December 19, 2012: Open House in Manasquan

Our next meeting will be on Weds. December 19, 2012. Our topic is open--bring your questions, your concerns...Or your experiences to share. Baby Carriers will be available to try on and Dar a Luz members can borrow them. As always, our meetings are FREE and all women, babies and children are welcome. Our Dar a Luz Leadership has a wealth of knowledge to share: Beth Salerno is a Postpartum Doula and Breastfeeding Counselor, Alice Barlow is a home schooling mother with a strong holistic health background, and Kim Metcalfe is a Certified Massage Therapist, Herbalist, and a mother who birthed unassisted. **Belmar Library's Community Room was damaged in the Hurricane. Natural Beginnings is hosting us. They have a beautiful, child/baby-friendly space. 75 Main Street, Manasquan NJ 08736** Weds. Dec. 19, 2012 6:30-8:30pm Natural Beginnings 75 Main Street Manasquan, NJ 08736 Hope to see you there!

Nov. 21 Mtg CHANGE!!!

Due to Hurricane Sandy aftermath, we will be meeting at Natural Beginnings in Manasquan for our Nov. 21, 2012 meeting. We'll be learning about BABYWEARING and our new Boba Carrier, Boba Wrap & K'Tan will be available for Dar a Luz Members to borrow for one month at a time! Weds. Nov. 21, 2012 6:30-8:30pm Natural Beginnings 75 Main Street, Manasquan NJ 08736 Thanks Sarah Lane and Samantha Moody! As always, our meetings are free and all women, babies and children are welcome!

Babywearing, Nov. 21, 2012

Our next meeting will be on Babywearing. Boba has generously donated a Boba Carrier and a Boba Wrap to our Lending Library. K'tan is also donating a carrier. I'm in the process of getting in touch with other companies who might also contribute wraps and carriers for our members to borrow. (Dar a Luz Membership is just $25 a year--includes access to our Lending Library http://www.jerseyshoredaraluz.blogspot.com/p/lending-library.html ) Bring your slings, wraps, carriers and learn how to use them. (Or, if you are done with them, consider donating to our Lending Library and get a receipt for your tax-deductible contribution.) Babywearing has many benefits: *Less Fussing! Babies worn for 3 hours a day fuss 43% less overall & 54% less at night. *Smarter Baby: Studies indicate that babies who are worn spend more time in "quiet alert state" and have improved visual and auditory alertness compared to babies who spend more time on the floor or in a crib. *Better Bond *More convenient for parents! Two free hands, the ability to navigate steps, prepare food, shop, take a train, sand, etc. Beth Salerno (Dar a Luz Network Leader) is a Certified Postpartum Doula who began wearing her first child in 2001. In addition to wearing her own 3 children, she has worn nearly all her clients' babies and toddlers, including many twins simultaneously. She'll be demonstrating how to use the sling, wrap, structured carriers. www.doula-care.com As always, our meetings are FREE and all women, babies and children are welcome. Dads and partners are welcome at this meeting too! Babywearing is a phenomenal tool for dads, partners and care providers. Weds. Nov. 21, 2012 6:30-8:30pm Natural Beginnings in Manasquan!

Massage, with Kim Metcalfe 10/17

Come learn about Massaging your Infant, Toddler or Child. Kim Metcalfe is a Certified Massage Therapist and Instructor. She'll take you through the basics of what you need and how to massage your child to get the maximum benefits for both of you. Benefits of Massage include: *Better Bond/Attachment *Better Sleep *Boosts Immune System *Helps Digestion And much more.... Kim is also a mother and Herbalist. She generously shares her expertise and phenomenal taste in Vegan food with Dar a Luz Network. As always, our meetings are FREE and all women, babies and children are welcome. Weds. Oct. 17, 2012 6:30-8:30pm Belmar Library 517 Tenth Ave. Belmar, NJ 07719 Questions? Email us at: JerseyShore@Daraluznetwork.com or call Beth directly at: 908.492-4987

Hooping & Belly Dancing with Eryka! 9/19/12

Explore two fun fitness options: Belly Dancing and Hula Hooping with our favorite teacher, Eryka Andrex! Hula Hooping will be outside, starting at 6:30. Eryka makes her own weighted hoops of various sizes, and they are so much easier than the plastic toys of childhood. They will work your core, tone your abs/hips/torso--perfect for mamas! ;) **Please note, hooping is not recommended during pregnancy! Pregnant mamas are welcome to observe, but encouraged to come inside for Belly Dancing! (Eryka will bring hoops to use. She also has hoops available for purchase, starting at $10.) ****************************************************************************** Around 7:15pm, we will head inside for BELLY DANCING with Eryka! Belly Dancing is gentle enough for all stages of pregnancy/motherhood. Eryka makes it easy and fun for women at every stage of fitness/pregnancy. Increase your stamina and core strength. Belly Dancing can help pregnant mamas get their babies in ideal positioning for birth, increase flexibility in your hips, and relieve lower back pain and tension. As always, our meetings are FREE and all women, babies and children are welcome! Hope to see you there! (Pass it on. :) Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012 6:30-8:30pm (Hooping 6:30-7:15, Belly Dancing 7:30-8:30) Belmar Library 517 Tenth Ave. Belmar, NJ 07719 Eryka Andrex is a Professional Belly Dancer and Instructor and a mother of three. She also teaches Hooping Fitness classes and offers Henna services. Please check out her website for more information: http://eryka.me

September 3, 2012 - National Rally for Change! Join us at CentraState Hospital in Freehold from 10am-12pm.

New Jersey's Rally for Improving Maternity Care...

August 15, 2012: Open Topic

Our next meeting is Wednesday, August 15, 2012. We'll be having an Open Topic. All are welcome: *Come, meet other mamas *Ask questions (pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, parenting, etc.) *Share your concerns *Browse our Lending Library *Enjoy a snack in friendly, air conditioned atmosphere As always, all babies and children are welcome! Belmar Library 517 Tenth Ave. Belmar, NJ 07719 Weds. 8/15/12, 6:30-8:30pm Hope to see you there! To contact us, email: JerseyShore@Daraluznetwork.com or call Beth at 908.492-4987