BCM - How did your life change when you became a mom?

Helane - Having a baby turns your life around.  I did not realize that having a child is a 24 hour job. Your child depends on you for everything.  It is a complete change of life style which requires organization and time management.  You have to give up your freedom. I could not go to a movie with a friend or do any "spur of the moment" fun activities that I used to do.  I developed a new perception of myself. Since my child needs me and I am responsible for this child, I protected myself and thought twice before doing anything risky. 

BCM - What has been your most memorable moment (s) as a mom?

Helane - My most memorable moment was after the delivery of my first born Sean, the nurse placed him on my breast and watching the natural instinct of sucking and latching on my breast to feed was so special .  That was very emotional for me.  It was a warm and tender moment of maternal-child bonding that I will never forget.

BCM - What has been the biggest challenge for you in motherhood?

Helane - I must say that wanting to please my child but not spoiling him.  You want to do the right thing.  Balancing the act of giving and loving and not spoiling your children.

BCM- If you could give another mom or expectant mom one piece of advice, what would it be?

Helane - You need to make sure that you spend some quality time with your husband after having children.  Taking care of yourself is a priority - because if you are not feeling well physically and emotionally, you will not be functional for your child.  Whether you go out for dinner, get a manicure, or a quick 10 minute massage, it is important to always feel good about yourself.  Be open with your partner about your feelings and needs, supporting one another is key to mental and physical health during this change of lifestyle. 

BCM - Tell us about Project Kids Worldwide? 

Helane - My late husband Dr. Stephen Colvin, a Cardio-Thoracic Surgeon,  started this non-profit organization in 2001.  During a visit to China, to help teach Heart Surgery techniques, we came across many children who were dying of heart disease and were unable to receive the proper medical attention due to lack of funds.  We pay for the child's travel with one parent, their room, board and medical expenses.  I raise money through a yearly wine auction event and other donations during the year. We are dedicated to helping children globally and I have continued as Director of the organization to keep my husband's legacy alive.

BCM - How can Big City Moms get involved with Project Kids Worldwide?

Helane - As mothers, it is hard to describe the feelings of devastation if your child had a heart defect and could not get the necessary medical treatment to save your child's life. We are lucky to be in the United States where we have health care at our fingertips.  Before you decide whether to support this event , please take a moment to learn why it is so important.  One child in every hundred is born with a congenital heart defect. Many of those defects can be repaired with cardiac surgery, allowing a child to live a relatively normal life.  However, in medically under-served areas of the world like Senegal and Guyana, these children lack access to treatment and the tragic fact is that many of them die.

There are many ways how Big City Moms can get involved in Project Kids Worldwide.  Firstly any monetary gift can help towards the cost for bringing the child here to the states. Pledges can be made through calling us at 212-263-8141,  917-691-9939, or  on our website www.projectkidsworldwide.org We are also seeking tax-deductible donations of wines or other valuable auction items for our yearly wine auction event which is usually in May.

BCM - What types of activities do you like to do w/ your kids?

Helane - I enjoy taking my children on adventures where they can learn something new. We enjoy frequent trips to California and Florida to visit friends and relatives. We love to explore museums, zoos, and aquariums to learn about fish and animals.  

BCM - What was your favorite Big City Moms event?

Helane - My favorite BCM event that I attended was the Harvey Karp lectures.  In fact I bought his DVD The Happiest Toddler on the Block.  His tactics to deal with tantrums was so on the ball. I remember utilizing his approach to combat temper tantrums was on the money.  Toddlers are like "little cavemen" and Dr Karp's lecture really helped to put this into perspective with his examples. A definite worthwhile event to attend.