Surrounded by precious, handmade baby clothes, Cyndi Mitchell thinks back to 2009 when her tiny twin daughters were born prematurely and she was thrown into the uncertainty of what comes with a child, or children, who must be hospitalized in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Mitchell remembers those days as some of the hardest in her life, and in an attempt to help other families in similar circumstances, she and her husband Dustin founded the Alyboo and Izybee Foundation, named after their two beautiful daughters Aly and Izy. This amazing foundation is funded through donations, fundraisers and now, a children’s boutique, which had their grand opening on Saturday. The boutique, Aly &

Every parent experiences the moment when they worry that their seemingly healthy child’s cold could be the symptom of a serious illness. That frightening scenario came to pass for Jennifer Benning. Today Jennifer’s son Cody is a healthy toddler. But in July 2009, Jennifer took Cody to see a pediatrician because of a cold and ended up heading for the emergency department. Cody was diagnosed with a rare heart malformation that had led to the deterioration of his vital organs and would require open heart surgery at UC Davis Children’s Hospital to correct.   A large part of Cody’s success is possible because of the research and studies made possible by March of Dimes. It is in celebration of

Ronan Longwedel-Donaldson was born at Sutter Memorial Hospital on Leap Day 2012 – not by chance, but by choice. That’s because Leap Day, Feb. 29, marked the 39th week in the pregnancy of Ronan’s mother, Andrea Longwedel, and Andrea and her husband, Scott Donaldson, knew how important it is for the health of their newborn to be full-term – at least 39 weeks in utero. For the past year, Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento has embraced a March of Dimes initiative to not schedule inductions and C-sections before 39 weeks, unless medically necessary. Studies show that there are increased risks to babies born earlier than 39 weeks, including complications from breathing and feeding problems to b

Peace. Love. Swap. is a one of a kind independent coalition that organizes ongoing kid's swaps. The swaps are for local eco-minded parents to get together and recycle (exchange) their kid’s stuff (ages 0-14 and maternity). After the swaps, I donate the leftovers to local charities and needy families. How it works: You bring items to swap (clothing, toys, sports equipment, etc.) plus $5 per family. While the volunteers set up, the kids can play in our family friendly venues and parents can look around at our vendor tables. Once set up is complete, families can come in and take as much or as little as they need.   I'd like to invite you to view more information, read our mission statement,

You’re a mom or a dad, maybe new to the deal. Where do you go for support and information? Do you wander Midtown with your children, longing for a connection? I notice that babies are everywhere during my many walks around Midtown Sacramento with my baby boy. Perhaps I now notice babies all around me since I am a new mom (or maybe there is a baby boom in the area!). Occasionally, the mommies and I exchange knowing smiles and nods and end up talking about our children — how old they are, how they are sleeping (or not!). Some notice my son sporting one of his colorful cloth diaper covers and ask where I got it. There is a need for Sacramento parents to get support and supplies but do not kno