| Family Resources classes to focus on helping make happier babies
Want to know how to have the happiest baby on the block? One doctor thinks he's found the solution. The answer isn't the fanciest stroller, nor is it the newest toy. Rather, it's a parenting technique.California pediatrician Harvey Karp recently wrote a book, "The Happiest Baby," advising parents on five simple techniques proven to help calm a newborn. Parent educators Sue Jacobson and Sarah Eisbach of Family Resources in La Crosse will hold a workshop March 21 for expectant parents and parents of newborns to bring parents up to speed on Karp's techniques.According to Karp, there are five steps parents can follow to help calm a newborn up to 3 months of age. The techniques parents should follow are known as "the five Ss." They should be followed in order; some babies can be calmed after only the first or second step.The steps are:Swaddling: Swaddling provides the touching and support the baby experienced while still in the womb.Side/stomach position: While holding your baby, place him on his stomach or side until asleep, then put him on his back in his crib.Shushing sounds: Using a white noise CD, you can mimic the whooshing sound babies hear in the womb.Swinging: Anything from rocking to car rides can help mimic the swinging babies grow used to while in the mom's womb.Sucking: Sucking triggers the calming reflex and be can accomplished using a bottle, breast, pacifier or finger."And that's pretty much what this happiest baby on the block is based around," Jacobson said.She said what makes the technique work is that it reminds babies of how they felt while they were comfortable in the womb."(Karp) believes that if we try to soothe them by imitating the womb as much as we can the first three months, they have the natural calming effect," Jacobson said.She said the concept seems to be rising in popularity, although Family Resources is offering it in March for the first time.
Families enjoy mile fun run at Legoland
CARLSBAD ---- More than 2,000 participants ran, strolled and rolled through Legoland California on Saturday morning during the Keebler Kids Marathon Mile, a noncompetitive run for children ages 12 and under and their families.The annual event is part of the Carlsbad Marathon weekend, which includes today's marathon and half marathon. Hundreds of young runners packed the Legoland parking lot Saturday morning, jogging in place, doing jumping jacks, running practice sprints and getting some last minute words of encouragement from mom and dad. .
Teen mom of doorstep baby lonely, confused, police say
SASKATOON - The mother of a baby left on a Saskatoon doorstep gave birth alone early Saturday before venturing into the cold with the newborn bundled in a sleeping bag. Police also said Tuesday that Baby Jane Doe's mother is an 18-year-old post-secondary student with no family in the city and who kept her pregnancy a secret. Staff Sgt. Kirby Harmon said a female friend who was with the woman called police Monday to bring the missing mother to their attention. "She was clearly without support," Harmon said. "She was feeling isolated and confused and upset." Harmon said it appears she delivered the baby herself up to six hours before she bundled Baby Jane Doe up and left her on the back stoop of a home belonging to Lee and Ed Anderson.
Rumours of Homolka baby appear unfounded
Lawyers and others close to Karla Homolka said yesterday they knew nothing about reports the released sex killer had recently given birth. Tim Danson, who represents the families of two of Ms. Homolka's victims, said he understood the woman's father, Karel Homolka, had publicly suggested that Ms. Homolka had had a baby, though the lawyer said he was skeptical about the report. The story was news to Ruth Gagnon, executive director of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Quebec, the offender social service agency that helped Ms. Homolka when she was still in prison and since she was released in July, 2005. .
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