Prenatal Pilates with Anna

Prenatal Pilates

These relaxed, friendly classes will allow you to spend a little time each week focusing on this life-changing experience. Suitable for women at any stage of their pregnancy, we will use the principles of Pilates to help your body cope with pregnancy, birth and care of a newborn.

As we progress through the exercises, you will learn how some of the physical and physiological changes in pregnancy affect joints, ligaments and muscles, helping you understand how Pilates can be so beneficial during pregnancy.

As well as exercises to help you cope with those changes, we will also include exercises to build strength and stamina for some of the positions of pre-labour and labour recommended for an easier birth. Other exercises will help you prepare for some of the physical challenges in caring for your newborn, reducing the chance of strains and repetitive strain injuries.

We will end each class with simple relaxation techniques to help with pregnancy and child birth.

And maybe best of all, this will simply be a wonderful opportunity to meet and share experiences with other mums-to-be!


Register for Prenatal Pilates at Podlings 5 week series starts May 12 5:30pm $50

Creative exploration-A Childs Introduction to Materials

Becky's Popular Classes are back for a Spring Session!

$45 and pre-registration is required by May 7th..Limited space and these clasees book fast!

New class offered!

Early Communication -- From the moment a parent meets that little one, there is a strong desire to understand. What is he thinking? Is he hungry, tired, too cold, content? Early on, every baby also has an innate desire to communicate.

In a Kindermusik Sign & Sing class (developed by Signing Smart™), we give parents the tools and knowledge to communicate with their babies using American Sign Language. Through songs and play, both parents and babies learn signs for words like “mommy” and “eat,” and as well as practical signs like “more,” “milk,” and when he’s “all done.” This research-proven signing class for hearing children speeds language development, eases frustration, and enhances long-term learning abilities.


Curriculum Description
Age Range: 6 months to 3 years
Class Structure: 5 or 10 classes in a semester—varies by location
Class Length: 40-50 minute class each week
Class Size: Class with no more than 12 children with parents

What a Parent and Child Experience In Class
Play, sign, and sing -- Using everyday items in engaging small and large group activities, we’ll sing songs and practice the sign as we say the words, play with toys, and help the children learn both the spoken word and the sign.
Expert advice -- Parents will learn to spot their babies’ most “teachable moments” and the sign language teaching methods of the experts. Plus they’ll learn to recognize and respond to their children’s versions of signs.
Communication through sign language -- When a child is chasing a bubble or asking for the ball, make the sign for it and say the word. So a child has the ways to associate the word with the object: the child holds the ball, hears the parent say the word, and then sees the adult make the sign.

Enrolment includes:
Developmentally appropriate American Sign language curriculum for parents and hearing children, ages 6 months to 3 years
5 week semester—varies by location
Weekly 40-50 minute class

Unit Descriptions

Session A: Playtime and everyday items around the house—such as a ball, bubbles, and family members—are learning themes in this introduction to American Sign Language for a child and caregiver. Parents will benefit from the session's four, research-proven strategies shown to speed language development in hearing children, developed by the child development and sign language experts Signing Smart™. With the DVD's visual dictionary showing parents and children making over 60 signs, plus a pocket-sized set of flashcards of the pictures and the words of the signs, parents easily incorporate sign language into their daily routines, favourite nursery rhymes, and stories.
Home Materials: Family Activity Guide, DVD Glossary, and clip-on flashcards

Introducing.....

Our new carrier.... BOBA!

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

* accommodates child (15-45 lbs / 7-20 kg)
* one size fits most adults
* front and back carry
* made with GOTS and OE100 certified 100% organic cotton
* 100% organic Texas cotton lining
* machine washable
* Instructions included
* safety buckle to prevent unintended release
* high density waist and shoulder strap foam
* foot straps for extra leg/hip support
* high back for better overall support
* made in Boulder, CO USA

(We feel the best way to carry a newborn is still the Ring Sling or Wrap we sell Moby Wraps and Sewfunky ring slings and wraps, wraps use your whole back for support and mimic womb life for babe. Close snug and great for skin to skin...)

More about...The Footstraps!

* attached to the waist belt
* adjustable length
* intended to support bigger legs (usually when child turns two)
* sliding positioning rail to fit your growing toddler
* can also be used to “fanny pack” your carrier
* patent-pending
* bring knees to hip level
* proper leg support for your toddler

My one problem as I am a sling user is where do I put my carrier when I am out and toddler is walking? Well the Fanny Pack idea Boba has is perfect! No carrier dragging on the floor and getting in the way!

Healthy leg Support

* enables a healthy sitting position for your child
* provide proper leg support in the flexed abducted position
* naturally tilt the pelvis, fills out hip sockets, aligns spine
* the more leg support the less pressure absorbed by the spine
* takes the pressure off of the hamstrings
* reduces the leg dangle
* gives feet a place to rest
* ensures complete blood flow throughout legs
* no pinching of the major nerve behind the thigh


A little blurb from BOBA;

When a mother shares her life and space and moves with her baby through her day she will fall in love with her child. She will naturally treat her baby with understanding, compassion and respect from which will blossom a loving relationship based on trust. This "trust" is critical as it is the basis not only for a child's healthy neurological, behavioral, and social development, but sets the stage for which that child will build and form all of his subsequent relationships throughout his life. Babies who have their early needs met by loving parents will know how to create enduring relationships. Having been treated with love and respect, they will grow up to have the freedom to use their time in creative and meaningful ways and continue to transform into their greatest potential.

The warmth and empathy that comes when we as mothers carry our own is truly profound and cannot be underestimated. Children are the pedestal on which the future of our world rests- investing in their well-being is well worth it!

Boulder Baby Carrier....BOBA!



Boba Organic Carriers $118

Music for Montessori

Music for Montessori will be a 4-hour music extravaganza on Saturday, May 1 from 12-4pm at Queneesh Elementary School. There is an incredible line-up of talent performing at this event and we hope to raise a significant sum of money for the Montessori program. Performers include Sue Medley, Susie McGregor, Genevieve, Becca, Joey Clarkson, Cantiamo Chamber Ensemble, Anela Kahiamoe, Luke Guthrie and more.

This will be a fun, family event with lots of potential to raise a large portion of the funds we need to outfit the Montessori classrooms at Queneesh.

For more information, please contact the CVMS at cvmontessori@gmail.com.

"Tickets" (by donation) available at Podlings!

Maternity

We offer so many new and used Maternity Items...We love bellies and babies!

For consignment you will find a large seasonal ever changing selection of clothing including; belly bands, belly bandits, nursing bra's, tanks and tops. Swimsuits and
Daisychain support belts.

We are also proud to offer in the new section; Proud Body Belly Casting Kits, Nursing pads-in hemp and organic cotton. Belly Butter, Belly Oil, Sitz Bath, Nipple Cream, Bola Pregnancy and Nursing Pendants, and the fun Belly Painting Kits!

Not to mention we also offer Prenatal Yoga, Birthing From Within Classes, Breastfeeding classes, New Baby Care classes, La Leche League and coming soon, Prenatal Pilates!


Bring your Belly and Come on Down!!

A moment to share....

I thought today us Mom's could share our favorite blogs... inspirational, educational or tasty! The best support is peer support!

here is my link, a blog I have read for a year now, it pretty well known and popular, for a reason!

Peaceful Parenting

http://www.drmomma.org/


So all you bloggers, share your own blog and one of your favorites...

Share the Love!

News from the Bulletin Board

There are some great things happening in the Valley...

"Karen McKinnon of McKinnon Photography is offering a weekend photography class in April that will not only teach you how to take better photos but also inspire - there are a few spots left, it is going to be awesome - check it out."
http://www.mckinnonblog.com/photo-course.html



Ziva Organic Spa, an eco healing oasis in the heart of downtown Courtenay, has been created to soothe mind, body and soul in deep relaxation, rejuvenation and bliss. We are dedicated to provide our clients with top quality body treatments and the finest handmade organic body care products. Our family of professional practitioners believe in a wholistic approach for maintaining health and preventing disease. Your body knows how to be well given the proper support. Taking into account ones body, mind, emotions and spiritual life, we help bring awareness to your body and honor your healing journey with compassion.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=108071855886322&ref=ts

Ziva's doors are now open and sales are going on, if you book by April 17th you get 25% off! The Valley's first Organic Spa!

Big Sales around town...Firefly on 5th and Organic Family in Cumberland are both having sales...I wonder what we have on sale..TONNES! Always a sale...

May 1st is the Bi-Annual Kidsclutter sale at the Courtenay Legion...www.kidsklutter.ca


Rhonda Parker of Well Balanced Fitness and Bodywork is opening registration for her Mom and Me Yoga classes starting May 16 through June 20th. This class booked up in a few hours last session, so glad we got a spot, what a fun class! Open for kids ages 4-7 with mom or dad, 1 or 2 kids cost $90

Did you know.....we had a fun contest on our facebook page and gave away a gift certificate. We also introduced a new carrier we are bringing into the store, the Boba made in the USA, Organic and awesome...once it arrives full details will follow...if your not a facebook fan now.....better join us!

Happy Sunshine!!!

Podlings

We have space...space for group activities, space for meetings, space for classes and clinics.
Our space has a chalkboard, chairs, couches, tea station, play area, weigh scale, washroom, lending library and more ...

If you need space give us a call, our rates keep the community at heart ;)

Have a great weekend!

Pssssttt....If your not on our facebook page, join today we have a fun contest yesterday introducing a new carrier we have coming, Kendall Armstron won a gift certificate!

New Clothing Line!!

If you have been in the store lately you may have noticed a few changes, as new products arrive daily we are making room and changing things around. New racks new displays and fun new things to put on them!

Introducing SPEESEES, Organic&Fair Fun&Funky!

Rachel Pearson, was a born environmentalist, and now she is bringing her
passion for all things organic and fair to the retail world...Speesees is born and a successful company is grown and Rachel is still without a microwave...

Read more about the story of Speesees http://speesees.com/about/inspiration

We have more from Speesees on its way!

Birthing From Within

Several fundamental differences make Birthing From Within classes more than just another childbirth education method. In many ways, our classes stand alone.

In your Birthing From Within classes, you will learn how to:

■Experience birth as a rite of passage
■Eat a sound diet (pregnancy and breastfeeding)
■Open your body-mind before and during labor with self-hypnosis and visualizations
■Build confidence in yourself and your partner
■Ask questions and make decisions in labor
■Protect your birth space
■Tame your "Birth Tigers"TM
■Push your baby out
■Welcome your baby
■Recover and plan postpartum
■Care for and feed your newborn
■Give birth from within during a Cesarean, while using pain medication, or with medical support.


Your BIRTHING FROM WITHIN Classes will be:

■a balance of practical, useful information and creative, experiential exercises.
■personalized to your needs and interests.
■not narrowly focused on a particular type of birth
■stimulating, lively discussions and interesting exercises
■learning, not just about birth, but also about yourselves!



Offered by local childbirth educator and Birthing from Within Mentors

Sarah Hoffman and Monica Hofer

Next session starts April 8th 6:30-8:30 in our cozy space!

Holiday Hours

The Beauty after the storm...Maybe winter has been blown away till next year!

Our hours will resume the same for the weekend except Easter Monday
we will be closed.

Our Consignment sales for this month include White Tags 25% off and Blue tags are 50% off..

Come check out our instore Wish Board for items we have requests for!

We wish you a very Happy Easter!!