Anat studied and trained for years under Dr. Feldenkrais. She uses the foundations of his method and has adapted certain revisions. I am a nurse, not a therapist, and therefore do not endorse any particular therapeutic approach. However, I must say that I was impressed with what was achieved with each child, all different ages and different diagnoses.

I recommend that, if searching for therapies to help your child, you explore the Anat Baniel method. Simply google it.

Movement is important. It stimulates the body and the mind, cognition and the vestibular system. The vestibular system orients us to where we are in space, and without its function, we are helpless. Therapists move a child’s limbs and body, and help the child achieve positioning that cannot be attained otherwise.

Waterwaybabies helps in a different and complimentary way. With gravitational forces removed, a child is free to move his or her own limbs voluntarily. Sometimes the movements are subtle, especially at first, but all movement is beneficial. And voluntary movement is crucial in two ways. First, as a stimulant to the vestibular system as well as neuro-pathways that connect the muscles and brain. Secondly, and uniquely, the child gains confidence and a sense of independence through self-movement in the warm water. This latter aspect means everything to a human being – child and (observing) parent alike.

Remember to explore and use multiple approaches and modalities to help your child.

I hope everyone had a happy and safe holiday season! 2009 was a hard year for most of us in all sorts of ways…. However, it is a new year with fresh beginnings.

I recently received a heartwarming email from one of my customers who purchased the system back in the summer. You can read what Whitney wrote on my “Testimonial” page! Her experience reminded me to offer reassurance to all of you who strive daily for your child’s gains and improvements. I’ve said this before, but keep the faith and never give up. Sometimes it seems no progress is being made and then, seemingly in an instant, your child experiences a big leap in development or strength or cognition or whatever.

Everything you do counts. So, just do what you can. If you stop, start again. If you slow your pace due to all life’s other pressures, don’t feel guilty. Something is better than nothing…so keep it manageable for YOU. Because if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be your best to take care of your child. I realized this early on as a single mom.

Please share your stories of continued hope and improvement so others can be supported and encouraged. This blog is for you!

WaterWayBabies sales rose almost 300% from summer to fall of 2009! BIG THANKS to all of you who helped spread the word about the benefits of swim therapy for our special children. It is WaterWayBabies’ mission is to help developmentally delayed children around the world.

Blessings to all for a good 2010!

During the month of December, we shipped to far reaches such as Tasmania, Ireland, and Mexico, as well as crisscrossing the US. Nancy was interviewed for WABCswim, an international organization of infant/children swim instructors. More and more, aquatic therapists are reaching out to WaterWayBabies and placing their own orders, or facilitating their clients’ orders. Word continues to spread and grow! That could not happen without our loyal parents and happy “kid customers” – so a big THANK YOU to all for helping to tell others in need.

Swim therapy helps in many ways. Muscles are strengthened, toned, and stretched. The brain is stimulated through the increased activity and the vestibular system. The lungs expand more fully as a result of exercise and improved chest wall tone. The neck and trunk tone benefit from the child’s ability to move, rotate, and extend with support from the neck floatation device. Digestion is improved, regurgitation decreased, and weight gain supported. Best of all, the child experiences increased confidence and autonomy in the warm water unlike anything he or she can accomplish outside the water.

All this results in BIG SMILES & HAPPY GRINS for babes, kids, moms, dads, siblings, and grandparents alike!

It does take time and for that, my hat is off to all you parents who give to your children abundantly and unselfishly, showing your love, and working to insure your child’s best health. Give yourselves a big pat on the back – you deserve it!

God’s Way

When God wants a great work done in the world or a great wrong righted, He goes about it in a very unusual way. He doesn’t stir up his earthquakes or send forth his thunderbolts. Instead, He has a helpless baby born, perhaps in a simple home and of some obscure mother. And then God puts the idea into the mother’s heart, and she puts it into the baby’s mind. And then God waits. The greatest forces in the world are not the earthquakes and the thunderbolts. The greatest forces in the world are babies.

E. T. Sullivan

It was time again for another birth.

Said the Angels to the Lord above -

“This special child will need much love.

Her progress may be very slow,

Accomplishments she may not show.

And she’ll require extra care

From the folks she meets down there.

She may not run or laugh or play,

Her thoughts may seem quite far away.

So many times she will be labeled

‘different’, ‘helpless’ and disabled.

So, let’s be careful where she’s sent. We want her life to be content.

Please, Lord, find the parents who

Will do a special job for you.

They will not realize right away

The leading role they are asked to play.

But with this child sent from above

Comes stronger faith, and richer love.

And soon they’ll know the privilege given

In caring for their gift from heaven.

Their precious charge, so meek and mild,

Is heaven’s very special child.”

–compliments of ‘Dear Abby’, 12/03/09

Happy swimming!

Can’t be beat!! Happy swimming.

Robert swimming with his big brother

Avery Ella

Dimitri enjoys his pool all the way over in the Republic of Georgia

June's first time into her WaterWayBabies therapy pool

Max in the water

Owen over in Australia

Rowan in the pool

Texas Children’s is one of the premier pediatric facilities in the country. And yet, the well-recognized benefits of aquatic therapy are denied…or at least, difficult to access…in one of the most well-respected health care communities in the world!

So, this caused me to wonder … what is available to the children out there who need and deserve these services….

What do you have where you live?

That being said, the neck ring is widely used by aquatic therapists around the country and worldwide. Several have reported that they love the handles on top which allow they to move the child in the water w/o holding their body. Parents appreciate the stability the neck ring offers with baths.

So, you are the judge. The pool measures 30 inches across and 30 inches depth. It allows you to offer your child a system of swim therapy in the privacy of your own home at a very affordable price. An added benefit is the non/low chlorine bonus and the ability to adjust the water temperature to your own child’s needs.

If you have more questions, please email me directly at nancy@waterwaybabies.com. Do not hesitate to give your child the best that you can offer today!

Small should fit infants up to 12-18 months (10-18 lbs)

Large should accommodate children up to approx 40 lbs body weight

Please note the size you need when you place your order through paypal.