No bundle of joy

By Michelle Ruby, Brantford Expositor

Wednesday, May 16, 2012 11:41:31 EDT PM

Postpartum depression affects 15% to 20% of new mothers.

A new program, called The Parachute Program — Transitioning to Parenthood, held Wednesday afternoons at St. Andrew’s Community Centre on Darling Street, is aimed at helping women experiencing challenges with their newborns.

Today, in the first of a three-part series on postpartum depression, the condition is examined and local women who suffered from it share their stories.

Friday’s story will look at the services neighbouring communities, including Oxford, Haldimand, Norfolk and Waterloo, offer women with postpartum depression.

On Saturday, the series concludes with a focus on the new Parachute Program.

For full article…  No bundle of joy

 

Jane Flinders and Sarah Roarke from Kids Can Fly will be appearing on tonight’s Talk Local on Rogers TV. The show will air from 7:00 to 8:00pm on Rogers TV, cable channel 20 in Brant.  Sarah and Jane will be discussing Postpartum Depression and the revamped Parachute Program that will start tomorrow in Brantford.

The revamped Parachute Program will offer support to parents transitioning to parenthood.

http://www.kidscanfly.ca/the-parachute-club/

From our Board Chair, Patti Berardi (This is my opinion based on my experiences at the Brain Power Conference)

Last week, I had a chance to attend the Brain Power Conference in Toronto. It was presented by the Brain Power Initiative and featured a variety of presentations from neuroscientists, educators and parents.  I attended the conference with representatives from Kids Can Fly.

I first became involved with Kids Can Fly about 10 years ago when I took over the role as First Local Producer for Rogers TV in Brantford. Sharon Brooks, the Executive Director of Kids Can Fly approached me to cover stories surrounding early learning and development.  It was then that I learned about Brain Wiring and how a child’s early experiences affect their future success.  At the time, I was newly married and didn’t have children but I was incredibly intrigued about the research surrounding brain wiring and human development.  I became committed to advocating and educating the public about Kids Can Fly programs and early learning issues.  In 2005, I gave birth to my first son.  I felt so blessed to have had the chance to learn so much about parenting through my work with Sharon.  In 2007, I gave birth to my second son and signed up to be a parent for Roots of Empathy.  My son and I visited a grade 3 classroom throughout the school year. While I had covered Roots of Empathy, I didn’t really get a chance to fully understand the impact of the program until I participated.  It was an incredible experience and I treasure those memories.  After that experience, I committed to being a part of Kids Can Fly and joined the board in 2008. I believe in the work that we do and I’m fueled by the results we have achieved in Brant. 

Attending the conference last week was a chance for me to hear from researchers first-hand about brain development. My background is journalism and broadcasting and even though I have read countless articles in this area, I have no formal education in child development.  What I wasn’t expecting was to hear about the use of technology and particularly TV and videogames to help train a child’s brain.  I work in a technical world. I don’t take notes on paper anymore, I use a tablet.  My blackberry has become an extension of my hand. I’m always in front of a computer or TV for my work.  As a parent though, I have to admit that I fought allowing my kids to use a lot of technology.  Sure, they watched TV when they were little and we bought into the Baby Einstein thing (which proves now to be ineffective) but I just allowed them to start playing with the wii, a DS and now a tablet recently.  I do limit their time though.  I realized that part of a child’s social life is discussing things that they play with and most kids watch tv, have a DS and have been exposed to technology.  I also recognize the benefits of making learning fun! 

What researchers have found is that there is a place for videogames and technology in training a child’s brain. I’m not talking about Lego Batman or Halo, I’m talking about developmental appropriate TV programs and videogames that make learning fun!  I admit when it came up at the conference I had to stifle my “mom voice”.  I thought you have to be kidding me? Videogames to teach my kids? Come on? What am I being sold on?

After listening to speakers present their findings in this area, I realized that it makes sense. Kids enjoy playing with games and technology, why not build programming that is developmental appropriate because they’re going to play video games anyway?

Dr. Sylvain Moreno from Baycrest’s Rotman Institute has focused his research on bilingualism and musical training and how it affects the higher order processes in the brain such as language, memory and intelligence.  He has studied musical training and bilingualism as experiences that depend on brain plasticity to modify cognitive networks.  Brain Plasticity is the lifelong ability of the brain to reorganize neural pathways based on experiences.  Through the use of his “Smarter Kids” software, a group of pre-schoolers were able to show a boost in verbal IQ scores after only using a computer based music program featuring cartoon characters and games for 20 days of classroom instruction.  The children scored some five times higher than kids who did not receive a program based on musical concepts.

A teacher at the conference also presented on the benefits of using computers and I-Pads in Grade 3 classrooms in a Toronto Private School.  Children in the classes used the Sims Videogame to build cities and the teachers were able to relate the video game to civic lessons.  The groups of students collaborated and worked on building these communities.  They had to work as a group, discuss what the best things were to give people living in these “communities” and delved into issues such as taxes, city services and much more.  These students also use web blogs to write and other students can provide feedback and evaluation.  More examples of how technology can be beneficial if used in the right way.

After listening to the presentations, I started to realize that we can no longer look at teaching our children the same traditional way.  Technology is here and if we can use it to their benefit and ensure that they have age appropriate programs to work with we can actually improve their success in learning.

Still, my mom voice resonates! Children under the age of 2 should not be exposed to a lot of TV and certainly not video games.  After that age, the use of age appropriate programming can be beneficial but nothing will be more beneficial than spending time with your children. When you hold a child on your lap and read a book to them so much is happening in their development.  You’re creating experiences of bonding, early learning and family closeness.  Children need that touch and human contact. Placing a child in front of an I-Pad, TV or computer doesn’t give them that chance to bond with you.

Talking to your children, playing with them and spending time with them also builds good brains!  There is no doubt that technology will play a role in your child’s life, but parents should be cautious that it doesn’t over-take an opportunity to spend time together.

For more information on the research of Dr. Sylvain Moreno and Smarter Kids Software visit http://www.baycrest.org/

Members from Kids Can Fly attended the Brain Power Conference held in Toronto May 3 and 4 at the Royal Conservatory of Music.  The conference featured workshops, keynote presentations and demonstrations from teachers and neuroscientists.

The conference was presented by The Brain Power Initiative, a network of parents, scientists and educators exploring how their knowledge of the brain will inform education and childhood development.  Research presented showed that science is transforming childhood development.  The field of neuroscience is showing that it is now possible to train a child’s brain and help to prepare them for lifelong learning. 

 Dr. Sylvain Moreno of Baycrest’s Rotman Research Institute in Toronto kicked off the conference.  Moreno is a leading Canadian Scientist working in neuro-education, and has researched that training children in one area can affect unrelated higher order processes like language, memory and intelligence.  He talked about strengthening the brain’s “executive function” this is the part of the brain which helps us manage cognitive processes such as working memory, attention, verbal reasoning and multi-tasking. 

Moreno began his presentation by having the audience stand up.  He played “The Eye of the Tiger” and told everyone to sing and dance to it.  The crowd wasn’t sure what to think of this neuroscientist displaying his Rocky moves on stage, but Moreno was making a point that musical training works. When children sing it has a positive affect on the brain because it’s more than just listening.  Learning an instrument also has a direct impact on memory, attention and intelligence.

During Moreno’s research he used a fun computer based music program featuring cartoons and games. After only 20 days of classroom instruction pre-schoolers were able to boost their verbal IQ scores some five times more than kids who received a program not based on musical concepts.

I have attached the following article for more information on “Training the Brain”. It’s fascinating the new research we are hearing about and there are a lot of useful tips in this following article.

http://www.torontosun.com/2012/05/03/train-the-brain

“Is there an early learning professional who has made an impact in the life of you or your child? Kids Can Fly honours our local ECE’s and support staff each fall with an Awards Banquet and nominations are now open for this year.   This will be our 10^th year hosting this event which raises awareness of the importance of the early childhood education profession. Thanks to many generous sponsors we are able to provide a celebratory event with various awards, 20 and 30 year service pins and an evening of social networking.  Please consider recognizing and honouring individuals in our community who are making this a better place for children.”

To download the Nomination Package click here ECE Award Nomination Package 2012 doc

The working group established itself after hearing that there were women suffering from PPD in Brant that were having a hard time getting the help that they need. One woman named Mary-Ann describes her birthing experience as a relatively easy birth but then says she started to experience anxiety after her daughter was born. She didn’t recognize it as PPD and thought it was normal to have concerns about the health and well-being of her baby.

“I think when I found it difficult to leave the house or leave her with other care providers, and began to obsess about her general health I knew that I was no longer functioning in a manner that I considered healthy. “, she adds “I really wasn’t enjoying the experience of mothering, so much as I was overcome with ruminations about potential threats to her safety. When my thoughts were consumed by these thoughts and interfered with my independence and happiness, I knew that it wasn’t Baby Blues.”

Many women will experience Postpartum Baby Blues the first few hours or days after giving birth to their child.  This condition only lasts a few days and is characterized by fluctuations in mood, irritability, anxiety, sleep and appetite disturbances and usually goes away relatively quickly.

It is possible for women truly suffering from Postpartum Depression to go undiagnosed. The difference between the baby blues and PPD is persistent feelings of sadness, inability to feel pleasure, sleep disturbance, fatigue, weight and appetite changes, decreased concentration, excessive feelings of worthlessness or guilt, recurrent thoughts of death or suicide and can include thoughts of infanticide.  The onset of these symptoms usually occurs 4 weeks postpartum up to a year.

Once Mary-Ann reached out for help, she had a hard time find services to meet her needs “I didn’t manage my symptoms very well.  In fact, I was in hell.  I was very suggestible and all of this happened over the H1N1 scare.  All I could see were images of people wearing masks on TV and I became fearful that my baby or other children would contract this flu and succumb.  I became petrified, consumed with fear to the point of paralysis.” From the safety of her home she made calls desperate to find assistance.  There wasn’t one agency or service dedicated to or focused on supporting a woman with Postpartum Depression.  What she really needed was help at home, one on one support and a chat with someone who cared.  “My husband wanted to help, but living with a newborn and someone experiencing that level of anxiety can be overwhelming. Knowing how to cope, help or show you care is difficult.  In truth, I persevered.” says Mary-Ann.

PPD remains largely undetected and many women suffer in silence mostly due to the stigma of the condition.  They are fearful to share their feelings for the fear of being labeled an unfit mother or they feel that they’ll be judged.  The barriers to recognizing PPD include the belief that struggles are a normal part of motherhood and some women may not recognize they need help.

There are signs that family members, healthcare workers and early childhood educators can look for in a mother.  Some examples are that the mother appears despondent, irritable, tearful and withdrawn. Another indicator can be that the mother appears uninterested or not engaged with their baby.  It’s time to seek help when the mother has these experiences.

If a woman or her family feels that she has PPD she should contact her healthcare provider.  Mary-Ann has advice for the family of a woman with PPD, “Family members have to acknowledge there is a problem. Enabling someone who is ill is different from offering help. Don’t hesitate to call a professional, a warm line, or other toll free number.  Get information and educate yourself.  Stay positive and supportive and realize that it is nothing you have done. “

It’s important for women to get help when they have PPD.  Postpartum depression can weaken the developing bonds between a mother and her child making a toddler more passive, insecure and socially inhibited.

The Parachute Program – Transitioning to Parenthood  will start on Wednesday, May 16 and will continue every Wednesday afternoon from 1:30 to 3:00pm at St. Andrew’s Community Centre on 95 Darling Street in Brantford.  For more information contact Jane Flinders at 519-755-9482 or visit http://www.kidscanfly.ca/the-parachute-club/

A woman should contact her healthcare provider if she has the symptoms of PPD. Other resources include the Mental Health Emergency Crisis Line 519-752-2273, St. Leonard’s Community Services 519-759-7188, Telehealth Ontario 1-866-979-0000, Canadian Mental Health Association 519-752-2998, Family Counselling Centre of Brant 519-753-4173, Ontario Early Years Centre 519-759-3833.

The Postpartum Depression working group is continuing to bring more services to Brant to assist women with Postpartum Depression.  There are plans to offer mother-to-mother support through email and phone calls, support groups and the continuation of Public Education on Postpartum Depression.  The group is also raising awareness of family physicians on where to refer women and packages are being distributed to all local doctor’s offices.

Mary-Ann adds, “I would tell women to be good to themselves  and patient during the recovery process.  Every journey begins with a first step.  Take that step and soon you will find that you are not walking alone. “

Most parents can probably relate to this one!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=1ycoXiEDBZk#!

This time around, I have been very fortunate to try out some of the many new products and baby classes available. Next to baby yoga, my favourite “new” experience has to be baby sign language. Baby sign language has become increasingly popular over the last few years, probably the result of that memorable scene in “Meet the Fockers” when Robert DeNiro taught his grandson to sign “poop”. Teaching infants and young children to sign has actually been around for decades, with a fair amount of research to support its advantages.

Preverbal babies begin to gesture well before they can speak. Talking and forming words using gestures is far less complicated than speech, which involves precise breathing, lip and tongue movements that are much more difficult to mimic since so much occurs inside the mouth and not visible like hand signs. 

Baby Number Three has been reaching her arms out to be picked up since she was about six months old. The idea behind baby sign language is to build on this ability to gesture. By teaching your child specific signs, they can express their needs earlier than they could otherwise and frustration and tantrums can be avoided or diminished. Joseph Garcia, an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, conducted research which showed that babies who are exposed to signs “regularly and consistently” at six to seven months of age can begin to use the signs effectively by their eighth or ninth month.

It is also well documented that from age 1 to 3, neural pathways thrive. The more pathways that are made, the more possibilities exist. After the age of 3, neural connections are condensed so only those that are well used remain. The window of opportunity to affect your child’s brain development is incredibly short! With two children in French Immersion, we saw baby sign language as a natural extension of the immersion theory. Expose young children to a second (or third!) language early on, and they will become better learners across the board.

We decided to take a course in baby sign language offered through “My Smart Hands”, a Canadian-based small business started by Laura Berg, a trained American Sign Language interpreter and teacher. My Smart Hands has instructors and classes around the world, as well as digital resources and iPhone apps that can greatly assist you in learning baby sign language. Our instructor, Karen Hewko taught us the basic signs for everyday life: from mealtime to playtime to bedtime and it’s remarkable how quickly Baby Number Three has picked this up. She now has a vocabulary of about 12-15 signs and at 18 months is now starting to put two signs together (i.e. “more” “apple”)

Not everyone will understand the idea behind infant sign language. Like most things in parenting, there will be people who want to give you advice or feel compelled to tell you that you’re doing the wrong thing. I have often been asked “Why don’t you want her to speak?” But infant signing will not hinder your child from speaking. At the very least, incorporating some basic sign language into your day aids bonding because of the need to make more eye-to-eye and tactile contact with your child.

And, like reading to your child, communication is at the heart of child development. Infant sign language is one more way you can connect with your little one and set them on a path for success.

Even if you aren’t interested in the science behind infant signing, the bottom line is that it’s just plain fun! Baby Number Three loves learning new signs, singing songs that incorporate them and our family loves doing it too.

Tips on teaching baby sign language

• It’s never too early or too late to start.
• Concentrate on just a couple of signs in the beginning. Use eye contact and say the word out loud. Good first signs are food related, such as “milk”, “eat” or “more”.
• Be consistent! Do the signs consistently on a regular basis. Try to include other caregivers.
• When you notice your child mimicking signs, praise them! And then start adding in new signs.
• Don’t get discouraged. It may take a while before your child is signing back, especially if they are young when you start.

There are many books and DVDs available that give more information and demonstrate the signs, as well as local baby signing groups in many areas. A good place to start is www.mysmarthands.ca and www.babysigningtime.com

Submitted by Jennifer from the Kids Can Fly Board of Directors