Medical Minute. Breastfeeding: Don't believe what you've heard!

Breastfeeding for the first time– Being prepared, supported, and relaxed will help you make it through to enjoy an immensely rewarding experience.

I once had a pregnant woman tell me that she was more nervous about breastfeeding than she was about actually giving birth.  That may sound backwards, but I totally understand what she meant.  It’s terrifying because you don’t know what to expect, you fear failure, and there are these awful stories floating around from traumatized moms.  Those stories are hopefully the combination of some exaggeration and sleep deprivation.  The fact is, it can be a struggle.  It’s important to try not to get discouraged.   And just think, you may lose weight faster if you breastfeed!

HELP.  Ask for help from the maternity nurses or the hospital lactation consultant the first few times you breastfeed. Don’t be shy, these professionals have seen every boob in town and they’re not going to care what you look like.  Begin seeking support before you have the baby- it well help you be prepared and calm any fears you may have.

MILK SUPPLY.  So many moms say they never had enough milk, or they worry they’re not making enough.  In most cases, your body will know what to do and will get the job done.  The more often you breastfeed, the more milk you will make.  And remember, you are what you eat- or what your baby eats.  Smoking is out, medications need to be approved by your doctor, and alcohol avoided.  Limit caffeine to prevent it from making the baby jittery.  Eat as healthy as possible!

SORENESS.  Everyone will tell you that you may feel some tenderness at first, but breastfeeding should not be painful.  To prevent soreness, let the milk dry naturally on the nipples and change bra pads often between feedings to keep them dry. You can apply lanolin after feeding if your nipples get dry or cracked. Remember to wash it off before feeding your baby.

EXPERIENCED MOM ADVICE: Books and professionals are fabulous, but if you were wondering what real Birmingham Moms think, we’ve got it!

The lactation nurses told me if I could make it 6 weeks….it gets so much easier after that and they were right! After 6 weeks it does not hurt anymore, it gets so much more natural and like second nature. I could read a book, watch tv, etc while doing it. JUST HANG IN THERE for those first 6 weeks…use the lanolin, etc. It is so wonderful for your baby and formula is so expensive!!!!

Start going to La Leche meetings BEFORE baby arrives!  Those ladies will help you in any way they can!

Surround yourself with people who support your breastfeeding decision, and call on them if you are feeling frustrated or need help.

RELAX! They know when you are uptight. Everytime I had trouble it was because I was too tense. Try to relax as much as possible. Get comfortable.

Go to the breastfeeding support groups offered by Brookwood. They are free and I would have given up if it weren’t for their amazing lactation nurses. At 6 weeks – things immensely improved but I’m now at 3 1/2 mos and my baby nurses for 6 minutes on each side now and it’s so amazing and fast. We don’t even use bottles of pumped milk anymore b/c it is so much quicker to nurse.

Get good support (people and bra) and don’t expect it to be instantaneous or automatic. It takes A LOT of work and dedication and time before it gets to be easier.

If everything goes wrong and your milk doesn’t come in or whatever- you are not a failure as a mother. Do not let it hurt your belief in yourself!

Where to get knowledge and help in Birmingham:
Brookwood Lactation Center, 877-1978.  Classes offered for expectant moms!
La Leche League

The BIG McWane Discount!

The ULTIMATE gift of the holiday season!

Our favorite place to take the kids is offering our readers a very special holiday gift, the best discount they’ve offered on their Memberships, All Levels!

$20 off is HUGE savings and is only effective from November 15-20th, 2010.  You must purchase in person from a BirminghamMommy representative, or in person at the McWane Center.  Make sure to use the promo code “BHAM MOMMY.”   If you’re currently a McWane member, you can renew for next year at this rate!  You can purchase as many of these memberships as you want as gifts!

We’re moms, we know it’s hard to get out and run errands.  To make purchasing easier, we will be set up at some offsite locations.  You can always purchase in person at McWane as well, just remember the coupon/promo code BHAM MOMMY.  (And we’ll make sure to have some goodies to help keep the kids happy offsite!)

Cash, check, or credit cards accepted.  Checks payable to McWane Science Center.

We will be at the following locations to make this easy for you—

11/15 Monday- Joe Muggs, Summit   –   9:30-11:30am (Kickoff! Goodies galore!)

11/16 Tuesday- Joe Muggs, Summit    –  9:30-11:30am (Complimentary drink/pastry samples)

11/16 Tuesday- Zoe’s at the Summit    –  6-8pm

11/17 Wednesday- TBD  –   9:30-11:30am

11/17 Wednesday- Edgewood Creamery   –  3-4:30pm  (Buy one get one on everything!)

11/18 Thursday- Starbucks Trussville   – 9:30-11:30am (Complimentary coffee and pastries!)

11/18 Thursday- Zoe’s Patton Creek   –   6-8pm

11/19 Friday- Dreamcakes Bakery    – 10am-Noon (Discounted cupcakes!)

11/19 Friday- Summit, Between the Movie Theater and Coconuts   –  6-8:30pm, for Lights Up! Santa, parade, fireworks…

Printable coupon is here!

Busy Mommy Bonding: Edible Acorns

We love this idea for an edible craft. It makes a great afternoon snack,  the kids will love helping out and reaping the reward!

What you’ll need:

  • Donut Holes – Or Munchkins – Assorted is best so you get an arrangement of “acorns”
  • Pretzel Sticks
  • Peanut Butter
  • Chopped Peanuts

What you’ll do:

  • Smear a little peanut butter on top of your donut hole (or Munchkin if you’re a Dunkin Donut fan)
  • Roll the peanut butter side in your crushed peanuts
  • Stick a piece of your pretzel into the “peanutty” end of your acorn to make the stem

And there you have it, a craft and a snack, a crafty snack if you will!

BigBham Deal: WashPro, mobile car washing!

Pay $25 for a thorough cleaning of the interior and exterior of your vehicle by Washpro ($60 value!)

Click HERE to purchase,

Stop the car.  Count the number of loose cheerios, french fries, and/or m&m’s you can find.  It’s time to clean your car.

This is of course a great gift for us moms who tote kids around all day, but also a great gift for the guys who are car-lovers.  Or the guys who don’t like to wash cars.

Washpro is a professional car wash service that will come to your house or your work to clean your vehicle. Using an advanced wash process with biodegradable and environmentally friendly chemicals to give your car the “like new” shine, quality is their best feature. Their goal is to be very attentive to your specific needs and they have a great “Missed A Spot” guarantee – If they missed a spot or something is not completely up to your satisfaction, just give them a call and they will come back and make it right within 24 hours. They want to leave you completely happy every time.

The Fine Print:

  • Redeemable for a thorough cleaning of the interior and exterior of your vehicle by Washpro ($60 value!)
  • Appointments are scheduled only online: (http://washpro.wordpress.com/)
  • Washpro’s service comes to your home or work, at no extra cost!
  • 2 per customer, may purchase 2 more as gifts
  • Service takes around 2 hours
  • Hand Wax available for an additional $25
  • Promotional value expires April 18, 2011 (6 months from purchase)
  • View the standard terms that apply to all deals

52 New Things – Week 45

Angie –

My kids (mostly the twins) are pretty picky eaters. If it’s a fruit or vegetable they won’t eat it, period.  I have been having to get “deliciously deceptive” with their meals and it’s kind of annoying. This week we started a “New Food Chart” to hold us all accountable – to make sure I’m not getting lazy and not offering them new foods just because I know it’s pointless and wasteful. For them it’s to force encourage them to try new things. I have it blocked off for ten tries. My theory being if I put it in their face 10 or more times and they still won’t eat it, they probably won’t until they’re much older. They get a sticker or smiley face for just trying and an “x” on the days it’s offered but they don’t try….  So far it’s working great for the 5 year old, she’s discovered that she likes pineapple after only 2 tries… Who knew?

Trish –

My new thing this week is using my iphone calendar.  As much as I love technology, I’m a huge fan of good old fashioned paper.  I still read regular books, I write grocery lists on a notepad, and my dayplanner is my life.  But, it’s not feasible to carry around a giant planner, so I’ve been programming important meetings into my phone.  I like the reminder dings while I’m out, but I still love seeing it all laid out in front of me in paper better.

For more New Things or if you’d like to participate in 52 new things along with BirminghamMommy and many others – please join in by posting your new thing to your blog, facebook or on twitter (use #52newthings) – Also, you can head over to www.willblogforshoes.com to link up every Thursday!

America Recycles Day

If you missed Birmingham Recycles Day in October, it doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. Take that cereal box out of the trashcan and take the “I Recycle” pledge with your kids as part of America Recycles Day (ARD) November 15.ARD is a nationally-recognized initiative of Keep America Beautiful dedicated to encouraging people to recycle more at home, at work, and on the go.

Join the millions of Americans who have already pledged to increase their recycling habits. To take the “I Recycle” pledge and to learn more about recycling, visit http://www.kab.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ARD_Overview.

Visit the Alabama Environmental Council website to learn more about recycling programs and drop-off locations in the Birmingham area.

http://www.aeconline.org/recycling/center

Recycling Education Resources and Activities for Kids

KAB Kid’s Zone

Keep America Beautiful offers kids resources like games and tips for taking care of their environment with their families, in their neighborhoods and at their schools.

The EPA Environmental Kids Club

The Environmental Protection Agency’s website for kids contains games, stories and pictures to help your little ones and students explore the environment and learn how to protect it.

Disney Friends for Change

Disney’s interactive initiative that empowers kids to help the planet by learning practical ways to help the environment, get their friends involved, and track their collective impact.

Auntie Litter

The website of Birmingham’s favorite aunt, Auntie Litter, offers a Fun for Kids section with coloring pages, activities and games that are fun and educational.

– Amy W. Richardson

Birmingham Events Calendar – November 14th – November 21st

We’ve got a BIG and BUSY week coming up! As you may have heard we are partnering up to help McWane with a deeply discounted Membership Drive, we’ll be out and about this week to help you all sign up and take advantage of this great deal, renew yours and buy one for friend or family member for the holidays, it really would make a perfect gift, it will last a year and won’t take up any room in the house, ahem… Grandparents!

More shopping to do for you Moms this week and Jack the Conductor will be at Hoover Library. Tickets are still available for the Weasley Wedding on Saturday, sure to be a great night of fun. Get the husband on board and head out for a date night! We’ll see you there!

It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!

Sunday November 14th

Little Naturalists Series – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
It’s a great time to go outside and explore! The temperature is beginning to drop, leaves are changing colors, and the animals are gearing up for winter. Little Naturalists will focus on a different topic each month as we explore the mountain.
Reservations required.
Suited for K – 2nd.
All children must be accompanied by an adult during the program.
$3/ $2 (member) — 2pm

Prince of Peace – Christmas in November
Get into the Christmas spirit early with our 4th annual Christmas in November craft and gift show. Vendors will display a variety of items to include Christmas decorations, childrens clothing, monogramming, jewelry, candles, homemade jams, marinades and much, much more! Admission is FREE!
9am – 5pm

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
The Museum is offering a new, fun, and free drop-in art program for kids and families. Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month will highlight a different gallery and feature a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!

Scholastic Chess Club at Books-A-Million Brookwood Village
In our upstairs Kids Nook.  Beginners are welcome, lessons
available, K-12, other mind sport activities are available such as
checkers and GO.  Free to attend!
2PM – 5PM

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Monday November 15th

McWane Membership Drive Kickoff-  Joe Muggs Summit
Come sign up for a deep discounted membership from the McWane Science Center
9:30am – 11:30am

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Tuesday November 16th

McWane Membership Drive –  Joe Muggs Summit
Come sign up for a deep discounted membership from the McWane Science Center
9:30am – 11:30am

McWane Membership Drive –  Zoe’s Summit
Come sign up for a deep discounted membership from the McWane Science Center
6:00pm – 8:00pm

Conductor Jack – Hoover Public Library
The Brain Train Tour is an innovative, multi-media, theatrical show for kids . . . as fun as it is educational! Get ready to sing and hop with Conductor Jack!
6:30pm

Storytime – Homewood Library
Join us for the fun of it!  All ages welcome.
10:30am

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
11:ooam

Education Celebration – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for a fun-filled hour of hands-on learning featuring our brand-new Barnes & Noble @ School section with educational toys and games.
11:30am

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Wednesday November 17th

McWane Membership drive –  Edgewood Creamery
Come sign up for a deep discounted membership from the McWane Science Center
3:00pm- 4:30pm

Family Story Time with Mr MacNorth Shelby Library
Storyteller Extraordinaire – Come join Mr Mac and his musical storytime complete with puppets! All Ages, no registration required.
10:45am

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Thursday November 18th

McWane Membership Drive –  Starbucks Trussville
Come sign up for a deep discounted membership from the McWane Science Center
9:30am – 11:30am

McWane Membership Drive – Zoe’s Patton Creek
Come sign up for a deep discounted membership from the McWane Science Center
6:00pm – 8:00pm

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Friday November 19th

McWane Membership drive –  Dreamcakes
Come sign up for a deep discounted membership from the McWane Science Center
10:00am – Noon

McWane Membership Drive –  Light up the Summit (near Brooks Bros)
Come sign up for a deep discounted membership from the McWane Science Center
6:00pm – 8:30pm

Story Day with NeNe – Whole Foods
Come meet Mrs. Renee Schmidt “NeNe” as we bring you a new format for storytime. Enjoy storyboards, songs and snacks!
10:00am

Wild about Books Story Time – Birmingham Zoo
Come join us for story and craft time with Books-A-Million at the Birmingham Zoo! Every Friday through summer on Grandma’s Front Porch in the Children’s Zoo area
10:00am

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Saturday November 20th

Weasley Wedding Party – McWane Science Center
Your presence is requested for the Weasley Wedding Party for a magical evening of wizardry and witchcraft.  Enjoy cocktail concoctions, a delightful feast of magical treats and compete in the costume contest. Then, watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 come alive on the IMAX screen. Reservations are required.
8:00 – 10:00
Movie @ 10:00 PM
Must be at least 21 to attend
Tickets: $20 Members, $25 Non-Members

Lowes Build and Grow Clinic
Bring your child to Lowe’s and they can build this great Snowman! Add a Lowe’s gift card and it makes the perfect present for anyone on your list!

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
A new, fun, and free drop-in art program for kids and families. Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month will highlight a different gallery and feature a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!
11am – 1pm

Helena Market Days/Farmers Market Helena Amphitheater
8:00am – 12:00pm

Harvest and Holiday Market at Pepper Place
Autumn in Alabama means fresh-grown apples, pumpkins and squash for your fall meals. November markets will also bring hand-made gifts just in time for the Holiday Season!
7:00am – Noon

Saturday Storytime at Barnes and Noble Summit
2:00pm

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Sunday November 21st

Moms Market Holiday Expo – Pelham Civic Complex
Vendors include.. Stuck on You Wall Decor, Inviting You Designs, Willow House – Ellen King, Sassy Polka Dots, Too Sassy Personalized Gifts, nest EGgS design and many more!! First 50 shoppers get swag!
1:00pm – 5:00pm

Barts Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
The Museum is offering a new, fun, and free drop-in art program for kids and families. Visit Bart’s Art Cart in the main lobby to explore great art and create some of your own with the help of our Teen Volunteers. Each month will highlight a different gallery and feature a new art activity. Learn how to look at art with your child. Stop by and make art with Bart!

Scholastic Chess Club at Books-A-Million Brookwood Village
In our upstairs Kids Nook.  Beginners are welcome, lessons
available, K-12, other mind sport activities are available such as
checkers and GO.  Free to attend!
2PM – 5PM

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Open Daily

McWane Science Center

MAGIC OF MODEL TRAINS EXHIBIT
November 6, 2010 – January 2, 2011
The holidays are picking up steam at McWane Science Center with the return of the Magic of Model Trains exhibit. Discover trains of every shape and size inside this popular exhibit which features over a dozen different train displays. Sets include several tiny trains that are built to scale with surrounding cities and scenes including the LG&W that depicts central Alabama in the 1950’s. Every set in the exhibit is designed to scale with the size of the trains. The meticulous detail of the scenery including covered bridges, downtown storefronts and of course, several train stations will keep your family entertained for hours!

Itty Bitty Magic City
The Itty Bitty Magic City will be on display this summer in addition to The Adventures of Mr. Potato Head exhibit. The Itty Bitty City is a little bit smaller than usual, but favorite areas including the grocery store, Tot Spot area, crane, and factory are still in the city. The Itty Bitty Golf Course and a few other items were removed temporarily to make room for the new exhibit “The Adventures of Mr. Potato Head” that is also designed for an early childhood audience and they will return in the Fall.

NatureScope –  Explore the great outdoors from inside the museum. McWane Science Center and the Birmingham Audubon Society are partnering to create a new exhibit called NatureScope. Explore the science of the birds and the bugs in this new area! Get up close and personal with some resident creepy crawlies! Learn what role insects play in our ecosystem with the decomposition chamber. Meet large bugs including emperor scorpions, a tarantula, and even a giant African millipede!

Animalopolis at the IMAX – ANIMALOPOLIS will take you on a voyage into the magical world of animals. A bit fanciful, a bit “Seussian” perhaps, a place of good natured humor, beauty and just plain fun for kids and their parents.

Birmingham Zoo

Lorikeet Aviary – Our Lorikeet Aviary has more birds than ever! Zoo guests can feed these exotic birds every day. You and your family will see these birds’ behavior as they eat nectar out of your hand.
Weekends 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

PELICAN FEEDING – A great way to see our pelicans in action is to witness them eating their favorite treats near the pelican boardwalk.

RHINO ENCOUNTER – Embark on an African adventure and experience one of the world’s most extraordinary animals, the Southern White Rhino. Watch from only feet away as our zookeepers engage in hands-on interaction with the animals inside their African-themed exhibit. Don’t miss this exciting encounter with one of the largest mammals on the planet!
Weekdays: 3pm – 3:30pm
Weekends: 11:30am – Noon & 3pm – 3:30 pm

GIRAFFE FEEDING – This up close and personal animal encounter is a memory you and your family will have for a lifetime.
Weekday: 11am – Noon
Weekends: 10am – 11am  & 2pm – 3pm

Southern Museum of Flight

Earn Your Wings – Bring your little pilot and soar above the clouds in our little pilots room. Kids enjoy building aircrafts, flying kites, and more.
Museum Open Tuesday – Thursday
9:30am – 4:30pm

Do you have or know of an event you would like to have added to our weekly calendar? Please email us at contact@birminghammommy.com, subject line “Events Calendar” – We would love to hear from you!

Droolicious Cuisine – Bacon Egg and Cheese Casserole

With the holidays around the corner you’ll need to think beyond casseroles, hams and turkeys if you have some family in town  crashing at your place. We’ve got a yummy Bacon, Egg and Cheese Casserole you can make up for when the mob wakes up hungry and wants something more than Captain Crunch!

This casserole can be made ahead of time and still tastes great re-heated. At a Weight Watchers Points Value of 5, this is a filling meal that is a great start to the day. You can also add vegetable fillings.. steamed spinach and mushrooms are very good! Enjoy!

Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Casserole

Ingredients:
6 slices turkey bacon, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-wide strips
1 (12-ounce) bag frozen hash brown potatoes
1 onion, finely chopped
3 large eggs
3 egg whites
3/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
2/3 cup shredded reduced-fat Swiss cheese
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions:
1) Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spray three 2-cup oval baking dishes, casseroles, or ramekins with cooking spray.
2) Spray a nonstick skillet with cooking spray and set over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp, about 4 minutes. Add the potatoes and onion and cook until potatoes are tender and golden, about 6 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and let cool slightly.
3) Beat the eggs and egg whites in a large bowl. Add the ricotta, 1/3 cup of the Swiss cheese, the Parmesan, flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne, stirring until blended. Sprinkle evenly with the remaining 1/3 cup of Swiss cheese.
4) Bake until the casseroles are slightly puffed and golden and the cheese is melted, approximately 20-25 minutes.

(*If you bake the casserole in a single dish, the cooking time should be increased.)

Yields 6 servings.

Nutritional Info (per serving): 220 Cal, 9g Fat, 4g Sat Fat, 0g Trans Fat, 134mg Chol, 445mg Sod, 17g Carb, 1g Fib, 18g Prot, 271mg Calc

Thanks to MommaDrool for the recipes in this series. You can find many more droolicious recipes over at her site, “2 Little Chicks”

Parenting, Mission: Possible – Bullying

By: Caroline Taylor, M.ED

Many of you have been following the recent cases of bullying that have been in the news. Due to the recent media, the government and many schools are organizing task forces to educate children and parents of the harmful effects of bullying. After hearing these stories, it is understandable that many parents are worried and scared for their own children.

First, it’s important for parents to understand the biological aspect of peer groups. Human beings form social hierarchies as a way to organize themselves. These social hierarchies are normal for all “social animals”; a hierarchy is a chain of perceived importance in a species. Children consistently define and change their roles in the social hierarchy. Young, school age boys typically perform more physically competitive tasks such as, who runs faster, who is stronger, who is the longest jumper, to define dominance. Young school age girls define their positions through role-playing…best friends, party invitations and exclusion. Typical school age child behavior will include some form of social ladder climbing.

When social ladder climbing becomes extreme, it is in the form of bullying. If your school age child tells you they are being bullied, make sure to find out what the word “bullying” means to them and find out exactly what they perceive is the problem. Some children may not feel comfortable discussing bullying with their parents; watch your child’s behavior surrounding going to school and friends. Has anything changed, is your child more moody, anxious, not sleeping well, or not eating? If so, look for chances to talk to your child about bullying indirectly. For instance if something comes on TV that illustrates bullying, ask your child what they think about that behavior.

Realize that it takes a lot of courage for a child to report bullying to a parent. It’s important to recognize the courage and empathize with the child while gaining more information about the bullying event.

So, what do you do as a parent if you realize your child is the target of bullying at school? Studies suggest the best thing for a parent to do is approach their child’s teacher without blaming and try to understand the bullying in a broad perspective. I recommend, trying to channel your “inner reporter” and report “just the facts”, as you know them, to the teacher or the school counselor. Ask about their policies and check to see if they have any programs in place that address bullying. Research suggests, it’s most effective for schools to deal with bullying through group education; many schools have already implemented these types of programs.

It may seem counter intuitive, but do not contact the bully’s parents. The school should contact the parents if the bullying is happening on school property. Remember, children who bully at school, may be subjected to bullying at home by their parents or siblings.

What are some ways to avoid bullying? A child that has good self-confidence is less likely to become a target. It’s important to cultivate your child’s strengths to increase their confidence and self esteem. Things like; music, sports, and, art activities are good ways to grow self-esteem. Find out what your child excels at and nurture his interest. Talk your child’s teacher about connecting her with like-minded friends. Set up play dates to continue to foster strong relationships.

There are some good children’s books on the subject of bullying. Some of my favorites are:

Bully B.E.A.N.S by Julia Cook
Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Bullies by Howard Binkow
The author Trudy Ludwig’s books- Confessions of a Former Bully, My Secret Bully, Sorry, and Just Kidding

Note: Bullying can become extreme and life threatening. If you feel your child is in a crisis situation, contact your child’s school and your local crisis center for immediate help. The crisis center kid’s help line in the Birmingham area is: 205-328-5437. The main number is 205-323-7777 and is answered 24/7

For specific questions and or more information on bullying: caroline@carolinetaylorlpc.com

Caroline Taylor, M.Ed
Licensed Professional Counselor

Ms. Taylor obtained a Bachelor of Science in Child Development from Florida State University focusing on Child Life. After graduating she worked with children and families coping with terminal and chronic illness in the hospital and an outpatient setting.

She received a Master of Education in Counseling from Auburn University while working as a counseling intern at University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Counseling and Wellness Center. She worked as a counseling intern at University of Alabama at Birmingham counseling and wellness center. Before opening her private practice, Ms. Taylor worked with children and families in various diverse settings from community mental health and outpatient psychotherapy to in home intensive family restoration.

She specializes in:

  • children,
  • adolescents
  • individuals
  • challenged families
  • parent training
  • trauma recovery in children
  • ADD/ADHD
  • helping families to cope with transitions such as divorce or death.

Giveaway: Are you Birmingham's biggest Harry Potter fan?

The Weasley Wedding Party is a magical evening of wizardry and witchcraft- all themed out for the truest of Potter fans.  Enjoy cocktail concoctions, a delightful feast of magical treats and compete in the costume contest.  BirminghamMommy is providing some fabulous prizes for the costume winners!  Then, watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 come alive on the IMAX screen. Reservations are required.

Here’s your chance to win some tickets!  We have 2 tickets for 1 lucky winner.
To enter
:
1.  Comment here–  Tell us why you are the biggest HP fan in Birmingham.  (1 entry per day)
2.  Our Facebook fans get an automatic entry just for loving us.  Comment here if you’re a fan.  (1 entry total)
3.  Tweet this phrase:  I’m the biggest Potter fan! @mcwane and @BirminghamMommy   (1 entry per day)
4. Subscribe to our Newsletter (New Subscribers Only, 1 entry total)

Contest ends on Nov 12, 2010 at 3pm CST.  Winner announced Nov 12, 2010.  Must be 21 to enter.

Weasley Wedding Party
Saturday, November 20
8:00 – 10:00
Movie @ 10:00 PM
Must be at least 21 to attend
Tickets: $20 Members, $25 Non-Members

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS!

If you aren’t a member, you can still get $5 off by using the discount code “BhamMommy.” Must call (205) 714-8414 to redeem. Discount not valid with other discounts and space is limited, so what are you waiting for? Order your tickets now or we’ll send the Dementors after you!