Hey mama!

Many of you lovely readers have shown interest in learning about breastfeeding and pregnancy support groups and activities.  I strongly urge those of you interested in finding about the diverse activities to visit BirthKuwait's website.  Check out their website to find out about Prenatal Yoga classes, Breastfeeding Support groups, the Mellow Bumps support group (previously mentioned here and here) and much more.

What is BirthKuwait?  Here is how they introduce themselves. 

BirthKuwait

BirthKuwait is a local nonprofit birth network— a collection of birth-related professionals—networking together and working towards providing better support for mothers and improving maternity services in Kuwait, by making resources accessible and advocating for evidence-based maternity care.

BirthKuwait brings together professionals and available resources to one website, so that mothers can find the support and information they need from conception to pregnancy and birth, and throughout their breastfeeding and early mothering years.

We also organize public lectures and workshops geared towards educating parents about birth, breastfeeding, and motherhood.

We help professional organizations reach out to and connect with mothers. In addition we help facilitate training for those organizations who want to work towards implementing the International MotherBaby Childbirth Initiative (IMBCI)or the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI).

As an IMBCI network organization, we reserve the right to refuse partnership to any organization that does not support motherbaby friendly practices.

Good morning Kuwait...

Yesterday morning I went over to Marina FM's studio to record yet another program with them.  It was during their show "Duwaniyat Hawwa" from 12-1pm, and the topic was about homework in general.  As is the case with this show, it was a less formal conversation about the topic with tips and advise in between.  This is again all in Arabic, and I have provided the full show (link below) to listen at your own convenience.  

The girls of "Hawwa" and I :)

Marina FM "Hawwa" September 2012

Eating Disorders Workshop

For those of you who are interested, Soor Center has created an Art Therapy workshop for adolescent girls suffering from an eating disorder.  Seats are limited so call in ASAP.

It's O.K. not to be O.K.

If you read my posts regularly you may know that I have a tiny obsession with vocal talent shows like X Factor and American Idol... Every now and then, I find a reason to admit it and include that obsession in my blog.  THIS particular girl's audition, Jillian Jensen, brought tears to my eyes, and I actually mentioned her audition to one of my beautiful young clients who is currently struggling with bullies in her school...

LIVE STRONG...

Keep it in the Bank!

I recently posted about the growing popularity and availability of Breast Milk Banks worldwide.  I wondered if there would be any ethical, Islamic or otherwise cultural barriers to establishing one in Kuwait...  Little did I know that we already have one!

Many thanks to the lovely Midwife of Kuwait who notified me that Al-Adan Maternity Hospital has a fully operating Milk Bank!

I urge you to visit her blog (link) to get support and information about breastfeeding specifically, and all things related to pregnancy and birth.

For more information:
Tel: +965 3940600
Fax: +965 3967840
Mahboula-Fahaheel Area
www.adansurgery.com

Marina Morning

I have been asked again by the wonderful people at Marina FM to share my advice about going back to school.  For those who may have missed it, here it is! (In Arabic)

Marina FM September 2012

Hurray for Creativity

We all at one point or another feel over stimulated or overwhelmed.  Children today seem to be the bigger victims as they are naturally drawn towards overstimulation, whether it is in the use of modern technology, or an over-active schedule.  Parents have often complained to me that their child is "always bored".  Many of our children are unable to sustain an activity for too long, or more tragically, are unable to create their own play and stimulate themselves.  They are growing more and more dependent on technology, or on their parents creating activities for them.
As someone who is pro-planning and organization, I can sympathize with parents who have strict activity and play schedules for their children.  We do, however, need to be very careful not too overwhelm our children.

• Try to provide time outdoors without a planned activity, or go swimming without the usual gadgets.  The use of sand and water is an excellent way to encourage imaginary play and creativity.

• Indoors: Encourage your child to share his toys with his friends (and vice versa), and see how children can play differently and learn from each other.

• Some children will whine and complaint, as we are all creatures of habit, so do become a role model and come up with creative games to play.  You can also ask your child to come up with his/her own game.  It also helps if there is more than one child playing (siblings, cousins or friends can join).

• Use nature as an inspiration: you can use stones and rocks to make shapes and letters, go bird watching, or track insects and plants.  

• Unstructured and free play time can be completely non-verbal, and as such is encouraging for children who are more introverted, or verbally less confident.  It can also be a great release for children who are more active.  

• lastly, do not be afraid to let your child make a mess and get dirty every now and then. 

Anything cuter that this?

GOT MILK? Share it.

We have heard of donating organs, blood, and hair, but donating milk to a Milk Bank? 

A recent article in NPR's blog (SHOTS), shed some light into what has been recently termed "liquid gold" donations; milk donations. A Milk Bank opened a year ago in Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, as research grows on the multitude benefits of breast milk for natural development, as well as many childhood related diseases.  This bank is one of many that have rapidly been opening up around the U.S. and Europe.
The idea would not be too foreign for this part of the world, as "sharing" breast milk, or rather, actually breastfeeding someone else's child was very common not too long ago.  Some of you might have heard that an aunt, grandmother or relative has breastfed a sibling or neighbor's child when the child's own mother was unable to breastfeed.  It would be interesting, however, to see how long it would take for a Milk Bank to exist in Kuwait.


For the full article please follow this LINK