Current Obsession: Quaker Good Start Breakfast Drink

As a breastfeeding mom, i'm constantly looking for ways to increase my milk supply. One of the mommies from a breastfeeding group raved about this oatmeal drink and how it helped her have more milk. I've read about rolled oats so I wasn't sure if this will do but out of curiosity I bought one from 7 11 for 31php and I got hooked. I tried both the banana creme and vanilla malt flavor. The banana creme tastes like baby food (cerelac) while the vanilla malt tastes like rice crispies (Read: Pinipig). From these two I like the vanilla malt more.

Energy boost at the office

Nutrition Information

As for my milk supply, I don't know if it has an effect yet since there is no change in the amount that I pump at the office even when I was not drinking this. 

4 oz from my 10 minute morning session

My love-hate relationship with my Saya VTB Carrier

My baby loves being carried and as much as i love carrying her too it gets more difficult now that she's getting heavier. She now weighs 5.6kg at 2.5 months.

After breastfeeding in Shi Lin (Nursing cover from Nanay at Ako)

I've searched for tools that I can use in babywearing. Initially, I wanted an ergobaby or a tula but was turned off by its price (7k to 9k pesos) which is the same price as her stroller already. Then i've read about Saya and it's positive reviews. A lot of moms swear by it. I then ordered mine through babymama.ph for 1400php with a 125 delivery charge. I got a Saya Oro Versatek Blend in size 1.

Saya comes with a pouch and an instructional guide (not in photo)

What I love about it:
1. The design is simple and classy
2. The packaging - the pouch makes it easy to bring the Saya by putting it in a baby bag, carrying it like a bag or hanging it in the stroller
3. Everytime I use it, my baby falls asleep in less than 10 minutes. So I can say she is quite comfy.

Salcedo Weekend Market (Isa sleeping in her Saya)

What I don't like about it:
1. Difficult to wear (or maybe since i'm just a newbie) - I've only successfully done the Yakap position so far. Putting my baby on it is quite a struggle too.
2. Not breathable enough - I can't wear it outside for a long time especially here in Manila
3. I'm afraid it is too tight for my baby - I have only done the Yakap position because I'm not sure that other positions will be comfortable enough for my baby

I rarely use my Saya because of the reasons above but I'm not giving up on it yet. Hopefully I can manage to try the Duyan and other positions as well and be one of those moms who loves babywearing. Maybe one day I will use it again once my little girl has more neck control.

Things to do before giving birth

Aside from the usual preparations (baby room, maternity bag, insurance forms), these are the things I wish I could have done or have done more before giving birth to my first baby. Who knows this might be useful when I get pregnant again in the future hihi.

1. Spend time with your husband/partner
Go on dates, watch a movie, have a staycation or just a simple moment wherein you can just cuddle and relax because this would be impossible when you have a newborn.

2. Catch up / meet up with friends

3. Do your bank or goverment transaction
Aside from the priority lane for pregnant women, it will take a while for you to go out after giving birth to get these things done

4. Get a haircut
You don't want those locks to get in the way when carrying your baby especially while nursing.

5. Attend parenting seminars
As the saying goes knowledge is power. G and I attended several seminars for soon to be parents in The Medical City. These are free and very helpful especially to first time parents. Just visit their facebook page for the schedule.

6. Get a massage
I wasn't able to have a prenatal massage because I thought it will be easy to schedule a post natal one. But now at 3 months postpartum I still am not able to get one since I am always excited to go home to my little munchkin and can't afford to add it to my schedule

7. Sleep / Relax / Meditate
When you have a newborn, even a 30 minute nap is considered gold!

My cute little munchkin

My Pregnancy Story (Baby Isabel)

Last August 2014 I found out I was pregnant, it was 3 days before our planned vacation to Tokyo. The day after, G and I decided to consult an ob-gyne to know if we should still continue our vacation. Based on my last menstrual period I was on my 5th week already. Upon examination we were given a go signal and some reminders on what to do and what not to eat. I also started taking folic acid. I started reading about pregnancy and downloaded apps (My pregnancy today, What to expect)
(No long walks, no raw food, steak has to be well done 😞)

Tokyo 2014

I had a very easy first trimester as I did not experience any morning sickness or cravings. I still drove myself to work and render overtime sometimes. I also followed a strict diet and avoided sweets especially soda. At the end of my first trimester I actually lost weight but felt much healthier. I still wore my pre-pregnancy clothes and my bump was still too shy.

5th Month

By the second trimester, my bump started showing. I was still able to use my normal jeans but with the help of a belly belt. My ob-gyne also changed my vitamins to Obimin Plus. I was also drinking Anmun at this time although my doctor was against it as for its sugar content. This was also the time that we found out we were having a girl. Near the end of my second trimester I had a Congenital Anomaly Scan (Thank God everything is normal) and an OGTT which I almost failed (I blame it on Christmas Holidays! Too much sweets)

8th Month

By the third trimester I started having stretch marks even though I religiously applied sunflower oil. I was also feeling hot all the time and occassionaly get lower back pains. On a happier note, this was the time I felt strong kicks from my tummy which made everyday exciting. this was also the start of my baby shopping spree. I ordered items online, went on sales and go to the children's section of a department store almost every week. G and I also attended seminars about breastfeeding and childcare 101 in The Medical City (These are free seminars from the hospital) which helped a lot for us first time parents.
By week 38 I went on maternity leave which turned out to be too early since I went into real labor on my full term (40 weeks and 3 days). After the 38th week I had 3 Biophysical Scans to check my amniotic fluid level and my baby's movement. G and I became impatient with excitement, I researched on natural labor inducing methods. I walked for 2 hours everyday, 20reps of squats in the evening, ate pineapple and asked G for a massage that targets pressure points to start contractions of my uterus. But no matter what crazy methods I did there were still no signs of labor until my 40th week. I guess the baby will come out when she wants to. Patience indeed is a virtue 😁

Overall I had an easy and happy pregnancy, thanks to the support of my husband, our families and friends. Also to my ob-gyne Dra Rowena Rivera of The Medical City for taking care of me.

My labor and delivery story on a separate post.

Hello World

Greetings from the Philippines!

About Me:

I'm a 30 year old mom to an adorable baby girl. Currently working as a software developer in a Japanese company. I love to eat, watch movies and to travel. I'm starting this blog to share my experiences as a first time mom, our breastfeeding journey and other random stuff about our family.

I got married last year to my boyfriend for 8 years. My husband and I met while we were still in college, became good friends and as they say the rest is history. ♡

Cambodia 2014

Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!

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