BANGKOK MOTHERS & BABIES INTERNATIONAL, A PROJECT OF CHILDBIRTH AND BREASTFEEDING FOUNDATION THAILAND January 2019

Self care isn’t selfish www.bambiweb.org

Terminal cancer:

January 2019 My IVF living with miracle my diagnosis

contents 5 Message from our Patron 6 Chairwoman’s letter 8 Editor’s Corner On The Cover Welcome to BAMBI Self care isn’t selfish Bangkok Mothers & Babies International 20 30 My IVF miracle 32 Terminal cancer: living with my diagnosis “Support and Special Features friendship through 20 Self care isn’t selfish the common bond of 22 Two steps towards transformation 24 Switching on, to switch off parenthood” 25 Life as an expat mum Mel Habanananda 26 Play is for everyone 30 My IVF miracle 32 Terminal cancer: living with my diagnosis 36 Musings of a midwife: the birth of a mother 38 Travel Thailand: Chiang Mai 40 Pregnancy in BKK: a walk in the park Playgroups & Events We are a group offering support and companionship to each other through the 5 New Members Coffee Morning early years of parenting. 6 Me-Time: yoga surfing! 8 BAMBI volunteers appreciation Christmas We offer prenatal and postnatal support, 14 Sawatdi Playgroup regular playgroups, fundraising for charities and more. If you wish to join, come to our 15 Bearing Playgroup New Members’ Coffee Morning or any 16 Sukhumvit 31 Playgroup other regular BAMBI activity. To volunteer 16 Pop-Up Playgroup: Wellington to serve on the committee, contact any 34 BAMBI’S Family Christmas Party of the committee members listed in this A BAMBI Loy Krathong magazine. 35 44 WOMBLES dinner: a German Christmas 48 BAMBI Japanese moms support

BAMBI is a project of the Childbirth & Breastfeeding Foundation of Thailand (CBFT). In Every Issue Mission Statement 10 [NEW] Kid’s Corner The CBFT is a non-profit networking and resource center [NEW] Words of Wisdom dedicated to ensuring the best possible start in life for our 12 babies. 42 Reader’s Corner We believe that this can best be achieved through: 46 BAMBI Needs You! n Encouraging the appropriate use of technology and 49 How to Become a BAMBI Member medication for all births. 50 January Birthdays n Promoting breastfeeding for every mother and baby in New members the community. 50 n Providing information and training to health 50 Language Coordinators professionals involved in maternity care. 52 Member discounts n Supporting parents through the pregnancy, birth and postnatal period. 56 Support groups 58 Playgroups and activities For more information on CBFT, contact: BAMBI team English speaking, Tel 05-310-4573; [email protected] 61 Hello! Thai speaking, Mobile: 081-776-9391; [email protected] or 62 Member profile: Jenny Rephaeli Can you find me [email protected]. Or in the magazine? visit: www.cbfthai.org and www.facebook.com/pages/ ChildbirthBreastfeeding-Foundation-of-Thailand Cover photographer: Mao Sano Cover subjects: Left (Bumps volunteer) Anfisa Grigorova (Boy) Duke Anthony Brookes, Follow BAMBI on Centre (Mom) Jenny Brown (Son) Bobby Brown, Facebook: Right (Mom) Teresa Tung (Son) Jack Stevenson facebook.com/BAMBIBangkok

Patron’s message Dear Members,

I seem to say this every year. Where did this year go to? Time seems to pass more quickly than ever - unless you are a five- year-old when a day was long and a Iweek was forever! I am constantly amazed when I hear and read of BAMBI’s activities and I wonder and admire how you all manage to do so much. So I found the October maga- zine’s focus on mental wellbeing a very appropriate reminder of how we can and sometimes need to ‘slow down’ and Look to this day be ‘mindful’. It is so easy to get caught For it is life My heartfelt thanks go to our wonder- up in a constant round of activity and The very life of life ful Committee, so ably led by Akiko and thoughts of ‘I should do this or I should In its brief course lie all Emma and to all our volunteers and sup- do that, I should, I should..... ‘Even now, The realities and truths of existence porters for the incredible amount of work in my retirement, the ‘shoulds’ still chase The joy of growth they do and the time they give to make me. So letting go of some of them should The splendour of action BAMBI such a dynamic and successful (sorry!) be one of our New Year resolu- The glory of power group.Thank you too, all of you, for your tions. For yesterday is but a memory continued support. And tomorrow only a vision Some time ago I came across a beautiful But today well lived I would like to wish you and your fami- verse (that some of you may be familiar Makes every yesterday a memory of lies the happiest year ahead. I hope that with) and I carry it with me as a reminder happiness you will all enjoy good health and many to drop the ‘shoulds’ and to help me be And every tomorrow a vision of hope blessings. more aware of my day. I would like to Look well therefore to this day. share it with you as a message you may like to take with you into the New Year. Kālidāsa Mel Habanainanda, Patron

New Members Coffee at IPC By Shoko Nakamura Photos by Tomoyo Okamoto

Thank you all for coming to our New Members Coffee Morning, held at IPC International Kindergarten on Hallow- een! We were delighted to see many Tnew faces and make a special Hallow- een craft: orange Jack-o’-Lantern. Thank you IPC International Kindergarten for opening your school for BAMBI families.

New Members Coffee is held on the last Wednesday of the month, 9:30-11am, at various venues. New and prospective members are welcome! For more info, contact: [email protected].

最近入会された方・入会を検討されてる方の ために、毎月最後の水曜日午前９時半から１ １時に開催。お子さんもご一緒にどうぞ。入 場料無料、当日の入会も受け付けています。 www.bambiweb.org • 5 日本語でのお問い合わせもOKです。 CHAIRWOMAN’S LETTER Dear Members, want to make sure that BAMBI continues to be an organization that offers safe Happy New Year, 2019! and cozy spaces and fun activities for you and your littles ones almost every May this year be fulfilling and extraordi- day of the year. nary for you in all your endeavors; may it bring you good health, much happi- In order to do so, I need to ask all of you ness, and many new opportunities and to do us a favor. Please kindly provide possibilities! your feedback and suggestions on the M following: Akiko Cayne 2018 was another eventful year. We - Playgroups (regarding venues, food, enjoyed playgroups at new venues and activities etc.) me and for my child. I felt so warm, so new activities, we hosted Bumps and - Activities (what kind of activities, for comfortable and very safe. It definitely Babies at new venues, received a lot of what age group) changed my life in Bangkok. January is new members and held various activities - Me-Time (what kind of workshop) of course the month that many come up such as pop up playgroups, the splash - WOMBLES dinners (regarding venues) with a new year’s resolution. Mine is to party, halloween party, Christmas party, - Anything on BAMBI’s events, organi- remember the spirit I started BAMBI with yard sales, me-time events and WOM- zation and services and to try to make it just as comfortable BLES dinners! - Finally, please let me know if you for others. would like to volunteer! Thank you to all of the BAMBI volunteers 2019 will be another eventful year! We for making 2018 amazing! You can contact me directly with your will make sure we keep offering our ser- feedback, via email: chairwoman@ vices while introducing something new Our membership has been growing bambiweb.org to you! Please be sure to follow our faster than expected and the number Facebook page so not to miss any fun of volunteers is increasing rapidly. This Looking back...eight years ago, I joined events! would not have been possible without one of the BAMBI new members coffee the support and encouragement of our mornings. I still remember how happy Akiko Cayne members, so thank you! In return, we I was to be there, to make friends for Chairwoman

Me-Time: yoga surfing! By Emi Owaki / Photos by Mao Sano

On November 21, we were up for a new challenge at SURFSET Thailand to try yoga exercise on a surfboard! It was tough to keep our balance on a surfboard, but we Osure had a fun and exciting morning. Me-Time takes place twice a month, usually on Wednes- days during school hours. Prices vary; discounts for BAM- BI members. Registration required. Questions or ideas? Contact [email protected].

6 • January 2019

EDITOR’S CORNER and ourselves. It hasn’t always been Ramsay family. Look out for it on page easy, but in the end we appear to have twelve. This new feature also serves to triumphed in our first year, and I have no underpin our new overarching theme for doubt that our success has been due the the year: we’re all in this together! support network of BAMBI and the fellow parents surrounding us. Many of whom I Talking of themes, this month we focus now consider close and trusted friends. on the importance of self care. Good friendships forged in a relatively short amount of time, through common Plus, we have a new section, designed Abby Wailes challenges. for children, called Kid’s Corner where children can send in their very own draw- Now, babies don’t come with an instruc- ings, paintings or letters. This month we Happy New Year! tion manual (if only) and of course, we feature drawings of Frankie and Macey try everything we can to prepare for their feeding themselves! Well, if there is one thing I have learned big arrival and beyond, like reading fa- this year, it is that the trials and tribula- mous books, listening to podcasts and I hope you enjoy our first issue of 2019 tions of parenthood are more often than anything else we can lay our hands on. and wish you all the very best for the new wnot, a force for good. The camarade- But sometimes it is just nice to hear ad- year ahead. rie is amazing. From the knowing nod vice from real parents (usually our friends) from the fellow mother passing by, to the going through the same thing. Abby Wailes generous offer of practical support from Editor another on the aeroplane. It has quickly Introducing Words of Wisdom, our become clear that as parents, we’re all brand new feature which does just that! in this together! This new feature has been designed to al- Do you have a story to tell? We’d love low us to share our knowledge with one to hear from you. Feel free to send me Not only that, but my daughter and I another, to support each other. In this is- an email at [email protected]. have learnt so much about each other sue you’ll find words of wisdom from the

BAMBI volunteers appreciation Christmas

By Ema Naito-Bhakdi / Photos by Mao Sano Everything BAMBI does is made possible by its volunteers—almost 80 of them!—and so we held BAMBI’s biannual volunteer appreciation event to thank everyone at Sofitel Sukhumvit. The family of active volunteers has grown so big that we had split into two days, for the first time ever. The kids enjoyed Eultra-fancy balloon art, face painting, decorating their gingerbread man, and storybook reading by Sofitel’s Santa. While munching on the finger foods and sweets, volunteers caught up and (of course) talked BAMBI-business. Thank you, everyone, for a fantastic year, and looking forward to a great 2019!

BAMBI welcomes all members to volunteer! To apply, go to: bit.ly/volunteer- bambi. For more info, see BAMBI Needs You in this magazine, send us a FB message, or contact [email protected].

8 • January 2019

Snow White Giveaway Thanks to Bangkok Community Theatre for donating tickets to the Macey Pirie 3.3 years old opening night of their Snow White panto production. Here’s the lovely Welcome to Kids’ Corner, where we’ll be featuring BAMBI kids’ words and winning entry for the giveaway! drawings each month. This month we focus on self care. Macey and Frankie show Submitted by Anh Nguyen, on us how they can feed themselves and our Kute Kids show how they can all take care behalf of Annabel, aged 6. of their parents!

WANTED! Send in your BAMBI child’s words, drawings, poems, photos to [email protected] for: February: “L hugs & kisses” March - “What makes me happy!” April - “I love Mother Earth” Frankie Pirie 3.3 years old

Benjamin & Alisa helping cooking

Vera & Vinn helped clean up the house Yuri & Akira give mama a massage Benji helping to clean

Vivienne helping Luna helping to Sandee Franck helping Zee helping to washing dishesa cook dinner Aaralyn helping cooking mommy washed dishes wash dishes 10 • January 2019

Believe in your own abilities as a parent. There is an overwhelming amount of information out there. Take what you need but trust in your own instincts and abilities too

Kirsten, Simon and Ruby Photo by Mao Sano

12 • January 2019 Size: A4 full page 210 x 297 mm

PLAY Today Learn for LIFE

Our creative, play-based Early Years curriculum, delivered by fully qualified specialists in carefully designed and resourced environments, nurtures creativity, imagination and a love of learning that sets the foundations for successful education at school and beyond.

Shrewsbury is now open for applications into Early Years 1 & 2 at both campuses, City Campus and Riverside.

Shrewsbury City Campus Shrewsbury Riverside Call: 02 203-1222 Call: 02 675 1888 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: http://city.shrewsbury.ac.th Website: www.shrewsbury.ac.th

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 !)% ƫ4 !((!* ! Sawatdi Playgroup Photos by Mao Sano

Tuesday, 9:30-11:30am. For children aged 0-5. This is a friendly and relaxed stay-and-play with a soft and outdoor play area, circle time with songs, and snacks. TIPC International Kindergarten, Sukhumvit Soi 31. For more info, please contact [email protected].

14 • January 2019 BAMBI Bearing Playgroup Photos by Ploy Sukh-Karatskul

Fridays, 9:30-11:30am. Early Years Education Centre, St Andrews International School Sukhumvit 107 (accessed from Sukhumvit 107 entrance). Nearest BTS: Bearing (200m's walk to school). ID required to Fenter; please show your BAMBI or ID card at entrance. For more info, contact [email protected].

www.bambiweb.org • 15 SUKHUMVIT 31 PLAYGROUP By Ema Naito, Photos by Mao Sano Friday, 10am-12pm. For children aged 0-5. The First Steps International Pre-school, 58/2 Sukhumvit Soi 31, Yaek 4. Close to BTS Phrom Phong; shuttle bus service provided. For more info, contact [email protected].

POP-UP PLAYGROUP: WELLINGTON By Yoshiko Swinney / Photos by Ploy Sukharatskul

We celebrated the start of the dry season with Pop-up Playgroup at Wellington College Bangkok on November 10th. The school, freshly-opened in September, welcomed all kids and families with their warm hospitality. There was live music by teachers, story time, art class, sensory play, and outdoor free play. Everyone made theW most of their time and excellent facilities. Thank you Wellington College Bangkok for having us. And special thanks to Jack for his great support and brilliant guitar!

16 • January 2019

BAMBI’s Air Quality Policy: what does it mean?

Based on agreement with volunteers, BAMBI are implementing an Air Quality Policy between 1 December 2018 and 31 March 2019. This If the level is 149 or lower, all playgroups and activities are open. means that BAMBI will visit the air quality index (AQI) website http:// aqicn.org at 07.05am on the day of all playgroups and activities, to check the PM 2.5 level. If the level is 150 to 179 (inclusive), playgroups and activities with no, or minimal indoor areas will close.* Please note: playgroups and activities will automatically close at the applicable levels, so please make sure you check the AQI before heading out! At a level of 180 or above, all playgroups and activities will close.**

* This applies to Novotots and Little Birds. **This applies to all playgroups and activities (including football), except Small World playgroups (Asoke and Sukhumvit) and Sathorn 10 PG (PlanToys) because these are entirely indoors.

18 • January 2019

FEATURE

Self care isn’t selfish

By Gale Ruttanaphon Often mum’s the one who looks after everyone in the family, but the concept of nurtur- ing does not seem to extend to the mother herself. Gale Ruttanaphon, Founder of My Mummy First, tells us how she has addressed this need based on her own experience.

When I gave birth to Vivian and made through my pregnancy. I remember go- that Vivian has finally arrived, I felt an the transition to motherhood, I was still ing to a gym class the day before Vivian overwhelming sense of internal guilt that trying to grapple with my own concept was born and feeling great about the I shouldn’t be leaving her. Where was Wof what a "good" mother entails. What session. Right after giving birth, I waited this guilt coming from? should a mother do, or not do, to be to get clearance from my doctor that I considered “good?” In striving to be a was safe to exercise again. I was feeling As a culture, we praise selflessness and good mum, I remember feeling guilty itchy to get back into it. However, now decry selfishness. A good mother cares and ashamed for leaving Vivian with a nanny while I went out to exercise. Then I asked myself why should I feel bad?

My Internal Battle

My love for exercise started when I was in the final year of high school, going through a stressful period of preparing for a University entrance exam in Australia. Truth be told, I started running because I didn’t want to get fat. I was studying and eating all day long and it was starting to show. I quickly realized that not only did exercise help me de-stress, it gave me more energy, made me stronger, and I was pleasantly surprised at the distanc- es I was able to cover! I was proud of myself. I never thought I had an athletic streak in me. I kept up with exercise even 20 • January 2019 first for her babies, then her partner, and her own needs come last. I’ve been pro- grammed to think that a good mother should be “selfless”. Therefore, the act of doing something for myself means I’m self- ish and therefore I’m not a good mother. I was baffled. Could a simple act of self- care like looking after one’s health and wellbeing be considered selfish?

One thing was certain, on the days I re- fused help and stayed home with Vivian, so I can soak up the glory of selflessness, I felt miserable, restless, overwhelmed, and bitter. On the other hand, the days I went out to exercise, I came back recharged, revitalized, and with more energy for my daughter. When I was away from my daughter to exercise, I missed her. This made coming home that much better, be- ... the days I went out to exercise, I came cause I knew I wanted to be there, and I was ready to be there for her. back recharged, revitalized, and with more Selfless versus selfish energy for my daughter.

Selflessness doesn’t come naturally to Self-nurturing is an essential prerequisite exercise after birth, nutritious meal deliv- me, it comes with a level of exhaustion, to good parenting. As your child gets ery, and mental support for busy mums. anxiety, and unhappiness. This feels older, you need to set a good exam- These elements combine to create a like the exact opposite of giving from ple for him or her. Your child needs to holistic program for mums. I wanted to the heart which selflessness embodies. I see parents who respect and look after create a community of like-minded mums now know I was actually suffering from themselves. This is not selfishness; this is where we can share and support each the “fear of selfishness” syndrome. The self-respect and good role modelling. other. I wanted to be able to give back fear of selfishness asserts that we need There’s no need to lose your sense of and show the importance of self-care to do whatever it takes to be there for self in the process of mothering. Don’t and help work through the underlying other people especially our children let your identity disappear in the guise of fears many new mothers like myself go even when you feel overwhelmed and motherhood. I strongly believe in practic- through. worn out. Because of this, the fear of self- ing self-nurturing daily! ishness carries the energy of shame and Be good to yourself – give yourself the guilt. I felt bad leaving Vivian to go out Make sure you have space for your own love and respect you deserve. You’ll be for exercise, and equally bad not going. needs. Nurture yourself by doing some- a better parent, a better partner, and a I felt trapped without a choice. thing each day that you want -- go to happier mum. This, I truly believe. exercise, get a manicure, read a book, Put on your oxygen mask first before dress up, and get out. I promise your Photos by rawpixel on Unsplash helping others baby will be just fine with your husband, your mum, or your nanny. Thailand is a The truth is, that a mother also needs great place to get help, it’s very afford- downtime. For me, there’s a time for able and never too far away. self-care and there’s a time for selfless- About the Author ness. The two concepts are not mutually Sharing my belief exclusive. By recognizing when to be – Creating My Mummy First Gale Ruttanaphon generous and when to be self-attentive, you create boundaries that will help I founded My Mummy First during my Gale is a wife, a you. They help protect you from over maternity leave, because I believe mums mother, founder of extending yourself and help protect oth- deserve to be looked after too. Often My Mummy First, and ers from the resentment that can form mum’s the one who looks after everyone an ACE certified trainer at BASE gym when you overextend them. You wear in the family, but the concept of nurturing specialising in pre and post-natal train- yourself too thin when you act out of does not seem to extend to the mother ing. Gale experienced the benefits of fear of being selfish. Remember what herself. I wanted to create a program exercise and living a healthy lifestyle the cabin crew say in the flight safety that looks after mums first and foremost: during her pregnancy. She now uses briefing,”Put on your oxygen mask first My Mummy First. her knowledge to help other mums to before helping others.” It is sound ad- recovery safely, and regain health and vice. You are no good to anyone if you My Mummy First is a postnatal wellness confidence after birth. run out of oxygen! program for mums that focuses on safe www.bambiweb.org • 21 FEATURE

Two steps towards transformation

By Jasmin Braun Personal and professional life coach, Jasmin Braun, provides practical tips on how to start the process of a personal transformation.

Personal transformation is letting go of Imagine that by mid-2019 you have al- When our beliefs are limiting they can what’s holding you back and creating ready achieved what you want. You feel significantly impact our confidence, cre- what you want to see in your life instead. empowered, energized and realize you ate self-doubt and stifle personal growth. have the ability to achieve so much more So the first step is to gain awareness of PAs we have just started a new year, we of- than you thought you could. Read on if what it is that is holding you back. This ten think about what we want to achieve, that sounds like something you’d like to will involve some soul searching. Start by be that new year resolutions, goals we experience. grabbing a piece of paper and asking have set for ourselves or dreams we want yourself this question: to see come true. But more often than not The transformation we reflect back twelve months later and What do I believe to be true about realize that much of what we set out to do Achieving this kind of transformation myself? hasn’t come true. might be easier than you think and the beginning of personal transformation is Write down whatever comes to mind. Have you ever asked yourself, why? surprisingly simple. It starts with taking an Examples might be, “I’m a good listen- honest look at where you are now and er,” or “I always put others before me,” What’s holding us back from achieving a walk through two key steps towards or “I just don’t have the time to focus on our goals and dreams? What are we transformation: step one, letting go of what I want,” or “I’m just not organized missing in the puzzle of what will make what’s holding you back and step two, and motivated enough.” our lives meaningful and fulfilled? creating what you want to see in your life instead. Once you have written down a few, sit Especially as moms we spend a lot of with them for a moment and see which time making plans and having hopes Step one: letting go of what's holding ones feel the most true to you right now. and dreams for our children and fami- you back Pick those two limiting beliefs and ask lies. As we do that, we often get stuck yourself the following: on our own journey of development and What typically holds us back from • Is this belief true? personal growth. We settle into our com- achieving our goals and living our • If not, how do I feel about that? fort zone. dreams are the limiting beliefs we have • What would the opposite belief be? about ourselves. These can be deep-root- When we are in our comfort zone, ed and work on a subconscious level so Take a few minutes to think about and transformation can sound like a big we are usually not aware of them. We write down your thoughts. deal, and it is. Transformation often all have certain beliefs about ourselves. means you will become a more empow- These beliefs can either be empowering Having the awareness of what it is that’s ered person. More confident, stronger or limiting and have a big influence on holding you back and starting to chal- and better able to be in charge of your our lives. lenge this limitation is a big first step. own life experience. What would it be like if you believed the 22 • January 2019 opposite to be true about yourself? What if you believed you were good/smart/ pretty/motivated/determined enough?

Play through the scenario of this re-pro- grammed belief that is now an empow- ering belief and think about what differ- ence it will make to you as a person: • What possibilities open up with this new empowering belief? • What actions am I taking as a result of this empowering belief? • What results am I able to achieve now that I couldn’t before?

For any shift like this to stick, our brain needs a lot of repetition. Find a way in which you can keep this new empow- ering belief about yourself present. This could be a sticker on your mirror, a re- minder on your phone or repeating it Remember, you create your reality, your to yourself 20 times every night before brain just processes what you feed it. you fall asleep. Your brain will take it in. Remember, you create your reality, your brain just processes what you feed it. goal to commit to something meaningful that nourish and empower them or have right away. A wonderful way to do this, worked with professionals who can sup- If you keep this shift in perspective and which also allows you to keep up the port them on their journey. belief present and repeat it to yourself momentum, is by asking yourself at the over and over again, it becomes your beginning of every day: No matter what your journey will look new reality. Your deep rooted belief like, I want you to know that there is a will change and allow for more positive What can I do today to create this journey out there waiting for you,and it’s thoughts, actions and results. change? a journey of wonderful transformation, happiness and empowerment. You de- Step two: creating what you want to see The answers you will get to this question serve to be on that journey! in your life will vary greatly depending on the day. Some days you can tick off a big item Photos by Norwood Themes on Unsplash When it comes to creating the positive, on your “to do” list, on others it might you might already have some goals and just be keeping it present and renewing About the Author dreams in mind that you want to work your commitment to pursuing this positive on. Or maybe you are starting with a change. But no matter how big or small, Jasmin Braun clean sheet of paper. Wherever you you will be able to do something every are on this path, take a moment to run single day that brings you closer to living Jasmin is the found- your goals and dreams through a check this new reality. That is a wonderful and er of Jasmin Braun to make sure they are truly what YOU empowering feeling in itself and will cre- Coaching (jasmin- want, not what you think you should ate positive changes in your life. braun.com), a Certified Coach and want, what others want, or maybe what EFT Practitioner (Emotional Freedom you wanted five years ago. They say change is never easy. But Technique, also known as ‘Tapping’). change fuelled by empowering beliefs, Jasmin helps women free themselves Ask yourself these questions about your daily action and driven by a deep sense from limiting beliefs and emotional bag- goals and dreams: of direction and purpose is easier than gage and empowers them to reach • Will this make me happy? you think. their full potential and happiness in life. • Will I feel proud having achieved it? She has worked with many female en- • Does this give me meaning and a In my work I support women on their trepreneurs, women in business, work- sense of fulfillment? journey through various difficulties and ing moms and mothers returning back • Is this in line with what I want my life identity crises. What I have seen time to work to help them on their journey to to be about? and time again is that a woman who being their best, true selves. Aside from knows where she wants to go and be- one-on-one EFT coaching she also runs If you know that these goals and dreams lieves in her own abilities and power, group workshops, programs for cor- will give you meaning and purpose, will can achieve things she never dared porates and speaks at events, always make you happy and are in line with to dream of before. In all these cases, aiming to empower women and inspire who you truly are as a person, you have women didn’t do this all on their own. positive change, one woman at a time, found something worth fighting for. Use They shared with their friends, supported one step at a time. the awareness and motivation for your each other, became part of communities www.bambiweb.org • 23 FEATURE Switching on, to switch off

By Cara Mayega

When most By Monday morning I am skip- courses are my favorite thing to do dur- people think ping to the office because I crave ing weekend naps after bedtime. This is of self-care, they adult conversation about pro- also why I prefer to listen to books than imagine sinking cesses and purchase orders. read them. It allows me to sneak in a into a hot bubble I love being surrounded by chapter on my thirty-minute commute, or bath and sinking other grown ups and being whilst walking to my gate at the airport. into a foot massage asked my opinion on matters be- People generally won’t disturb you if you chair. Switching off yond which flavor of ice-cream is better. have your headphones on, it’s the univer- from the world for a few It’s a nice change of pace but it’s not sal symbol for “buzz off.” hours, muting the phone and your what fuels and stimulates me as an intel- brain. There is no shortage of ways to ligent woman in her forties. I still take baths and get massages too. switch of in Thailand and the whole cul- During those times I don’t try to mix the ture seems grounded in Sabai. So, when I need self care, I wait for my two. I don’t listen or learn. I mute every- little Muppets to fall asleep dreaming of thing and sink into a bubble bath with When I think about self care, I think the Peppa Pig, and I make a date with my a cup of Pukka tea and the sound of si- opposite of Sabai. brain. I take courses on Udemy, read lence. As much as my brain and soul books via Audible and love nothing enjoys being fueled, it also enjoys time Not switching OFF, but switching ON. more than a good controversial docu- out occasionally. Switching on with stimulating conversa- series on Netflix. I google and make tions and feeding my brain with current notes and learn and it makes me hungry For me, self care isn’t just about switch- affairs and stories. Sure, I also some- to learn more. ing off, sometimes to look after yourself, times need the off switch, but,I am truly you need to switch on. looking after ME… I lock the door and hit play on my favorite podcast from two My brain is ready Some of my favorite ways to switch ON... ABC journalists in Australia. for sleep because I’ve Pod-Casts: Two Fat Expats, Long Distance Although I work full time, I find that any taken it for a run, not Call and The Teacher’s Pet. time outside of work is focused on my two young children. As a single mum, just put it in neutral. Courses: Udemy, JSA, Harvard Learn- it’s just me and two little people most of ing, EDXBooks: the time. There is a LOT of Peppa Pig I feel good because and Paw Patrol, endless hours discuss- I spent some time Books via Audible: Subtle Art of Not ing which princess has the prettier dress Giving a F**k, Rising Strong, Sapiens, and countless stories about unicorns. It’s focused on me… This is going to hurt, The wife drought, fun and exhausting at the same time. Becoming Michelle Obama, What I When I myself finally fall into bed, I do know for sure. I love the adorable conversations I have so feeling fulfilled and satisfied as a with my five-year-old and watching her woman. Not just as a mum or a mar- Photo by Leone Venter on Unsplash fascination with rainbows and light. She keter or an expat, but as a complex, loves to pick flowers and leaves and dis- multi-faceted human. My brain is ready About the Author cuss them with me (“This one has CIRCLE for sleep because I’ve taken it for a run, petals and this one is TRIANGLE petals). not just put it in neutral. I feel good be- Cara Mayega Both her and her little brother have vivid cause I spent some time focused on me. Just me. Not kids, not work, not family or imaginations and play amazing role Cara is an Aussie charities. Me. play games for hours. My role is usu- expat in Thailand. ally a bit character, as a ‘customer in She juggles being a Of course, finding time to do anything the shop’ or a ‘patient in the hospital’ single mum with a demanding career. that requires you to think is not easy. (“Lie still Mummy! You have fallen from She has learnt to never say no to a I have very limited gaps in my day to a horse!) or wherever we are in their good kid’s club and is not afraid to make these “brain fuel stops” and I try to imaginations. Weekends are spent at call Mama noodles “dinner.” Cara is maximize them. If a new podcast drops ball pits and birthday parties and watch- also the founder of “Solo Parenting in overnight I lock my bathroom door and ing Toy Story one, two and three…then Thailand” facebook group. sometimes number one again. relish in it during my shower. My Udemy 24 • January 2019 FEATURE Life as an expat mum

By Anna Raymond

For those on the outside we might look as if we’re living in paradise. But as expat mum and Steps with Theera board member Anna Raymond explains, we still face the usual day-to-day challenges, often isolated from our core support network, making self care all the more important.

As expat parents living in Thailand, we are often met with the usual cries from family when we return home on annual Aleave. “You’re so lucky” is one followed swiftly by “life must be a continuous holi- day” and so on and so forth. If you’re like me at this stage, you’re smiling through gritted teeth!

The reality of living here is very different. It's true that we have helpers at home that make domestic chores easier. It’s also true that we are usually more com- fortable financially than our friends still at home. But what we also have is the guilt of being a being a stay-at-home parent As an expat mum, most of us are extremely and many of us try to overcompensate for that, enrolling the little ones in Little good at looking after the little and not so little Gym and dance lessons and everything members of the family, making sure everyone’s in between. Trying to cram as much as possible into our lives to show we’re needs are met, except we need to be careful we not lazy, slumped on the couch, eating chocolate! are not the ones running on empty.

But what we really don’t have is the fam- Self care is an ugly word to parents, as whether it’s a daytime movie, a mindful- ily support or the comfortable feeling if we should be embarrassed about hav- ness session, or even just a very early that only develops with long term friend- ing to look after ourselves. We actually night, take the time to look after you! ships, especially at difficult or challeng- have a duty to look after ourselves be- Then once your batteries are recharged, ing times. Who hasn’t wished for that cause without keeping well and healthy, you can return energised and tackle all comforting hug from mum, sitting in con- how can we help our loved ones? the family issues, Christmas, food battles tented silence drinking a cup of tea with that are still waiting for you. a trusted friend from way back, or even Truthfully it also sets a good example to Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash the shorthand chat we use with our sis- our kids. In the world of offspring, it’s ters? Sometimes that's all that’s needed, never too early for them to learn that ev- About the Author but its thousands of miles away. eryone matters and no-one should be the sacrificial lamb! As an expat mum, most of us are ex- Anna Raymond tremely good at looking after the little Research has shown time and time Anna Raymond and not so little members of the family, again, that we all respond better and Gambles is a long making sure everyone’s needs are met, with more patience and enthusiasm term resident in Bang- except we need to be careful we are not to our families once we’ve had a little kok, having lived here for over twenty the ones running on empty. break from them. Whatever you need, years. Along with her husband Paul, they are raising their two children who You may even like to go beyond a mindfulness session and take a whole day off are now teenagers. She left a career in to attend a mindfulness retreat. It’s a great way to recharge your batteries and banking and is now involved in a num- take care of yourself while learning new ways of being. Alessandra Marazzi ber of community organizations. Anna and Siri Chandler offer occasional one day mini-retreats in the city. In Feburary was a PTA President, an international their retreat will focus on the heart and compassion. For more information call school board member and is currently 081-424-4220 or visit their Facebook page: 3CMindfulnessRetreats a board member of LEAP.

www.bambiweb.org • 25 FEATURE Play is for everyone

By Abhasiri Chutikul

Play Therapist, Abhasiri Chutikul, explains how something as simple as playing can not only help us bond with our children, it can provide a form of self care when we allow ourselves time to play too, whatever form that might take.

As we are all winding down from our holiday spirits, I would like to recommend pencilling ‘playtime’ into our Acalendars. There are many benefits of play and different types of play, which not only help us bond with our children but actually provide a form of self care to us as adults.

Why is play important?

Psychologically speaking, play is “a range of voluntary, intrinsically motivated activities done for recreational pleasure and enjoyment.” (Garvey, 1990). In other words, play is something, anything that we want to do and feel like doing, because it makes us happy!

So, why are we not playing more often?

A good rhetorical question, as the benefits of play are endless! Here are sight, sound and smell. Through trial and 3. Play as a means of communica- five benefits specifically related to error, a baby learns what makes them tion and developing communication engaging in play with your children... feel good or sad. For example, when playing with building blocks, an infant As infants usually develop language 1. Play creates positive emotional can be very amused when they stack closer to the age of one, their best form experiences and bonding up blocks and push them down. In that of communication is through non-verbal simple cause and effect play, the infant cues such as gestures, facial expressions As play is an inherent part of us, infants has learned about spatial awareness and sounds. Parents can help their infants and toddlers are naturally drawn to and differentiating shapes, alongside to learn new vocabulary by narrating playfulness and pleasure seeking developing motor skills using balance what they are doing, using very few activities. Through engaging in playful and control. and basic words so their little ones can activities, parents and children develop associate that object with the word trust and learn more about each other’s As parents, our role is a bit like being when heard repeatedly. Responding temperament by creating a variety of a tour guide of the world, where we to your baby when they point to an scenarios. Another important note is that are responsible for exposing them to object and naming the object can show when an individual experiences positive different aspects of the world, so that them that this is an appropriate way to emotions, our brain relaxes and opens they can learn for themselves. communicate. up to new experiences. Plato said “You can discover more about 4. Play develops social skills 2. Play helps build cognitive devel- a person in an hour of play than in an opment year of conversation.” Particularly true At only a few months old, your infant is with younger children, whose language learning social skills through play with Einstein once said “play is the highest skills are not fully developed. Play others. Take peek-a-boo for example. A form of research.” Babies learn to provides an important platform for them baby would quickly learn that laughing interact with the world through touch, to express themselves. or acting surprised when the other person 26 • January 2019 ...make time for yourself. Give yourself a break. Allow yourself some ‘me time’ to relax, play and enjoy. shows their face an enjoyable thing tions such as saying because the other person is laughing “yay!” when your in- too. They also develop turn-taking skills fant builds a tall block as they will realize this game wouldn’t or “I like how you work if both are waiting to be boo-ed! drew that giraffe” or “Thank you for help- As your child grows older, they may ing mummy bake” engage in board games that teach them about winning and losing. Some ideas of play activities that can be This feeling is completely normal and incorporated into your everyday life: understandable, however, many parents 5. Bonding time for you and your • Making a visual shopping list with feel guilty about it. Therefore, to avoid child pictures of items for your toddler to these feelings, make time for yourself. be mummy’s little helper at the super- Give yourself a break. Allow yourself Some parents now may have questions market some ‘me time’ to relax, play and enjoy. in their heads such as “So what do I • Singing nursery rhymes/songs during play with my child?” and “How will I bath time together Why not write down three things you have time to play?” or, “Is playing at • Doing yoga together. You and your really want to do right now? It could playgroup or Kindergarten enough?” toddler can swap roles being instruc- be as sociable as going for girls’ night tors out, going to a board games cafe, or For many parents, the responsibilities of • Playing I-spy in the car to see how as simple as sitting down with a tub of taking physical care of their child, the many green objects/yellow cars you ice-cream and watching your favourite household, and for some holding down can spot, for example. series on Netflix! Whatever it is, please a job, can be overwhelming. A lot of make time. Remember, if your fuel is parents I work with would share that When deciding on an activity to do running low, no-one is going anywhere. they don’t have enough time to spend with your little one, parents can create Take time to re-fuel, relax and have a with their child due to other commitments a physical or mental checklist of the fun-filled 2019 with your family! and their child’s sleep and playgroup following: schedules. 1. Is this activity appropriate for my Photo by Lidya Nada on Unsplash child’s developmental level? Therefore, I wanted to suggest two key 2. are the materials used safe? points that I feel would help many busy 3. Do I think this activity will be fun? parents bond with their child: About the Author 1. It’s the quality of time spent rather Taking care of yourself than quantity of time Abhasiri (Oom) 2. any daily activity can be adjusted so Last but certainly not least, in fact, Chutikul that playfulness can be incorporated most importantly! From working with into it many families, I have come to see and Oom is a Play thera- appreciate the importance of parents pist and Early inter- Spending quality time means: maintaining their physical and mental vention specialist. She has been work- • Giving them undivided attention health. Having a child is very rewarding ing with children and teenagers with (yep, that means no LINE, Instagram but is definitely exhausting as well. With social skills, emotional and behavioral etc) the pressure to be a “good mum” or issues in Thailand since she graduated • Noticing when your child needs your “good dad,” parents may find themselves from Australia in 2012. In 2016, she became certified as a play therapist help or input in play filling their schedules up with child- through Leeds Beckett University, UK. • You yourself enjoying the time. In- related chores and activities and neglect She also supports families through fants and children are very quick on their own free time. Just like our children, coaching parents on attachment, be- picking up on energy levels. when we are exhausted, we start to feel havioral and emotional management. • Reflecting and re-affirming their ac- negative and can resent our children. www.bambiweb.org • 27

FEATURE

My IVF miracle

By Anonymous Infertility is said to affect 10-15% of couples, but it’s not easy to talk about. One mom shares her honest and moving account of the most personal of journeys.

When someone tells you that you might For my husband, the tests were also not be able to have a child of your own, When someone tells intimidating—a request for a sperm sam- your heart breaks. Going through fertility you that you might ple on demand…need I say more? Wtreatment was literally the hardest thing I have ever done. The emotional trauma, not be able to have It was just my luck that the results came the fear, the anxiety, the waiting, the dis- back on my birthday: we were going appointment over and over, the sense of a child of your own, to have trouble, maybe even going failure, the inability to think about any- straight to IVF. I was devastated. To thing else: that is what stays with you your heart breaks. me, IVF meant super-expensive and a even after you succeed. last resort. I didn’t know if I could get worst procedure I went through on my my husband on board. I didn’t think we I didn’t think that I would have trouble fertility journey. The test lets the doctor could afford it. getting pregnant. Even though I told my make sure your fallopian tubes are not husband that we shouldn’t wait too long blocked and your eggs have no trouble I got mad at God, at the universe, at to start trying because, well, you never coming down to get fertilized. every pregnant person I knew. I re- know, deep down I didn’t really think searched the heck out of fertility statis- we’d struggle. And then we did. You start off by lying on a (cold) x-ray ta- tics, treatments, success rates, options for ble. They open your vagina and insert a adoption, etc. I told my mom. I cried, a At first, we were pretty chilled about it, long cannula into your cervix so that they lot. I was grieving for a child I thought I but three months passed of trying natural- can put in the iodine contrast media to could never have. ly, then six months, and then nine months see how fluid moves throughout and take without any luck. After one very long x-rays. Apparently, I have a small cervix Infertility is mostly just bad luck. Thirty year, we went in to get tested. and they had to try smaller and smaller percent of the time, the problem lies cannulas. I kept hearing “so small, so with the man, 30% with the woman, Fertility testing small” in Thai over and over. The feeling and the other 40% is both or unknown. of vulnerability and violation, more than There are major insecurities on both The blood tests and ultrasound weren’t the pain, had tears streaming down my sides: the person without the problem bad, but the HSG test was, for me, the cheeks and me shaking like a leaf. trying to assure the other person that 30 • January 2019 they didn’t blame them (AND really try- sperm so that hopefully one of my eggs My husband sat me down and convinced ing hard to mean it); the person with will fertilize. me to try with our one embryo and then put the problem feeling like dirt. If both ‘Project Baby’ on hold for a while. He was have a problem, both feel like dirt. If it’s We tried this twice. It didn’t work. worried about me. I was worried about unknown, you don’t even know where me. I didn’t want to stop. I wanted to keep to start! Lose-lose-lose-lose. This would I had already gone through more than going. I didn’t want to waste time. But, strain any relationship, and it took us thirty trans-vaginal ultrasounds, taken hor- at the same time, I knew he was right. I open conversations and time to come mones every day for months, and gone wasn’t doing very well with Project Baby, to terms with things. through month after month of getting my and we both needed a break. hopes up to have them dashed. So, We made some lifestyle changes, when our doctor asked us about moving So, the next cycle rolled around and I tried to get into a positive mindset. on to ICSI, a more precise method of did my best to stay positive. The transfer After retests, we decided to try more IVF, I looked at him and said: “Yes, it’s was a simpler process, a lot like IUI, ex- conservative treatments before going just money. Let’s do it.” cept this time, we got to see our little em- on to the very expensive, intense, and bryo on a large screen before the nurse dreaded IVF. Onto the real deal: ICSI very carefully carried it over to the doctor to inject. I have a picture of our embryo Starting treatment ICSI is the real deal. Gone are the oral and a picture of the moment (spoiler medications and in come the injections. alert) she was injected in my uterus. If trying naturally was stressful, that I had eighteen injections in ten days in had nothing on trying while undergo- my tummy. Instead of two or three eggs, Ten agonizing days passed. I took a ing treatment. You couldn't help but the hormones tricked my body into mak- home pregnancy test, and to my shock, hope that the treatment was helping ing twelve. amazement, and joy, it was a big, FAT, your chances, and you’re constantly positive! reminded of it as you take medicine To extract the eggs, I had to go under every night, use progesterone supposi- general anesthesia. Using ultrasound as A few tips for talking to others tories twice a day, and go in for regu- a guide, my doctor injected a needle into lar trans-vaginal ultrasounds. (Good- my ovaries to suction out, one by one, When you meet someone, remember bye vanity.) fluid from the twelve follicles that con- that you do not know his or her story. tained my twelve eggs. The same day, A simple question like “You don’t want The first few months, we tried medi- hubby provided sperm, and the labora- kids?” could cut someone deeper than cated timed intercourse, where I took tory selected the best looking ones. ICSI you know. hormones to produce each month two took a single, handsome sperm and in- or three eggs instead of one. A typical jected it directly into my egg. They did If you do know that someone is strug- month went like this: this with all the eggs. Once the sperm gling to get pregnant, or even going 1. Get your period, go see the doctor and egg fertilized, we had an embryo. through IVF: 1. Ultrasound Science is pretty amazing. 2. Start medications Avoid making suggestions on what they 2. after a week or so, see doctor again We had to wait until day five to see should and shouldn’t do to get pregnant. for another ultrasound how many embryos were viable to be I can guarantee that they have done a 1. How many viable follicles (egg transferred back to my body. On day ton of research and already know any sacs) do you have? one, seven of our embryos were looking tip you may have heard. 2. When will you ovulate? good. I was ecstatic. Statistically, 50- 3. Plan for when it’s most likely for you 60% would make it to day five. I crossed Don’t say things like, “Next time it will to be fertile my fingers for at least four. work” or “This is your month” because 4. Try you don’t know that. 5. Continue taking medications Then day five came and the nurse said, 6. Try not to lose your sanity waiting “Well, there’s one. Call back tomorrow. Just be there for them. Let them start and for two weeks to take a home preg- We’re going to give four another day.” lead the conversations. They may or nancy test may not want to talk about it—don’t take 7. get a big fat negative; cry My heart sank. Only one embryo. From it personally. 8. get your period; cry again twelve eggs. I didn’t know it was pos- 9. Repeat sible to do so poorly at this stage in the Even now, when people ask me if I’m process. The chances of one embryo going to have a second, I get so weary. The turkey baster method working were minimal. And if/when I would love to have two kids; I don’t we do it next time, I realized for the first know if it’s possible. And the truth is, I After no luck for a few months, we were time, it was possible to get zero. don’t know if I am strong enough to go on to the next step: intrauterine insemina- through IVF again. tion. Also referred to (by me) as the ‘tur- I called the next day, and sure enough, key baster method’, it’s where the doc- we had one embryo. One shot. One My daughter is a miracle. She is a bless- tor tracks my cycle and, when I’m at my very long shot. This was supposed to be ing. I thank God for her every single day. most fertile, deposits a highly concen- my best option. I went to a very dark trated solution containing my husband’s place. Photo by Ben White on Unsplash www.bambiweb.org • 31 FEATURE

Terminal cancer: living with my diagnosis

By Maria Villalobos

What is it like to live with a terminal illness? Maria Villalobos, who was told her cancer was incurable over two years ago, describes her battle to maintain a normal life.

We all know that cancer doesn’t dis- do yoga every day or meditate under a mal life. Now I was a cancer patient criminate. Anyone can get cancer. But waterfall or how I finally set aside time with an expiration date. And the date it won’t happen to me … right? to write that novel I’ve always wanted was way too soon. W to work on, but it wouldn’t be true. We also have a vague idea of what And I’ve been asked several times to I wanted to wake up from that reality cancer looks like. We’ve all seen it write or speak about my experiences or for someone to tell me that there had portrayed in the movies or on TV as with the caveat of focusing only on the been a mistake at the lab. But it turned a bald, thin shadow of a person puk- positive and illuminating experiences, out I had breast cancer and, not only ing their guts out over a toilet seat or as if cancer were a giant pink ribbon that, the cancer was so advanced that even as a person who, in a wild turn of glitter. The reality is, however, that it had enveloped my liver and perme- of events, breaks bad and decides that cancer is not a pink ribbon or a shower ated my spine. I was being told to go cooking meth is the best way to pay for of glitter. While there are many bless- home and spend the time I had left with his medical bills. In fact, both of these ings that have come into my life as a my family. All the scans, the data and stories carry a shade of truth (yes, even direct result of having cancer, cancer the doctors were telling me that this the meth guy). But real cancer doesn’t still sucks and I’d still rather not have it. was the final chapter, that everything follow a Hollywood script. It’s not all - that my life - was coming to an end. sadness and despair, nor is it always As I said, cancer doesn’t discriminate some kind of enlightening experience and it didn’t hold any punches when it My confusion and bewilderment led where all the characters learn life les- found me. It hurtled into my life with the to a refusal of what I was hearing. I sons. Real cancer is many things, but, force of a cannonball and it changed wouldn’t let this be the final chapter, I for the most part, real cancer kinda my life forever. Bad news, information wouldn’t let this be the end. I walked sucks. and treatment options came as a rapid- out of those doctors’ offices and seren- fire barrage that was almost impossible dipitously encountered a doctor at a Now I know I am supposed to be to process and all the while I was ask- different hospital who didn’t give me writing about the positive things in my ing myself “I have cancer? I have can- a date or a timeline. He only gave life and how having cancer has trans- cer? How could this happen?” The day me the step in front of me and so, any formed my life philosophy or how I now before I had been at work, living a nor- time I got worried or scared about the 32 • January 2019 future or started thinking too far ahead, he would just draw my attention back to the next step. It turned out that his advice was just what I needed to push forward and find a strength inside me that I never knew existed. My doctor focused on me as a person and gave me hope for the future - hope of a future.

It’s now more than two years past my original expiration date, but I am still living with cancer. I’d say those days surrounding my diagnosis are etched into my memory, but to say that would imply that I’ve moved past that time. Those days are not lost to the past, they are a part of who I am now and they were the beginning of a new future for me. It’s impossible to explain what it is like to live with cancer to someone who doesn’t know, especially since it can be tional scars on me and those close to so different for different people. In some me. But most of all It has shown me how ways, the most shocking thing about my .. real cancer doesn’t important love and support is. How one life with cancer is how normal it all is. I follow a Hollywood hug, one “I love you”, “I’m here for you”, wake up. I feed my dogs. I go to work. I “I care” can change the world around. come home. I take the dogs for a walk. I script. It’s not all For anyone. Within all the difficulties, watch Netflix with my husband. sadness and despair, frustration, and hopelessness cancer can cause, a simple act of kindness and I don’t think it’s possible to be thinking nor is it always some love can mean everything. For me it was about the fact that I have cancer all the these little acts that kept me fighting, it time. I don’t think I could survive that. kind of enlightening was the hug that gave me strength, the Instead, cancer is often the background card that reminded me I was loved, the noise that is easy to ignore until some- experience where all phone call that kept me strong. In the thing points it out and then suddenly it’s the characters learn end, we can all provide that little spark all you can hear. In Lemony Snicket’s A to light someone’s light.’ Series of Unfortunate Events, the narrator life lessons. sums up the feeling perfectly: “It is like walking up the stairs to your bedroom in all these life lessons and self-reflection for Photo by Ruban Hutabar and the dark, and thinking there is one more a body without cancer at the drop of a Freestocks,org on Unsplash stair than there is. Your foot falls down, hat. through the air, and there is a sickly mo- About the Author ment of dark surprise as you try to read- It’s important for those who know or inter- just the way you thought of things.” act with people who have cancer to rec- Maria Villalobos ognize this aspect of a cancer patient’s Cancer sucks and just focusing on life. As cancer patients, our lives can be Maria is cofounder the positive is a futile activity. But that mostly normal and we don’t always need of Beyond Boobs, doesn’t mean that cancer should drain reminding that we have a disease. Our a support group for all the positivity out of your life. It cer- lives can be wonderful, bright and full of breast cancer patients in Bangkok. tainly hasn’t done so for me. I love my laughter and our lives can be difficult, Originally from Bolivia, Maria moved life and I am thankful for all that I have. I exhausting and painful. Medication, to Bangkok six years ago and began am still the happy, laughing and smiling doctors and hospital visits play an impor- working in the jewelry industry. She person that I always was. And there are tant and often difficult role in our lives, was diagnosed with metastatic breast even times when I forget that it is there. If but they are also the ultimate source of cancer in April 2016 at the age of it weren’t for the occasional side effects our path forward. When we are away 30. Maria continues to love living in of my medications or a movie scene that from the hospital we don’t need dietary Bangkok. Indeed, she chose to receive reflects my hopes for the future, I could advice, an article about some magical all her treatment here and not to give go a few long hours without cancer ever jungle plant or “Keep Fighting” stickers, up the beautiful life she had built for crossing my mind. And I have learned we just need more normal. herself in this magical country. You from it all and I’ve even had great expe- can reach Maria and Beyond Boobs riences that I never would have had if I It’s true that cancer sucks but my life is through the Beyond Boobs Facebook didn’t have cancer. I have learned more wonderful because cancer doesn’t de- page at https://www.facebook. about myself and grown as a person just fine my life. Cancer is a part of who I am com/beyondboobsbangkok/ like they do in the movies. But I’d trade and it forever will be. It has left and emo- www.bambiweb.org • 33 BAMBI’s family Christmas party By Emi Owaki / Photos by Mao Sano

On December 14th, we had our Fam- ily Christmas Party at IPC International Kindergarten on Sukhumvit 31.

From gingerbread-house decorating supported by Central Thailand Mission to Christmas crafts-making led by the very creative Donatella, we had some- thing for everyone! Thanks to Bricks 4 Kidz, we even had a model building activity using LEGO blocks.

In our Santa’s Grotto, Santa James was there to greet each child with a small gift. Tomy generously provided trains so that the children could watch them go around while waiting to meet Santa.

There were special music performances by FUN FUN FACTORY and wonderful magic shows by Thanksgiving Home.

At 6pm, we all gathered around the Christmas tree and waited for it to be lit up while listening to beautiful Christmas carols by the choir of the King Mon- gkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkra- bang.

Big thanks to all our supporters includ- ing Bangkok Dolphins, Rosie in boots, Bumrungrad International Hospital, Crown Relocations, and Ayasan Ser- vice.

Thank you all for coming to celebrate the spirit of Christmas with us, and we hope to see you all in our future events.

34 • January 2019 A BAMBI Loy Krathong By Emi Owaki Photos by Mami Sasaki and Mao Sano

Thank you all for coming to BAMBI’s first-ever Loy Kra- thong event at My Food Restaurant on November 22.

The children and parents enjoyed making their own kra- Tthongs after an informative lecture given by a teacher from Nancy Language. We then floated the krathongs in the swimming pool to wash away bad luck and bring in happiness for the future.

Big thanks to My Food for letting us use their space, and Nancy Language for the lecture, both on the meaning of Loy Krathong and how to make a krathong.

See you at our next BAMBI event!

www.bambiweb.org • 35 feBumpsature & Babies

Bumps & Babies is a support group for women of all nationalities who are pregnant or have recently given birth. The BAMBI website calendar and Facebook pages hold current information regarding what’s on. Meetings are coordinated by a medical professional who is also there to offer support. If you are a new parent to Bangkok and are looking for support regarding information on doulas, breastfeeding, child birthing classes, babywearing or postpartum depression, please feel free to ask our coordinator or visit www.bambiweb.org and look under ‘Services’ to find our ‘Bumps & Babies’ page.

Musings of a Midwife: the birth of a mother

By Emma McNerlin

In this month’s Bumps and Babies article, Midwife, Emma McNerlin, examines matres- cence - the anthropological term defined by Dana Rafael in the 1975, to describe the process of becoming a mother.

Throughout my career as a midwife sup- porting women in pregnancy, I have ob- served that it is often difficult for them to see beyond the “birth wall” – how long Twill the labour be? How painful will it be? Will my baby be born in the back of a taxi? Little that I tell them about what to expect in the postpartum period seems to stick, it gets washed away in the am- nesia of oxytocin that accompanies the arrival of their baby.

Asking those same women after their ba- bies are born whether motherhood was what they expected, the answer is usu- ally a resounding “no”. That’s not to say that it’s not wonderful, but equally it can feel overwhelming. Becoming a mother challenges our very identity and it can take time to find our feet again. Artist, Sarah Walker, likens becoming a moth- er to finding a strange new room in your makes it hard to share the baby with any- house that you already live (Lafrance, one, even their partner (McKay,2018). 2015). Matrescence is a relatively new What no one talks area of interest for psychologists and You are biologically driven to obsess neuroscientists that seeks to define the about is the crushing about whether your baby is breathing, common experience of entering mother- is too hot, too cold, whether it has fed hood. loneliness some enough, pooped enough, whether that coffee you had this morning has harmed Everything changes when you become women experience in them. It’s all the amygdala! But for a a mother, yet women rarely acknowl- life with a baby. new mom who doesn’t know this, these edge their struggle with this physical, new obsessions could lead her to feel emotional, hormonal and psychological isolated, inadequate or that she is simply state of flux that pregnancy birth and The amygdala controls the fear centre of losing her mind. motherhood brings. “Mummy Brain” is the brain, processes memory and drives something that we often joke about, but emotional reactions such as anxiety and In his book The Motherhood Constel- in fact huge changes occur in the neu- aggression. Oxytocin floods the amyg- lation Psychiatrist Daniel Stern argues ral pathways of a new mother’s brain. dala making new mothers hypersensitive that giving birth to a new identity as a The amygdala experiences tremendous to their babies’ needs and switching on mother can be as challenging as birth- growth in the immediate postpartum. their mama-bear protective instinct that ing a baby. In fact, this shift in identity

36 • January 2019 BAMBI is a project of the Childbirth and Breastfeeding Foundation of Thailand and welcomes speakers from all areas, presenting a wide range of information. All attempts are made to present topics of interest to BAMBI members, but those who present do so independently of BAMBI and as an organization, we remain impartial to any points of view expressed. Coordinators: Yaz ([email protected]) and Emma ([email protected]) Suggested family donation: 100 BAMBI-members with membership card & 300 for non-members. Membership can be processed and renewed during the session. BAMBI Library: Bumps & Babies has a significant collection of books about pregnancy, childbirth, baby care and parenting. Books can be borrowed by anyone in return for a 500 fully refundable deposit. Queries to be directed to: [email protected] is one of the most significant transforma- magazines. Postpartum mums spring- with a baby. The reasons that women tions a woman will ever face. It is dif- ing back into shape physically within don’t share are varied. Guilt plays its ficult to fathom just how much a new weeks, dressed all in white, sporting full part as too does fear of judgement; and baby changes every aspect of life for a make up gazing at their angelic pristine who’s to say there is even any benefit couple. Fathers too also undergo a tran- bundle of joy. We could all look that to talking about it with a woman on the sition into parenthood, but with women, good with a swat team of stylists, per- other side of that birth wall, would they this process is a primal experience. It is sonal trainers and a flair for photoshop. even be receptive? vital that new parents acknowledge how difficult it can be to adjust to their new It’s time to break the silence around the tiny (and let’s face it noisy and demand- emotional adjustment to motherhood. ing) bundle. A new mum is hormonally We know that fifteen percent of new driven to prioritize her baby, and it can mums and ten percent of new dads ex- be difficult as a couple to find a new perience postnatal depression for which equilibrium. there are protocols and treatments. However, the more common experience Conversely new mums can also experi- is what an old midwifery mentor I had ence some ambivalence about their new referred to as “postnatal realisation.” identity and the reality of motherhood. Understanding the challenges of matres- What no one talks about is the crush- cence normalises and validates the feel- ing loneliness some women experience ings of new mothers. By allowing new in life with a baby. It can seem like days mothers to honestly and safely share their meld into each other in a maelstrom of experiences, they can feel less alone. feeding and diapering and burping and This virtuous circle of sharing and sup- settling. The primal pull of wanting to port mother to mother, is the purpose of love and keep the baby close is some- our BAMBI New Moon group that meets times accompanied with craving space It’s time to break the every Wednesday morning at Antique for yourself too. I remember as a new café. We would love to welcome you mum wondering if I would ever shower silence around the along. or pee alone again. These contradict- emotional adjustment ing feelings are a completely normal Photos by Rawpixel and Wes Hicks on adjustment in motherhood, but for many to motherhood. Unsplash it is a source of guilt for even thinking that motherhood is anything less than About the Author wonderful. Of course, acknowledging As much as we may not admit it, these these feelings does not mean that you unrealistic portrayals can affect our ex- Emma McNerlin love your baby less. The best gift you pectations of life with a new baby. We can give to your baby is to practice the have nine months of pregnancy to con- Originally from Ire- self-care to carve out even a small part of struct a vision of what motherhood will land, Emma is a the day for yourself to achieve some bal- be like, without any experience of what UK-trained midwife ance and to take help when it’s offered. to expect. New mums will happily tell who worked in the maternity unit at Also know that in the immortal words of pregnant friends about their thirty-hour a busy NHS hospital just outside Lon- my mother “this too shall pass.” labour, their traumatized nipples and the don. Emma moved to Bangkok with hour and a half sleep they had in the her husband in 2014; they have an The reality of motherhood often doesn’t past twenty-four. What they tend not to 11-year-old son, Toby. Volunteering measure up to what we see in the glossy share however is how they feel about life with BAMBI Bumps and Babies since August 2015, Emma regularly con- ducts sessions on pregnancy, birth, References breastfeeding and Infant First Aid. In Stern, D. (1995) T Motherhood Constellation. McKay, S. (2018) Demystifying the Female Brain. her spare time, she enjoys baking and Sacks, A. (2017) Becoming a Mother Muay Thai, and is an active member Lafrance A. (2015) What Happens to a Woman’s Brain when She Becomes a Mother of her son's parent group at school. Raphael, D. (1975) Mothering the Mother. www.bambiweb.org • 37 TRAVEL Travel Thailand: Chiang Mai

By Meegan Harvey

Chiang Mai offers more than you might expect. Family blogger, Meegan Harvey, takes us on a short trip around this remarkable city and tells us about its best-kept secrets and hidden getaways.

Chiang Mai …

We only booked a short three-day stay, Cbut all five of us wished we had stayed longer. Chiang Mai provides a wel- come change of scene from Bangkok. It has a lot more greenery, it’s not tour- isty like Phuket or Pattaya and it’s close enough to hop on a plane for a quick weekend getaway. There are no white sandy beaches and the almost obliga- tory ‘happy hours’ that accompany them but that doesn’t take away from Chiang Mai for us at all. In fact, it’s quite the opposite!

Chiang Mai is charming. That’s the best way I can describe it. It’s Bangkok’s sleepy little sister, who isn’t trying to keep up, but is content in making an impact in her own way, on the people of Thai- land. We were all taken in by the gen- erosity of the people, the weather, the green spaces, the mountains, the clouds, and the many things we didn’t even think of while researching our destination.

We didn’t know whether there would be enough in Chiang Mai to keep the kids (aka ‘the Clowns’) excited for three days. But we needn’t have worried. While our time in Chiang Mai was limited, we still managed to visit the zoo, eat in amaz- ing out-of-the-way places, learn about elephant preservation, shop a little too much, and enjoy the really small things that Chiang Mai locals probably take for granted.

Where we stayed

We stayed at Furama on a really good We were all taken in by the generosity of deal from Booking.com that included Ex- ecutive Lounge privileges for the duration the people, the weather, the green spaces, of our stay. That meant à la carte break- the mountains, the clouds, and the many fast, all-day coffee, tea and snacks, happy hour every day for the kids and things we didn’t even think of while the adults, and complimentary late checkout. Needless to say, we took full researching our destination. advantage! It was really good to know 38 • January 2019 that we could pop back to the hotel for a quick break from sightseeing, have a snack and a cool drink, or a coffee, and be energized to keep going for the rest of the day. It’s also good to note that we stayed in a two-bedroom suite. The Clowns’ room felt huge, even with a third bed -- we definitely had plenty of space!

What we did

Chiang Mai Zoo took us a good half day to visit, even with a golf cart, which we hired after reading several recom- mendations on TripAdvisor. It was well worth the extra Baht! The zoo was not at the top of my to-do list, but when I discovered we could hire a golf cart it seemed like a good payoff. Surprisingly, Marc and I really enjoyed it! Probably more than the Clowns did. The zoo is heavily dedicated to conservation, edu- cation, and keeping the animals’ habitat as close as possible to their natural en- vironment. So you won’t get bells and whistles at Chiang Mai Zoo, but you will see some beautiful and interesting animals that are well cared for in their environments. If you have younger kids, we recommend splurging on a golf cart and driving yourselves around the park or better yet, driving your own car around the park. That way, you can stop whenever you want. We also recom- and take it home with you. After spend- their website at www.ristr8to.com - and, mend paying the few extra Baht to see ing more than three hours with one of the if you go to Chiang Mai, make sure you the pandas. They are hilarious to watch, lovely staff at Elephant Parade, they each head there on the first day of your trip, if nothing else! came away with a little more knowledge not the last. of, and appreciation for, these amazing As much as the Clowns always whine creatures - as well as an elephant mini- Like most of Thailand, Chiang Mai is about it initially, we really like to walk statue that they will hopefully keep for easy to get around. There are song- around the local sois of places we visit. years to come. thaews (or red cars) that will take you Seeing a place the way the locals see it places cheaply, as well as tuk tuks and gives you a completely different perspec- When exploring new places, we love normal Grab taxis. Easy! Book a long tive. We walked from our hotel, all the to get recommendations from friends. weekend away, or a week ... you won’t way down the canal and over the river On the recommendation of family be disappointed. We can’t wait to ex- to the Elephant Parade House. I’d first friends back in Australia, we had din- plore more of Chiang Mai! heard about the Elephant Parade House ner one night at Dash!, which offers at a small exhibition that we went to see amazing northern Thai cuisine com- About the Author in Bangkok soon after we arrived in Thai- plemented by some great live music. land. The story behind it cemented itself However, unless you knew it was Meegan Harvey in my memory. This was my must-see/ there, you’d never find it! do thing in Chiang Mai. The painted el- Meegan is a wife ephants are amazing. Photos just don’t We also had the pleasure of sampling and mother to three do them justice. If you want to know the coffee at Ristr8to. For those of you adventurous children, more about the Elephant Parade, take a who are missing amazing coffee, this is eight and thirteen, who tells their sto- look at their website at www.elephant- your place! We were so disappointed ries of moving to Bangkok through parade.com. And if you ever get the that we only found this gem on our last Instagram (@theharveycircus) and her chance, visit! day in Chiang Mai. The coffee is the blog (theharveycircus.com), partially best we have had in Thailand so far, to document their adventures for the As their souvenir from Chiang Mai, the and that is a big call. Again, if you’re future, partially to help others in similar Clowns chose an activity where you a coffee lover or interested in the back- situations. paint your own miniature elephant statue ground behind Ristr8to, take a look at www.bambiweb.org • 39 FEATURE Pregnancy in BKK: a walk in the park

By Merle Vink Living outside of downtown Bangkok, an expecting working mom decided to create her own Meetup group to help connect with other moms and moms-to-be.

My husband and I live on the edge of that my Meetup group was complement- town, in Tao Poon. When I became ing the existing offer. pregnant, it dawned upon us that none Mof our current friends had children. May- Sometimes when I go to a BAMBI event, be it was time for us to move to a more such as the Yard Sale, I like to create a facilitating neighborhood? Meetup event to go there. It’s not only a great way to strike some bargains, We have a lovely apartment right next but also an opportunity to connect with to the MRT Interchange station, with the others. local Tao Poon Market, Gateway Bang Sue shopping mall, and Chao Phraya We are still a relatively young group, so Express boat stop within walking dis- we need more members to really be fully tance. Chatuchak Park, Wachiraben- up and running. We try to encourage chathat Park (Suan Rod Fai), and Queen members to become active participants Sirikit Park are only three stations away. and planners. They are free to plan And I love to do my shopping at the or- It’s my hope that by whatever they like, as long as it is re- ganic Aor Tor Kor Market, just two stops lated to pregnancy or motherhood. No away. the time our son is need for it to be complicated or long. A cup of coffee somewhere will do. And we’re excited to see what will hap- born, I will have some pen to our neighborhood once Bang Sue other moms joining It’s my hope that by the time our son is Central Station, set to replace Hua Lam- born, I will have some other moms join- phong as the capital’s main rail transport me for regular walks ing me for regular walks through the hub, is complete. Already, condos, new park. What better way to push those restaurants, hostels, and hotels are start- through the park. post-pregnancy pounds out of your life ing to spring up like mushrooms! than a fun, stroller-based workout while spending time outside with your baby Then my nesting urge started to kick in know a lot of interesting people from dif- and some friends? and we decided to stay put. I wanted ferent cultural backgrounds. So it did not to cozy up where we were. But still, take long for me to create a new Meetup there was the problem of no other ex- group: Pregnant in BKK! About the pregnant in BKK meetup pat families being near us. Realizing group I was going to have a baby abroad, A bunch of women quickly joined when Create a Meetup account and join far away from my family and friends, is I launched the group. Our first Meetup our group at www.meetup.com/ overwhelming enough as it is, but the was held in Chatuchak Park for a picnic Pregnant-in-BKK/ prospect of being socially disconnected and walk, with no less than six ladies from other moms-to-be scared me. I was joining. Not only did we have some also teaching full-time, and at the end great conversations and experiences to of the day, didn’t have time or energy share, but we also enjoyed an informal About the Author left to travel into town to connect with chat about breastfeeding with Isabel others. from The Best Beginning, a company Merle Vink that offers a range of prenatal and post- Turning to Meetup natal services. Originally from the Netherlands, Merle Since my husband and I moved to Bang- There are not many opportunities for moved abroad five kok in August 2017, we had been using working pregnant woman to connect years ago to pursue her dream of Meetup as a way to socialize and make with each other. Most events in town, teaching abroad. After Brazil and Ma- new friends. Meetup is an online service like BAMBI playgroups and coffee morn- laysia, she and her husband decided where users can create groups and host ings, are planned on weekdays. While to settle down in Bangkok and to try local in-person events. it makes perfect sense that the volunteers their luck on starting a family. They are running these weekday events like to very excited to be expecting their first By organizing Meetups through our ‘Pur- keep their weekends free to spend time child in February 2019. ple Line Adventures’ group, we got to with their families, it was great to find out 40 • January 2019

READER’S CORNER

Books for Children Four great winter reads

Asian Children's Favorite Stories なまえをつけて Authors: David Conger, Liana Romulo, 著者：谷川俊太郎／ Joan Suyenaga, and Marian Davies Toth いわさきちひろ ISBN: 9780804850230 出版社：講談社 販売価格：594バーツ 出版年月：2018年09月

For thousands of years, children all over the world have listened 2018年はいわさきちひろの生誕100年でした。ちひろ美 to popular folktales. Each country has its own set of fascinating 術館では、「Life」をテーマにした展覧会が開催され、 stories and learning about those is both entertaining and educa- その展示にも使われる谷川俊太郎の新作書き下ろしの詩 tional. The classic stories in this book include: が、いわさきちひろが描いた子どもたちとともに一冊の • Why Cats and Dogs Don't Get Along (Korea) 絵本になりました。子どもたちが語りかけてくる言葉は • Baka the Cow and Kalabaw the Water Buffalo (Philippines) 哲学的で、大人が読んでも深い味わいが残るはず。タイ の人にもいわさきちひろの人気は高いということで、贈 • How the Mousedeer Became a Judge (Indonesia) り物にもぴったりな絵本 • Liang and His Magic Brush (China) • The Lucky Farmer Becomes King (Thailand) • The Clever Rabbit and Numskull (India) • The Crane's Gratitude (Japan) This multicultural children's book opens doors to other cultures and engages the imagination.

Books for Parents

Playful Learning Lab for Kids Author: Claire Heffron and Lauren Drobnjak ISBN: 9781631595561

Recent research has shown that children learn and develop new skills 小児科医のぼくが伝えたい最高の子育て more quickly when they engage in whole-body play. Movements al- 著者：高橋孝雄 low them to refocus their attention, improve brain function, reduce 出版社：マガジンハウス stress, and improve circulation. The more senses that are used, the 販売価格：535バーツ more likely information is to be stored and retrieved. Claire Heffron 出版年月：2018年09月 and Lauren Drobnjak, pediatric occupational and physical therapists 現代の名医による待望の子育て論。 小児科医３６ with years of clinical experience, share their best tips and strategies 年間の経験から伝えたいのは、どの子どもも親か for helping little learners through engaging and fun activities. Playful ら受け継いだ素晴らしい素質を持っており、親は Learning Lab for Kids provides concepts across reading, language, あたたかく見守るだけでよいということ。周りと art, and science, helping children to develop visual perceptual skills 比べて一喜一憂したり情報に振り回されたりせず and spatial awareness, visual motor integration, and fine motor skills. に、未来を信じて成長を見守ることで、持って生 まれた才能や個性をそのまま花開かせるヒントが 詰まっています。子どもたちが幸せな社会こそ、 豊かで未来ある社会であるという著者の思いも伝 わる一冊。

Bangkok Store 6Th Floor, Isetan Department Store, Centralwolrd, 4/1-4/2 Rajdamri Road, Pathumwan Bangkok 10330, Thailand Tel : +66 2255 9834 Fax : +66 2255 9837 Opening Hours: Daily - 10.30Am To 10Pm Emquartier Store 3Rd Floor, Unit 3B01, Emquartier Shopping Complex, 689 Sukhumvit Road, Klongton Nua, Wattana Bangkok 10110, Thailand Tel : +66 2003 6507 Fax : +66 20036515 Opening Hours: Daily - 10Am To 10Pm Siam Paragon Store 3Rd Level, Siam Paragon Shopping Center, 991 Rama I Road, Pathumwan Bangkok 10330, Thailand https://thailand.kinokuniya.com/ Tel : +66 2610 9500 Fax : +66 2610 9510 Opening Hours: Daily - 10Am To 10Pm

42 • January 2019

WOMBLES dinner: a German Christmas By Victoria Davis

Our final WOMBLES for 2018 was a great success, with beautiful German food, great wine, and wonderful, engaging company to wish each other a Fröhliche Weih- nachten! We encourage all mums, dads, and friends to come and enjoy WOMBLES Oin 2019 and have a kid-free evening in a relaxed and social atmosphere. Keep your eye out on BAMBI's Facebook page and sign up for BAMBI's e-newsletter for updates! We're always on the lookout for fun activities for WOMBLES, open to both moms and dads, so if you have any suggestions, please contact wombles@ bambiweb.org

44 • January 2019 www.bambiweb.org • 45 BAMBI NEEDS YOU!

BAMBI is run by a group of lovely volunteers. Want to have fun, work together with other great parents, brush up on your professional skills, and do something for the BAMBI community? This is your chance! To apply, please go to: bit.ly/volun- teerbambi. If you have questions or need more info, please contact [email protected].

CHARITIES COORDINATOR YARD SALE COORDINATOR

Identifies and evaluates potential charities Organises and coordinates BAMBI's sale events. Usually BAMBI holds to be recipients of BAMBI charity donations, three Yard Sales and one Bazaar every year. The Yard Sales are for following BAMBI guidelines. Arranges for second-hand items and the Bazaar for new goods only. The Yard Sale the collection and distribution of monetary Coordinator is also part of the Events Team and helps the Event Coordi- and material donations to BAMBI Charities. nator with the party events (Halloween, Splash Party and others). Attends Promotes and organises BAMBI fundraising monthly committee meetings as a voting committee member and partici- activities (at parties, Yard Sales etc.) pates/assists with events, fundraisers and other organizational activities.

TREASURER ASSISTANT EVENTS ASSISTANT

Helps the Treasurer take care of all financial aspects of BAMBI, includ- Helps BAMBI Events and Yard Sales Teams ing: supporting BAMBI volunteers on financial aspects, processing pay- to organise and coordinate their events. ments and receipts, reporting to the committee and helping to prepare On average BAMBI holds three big party annual reports, ensuring compliance with accounting/bookkeeping. events (Splash, Halloween, +1 more) and three Yard Sales every year. BAMBI events are usually on Saturdays.

PLAYGROUP LEADER/CO-LEADER ACTIVITIES ASSISTANT

Attends and manages the playgroup: collects entrance dona- Works together with Activities Coordinator to orga- tions, welcomes new and current members to the playgroup nize activities for older kids (3-6 years). Attends and and takes photos of the playgroup for the BAMBI News can manage, if needed, the activity: collects entrance magazine. BAMBI playgroups are predominantly ‘free-play’; donations, and welcomes new and current members however, Playgroup Leaders and Co-leaders can voluntarily to the activity. Helps the Coordinator develop new introduce circle time or short activities to their playgroup at activities and coordinate with activity leaders and ven- their discretion. We have positions for Playgroup Leaders/ ues. It's a plus (but not a must) if you have kids yourself Co-leaders at various locations throughout Bangkok, Sukhum- in the 3-6 age range, so you know what kids in that vit, Sathorn and Silom. age like and can bring your kids along.

MEDIA ASSISTANT WEBSITE ASSISTANT

Assists the Media Coordinator in social media mar- Supports the Website Coordinator in the layout and content keting and management of BAMBI Facebook page updates of the current BAMBI website and also the new site cur- and enquiries on messenger and liaises with other rently under construction. Liaises with the Database Coordinator BAMBI departments to ensure timely promotion of to ensure smooth user interface for membership requests and BAMBI playgroups and events across social media, with other BAMBI committee members to streamline process for BAMBI website and e-newsletter. updating events and information on the BAMBI website.

46 • January 2019 www.bambiweb.org • 47 BAMBI Japanese moms support

Words by Ema Naito-Bhakdi Photos by Mao Sano

The Japanese BAMBI volunteers are excited to open BAMBI’s first Japanese pre- and post-natal support group!

BAMBI初の日本語プレママ＆ベビママモ ーニングがスタートしました！第一回目 は、JCLINICの吉田先生によるハーブティ講 座と試飲、第二回目は助産婦・冨江さんの女 性ホルモントークに盛り上がりました。

妊娠中や小さなお子さんがいるママさんが、 ゆっくり日本語で日々の育児について語り合 ったり、産前・産後についての情報を交換し たり、気分転換をしませんか？皆さまのご参 加をお待ちしています☆

詳細：基本毎月第一水曜日、9時半～11時、 マイポーチ（ソイ３９）。詳しい日程等は BAMBIオンラインカレンダーやFBで「Japa- nese Bumps」をご確認ください。参加 費：BAMBIメンバー฿100、ノンメンバー ฿300。お子様連れも大歓迎、予約不要。ご 質問・ご要望等はjapancoordinator@bam- biweb.orgへどうぞ（日本語可）。

48 • January 2019 HOW TO BECOME A BAMBI MEMBER 入会方法

www.bambiweb.org • 49 BAMBI Welcomes New Members

Ai Chikura Haru Sukagawa Maai Ozawa Naruki Minoshita Sirinthip Srichawla Alex Morabito Hathaichanok Laorungreung Maimi Nakajima Nathera Sihanartkatakul Sojira Karnasuta Anja Hayley Hilne Maki Sato Nicola Crasmus Sylvia Ho Anna Miyashita Helen Brunt Mami Katayama Nisachol Hanpattranon Tharinee Sakhakorn Audry Wong Hiroko Nakamura Mami Makino Panyawee Satiranant Thatchai Bualanka Aya Yamamoto Hiromi Motegi Mami Saida Patcharin Tritipeskul Tomoko Kondo Ayaka Kawakami Ivan Korlat Mari Patricia Panthanuvong Tomoko Mashimo Ayako Hirano Jackie Wice Masako Okamura Phoungkhae Sanglar Tomomi Kanazawa Ayelet Bar Jessica Masami Asato Pimarthorn Charuwana Uli Saragih Ayumi Kumagawa Ji Hwang May Rungdilokroajh Rebecca Somers Valentina Iorga Bella Li Joanne Fretwell Mayumi Yamashita Rei Tanaka Victoria Swan Bettina Maedjong Jonathan Reyes Meenakshi Dabral Rewadee Lerdkrai Wan Napa Cara Mayega Julie Hansen Megumi Baba Roopal Vijayvergiya Winisa Tanaphanuwit Carla Thrussell Junghwa Seo Mesini Keawratri Ruth Cocks Woranut Phummarin Chantip Wang Kanyakorn Kitithanyaboon Midori Hayashi Sachiko Nagatomi Yan Zixi Cherrywin Kongma Kerrie Sam Miho Sawamura Saijai Miyoshi Yu-Syuan Chen Chiaki Miyazaki Konomi Kajikawa Miki Kiya Saori Akiyama Yuka Honjo Chih Fan Kristin Kuenne Minghui Chen Saowanee Manovit Yukiko Ohagi Chihiro Okamoto Kyoko Watanabe Naoko Miura Sarah Leonardis Yuko Ohno Chontirot Srikasedsarakul Laphawan Chavengsaksongkram Napatsawan Pipatpongsa Sarah Starke Geun Young Park Lina Xie Narisara Jenudomsup Sawako Ishikara

JANUARY Birthdays BAMBI’s LANGUAGE 0 Birthday Naya Chindaphorn Jan 18 COORDINATORS Simon Bollinger Jan 30

1st Birthday BAMBI has members from many different countries, and we’re Lucie Gazeau Jan 4 happy to offer help in some of the languages with the most members. Regnar Roash Jan 18 Jeanne Camblor Jan 29 Vana, Thai Coordinator 2nd Birthday Nalin Yaophrukchai Jan 8 สวัสดีเพื่อนๆสมาชิกแบมบี้ค่ะ พี่ชื่อพี่อุ้ม ค่ะ เป็นสมาชิก Nadia Vanasbodeekul Jan 20 แบมบี้มากว่า 5ปีแล้วค่ะ ยินดีช่วยตอบคําถามและช่วย Allegra Victoria Jan 23 สมาชิกไทยของแบมบี้ทุกคนนะคะ Lilas Wolff Jan 23 ถ้ามีอะไรให้ช่วย ติดต่อมาได้ที่นะคะที่ 3rd Birthday Email: [email protected] Antonio Loudon Jan 3

4th Birthday Sarah, Chinese Coordinator Marie Leloup Jan 2 各位華人媽媽好! 我叫 Sara, 是一位香港泰國混血兒媽媽, 我先生是台灣人, 有一個兒子 Jasper, 我在曼谷已經住了27 5th Birthday 年了。 Yesui O'keeffe Jan 3 Shina Tratkosit Jan 18 Anya Coulter Jan 28 我將為各位華人BAMBI會員提供中文協助以及回答中文問題。

6th Birthday Email: [email protected] Tricia Hiew Jan 2 Leon Fery Jan 8 Julian Cayne Jan 31 Yoshiko, Japanese Coordinator 7th Birthday はじめまして、この度Japanese Coordinatorになりました Ty Knight Jan 18 スウィニー淑子です。BAMBI日本人メンバーの方、何かご不 Torres Chou Jan 20 明なことや知りたいことがありましたら、お気軽にいつで Paulin Leloup Jan 26 もお問い合わせください。一緒に楽しくBAMBIを楽しみまし 8th Birthday ょう！ Laila Adriana Romero Mathur Jan 11 Email: [email protected] 9th Birthday Akira Naito Jan 18 Neennara Wongsanganan Jan 24

50 • January 2019 www.bambiweb.org • 51 Member Discounts Flash your BAMBI Card and enjoy special discounts, now in Pattaya area too!

The following organizations offer BAMBI members special discounts upon presentation of your BAMBI membership card or if you mention that you are a BAMBI member when calling.

BANGKOK AREA DISCOUNT: 10% off for BAMBI members rumPUREE: World dance studio CONTACT: Jas Urban Srinakarin (3rd Floor), DISCOUNT: 10% off all open dance classes and BEAUTY Srinakarin Road; Tel: 089-784-8332; Email: packages at both Asok and Amarin studios. [email protected]; Facebook: CONTACT: www.rumpuree.com; FB/IG/YouTube: @JumpingClayJasUrbanSrinakarin rumpuree; Line: @rumpuree APEX Medical Center: Specializing in total Chidlom: 496-502 5th floor, Amarin Plaza, beauty solution and wellness LITTLE PEA: A space for families in the Ploenchit Road, Pathum Wan (BTS Chidlom, DISCOUNT: Ploenchit and Thonglor branches community to connect through multi-sensory play, Exit 6), Tel: 092-204-9655 only. Buy 1 get 1 free for Cool Scrupting; YAG fun activities and enriching food. Asok: 2nd Fl, Jasmine City Bldg., Sukhumvit Laser Hair Removal Armpit or Bikini Line for DISCOUNT: 10% off for both activities as well as 23 Alley, Khlong Toei (BTS Asok, Exit 6; MRT ฿990; Invisalign with 3D scanner and Virtual food & drinks at the cafe for BAMBI members. Sukhumvit), Tel: 092-204-9677 Photo for ฿170,000; and Zoom Whiting at ฿7,890. CONTACT: Unit P1, Play Yard (2nd Floor) The CONTACT: Thonglor branch, Tel: 080-500-0123; Common, Thonglor Soi 17, Wattana, Bangkok SOFIT PREGNANCY & BEYOND: Are you Ploenchit branch, Tel: 085-000-0855. Line: 10110. Tel: 02-712-5245 pregnant and want to exercise safely to help with @apexbeautyglobal, FB: @apexbeautyglobal. Email: [email protected] your body changes and prepare for a healthier FB/IG: littlepeabkk delivery? Are you a new mom and want to get [UPDATE] JOHNY LIVE: Hairdresser stylist Web: www.littlepeabkk.com your pre-pregnancy body back and get more DISCOUNT: Cutting and colouring services in the energy? Sophiene is a pregnancy and postnatal comfort of your own home with exclusive 25% SING DANCE ACT & DESIGN with Musical health coach specialist, certified by the American discount for all BAMBI members. Theatre for KIDS at The Hop in Silom: Council on Exercise. He WILL help you to CONTACT: Tel: 087-105-1614, johnylive6@ Improve your child’s confidence, spontaneity become happier and healthier. hotmail.com, www.facebook.com/Johny Live Hair. and creativity through song, dance and art, DISCOUNT: 1 consultation and 2 weeks of in a warm and supportive environment. For workout planning to include 2 one-on-one K NAIL LOUNGE: Manicure/pedicure information on their workshops, please visit www. sessions for FREE. DISCOUNT: 10% off for any nail service ฿250- musicaltheatreforkids.com. CONTACT: Sophiene, www.sofitpregnancy.com 999, and 20% off when it is above ฿1,000. Suitable for children aged 6 to 10 years old. CONTACT: www.facebook.com/knaillounge. DISCOUNT: 10% off all class packages. SPIN & SLICE: Tennis school and academy for Asoke branch - Soi 25, Sukhumvit Road (BTS CONTACT: Kristen Rossi, kids and adults. Asoke or MRT Sukhumvit, exit by Citibank), Tel: [email protected] DISCOUNT: One can of Perrier mineral water 02-661-7289. free for the first session and 10% off for a package of 10 sessions. NICHE HAIR SALON AND NAIL SPA: High-class FITNESS CONTACT: Spin & Slice at the Fifty Tennis Club, hairdressing services, hair care and treatment Sukhumvit 50, Prakanong, Klongtoey; www. along with nail spa and waxing services with BANGKOK DOLPHINS: spinandslice.com qualified stylists. English-speaking stylists and DISCOUNT: 10% off all swimsuits and in-store VIP private room available. merchandise. THE LEADBETTER INDOOR GOLF ACADEMY DISCOUNT: 10% off for all advanced-booking CONTACT: Soi Klang Racquet Club, Sukhumvit BANGKOK: Leadbetter Kids, Junior Golf School. services above ฿1,000 (Code: bambiweb). 49/9. Tel: 02-712-9297. www.bangkokdolphins. Junior golf lesson, weekend class and camp, Booking via phone or Facebook. com provided to all levels, ages 3.5-18. Get physical CONTACT: 3rd Floor, All Seasons Place, CRC with Asia's leading indoor golf academy located Tower, Wireless Road. Tel: 084-596-9546 or KIDDY-KICKS: Children aged 1 to 6 years are in Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit Soi 24, taught by 02-654-3993. www.facebook.com/nichesalon.th welcome to develop their soccer skills in various qualified PGA pros. venues around Bangkok. Free for toddlers under DISCOUNT: 10% off to all normal rates. Free 1 SATIRA: Spa products the age of two; ฿380-420 for children aged 3 to 6 month family membership if register on the same DISCOUNT: BAMBI members receive 20% years old. day of free lesson. discount on all items at Satira Shop DISCOUNT: 15% discount on membership fees. CONTACT: Tel: 02-260-8818, benjaparn@ CONTACT: 4th floor Siam Paragon Department CONTACT: Tel: 085-806-6770, valentine@kiddy- lgabangkok.com or [email protected] Store (opposite of Exotique Thai department kicks.com or www.kiddy-kicks.com entrance), www.satirathai.com WHITE BALL ACADEMY: Take golf lessons from INNER COACH FOR LIFE: Kids and adults experienced instructors, or practice your game health and fitness. For group sessions, there is at this indoor, state-of-the-art golf academy at EDUCATIONAL FitFunFamily, where the parents engage with Thonglor 18. their kids on different levels of activities. DISCOUNT: Free 60 minute group introduction to AMAZE ENGLISH: Creative and fun lesson plans DISCOUNT: 10% discount for BAMBI members. golf basics led by an instructor, a 10% discount with the objective of making our students ‘Learn Prices range from ฿1,000-3,000 per session. on all private lessons, 1 month FREE practice English’ and not ‘memorize English’! CONTACT: Coach Ricardo, Tel: 097-921-2550, membership (available on weekdays, 8am-4pm). DISCOUNT: 50% off for first time registration fee. [email protected] CONTACT: Tel: 02-714-9777, info@ CONTACT: Nita 081-904-2231, Minny 081- whiteballacademy.com 209-8982, [email protected], nita. LITTLE GYM: [email protected] DISCOUNT: 10% off membership fees, if register on the day of the free visit for all branches. Food CURTAIN UP DRAMA: Drama, singing and CONTACT: magic classes for children (preschool to 12 years Emporium Tower: Tel: 02-664-8994-5 AMELIA STEWART: The founder of Cook First old) at Curtain Up Studio, Sukhumvit Soi 33/1. Central City Bangna: Tel: 02-399-5730-1 (www.cookfirst.co.uk/about), Amelia is a cooking DISCOUNT: 15% off all regular studio classes Central Chaengwattana: Tel: 02-101-0200 teacher, food writer and consultant. Amelia (excluding special camps conducted during Central Rama 3: Tel: 02-673-5957 specialises in—amongst other things—gluten-free, school breaks). The Walk Kaset Navamin: Tel: 099-451-6292 dairy-free, refined sugar-free and vegan cuisine, CONTACT: Tel: 085-552-5806, Unit P1, Play and has extensive experience working with all Yard (2nd Floor) The Common, Thonglor Soi LULLABY YOGA: Offers various styles of yoga types of food allergies. 17, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, curtainupdrama@ classes taught by qualified Yoga Alliance Certified DISCOUNT: 20% off for private cooking class gmail.com Teachers. CONTACT: [email protected], DISCOUNT: ฿2,500 for one month unlimited FB: @BeKitchenConfident, Line: @cookfirst, JUMPING CLAY: Specially-designed educational (44% off) and 10% discount on all yoga packages IG: @cook_first_ programs under the concept of "Learn through (excluding drop-ins), first class is free. Play." CONTACT: Mark, www.lullaby-yoga.com.

52 • January 2019 Would you like to offer special promotions to our members? Please email us at [email protected].

CHARLEY BROWN’S MEXICAN 1361, [email protected], www. CONTACT: Khun Jin, Tel: 02-656-7024/5, RESTAURANT: painawayclinic.com, FB: painawayclinic www.thaikidshome.com DISCOUNT: 10% off when dining with kids CONTACT: Tel: 02-651-2215, SAMITIVEJ SUKHUMVIT AND SAMITIVEJ KIIDU: www.charleybrowns.asia SRINAKARIN HOSPITAL: DISCOUNT: 10% discount for membership fee for DISCOUNT: 10% off as follows: full-time nannies/maids, and 5% discount for on- MRS BALBIR'S: Fine Indian cuisine. Cooking Outpatient: medicine, laboratory work and X-ray demand nannies/maid. classes also available. for self-pay CONTACT: 63 Bangkok Ekkamai, 1323/2, DISCOUNT: 10% off on food (Sukhumvit 11 Inpatient: room charges, medicine, laboratory Sukhumvit Rd. Watthana, Bangkok 10110. Tel: location only) work and X-ray for self pay 097-234-8490/ 097-246-8423. www.kiidu.com CONTACT: Tel: 02-651-0498, vinderbalbir@ (excludes vaccination, CT, MRI, ultrasound, hotmail.com, www.mrsbalbir.com dental, special devices and special medication. PARENT-IT-FORWARD: Creatively support and No discount is available on insurance and enhance your personal parenting journey with a SOFITEL SUKHUMVIT BKK: doctor’s fees) PCI-Certified Parent Coach; re-connect with your DISCOUNT: CONTACT: Tel: 02-711-8181 parenting voice and achieve greater joy, peace L’Appart Restaurant: 20% off for food only and and fulfillment in your parenting. priority access for the Chef’s table DISCOUNT: 15% discount when working together Voila Restaurant: Buffet lunch ฿700 net; Thai MISCELLANEOUS with a coach seafood dinner buffet, Sunday to Thursday CONTACT: [email protected], evenings ฿699 net; international seafood night BANGKOK SELF STORAGE: www.parent-it-forward.com market, Friday and Saturday evenings, come 3 DISCOUNT: 10% off storage units. pay 2; Sunday brunch 30% discount CONTACT: Tel: 02-261-1516 or Darrel: 086-888- PARTY SUPPLIES & ENTERTAINMENT Le SPA with L’Occitane: 35% discount on spa 5121, [email protected] DESIGN2U: A full-service web design company treatments BOUNCY CASTLE: Inflatable bouncy castle for which focuses on customer satisfaction. CONTACT: 189 Sukhumvit Road Soi 13-15, rent. Suitable for children’s party. Cleaned and Professional and fluent in both web design and Klongtoey Nua Wattana, Bangkok, sanitized regularly. Rate is ฿3,500 and upwards, English. Tel: 02-126-9999 inclusive of transportation and setup. DISCOUNT: 10% off web design. DISCOUNT: ฿500 (or about 14% for the least CONTACT: Tel: 089-748-1073 or 081-488-9698, STEPS WITH THEERA: A health-focused coffee expensive castle) [email protected] shop and cafe that also provides vocational CONTACT: Cheng, Tel: 081-869-0566 training for adults with special educational needs. The menu is diverse with options for those with STEPHANIE BRETON PHOTOGRAPHY: and without dietary requirements and a kids food DISCOUNT: An exclusive discount of 10% + 1 shopping and drink menu. The cafe strives to create a free A5 impression on her 2 bundle packages community space that is accessible for everyone. (Newborn portrait and Family shooting), with ENGINOU (Play & Learn): DISCOUNT: 10% off at the Ekkamai 10 and additional printing packages on demand (cards, DISCOUNT: 15% off all merchandise purchased Sukhumvit 42 branches only. calendars, etc.). Each of her bundle packages at the physical stores, Wireless and Thong Lo, or CONTACT: 02-381-6590 can be upgraded to fit your needs. online, with the code bambionly, with minimum CONTACT: Tel: 086-386-2245, info@ purchase of ฿1,000. stephaniebreton.com, FB: www.facebook.com/ CONTACT: 3rd Floor, All Seasons Place, CRC HEALTH BKKSphotography or www.stephaniebreton.com Tower, Wireless Road, or The Commons, Thong Lo Soi 17, 2nd Fl. Play Yard, Klongtoey Nua. BUMRUNGRAD HOSPITAL: [NEW] YENG ACELAR PHOTOGRAPHY: Tel: 081-989-0820, enginou.com DISCOUNT: IPD and OPD visits: 5% discount for DISCOUNT: ฿1,000 off from any of her credit card payment, and 10% discount for cash photography packages for family, newborn, GOOD FIND SHOP: ORIGINAL GIFTS FOR payment. maternity, and fresh 48. LITTLE PEOPLE: Imported educational toys, arts CONTACT: Tel: 02-066-8888, CONTACT: Tel: 095-790-8130, yengacelar@ and crafts and products for kids by well-known www.bumrungrad.com gmail.com, FB: @yengacelarphotography US brands. DISCOUNT: 15% discount (excluding promotional J-CLINIC: WHO AM I ASTROLOGY WITH VICTORIA items) DISCOUNT: 10% off treatment fee (manual DAVIS: CONTACT: Blue Hut on Sukhumvit Soi 38, Tel: therapy, electronic treatment, acupuncture and DISCOUNT: ฿500 off comprehensive and 081-817-3114, [email protected], Chinese herbal medicine), except initial visit fee, predictive Astrology Consultation. www.Good-Find.com doctor consultation fee, taping, supporter and CONTACT: Victoria Davis, Tel: 064-572- medicine; 10% off physiotherapy and acupuncture 0118, [email protected], www. NICK & NISHKA (KIDS CONCEPT STORE): coupons; 5% off student athlete coupon. whoamiastrology.com, FB: WhoAmIAstrology, DISCOUNT: 15% off all merchandise on minimum CONTACT: IG: whoamiastrology purchase of ฿1,000 (excluding promotional Prompong 02-262-0831 items). Thonglor 02-185-3433 Shop online at www.nickandnishka.com and use Ekkamai 02-115-8433 PARENT SUPPORT the code BAMBIONLY at checkout. www.facebook.com/jclinic.th/ CONTACT: For appointments to view collection, ALESSANDRA MARAZZI RODEL, PCI orders or queries, email info@nickandnishka. MEDCONSULT CLINIC: Dr. Donna Robinson, CERTIFIED PARENT COACH: Take part in an com or send a message via: IG: www.instagram. a UK physician holding a Thai medical license, energizing process that leverages the parent/ com/nickandnishka, FB: www.facebook.com/ heads this family medicine/general practice family's strengths and resources to find solutions nickandnishka, LINE: @nickandnishka; clinic. Doctor and clinic fees are not levied on to everyday parenting challenges. Alessandra Tel: 097-106-0226 vaccinations. also offers parent education workshops DISCOUNT: 10% off all charges (includes integrating relevant research, coaching approach SUPERYARD THAILAND: Safe, non-toxic, consultation/doctor fee, vaccination costs, and group interactions. Coaching may take place portable indoor-outdoor play-yard made in the laboratory tests/health checkups). in person or via Skype. USA. It’s foldable, and a versatile design, being CONTACT: 3rd Floor, Racquet Club, DISCOUNT: 10% discount to BAMBI members on size- and shape-adjustable. Suitable for children Sukhumvit Soi 49/9. Tel: 02-762-7855, standard coaching and workshop fees. aged 6 months-2 years+. Authorized North States www.medconsultclinic.wordpress.com CONTACT: Alessandra, 081-424-4220 or Superyard dealer in Thailand. [email protected] DISCOUNT: Extra 20% off on top of clearance PAINAWAY CLINIC: Pain relief through sale price for all North States safety gates and Japanese adjustment therapy. KIDS HOME & FAMILY SERVICES: extra 10% off for Superyard play yards. Shop DISCOUNT: Free 3D scan for foot or posture Nanny, maid and babysitting services. online at www.cheap.co.th or drop by the office in report (normal price: ฿500) DISCOUNT: 10% BAMBI discount for hourly rate the Silom area. CONTACT: B1 Floor, Interchange 21 and daily babysitting services. ฿1,000 discount for CONTACT: Tel: 081-668-0303, Tower, Sukhumvit 21, Asoke. Tel: 02-258- the first month of monthly babysitting services. [email protected] www.bambiweb.org • 53 For businesses in the Pattaya area, please contact [email protected].

DISCOUNT: 10 % off your bill for your whole HEALTHUT: Providing all your organic & vegan travel family food nutrition services under one roof. Super CONTACT: Soi Map Yai lia 24 between Soi food powder, probiotic, kefir drinks & homemade BEACHFRONT: Child-friendly, 3-bedroom Neunplabwan and Soi Khao Noi. cottage cheese. holiday rental in Rayong. Fully-equipped condo DISCOUNT: 10%, up to 15% off on superfoods, (170sqm) for short-term rental, 1km from the probiotic beverages and healthy snacks Novotel Rim Pae on a tranquil, palm-lined stretch Fitness CONTACT: 206/118 Soi Town in Town, Central of coast in Rayong Province. Road, Pattaya Klang, next to Harbor Mall, or DISCOUNT: 10% reduction or ฿350 discount on SELF DEFENSE PATTAYA: Learn to defend order online. Manee, Tel: 099-391-5664, www. the nightly rate of ฿3,500 yourself. Overcome your fears. Get in shape. healthut.com, [email protected]. Servicing all CONTACT: Margo, Tel:+084-525-4105, Be more confident in yourself. Learn punch over Thailand, check website for product range. [email protected] or www.beachrayong. techniques, release from various grabs and com strangulation, psychological preparation & physical endurance. MISCELLANEOUS SAMET VIEW BEACH HOUSE: Family-friendly DISCOUNT: First class free, 20% off all classes holiday house (330sqm). Easily accommodating (class fee ฿300 per person) THAI BUSINESS HELP: Visa applications & 2 small families, this house is surrounded by lush CONTACT: Oleg, Tel/LINE: 095-404-0060. renewals, visa run, 90 day report, extensions, tropical gardens and is situated on the stunning Studio at Jomtien: Jomtien École Française company setup, work permit application & Rim Pae Beach. School Chayapruek 1, Soi 4; or Joymax Studio renewal, annual audit, social security & tax, DISCOUNT: 10% off daily rate (discount is Playground (Soi Siam Road). Private lessons accounting, bookkeeping. exclusive to family bookings only) also can be provided at your residence or chosen DISCOUNT: 10% discount. CONTACT: Tel: 089-129-6494, www.sametview. location. CONTACT: Tel: 089-543-4424, com or [email protected] [email protected] and PATTAYA FITCLUB: Tone up, burn fat & sweat www.thaibusinesshelp.com TRAVEL EASY ASIA: Not your average city to keep fit & healthy. Learn about good nutrition guide. Our sets are small and compact, concise, and good eating habits, or start with a nutrition durable and bilingual. Just show and go. program with a certified wellness coach. Morning, SHOPPING DISCOUNT: ฿200 off 3 or more TEA City Cards; evening & weekend classes; zumba, yoga (adult 10% discount (฿45) on individual TEA City Cards & baby-n-mum group), kickboxing, TABATA THE PARTY SHOP: Carries an extensive - Bangkok HIIT and gym workout with a personal trainer range of party and novelty items from balloons, CONTACT: Tel: 080-909-5131, www. available. 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Facial massage & spa treatment, hair cut, care, style and treatment, along with nail spa, manicure HEALTH TOM K JUST BE ABSOLUT JEWELLERY: A & pedicure with qualified, English-speaking European jewelry designer. Handmade exclusive stylists. Servicing ladies & gents. Also has beauty BANGKOK PATTAYA HOSPITAL: A premier fine jewelry, unique pieces or customer designs & whitening products. tertiary healthcare provider, dedicated to made in traditional goldsmith workmanship. DISCOUNT: 10% off for all services international quality and customer focused care. Private showroom; can offer private jewels events LOCATION: 124/139 South Pattaya (behind We are the first hospital in the Eastern Region at customer side. Tamar Bakery at Pattaya 3rd Road – use this for with all the technologies equivalent to those used DISCOUNT: 10% discount on non-sales or GPS) in the major hospitals in Bangkok. promotion items. 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54 • January 2019 The British School of Bangkok Ltd.

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http://jclinicth.com We make it easy

www.bambiweb.org • 55 Support Groups

Pre- and Post-Natal Support of Bangkok’s doulas at "Choices in Bangkok Babywearing Club Childbirth," a free informal gathering This group aims to help parents and on the fourth Saturday of each month, children learn and celebrate the joys Breastfeeding Support - Meena 10am-1 pm at Kuppa, Sukhumvit 16. For of babywearing. You are welcome Sobsamai: Australian-trained childbirth more information, visit www.facebook. to try on slings from our sling library educator and lactation consultant. com/bangkokdoulas or email Rasee or get one-on-one help. For more Contact: 081-776-9391, sobsamai@ Govindani, [email protected]. information please contact Cari yahoo.com. Languages: English & Thai. • Erin Kannon: Midwife, doula, Chou: bangkok.babywearing.club@ breastfeeding consultant, childbirth gmail.com. Visit the Facebook page Breastfeeding Café Bangkok: BCB is educator. for updates on gatherings: Bangkok a breastfeeding support group – a place Contact: [email protected], Babywearing Club. where women can meet, encourage and www.bangkokbirthbeyond.com support each other with breastfeeding • Iasnaia Maximo: Birth and postpartum Compassionate Friends issues. BFC meets every Thursday, doula. Contact: [email protected], A support group for parents and other 9:30-11:30am, in the upstairs space of www.maedoula.com family members who have lost a child Dandelion Cafe, 919 Sukhumvit Road, • Rasee Govindani: Certified birth or children either post- or prenatally. at BTS Thong Lo between Sukhumvit doula, postpartum doula, and childbirth This group is run by a couple who Soi 49 and 51. There will be a lacto educator. Thai-speaking. Contact: have lost children and aim to provide a doula present who can offer advice and [email protected], space where affected family members individual support if required. For more www.doularasee.com can share and discuss the grief they information please email bkkbfcafe@ are experiencing. For more information gmail.com. Facebook page: Bangkok Fertility Support Group please contact Nicole Lasas on 085-240- Breastfeeding Café. This is a monthly group for those who 3803 or [email protected], or wish to discuss fertility matters. The Gregor Former on [email protected]. Bumps and Babies Bangkok: For aim of the group is to create a meeting pregnant women, new mothers and their place to chat and share experiences, International Parenting Network (IPN) babies, Bumps and Babies hold regular and to offer support in a non-medical This is a parenting networking presentations on topics pertaining to framework. The group meets at 10am on organization based in Bangkok, offering a pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding the first Tuesday of every month at D’ark wide range of parenting support services and the postpartum period. Bumps and restaurant and cafe in Sukhumvit 49. to parents and childcare professionals Babies is also home to the BAMBI library For more information email namaste@ through events, seminars and workshops. with many titles available to rent. A TENS namastenicolai.com. There’s also a IPN provides parents with family-based machine hire is also available. The group secret group on Facebook: IVF Bangkok. resources, learning opportunities, and meets every Wednesday except the To join, please email namaste@ effective techniques and strategies second Wednesday of the month, 9:30- namastenicolai.com with your Facebook designed to support the raising of well- 11:30am at Antique Café (Soi Sawatdi 1, link, or send a Facebook message to balanced children. For more information off Sukhumvit 31); and every 1st and 3rd Namaste Nicolai. visit www.ipnthailand.com, call 081-826- Sunday of the month, 9:30am-12 noon, 2399 or 093-112-9814, or at Steps at Theera (29/8 Ekkamai Soi 10, Japanese Support 産後鬱などの日本語サポート email [email protected]. Sukhumvit 63). Suggested donation is • 大手病院（日本語可）：バンムンラートやサミテ ฿100 for BAMBI members and ฿300 for ィベート病院の心療内科、バンコク病院のバンコ Nutrition Café non-members. For more info and to be クメンタルヘルスセンター Nutrition Café is for parents with babies • K&N Support Office：産後うつも含む、カウン added to the Bumps mailing list for details and children of all age groups, that are セリングを提供。月～土、10時～18時。事前予 of forthcoming sessions, please contact seeking help in coping with their child’s Fran on [email protected]. 約要：[email protected], Tel: 093- 020-1077。所在地：22nd Flr., CTI Tower, nutrition, eating behavior or disorder, 191/41 New Rachadapisek Rd（BTS Asok/ to exchange experiences and get free Postnatal Support Group New MRT Sukhumvit駅より徒歩10分） advice in a relaxed atmosphere. Nutrition Moon: For all mothers and babies. • バンコクこころのでんわ：匿名で電話相談が可。 Café takes place every 1st Saturday of The New Moon Team are there to 日・月・火、10時～16時。Tel: 02-392-2680 the month between 10-12am at Steps support the transition into parenthood • Cotree（コトリー）：日本発のオンラインカウン with Theera in Ekamai and is held by through providing a supportive and セリングサービス。https://cotree.jp/ nutrition specialists Anne Berends and non-judgemental environment to share Karin Biran. For more information, visit birth experiences and feelings about Parenting Nutrition Cafe on Facebook or contact: motherhood. Meetings include a mixture Anne Berends (Nutrition, Sensory and of structured sessions with topics related Adoption Support For Families In Eating Behavior Scientist), Anne. to evidence-based postnatal and baby Thailand [email protected], and Karin care, and some informal sessions. There are many people in Bangkok who Biran (Nutritionist B.Sc MA.N, Eating Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30am. Antique are adopting or have adopted a child. Disorder Specialist), [email protected]. Café, Soi Sawatdi 1, off Sukhumvit 31. For more information please contact Suggested donation is ฿100 for BAMBI Amanda Degler via the group’s Facebook Parenting Support Group members and ฿300 for non-members. page, ‘Adoption Support For Families In Alessandra Rodel, Parent Coach, For more info please contact Emma on Thailand’. hosts informal get togethers to discuss [email protected]. parenting and challenges. The group Bangkok Area Homeschool Network will cover any topic that may be of Doulas in Bangkok: If you are pregnant Group interest to parents of children 0-8 years and have questions about birth in If you are interested in homeschooling of age, such as: bonding, discipline, Bangkok, need recommendations your child(ren) you can find many play, school advocacy, cognitive/social/ for doctors, hospitals and other care network groups on Facebook. For more emotional development, routines, providers, or if you are considering information please contact Adeline Mills motivation, time management, etc. If hiring a doula, come and meet some at [email protected]. 56 • January 2019 There are a range of support groups in Thailand, which are run independently of BAMBI. Most are open to everyone, some ask a small donation and/or some ask for a reservation. Please contact the respective groups for more information. there's demand for other age groups, expand your social network and meet dyslexic. Dyslexia in Thailand provides please let Alessandra know. Sessions other moms and dads for some evening information, support and solutions to the are held Fridays, 10:00-11:30am, downtime sans kids, come join the families of children who are struggling every two weeks (check schedule on monthly get-togethers. For more info with dyslexia. For further information Facebook: www.facebook.com/Bangkok- please email [email protected], please contact info@dyslexiainthailand. Parenting-With-Coach-Alessandra- or check out further details on the BAMBI com or visit www.dyslexiainthailand.com. Support-Group-535086600006703), at Facebook page www.facebook.com/ Any queries will be forwarded to qualified Little Pea Cafe, The Commons, Thonglor BAMBIBangkok. specialised ‘Orton Gillingham’ teachers 17. Contact: ParentCoach.Alessandra@ (there are only three in Thailand) who will gmail.com. Please confirm your Special Needs be able to assist the parents or arrange a participation at least 2 days in advance. meeting.

Pattaya BAMBI Group LEAP (Learning and Educational If you live in the Pattaya/Rayong area Advocacy Program) Support to Women and are keen to meet other BAMBI This group serves as a point of contact members, please contact the team at for parents in need of support, referrals Beyond Boobs [email protected]. and information concerning their Founded by two breast cancer survivors, children’s special needs, including Beyond Boobs offers information and Single Parents Support Group learning disabilities, developmental support to breast cancer fighters and Are you a single parent who would like to delays, sensory integration and survivors in Bangkok. The group hosts meet other single parents in Bangkok? autism. For further information email monthly support group meetings. For Please join our weekly coffee morning. [email protected]. more information, please see www. Depending on the ages of the children, facebook.com/beyondboobsbangkok or playdates can be organised as well. We Rainbow Room - A Special Needs email [email protected]. meet on Tuesday or Thursday mornings Awareness Center at the Starbucks in Sukhumvit Soi 23. For This is a group of parents, family and Bangkok Breast Cancer Support Group more information please contact Sakshi friends of individuals with developmental (BBCS) at [email protected]. Fathers and and behavioral special needs, who come This group aims to provide personal mothers are all welcome! together to raise positive awareness attention as well as mental and emotional by offering information, education, support to women who have been TWINS and Multiples Group empowerment and encouragement diagnosed with breast cancer. BBCS This group provides support and contacts through a “parent-to-parent” model. holds a weekly clinic at BNH Hospital to for parents who have, or are expecting, Meetings for parents of children with support women diagnosed with breast twins or multiples. There’s also a weekly Down's Syndrome held every 4th cancer, and conducts outreach programs. playgroup and a monthly dinner. The Wednesday of the month; meeting for Monthly meetings are held every third group is not just for English-speaking parents of children with autism, every Thursday of the month at 10.00am at parents, they can provide support in 2nd Thursday of the month. An inclusive their office at the Queen Sirikit Center, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Thai, etc. playgroup is held every 2nd and 4th Basement Level, Chulalongkorn Hospital, For more information please contact Saturday of the month, at 11/13 Thonglor 1873 Rama IV Road. For more info, Jessica Pelham on 089-685-9615 or 25 Sukhumvit 55 Wattana, Bangkok email [email protected] [email protected], or look for 10110 Thailand. For further information and [email protected], call the Facebook page: Bangkok Twins and to RSVP, please contact The 02-256-4991~2, ext. 1026 or 085-908- Group. Rainbow Room on 02-023-2396 or 8002, and www.bangkokbreastcancer. www.facebook.com/specialrainbow. com. Mom's and Dad's Nights Out Open to all busy moms and dads, Support Group for Parents with WOMBLES meets on the last Tuesday Dyslexic Children To send in any updates or corrections of each month for a night out, including This is a support group for parents with to the listing details, please contact dinner and a fun activity around Bangkok. children who are struggling with reading, [email protected]. If you’re looking to try something new, writing and spelling or those who are

TENS Machines for Hire The BAMBI Bumps and Babies team are now offering a TENS Machine Rental Service. TENS or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation offers a drug-free alternative to conventional pain relief in labour. Rental is available from 37th week of pregnancy for a maximum 35-day period. Cost: ฿400, plus a ฿1,500 refundable security deposit for members or ฿700, plus a ฿1,500 refundable security deposit for non-members. Hire is subject to terms and conditions.

For more information, please contact [email protected].

www.bambiweb.org • 57

Playgroups and Activities

BAMBI holds regular playgroups and activities around town, open to both BAMBI members and non-members. Please always check BAMBI’s online calendar before setting out, as our playgroups are run by volunteers and are occasionally subject to last-minute cancellations. Before going to a non- BAMBI playgroup, please contact the school/venue to confirm that it is open and the playgroup is running. We would love some help with our playgroups and activities, so please volunteer if you have some time to spare at your favorite group. It’s easier and more rewarding than you think to get involved. Contact either [email protected] or [email protected], or if you are in Pattaya, [email protected]. Thank you!

Sukhumvit - Top (Expressway to Asoke) Village, Sukhumvit soi 26. For more info, please BAMBI PLAYGROUPS contact: [email protected]. SATURDAY NANA PLAYGROUP: Last Saturday of the BAMBI playgroups are characterized by free month, 9:30-11:30am. Please see BAMBI’s on- BAMBI THONG LO PLAYGROUP: Wednesday, 9:30- play, and the use of school toys and play- line calendar. For children aged 0-5. BAMBI’s 11:30am. For children aged 0-5. Outdoor play grounds. The donation per family for all BAMBI first structured playgroup. Every month there’s area, indoor play areas, circle time with sing- playgroups is ฿100 for members and ฿300 for a new activity such as dancing, singing, craft- ing and storytelling by Bangkok Prep’s school non-members, except where otherwise noted. ing etc to keep children interested and enter- teacher. Snack for children and water is pro- New Members’ Coffee Mornings are free. You tained, plus storytelling, indoor soft play area vided. Please bring photo ID to exchange at can join or renew your membership at our play- for babies, and outdoor play area. Snacks for gate for entrance. Bangkok Preparatory & groups and there is no need to reserve a spot— children, water, tea, and coffee are provided. Secondary School, 23 Sukhumvit 53. Nearest please just come along! Donation per family: ฿100 for BAMBI mem- BTS: Thong Lo. For more info, please contact: bers, ฿300 for non-members. Free tuk tuk rides [email protected]. NEW MEMBERS’ COFFEE MORNING: Last Wednesday between BTS Nana Exit 2 and school from of the month, 9:30-11am. This is a free session 9:15am. There is NO PARKING Available. Sto- SMALL WORLD BABY PLAYGROUP: Thursday, 9:30 for new members to come along, make new rytime Preschool, 85 Soi Samaharn, Sukhumvit –11:30am. BAMBI’s dedicated playgroup for friends and find out more about BAMBI and liv- Soi 4. Nearest BTS: Nana. For more info please babies, rollers and crawlers. Come along and ing in Bangkok. Please check for details on the contact: [email protected]. have fun on the floor and make new friends. BAMBI Facebook page. For more info, please This relaxed playgroup is a great way to social- contact: [email protected]. 最近入 Sukhumvit - Central: Asoke (Soi 21) to Ekka- ize with your baby in a fun stimulating and sup- 会された方・入会を検討されてる方のために、毎月最後の水 mai (Soi 63) portive environment, whilst giving mummies the 曜日午前９時半から１１時に開催。お子さんもご一緒にどう opportunity to make friends and have a much ぞ。入場料無料、当日の入会も受け付けています。日本語で Let’SPlay PLAYGROUP: Monday, 9:30-11:30am. needed coffee. Antique Café, Soi Sawasdee 1, のお問い合わせもOKです。 For children aged 0-5. Large covered outdoor Sukhumvit Soi 31. Nearest BTS: Asok or Phrom play area, indoor play area, circle time with Phong (10 minutes’ walk); MRT: Sukhumvit. Sathorn / Yen Akart / Silom singing and storytelling. Snack for children Parking is very limited at the venue. More info, and water are provided. School will open the please contact [email protected]. BAMBI SATHORN 10 PLAYGROUP: Monday, 9:30am- grounds at 9:25am. Please enter via gate on 11:30am. For children aged 0-5. A collabora- Soi 17 only. Bring photo ID to exchange at the BAMBI EKKAMAI PLAYGROUP: Thursday, 9:30– tion between BAMBI and Plan Toys. Come and gate for entrance. Seeh Phinong International 11:30am. For children aged 0-5. A weekly experience sustainable and non-toxic toys at Kindergarten, Thong Lo Soi 17. For more info, welcome song will be followed by a free-play the home of Plan Toys. Large indoor play area please contact: [email protected]. playgroup with snack. The last 15 minutes of for young children and older toddlers. Snack the session is dedicated to singing/story time. for children and water, tea, coffee is provided. BAMBI NOVOTOTS PLAYGROUP: Monday, 10am- Bright Skies International School has a huge Plan House, 6th floor, Sathorn Soi 10, Sath- 12pm. For children aged 0-5. BAMBI’S first and nice indoor space for kids of different ages orn. Nearest BTS: Chong Nonsi (5 minutes’ playgroup at a hotel in Bangkok! With a 55cm- and a leafy garden setting outside. Bright Skies walk). No parking available; very limited street deep toddler pool and regular pool, there is International School: House 11, Ekkamai Soi 6, parking. For more info, please contact: play- plenty of space for parents and kids to play Sukhumvit Soi 63. Car park available at Big C, [email protected]. together. Novotel provides towels for use dur- near the school in Soi 6. No need to register, ing the playgroup; shower and change facilities just walk-in. For more info, please contact ekka- BAMBI LITTLE BIRDS: Thursday, 9:30am-11:30am. available. The activities room is air-conditioned [email protected]. For children aged 0-5. Experience our water and suitable for non-walkers and older toddlers. and sun playgroup at the fabulous Blue Parrot There will be circle time, snacks for children, ASOKE SMALL WORLD BABY PLAYGROUP: Friday, Cafe. Feel like you are at a resort far way from water and coffee. If you would like to stay and 10am-12pm. BAMBI’s dedicated playgroup for Bangkok. There’s a swimming pool and plenty have lunch, a heavy discount is available to babies, rollers, crawlers and waddlers. Come of Plan Toys in the play area for children of playgroup attendees for the lunch buffet. No- along and have fun on the floor and make new various ages. Snack for children and water, tea, votel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, 19/9 Soi Sukhum- friends. This relaxed playgroup is a great way coffee are provided. During and after the play- vit 20. Free parking at hotel and free hotel shut- to socialize with your baby in a fun, stimulating group, BAMBI members get 10% off all drinks tle to entrance of Soi 18. For more info, please and supportive environment, whilst giving mum- and food orders, so you can stay and enjoy contact [email protected]. mies the opportunity to make friends and have lunch while the children continue to play. Blue a much-needed coffee. Snacks, tea, coffee and Parrot Cafe, 50 Sathorn Soi 10, Sathorn. Near- BAMBI SAWATDI PLAYGROUP: Tuesday, 9:30- water are provided. The Best Beginning, Inter- est BTS: Chong Nonsi (5 minutes’ walk). For 11:30am. For children aged 0-5. This is a change 21 (Citibank), Basement 2, Sukhumvit more info, please contact: littlebirdsplaygroup. friendly and relaxed stay-and-play with a soft Soi 21. Building is connected to Asoke BTS and [email protected]. and outdoor play area, circle time with songs, MRT with lift access for prams. Free parking for and snacks. IPC International Kindergarten, 2 hours. For more information, email playgrou- [UPDATE!] BAMBI BRITISH CLUB PLAYGROUP: Friday, Sukhumvit Soi 31. For more info, please con- [email protected]. 9:30-11:30am. For children aged 0-5. Our very tact [email protected]. popular playgroup at the British Club has re- BAMBI SUKHUMVIT 31 PLAYGROUP: Friday, 10am- opened! Newly renovated large outdoor play ar- BAMBI LITTLE PANDAS PLAYGROUP: Tuesday, 9:30- 12pm. For children aged 0-5. Please come eas and indoor areas. There’s a large children 11:30am. For children aged 0-5. Mandarin along for sand play, a cool gym playroom, fun pool and children’s changing room facilities. playgroup, aims to expose your child to the garden, some snacks and circle time with other Snacks, coffee, tea and water provided. 189 language through activities such as music and kids and mothers. The First Steps International Surawongse Road (entrance is via Silom Road, melodies, dramatic storytelling, socialisation. Pre-school, 58/2 Sukhumvit Soi 31, Yaek 4. Soi 18; please show ID). For more info please Circle time, activities and storytelling will be by Close to BTS Phrom Phong; shuttle bus service contact [email protected]. the centre's teacher. Snacks for children and is provided. For more info, please contact suk- water are provided. Nancy Language School, K [email protected]. 58 • January 2019

DADDY’S PLAYGROUP: Some Saturdays, 9:30- ly/activitiesbambi. Seeh Phinong International SHREWSBURY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL: Wednesday, 11:30am. Please check BAMBI's online calen- Kindergarten, Thong Lo Soi 17. Nearest BTS: during term time, 1:15-3:15pm. For children dar for dates. Daddy's playgroup for dads and Thonglor. aged 1-3 years. Please call school to check their 0- to 5-year-olds! The school has huge and schedule. Children can make full use of the nice indoor space for kids of different ages and BAMBI FOOTBALL AT SOLTILO: For children aged school’s superb Early Years indoor and outdoor a leafy garden setting outside. No need to regis- 3-8. Fourth Monday of the month, 4:30-5:30pm. environment and enjoy arts and crafts activities, ter, just walk-in. Please show your BAMBI or ID This activity is designed by football coaches to sand pit and messy play, books, music, con- card at the entrance. Bright Skies International be fun and active. With a coach for the younger struction, and water play in the Splash Pool. School, House 11, Ekkamai Soi 6, Sukhumvit kids and another for the older ones, children 3-8 Join in storytime and sing-along sessions led Soi 63. Car park available at Big C, 100m from years old will enjoy practicing new soccer skills by Early Years staff. Refreshments and snacks the school. For more info, please contact dad- at Soltilo Familia Soccer School Thailand’s foot- provided for children and parents. Cost: ฿300 [email protected]. ball pitch. Donation per family: ฿200 for BAMBI per child, ฿100 per child for BAMBI members. members, ฿400 for non-members. Please reg- Shrewsbury International School, 1922 Cha- Sukhumvit - End (Bang Na, Samut Prakarn) ister at bit.ly/activitiesbambi. 20 Soi Atthakawee roen Krung Road, Wat Phrayakrai. Free shuttle 1, Rama 4 Road, Klongtoey. Behind K Village boat service from Sathorn Pier (BTS Saphan BAMBI BEARING PLAYGROUP: Fridays, 9:30 on Sukhumvit Soi 26. Thaksin). Reservations open on every Monday -11:30am. Located within the purpose-built of playgroup week from 10.00am onwards. For Early Years Education Centre in the tranquil DANCE MOVES: For children aged 3-8. Third Mon- more info please call the school on 02-675- suburban surroundings of St Andrews Interna- day of the month, 4-5pm. Come bust a move 1888, ext. 1404. tional School Sukhumvit 107 (accessed from with the talented instructors from rumPUREE the Sukhumvit 107 entrance), enjoy free play dance studio! With two separate classes, Cre- Sukhumvit - Top (Expressway to Asoke) and create a freestyle masterpiece in our arts ative Movement for 3-5 year olds and B-Boy corner. There is access to the outdoor play area for 6-8 year olds, age-appropriate fun will be STORYTIME PRESCHOOL: Tuesday and Wednes- with bicycles, sandpit and trampoline, finish- had by all. Donation per child: ฿200 for BAMBI day, 9:30-11:30am; and Thursday, 3- 4:30pm. ing up with story-time and songs. The school members, ฿400 for non-members. Please reg- Bring along your little ones from 8 months to 3 entrance is located less than 200m from BTS ister at bit.ly/activitiesbambi to ensure a space; years old for some fun and well-planned semi- Bearing. ID required to enter; please show your limited to 15 children per class. rumPUREE structured 'Mum & Me' time. (Nannies/daddies BAMBI or ID card at the entrance. For more info, – world dance studio (Asok), 2nd Fl, Jasmine are welcome.) Along their motto of 'When We please contact [email protected]. City, Sukhumvit Soi 23. Nearest BTS: Asok; Play, We Learn', fun & practical activities held MRT: Sukhumvit. Parking free 3hrs. following different themes each week. The huge Pattaya shaded garden is one of our favourite spots; IMAGINATION LAND: For children aged 5-8. Sec- chilled purified water pipelines are installed in BAMBI PATTAYA PLAYGROUP & COFFEE MORNING: If ond Wednesday of the month, 4-5pm. Jump the garden to keep your child cool. Cost: ฿200 you live in the Pattaya/Rayong area and are into a land full of imagination and wonder. for BAMBI members, ฿300 for non-members. keen to meet other pregnant women or mothers Where books can be more than just be read, Free shuttle to Nana BTS after the session. Sto- with babies and toddlers, please join us: they can come to life through acting and prop rytime Preschool, 85 Soi Samaharn, Sukhumvit First and third Monday of the month, 10am- making. Parents active participation more than Soi 4 (BTS Nana). For more info, check www. 12pm. We have morning tea by the fantastic welcome. Donation per child: ฿200 for BAMBI storytime-preschool.org or call 081-646-4535. kids pool area and there are plenty of pool toys, members, ฿400 for non-members. Please Email [email protected] to get on so please bring swimwear for your child (and register at bit.ly/activitiesbambi. Bistro 33, 22 mailing list and receive updates on weekly ac- yourself if you like). Towels are provided and Sukhumvit Soi 33. Nearest BTS: Phrom Phong. tivities and themes. the donation includes light snacks and bever- ages. Holiday Inn, No. 1 Beach Road, Pattaya. NON-BAMBI PLAYGROUPS Sukhumvit - Central: Asoke (Soi 21) to For the second and fourth Monday of the month Ekkamai (Soi 63) we are currently looking for a new location to have our BAMBINI coffee morning. Non-BAMBI playgroups are run by the school, LEGO PLAYGROUP: Monday to Thursday, 10am- For more info, please contact bambipat- not BAMBI volunteers, and are mostly struc- 12pm. For children aged 2-5 years. Structured [email protected]. tured where the school/center organizes some activities, where kids can have fun building activities for the participants. Flash your BAMBI Lego with games, activities and storytelling. A card and receive a discount at the following fun, hands-on way for children to develop ba- BAMBI ACTIVITIES FOR OLDER CHILDREN playgroups. Please check with schools directly sic skills in early literacy, letter and sound rec- for any changes or queries before attending. ognition, fine motor skills, and language skills. BAMBI Activities provide kids (please check Some of these playgroups require a reserva- Snacks provided. Cost: ฿350 for non-BAMBI each activity for age range) with opportunities tion. There are more non-BAMBI playgroups members; ฿250 for BAMBI members. Reserva- for new experiences and ways to develop their listed on the BAMBI website and BAMBI’s tions required at least one day before. Young social and communication skills in an interna- Facebook page. Don’t forget to check them Place Plaza, A-231 Second Floor, Sukhumvit tional environment. The aim of the activities is out! Schools who would like to add their play- Soi 23. Contact: 02-662-3039 or 081-734-5872, to be fun while enhancing the healthy develop- group to this listing and our website, or update [email protected], or www.facebook. ment of children’s bodies and minds. Suggest- their details: please contact playgroups@bam- com/kidsroboticslearningcenter. ed donations are listed with each activity. Ac- biweb.org. tivities require advance registration. We always KIDS’ ACADEMY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL: Monday- welcome new ideas and volunteers. Feel free to Sathorn / Yen Akart / Silom Saturday, 9:30-11:30am. Structured playgroup contact us at [email protected]. for children aged 1 to 4 years. Each session is GARDEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL: Monday, 2:30- different. Participate in circle time songs, listen BAMBI FOOTBALL AT SP: For children aged 3-8. 3:30pm. Ages 8 months to 2 years. Activities to stories, make arts and crafts, and get fit with First Monday of the month, 4-5pm. This activity include arts and crafts, circle time, singing and yoga and dance. Outside are a racing track is designed by football coaches to be fun and movement and having fun! Cost: Free. Garden with cars and bikes, slides and swings. Snacks active. With a coach for the younger kids and International School, 34/3-4 Yen Akart Road, provided for children and carers. A parent or another for the older kids, children 3-8 years Sathorn. For more info please contact: Khun carer must stay with the child throughout the old will enjoy practicing new soccer skills in SP Pang on 02-249-1880 or info@gardenbangkok. session and is solely responsible for the child's International Kindergarten’s covered play area. com; www.gardenbangkok.com. care. Cost: ฿550; ฿400 for BAMBI members. Donation per family: ฿200 for BAMBI members, Kids' Academy International School, Discovery ฿400 for non-members. Please register at bit. www.bambiweb.org • 59 Playgroups and Activities

Campus Ekamai Soi 2 and Imagination Campus, members. Reservation required at least 1 day IX Rd. The Nine will be on your left hand side, Srinakarin Soi 57. To reserve a place please before. Precious Learners, 32 Soi Sukhumvit around 100m after the exit. For more info please call Ms Ivy, 084-071-1115 or contact info@kid- 62, Yaek 1, Bang Chak, Phra Khanong (BTS: contact: 02-716-7950 or playstation.bangkok@ sacademy.ac.th. www.kidsacademy.ac.th. Bang Chak, Exit 4). Contact: 02-052-6849/097- gmail.com. 094-0439, www.preciouslearnersworld.com, LITTLE EXPLORERS’ DEVELOPMENTAL PLAYGROUPS: Facebook: @preciouslearnersworld, Instagram: KIDS FIRST INCLUDING KINDERGARTEN: Wednesday, Monday and Wednesday, see www.littleexplor- preciouslearnersworld. 2-4pm. For children aged 4 months-3 years. ersthailand.com/playgroups for schedule. This Children will enjoy a variety of brain-stimulating toddler playgroup focuses on the 5 developmen- FIRST STEPS INTERNATIONAL PRESCHOOL: Thursdays, activities, tactile arts, yoga for kids, music & tal domains: communication and language, so- 10-11:15am. For children aged 8-30 months. rhythm, sensory & logic classes, messy and wa- cial and emotional development, cognition and Structured English playgroup run by teaching ter play in a bright, beautiful and spacious indoor learning readiness, fine and gross motor skills, staff. Main activities change each week, includ- space as well as outdoor garden. Cost: ฿250 for and daily living skills. Facilitated by a teacher ing arts and crafts, splash day, storytime, pup- BAMBI members; ฿350 for non-members. 57/1 or a developmental specialist, in English. Each pet show, music, dance and cooking. Use of the Soi 7, Rama 9 Road, Huai Khwang. Free shuttle child must be accompanied by at least one adult school grounds after playgroup has finished. In- van service for pick up from Rama 9 MRT station throughout playgroup time. Limited to 6 adult- cludes snacks and drinks. Free tuk tuk pick-up @1:45pm. Contact and reservation: 086-378- child pairs per session. Reservations required. and drop-off service from Soi 31 RSU building 9188, 086-378-9186 or 02-090-2147. Cost: ฿500; 50% off for BAMBI members. Little (please call for details). Cost: ฿450; 50% dis- Explorers, 109/1 Soi Thonglor 5, Sukhumvit 55. count for BAMBI members. First Steps Interna- Minburi For more information or to RSVP, please contact tional Preschool, 58/2 Sukhumvit 31 (Soi Sawas- [email protected]. dee) Yak 4 (BTS Phrom Phong or Asoke). For GERMAN PLAYGROUP “SPIELZWERGE” at RIS Swiss more info please contact: 02-260-3152, info@ Section – Deutschsprachige Schule Bangkok: Mon- SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BANGKOK, thefirststeps.ac.th or www.thefirststeps.ac.th. day and Wednesdays, 2:30-4pm. German- TOTS PLAYGROUP: Monday, Wednesday & Friday, speaking playgroup for children aged 2-3 years. 9-11am. An activity-based toddler programme Huay Kwang / Rama 9 / Bangkapi Play, read books, sing, and create with your for children aged 12 months to 3 years old, offer- child in a caring and friendly atmosphere, with a ing engaging activities that toddlers love! Music KIS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL: Monday-Friday, 10am- small group of 7 to 10 children under the supervi- and movement, storytelling, arts and crafts, wa- 12pm. For children aged 6 months-4 years and sion of an experienced German-speaking group ter-sand sensory play, outdoor play, literacy and their parents. Structured playgroup with sing- leader. Accompanying parents do not need to numeracy games. Snack included. Cost: ฿450/ ing, dancing, arts and crafts, storytime, free play speak German. Price for the whole semester session (฿4,500 for 11 sessions); for BAMBI and snack. Nannies welcome on Mondays and (approx. 35 sessions): ฿11,900; 20% discount members, ฿350/session (฿3,500 for 11 ses- Wednesdays. Free pick-up/drop-off service from for BAMBI members (or pro rata, if entered after sions); buy 10 get 1 free. All sessions in English, Ekkamai BTS station on Tues, Thurs and Fri the semester has started). RIS Swiss Section- but includes a Chinese period. Singapore Inter- (please contact school for details). Cost: ฿400; Deutschsprachige Schule Bangkok, 6/1 Ram- national School, at Pracha Uthit, Ekkamai and 50% discount for BAMBI members. KIS Interna- kamhaeng 184 Road, Bangkok. For more info, Suvarnabhumi campuses. Tel: 02-714-4099, tional School, Kesinee Ville Estate, 999/124 Pra- please contact: [email protected] Email: [email protected], Facebook: @ cha-Utit Road Huay Kwang (located one block www.ris-swiss-section.org; 02-518-0340, ext. sisbekkamai. north of Rama 9 Road and east of Asoke-Rach- 120, or 095-506-3670. adapisek, MRT Thailand Cultural Center). For OISCA INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN PLAYGROUP: more info please contact: 02-274-3444, lynn@ Thonburi / Taling Chan Wednesday, 9:30–11:30am. For children aged kis.ac.th or www.kis.ac.th. 1-4. Variety of activities such as circle time, sto- KENSINGTON INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN: Tues- rytime, arts and crafts, playdough center, sing- THE REGENT’S SCHOOL, BANGKOK, BABY AND TODDLER day, 1:45-3pm. For children aged 1-2 years. ing and dancing. Outside play area has slides, GROUP: We offer an afternoon session on Mon- Activities include painting, sand, water and play- monkey bar and sand pit. Snacks provided for day - Friday from 9.30 - 11.00 a.m. Come and dough in our creche classroom and sand pit. children. A parent or carer must stay with their join us, other mums, nannies and children for Snack and refreshment provided. Cost: ฿300; child throughout the session and is respon- a session of fun toddler interaction, whilst also 50% discount for BAMBI members. Kensing- sible for their child’s care. Cost: ฿300; ฿150 for giving you a break in your busy lives! We’ll pro- ton International Kindergarten, 88 Bangprom, BAMBI members. 9/4 Ekkamai Soi 4, Khlongton vide them with stories, arts and crafts and, on Ratchapruek Rd, Talingchan. Please reserve Nua. Contact: [email protected], Tel: Fridays, your child can escape the heat with a your spot by calling 02-864-9977. For more info 02-381-9852. swim in the pool with fully our qualified teacher. please contact: [email protected] or www. Price 450 baht per session 225 baht per ses- kensington.ac.th. THE MUSICAL MICE PLAYGROUP AT BANGKOK PREP sion for BAMBI members. The Regent’s School, SCHOOL: Tuesday and Thursday, 9-11am. A pre- Bangkok, 601/99 Pracha-Uthit Road, Wang- Rayong school music lesson for kids 6 months up to 2 tonglang. For more info/reservation please years old, run by a British certified teacher and contact: 02-957-5777, Ext 202 or admissions@ ANDREWS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL - GREEN VALLEY, music specialist. Cost ฿450/lesson; 50% off for regents.ac.th. RAYONG CAMPUS: Monday and Thursday, 1:30- BAMBI members. Bangkok Prep International 3:00pm. For children aged 0-5. Structured play- School, 23 Sukhumvit 53 (next to Thonglor PLAYSTATION KIDZ CLUB: Monday, 10am-1pm. For group with singing and dancing at the beginning. BTS). Contact: [email protected]; online children aged 1-5 years. Enjoy indoor play- Shaded outdoor play area with a trampoline, a registration: www.bkkprep.ac.th/musical-mice/. ground activities and facilities including climbing sand pit and a bike track, as well as an air-condi- and sliding, trampoline, toddler playground, and tioned indoor area with a dress-up corner, draw- PRECIOUS LEARNERS WORLD NURSERY AND KINDER- sandpit, as well as arts and crafts, playdough, ing, painting and playdough, dolls corner and GARTEN: Wednesday & Friday, 10am-12noon. education game zone, imaginative house and mini kitchen. Run by a highly-qualified and well- For children aged 1-6 years. Funtastic thematic reading corner. Space for parents to relax and known teacher with over 20 years’ experience, playgroup run by a teacher and assistants. enjoy refreshments. Children's food and DIY Ms Retno Cheah. Cost: ฿150 for non-members; Theme-based activities include story time, snacks available for purchase. Cost: ฿200 for 50% discount for BAMBI members. St. Andrews role play, arts & crafts, water play, sand play, BAMBI members; ฿480 for non-members (2 International School, Rayong, 1 Moo 7, Ban- sensory, trampoline, bicycle/car track, puppet free adults per child). PlayStation-Kidz Club, 3rd chang - Makhamkoo Rd, Tambol Samnakthorn, show, music, dance and more. Includes snacks Floor, The Nine, Rama IX Rd., on the main road Banchang, Rayong. For more info please con- and drinks. Children get to take their artwork in front of Soi 41. If you come by the express- tact: 03-803-0701, www.standrews-schools. home. Cost: ฿500 per session, special package way, get off at Srinakarin exit, down to Rama com or [email protected]. ฿4,500 for 10 sessions; 50% discount for BAMBI 60 • January 2019 BAMBI Team 2019 BAMBI is managed by an elected committee of volunteers and all BAMBI members are encouraged to volunteer. Vacancies can be found on the BAMBI Needs You page in this magazine and are posted online; you are welcome to contact [email protected] with inquiries.

Patron Non-Voting Positions Playgroup Leaders Mel Habanananda: [email protected] Activities Assistant BAMBI Playgroups are made possible by Honorary Members Dhruvika: [email protected] members who volunteer as Leaders. You Paula Young can get in touch with them with any questions Anna Ingham (Bumps & Babies Founder) Advisor Simmi: [email protected] about the playgroup, or to help out! Kathy Leslie Ravit El-Bachar Daniel BAMBI News - Assistant Editors Bearing Rina: [email protected] Takako, Sabrina Voting Positions Hina: [email protected] [email protected] Rika: [email protected] Chairwoman Ashima: [email protected] British Club Akiko: [email protected] Hayley: [email protected] Ploy Francine: [email protected] [email protected] Vice-Chairwoman Emma: [email protected] BAMBI News - Deputy Editor Ema: [email protected] Ekkamai Naoko, Machiko, Miho Secretaries BAMBI News - Japanese Editor [email protected] Cherry: [email protected] VACANT Mieko: [email protected] Let’SPlay BAMBI News - Photo Editor Ako, Naomi, Fumiko Treasurer Mao: [email protected] [email protected] Mari: [email protected] BAMBI News - Photo Assistant Little Birds Activities Coordinator Tomoyo: [email protected] Ploy / Tuang Anh Emily: [email protected] [email protected] BAMBI Pattaya Coordinators BAMBI News - Editor Chie / Kristin: [email protected] Sawatdi Abby: [email protected] Maitri, Nupur, Yoko Bumps and Babies Co-Coordinator [email protected] Charities Coordinator Emma: [email protected] Chiaki: [email protected] Sukhumvit 31 Charities Assistant Saeko, Naoko, Holly Database Coordinator — : [email protected] [email protected] Julia: [email protected] Chinese Coordinator Sathorn 10 Events Co-Coordinators: Sara: [email protected] Chayuda, Panjaporn, OiLeng Party Events Database Assistant [email protected] Emi: [email protected] Miyuki Novotots Yard Sales Juri, Arati, Mariko VACANT E-Newsletter Mia: [email protected] [email protected]

New Members Coordinator Events Assistants Uta: [email protected] Small World - Asoke Chihiro: [email protected] Ruby, Chiaki [email protected] Playgroups Coordinator Japanese Coordinator Bao: [email protected] Yoshiko: [email protected] Small World Sukhumvit Me-Time Coordinator Helen, Yoshimi, Michelle PR/Media Coordinator [email protected] Mia: [email protected] Jenny: [email protected] Member Benefits Coordinator Thong Lo Website Coordinator Mint: [email protected] Rachel, Yuko, Ayumi Frey: [email protected] [email protected] New Members Assistants Voting/Exofficio/By-Invitation Ploy: [email protected] Pattaya Shoko: [email protected] Kristin, Chie Bumps and Babies Co-Coordinator [email protected] Yaz: [email protected] Playgroups Assistants Mao: [email protected] Bumps & Babies Assistant Oileng: [email protected] Anfisa

BAMBI News is the non-profit monthly Promotions Designer Saturday Nana newsletter of Bangkok Mothers and Babies Heni: [email protected] Jane, Hanna International. It is distributed free of charge [email protected] to members. Editorial contributions from Promotions Design Assistants Maiko, Lily members are welcome. Where possible, Advertising enquiries to: please submit articles and photographs by Thai Coordinator email directly to our BAMBI News editors. Advertising in BAMBI News Vana: [email protected] Finn Balslev Please send editorial enquiries to editor@ Tel: 02-943-7166-8 ext. 116, bambiweb.org. Treasurer Assistant MB: 081-866-2577 Naoko: [email protected] Fax 02-943-6618 Nao: [email protected] Email: [email protected] The views expressed in the articles in this magazine are not necessarily those Website Assistants Artwork of BAMBI committee members and we Nayo: [email protected] Enquiries to Scand-Media Corp., Ltd. Tel: 02-943-7166 Ext: 106 Dao assume no responsibility for them or their WOMBLES Coordinators Fax: 02-943-6618 effects. Victoria: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

www.bambiweb.org • 61 Member Profile Meet Jenny Rephaeli Originally from Scotland via Israel, Jenny Rephaeli is a busy stay-at-home mom who writes, designs cakes, studies NLP, and organizes BAMBI’s Me Time...among other things!

Where are you from and what’s your When did you come to Thailand? What hard to find in most major cities in the nationality? Can you tell us about your do you miss the most from your country? world. life back home? We have been living in Thailand for four Before having kids, I travelled a lot WI am originally from Scotland. My family and a half years. I miss our family in Is- to Thailand, in the southern islands and immigrated to Israel when I was 16 and rael and the beach being close to home; northern cities. Now, we travel a lot as I have called Israel my home ever since. also the varieties of restaurants. Other a family. We try to keep the journeys My husband and I moved to Hong Kong than that, we can find anything we need short because who wants to be trapped about 10 years ago for our careers. We here in Bangkok. in a car for hours on end with energetic lived there for six years and both our chil- kids? So we enjoy Phuket, Cha Am, and dren were born there. Koh Yai, and especially quick getaways Life back home in Tel Aviv is amaz- to Hua Hin. As long as the resort has a ing. Tel Aviv is a very dynamic city mixed swimming pool with a slide and a bar, with so many different architecture and we all manage to have a great time! styles. As the city's population is made of so many different nationalities, the variet- What were your first challenges when ies of restaurants and cafes are endless. you arrived in Thailand? As every event in Israel is mainly about Finding suitable schools for the children. the food, Tel Aviv is known as one of the As Bangkok has hundreds of internation- best cities for its nightlife and cuisine. al schools, finding a suitable match is most challenging, as every school is very Can you tell us something about your different from the other and each follow career and work? And what about your different curriculums. spouse? I studied architecture and interior design. How did you find out about BAMBI? After I gave birth to my second child, I It was the summer holidays when we decided to change my career path in first arrived in Bangkok, so our children order to have a more flexible schedule hadn't started school yet. BAMBI Play- and opened my own business as a cake groups met our needs and gave us the artist—a hobby I enjoyed and was lucky opportunity to meet other families that to be able to turn into a job. shared their experiences and helped us Living in Bangkok, I taught English Can you tell us a bit about your routine to settle in quickly and easily. at a local daycare centre and a Thai here in Bangkok? school; now I volunteer for BAMBI and My routine consists of driving my kids to Are there any suggestions you can do some freelance writing. I'm currently school and back, then taking my dog give to BAMBI’s new members here in working on a book that I hope one day for a walk. I go to the gym with friends Bangkok? may be published. every other day. Shopping is inevitable BAMBI has resources to help any new- My husband's occupation is in the and should be considered a full-time job! comer to Bangkok: playgroups for diamond and jewelry industry. I cook a lot for my family, which I enjoy. younger children; after-school activities I'm currently studying NLP. I read and such as soccer and dancing for older Please tell us a little bit about your write as much as I can, play the piano kids; BAMBI WOMBLES—an excellent family. in between errands, and keep up-to-date way to get to know other parents while I have two children: Chloe is 8 going on with new techniques in the cake-design- exploring different restaurants. And our 13!, very much into music and dancing. ing industry. For BAMBI Me Time, I’m new project Me Time gives parents the Sean is 6, practicing to become a pro- always looking for interesting workshops opportunity to explore some amazing fessional ninja, wall-climbing at home for our events. Even after four-and-a-half workshops and to discover new hidden and determining how tough sofa springs years in Bangkok, I still enjoy exploring skills while the children are at school, actually are in Thailand! We also have the city and the restaurants here. and of course meet some wonderful a beautiful pink pedigree German Shep- people. herd the size of a miniature pony who What do you love most about Thailand? jumps around like a poodle. My hus- What parts of Thailand have you trav- band is the sane one in the family—as elled to, and where did you enjoy the he has the ability to be at work when most? things get out of hand and enters home I love the mentality of the place. The Here I am! after all sugar rushes have diminished. laid-back, no-stress environment which is 62 • January 2019