ML Interest Tag: spine

Tips for Preventing Back Pain

By Emma Williams

Any medical advice presented here is expressly the views of the writer and Red Tricycle cannot verify any claims made. Please consult with your healthcare provider about what works best for you.

During pregnancy, back pain is very common. After delivering a child, it is likely to take a couple of weeks before any pain reduces. That being said, back pain can quickly return, especially if you are picking up your child a lot. It is natural for your child to gain weight as they grow, which can lead to an increased risk of back pain. The process of lifting is difficult on your spine. Put it this way, you are likely lifting a seven to ten pound child every day, for anywhere up to fifty times; by the end of one year, that weight will have increased to seventeen pounds, and by the end of two years, that weight is more likely to be anywhere between twenty-five and thirty pounds.

Additionally, plenty of parents either hold their children for a long time in static positions or even do a lot of bending. There are, thankfully, things that you can do to try and prevent back pain following a pregnancy, such as: changing the way you carry out activities, and spine-strengthening exercises. There are also other medical methods that you can consider, and a method known as epidural stimulation.

Here are our top tips for new moms after pregnancy:

  • First, consult your obstetrician and discover when may be a suitable time to start exercising again, and if so, to also clarify how much exercise is realistic for you to undertake. If for example, you had a cesarean (C-Section), it may take longer before you can resume exercise.

  • Your obstetrician should be able to give you the all-clear to exercise. Once this happens, you may begin an exercise routine by using simple yoga, and stretching exercises; these will help to return hip and back flexibility. If you are struggling to find any time to do these exercises, then you can take advantage of doing so during your baby’s nap time.

  • Use a childminder to help you get involved with exercise groups that offer a secure and fun exercise environment. Finding a pilates or yoga will help to strengthen muscles, and possibly reduce back pain.

To Avoid Back Pain When Lifting:

  • Make sure that when you lift your child, you do so with the knees bent, and not from the waist. Squat down, tighten your stomach muscles and lift using your legs.

  • When you pick up your baby, avoid stretching your arms out. Lift your baby from close to your chest, and avoid twisting your body.

To Avoid Back Pain When Feeding:

  • Avoiding upper back pain can be made easy by not bending over your baby to breastfeed. Bring your baby towards your chest; make it more comfortable by putting two pillows on your lap to support the weight of your baby.

  • If you are nursing, do so from a firm, upright chair. Do not use a soft chair or couch.

  • Another great tip involves removing the tray from your high chair when you are either putting the baby in or out of it.

To Avoid Back Pain While Carrying Your Baby & Traveling:

  • You can use a ‘front pack’ to carry your baby when you are walking.

  • Never carry your child from the hip area, this is because the muscles from your back can become too pressured.

  • If you are putting your child into the car seat, do so while kneeling down—do not do so while standing. It is true that the safest place to seat your child is into the middle of your car seat. If you decide to opt into doing this, then you could do so whilst sat at either side of your child.

  • If you have an infant car seat. You could consider fastening the seat into the car permanently, and then simply (with knees bent or sat at either side of the infant seat), put or remove your child from the seat.

 

If your back pain is not going away by any of these methods and that you are looking for medical treatments to help, one innovative method out is epidural stimulation. Epidural stimulation involves inserting a chip into the protective coating of the spine (the dura). This chip release flows of electric currents that are controlled by a remote. The remote is controlled by a user, who can change it according to their own comfort level. It has been proven that if combined with physical therapy, those with loss of limbs have been able to move again, and those with worsened mobility have seen improvements in their condition.

 

Emma Williams is a young mother of 2, having expertise in writing about various topics of lifest‌yle, beauty, home improvement and a lot more. She enjoys diving into new aspects of life, learning as much as possible from the business world, marketing and branding.  
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A SoCal Kid’s Snow Day: The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

by kate felton

Does the thought of a trip to the snow with your munchkins send shivers up your spine? Our SoCal beach babes are often not equipped for a day in the white stuff.  Does anyone in your family really know how to put chains on the car? Not to mention that tiny tummies, windy roads, and long car trips are often a recipe for disaster.  But…if you have ever wished you could step outside into a winter wonderland for an hour or two of snow ball fights and then wiggle your nose like Samantha and find yourself back in 75 degree Southern California sunshine, your wish has been answered.  Almost. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers a fun and convenient way to take your little ones to see the snow.  Stay for minutes or the whole day: mom and dad will enjoy the stunning panorama views, while the kiddos will marvel at scaling the mountainside at a good clip, passing from desert to frozen tundra over the course of ten minutes.

To the Tundra
A two-hour drive on the 10 will take you to the tramway. Once at the top, you enter Southern California’s version of an Alpine Lodge.  The walk down to the snowy San Jacitinto park is a windy concrete pathway that can get icy.  Wear good shoes and take it slow.  A jogging stroller with rugged wheels might be a good choice if your tiny tot is still a little unsteady on his feet.  Once you make it down the path you will find yourself in a little slice of winter paradise.  Visitors are encouraged to bring sleds, discs, and snow shoes to take full advantage of the park.  You can get up to the minute weather info and buy advance tickets on the website: www.pstramway.com.

The Early Bird Gets the Empty Tram
The sooner you arrive, the easier it is to park.  As the lots close to the departure station fill up, cars are parked lower down the mountain and passengers are bussed up to the station.  Being on the first tram is ideal.  As it gets later in the day the lines for tickets and the tram get longer and longer.  Plus, an early morning tram may only have a few passengers on it making for a much more comfortable ride to the top. Trams depart every fifteen to thirty minutes, depending on crowds, beginning at 8:00am on weekends and 10:00am on weekdays.

Baby, It’s Cold!
Bundle up! It may be warm and sunny at the bottom, but the change in temperature at the top can be a drop of up to 40 degrees.  Ask other parents at school if they have snow gloves and gear you can borrow, or check local consignment shops.  Here’s a link for some of the best kid’s resale and consignment in the area: Growing Kids: 5 Great LA Resale Stores. Most of the cold weather gear is hardly used.  Remember, being in the snow with a cold, wet and cranky kiddo means nobody is having fun.

Mom, I’m Hungry
In the lodge there is a small café, The Pines, with snacks and pre-made sandwiches.  They sell hot cocoa (made from packet) that, after a few hours in the cold, tastes heavenly in spite of its origins.  There is also a more formal restaurant, The Peaks, in the lodge that even has a children’s menu.

Mini-Vacation Anyone?
You might want to make a weekend of it.  Who wouldn’t want to tell their friends at school on Monday how they lounged at the pool on Saturday and built a snowman on Sunday? There are tons of family-friendly places to stay in the area along with a bunch of neat things to do.  For more info on where to stay and what to do, check out, Kid Friendly Palm Springs. Make sure you go visit the giant Marilyn Monroe and give her toes a little tickle.  On the way home, a quick stop at Hadley’s for their famous date shake and a little shopping at the Desert Hills Premium Outlets makes a Palm Springs weekend a win for everybody.


Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
1 Tram Way
Palm Springs, Ca 92262
Online: pstramway.com‎

— Kate Felton

Photo Credits: Kate Felton

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Here’s How to Make Everything Hurt Less When Carrying Your Baby

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Are you achy and exhausted all the time? No, you’re not just getting older (although parenting will age you faster), it could be that you’re suffering from repetitive stress injuries from carrying a baby. It’s a serious problem, but luckily there are some things you can do to lessen your pain.

After pregnancy, “Your body is completely changed,” Dr. Karen Sutton, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Stamford, Connecticut’s Hospital for Special Surgery, explained to The New York Times. Joints and ligaments loosen, your abdominal muscles separate and your pelvic floor muscles are weakened, leaving your core weak postpartum—which can all lead to bad posture and back pain when lifting and carrying a baby.

Here’s how you can combat all those body aches when carrying your little one.

Photo: timkraajivanger via Pixabay

Scapular Retractions

Several times a day, like each time your changing the baby’s diaper, perform 10 scapular retractions, says Dr. Sutton, which means pulling your shoulder blades toward your spine.

Stay Supported

Whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding, all that time holding your baby as they eat can create a strain on the back, neck and arms if you don’t have the right support. “Your arm should be supported so you can relax those muscles and not be constantly straining them,” says Anna Ribaudo, a physical therapist at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

Car Seat Transfers

Bending and twisting to secure your infant in the car seat can take a toll. “I teach them, take your time, face the car seat, bend at the hips and knees, don’t twist,” says Dr. Ribaudo. Also, are you carrying your car seat the right way?

Kegels

Dr. Sutton suggests starting with simple exercises to build strength. Ah kegels: those pelvic floor exercises you meant to do, but never got around to during pregnancy can help postpartum too.

Be Patient

“It took your body 10 months to get here,” Dr. Ribaudo says, “I think unfortunately in our society, giving birth has become something where everyone’s expected to bounce back in a month or two, and it’s just not true.”

—Shahrzd Warkentin

 

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A Smart Mom’s Guide to Diaper Bags

by Eva Ingvarson Cerise

Let’s talk diaper bags. With so many styles and options, it can be hard to choose. Here, we break down all the questions to ask yourself and features you want to consider, and we share some great diaper bag options. Diaper bag 101 is coming right up.

How many compartments do you need, and what kind?
Some diaper bags have tons of pockets to keep you organized. Before you buy, think about what you’ll be carrying to make sure the bag has both the quantity and the kind of compartments you need. Pockets are only helpful if they’re the right size for what you’ll be toting around.

Bags from brands such as Ju-Ju-Be (some options pictured above) feature a variety of pockets, from a large “parent pocket” for your wallet, keys, sunglasses and other essentials, insulated bottle pockets, and lots of roomy interior pockets with gussets or zippers. Some Ju-Ju-Be pockets even have crumb drains to minimize messes. Clever!

Is the bag waterproof or machine-washable? Does it include a changing pad, wet bag or removable pouches?
Life with babies can get messy. Bottle spills, blowouts and other bad luck can wreak havoc on your bag, so a waterproof or water-resistant fabric or the ability to throw the whole thing in the washing machine keeps your bag looking its best.

Also, find out if the bag you’re eyeing includes a changing pad, wet bag or other accessories. If not, that’s an additional expense, and you’ll have to track down items that fit the dimensions of the bag. The Forma Diaper Tote from Skip Hop (pictured above, $70) comes with a cushioned changing pad, a mesh storage cube for snacks or clothing, and an insulated cube to keep milk or food cold.

What style of bag do you prefer to carry: backpack, tote or crossover/messenger?
Think about how you’ll use the bag and what else you’ll be carrying with it, like your baby, for instance. A backpack may be more gentle on your spine than the other styles, while you’ll have an easier time getting items in and out of a tote. A crossover/messenger bag offers a combo of back support and ease of use but can be tricky to pair with a baby carrier. As you’re deciding, make note of features like padded straps and lightweight materials, since you’ll be filling that bag with lots of stuff for you and baby.

If you’re unsure of what you’ll need or like to change things up, there are convertible options like the Nuna diaper bag (pictured above, $179.95), which can be worn in all three styles. It includes an insulated bag for bottles and a removable changing pad clutch, along with elastic bottle straps and tons of pockets.

Can you use it as an overnight bag or carry-on bag when baby is older?
Your little one won’t be small forever (sniff). So if you want to get maximum usage out of your purchase, look for one you can repurpose when the diaper days are over. A roomy bag in a classic color or print can find a second life as an overnight tote, carry-on bag or even a gym bag. The wet bag you use for stained baby clothes now could come in handy for your sweaty gym gear, and we can all use a plethora of pockets in our carry-on bags.

On the top of our list is the stylish and practical O.G. 2 bag from Lo & Sons (pictured above, $333-$338). Although technically not a diaper bag, it boasts tons of mom-friendly features, such as a removable messenger strap for carrying cross-body, a key leash, and lots of pockets in various sizes, including a roomy side pocket where you can tuck away diapers, an extra outfit or anything else you’d like to keep separate.

Do you want a gender-neutral bag?
Whether you prefer a less girlie style or will be sharing the bag with Dada, there are a lot of great bags with gender-neutral styling on the market. Here are some to consider: the JJ Cole Papago Pack (pictured above, $79.95), the Bratpack ($45), and bags from Diaper Dude ($59.99-$97.99).

The JJ Cole Papago Pack boasts 12 pockets in all, including insulated elasticized pockets for bottles or snacks, and a parent pocket with a key clip, credit card slots and room for a phone. The straps and back of the bag are padded for comfort, and you can wear it as a backpack or carry it by a handle at the top.

What size do you need?
Larger bags give you more bells and whistles, but the extra weight can slow you down. Some of these big bags attach to your stroller, which is handy, provided the stroller can support the weight of the bag. If you’ll be doing a lot of walking or want to keep a smaller diaper bag inside a larger bag, consider a small bag like My ChangePal (pictured above, $24.99-$29.99). Available in a variety of patterns and colors, this compact bag has three separate zippered compartments for diapers, wipes and a changing pad. It even boasts a built-in wipes holder so you don’t need a separate case for that.

Or, try the Skip Hop Pronto Signature Changing Station ($30). This stylish clutch features a zip-off changing pad, built-in pillow and a wipes case that’s translucent so you know when it’s time to refill. A mesh pocket holds diapers, cream and other essentials, and there’s another zippered pocket for your personal items. Slip it into a larger bag or wear it on your wrist.

Is an insert all you need?
If you have a great bag already, or you find one you love that doesn’t have enough pockets, then a bag insert like the Tote Savvy (pictured above, $40-$55) is all you need to transform any bag into the diaper bag of your dreams. The Tote Savvy includes 11 pockets, a key clasp and a washable changing mat, and it comes in a range of colors, from dark (great for hiding stains) to light (to make it easier to see what’s inside the bag).

Armed with all this information, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect diaper bag. It’s in the bag, babe!

What do you think is the most important feature in a diaper bag? Share below.

— Eva Ingvarson Cerise

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Get Schooled in Infant Car Seat Safety by The Car Seat Lady

by Jane Putnum

A car seat: You won’t be able to leave the hospital without it. In fact, it’s one of the most important purchases you’ll make for your little one in his first year of life. We spoke with Emily Levine, co-founder of The Car Seat Lady, a group with a mission to empower parents to keep their children as safe as possible while traveling by car, to get some important information to ensure you’re using the right seat, the right way, for your baby or toddler. Read on for nine do’s and don’ts of car seat safety.

Car seat - rear facing

Photo: 4moms

DO tighten the straps.

A big issue, Levine says, is keeping straps snug. Most kids are riding around with straps that are too loose. Not sure how tight to make the straps? Levine provides this as a rule of thumb: the straps should be tight enough so that only one finger can fit between the straps and the child’s body at the collarbone, and that you can’t pinch the strap over itself at the collarbone, Levine says. This short video provides a how-to on ensuring properly tightened straps. 

“Tight straps won’t hurt a child, but loose straps in a crash can have terrible consequence,” she adds.

DON’T skip the seat because of inconvenience.

Levine says one of the most troubling mistakes happens when parents decide to skip the car seat altogether.

“We see this all the time in taxis around the city or in friends’ cars to and from playdates,” she says. “This is an especially big problem in cities where families rely on taxis to get around.”

The risk of injury is significant for a child who is unrestrained in the event of a crash. The laws of physics don’t change just because you are in a taxi, on vacation or only going a few blocks.

“Is it really worth risking your child’s life to get to music class on time?” Levine asks, offering more advice. “The very best recommendation I can give is to use an appropriate car seat every time you are in a car, regardless of who is driving, whose car it is or where you are.”

Rear-facing car seat

Photo: 4moms

DO keep your toddler rear-facing until at least age 2.

Previously, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advised being one-year-old and a minimum of 20 pounds as the minimum for turning your little one forward-facing. However, since 2011, that has changed, with the minimum being 24 months old — but preferably longer. In California, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and New Jersey, new laws require that toddlers stay in rear facing car seats until their second birthdays.

“All kids should remain rear-facing until they are at least 24 months old, but preferably longer, until they have outgrown their convertible car seat’s rear-facing height or weight limits,” she advises. “Kids are much more flexible than adults and are comfortable sitting rear-facing despite what it may look like to us grown-ups. A child who is turned around too early is at risk for head, spine and neck injuries.”

DON’T use the infant car seat as a seat for the baby when you’re at home.

Simply put, the car seat is for the car; it’s not a bouncy seat or a crib or a bassinet. It’s a car seat for use in the car, Levine says.

She also offers this tip for urban parents who rely on taxis or ride-sharing transportation, like Uber, “If you have a stroller with a bassinet, use the bassinet for walks unless you are planning to take a taxi during that same trip.”

britax-car-seat-image

Photo: Britax

DO consider how often you’ll be installing the car seat and where in the vehicle you’ll need to place it.

This is especially helpful when you’re purchasing a car seat or adding one to your registry.

“If you prefer to install the car seat in the center position (the safest place in the car), make sure it will install easily with the seat belt, since most vehicles do not permit installation with lower anchors in the center position,” Levine advises.

She continues, saying, “In this case, you’ll want to consider a car seat with built-in locking devices, which greatly ease a seat belt installation. If you’ll be using lower anchors to install the car seat, look for push on connectors instead of the hook style, since the push-on connectors are much easier to use. Extra safety features like anti-rebound bars and rigid latch are worth considering as well.”

DON’T put the car seat on top of the shopping cart.

Just because it looks like it can fit and you’ve likely seen dozens of other parents doing it at Target or the grocery store, DON’T. The shopping cart does not securely hold the car seat in the top basket and puts baby at risk for injury.

Along the same lines, a car seat should never be placed on the counter or table, the bed or any other surface where a fall could cause injury. 

Remember, when your baby is in his or her car seat outside of the car (like when you’re carrying the infant seat in the house, with the baby inside), the straps should be tightly secured. This is a huge problem that parents are mostly unaware of, Levine says.

Photo: Jim Champion on Flickr

DO seek help to make sure you’re using the car seat properly.

A car seat can save your child’s life — but only if it’s used properly. Make sure you are using yours the right way by having the installation inspected by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) or instructor, Levine says. Inspection stations in your town can be found on SeatCheck.org. Inspection spots are located all over the country, including at many hospitals and fire stations.

DON’T automatically take a hand-me-down car seat.

Always be wary of hand-me-down car seats, Levine warns.

“They might look like they’re in good shape, but they may be missing parts that you don’t know about, or may be expired, broken or recalled,” she says.

Even if you’re using a car seat for a sibling, you should double check recall lists and find the expiration date before you start using it for a new baby.

Photo: Quinn Dombroski on Flickr

DO read the instruction manual.

Read the instruction manual that comes with your car seat.

“Many types of misuse can be corrected by a quick (but careful) look at the instruction manual,” Levine explains. “If you have questions or are confused, call the car seat manufacturer for clarification instead of guessing.”

For more information on car seat safety, visit TheCarSeatLady.com or take advantage of other resources from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration here.

What is your biggest car seat pet peeve? Share it below.

—Jane Putnam

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In Praise of Cepholopods: 8 Ways to Live More Like an Octopus

by Amber Guetebier

Just like Ringo belted out, sometimes we’d all like to be under the sea in an octopus’ garden. Well, we can’t send you on an underwater scuba adventure but we do have eight ways you can learn to be more like our beloved 8-legged pals. Read on to arm yourself.

photo: damn_unique via flickr

1. Inka-Dink

Learn: Since octopuses are invertebrates, meaning they have no spine or protective outer shell, they can be vulnerable to predators. While their camouflage and mimicry skills act as defenses, when cornered an octopus’ best tactic is distraction. They squirt black or dark colored ink into the water, temporarily blinding their opponent while they make a quick getaway.

Do: If you have black or brown food coloring, that is ideal (hint: mix all the colors and you’ll get black!) but you can really do this with any color. It’s simple and only takes a couple of minutes: Get a clear glass or jar and fill with water. Add a drop or two of the food coloring to the water and watch how it colors the water. This should happen relatively slowly. Now try it again with new water/jar but this time shake or stir the ink (to simulate the propulsion of the octopus when they zip away). Watch how quickly the water turns color.

photo: zoneku1 via youtube

2. Mobile Homes

Learn: Did you know that certain octopuses have mobile homes? Veined octopuses specifically have been seen using coconut shells and sea shells as hide outs and ways to make a house. But what’s even more interesting is that they have been witnessed stacking up shells and taking them with them across the sea floor to use again. Other octopuses have been known to pull a rock “door” across their sea cave in order to protect themselves. Click the video above to see a coconut octopus “walk” across the sea floor with its shells.

>Do: Make a fort out of a few throw pillows and a baby blanket. Now stack these items up and “jog” into the next room to create a new hiding space. Did you make it without dropping one?

photo: Ray Sadler via flickr 

3. Snack-Attack

Learn: The clever octopus is able to open jars and containers to get their snacks: live crabs are usually a big hit. In fact, one New Zealand octo was able to open his jar in less than a minute (the fastest anyone has observed).

Do: Place a little snack inside a jar, inside a jar, inside a box. Time the kiddos to see how long it takes for them to get the snack out.

photo: Eric Bartholomew via flickr 

4. Make a Splash

Learn: Octopuses like to play. Scientists have observed octopuses in aquariums playing with bottles, jars and other objects. In her book, Octopus!, Katherine Harmon Courage talks about an octopus that played with a plastic bottle in a jet of water.

Do: This one’s easy! Plop the kiddos in a bath with some toys. If you want to reenact the plastic water bottle scene, let the kiddos play in the water stream as the tub is filling up with a small empty bottle.

photo: Elias Levy via flickr 

5. Camouflage Cephalopods

Learn: Octopuses are masters of camouflage, being able to blend into their surroundings flawlessly. They can be as bright as a coral reef or as pale as sand. Remarkably, this can all take place in less than one second.

Do: No, we’re not going to suggest full body paint (but you could if you wanted to do an octobath later…wait. No.) but a game of hide and seek is in order. Encourage the kiddos to think about how they might “blend” into their surroundings. You can also do an object version of hide and seek: choose a yellow item and nestle it among a bowl of lemons, for example. Give clues as necessary.

photo: Phillip Dean via flickr 

6. Are You Mocking Me?

Learn: Not only are they fast at blending into their surroundings, some octopus species are masters of disguise. They can mimic other sea creatures in order to fool would-be predators.

Do: Make funny faces and strike silly poses while your sweeties mimic you. Then reverse and see if you can own that perfect “Is that cauliflower?” face.

photo: Rob Briscoe via flickr 

7. Strike a Pose! 

Learn: One of the coolest stories about these eight-legged creatures is the amazing New Zealand octopus who learned to take photos. Rambo the Octopus was trained by a series of buzzing noises and treats to learn to use a camera! She learned in just a few days (faster than most dogs!). Read more about Rambo here.

Do: Give your kiddos a camera or your phone and let them take a series of photos that represent their world.

photo: Yosuke Shimizu via flickr

8. Help Out 

Learn: Octopus are not currently on the endangered species list but overfishing, pollution and destruction of their oceanic habitats threatens the many kinds of octopus around the world.

Do: There are lots of ways to help save the oceans and keep them clean. Organize or attend a beach clean up, pay attention to the packaging on products you buy (remember, just because you don’t live near the ocean doesn’t mean your garbage might not end up there), choose sustainable seafood and avoid purchasing products that impact habitat. Check out Oceana.org to get more ideas.

What are your favorite ways to honor the noble octopus? Tell us about it in a comment below! 

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Local Halloween Treats & Eats So Good It’s Scary

by Christina Montoya Fiedler

The food scene in Los Angeles right now is so good it’s scary. So there’s no shortage of places to get your grub on Halloween style this year, and it’s not all sweets. Take your ghouls and ghosts out for vegan hot dogs from Frankenstand and top it off with candy corn flavored ice cream at Salt and Straw. No matter what your frightfully picky family is craving, there’s something for everyone. Trick and treats guaranteed.

Spooktacular Ice Cream

Salt and Straw's spooktacular ice cream series will send a chill down your spine and give your taste buds a treat. Our picks are Essence of Ghost (smoky and delicious for grown ups) and the Great Candycopia (every Halloween favorite candy, but house made and in a butterscotch base, guaranteed to drive kids wild). Your little goblins will also love the Candy Corn flavor which is indeed like candy corn, but better. But beware, only the truly adventurous will try a scoop of Creepy Crawly Critters, which features real bugs (ants and crickets) encased in amber colored sugar surrounded by bright green sherbet. Save this one for the adults, it's made with a bit of tequila. You'll just get major parental props for eating it without flinching.

Salt and Straw
240 N Larchmont Blvd
Mid-City
Online: saltandstraw.com

photo: courtesy of Salt and Straw

Where do you get your favorite frightful food and spooky sweets food this time of year? Tell us in the comments below!

—Christina Fiedler

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There’s the Rub: 5 Amazing Atlanta Prenatal Massages

by Phebe Wahl

Being pregnant is labor of love, especially if you’ve already got a mini-herd of miniatures racing around the place. Luckily, there’s no reason to play the Mommy Martyr. Go get yourself a good old-fashioned rub down at one of the following hot spots around town, and take a load off before D-day arrives.

The Pregnancy Massage Center
With five certified pregnancy massage therapists on staff, you can count on an incredible experience at the hands of someone who understands the physical strain of pregnancy, and even postpartum. As if the idea of someone rubbing your aching body wasn’t enough to make up your mind, consider this: The Pregnancy Massage Center’s nifty ergonomic cushions prop you up in a way that takes the pressure off your spine and surrounding muscles, and there is no pressure on your abdomen at all. The bottom line? These folks know what they’re doing.

Details: The Pregnancy Massage Center, 1164 N. Highland Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30306, 678-462-2173, Click here for pricing and scheduling information

Natural Body Spa
Another option that offers the services of certified pregnancy massage therapists, NBS has both male and female therapists on hand to address the aches and pains of pregnancy. During a massage, the mama-to-be will alternate positions from an incline wedge to being on her side, and ultimately gets to call the shots on what is comfortable versus what just doesn’t work. And since we all know that being pregnant represents losing major control over things, isn’t it appealing to get a little bit of that control back, even for an hour?

Details: Natural Body Spa, Multiple locations, Click here for appointments, $85 per 60 minutes, $125 per 90 minutes

Garden View Massage
Located in Decatur, this ensemble of talented massage therapists might be able to tell you what you’re going to be feeling throughout your pregnancy before you even experience it. Lower back pain? Loose ligaments that change your posture? Stress on you neck? Back? Carrying extra weight? Been there, done that. They know all about it. They’ll take care of you.

Details: Garden View Massage, 215 Church Street, Suite 108, Decatur, GA 30030, 404-377-2909, $75 per 60 minutes, $100 per 90 minutes, Packages available

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Atlanta
Some days, Mama needs to live a little. If you’re up for a little splurge that doesn’t involve a trip to Baskin Robbins, head over to The Spa at Mandarin Oriental for either a 50 or 80 minute prenatal massage. As with all their spa treatments, you’ll be invited to hang out (or hide out, as the case may be) and enjoy the rest of the spa amenities while you’re there.

Details: The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Atlanta, 3376 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30326, 404-995-7500, $135 for 50 minutes, $185 for 80 minutes

The Ritz-Carlton, Reynolds Plantation
For the baby-mooners, or for the girls trip planners out there, pack your bags and head out of the city for an easy drive to Lake Oconee, where the Spa awaits. Did we mention they have a S’mores concierge every night? But we digress. The prenatal massage is performed by a certified prenatal therapist, and while you’re there, you should indulge in one of their signature Safe for Baby facials. You’ll return home feeling and looking human again.

Details: The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation Resort and Spa, 1 Lake Oconee Trail, Greensboro, GA 30642, 706-467-0600, $145 per 50 minute massage, $215 per 80 minutes with body scrub massage, $145 per 50 minute facial, $215 per 80 minute facial

Do you have a secret spot for massages in Atlanta? Give up the goods below!

—Shelley Massey

Photos courtesy of valentinapowers on Flickr creative commons, Tips TimesAdmin on Flickr creative commons, and tommo4074 on Flickr creative commons

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That’s The Spirit! Atlanta Area Ghost Tours

by Phebe Wahl

If you are looking to scare up some spooky, family fun—a guided ghost tour may be just the thing to get in the spirit of the season. Your child will get a kick of out creepy tales of Civil War ghosts, haunted mansions, flickering lights and other paranormal tales. Be sure to make note of your child’s individual scare factor and age recommendations, though, or else the experience may come back to haunt you. Just notify your guide you have little goblins in tow and they will be happy to dial down the fear factor to ensure some freaky fun for the whole family.

Roswell Ghost Tours
Now in its 15th year, Roswell Ghost Tours offers a spine-chilling nighttime tour of historic downtown Roswell. Founded by paranormal investigators, Diana and Joe Avena, the intent of these tours is not to scare, but rather inform and educate. If you get spooked—simply due to the fact that you are walking through a cemetery and by the “creepy house” where the town executioner once lived—that’s understandable. The mile-long walking tour lasts about 2 ½ hours and includes current tales of paranormal activities that these investigators and others have personally documented. Stories of Civil War soldiers and millworkers looking to reconnect with loved ones from beyond the grave are presented alongside the history of this antebellum town.

Details: Tours meet in the big white gazebo in the Roswell Town Square directly across the street from the Roswell Visitor’s Center (617 Atlanta St.), roswellghosttour.com

Cost: $15 adults, $10 children

When to Go:  Available year round, check website for times. Reservations required.

Recommended Age:  Roswell Ghost Tours are open to all ages. When younger children are on the tour, their highly trained tour guides leave out gory details and give families the option to wait out parts of the tour that may be particularly scary for little ones.

Especially Cool:  The founders have been featured on SciFi Network’s “Ghost Hunters.” They also regularly offer tours featuring other well-known paranormal experts.

Decatur Ghost Tours
One of the newer ghost tour operations in town, these tours are led by a psychic medium, Boo Newell. The walking tour covers about a mile and lasts two hours. Along the way, you’ll hear tales of Civil War ghosts, a grieving mother, and a lovelorn woman searching for her lost love. The tour meets on the Decatur square and includes a walk through the old Decatur Cemetery. According to Boo, when children are on the tour, ghost children tend to follow along.

Details: Tours meet at the bandstand behind The Old Courthouse (101 East Court Sq.), 404-296-7771, www.decaturghosttour.com

Cost: $15 adults, $12 children (10 and under)

When to Go:  Weekends year-round at 7:30 p.m., additional dates in October. Reservations required.

Recommended Age:  Families regularly take the tours. There’s nothing gory or extremely violent discussed, just lots of ghost talk of course.

Especially Cool:  If you live intown, it’s close by and offers a look into the history and “darkside” of Decatur.

Lawrenceville Ghost Tours
Definitely the most “theatrical” ghost tour in town; these popular tours are led by costumed storytellers from Aurora Theatre. On the 90-minute adventure through Downtown Lawrenceville your guide will take you into the old jail, show you where the corpses flew down Honest Alley and tell you other chilling tales that will send a shiver down your spine. Sometimes you can even catch the Lawrenceville Ghost Trolley – offered on special dates. It takes you to the Lawrenceville Female Seminary where ghost girls still roam the halls.

Details: Aurora Theater, 128 East Pike St., 678-226-6222, www.scarystroll.com

Cost: $12 adults, $9 children; $25 for Trolley

When to Go:  Weekends year-round, everyday in October. Reservations recommended. Ghost Trolley is available on October 25 only.

Recommended Age:  Since the tour is focused on dramatic storytelling and not bloody effects or gory details, it’s popular with both children and adults.

Especially Cool:  Experienced local actors like “Madame Macabre” and “Miss Hannah Belle Lecter” lead tours in character – mixing a little funny in with the scary.

Marietta Ghost Tours
Marietta Ghost Tours offer two spooky options for families: the original Haunted Walking Tour and the “Scary-etta” Haunted Trolley Tour. Both are 90 minutes and focus on ghost stories in and around the historic Marietta square – which played a big role in the Civil War. As you can imagine, plenty of Civil War ghost stories abound. Lit by flickering lantern light, the one mile walking tour is led by a costumed storyteller who will regale you with tales of the “Lady in Black,” weeping statues and other scary apparitions. If that isn’t spooky enough, the trolley tour travels into two of the city’s cemeteries.

Details: 131 Church St., 770-425-5755, ghostsofmarietta.com

Cost: $17 adults, $12 children (Walking Tour); $27 Adults, $14 Children (Trolley Tour)

When to Go:  Year-round with walking tours at 7:30 p.m. and “Scaryetta” trolley tours at 7 and 9 p.m. Dates and times vary with season. Reservations required. Buy tickets online.

Recommended Age:  Both are suitable for families—no age recommendations. Just know your child’s “scare factor.”

Especially Cool:  The Haunted Trolley may be just the thing for younger children who are interested in ghost tales but might get too tired or too spooked on foot.

Fox Theatre Ghost Tours
Some folks say that the Fox Theatre, Atlanta’s iconic old movie palace and performance venue, is hauntingly beautiful. Some simply say it is haunted. For the first time ever, go behind the scenes on an hour-long guided ghost tour of the Fox. You’ll visit the sub-basement, boiler room, a backstage dressing room and of course, the stage – all places where restless spirits are said to roam. The spook factor is enhanced with a little pumped in fog. However, the tour focuses on the stories of real life people and strange apparitions that some have witnessed when the lights dim at the Fabulous Fox.

Cost: $30

When to Go:  October 11th-16th with time slots available from 7 to 10 p.m. See website for available times and to purchase tickets.

Recommended Age:  The tour is recommended for children 10 and over, but parents can use their discretion. For safety reasons, children under age 6 are not permitted.

Especially Cool:  It’s behind-the-scenes. At night. At the Fox. Need we say more?

What spooky things will you do this season? Tell us below!

—Rachel Quartarone and Phebe Wahl

Photos courtesy of Roswell Ghost Tour via Facebook, Decatur Ghost Tours via Facebook, Ghosts of Marietta via Facebook, The Fox Theater via Facebook 

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