Jammin' with Your Kids: The Wonderful World of MusicWritten by Francie Kelley
Does music need to be “dumbed-down” for kids? The answer became quite clear to me and my husband as we observed how our own child responded to complex melodies and varied musical styles in first months of her life. When I embarked on recording of my children’s music CD (“Wake Up & Go To Sleep”, Artsong Music) shortly after my daughter was born, it didn’t occur to me to create a happy little watered down collection of songs made just for young listeners. The songs simply evolved as experiential narrative of a new mom. My husband, jazz guitarist and composer Pat Kelley, arranged and produced CD bringing his rich diverse musical experience into play and giving CD a broad stylistic range. Our daughter Katie seemed delighted by whole project, which took four years to complete. She even contributed song writing and vocal performances. It was only later, when CD was released and people began to listen, that we discovered how much parents were moved by it. We have received many thanks for creating music that is a pleasure to listen to alone and with children. Children have a more innate ability to absorb music than most adults. At a young age they have minds that are open to everything rather than filled with influences telling them what they should and should not like. Our daughter feels joy listening to Mozart, Hawaiian music, The Beatles, or Glenn Miller. Music only requires an open mind to find enjoyment in its beauty. The earliest experience of music is in a child’s first cry. Crying has tone and is earliest sound that expresses emotion. For many infants, next experience of music is intimate songs a mother sings as she rocks and soothes her baby to sleep. Indeed this is a mother’s own sound language that is completely unique to her and her baby. These may be some of most meaningful and bonding moments of mother/infant relationship. But where do you go from here? If you begin to expose babies to myriad musical styles, you can witness early responses. Even in early weeks of life, a baby will respond to complex classical works. Our daughter at three weeks old reacted to a Rachmaninoff piano concerto, eyes searching, facial changes pronounced. Clearly these sounds had a dramatic and positive effect. After having been very active kicking and fussing, she became still, seemingly enthralled in music.
| | Nursing in StyleWritten by Anne Cavicchi
Many women are uncomfortable nursing in public. But today's nursing fashions can help you nurse with confidence, comfort, and style -- anytime, anywhere!The basics A good breastfeeding nightgown or pajamas will help you with those first days in hospital or at home. Learning to breastfeed can be a challenge in itself; you don't want to be struggling with your clothing too! You will also be glad for convenience for those night feedings and those days when you just don't get dressed (and yes, there will be some of those!) Chances are you probably needed several different bra sizes throughout your pregnancy. And often even your best guess at your post-partum bra size was not quite right. No matter which type of bra you choose, a good fit is important. Your bra needs to provide adequate support while providing easy access to your breasts for feeding. Have fun with your nursing bras -- there are so many options available! Out and About Every nursing mother should own at least two tops (or 1 top and 1 dress) to give her ease of nursing access and overall comfort. A nursing tank top, even in cold months, is also a good basic as it can be worn under a sweater or other non-nursing garment. If you plan on nursing for a long period of time, treat yourself to a few more tops as time goes by (after all, you are saving a fortune by not buying baby formula!). Pair your top with your favorite jeans, dress slacks or skirt and you are all set! Most people won't even know that you are wearing nursing clothing!
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