Category Archives: Babywearing

April is a happening month

Posted on April 5, 2013 by juliebyers

Just a sampling of some local events:

April 6: Movie Day at the Hughes Main Library. Watch “Born in the USA” and learn about birth choice in SC. I’ll represent the doula perspective on the Q&A panel after the event. 10.00 donation suggested.

April 8: The Spartanburg Babywearing Group meets at Labors of Love. 11am

April 10: Greenville Cloth Diaper Group has a monthly meeting at the Taylors branch library. 10am.

April 11: EarthFest at Greenville Tech’s Barton Campus. I’ll be there working a table for Upstate BirthNetwork. Stop by and say hello between 10am-2pm!

April 11: Prenatal Yoga at I Love Natural Baby. 5pm

April 12: Parent and Toddler Yoga at I Love Natural Baby. 10am

April 12: Parent and Baby Yoga at I Love Natural Baby. 10:45am.

April 13: Come hear the sexy-voiced Michel Odent, MD speak about birth. Sponsored by the Bellies to Babies Foundation and the SC Birth Coalition. Info here.

April 13: Cloth Diaper 101. A free class to introduce you to cloth diapers!

April 15: La Leche League of Greenville meets at I Love Natural Baby. 7pm. Other meetings throughout the upstate. Check http://www.llli.org to find the meeting closest to you!

April 20: Thrive: A Conscious Health Experience in Clemson. Looks like such a fun day full of exhibits, kids yoga, and special speakers. 10am-4pm.

April 20: The Great Cloth Diaper Change is happening at I Love Natural Baby. Come break the record with your baby!

April 23: Meet the Midwives event at Greenville Midwifery Care. 6-8pm. Registration is online through our home page on website or you can email to GMCmidwife@ghs.org.

April 27: Blessingways: A Gathering of New and Expectant Families. April is Cesarean Awareness Month. Join the discussion. 2pm.

April 28: The Fair Exchange. This is the third year that I’ve organized this amazing event to raise $$ for a cause. This year, we’re raising money for the SC Birth Coalition as they lobby to protect birth choices in SC. Stop by and shop gently used baby clothes, cloth diapers, babywearing products, etc and buy some raffle tickets for fantastic prizes.

This month, I’m teaching three Hypnobabies series and will attend two births, two postpartums, three prenatals, and meet with a few new couples for the first time.

I thought this was a part time job? I love it so.

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Posted in Babywearing, Birth, Doula, Social Justice and tagged greenville childbirth, greenville midwives, sc birth coalition, upstate birthnetwork. Bookmark the permalink.

February, be gentle

Posted on February 4, 2013 by juliebyers

Such a busy month! It isn’t all work-related. I’m also busy socializing my homeschooler. Heh heh.

I have an invitation for YOU to fill up your calendar space with a few choice selections:

“Now What”: a class about the first six weeks postpartum. 20.00/couple/student. Feb. 5.

Greenville Babywearing Meeting: noon. Bring your lunch if you’re on a work break. Feb. 6.

Clemson Babywearing Meeting: new time this month! Free gathering to play and discuss babywearing (or anything else that you fancy). Feb. 7

Spartanburg Babywearing Meeting: Feb. 11 at 11.

“Sleeping Like a Baby“: a class about *yawn* newborn sleep. 20.00/couple/student. Feb. 12

Greenville Cloth Diaper Group: a group for families who plan to or are cloth diapering. Topic and discussion. Free! Taylors Library at 10am. Feb. 13.

Cloth Diaper 101: a free introduction to cloth diapering led by the savvy Jessica. Dads are encouraged to attend. Feb. 16.

Blessingway: I’m so excited about this month’s gathering! Please come to hear Norie’s birth story. This first time mama had a peaceful hospital birth. And the Puppy Nanny will be there to talk about pets and babies. Free! Babies and kids are welcome. Feb. 23

“Having a Baby without Breaking the Bank”: a class about creating a smart and green registry, DIY items, and saving $$. 20.00/couple/student. Feb. 19.

New Member Picnic: I’m hosting this one! A picnic and playtime at Lake Conestee for new members of the Greenville Attachment Parent Meetup Group. Join the AP group to find out more. Expectant moms are welcome. Feb. 19

Organic Nutrition for Pregnancy and Lactation: taught by midwife, Grace Hannon. FREE! Feb. 21

Anderson Babywearing Group: Feb. 25 at 6:30pm.

“Parenting the First Year”: a class about introducing solids, child development, age appropriateness, and more. 20.00/couple/student. Feb. 26

Water Birth and Other Comfort Measures for Labor and Birth: another free workshop taught by midwife, Grace Hannon. Feb. 28.

*Also check the schedules for your closest La Leche League!

Coming UP:

Registration is open for my March/April Hypnobabies Class. This series will meet from 6pm-9pm on Tuesdays beginning March 12. Contact me ASAP for information! j_byers@bellsouth.net

Oh! And due to a client birthing early, I have a doula space which has opened up for late February or March. I also have space available in May and June. Let me know if you’d like to sit down for a free consult.

The March space is taken! 🙂

Swept away

Posted on January 30, 2013 by juliebyers

Adoring: My husband who brings home the bacon and looks so dang hot when he leaves for work in the morning. Also, he and Norah love to sing Swept Away by The Avett Brothers. I cry quietly imagining her wedding, dancing with her daddy, and getting all crazy sentimental.

Listening to: A podcast about fecal transplants. Oh my word. And people get all worked up about placenta encapsulation??

Proud of: Norah. She learned to crochet and began wood-carving last week. She also made another bat house and hiked to the top of Table Rock.

Never Leaving Home Without: my phone. I’m back on call.

Appreciating: the flexibility of my days. It could change tomorrow but for now, I appreciate that I sleep until 8am many mornings. I can call a play day like I did today instead of doing school with the girls. We school year-round to allow for that. I’ve never enjoyed routine and, for now, these days are satisfying.

Nostalgic about: Josh Finch. Scott and I have spent hours remembering our old co-worker. That time he ran through the woods with a pocket-knife certain he was being chased. That time he cried with me over Scott’s chainsaw injury. That time he pulled me up when I was dangling off Kaaterskill Falls. That time he ran through the woods with some shredded cheese certain he was being chased. Oh Finch. You are missed.

Reading: Eat Mangoes Naked, While I was Gone, Birth Matters for my Hypnobabies Recertification, and loads of poetry. I just read The Poisonwood Bible for the first time. That one messed me up in the way only a great book can.

Buying: Dr. Bronner’s Patchouli-Lime Lotion, Alba Sugar Cane Body Polish, and a new math curriculum for Norah.

Drinking: Numi Earl Grey Tea

Working on: long overdue birth stories for my clients. And taxes. And projects for Upstate BirthNetwork.

Wishing: I was finished with my taxes.

Giddy about: My sister will be home in just a few months!!! She’ll be in my kitchen complaining about how I forget to turn on lights. We’ll take our kids to the park. I’ll help her through re-entry culture shock by feeding her chocolate and ice cream.

Feeling: Energized and happy.

Missing: Vermont. And the dear ones who live there–like that sleepy fellow on the right. And the fact that they have recycling containers at the gas pumps.

Grumpy that: I need to make a decision about a homeschool co-op for next year. I’m not ready. I like our current program but it is pricey. With a program that costs less, I’ll have to volunteer more but I’ll have more money to spend on extra-curricular programs.

Decisions. I hate them.

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Natural Baby Parenting Series

Posted on August 31, 2012 by juliebyers

I’ve scheduled the next round of classes. All classes meet at Natural Baby from 6pm-7:30pm. The cost is per student/couple. If you are a single mom or your partner cannot come, you may come alone or bring a friend/family member. The cost is 20.00 per class or you may register for the entire series for 80.00. To register for the entire series, please email j_byers@bellsouth.net or stop by Natural Baby. Please rsvp for all classes so that I have enough swag and handouts.

Try to See It My Way: “Why is my baby crying? Is this normal? I don’t understand what she is trying to say!” Come learn about infant communication and cues. We’ll also discuss birth bonding, attachment theory, soothing skills, and finding balance. Plus lots of tricks for calm parenting. Babywearing lessons included! This class is appropriate for parents-to-be or new parents. Babies are welcome in all classes.

Breastfeeding: In our breastfeeding class, we’ll learn about the biology of breastfeeding. We’ll discuss common issues, finding help through community resources, and returning to work. Babies are welcome in all classes. 20.00 per student/couple the night of the class.

Now What? The First Six Weeks: The first six weeks can feel like a whirlwind of emotions and the learning curve may seem steep. Learn what to expect during the postpartum. For mom, we’ll discuss physical changes, healing from birth, and creating a postpartum plan. For baby, we’ll look at common issues such as jaundice and gastric changes. And we’ll learn about baby care basics, newborn procedures at the hospital, and vaccine choices.20.00 per student/couple the night of the class. RSVP at the link to let us know you’re coming. This class is appropriate for parents-to-be or new parents. Babies are welcome in all classes

Sleeping Like A Baby: *Yawn* Who came up with the phrase “sleeping like a baby” anyway? Learn about the physiology of infant sleep. We’ll talk about naps and nighttime parenting. And, of course, tips and tricks for getting restful nights for the whole family. 20.00 per student/couple the night of the class. RSVP at the link to let us know you’re coming. This class is appropriate for parents-to-be or new parents. Babies are welcome in all classes.

Having a Baby without Breaking the Bank: Having a baby does not have to put a giant hole in your wallet! Learn practical tips for DIY, saving money, and what is safe to buy used. In fact, saving money can also be a sustainable and non-toxic choice. We’ll talk about creating a lean and green baby registry. What do you really need to raise a baby? 20.00 per student/couple the night of the class. RSVP at the link to let us know you’re coming. This class is appropriate for parents-to-be or new parents. Babies are welcome in all classes.

Parenting the First Year: Parents have many decisions to make the first year. This class will discuss solid-feeding, safety, teething, discipline, learning through play, and infant development. 20.00 per student/couple the night of the class. RSVP at the link to let us know you’re coming. This class is appropriate for parents-to-be or new parents. Babies are welcome in all classes

Reminder: New Classes

Posted on November 10, 2011 by juliebyers

These classes for new and expectant parents begin next week. Links are now up for registration. Please pass along to anyone who might be interested in attending.

Natural Baby Parenting Series: I’m excited to teach this series for Natural Baby. Beginning Nov. 15, six Tuesdays of classes for new or expectant parents. Couples/Individuals may register for individual classes or the entire series. 20.00/couple/class or 80.00 for the entire series (must be paid in advance). 6pm-7:30pm. Here is the schedule:

Nov. 15: “Try to See It My Way: How Babies Communicate” (newborn behavior, birth bonding, attachment theory, soothing skills, and finding balance)

Nov. 22: “Breastfeeding” (initiation, physiology, common issues, finding help, returning to work)

Nov. 29: “Now What? The First Six Weeks” (care for mom and baby, baby basics, postpartum concerns, creating a lying-in, jaundice, circumcision, and vaccine choices)

Dec. 6: “Sleeping Like a Baby” (the normal course of infant sleep, nighttime parenting, circadian rhythm, and naps)

Dec. 13: “Having a Baby without Breaking the Bank” (creating a smart baby registry, DIY tips, cloth diapers, going green can be budget friendly, what is safe to buy second-hand, top toxic products you don’t need)

Dec. 20: “Parenting the First Year” (solid-feeding, safety, teething, discipline, learning through play, development)

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Posted in Babywearing, Breastfeeding, Parenting, Pregnancy, Products and Gear and tagged greenville childbirth class, parenting class, positive discipline class. Bookmark the permalink.

Reason to Babywear #537: Pit Viper Attack

Posted on July 15, 2011 by juliebyers

I don’t trust my sister to blog this story so I’m keeping it alive here.

Noelle and her husband, Zach, were strolling down a street in Phnom Penh this week. Noelle was wearing Asher on her back in the Ergo.

They notice a large lizard (I’m thinking a tree monitor?) hanging out in a tree above them. It had a snake hanging out of its mouth. They stopped to watch and said, “Go lizard! You got that snake.”

At which point, the snake put it in reverse and came out of the lizard’s mouth and booked it down the tree.

Straight towards the hapless Slagel family.

Zach did what we’ve all been instructed to do–he froze. Noelle saw the snake eyeing her and ran. With baby on back, she ran.

And the Green Pit Viper took up chase! Seriously chased her down the street.

Again, the Ergo saves the day!

I found one Southeast Asian variety of Green Pit Viper listed on several sites as being among the World’s Most Disturbing Animals.

Noelle was later informed that the lizard was not eating the snake. The snake was eating the lizard’s eggs inside her body! Ouch.

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Couple of things

Posted on June 4, 2011 by juliebyers

1) The Upstate BirthNetwork website is (mostly) finished! Go on over and check it out! More importantly, spread that news to local families.

2) You may have noticed I have not updated my upcoming events in awhile. So, upcoming this week: Greenville Babywearing group meets Thursday at 6pm. At Natural Baby.

3) I have a spot open in my upcoming Hypnobabies class. The class filled so quickly and then this one little spot has stayed open. Just waiting for the right couple to fill it! Class begins June 14 so don’t wait too long…

4) I’m am completely, 100% fully booked for doula clients this year. But I am super-duper happy to doula-match you with your perfect mate. Call me the doula pimp. Ok, not really. That was just some sort of weird tough talk. I never pull that off well.

5) Finally, and this is exciting, the three upstate babywearing groups are adopting The Parenting Place teen mom program. We’re collecting used wraps or 6-yrd fabric lengths to be distributed to the moms-to-be. I get to train their in-home staff so they can teach the moms how to wear their babes. Bring your donation to a group meeting or drop off at Natural Baby. For fabric lengths, we suggest jersey knit, crinkle gauze, or muslin. We have group member who are willing to sew or serge the edges if needed. We only need 25 wraps to start. We are also collecting used slings, pouches, and mei-tais to donate to the young moms served by BirthMatters in Spartanburg. You may also drop these at Natural Baby.

Sometimes it feels so nice to simply make a list. I almost want to put check-boxes beside each item.

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New Anderson Babywearing Group

Posted on April 22, 2011 by juliebyers

Upstate Babywearers has added a new group meeting. We now have an Anderson group! The first meeting is April 26th at 6pm. Anderson Library. The plan is to meet the last Tuesday of the month.

Hoorah!

Greenville Babywearing group rescheduled

Posted on January 13, 2011 by juliebyers

The Greenville Babywearing group will meet Thursday Jan. 20. See you then! 6pm at Natural Baby.

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Upcoming Free Events

Posted on January 8, 2011 by juliebyers

Greenville Babywearing Group meets Thursday night (Jan. 20) at 6pm. We’re enjoying our new home at Natural Baby. Come to learn, try out a new type of carrier, or teach someone else. Bring your carrier(s) and bring your baby. Or if you’re pregnant, you can practice with a stuffed animal. Dads are always welcome to attend!

Cloth Diaper 101: I can’t believe how many people came out for this class last month! So we’re offering it again. I’ll show you lots of options for cloth diapering. We’ll talk about poop. We’ll talk about money. We’ll talk trash (or lack thereof). Dads need to come, too! 1pm at Natural Baby.

Blessingways: A Gathering of New and Expectant Families: Join us for our monthly gathering. We’re meeting in a new place for 2011. When you arrive at Natural Baby, head toward the back of the store where you’ll find a comfortable lounge. Our positive birth story this month is Noelle who had her first baby at home with a midwife. Our speaker is Ady Orezzoli, the owner of Natural Baby. She will share her expertise on “Saving Money While Going Green.”

Pregnant couples are encouraged to attend. New mamas and papas as well as experienced families are welcome! Bring your babies or older children. We expect it to be a bit noisy. Hope to see you there!

A note about Natural Baby. I’ve moved many of our events to this store because the owners opened the store, in part, as a place of education. And they sincerely love parents and children. Parking is available around the corner in the garage on Richardson street (credit card payment accepted) if you can’t find a spot on the street.

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Inexplicable Ways

Category Archives: Babywearing

February, be gentle

Swept away

Natural Baby Parenting Series

Reminder: New Classes

Reason to Babywear #537: Pit Viper Attack

Couple of things

New Anderson Babywearing Group

Greenville Babywearing group rescheduled

Upcoming Free Events

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