Archive for January, 2008

No Soliciting

I’m sure most of you have seen our no soliciting sign on our door. We have somewhat of a problem in our location with people trying to sell us things. It’s no surprise to business owners, but it was actually becoming a problem. We started with a sign saying simply No Soliciting, then it became ABSOLUTELY No Soliciting, that didn’t work, so we had to bring out the big guns: Absolutely No Soliciting, …just turn around.

I’m glad to say we had a solicitor come in and ask for our sign to win a contest at work. To motivate their employees, they have to find the funniest no soliciting sign and could win $100 for the funniest one. Wow, I hope he wins.
-Shannon

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A New addition to the Bellani Family

If you haven’t heard yet, Kelly is expecting her third little one in April. What is she having you ask? It’s a girl! Yes, another little girl to add to her family. Stay tuned for the date and time of the upcoming “surprise” baby sprinkle. Shhhhhhh, Don’t tell…it’s a secret.
-Shannon

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The Business of Being Born

We will be having a private screening of the much acclaimed The Business of Being Born. We are really excited to be offering this for the Bellani community. Ok, so we’re even more excited about the fresh popcorn (yes, we’re renting a popcorn machine, Kelly is obsessed with popcorn) and refreshments that are complimentary for all that attend. For those of you who haven’t heard what all the buzz is about, here is a little bit about the movie:

This highly acclaimed film from Executive Producer Ricki Lake and Director Abby Epstein. From the Synopsis: “Birth: it’s a miracle. A rite of passage. A natural part of life. But more than anything, birth is a business. Compelled to find answers after a disappointing birth experience with her first child, actress Ricki Lake recruits filmmaker Abby Epstein to examine and question the way American women have babies. The film interlaces intimate birth stories with surprising historical, political and scientific insights and shocking statistics about the current maternity care system. When director Epstein discovers she is pregnant during the making of the film, the journey becomes even more personal.

Should most births be viewed as a natural life process, or should every delivery be treated as a potentially catastrophic medical emergency?

Come experience the journey with us on Tuesday, February 12th at 8:00 pm. Register here online, or call 401-234-1279. Cost is $15 for members or $20 for non-members.

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Nutrition Workshop: Making Baby Food

So you’ve read about doing this, you have tried doing it yourself, or maybe you are just trying to figure out if this is for you. Join us on Monday, January 28th from 6:30-8:00 pm for a Baby Food Making Demo and Instructional Night with Katie Mulligan, a registered dietitian specializing in pediatrics. Kate will be making baby food and letting us in on all the know how’s of makeing baby food efficiently and affordable. There will be plenty of time for asking questions and looking at all the great gear and books for making your own baby food at home.

This workshop will be $10 per person for non- members, and $5 per person for members. Registration is availiable onlie here (member registration) (non-member registration) and also by calling Bellani, 401-234-1279.

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Disappointment

Well, I’m sorry to say the ENK show was not up to our expectations. We did find great big/little bother/sister shirts, shirts with the number 1, 2, 3 or 4 on them (they are really fun) and great sunglasses. Other than that, it was very disappointing. Maybe next show. -Shannon

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The ENK Show…this weekend

Kelly and I are off to NY tomorrow to attend the ENK show. It’s like the show in Las Vegas, only geared to our market a bit more. Pictures will be posted to showcase what new things will be arriving at Bellani in the weeks to come. We’ll be back at Bellani on Tuesday.

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Sore nipples? What’s a women to do?

Cracked, blistered, bleeding, bruised? Ok, besides needing to see a Lactation Counselor or Consultant at this point, let’s see what else is out there to help soothe. Again, if any of those listed are happening to you, please call us 401-234-1279 so you can make an appointment for a Lactation Consult. New moms 0 - 6 days post partum can really benefit from Comfort Gels or Soothies. They relieve painful, sore or cracked nipples. Soothes and reliably protects your skin from bra friction. Not a messy cream – Gel Pads feel great and have a wonderful cooling sensation. They’re safe, reusable for up to 6 days and absorbent.
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LANSINOH
Medical-grade 100 percent ultra-pure lanolin soothes and helps heal cracked nipples. Lansinoh is safe and non-toxic for mother and baby (which means you don’t have to wash it off before your baby latches on) and the only product endorsed by LaLeche League International. lansinoh.jpg

NIPPLE SHIELDS
This ultra-thin, flexible silicone shield is designed to encourage a baby’s latch on to your breast, and may help bottle-fed babies return to breastfeeding. These are only for short-term use under the guidance of a healthcare professional and in special cases, this shield may help cushion sore or sensitive nipples.
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BREAST SHELLS
Ameda breast shells protect nipples and help prevent soreness and irritation. Simultaneously allows for air circulation and preventing drip milk from leaking onto clothing when used with cotton rolls. May also be used to help draw out inverted nipples.
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So if your nipples are very sore (cracked, bleeding…), fixing your baby’s latch is top priority and no product can fix a latch issue. However, as you’re seeing a Lactation Counselor or Consultant, these products can help sooth your nipples and make the process a whole lot easier while you and your baby settle into your routine. Best, Shannon

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