Caring for the Caregiver
“Take care of yourself, too.” As a parent of a child who needs a lot…
What’s Briefly Happening: Summer 2024
Local organizations collaborate to expand production and outreach
Bittersweet Farms and Grace Community Center have recently partnered to expand the reach of their existing programs benefiting the community. The Bittersweet Gardens Vocational Program empowers adults with autism by providing opportunities through its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program and year-round vegetable production initiatives. Grace Community Center plans to increase production at its urban garden with the help of Bittersweet and other community partners and volunteers. They plan to provide community-based training opportunities for Bittersweet participants.
Mom’s House and The Pregnancy Center begin partnership
Mom’s House and The Pregnancy Center are collaborating to nurture change through their capital campaign, “Rattle the Stars.” They plan to open a second Mom’s House location and a collaborative space which will aid in extending both organizations’ services for Toledo area families in need. So far, two major donations have been made towards this campaign including an anchor gift of $1 million from Bob Moore, in honor of his late wife, Laurie, and a transformative gift of $5 million from Janet Olczak Lanterman in honor of her late husband, Kirk.
Toth Elementary gets new trained facility dog
Perrysburg Schools recently assigned Aspen, a trained facility dog, a “fur-ever” placement at Toth Elementary. Aspen’s adoption and placement was financially sponsored by Medical Mutual. Perrysburg Schools currently has four full time facility dogs. The Facility Dog Program is supported by the Perrysburg Schools Foundation and other individual and corporate donors.
Directions Cares for Classrooms Winter 2024 winners
Directions Credit Union recently announced the winners from the Directions Cares for Classrooms Grant Program Winter 2024. Eligible educators include K-12 educators who work for public, private or charter schools in the Directions field of membership. Out of the 144 applications, 17 winners were chosen, including local winners, Carrie Swangstu of Jerusalem Elementary, Susan Fitzpatrick of Explorers Academy, Carla Rygalski of Fallen Timbers Middle School, Heather Rotunno of Shoreland Elementary, Kim Coffman of Penta Career and Vicki Mayfield of Ottawa River Elementary.
RELATED: What’s Briefly Happening in the Toledo Area: Spring 2024
Primrose preschoolers donate to local children in need
During their Spring Fling event, Primrose School of Perrysburg preschoolers recently donated $4,310 to Heinzerling Community and Primrose Schools Children Foundation. The Spring Fling initiative at Primrose Schools was a nationwide effort. Primrose students throughout the nation fundraised to give back to the community through silent auctions, gift basket raffles, penny war competitions and carnival events.
Local Organizations Offer June Membership Swap
YMCA of Greater Toledo and Imagination Station are partnering in June to offer a Membership Swap. Through this swap, members of either of these organizations can experience the benefits and programs of the other for free.
“We are thrilled to partner once again with Imagination Station for our annual Membership Swap,” Executive Director of Membership of YMCA of Greater Toledo Shonna Moon said in a press release. “This initiative not only provides added value to our members but also fosters a sense of community by connecting families with new experiences.”
RELATED: Let’s Get Moving in Toledo’s City Parks
This Membership Swap will be valid from June 1-30. To participate, members must show a valid membership card and a photo ID at the respective facility’s front desk.
“Imagination Station is excited to welcome YMCA members into the science center to discover, learn and make memories,” Membership and Volunteer Manager at Imagination Station Aubry Hall said. “Summer is the perfect time for families to explore our community. This partnership encourages healthy, active lifestyles while inspiring a love for STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math.”
More information on this swap can be found online at ymcatoledo.org/imagination-station-membership-swap.
Local Moms Share Hospital Essentials for Labor
Your due date is approaching, you are in full-fledged nesting mode, and you are tasked with one of the final to-dos on your lengthy maternity list: packing your hospital bag. For mothers who choose not to have a home birth (or who have been advised it is too risky), it can be difficult to discern what is really worth it to bring with you.
We consulted many Toledo moms about their experiences in addition to an interview with Shelly Varelli, a certified professional midwife. This checklist might just keep you from packing like you’re going on a tour of Europe. Enjoy!
Two different birth plans
Varelli, who assists clients in coming up with their own birth plans, thinks that a long, comprehensive one is a start, but you should eventually be able to narrow down what you need to two business cards: one for your partner and one for the hospital staff.
“What do you need? Are you talking about the different types of essential oils you like, or when you’re in the throes of labor, do you like somebody to hold your hair? Those are things that your husband or your doula might want to know about you, but your providers at the hospital don’t necessarily have time to read through all of that. So it can be helpful to have two separate birth plans,” Varelli said.
Snacks and drinks to keep up your energy
Electrolyte drinks (Liquid IV and coconut water, for example), along with high-protein, yet easily digestible snacks will help you power through the labor experience. Varelli said, “You should eat and drink throughout labor consistently to keep your metabolism and blood sugar going, and to keep the energy you need to sustain labor.” Think protein pouches, cheese sticks, granola bars, fruit, etc.
Tools to soothe postpartum cramps
Not everyone anticipates the menstrual-like cramps that come after birth, particularly when you are breastfeeding. It’s nice to have items like a hot water bottle or a heating pad.
Witch Hazel
Putting Witch Hazel on sanitary pads or investing in some liners like Tuck’s (the ones I went with), are a real lifesaver if you’ve had a vaginal birth. Another pro-tip: Freeze some Witch Hazel pads at home, and your body will thank you when you return from the hospital.
Two clothing options for baby
Most moms I’ve spoken to say the only outfit you really need is a baby’s going-home outfit; however, Varelli has some insight on packing one more. “We recommend skin-to-skin and an extra layer of clothing along with a blanket when you’re not skin to skin. Baby should always be wearing one more layer of clothing than mom is [when not skin-to-skin],” Varelli said.
Admin necessities
Make sure your insurance cards, IDs, and chargers for your phone and/or camera are ready to go.
A digital thermometer
This is to make sure your baby isn’t too hot or too cold. It’s useful for getting new moms accustomed to doing it themselves at home when they feel unsure about their little one’s temperature. The hospital staff will be doing this as well, but it is not a bad idea for you to get the hang of it right away.
Diapers and/or pads for mama
The weird mesh panties they give you aren’t for everyone. “Bring some that you know will fit your body best. The mesh ones they give aren’t always good for larger bodies,” adds Varelli.
Everyone is different
Essentially, what you pack will depend on many variables. Are you breastfeeding? Did you schedule a c-section? Do you have needs that are particular to your own healthcare and personal life? The truth is, you won’t need much. The hospital really does provide most of what you need. The rest is a matter of maximizing your comfort.
RELATED: Maintaining a Healthy Pelvic Floor: Tips and Insights from a Urogynecologist
“The emphasis should really be on support rather than stuff,” Varelli said, adding that there is a helpful website run by the nonprofit Be Her Village (behervillage.com) that has countless resources besides a baby registry. You’ll find information about her work at OHMI Midwives there, among other helpful tools. Learn more about Shelly Varelli at Shellyvarelli.com.
Toledo Area Parent Poll
What were your must-haves for your hospital bag?
Top Ten Answers:
Snacks: 43%
Hair ties/headband: 39%
Comfortable clothes for mama: 30%
Phone Charger: 30%
Pillow: 30%
Headphones: 30%
Toiletries: 22%
Chapstick: 17%
Sweater: 17%
Outfit for baby: 17%
Memorable quotes from Toledo mamas:
“Comfortable clothes for myself. Keep in mind that your new baby won’t be the only one sent home wearing diapers…” -Hannah S.
“As someone who didn’t have a bag packed for Morgan…I didn’t really need much. Really, pillows made the biggest difference! When I was first admitted, I had one tiny hospital pillow. Labor and Delivery was full, so the nurse couldn’t find any for quite some time.
Also, all the snacks for during and after! I packed some chocolate to have right after! We celebrated with peanut butter cups at 9am with my birth team.” -Caroline R.
“Flip flops for showering, boppy pillow for feeding baby (better than stacking a bunch of pillows), phone charger with a long cord, one pair of comfy pajamas, AirPods, and a nursing bra.
I overpacked the first time. Leave all baby clothes at home (minus an outfit to go home in), along with extra clothing for me (as the gowns were fine for the first couple of days). Anything else (like a tumbler) the hospital provides.” -Stacy V.
“Headphones, diapers for myself, a fine-tooth comb to squeeze and distract from labor pain.” – Jessica J.
Summer Test Prep Tips for Teens
Summer break: the time of the year most students look forward to is upon us. While a break from the rigor of school can certainly be needed, summer is also the best time to help your teens get ahead with some test prep.
Focusing on college
Often when students reach high school they start thinking about college and determining if that is a good route for them in achieving their future goals. For those students considering going to college, admission tests are a must. The most common admission tests are the ACT and SAT. While the ACT and SAT help determine admission for certain colleges and programs, they also can be a factor in whether or not a student receives scholarships.
Greg Owens, owner of Toledo’s S.T.A.R.S. (Student Testing and Academic Resource Services), said, “ACT and SAT scores also sometimes play a role in the amount of scholarship money a student receives. Of course, test scores are just one factor in these decisions – GPA, class rank, activities, essays and letters of recommendation also play a role, but every data point matters when competing for admission spots and scholarship awards.”
The benefits of summer studying
Sometimes students need a little extra help to get the score they want. Summer is the ideal time for teens to get a jump on test prep because the break from school allows them to focus solely on preparing for the ACT and/or SAT without worrying about the everyday stresses of school.
RELATED: Mental Health Resources for Children and Teens in the Toledo Area
With test prep centers, such as S.T.A.R.S., students can receive more one-on-one attention to help them meet their needs and unique learning styles. “We’ve found that every student is different and that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to prep,” Owens said.
S.T.A.R.S. offers group classes and one-on-one tutoring for the ACT and SAT/PSAT (preliminary SAT), and often students will take advantage of both, starting in a group class and then returning for one-on-one tutoring in the areas that they are the weakest. The classes focus on both developing the skills and knowledge of the content being measured by the test as well as developing test-taking strategies.
Never too early to start
And while it’s never too early to start preparing for the ACT and SAT, Owens explained that most of the students that come through his door are juniors. However, he said, “I am currently working with two 8th graders and a few freshmen who have goals of becoming National Merit Scholars and applying to really competitive schools. Some parents just like to start their kids on a regular routine as they would with sports training, etc., so they start their students early.”
So whether the focus is on getting into that first choice school, or to improve ACT or SAT scores to be considered for specific scholarships, preparation for the ACT and SAT is highly important. While schools work to prepare their students for those tests, sometimes that extra time and attention during the summer can give students the advantage they need.
Filling Without Spilling: Realistic self-care tips for parents
The term “self-care” seems to be trending in parenting circles since the pandemic; the period…