Happy 6th month Isabelly

Oh how time flies really fast. A week ago we celebrated her 6th month. Just another simple monthly celebration with the family. ♡

Uno's chocolate fallen from Lolo

Being a mother taught me a lot. There is always a great feeling of love and contentment everytime you look at your child. Everytime I see her no matter how tired or sleep deprived I am, it all goes away. Motherhood changed me a lot, my priorities changed in an instant. When I was still single I used to be obsessed with my career, my schedule revolved around my work. I used to spend overtime even on weekends. But now I am always checking the time, I always look forward to coming home and seeing her face light up when she sees me. For the first 6 months I have also discovered a lot of thing about my husband. How responsible,loving and caring he has become and with that I am really proud of him.

My Isabelly

I wish that you grow up to be a gentle, God fearing and brave lady. Always respect other people and be compassionate. We love you dearly Isabelly ♡

Breastfeeding is Best Feeding

While I was still pregnant i've read about the benefits of breastfeeding. My husband and I also attended several seminars from The Medical City (These are free by the way) that encourages us parents to breastfeed. I also joined a support group in facebook called Breastfeeding Pinays and learned a lot of this to prepare us when baby Isay arrives.

Now at 6 months I am very grateful that we were able to do exclusive breastfeeding and i'm planning to continue until she turns 2 or until she weans. Through this journey I have learned a lot of things that I would also like to share to first time moms like me.

1. Breastmilk is the best source for your baby
WHO and DOH recommends breastfeeding exclusively (No other supplements, not even water) for the first 6 months. It is the perfect source of nourishment for your baby. Vitamins on the other hand depends on you if you think there is a need for it. Some doesn't recommend it, some doctors do. Isay's pedia prescribed iron during her 3rd month and vitamin C during her 5th month.

2. Mom's antibodies are passed through breastmilk
This is very important for me since I am prone to allergies, the thought of passing my antibodies is the one that made me commit to breastfeed. There is also no problem with constipation or milk allergies. And as I have observed she really has good immune system.

3. Economical and Convenient
Formula milk usually costs around 4k to 6k per month. Breastfeeding is not free, I still bought some tools (Breast pump, storage bottles, breastmilk bag, feeding bottles) but overall I think we were able to save a lot. As for the convenience, when we go out we do not need to bring a lot of things. When we go out I usually bring my expressed milk or just do direct latching. At night, I don't need to get up. I just pop out my boob then we will doze off.

4. Special bond with mom and baby
There is an unexplainable feeling of joy and fulfillment everytime.

5. Support system is essential
I am lucky that my husband and our families are very supportive of this endeavor. Also if not for the understanding of my co workers I wouldn't be able to pump as much as I do at work. Another part is from online support groups which have been really helpful especially when you have doubts on your supply or the benefits of your liquid gold.

There are a lot more lessons and knowledge I have gained throughout this journey. And I am glad I am able to provide this for my baby.