Success Through Play™ Magazine: August 2009

Monday

Audio 630M headset by Plantronics

Using your PC to communicate has become the norm, as Skype and other internet telephony systems have not only taken over home use but also the office. In order to make the most of these outstanding services, one does need a quality headset for optimal sound quality and the fully digital Audio 630M headset from Plantronics is one such headset. Rather than relying on the typically low quality audio of a motherboard or sound card, the Audio 630M puts high quality audio out near the headset itself by used digital audio over the USB bus. This significantly cuts down on the interference and noise associated with a long cable carrying analog signals. USB digital sound quality is so clear you will swear the other person is sitting right next to you, even if they are 1/2 way around the world. A noise canceling microphone is a must for any headset, and the Audio 630M works well at removing a noisy background making you sound even more professional. For comfort, over-the-head designs with soft swivel-mounted ear cushions are great. We really liked the inline fingertip controls for volume and mute, so you are not fumbling with your computers software trying to hit the mute while the kids screaming as they run through your home office. Placing the microphone in the proper position is one of the most important, and often difficult tasks, but the Audio 630M makes it easy with their QuickAdjust boom. Whether you are using Skype to talk to the family or Microsoft Office Communicator for a business conference, the Audio 630M is a great, lightweight headset that will make the sound come alive. For the linux buff, the Audio 630M headset is also supported by favorite versions such as Ubuntu. Find out where to purchase here.

To view the full line of Plantronics products, please visit www.Plantronics.com

Saturday

Mother of 7 Stephanie Scholz Neurohr Part I

National Breastfeeding Awareness Month is organized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and hopes to empower women to commit to breastfeeding by highlighting new research that shows babies who are exclusively breastfed for six months are less likely to develop ear infections, diarrhea and respiratory illnesses, and may be less likely to develop childhood obesity.

We are honored to highlight Stephanie Scholz Neurohr this month, in recognition of her tremendous efforts to promote breastfeeding.

Success Through Play™ is proud to bring you this interview with a multi-talented, inspirational Mother of 7, Stephanie Scholz Neurohr.

Stephanie Scholz Neurohr is a traditional mother of seven who does it all. She is a former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, author and the founder & CEO of Mother of 7, Inc. – a motherhood company specializing in products for the expectant, new mother, and family. Stephanie is a recognized leader in motherhood development and is known world-wide for her outstanding contributions in educating new and expecting mothers. Neurohr grew up in Lubbock, Texas, where she graduated from high school early, and with honors, to go on to earn her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film at Southern Methodist University. In 1979, Stephanie Scholz Neurohr was one of eleven rookies chosen from over 2,500 women to join the renowned Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders cheerleading squad. She was also elected to represent the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders for three years as a famed “Show Group” member who made hundreds of personal appearances entertaining U.S.O. troops, State Fair fans, and Charity Telethon audiences nationwide.

Neurohr authored Deep in the Heart of Texas: The Real Story of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders; St. Martin’s Press.

Stephanie has made many national TV appearances including:

* Larry King Live
* Good Morning America
* CBS This Morning
* NFL Today
* Inside Edition
* Jenny Jones
* Joan Rivers
* Maurey Povich
* Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Part II
* Family Feud
* Bob Hope’s Tribute to Roger Staubach

Among her myriad producing credits, her documentary Autumn’s Story was featured on Discovery Health Network and she recently launched the Mother of 7 global birth and breastfeeding video series.

Mother of 7 Projects

Neurohr has written, directed, and produced Mother of 7 global birth and breastfeeding videos – Breastfeeding Basics (20 min.), Breastfeeding Intensive (45 min.), Breastfeeding Comprehensive (130 min.), Breastfeeding FAQs: Ask the Experts (45 minutes) and Autumn’s Story (45 min.). All DVDs/VHSs are available worldwide, May 2006, featuring representatives from the U.S. Government, UNICEF, World Health Organization, African-American Breastfeeding Alliance, Pediatricians Dr. William Sears, Dr. Jay Gordon, Dr. Paul Fleiss, La Leche League Founders Marion Tompson and Edwina Froehlich and other leading motherhood world authorities as well as mothers, babies, and families from over 63 countries. These state of the art videos will be distributed internationally through www.Motherof7.com website, retail stores, hospitals, health care professionals and other educational venues.

* Mother of 7 Birth and Breastfeeding Videos featured in Jan. 2007 Pregnancy magazine and Jan. 2007 Pregnancy magazine “Favorite Buyers Guide.”

* World WIT and Business Women’s Network 2006 Diversity and Women’s Leadership Summit and Gala “Entrepreneurial Star Award” honoring the Mother of 7 Videos in Washington, D.C. October 25-26, 2006

* Baby Dallas Article – “The Glory of Breastfeeding”

* Dallas Morning News Article – “Breastfeeding Advocate’s Hail Dallas Mom’s Video Series”

* Maui News Article – “A Mother’s Passion”

* ABC News Now – Live TV Interview followed 20/20

* Channel 11 Kids Corner Live TV Interview

* World Breastfeeding Week 2006 Platinum Sponsor

Autumn’s Story, a 45 min. documentary for Discovery Health Channel, was Neurohr’s highly-acclaimed television show, which she wrote, directed, and produced. Discovery says, “Autumn’s Story continuously receives top ratings – a DHC favorite. ”

Stephanie makes it clear that her family comes first. Stephanie works out of her home, adapting to her childrens’ schedules, to bring creative endeavors to life, which mirror her philosophy, “a child’s well-being begins at home.” Tom Bywaters, an Emmy award winning producer and director, describes Stephanie Neurohr as “a motherhood industry!”

Stephanie is also currently designing a line of maternity/nursing wear, mother/baby baskets, and producing a lullaby album for mother and child. A series of Family Fairytale Animated TV Shows and Books are in development.

See www.breastfeedingdvd.com for more information.

What was the inspiration behind the development of your series of instructional breastfeeding DVD's?

There are no up-to-date, cutting edge Birth, Baby, and Breastfeeding DVDs currently on the market featuring world experts and experienced moms from all over the globe, so I knew my knowledge as a mother of 7 exclusively breastfed children, author, and filmmaker would be the perfect combination to show and tell every expectant and new mother the way. When you please world authorities, educators, and mothers from various ethnicities, backgrounds, and cultures, you’ve done your homework as a documentary filmmaker. Touching and educating lives all over our planet has been very gratifying. These were the tools I needed to show me the way. I also needed review courses before every baby, or babies! DVDs are the next best resource to someone actually showing you how they are breastfeeding their baby!

Can you offer our international readers 5 breastfeeding tips that you have discovered along the way, that you wish someone had told you in the beginning?

1. Breastfeed Your Baby During the First Hour of Life

If you have a vaginal birth or c-section and both you and the baby are healthy, don’t miss the magical first hour to start breastfeeding. Talk with your health care provider team both before and immediately after delivery to remind them of your desire to breastfeed as soon after birth as possible. The hour goes very quickly. Voice your request and seize this special opportunity.

2. Breastfeed Exclusively and Frequently with Let Down and Proper Technique

Before delivery, learn about proper technique, maximizing your milk supply by breastfeeding every two hours during the day and at least twice during the night, and allowing time for let down during each feed. Breastfeed exclusively for the first six months and continue to breastfeed as long as possible (Benefits of breastfeeding are dose related

– the longer you breastfeed – the greater the benefits!) and mutually desired by both you and your child.

3. Room-In

If possible, deliver at a Baby Friendly Hospital, where you can have your baby with you at all times for “on-demand” feedings to prevent jaundice, engorgement, plugged ducts, and mastitis—all of which can be overcome with continued, frequent breastfeeding. If you develop any of these problems, don’t stop breastfeeding; the solution is to continue nursing and/or pumping.

4. Avoid Sleep Deprivation

Room-in with your baby so you can breastfeed on-demand and sleep when baby sleeps. Night nursing is an ideal way for both mother and baby to get more sleep, because mother stays in constant touch with baby’s needs as they cuddle and nap together, all part of attachment parenting.

5. Let Someone Else Be Super Mom

Cook and freeze meals before delivery. They will come in very handy. Have friends and family cook, clean, and deliver meals to reduce stress. Everyone is anxious to help, so don’t be shy about delegating tasks. Don’t feel you have to entertain anybody either. Excuse yourself when well-wishers stay too long. They go home to a good night’s sleep; you don’t. Dismiss yourself with the baby into a quiet room with white noise (fans are great) or soothing music to drown out all extraneous noise. Silence the phone and let the answering machine do its job. Stay away from anything that will drain your energy and take time away from taking care of yourself and the baby. Let-down takes time to learn and is difficult even for experienced moms who find themselves multi-tasking and feeling tense. The post-partum period is the perfect time to be totally selfish. Everyone will understand, and if they don’t, they’ll get over it.

6. Eat Well and Enjoy Your Body (Bonus!)

Eat nutritional foods as often as you feel the need for extra energy. Small meals several times a day usually help keep your milk supply up and let down possible. If your milk isn’t letting down, take a break, eat a nutritious snack, and drink a tall glass of liquid. Try again to breastfeed an hour later. It usually does the trick. Avoid empty calories like sweets, caffeine, and alcohol, and certain foods like dairy products and spicy foods.

Success Through Play™ Comments:

Thank you Stephanie for sharing these tips with us! To learn more about the DVD collection that Mother of 7 Inc , offers and enter the DVD giveaway, please refer to Part II.

Mother of 7 DVD Collection Part II

Mother of 7, Inc. offers a extension collection of powerful and life changing DVD's that are truly empowering and we encourage you to visit their website to learn more:

www.breastfeedingdvd.com

BREASTFEEDING COMPREHENSIVE

2006

ISBN: 0976643073; 9780976643074

Author: Stephanie, Director; Hunt Neurohr MD, Exec. Producer; Miriam Labbok, MD, Expert

BRIEF ANNOTATION:

A vast panel of world breastfeeding authorities present comprehensive, up-to-date health information and expert instruction. Mothers from all over the world share rarely-captured mother-to-mother insights and tips.

DESCRIPTION:

This award-winning DVD takes the audience on an emotional and empowering journey from birth to breastfeeding and beyond—featuring exclusive interviews and instruction from global breastfeeding authorities, including World Health Organization, UNICEF, African-American Breastfeeding Alliance, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, renowned pediatricians, neonatologists, lactation consultants, midwives, breastfeeding educators, authors, and research
scientists.

Experts provide Cutting-Edge Instructional Techniques on How To Breastfeed, Solutions to Common Problems, and In-Depth, Comprehensive Information on topics such as Health Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mother And Baby, Updated Breast Anatomy and Milk Production, Breastfeeding and Returning to Work, Extended Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding Preemies, Multiples, and Special Needs Infants, Breastfeeding after Surgery, Nutrition, Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, Challenges in the 21st Century, and Many More Topics. Experienced racially-diverse mothers and fathers from around the globe share essential insights. High-definition footage, easy to navigate chapters, cutting-edge medical animation, and a Grammy-award winning musical underscore take breastfeeding education to its highest level.

Breastfeeding Comprehensive, produced by Mother of 7, Inc., meets the WHO Code.

BREASTFEEDING INTENSIVE

2006

ISBN 0976643022; 9780976643029

Authors: Stephanie Scholz Neurohr, Director, Hunt Neurohr MD, Exec. Producer, Chele Marmet MA IBCLC, expert

BRIEF ANNOTATION

Renowned lactation consultants and pediatricians present cutting-edge health information and expert instruction on how to breastfeed. Mothers from all over the world share rarely-captured mother-to-mother insights and tips.

DESCRIPTION:

In this award-winning series DVD, expert pediatricians, lactation consultants, midwives, and breastfeeding educators present cutting-edge information and instructional techniques that empower the expectant and new mother to breastfeed successfully. Experts extensively cover the Health Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mother and Baby, Preparation before Delivery, Getting off to the Right Start, Correct Positioning, Proper Latch-on, Suckling Reflex, Let-Down, How the Breast Makes Milk, Colostrum to Mature Milk, Fore Milk and Hind Milk, How often to Breastfeed, Signs Baby’s Getting Enough Milk, Finding Help and Support Groups, and More. Experienced racially-diverse mothers from all over the world share rarely captured mother-to-mother advice, insights, and tips. High-definition footage, easy to navigate chapters, cutting-edge medical animation, and a Grammy-award winning musical underscore take breastfeeding education to its highest level.Breastfeeding Intensive, produced by Mother of 7, Inc., meets the WHO Code. Breastfeeding Intensive is a 45-minute excerpt of Breastfeeding Comprehensive.

BREASTFEEDING BASICS

2006

ISBN: 0976643014; 9780976643012

Stephanie, Hunt, and William Sears MD (Expert)

SHORT ANNOTATION:

Experts present the latest instructional techniques on how to breastfeed. Mothers from all over the world share rarely-captured mother-to-mother insights and tips.

DESCRIPTION:

In this award-winning series DVD, renowned breastfeeding experts and educators present cutting-edge information and instructional techniques that empower the expectant and new mother to breastfeed successfully, covering Getting Off to the Right Start, Proper Positioning and Latch-on, Sucking Reflex, Let-down, and More. Experienced racially-diverse mothers from around the world share rarely-captured mother-to-mother advice, insights, and tips. High-definition footage, easy to navigate chapters, cutting-edge medical animation, and a Grammy-award winning musical underscore take breastfeeding education to its highest level.

Breastfeeding Basics, produced by Mother of 7, Inc., meets the WHO Code. Breastfeeding Basics is a 20-minute excerpt of Breastfeeding Comprehensive

BREASTFEEDING FAQS: ASK THE EXPERTS

2007

Author: Mother of 7, Inc. (Producer), SSN (Director) Hunt Neurohr (Exec. Producer).

ISBN: 0976643057; 9780976643050

SHORT ANNOTATION

A fun, fast-paced, fact-filled interactive group discussion of Frequently Asked Questions & Answers about breastfeeding with experts & educator-mothers. Covers Benefits of Breastfeeding, Strategies for Success, Problems and Solutions, Breastfeeding and Returning to Work, and Legal Rights.

DESCRIPTION:

This award-winning series DVD presents rarely-captured mother-to-mother advice in a fun, fast-paced, and fact-filled interactive group discussion with expert and educator mothers answering Frequently Asked Questions about breastfeeding. Invaluable information on breastfeeding from a variety of expert/experienced mother perspectives is presented, covering everything from the Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mother and Baby, Preparation, Getting Started, Strategies for Success, Problems and Solutions, Breastfeeding and Returning to Work, How to be Your Own Advocate, Legal Rights to Breastfeed in Public, and Much More. Breastfeeding FAQs: Ask the Experts is the perfect complementary video resource to the instructional DVDs in the award-winning Mother of 7 Birth and Breastfeeding Series: Breastfeeding Basics, Breastfeeding Intensive, and Breastfeeding Comprehensive.

Breastfeeding FAQs: Ask the Experts, produced by Mother of 7, Inc., meets the WHO Code.

AUTUMN’S STORY

2002

ISBN: 0976643006; 9780976643005

SHORT ANNOTATION

Highly acclaimed Discover Health Channel film documents a mother and baby's struggle to survive in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Includes coverage of post-traumatic stress, postpartum depression, the healing power of breastfeeding, and more.

DESCRIPTION:

Autumn's Story: A Struggle for Life... A Story of Love ... This Highly acclaimed Discovery Health Channel Documentary has powerfully changed NICU policies all over the world. Both gripping and inspirational, this real time film documents a baby's and mother's struggle for survival in the NICU. Ultimately, medical expertise, breastfeeding and prayer carry both mother and baby through the trauma, intact, but not without deep scars that will last a lifetime. Post-partum depression, post-traumatic stress syndrome, the critical need for mother's milk, medical teamwork, and NICU challenges are thoroughly covered in this Discovery Health Channel favorite. Autumn’s Story is a compelling and heart-rending film about Neurohr’s seventh baby, Autumn, who lost her twin in-utero and entered the world with life threatening birth defects, tracheo-esophageal fistula and esophageal atresia. Autumn’s trachea and esophagus were abnormally formed and joined together. Less than one day old, Autumn underwent surgery to correct her esophagus and trachea, but a paralyzed left vocal cord further complicated her condition and jeopardized her life.

Stephanie documented the pregnancy, birth, NICU experience, and first two years of Autumn’s fragile life in notes, photographs, and video footage. Autumn’s Story aired again on Mother’s Day, 2003, primetime. Autumn, now seven, is healthy, happy, and thriving. Please see www.autumnsstory.com for more information.

PURCHASING DETAILS:

The DVD's can be viewed on international DVD players and are available to be shipped worldwide.

Visit: www.breastfeedingdvd.com to purchase.

Success Through Play™ Comments:

We thank Mother of 7, Inc. for sending us 5 DVD's for this feature and praise the unbeatable, professional and timely customer service that we have received. Mother of 7, Inc produces an extensive collection of DVD's which are of superb quality and will serve as essential reference guides which you will refer to time and time again. It comes as no surprise to learn that the Mother of 7 DVD Collection is award winning! The DVD's are of exceptionally high quality and are truly enjoyable and exciting to watch.

While there are many helpful Breastfeeding books on the international market, learning through watching a DVD is far easier and can be down in less time! The key to successful breastfeeding lies in being taught the correct techniques so that you can reduce the chances of problems developing. In this series of DVD's you will develop insight into what these techniques are and be able to follow along with the instructions provided.

We showed the breastfeeding collection of DVD's to a panel of moms, with experiences of breastfeeding ranging from a first time pregnant moms to be, all the way through to experienced breastfeeding moms. An experienced mom commented "I thought that I knew everything that there was to know breastfeeding, but boy was I wrong. These DVD's are nothing short of exceptional".

Breastfeeding Comprehensive:

If you are unable to attend a breastfeeding workshop, order this comprehensive DVD which teach you EVERYTHING that you need to know about breastfeeding in the comfort of your own home. You will be amazed at how much you have learned by the end of the DVD. The advantage of buying this one of a kind comprehensive DVD, is that you will have a outstanding resource guide which you can and will refer to throughout your breastfeeding journey. You will be able to access expert advice and instruction at the touch of a button and have an excellent visual aid to guide you! Highlights include learning how to successfully nurse singles, twins, preemies and even special needs infants. You will learn how to effectively use a breast pump, how to return to work and continue to breastfeeding. The topic of nursing an adopted baby is addressed, nursing after breast surgery and even how to practice extended breastfeeding. Many, many more topics are addressed. An outstanding buy!

Breastfeeding Intensive:

Experts will guide you and teach you essential breastfeeding skills which will ensure that you are taught the correct techniques and given the correct instruction to breastfeed your baby. You will learn vital information that will help you understand the science behind breastfeeding and equip you with skills that will help you to breastfeed successfully. Dr Sears and Jay Gordan, well known and deeply respected pediatricians, plus many other renowned health professionals and educators make an appearance and offers expert insights and advice about breastfeeding that you will only learn here! We really appreciated seeing a first time mom who had just given birth and was receiving actual instruction from a lactation consultant being featured. This DVD features families that represent 7 continents and is culturally sound. Breastfeeding Intensive, is a 45-minute excerpt of Breastfeeding Comprehensive.

Breastfeeding Basics:

This 20 min DVD will teach you the correct breastfeeding techniques that you need to learn to get started. Lactation consultants and experienced moms will reveal tips which will help you get breastfeeding off to a great start. Familiar pediatricians including Dr Sears and Dr Jay Gordan make an appearance. 20-minute excerpt of Breastfeeding Comprehensive

Breastfeeding FAQ's:

This DVD features a variety of breastfeeding experts including Dr Maria Blois, who we recently interviewed, who share their expertise and answer common questions about breastfeeding. Many common questions are addressed including: How to avoid breastfeeding problems, is my baby getting enough milk, how often does baby need to eat and many many more questions! The DVD is informative, positive, encouraging and will motivate you to contine to breastfeeding and offer you tips and tools to overcome many common issues. This DVD is a p perfect compliment to the instructional breastfeeding DVD's listed above.

Overall, an outstanding collection of DVD's which will empower you and provide you with the tools necessary to breastfeed your baby with success. It is clear that Mother of 7, Inc has gone to great lengths to produce this series and have spared no expensive with the professional quality 3D animation, music and top notch visuals and audio. We have not seen a series of breastfeeding DVD's that comes close to matching the quality of the Mother of 7 Inc, DVD's.

Autumn's Story

Autumn's story is a "must see" documentary that will surely change your life and deepen your understanding of the human spirit. Stephanie must be commended for sharing her personal account of delivering a special needs baby and her commitment to breastfeeding Autumn is nothing short of extraordinary. Her conviction, courage and bravery is a true inspiration.

To learn more please visit www.breastfeedingdvd.com

Wednesday

Boob Design Giveaway for Breastfeeding Awareness Month 2009

Saturday

Giveaway pure t - eco-friendly maternity apparel born in the USA

Pure t was founded by Jenn and Ian a dynamic duo who are based in NYC. They were inspired to start designing maternity apparel when their newly pregnant friends complained to them about the lack of "fun and fresh" maternity apparel on the market. Pure t specializes in luxurious for comfort and form with a focus on meaningful graphics.

Eco-minded
Pure t practices what is preaches and all their apparel are made ethically in the USA. Their tees are knit with eco-friendly materials including modal and organic cotton. Taking it a step further, pure t uses vegetable water soluble dyes and screen printing all which are certified eco-friendly. For that special touch, all pure t apparel proudly display the brand's signature trademark a beautiful lotus bloom which signifies prosperity, feminine beauty and birth in ancient traditions.

Tees which grow with you
pure t tees are created with an extra soft eco-friendly combination of natural fibers. They feel magnificent against your skin. Pure t tees "grow" with you! Tees have "memory" and after washing will return to original shape. The well made tees gently caresses your bump leaving you with a flattering silhouette, no matter where in your pregnancy you are. In addition, the tees will fit you post pregnancy thus offering extra value. The tees are cut longer length for additional bump coverage. The high quality tees will really impress you and they are well worth the cost.

Meaningful words and graphics
Pure T apparel proudly displays thought provoking and poignant words and graphics while avoiding the cliches.

Our favorite:

"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children"

The Pure t Summer 2009 line is vibrant and hip and features several new styles which are earth-friendly:

heart bump tie dye & kaleidoscope (right)
Organic Cotton with water based dyes

glow & love life M. Ghandi quote (left)
Luxurious Supima cotton modal with an incredible earth friendly graphic and dye process- which is completely certified eco-friendly.

Panel Favorites

Organic coffee-brown short sleeve maternity tee (right) This gorgeous tee is perfect for summer and is so comfortable to wear and flatters the bump beautifully. The Inspirational tree graphic and powerful words are printed with eco-friendly vegetable dyes.

Organic apple-green short sleeve baby tee (left) Pure t has not forgotten about your baby with their inspirational tree graphic printed with eco-friendly vegetable dyes. This adorable tee will look terrific on your baby and is sure to attract many compliments. Baby will love the super soft organic cotton fabric!

Pure t will plant one tree with the American Forests Global Releaf Program for each of the tees above that are purchased. We commend Pure t for taking a proactive approach to building our forests. Bravo!

All pure t apparel are made proudly and ethically in the USA. Purchase pure t apparel here

Giveaway

Courtesy of pure t, we have 3 gorgeous maternity tees up for grabs.

Prize A

Pretty Raglan Tee - Black Size Large

This gorgeous top is lightweight, sexy and can be dressed up with a great pair of jeans for a night on the town. The flutter sleeves are flattering and the key hole design on the back adds a feminine touch.

Prize B

Short sleeve ruched shoulder tee Army, Size Large
When the temperature soars, reach for this stylish summer tee to keep you cool. The fabric is ultra soft and you will feel as if you are wearing nothing at all! The puff sleeve is stylish and this tee will work with a skirt, a pair of shorts, cargos and jeans.

Prize C

Short sleeve ruched shoulder tee Brick Red, Size Large
Bring some color into your summer wardrobe with this beautiful Brick Red Tee. This tee will grow with you and is super flattering on. You will want to stock up.

To enter please send an email to info[AT]SuccessThroughPlay[DOT]com with "pure t summer Giveaway" in the subject line. Please include your name, email, mailing address and whether you would like to win Prize A, B or C. Please enter by midnight August 10, 2009, PST. We do not tolerate SPAM and all information will be kept confidential and won't be sold.