can reduce the risk somewhat, the Baby B'Air Infant Products Flight Vest Travel Harness. If you've ever flown with a baby tethered to you, however, you'll know this isn't ideal.
Your baby or toddler will not have her own space on the airplane. We all know how cramped airline seats are when it's just you. Add a baby or toddler, and you can count on doing pretty much no moving around for the whole flight.
If you must have a car seat at your destination, you will need to check it, which can be a slight nuisance if it's part of a stroller/car seat travel system.
Making the choice: to ticket or not

This isn't always easy. If there is any way for you to purchase a seat for your infant or toddler on the airplane, however, I urge you to do so.

If you can't, check with the airline ahead of time about any regulations or rules they have for babies in laps. Some planes do have seats next to bassinets, which can be helpful. Find out if you can bring a harness, or if they provide one, to make your baby or toddler safer on board.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Im pregnant, now what do I eat

I’m Pregnant, Now What Do I Eat?

What vitamins and nutrients enhance fetal brain and neural development? What is the latest on eating fish? Does what you eat influence what your baby prefers to eat later in life? Co-author of I’m Pregnant, Now What Do I Eat? Dr. Hope Ricciotti answers our questions.

Pregtastic Podcast

Monday, July 7, 2008

Depleting Mothers - stay healthy in your first year!

1. Some quick ideas for snacks!

2.
Health, Nutrition & Dieting Advice for Moms


Mothers in Motion - This is a great website for mothers that want to exercise!
Mothers of New Babies and Toddlers

As a new mother there is no better time for adopting and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. Your health and the FUTURE of your family’s health depend on it! Helping new mothers attain and maintain a physically active lifestyle in combination with healthy eating is the goal of Mothers in Motion. New moms can find lots of tips for attaining or maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

It`s getting HOT and humid out there!

Babies and mothers need special attention in extremes of temperature to ensure that they are comfortable and well hydrated.

Here are some tips to Beat the Heat.

How to keep a sleeping baby cool in this weather

Remember to stay hydrated! In hot weather a thirsty baby may want to breastfeed more frequently but for shorter periods. In this way he is getting more low-fat milk and so is satisfying his thirst.

Friday, June 20, 2008

How to Sanitize Toys

To Sanitize Toys

Toys may be washed and sanitized in a mechanical dishwasher that has a sanitizing cycle.
Sanitizing toys by hand may be done by washing them with detergent and water, and then spraying with the bleach solution made up with 16-20 ml of household bleach in 1 liter of water (1 tablespoon bleach per quart of water).

Alternately, you can use a soak method, but soaking requires a more concentrated bleach solution because each toy can introduce new germs into the solution.

To use the soak method for sanitizing:

Create a solution of 190 milliliters of bleach per 4 liters of water (3/4 cup bleach per gallon of water).
Put washed and rinsed toys into a net bag.
Let soak for 5 minutes.
Rinse with clean water.
Hang the bag to air dry.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

First Aid for Babies and Children

One of the best ways that new parents, grandparents, and babysitters can prepare for the unexpected is to take classes in first aid and infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Knowing what to do in the event of an emergency will help you remain calm, think quickly, and take action with confidence so that you can help your child. Here's how to handle some of the most common injuries and emergencies that affect children under a year of age.

CPR for babies

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Important Tips to Remember When Buying Used Toys

Before you head out the door, check the following Websites for recalled toys or items to stay clear of:

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/category/toy.html

" Child Product Safety
http://www.childproductsafety.com/

" Health Canada Consumer Product Safety
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/advisories-avis/child-enfant/index_e.html

Or, visit the manufacturer of the brands you like, such as Fisher Price, Toys-R-Us, etc. for their specific brand recalls.

2) Inspect the toy or piece of equipment for lose, broken, cracked or chipped parts. The seller may tell you the toy was "hardly used" but that does not mean it is safe. Inspect every inch of the piece. Tug at the joints.


To read more, click here.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Toy swap in Tokyo for kids under 2 - give toys a new home

Are your closets and toy chests turning into an avalanche of unused toys?

And to your child, it always seems that other kids' toys are more fun than his own.
Want to introduce some new toys without spending money or adding to your already huge pile?

Well, we are having a toy swap next meeting. Bring one item to trade.

Bring your gently used toys, games and puzzles and swap them for something "new." Nothing like a little infusion of new toys to bring peace and harmony to the household, my friends. Moms will draw another child's name out of a hat and they will get to swap that item.


Now for the ground rules

Please read the following rules to keep the trade fun and fair
1. Make sure the toy is in working condition."Is it a toy you would give your own child?" - Good condition and complete items only.

2. Check the toy for pieces and cleanliness….again ask, "Is this a toy I would let my child play with?"

3. Non-breakable items (nothing made out of glass)

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

One practical use of Hypnosis

Hypnosis can be used if you are in a difficult situation where they cry for a long time due to pain, teething, colic...etc. Here is one way to deal with it.

Coping with a crying baby

The continual wail of a crying baby can feel like it's driving you insane. Worry, anxiety and anger all merge to make you feel at the end of your tether. And what's worse is you can't reason with them or ask them want they want!

Letting a baby cry or attending to it and finding it is still crying can be jarring on your nerves to say the least.

The problem is when you expect it to stop. Expecting the baby to stop crying actually creates more problems because when it doesn't stop, or stops then starts up again it can feel even worse for you.

You can stop expecting your baby to stop crying

This may seem strange but hypnois is going to teach you to stop expecting your baby to stop crying and is going to help you relax with the sound of continual crying.
Research shows that when the parent is more relaxed and stress free the baby relaxes more, and so cries less.

When you are more comfortable with your baby crying your baby may well stop crying sooner when it picks up on your increased calmness.

How you can hear and 'not hear' at the same time
.
You can learn to hear but 'not hear' when your mind becomes habituated to something. For example when you first go and live by a railway line you are very aware every time a train goes past, but after a while you 'stop hearing it'.

You should always be aware that your baby is crying but you should also be able to switch off from the crying if need be - so you don't become needlessly agitated and waste nervous energy.

When you are calmer with your baby crying you will be able to make clearer and better decisions about what to do - which is good for you and baby.




Taken from Hypnosis Downloads

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Mothers Support Group Speaker - Mind over Matter; Hypnosis

Believe it or not, you will be able to use hypnosis on a daily basis with you child.
Come on out to the meet on Wednesday and found out how it can make difference.


When you say the word hypnosis most people think of a hypnotic trance where the woman is completely asleep or unaware of what is going on with her body while she gives birth. This is far from the truth.

"(Most people believe) that it is some New Age-y bizarre class where the mom goes into a TV trance at the beginning of labor and comes out after the baby is born. It's so much simpler and normal than that. So many clients have noted how the techniques learned in class can be used in all sorts of life situations, well beyond the birth of the baby," explains Kristen Olberz, RN, HBCE, an educator and labor and delivery nurse.

The techniques used were frequently mind numbing and altering, and that's if you were awake. Much of the work behind hypnobirth started with her births and her research into Dr. Grantley Dick-Read's birth philosophy of birth without fear. This total relaxation of the body can help alleviate fear, tension and therefore pain. Many childbirth classes believe in the same theory on this level, called the Pain-Tension-Fear Cycle.

This is achieved through learning relaxation techniques and cues to help bring the mother to a state of complete relaxation so that she can relax and be aware of what is going on around her without the fear and pain so common in labor today.

To read full article..

Even if you are not really interested in this week`s topic, going to the meetings is full of rewards. It will benefit not only you, the mother, but your child as well. It allows many mothers the opportunity to build new friendships, get involved in the community, attain skills or maintain their currents skills, and access to expert or professional figures. For mothers who have left the workforce to be at home full-time, it's a great way to meet mothers who have made the same choices. Mothers who have recently moved to the area, may find it useful in getting to know other mothers in the neighborhood.

We will be able to acomomdate everyone interested in going to this week`s meeting. No need to RSVP.

Will be held at the Civic Center, 3rd Floor, Tatami mat room from 2-4.

If you are early pls feel free to use the room. It`s booked from 1-5.

See you there!

Friday, June 6, 2008

Hypnosis for Infants - Pain Management

Below are news briefs on studies published in the January issue of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

For Release: January 3, 2005, 12:01 am (ET)

Some medical procedures are painful and frightening, particularly for children. When standard pain relief is not a viable option, other methods of reducing pain need to be considered. The study, "Hypnosis Reduces Distress and Duration of an Invasive Medical Procedure for Children," looked at using hypnosis to help ease pain and fear in children undergoing invasive medical procedures. The authors studied the effect of self-hypnosis on children undergoing a common procedure to determine abnormalities in the urinary tract. (Children were taught self-hypnosis prior to the procedure.) The authors found that children who were previously terrified of the procedure were able to undergo treatment with the help of hypnosis. The study concluded that hypnosis has the potential to improve the overall medical care of children who undergo painful or anxiety-provoking medical procedures.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Benefit of English speaking Playgroup /Mother`s Group

Very social babies often love going to playgroup, even if they are too young to play. These babies thrive on action and enjoy watching people. A playgroup gives the baby the opportunity to socialize and watch the older babies playing and the mothers talking. Babies that seem to get bored at home, but are too little to move around and play are often entertained by the other kids at the playgroup.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Always striving to get better




Did you know that studies find playgroups are one of the best ways for kids to learn friendship-making skills as well as build their self-esteem? Though there is bit of organization and parental planning involved, there are so many rich social benefits for youngsters that playgroups are expanding around the world.

If you have any ideas or suggestions on how to improve TNMG, feel free to email us.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

June 11 - Accelerated Healing & Pain Management

We will have a speaker, Karen Mattison. Karen is a clinical hypnotherapist
and has a practice in Tokyo, specializing in accelerated
healing and pain management.

Hypnotherapy can be used to help with pain and medical problems after
childbirth. Hypnosis can be used to reverse trauma associated with
difficult deliveries or neutralize upsetting comments made by doctors
or other staff during the pregnancy and delivery.

Karen Mattison
Clinical Hypnotherapist
Reiki & Seikim Master/Teacher
www.tokyohypno.com

News & Event Schedule at
tokyohypno.blogspot.com

May 28th - Come party with us!

OUTDOOR EVENT for infants and toddlers

Spring has sprung!

To celebrate the arrival of the sun,
pls join us for an afternoon of
frisbee, frolicking and fabulous food

on May 28th from 2 - 4p.m.
in the Park

Pls bring something to sit on
and something yummy to nibble on.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

National Children's Castle - May 14th

Our next playgroup event for infants and toddlers, on May
14th will be held at National Children's Castle in Tokyo.

When: Wed., May 14th
Time: 14:00-16:00
Place: National Children's Castle Play Area (Kodomo no Shiro) in Tokyo
For: Mothers, Infants, Toddlers,...etc.


Entrance fee : 500 yen

Access: http://www.kodomono-shiro.or.jp/english/access/index.html

See you there!

Friday, April 11, 2008

My Gym Trial

April 30, 2008 - 2pm

Introduce Mothers in Tokyo to exercise programs for Infants and Toddlers.
Specific suggestions will be offered for mother-infant activities, sequenced according to developmental levels, which foster the physical and mental development of the infant and the socio-emotional relationship between mother and infant.

Topic: My Gym Programs for Infants

Location: T's Square 3-11-7 Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0094
TEL: 03-3700-7500 

Station: Futako Tamagawa Station

Map: http://www.mygym.jp/access/

It is a fitness facility for children as early as 6 weeks to 6 years old.

AI-port: April 16th

April 16th, 2008 - 2 pm


Location: Ai-port - Minato ward Jidokan (rec center for kids)

Station: Gaienmae/Aoyama-Ichomae

It's an indoor/outdoor play area, child-raising advice centre and
casual childcare facility provided by Minato-ku but open to all Tokyo
Residents.

To attend the meeting you will have to register & join Ai-port which
costs Y500 for Minato-ku residents and Y1000 for non-Minato-ku
residents.

Ai-port is open from 10am-4.30pm Monday-Saturday. Please feel free to
go & register at anytime & check out the facilities.

Sunday, March 30, 2008

April 2nd - Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Hall

Our meeting next Wednesday, April 2nd will be held at
the Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Hall.

When: Wednesday 2nd April, 2pm.

Where: Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Hall

We're looking forward to seeing you all on Wednesday.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Pediatric Dental Care

We are planing to have info session by Dr. Suzuki from Moto
Azabu Hills Dental clinic to talk about pediatric dental care on
Wednesday March 5th.

Dr. Suzuki was recommended by one of our members who does
see him for her dental care. He spent some time at
Stanford University and UCLA in the States and speaks English.

Here is his website:
Moto Azabu Hills Dental Clinic: http://www.hills-dc.com/english.html

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

osteopath and craniosacral therapist.

Lionel Gougne has a private practice in Tokyo since 2003 and about 40% of the patients coming to his clinic for treatment are babies and children. He will be happy to introduce himself and talk about the benefits of osteopathy and craniosacral therapy for pediatrics to us.

His website: http://www.craniosacral-therapy.net

TOPIC: Osteopathy and craniosacral therapy for kids

WHERE: Jingu-mae civic center / Jingumae Kumin Kaikan /

ADDRESS: Shibuya-ku, Jingumae 6-10-14

ACCESS: JR Line Harajuku station Omotesando exit (8 min walk) OR
Chiyoda-Line Meiji Jingumae Station exit 4 (2 min walk)

MAP:
http://map.yahoo.co.jp/pl?lat=35.39.51.544&lon=139.42.30.301&sc=&mode=map&type=scroll

Friday, February 1, 2008

Meeting at the Akasaka Children's hall "Nandemo" on February 6th

Our next meeting will be held at the Akasaka Children's hall
(Jidokan) or "Nandemo".

When: Wednesday 6th Feb, 2pm.
Where: Akasaka Jidokan "Nandemo"
Address: 6-6-14 Akasaka
http://www.city.minato.tokyo.jp/kosodate/e/sisetu/plaza/index.html

Click on the right of this page to get a Map & Directions
http://www.seirouin.or.jp/nandemo/

If you come for the first time, you are asked to register your name
and address at the counter.

We're looking forward to seeing you all on Wednesday.
Regards,

Yuki & Andrea

Friday, January 25, 2008

Upcoming event on February 20th with osteopath and craniosacral therapist

It's still a bit early, but for those who need longer planning for our
events, just a short notice to let you know that we have an upcoming
info-session on February 20th from 2 pm with a French osteopath and
craniosacral therapist.

From his self-introduction: Lionel Gougne has a private practice in
Tokyo since 2003 and about 40% of the patients coming to his clinic
for treatment are babies and children and he says he has amazing
results treating a very wide range of symptoms and health problems -
from common infantile disorders to emotional issues - with osteopathy
and craniosacral therapy. These are gentle, non-intrusive, and safe
manual medicines that provide an effective alternative to allopathic
medicine in many cases.

Lionel Gougne will be happy to introduce himself and talk about the
benefits of osteopathy and craniosacral therapy for pediatrics to us
and answer any questions we may have. His website:
http://www.craniosacral-therapy.net

We booked again a tatami room at the Jingumae Civic Center in Harajuku
for this event. Details about the meeting, location and fees (for the
room) etc will be sent out as usual before the meeting.

Thanks and see you all soon,
Andrea and Yuki
--
Tokyo New Mothers Group Coordinators