Let's start at the beginning with
Birthing and Breastfeeding...
Natural Birthing
wonderful births without drugs - you can too!
A doula is a trained and experienced professional who
provides continuous physical, emotional and informational
support to the mother before, during and just after birth.
Local (RI & SE Conn) Doula Support - Renee Kent, CD (DONA)
Certified DONA Doula - "My philosophy is that women know
intuitively how to give birth and benefit from gentle, loving
support during the transition from pregnancy to motherhood."
401-213-6193 or doulari@gmail.com
Breastfeeding
Fun, Wholesome, and Inexpensive Ideas for Families
What do I do with them once they start walking?
Playgrounds - I like to call myself a RI Playground Connoisseur because the kids and I drive all over the state checking out new playgrounds. I always appreciate their enthusiasm when I tell them "we are going to a new playground today".
Libraries - Check out your local library for free story-hours, craft-projects, live entertainment, and other fun activities. My local libraries also offer discount tickets to local museums, and you can rent other miscellaneous items such as cake pans and fishing poles.
Free Concerts - Art Councils all over the state organize free concerts throughout the summer months including North Kingstown, Wakefield, and Greenville. If you get the chance to see them, check out...Toe Jam Puppet Band - They are a local group that offers a special brand of hands-on children's entertainment that grown-ups can enjoy. The music is excellent, the leader is funny, actually, I think I enjoy the show more than the kids.
Local, Fun and Educational
Following is a list of local (RI) places that are fun and educational...and they could be free (for you) if you ask the grandparents to purchase memberships for gifts instead of another toy. The zoo, aquarium, and YMCA are non-profits dedicated to promoting a peaceful planet, so even if you buy your own membership, you can feel good knowing "it's for a good cause".
Roger Williams Zoo - They plow the paths in the winter, which is important for all you stroller-pushing moms looking to get out of the house.
Providence Children's Museum and Boston Children's Museum - You can get free tickets at some libraries for Providence, and a big discount for Boston. Boston's museum is much larger than Providence. If you have more than one small child, I recommend not visiting either of these museums alone. I find it impossible to keep track of the kids in these places.
Wonder Junction - In Exeter. An interactive place for kids to play, similar to a children's museum, but on a smaller scale. Grab a coffee and relax while the kids play. The location is small enough so you can see all the kids, all the time. Great on cold winter afternoons or rainy days.
YMCA - We finally joined this winter and I love it. I thought it was pricey at first, but you get so much for your money. They are non-profit, and they offer financial assistance to families as well. We all know that physical activity is important for the whole family, but it is tough to come by on those cold, short days of winter. The Y that we joined offers free child-care, and fun activities for the kids.
