Savannah Schools Winter 2019 Open Houses

February 8th, 2019

Savannah private schools preK, preschools kindergarten

Admissions season has begun! Come visit Savannah’s schools @ these open houses to get to know the schools yourself.

Upcoming Savannah school open houses for prospective families include:

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Open house @ Savannah Christian Preparatory School, 9:30AM Wed. Feb. 20 2019. Registration details here. 

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Open house @ St. Andrew’s School, Wilmington Is., 9AM Thurs. March 7 2019. Registration details here. 

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Open House @ Coastal Empire Montessori, which offers a free, public, charter school program for Kindergarten – 5th Grade (K-5), 10AM Sat. March 2 2019.  Details here. 

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Savannah-Chatham Public School Open Houses start in January 2019. Find the schedule & application info here. 

Hilton Head Seafood Festival 2019

February 8th, 2019

Hilton Head Festival 2019

The 12th annual Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival will be Feb. 18-24, 2019.

This is a family-friendly, week-long culinary and cultural tourism event, where top chefs, mixologists, sommeliers, local seafood, artisans, live music and wildlife come together.

The Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival, hosted by the David M. Carmines Memorial Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization helps raise money for other non-profit organizations including the Coastal Discovery Museum, Island Recreation Scholarship Fund, Waddell Mariculture Center, Port Royal Sound Foundation, Gullah Heritage Museum and Medical University of South Carolina.

Saturday Seafood Festival, Feb. 23 2019
11AM-5PM
@ Honey Horn Plantation on Hilton Head Is.

The family friendly headlining event features area restaurants and chefs serving up seafood specialties; celebrity chef cooking demonstrations; expanded kids activities; David M. Carmines Foundation Silent Auction; Beer Garden; Artisan Market; & more.

Live music by Deas-Guyz from noon-4PM.

Cost

Free admission to children younger than 10.

Tickets: $10 per person (age 10 & older). There is NO additional cost for parking @ Honey Horn Plantation.

Learn more here. 

Free Savannah Sailing Regatta 2019 for Children with Autism

February 7th, 2019

Free sailing regatta for children with autism 2019

Families with children who have autism or special needs are invited to participate in Savannah’s 8th Annual Free Sailing Regatta for Children with Autism. 

Hosted by Savannah Sailing Center and RHHS Sailing Team.

The event on Sat. April 13, 10AM-2PM @ Lake Mayer includes sailing, arts and crafts as well as lunch. This is a FREE event. However, families need to register to get the shirt and goody bags.

Find registration & waiver forms online here. 

Registration deadline to receive a T-shirt is March 25, 2019.

Mothers Morning Out & Playdates @ Savannah Sharks gym

February 6th, 2019

playdates mothers morning out Savannah sharks toddlers gyms

Come to Savannah Sharks gym for mornings loaded with fun.
– Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays: PLAY DATES for crawlers up to age 4!
– Tuesdays and Thursdays: MOTHERS’ MORNING OUT ages 16 Months to age 4!

Parent & Me Playdates

Savannah Sharks in Savannah & Richmond Hill offers Parent & Me playdates Monday, Wednesday & Fridays, 10:30AM-Noon. The Richmond Hill gym also offers Sunday playdates, 10:30AM-Noon. 

For crawlers to age 4. Cost: $10 per session or $75 for a punch card including 10 sessions.  Siblings are free.

These “play dates” are an unstructured play time with our toys, swings, slides, bouncy house and more. It is great way to get your child out of the house and around other children in a safe and fun environment.

An adult is required to be present to supervise your child at all times as supervision is not provided.

Learn more here. 

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Mother’s Morning-Out Program @ Savannah location of Savannah Sharks

Tuesday & Thursdays 9AM-1PM for ages 16 months to 4 years old.

Cost: $165 per month.

Register online here or call (912) 335-2234.

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Savannah Sharks gym
1686 E. President St
Savannah GA 31404
(912) 335-2234

Richmond Hill gym
82 Longwood Drive Suite A
Exit 90 off of I-95
(912) 308-3818

Savannah Sharks Cheerleading and Tumbling, (912) 335-2234, 1686 E President St, Savannah, GA 31404
email savsharks@gmail.com Savannah Sharks is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

3D Pac Man @ Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center for the Arts, Savannah

February 5th, 2019

Telfair Museums Jepson Center Savannah
This multiplayer, projection-mapped remake of the classic Namco game is on view at Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center in Savannah through Feb. 17 2019.

Bring your family and friends to the museum for this one of a kind experience. The Jepson Center is open daily. See hours & admission costs here. 

Telfair Museums is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Self-serve dog wash fundraiser, Savannah

February 5th, 2019

Wash your dog @ Hipster Hound for a good cause.

For every self-serve dog wash purchased from noon-5:30PM Sun. Feb. 17 2019, Hipster Hound will donate $5 back to the PTA @ Charles Ellis Montessori Academy, a Savannah-Chatham public school.

Charles Ellis Self-Serve Dog Wash Fundraiser @ The Hipster Hound
Sun. Feb. 17, 2019, noon-5:30PM
1 Diamond Causeway; Suite 13 (Kroger shopping center)

Kids’ monthly art event @ Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center, Savannah

February 4th, 2019

Toddler Third Thursday Savannah Jepson Telfair Museums

You’re invited to Art Start Stroller & Toddler museum tour, art activity @ Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center in Savannah on the 3rd Thursday morning of each month.

Art Start Feb. Theme:  the work of visionary videogame designer Keita Takahashi, noted for his outside-the-box approach to game development, game mechanics, aesthetics & music

Feb. 21 2019, 10:30AM / Jepson Center (207 W York St.) Learn more & register online here. 

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Telfair Museums’ youngest patrons are invited to the museum for story time, a special tour, and an art activity. Strollers, crying babies, toddlers, and older siblings are all welcome here. Come play and learn.

$5 per child / adult members free / adult non-members $12

Upcoming Art Start & Toddler Tours

March 21 2019 theme: Jaume Plensa: Talking Continents. Register online here. 
April 16 2019 theme: Rembrandt. Register online here. 

Art Start Stroller & Toddler Tour
Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center
Jepson Center for the Arts
207 W York St.
Savannah, GA 31401

Learn more & register online here. 

Telfair Museums is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Kindermusik Savannah February musical playdates for ages 0-7

February 4th, 2019

Kindermusik Savannah toddlers preschoolers Chatham County Pooler

Give your little one a hug, kiss, and cuddle… it’s time for Kindermusik Savannah February playdates: “Love Notes!”

You’ll be singing, moving, and exploring instruments through this endearing, heartwarming theme that celebrates the love you share with your child. After all, what’s a better way to bond with someone you cherish than to make music together?

You and your child will get:
A 40-minute class packed with learning, love, and laughter
A Kindermusik instrument/prop to take home
10 digitally downloadable Kindermusik songs of YOUR choice!
A $10 coupon for our weekly studio classes
Join Kindermusik Savannah Sat. Feb. 16, Wed. Feb. 20, or Sat. Feb. 23 at 10AM.

Enroll online at kindermusikwith88keys.com , or call 912-988-KEYS. Spaces are limited.

Kindermusik…where music and learning play.

Kindermusik Savannah, kindermusikwith88keys.com,  email music@kindermusikwith88keys.com or info@kindermusikwith88keys.com, 912.988.KEYS (5397) Kindermusik is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Find Savannah handymen, housekeepers, lawn care services & more on HomeAdvisor

February 1st, 2019

HomeAdvisor Savannah handyman house cleaning Chatham County

Plan projects. Find pros. Book now.

HomeAdvisor Savannah connects homeowners with local service professionals for home improvement, maintenance and remodeling projects. Think handyman services, roofing, lawn care, cleaning & maid services, power washing, home inspection, movers & more.

See the HomeAdvisor Savannah list of home improvement pros here.

HomeAdvisor is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Savannah & Pooler pediatricians: Coastal Pediatrics

January 31st, 2019

Savannah pooler pediatricians Coastal Pediatrics

Coastal Pediatrics Pooler office will now be open all day Monday through Friday.

The hours for the Savannah and Pooler offices will be the same: 9AM-Noon, 1:15PM-5PM. The practices are closed from Noon-1:15PM for lunch.

Stay connected with Coastal Pediatrics & informed about children’s health news, by ‘liking’ Coastal Pediatrics on Facebook here. 

Call Coastal Pediatrics @ 912-353-7744 to learn more about how they can help your family with the highest quality pediatric care.

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pooler pediatricians savannah pooler pediatrics coastal

The above is a review of Coastal Pediatrics. Learn more about Coastal Pediatrics here.

Coastal Pediatrics- Savannah
2 Wheeler Street
Savannah, GA 31405

Coastal Pediatrics- Pooler
1000 Towne Center Blvd
Building 1000B
Pooler, GA 31322

Coastal Pediatrics is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Parent & Me Playdates @ Savannah Sharks gym in Savannah, Richmond Hill

January 31st, 2019

Savannah Sharks playdates gym toddlers preschooler mommy me

Parent & Me Playdates

Savannah Sharks in Savannah & Richmond Hill offers Parent & Me playdates Monday, Wednesday & Fridays, 10:30AM-Noon.

For crawlers to age 4. Cost: $10 per session or $75 for a punch card including 10 sessions.  Siblings are free.

These “play dates” are an unstructured play time with our toys, swings, slides, bouncy house and more. It is great way to get your child out of the house and around other children in a safe and fun environment.

An adult is required to be present to supervise your child at all times as supervision is not provided.

Learn more here. 

________________________________________

Mother’s Morning-Out Program @ Savannah location of Savannah Sharks

Tuesday & Thursdays 9AM-1PM for ages 16 months to 4 years old.

Cost: $165 per month.

Register online here or call (912) 335-2234.

________________________________________

Savannah Sharks gym
1686 E. President St
Savannah GA 31404
(912) 335-2234

Richmond Hill gym
82 Longwood Drive Suite A
Exit 90 off of I-95
(912) 308-3818

Savannah Sharks Cheerleading and Tumbling, (912) 335-2234, 1686 E President St, Savannah, GA 31404
email savsharks@gmail.com Savannah Sharks is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Sell your children’s gently outgrown items @ High Cotton Kids 2019 Spring Sale, Savannah

January 30th, 2019

high cotton kids consignment sale savannah 2019 spring Clean out, cash in or volunteer!

There’s still time to consign & volunteer for nt, High Cotton Kids Spring Sale 2019 Sale Feb. 7-9th in Savannah. Registration closes Mon. Feb.
4th, 2019 @ 11:59 PM. Don’t delay.

Consignors can receive 60-70% of their sales.

Volunteers & Consignors get to shop early, on Wed. Feb. 6th. Volunteer registration also closes at midnight on Mon. Feb. 6th. Learn more about volunteering & consigning here.

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Mark your calendars for Savannah’s premier consignment event, High Cotton Kids  Spring Sale, Feb. 7-9, 2019!

Savannah’s premier Children’s Consignment Sale since 2010.

Location: 2164 East Victory Drive, Crossroads Shopping Center (next door to the Savannah Children’s Theater)

Shop Early For a Cause: Thurs. Feb. 7, 5PM $5 Donation benefiting Coastal Pet Rescue

New, Extended Sale Hours!
Thurs. Feb. 7, 6-8PM
Fri. Feb. 8, 8AM-7PM
Sat. Feb. 9, 8AM-3PM
(Some items will be discounted 40% on Saturday)

Come shop consignment at its finest. High Cotton Kids is THE place to save a lot of money, make a lot of money and have a great time doing both! This spring’s upscale resale shopping event will have thousands of high quality, boutique brand children’s brand clothing sizes Newborn
through Juniors, as well as toys, shoes, baby gear and tons of other items, too. There will also be a variety vendors with great products,
merchandise and services.

Consignor registration is open

Clean out and cash in, consignors can receive 60-70% of their sales.

High Cotton Kids also accepts high-end maternity clothing, children’s furniture, artwork, baby and nursery necessities (e.g. bouncers, exercausers, etc.), strollers, toys, books, DVDs and more.

For a complete list of items High Cotton Kids accept and do not accept click here..

Stay connected and get updates about the event by liking High Cotton Kids on Facebook  here. 

High Cotton Kids has some exciting giveaways this year including preview party passes, line-hopper passes, merchandise from select vendors and gift certificates to the show.

High Cotton Kids is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Savannah Schools: Learn about Savannah, Pooler preschools, public & private schools & homeschool programs @ Pooler MOPS School Fair 2019

January 30th, 2019

Pooler MOPS School Fair 2019 homeschool private schools

The Pooler MOPS will host its free annual school fair 9:30- 11:30AM Wed. Feb. 27 2019 at Pooler First Presbyterian Church.

If you have questions about educating your child, come get answers.

Representatives from preschools, private schools and public schools Chatham and Effingham counties will tell you everything you need to know. There will also be representatives from home school co-ops, after-school options and other fun opportunities for children and families.

It’s your one-stop shop to check out all your options, and it’s FREE! It’s also stroller and child friendly.

Free & open to the public.

Everyone is invited. You do not need to be a MOPS member to attend.

The fair will be held at Pooler First Presbyterian Church, 1115 U.S. Highway 80 E, Pooler, GA 31322.

For more information about the free Pooler MOPS school fair, click here or email PoolerMops@gmail.com.

FREE showing of “Bully”, Savannah

January 30th, 2019

BULLY movie Savannah showtimes 2019

On Tues. Feb. 12 @ 6PM, Georgia Southern University College of Education (COE) will host a FREE screening of “Bully,” a film documenting the effects of bullying on school-aged students and their families. The screening, which is free and open to the public, will begin @ 6PM in University Hall, room 156 located on the Armstrong Campus.

The documentary, filmed over the course of a single school year, follows five students and their families as they cope in different ways with cruelty from classmates while trying to fit in. Transcending geographic, racial, ethnic and economic borders, the film examines the growing issue of bullying in schools today and how students, parents, teachers and administrators are facing the problem.

The film sparked an ongoing effort called “The Bully Project,” which is a global movement to stop bullying and transform children’s lives by changing the culture of bullying into one of empathy and action. The movement website, www.thebullyproject.com, includes tools and resources on bullying for educators, students, parents and advocates.

Following the screening, the College will host a question and answer session with local professionals in the fields of social work, juvenile justice, counseling and bully prevention in schools.

This screening is the first in a series that will take place on the Armstrong Campus during the spring 2019 semester. Additional screenings include: “The Cartel” on March 5; “The School in the Cloud” on March 27; and “Elementary Genocide” on April 16.

(Savannah pediatricians) Baby Basics Classes for Expectant Parents

January 29th, 2019

Baby Basics Savannah Pediatricians Pediatrics Pregnancy Classes

Pediatric Associates of Savannah offers newborn care and education classes to expectant families.

Join Pediatric Associates for a fun class that will teach you all about what to expect after the birth of your child and provide you with information to help you care for your new baby.

Dr. Brandy Gheesling, or one of Pediatric Associates other 10 board certified pediatricians, lead these monthly sessions.

Refreshments and a complimentary copy of “Baby Care Anywhere,” which was written by the practice’s own Dr. Ben Spitalnick, will be provided.

Topics include:
Before baby comes
What to expect in the hospital
Office visits with your pediatrician
Feeding your baby
Sleep guidelines
Infant behavior
Immunizations & medications
Common concerns

Classes are free to expectant couples, but registration is required as space is limited.

Classes are offered on the first Thursday of each month at 6PM @ the practice’s main office (4600 Waters Ave, Savannah, GA).

To register, please call (912) 355-2462 or email babybasics@pedsav.com.

Upcoming Baby Basics classes:

Thurs. July 11 2019, 6-7PM

Thurs. Aug. 1 2019, 6-7PM

Thurs. Sept. 5 2019, 6-7PM

Thurs. Oct. 3 2019, 6-7PM

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About Pediatric Associates of Savannah

New to the area & in need of a pediatrician? Pediatric Associates of Savannah has offices in Savannah, the Islands and Pooler. Learn more here.

Stay connected with Pediatric Associates of Savannah & informed about children’s health news, but ‘liking’ Pediatric Associates of Savannah on Facebook here.

Pediatric Associates of Savannah, 4600 Waters Ave, Suite 100 Savannah, 31404-6702, (912) 355-2462, www.pedsav.com On Facebook here.  Pediatric Associates of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

FREE Savannah Musical Explorers Family Jam

January 29th, 2019

do re we music musical explorers Savannah Music

Rebecca Flaherty (aka “Mrs. Becca”) of Do-Re-We will sing opera for children with Savannah Music Festival’s “Musical Explorers” program on Sat. March 9 2019.

Put this event on your calendar and get ready to have some fun with your whole family.

Explore music and art with family and friends at this free event, presented in partnership with Loop It Up Savannah and 21st Century Community Learning Centers – Savannah.

Participate in musical and visual arts activities, take home free giveaways, sing, dance and move.

Free Musical Explorers Family Jam
Sat. March 9 2019, 9:30AM-2:30PM
Free concerts start @ 11AM & 1:30PM, and will feature performances by:
Laiken Love (soul & R&B)
Gino Castillo (salsa music)
Rebecca Flaherty (opera)
McIntosh County Shouters (ring shout)
Yamacraw Center for Performing arts
649 West Jones St.
Savannah, GA 31401

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About Do Re We

Do Re We is a music and movement program for babies (ages 0 months – 3 years) and their caregivers.

Register for Do Re We classes here. 

Do Re We, www.dorewe.com, 912.398.7800 Do Re We is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Free Family Fun Night @ The Sandbox Children’s Museum, Hilton Head Is.

January 28th, 2019

Free family fun night Sandbox Children's Museum Hilton Head Bluffton

FREE Family Fun Night, Feb. 1 2019

Come to the  The Sandbox Children’s Museum this Fri. Feb. 1 2019, 5:30-7:30PM for Free Family Fun night to celebrate the Chinese New Year!

First Friday of the month
5:30-7:30PM
Join The Sandbox Children’s Museum on Hilton Head  FREE Family Fun Nights .

This is a community event designed to bring families together for a cost-free evening of creativity and play.

Weather permitting, the Bounce House and Big Blue Blocks will be available for play outdoors, or you can explore our exhibits and enjoy a craft indoors. Light refreshments will also be served free of charge.

In addition of collecting canned goods for Deep Well,  participants also will make kindness rocks for the museum’s garden.

FREE & FUN for all ages.

Learn more here. 

Upcoming Free Family Fun Nights

Fri. Feb. 1, 5:30-7:30PM
Fri. March 1, 5:30-7:30PM
Fri. April 5, 5:30-7:30PM
Fri. May 3, 5:30-7:30PM
Fri. Sept. 6, 5:30-7:30PM
Fri. Oct. 4, 5:30-7:30PM
Fri. Nov. 1, 5:30-7:30PM
Fri. Dec. 6, 5:30-7:30PM

Supported by The Bargain Box

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Sandbox Children’s Museum
The Sandbox Children’s Museum
18 Pope Ave
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

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The Sandbox Children’s Museum is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Seuss Fest 2019 @ Savannah Children’s Museum

January 28th, 2019

 

Seuss Fest 2019 Savannah children's Museum

On Sat. Feb. 23 2019, celebrate the fun and whimsical world of Dr. Seuss during “Seuss Fest” 2019 in Savannah.

Event attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite Dr. Seuss character in honor of the children’s book author, who would be celebrating his 115th birthday on March 2nd.

Seuss Fest 2019 will be 10AM-4PM @ Savannah Children’s Museum, 655 Louisville Rd. Savannah, GA 31401.

Savannah Children’s Museum educators will lead the group with Seuss stories, games and activities. This year will include: a Seuss Science Station, a Read-A-Thon and a Seusstastic Selfie Station, complete with costumes and props.

Please use #SeussFest2019 to share your experience on social media.

Community partners that help provide Seuss-filled fun throughout the day. The Dwaine & Cynthia Willett Children’s Hospital Of Savannah will lead an interactive game. The Savannah Tree Foundation will share about seed planting at the “Lorax- Save the Trees” station. The Savannah Children’s Theatre will perform at 10:30AM & Noon.

Admission to “Seuss Fest” is included in the cost of regular admission to Savannah Children’s Museum, $7.50 for all guests 18 months and older. This event is free for Coastal Heritage Society members.  Learn about becoming a member here.

Seuss Fest 2019
Sat. Feb. 23, 2019
10AM-4PM
Savannah Children’s Museum
655 Louisville Rd.
Savannah, Georgia 31401

Coastal Heritage Society is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Kindermusik Savannah Saturday family classes

January 28th, 2019

Saturday Morning Class Kindermusik Savannah

Kindermusik Savannah with 88 Keys Piano offers weekly classes on Saturdays at 11AM for ages 0-7.

Enrollment is ongoing so join in anytime.

Visit kindermusikwith88keys.com  to set up your free introductory class with your child.

Kindermusik…music now, skills for life.

Kindermusik Savannah, kindermusikwith88keys.com,  email music@kindermusikwith88keys.com or info@kindermusikwith88keys.com, 912.988.KEYS (5397) Kindermusik is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

FREE entrance to museums, historical sites on Super Museum Sunday 2019

January 28th, 2019

Super Museum Sunday Savannah 2019 free admission

Savannah Children’s Museum will participate in the 2019 Georgia History Festival’s Super Museum Sunday 2019 on Feb. 10 2019.

Guests can enjoy free interactive exhibits and engaging tours at each site through hands-on, immersive activities that illustrate the narratives of Savannah’s past.

Highlights of this year’s special event programming include free play and enhanced children’s activities at Savannah Children’s Museum.

Over sixty cultural institutions participate in this annual free family event. Each year Georgians and visitors alike experience our state’s rich history and cultural life through historic sites, house museums, art museums and other points of interest in Savannah and throughout Georgia during “Super Museum Sunday.”

See the list of participating Super Museum Sunday Sites here. 

Free admission to museums, historical sites on Super Museum Sunday 2019
Sun. Feb. 10, 2019
9AM-4PM
Savannah Children’s Museum
655 Louisville Rd.
Savannah, Georgia 31401

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Georgia Day Parade Savannah 2016

FREE Georgia Day Parade 2019

Georgia History Festival’s Georgia Day Parade in Savannah
Fri. Feb. 1 2019 at 10:45AM Forsyth Park
Students & teachers costumed as historical figures march through Savannah’s historic squares during this beloved annual event. Details here.

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FREE Colonial Faire and Muster 2019

Saturday & Sunday, 10AM- 4PM Feb 9 & Feb. 10 2019
Wormsloe Historic Site, 7601 Skidaway Rd, Savannah  31406.
Experience life in Colonial Georgia during the 18th century with a military encampment, sutler’s row, craft demonstrations, military demonstrations, and period music and dance. Food concessions will be available. Free. 912-353-3023. Details here. 

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See the list of participating Super Museum Sunday Sites here. 

Coastal Heritage Society is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Savannah OB/GYN: Planning for a health pregnancy

January 28th, 2019

Savannah OB/GYN pregnancy doctors obstetricians

Below is a guest post “Get Ready for a Healthy Pregnancy” by Dr. Stephanie Tootle, an OB/GYN who sees patients at Memorial Health University Physicians | Women’s Care Islands.

To book an appointment with her or any of Memorial Health OB/GYNs, visit MemorialHealthDoctors.com.

When you’re trying to conceive, much of the focus is understandably on tracking when you’re ovulating and when to have sex. While these things are important for a successful pregnancy, there are other factors that can optimize fertility while also preparing you and your partner for growing a family.

Before conceiving, commit to improving your health in these areas:

1. Quit smoking

Both partners – but especially mom – should quit smoking. Smoking during pregnancy can lead to all sorts of problems for your child, like low birthweight, preterm delivery, lung conditions, asthma, learning disabilities, physical development issues and even death. And still, 12 to 20 percent of pregnant women smoke, according to the American Pregnancy Association, and more than 1,000 babies die every year in the US because their mothers smoked during pregnancy.

Smoking can also cause problems for fertility. Women who smoke are more likely to be infertile, and some studies show that men who smoke have poorer sperm quality than men who don’t.

2. Cut back on alcohol

Drinking during pregnancy can cause many issues, like miscarriage, stillbirth, fetal alcohol syndrome and physical, intellectual, behavioral or learning disabilities. It’s smart to cut back even when you’re trying to conceive.

The first few weeks of pregnancy (yes, even those four to six weeks you may not know you’re pregnant) are crucial for a baby’s development. With so much of the development happening, it’s no surprise that alcohol can interfere.

3. Reduce your caffeine intake

Some caffeine during pregnancy is OK, but if you’re a three-cups-of-coffee kind of person, you’ll want to cut back. Experts recommend consuming less than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day when you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, which is about one 12-ounce cup of coffee.

A small study published in the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s Fertility and Sterility journal studied 344 couples and concluded that women who had more than two caffeinated drinks per day while pregnant had a 74-percent higher risk of miscarriage than those who drank less caffeine. And, when their significant others had more than two caffeinated drinks per day, there was also an increased risk of miscarriage.

4. Maintain a healthy weight and evaluate your exercise plan

Keeping your weight and exercise regimen in check is great for your overall health, but it’s especially important if you want to start a family.

While it’s important to find a workout routine that works for you, don’t work out too hard. That’s because there may be a relationship between strenuous exercise and ovulation issues. On the flip side, too little exercise may be associated with obesity, which may cause anovulation (a menstrual cycle without ovulation) and, according to one study, may double the time it takes to conceive.

The bottom line? Exercise and weight recommendations vary from person to person. Talk with your doctor about what’s best for you and your partner.

5. Start taking a prenatal supplement

Taking prenatal vitamins is a must during pregnancy, but you’ll want to consider getting a head start. Taking at least 400 mcg of folic acid daily, a main ingredient in all prenatal vitamins, can help lower the risk of neural tube defects in babies when women take them before conception. It’s best to start taking them at least one month before trying to conceive.

6. Ensure you’re up to date with all of your screenings and vaccinations

You and your significant other should be up to date on health screenings and checkups. You should also schedule a preconception exam with your OB/GYN, who can evaluate test results and answer any questions you might have about conception.

Also, it’s important that your doctors check to see if you’ve had tuberculosis or if you’re a carrier for some genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell disease. These conditions can contribute to pregnancy complications and may even prevent you from getting pregnant.

Remember that the road to conception may be long and sometimes rocky, but starting a family can be exciting and extremely rewarding. While easier said than done, try to be patient and savor the time with your significant other.

Dr. Stephanie Tootle is an OB/GYN who sees patients at Memorial Health University Physicians | Women’s Care Islands.

To book an appointment with her or any of our OB/GYNs, go to MemorialHealthDoctors.com.

Memorial Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

SCAD presents ‘Savannah Songs’

January 28th, 2019

Savannah Songs SCAD musical tour 2019

This. Sat. Feb. 2 2019, SCAD hosts ‘Savannah Songs” – a musical tour through four of SCAD’s buildings (Trustees Theater, Gutstein Gallery, Jen Library and Lucas Theatre) in Savannah as well as through several decades of Georgia’s history in celebration of Georgia Day.

Cost of admission: $10. Limited number of tickets available. Purchase ahead of time here.

SCAD presents ‘Savannah Songs,’ a musical tour of Georgia’s history
Sat. Feb. 2 2019. Performances begin @ 10AM. Multiple rounds of tours until 3PM
The tour begins @ Trustees Theater, 216 East Broughton St.

Celebrate Georgia Day and SCAD’s 40th anniversary with two exciting exhibitions. First, kick up your heels with a musical walking tour through time led by the SCAD performing arts department. “Savannah Songs” will have you dancing in the streets through four iconic SCAD buildings as you discover the city’s remarkable legacy.

Then, visit the Women’s Hall of Fame in historic Arnold Hall and pay tribute to Savannah Women of Vision. The installation, created by SCAD alumnus Michael Porten, features large, classic bas-relief sculptural portraits of extraordinary Georgia heroines who helped shape Savannah through exemplary character and unparalleled achievements.

These events are brought to you by SCAD students and alumni.

“Savannah Songs” admission is $10. The Women’s Hall of Fame tour at Arnold Hall is free.

Free enrollment for children’s health insurance Medicaid & PeachCare for Kids, Savannah

January 28th, 2019

free enrollment assistance Chatham County Savannah children's health insurance Peachcare Medicaid FREE in-person, enrollment and renewal assistance for Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids, Pregnancy Medicaid and other public benefits (SNAP &CAPS) will be available at the Bull Street Public Library, 2002 Bull St. Tues. Feb. 12 2019, 4-7PM (Please arrive by 6:30PM).

Health Coverage through Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids is no cost or low cost coverage for children 0-19 years old. Children in a family of four earning up to $62,004 may qualify. Coverage includes regular check ups, immunizations, doctor and dentist visits, hospital stays, mental health services, prescriptions and more.

If you are unable to come to the event, contact Coastal Campaign Team Enrollment Assistors, Tamara Solomon at 912-661-1272 or LaToya Brannen at 912-356-2887.

Bring a government-issued ID and all necessary documentation including proof of income and Social Security #s for the entire household.

This event is free and open to the public.

Tues. Feb. 12, 2019
4-6:30PM
Bull Street Public Library
2002 Bull St.
Savannah, GA 31401

Hosted by Campaign for Healthy Kids and Families and Chatham County Safety Net Planning Council

Savannah Schools Open Houses

January 25th, 2019

Savannah private schools open houses preK preschools kindergarten private public

Admissions season has begun! Come visit Savannah’s schools @ these open houses to get to know the schools yourself.

Upcoming Savannah school open houses for prospective families include:

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Open House @ Coastal Empire Montessori, which offers a free, public, charter school program for Kindergarten – 5th Grade (K-5), 6PM Mon. Jan. 28 2019.  Details here. 

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Open house @ JEA Preschool Savannah, 10AM Wed. Jan. 30 2019. Registration details here. 

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Open House @ The Habersham School, 9AM Fri. Feb. 1 2019. 8th-12th grades. Registration details here. 

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Open house @ Savannah Christian Preparatory School, 9:30AM Wed. Feb. 6 2019. Registration details here. 

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Open house @ St. Andrew’s School, Wilmington Is., 9AM Thurs. Feb. 7 2019. Registration details here. 

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Open house @ JEA Preschool Savannah, 11AM Sun. Feb. 24 2019. Registration details here. 

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Open house @ Calvary Day School, Savannah, 2-4PM March 3 2019. Registration details here.

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Savannah-Chatham Public School Open Houses start in January 2019. Find the schedule & application info here.