Bringing together parents, caregivers, the Association of Black Psychologies, health experts, creatives, and learning leaders, the 2nd Annual Centering the Identity of the Black Child through African Culture conference will highlight health and education as a central focus to optimize energy, development milestones, and success. Attendees can expect to leave the conference with tools to latch onto the high teachings that have been preserved by the knowledge bearers to help families and communities understand the role of African Culture in the development of black children.
This one-day free evening opportunity is designed to help mothers feel confident about navigating pregnancy, labor and delivery, life with an infant, and the transition to motherhood. It’s a chance to explore new options and find resources on the aspects of pregnancy, birth, babies, or parenthood that are most important to mom and partner.
You will have an eye-opening experience to experience dozens of vendors along with featuring doulas, midwives, and OBs, pediatricians, lactation consultants and IBCLCs, chiropractors, photographers, prenatal fitness experts, child care facilities, book shops, baby boutiques, early childhood programming.
There’s a strong focus on education — there will be expert-led seminars, mini-classes, and panel discussions on topics related to pregnancy, childbirth, babies, and the transition to parenthood, as well as demonstrations designed to teach skills like babywearing and cloth diapering skills.
Carnegie Library’s 2019 List of Best Books for Babies
News
May 1, 2019
Carnegie Library’s 2019 List of Best Books for Babies
For the twentieth time since 2000, a group of local librarians and child development experts has sorted through the previous year’s publications to select and promote the 10 Best Books for Babies.
About Best Books for Babies
The Best Books for Babies project is intended to encourage reading beginning at birth and recognize publishers who create excellent books for the very youngest listeners. The books selected, from sturdy board books to fun lift-the-flap titles to charming picture book portraits of young families, will delight and engage babies age birth through 18 months and the adults who care for them.
Pick up one or more of these books at a Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh branch near you. In addition to spending some cozy time together, you’ll be preparing baby’s brain to learn and grow.
*Information provided by the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Sign-On to Support Families Impacted by Postpartum Depression
News
April 15, 2019
Sign-On to Support Families Impacted by Postpartum Depression
Understanding the Need
Postpartum depression can strike any new mother. Research shows that approximately 15 percent of new mothers suffer from postpartum depression. In Pennsylvania, this means about 21,000 infants and moms are affected each year.
The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that when a mother suffers from postpartum depression, both mothers and babies experience negative effects, including:
adverse effects on the baby’s brain and development,
#StrongMomStrongBaby is a statewide effort to amend the existing early intervention law (Act 212 of 1990) to add postpartum depression as an at-risk condition allowing infants to undergo assessments, parents to receive assistance in bonding with their babies, and if needed, Early Intervention services to ensure moms and babies have the best start together.
Are you feeling unprepared or nervous about childbirth? Join us at the Homewood-Brushton Family Support Center for free childbirth preparation classes hosted by MAYA Organization.
Join Jeremiah’s Place for their Spring Open House on Thursday, April 25th to take a tour of Pittsburgh’s only emergency child care center, explore volunteer and employment opportunities, and learn more about how you can utilize their services.
About Jeremiah’s Place
Jeremiah’s Place provides emergency care for children ages 0-6 for a few hours or a few days based on the needs of the family. The primary focus at Jeremiah’s place is to keep children safe and to provide a supportive solution for families in need. Located in the East Liberty section of Pittsburgh, Jeremiah’s Place is staffed by trauma-informed caregivers and social workers. All services provided by Jeremiah’s Place are free, available 24 hours a day, and most importantly, judgment-free.
Coats and Car Seats: Keeping Your Child Warm
News
January 4, 2019
Coats and Car Seats: Keeping Your Child Warm
Winter means keeping kids warm, but did you know that babies and young children should NOT wear puffy coats or snowsuits when in their car seat?
What Happens?
As demonstrated by the video below, coats or snowsuits can compress under the harness of a car seat, sometimes up to four inches. When this happens, the compression can cause the straps of your child’s car seat to not fit properly, creating a dangerous situation. This situation can also happen with sleeping bags for babies, creating an unsafe ride for your baby.
Recommendations
If you’re looking for ways to keep your baby or young child warm while in a car seat, consider incorporating the following recommendations:
Dress your baby or young child in snug layers, like onesies and leggings. Add long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, a hat, shoes, and socks. You can even include a jacket.
For babies, use covers specifically for car seats that are designed to give warmth. These covers should be approved by the car-seat manufacturer for your specific car seat.
For older babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners, after securing them in the car seat, turn their coat around and put it on backward (arms through the armholes) so the coat is on top of the harness, or use a blanket in the car.
This seven-class series explores how to enjoy life with a toddler, keep them safe and healthy, and teach them what they are ready to learn.
Parents and expectant parents are invited to learn about and discuss topics that can help their toddlers succeed. By attending, all parents earn points toward baby clothes, toys, equipment, and can receive 50 diapers per month. For expectant parents, there are opportunities to earn a new pack ‘n play, car seat, or high chair by completing seven classes.
This series runs on Tuesdays from January 22 to March 5, 2019.
A light dinner will be provided.
Topics
The following topics will be discussed:
Positive Discipline
Developmental Stages
Sibling Adjustment
Toilet Training
Stress-Reduction
Registration
Register for these free classes by phone (412.945.7670) or online through the Facebook event page.
