My first booze and cigarette Post Partum

I had my drinks and cigarettes yesterday and I feel like I am a very bad mom.But I prepared ahead of time so fuck feelings.

At exactly 2 weeks clearance from CS, I had me a liter of 8% alcohol from a nightout well deserved as I think of it. Smoked about 5 cigarettes while I was at it. Was out from 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM with phonecalls and texting from the yaya making sure the baby boy is alright. And of course the amount of alcohol in my system will not allow me to breastfeed. I do not recommend you do this but if you are a mom who plans to take a break with your friends and revisit your so called social life prior to conceiving the cutest bub on earth, here are some helpful guides.

Where did I go exactly? In one of the night out neighborhood joint in the opposite street next to my house inside the village. Hah, what a night out huh.

I came home and took a bath and brushed my filthy mouth before I carried my baby so I can sniff his baby whiff.

And I slept like a baby with all my anxiety gone.

Here are the guides I read before even planning that night out to help you out: 

DRINKING ALCOHOL AND BREASTFEEDING:  http://www.lalecheleague.org/faq/alcohol.html

La Leche League's The Womanly Art Of Breastfeeding (p. 328) says:

The effects of alcohol on the breastfeeding baby are directly related to the amount the mother ingests. When the breastfeeding mother drinks occasionally or limits her consumption to one drink or less per day, the amount of alcohol her baby receives has not been proven to be harmful.

La Leche League's The Breastfeeding Answer Book (pp. 597-598) says:

Alcohol passes freely into mother's milk and has been found to peak about 30 to 60 minutes after consumption, 60 to 90 minutes when taken with food. Alcohol also freely passes out of a mother's milk and her system. It takes a 120 pound woman about two to three hours to eliminate from her body the alcohol in one serving of beer or wine...the more alcohol that is consumed, the longer it takes for it to be eliminated. It takes up to 13 hours for a 120 pound woman to eliminate the alcohol from one high-alcohol drink. The effects of alcohol on the breastfeeding baby are directly related to the amount the mother consumes.

The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs considers alcohol compatible with breastfeeding. It lists possible side effects if consumed in large amounts, including: drowsiness, deep sleep, weakness, and abnormal weight gain in the infant, and the possiblity of decreased milk-ejection reflex in the mother. The drug transfer table is available at http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;108/3/776/T6 and the full text of The Transfer of Drugs and Other Chemicals Into Human Milk can be found at http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;108/3/776
Dr. Jack Newman, member of the LLLI Health Advisory Council, says this in his handout "More Breastfeeding Myths":

Reasonable alcohol intake should not be discouraged at all. As is the case with most drugs, very little alcohol comes out in the milk. The mother can take some alcohol and continue breastfeeding as she normally does. Prohibiting alcohol is another way we make life unnecessarily restrictive for nursing mothers.

Thomas W. Hale, R.Ph. Ph.D., member of the LLLI Health Advisory Council, says this in his book Medications and Mothers' Milk (12th ed.):

Significant amounts of alcohol are secreted into breastmilk although it is not considered harmful to the infant if the amount and duration are limited. The absolute amount of alcohol transferred into milk is generally low. Beer, but not ethanol, has been reported in a number of studies to stimulate prolactin levels and breastmilk production (1, 2, 3). Thus it is presumed that the polysaccharide from barley may be the prolactin-stimulating component of beer (4). Non-alcoholic beer is equally effective. In a study of twelve breastfeeding mothers who ingested 0.3 g/kg of ethanol in orange juice (equivalent to 1 can of beer for the average-sized woman), the mean maximum concentration of ethanol in milk was 320 mg/L (5). This report suggests a 23% reduction (156 to 120 mL) in breastmilk production following ingestion of beer and an increase in milk odor as a function of ethanol content.
Excess levels may lead to drowsiness, deep sleep, weakness, and decreased linear growth in the infant. Maternal blood alcohol levels must attain 300 mg/dl before significant side effects are reported in the infant. Reduction of letdown is apparently dose-dependent and requires alcohol consumption of 1.5 to 1.9 gm/kg body weight (6). Other studies have suggested psychomotor delay in infants of moderate drinkers (2+ drinks daily). Avoid breastfeeding during and for 2 - 3 hours after drinking alcohol.
In an interesting study of the effect of alcohol on milk ingestion by infants, the rate of milk consumption by infants during the 4 hours immediately after exposure to alcohol (0.3 g/kg) in 12 mothers was significantly less (7). Compensatory increases in intake were then observed during the 8 - 16 hours after exposure when mothers refrained from drinking.
Adult metabolism of alcohol is approximately 1 ounce in 3 hours, so mothers who ingest alcohol in moderate amounts can generally return to breastfeeding as soon as they feel neurologically normal. Chronic or heavy consumers of alcohol should not breastfeed.
References:
1. Marks V, Wright JW. Endocrinological and metabolic effects of alcohol. Proc R Soc Med 1977; 70(5):337-344.
2. De Rosa G, Corsello SM, Rufilli MP, Della CS, Pasargiklian E. Prolactin secretion after beer. Lancet 1982; 2(8252):934.
3. Carolson HE, Wasser HL, Reidelberger RD. Beer-induced prolactin secretion: a clinical and laboratory study of the role of salsolinol. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1985; 60(4):673-677.
4. Koletzko B, Lehner F. Beer and breastfeeding. Adv Exp Med Biol 2000; 478:23-28.
5. Mennella JA, Beauchamp GK. The transfer of alcohol to human milk. Effects on flavor and the infant's behavior. N Engl J Med 1991; 325(14):981-985.
6. Cobo E. Effect of different doses of ethanol on the milk-ejecting reflex in lactating women. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1973; 115(6):817-821.
7. Mennella JA. Regulation of milk intake after exposure to alcohol in mothers' milk. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2001; 25(4):590-593.

Important Considerations

• Your baby's age
  • A newborn has an immature liver, and will be more affected by alcohol
  • Up until around 3 months of age, infants metabolize alcohol at about half the rate of adults
  • An older baby can metabolize alcohol more quickly than a young infant
• Your weight
  • A person's size has an impact on how quickly they metabolize alcohol
  • A heavier person can metabolize alcohol more quickly than a lighter person
• Amount of alcohol
  • The effect of alcohol on the baby is directly related to the amount of alcohol that is consumed
  • The more alcohol consumed, the longer it takes to clear the mother's body
• Will you be eating
  • An alcoholic drink consumed with food decreases absorbtion

Can drinking an alcoholic beverage help me relax and stimulate milk production?

Alcohol consumption has not been shown to stimulate milk production. Studies have found that babies nurse more frequently, but consume less milk in the 3-4 hours after an alcoholic beverage is consumed.

Do I have to pump and dump after drinking an alcoholic beverage?

As alcohol leaves the bloodstream, it leaves the breastmilk. Since alcohol is not "trapped" in breastmilk (it returns to the bloodstream as mother's blood alcohol level declines), pumping and dumping will not remove it. Pumping and dumping, drinking a lot of water, resting, or drinking coffee will not speed up the rate of the elimination of alcohol from your body.

What if I get drunk?

Mothers who are intoxicated should not breastfeed until they are completely sober, at which time most of the alcohol will have left the mother's blood. Drinking to the point of intoxication, or binge drinking, by breastfeeding mothers has not been adequately studied. Since all of the risks are not understood, drinking to the point of intoxication is not advised.

Can alcohol abuse affect a breastfed baby?

Yes. Alcohol abuse (excessive drinking) by the mother can result in slow weight gain or failure to thrive in her baby. The let-down of a mother who abuses alcohol may be affected by her alcohol consumption, and she may not breastfeed enough. The baby may sleep through breastfeedings, or may not suck effectively leading to decreased milk intake. The baby may even suffer from delayed motor development. If you are concerned that you or someone you know is drinking alcohol excessively, call your doctor.

SMOKING AND BREASTFEEDING: http://www.lalecheleague.org/llleaderweb/lv/lvaprmay97p30.html

• According to the LLLI publication THE BREASTFEEDING ANSWER BOOK, if the mother smokes fewer than twenty cigarettes a day, the risks to her baby from the nicotine in her milk are small. When a breastfeeding mother smokes more than twenty to thirty cigarettes a day, the risks increase. Heavy smoking can reduce a mother's milk supply and on rare occasions has caused symptoms in the breastfeeding baby such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. (Vorherr 1974). By keeping smoking to a minimum, a mother can decrease the risk. When a mother smokes a cigarette, the nicotine levels in her blood and milk first increase and then decrease over time. The half-life of nicotine (the amount of time it takes for half the nicotine to be eliminated from the body) is ninety-five minutes. For this reason, a mother should avoid smoking just before and certainly during a feeding.
  
  
  

About Hardcore Lactivists, Breastfeeding Bullies and the Breastfeeding Mafia

They look at you like you are the worst person in the world for giving formula to your little one. Ultimately, you are being judged for not even breastfeeding all the way just because they did so and are proud of it. They start of with the how are you's and how is your baby. Then the question do you breastfeed? And then when you say you don't or you mix or they don't like your answer , brace yourself  for the next line of sentences would make you go to places in your emotions, as sensitive as you are these days.

We get the benefits of breastfeeding. But to some mothers, It just doesn't work out. To some, they are just really passionate in sharing and making you see that it is for you and your baby's well being with no attachment, and to them you should be grateful because they sincerely care.

But There are moms that are just overbearing Oh my God, you may not see them in the comments section of your Facebook pictures but they sure private message you with the whole shebang after they start off with the how are you's and it just makes you really feel insecure and inadequate although these mothers really mean well that's why I don't get offended or so. I currently mix feed and its a very sensitive topic for a lot of moms that push for breastfeeding all the way. I just constantly remind myself I should not be feeling ill towards their good intentions because just like them, I am just doing the best that I can to sustain the needs of my baby. Moms are Moms you know. 

But my favorite in this article is:

The Comment: You know breastfed babies are smarter.

Why it shouldn’t get to you: Sure, breastfeeding is associated with a higher IQ, but there are plenty of rocket scientists, mathematicians, doctors, authors and (probably) presidents that weren’t breastfed as infants, and obviously, they’re no dummies.

What you should say: “Hmm...were you breastfed?” 

LMAO

http://pregnant.thebump.com/new-mom-new-dad/bottle-feeding/articles/how-to-deal-with-breastfeeding-bullies.aspx

Here are other articles regarding this topic:

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/jan/16/breastfeeding-sting-cleaners
http://www.donotfaint.com/shes-not-a-lactivist-shes-a-bully/
http://www.adiosbarbie.com/2012/09/stop-fanning-the-mommy-wars-enough-with-the-breastfeeding-bullies-articles-jezebel/
http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2011/03/08/bullied-to-continue-breastfeeding/
http://blog.oneluckymama.com/255/breastfeeding-bullies-its-not-what-you-think/

Lactation Soup: Essence of Tinola

Essence of Tinola: Why is it called such? Because instead of chicken we put chicken broth.

Ingredients:

1 small green papaya wedged
1 small onion (chopped)
1 clove of garlic (finely chopped or minced)
3 knobs of ginger (chopped or sliced)
1 litres of water
2 Tbsp of fish sauce
1/4 to 1/2 tsp of ground pepper
1 chicken stock cube
2 cups of malunggay (Moringa)


Sautee garlic, onion and ginger add green papaya after 2 minutes pour a litre of water add chicken cube and ground pepper bring to a boil for 3 minutes add your moringa and let it boil for 3 minutes more turn off fire and serve. Should be good.

Enjoy.

Lactation Soup: Curry Miso Soup with Malunggay

A Nutty , Tangy and Spicy Protein Packed Vegetarian Soup that will love, heal and lactate. Enjoy.

Ingredients:

1.) Half Cup fresh Miso Paste.
2.) 4 Teaspoon of Curry.
3.) 4 Tablespoon Fish Sauce.
4.) Half cup of Almond Milk or Coconut Milk
5.) 1 clove garliccrushed and chopped
6.) 1 pc onion, chopped
7.) thumb size Ginger, crushed and chopped.
8.) 1 and a half cup of tofu cut into squares.
9.) 1 pc carrot.
10.) 1 bowl of cabbage thinly sliced.
11.) 1 cup bean sprouts
12.) 1 cup Malunggay leaves (moringa)

13.) 1 teaspoon pepper.
14.) 2 pcs green hot pepper thinly sliced.
15.) 1 teaspoon Magic Sarap.
16.) Fish Stock or Chicken Stock 2 cups.
17.) 1 table spoon butter.

18.) 1 lemon juice or 1 ounce Lemon or Calamansi Juice.

19.) 2 table spoon of vinegar.

Directions:

Sautee garlic in butter followed by onion, green pepper and ginger. After a minute add the miso after 3 minutes add the tofu, fish sauce, curry, Magic sarap,  Pepper stir it carefully avoiding damage to the tofu. After 2 minutes add your choice of stock (fish or chicken) add your choice of milk let it boil 5 minutes. After 5 minutes add your carrots, let it simmer for 3 minutes then add the moringa, let it boil 3 minutes then turn off the fire wait for 1 minute then add the cabage and the Bean sprouts. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes and serve. Enjoy!

 

We strive to be happy.

Family Picture :)

My and Bubba Taluli's Very Detailed Tumor removal / CS Birth Story

It was June 5 and I was really feeling intense with the baby pushing your vagina and all, it was very uncomfortable lying down and doing anything. Afternoon is where I saw my blood pressure rise from 120/80 to 130/90 and come night time shot up to a 145/90 with headaches. That's when I decided to send an SMS to my doctor saying that my blood pressure shot up to 145 with a head ache she advised me to go ahead and go to the hospital.

Upon arriving they take my BP and I was placed under observation in the labor room for 11 frickin hours to see if my BP would stabilize and as soon as it did, 11 am, My OB-GYNE pops in and says, best option is Cesarian Section and it will be done in 2 hours..so that's 2 pm. I did not want to take a risk in waiting for labor because my BP might elevate further and it can cause harm for either me and the baby. I had a condition called Pre-eclampsia.



With no food and drink for 11 hours I begged if I can at least take a sip of water I thought after operation I will be fine I can eat.

I have never had an operation before so you can imagine the fear that I have that I had to talk my self out of it was a tug between fear of death and fear of death so I just went all in on the operation option.

2 PM comes and this dude, apparently my OB-GYNE's husband comes to me as a funny Chinese dude saying he can cut me up he was taught already to do so since my OB is late. Blah Blah Blah talks warming up before the operation I was introduced to another OB GYNE that was included in the case team because It's a Tumor Removal/ Ceasarian section and she needed an assistant so they can do it fast and the faster they do it the less bloody it's going to be.

2:30 PM the Anesthesiologist gives me quadrant shots of something and a shot of what I am guessing

is an epidural and I was numbed from waist down.After which I started to panic I told my doc and he gave me a shot of Morphine. After the Morphine was given I was in deep heaven man, Anes told me I was like partying and shit while they took care of my operation, kept on telling him it was the best drug ever and where can I get it and shit like that, it was hilarious. Then I had snapshots of OB showing me my Ovarian Cyst, we were shocked to know that it wasn't just 5 cm at all, it was 5 , 5 cm thick I touched it and it felt like breast implants, possibly benign but they will still check it to see if it's cancerous or not. I will find out on Monday. They also showed me my baby..they had to hurry though because she was telling me I already lost 1 litre of blood.

4:30 PM I come in to the recovery room still drugged up hooked on a BP monitoring machine and was instructed to just stay still and NEVER turn from side to side not until 11:30 PM due to some routine after being anesthetized. They also told me I will be brought back to my room once I can already move my toes and lift my leg up.

So for 3 hours we wait and in the middle of it they bring in my baby boy to suck in my breast and get
my colostrum which I think he did.

So 6:30 PM I come up to my room, still Grogs as heck and drugged up I noticed I had a catheter, I was thinking, hmm.. another first time.

Knocked out till the next day.

Pedia shows up in the morning, tells me my baby is a strong healthy boy and showing some great vitals great Apgar Score and I just don't know what she was talking about but I was very happy that Taluli is healthy. She also did ask me if I want to room him in now, which I was too weak to answer so I delayed and told her that I'll just do it tomorrow.

After the birth I had such anxiety that I had to fight until now. I processed my feelings as to why I did not want to room her in and decided to have a wash up after my catheter got removed at 12:00 PM and went right ahead and told the nurse to bring the baby up and have her room in with me.

As soon as the baby came right in, mixed feelings of Euphoria and a greater deal of anxiety started rolling in. I did not really know how to take care of an infant and felt very alone and helpless which I did not like because I thought I always got it together. It was an intense fight within. It was the post partum depression kicking in. I am very blessed to have gone through deep and dark depression in my youth that once the familiar feelings of self doubt and distrust started to kick in and before it had to get me down, my years of therapy, training and emotional development helped me sort the feelings from reality slowing down the reaction time. I was stressed out not because of the operation but because of the deep dark anxiety I have to fight while this baby thing was going on. Sure enough, one great look at Bubba Taluli  and sniffing at his sweet smelling  baby scent made the tough choices against negative feelings disappear.

And so back to the rooming in story (Gosh, Drama!) the nurse pops in and starts to yap about newborn care and instantly my eyes crossed and I felt overwhelmed. It was a good thing that my sister Patty, videotaped everything so I would have a recollection of it when I am already sane and relaxed at home. Still unable I asked Patty my sister who took up an RN in college to take care of my baby while I cannot and she happily obliged.So as the nursed left the baby cries and is hungry and I had no water and bottles cleaned so we had to rush and get some baby thing soap
to wash the bottles with and that Mineral Water for the babe and we started feeding it.

I was very thankful to have a helper around. She stuck out in the wee hours feeding the bub while I tried to recuperate and escape the fragility of the situation by resting up so I can hold it up in the next few days.

Monday June 9 is when we left the hospital. I was blessed with a great team of doctors and an OB GYNE, Dra. Virginia Go who graciously took out the Tumor along with the C-Section when other doctors will take advantage of on separate situations. She helped me through everything making sure I had a smooth operation and a worry free birthing experience.

Dra. Virginia Go's Clinics are M-W- 3-5 PM and Sat. 2-4 PM at The Medical City Ever Commonwealth,  T-TH 4-8 PM, Sun 1-4 PM at The Medical City Sm Fairview, Healthway at SM North Edsa on Tues- Sat 11-1 PM and Thursdays  - 1-3 PM, Centralle Medical and Polyclinic Camarin Rd. Caloocan City MWF 11 am-2 PM and Marikina Valley Medical Center at Saturdays, 4-6 PM.

Your 5th day on earth Dramatics from Mama.. :)

My Dear Taluli,

I am going to be your champion, I will not let you down.

You came to the world and not every special person that the world says you have are the proudest to see you, Your grandparents are not exactly proud and happy about you because your momma got knocked up by a person they don't exactly favor. Your father is not exactly thrilled about you either, you will forever be hidden to his kin you were his accident.

I am going to be your champion kid, along with the countless number of individuals, strangers a plenty who are not directly related to us but care and genuinly love us so much and to them we will give our love and affection. Mama has seen unexpected people come about showing us love in this unexpected time, not exactly the ones that mama imagined will get close to us but they sure found their way into our lives.

Every happy smile I see in your face inspires me to be a better person for you sweetheart, your existence in my life made me a very happy content and enough of a person that I wanted to be.

Your presence alone makes me feel assured that I am no longer alone and that I have you as my forever. I will never fail to put you first. I will love you the best way that I can with all my heart and soul. I will be wise for you, I will be better for you.


Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld

My List of Philippine Baby Online Stores 2014

Awfully cheaper than your average store in the mall with the convenience of C.O.D is a mommy, ninang and ninong's dream fulfilled by just clicking away in these websites! Have not used all of them yet but I reckon I will soon as the need arises. So far I have only used mostly Lazada for the diapers, beddings, baby and mommy stuff like exercise ball etc. Cudsly for baby gifts and Baby Outlet. Here are the list of legitimate stores as recommended by my mommy friends.

STORE:	URL:
LAZADA BABIES	www.lazada.com.ph/shop-babies/
SAVYMOMMY	www.savymommy.com/
BABY OUTLET	http://www.babyoutlet.ph
CUDSLY	http://www.cudsly.com/
ZEBEBE	http://www.zebebe.com/
BABIES TO TODDLERS	http://BabiestoToddlers.com
I LOVE BABINSKI	http://www.ilovebabinski.com/
BRANDED BABY CLOTHES MANILA	https://www.facebook.com/brandedbabyclothesmanila
BABY AND ME	https://www.facebook.com/Babyandmestore
CHUBBY CHEEKS	https://www.facebook.com/chubbycheeksbabyshop
BABY SAVERS	http://babysavers.com.ph/
MOM SAVERS	https://www.facebook.com/momsavers
MOM TREATS	http://mommytreats.com.ph/
PINAY MOMMY	https://www.facebook.com/pinaymommyph
CHERUBS NECCESSITIES	https://www.facebook.com/cherubsnecessities
TOTS AND TODDLERS	http://www.totsandtoddlers.com.ph
GOODIES FOR CUTIES	https://www.facebook.com/goodiesforcuties
CHE'S BABY STUFF	https://www.facebook.com/chesbabystuffshop
BABY STYLE	http://www.babystyle.ph/
MANILA BABY	https://www.facebook.com/manilababyshop
CIRAD'S ONLINE STORE	https://www.facebook.com/cirads.online
BABY SHOP PH	http://babyshop.ph/
HUGS STORE	https://www.facebook.com/HUGSSTORE
BABY MAMA	http://www.babymama.ph

The Seemingly long Wait at 37 weeks and 3 days.

THE WAIT:

I'm off to my weekly check up in 2 hours and whoa the baby daddy decided to come so I am meeting him in the docs office.

I have just been waiting for the day Baby Taluli decides to come.

And in the wait I have just been lying my ass in bed and sitting on the exercise ball waiting for June to kick in so I can start walking around.

LAZY and PIGGING ACTS JUSTIFIED:

Why the wait till June to walk around? My Phil health will not kick in till June. If I give birth earlier than that my efforts in fixing it will go down the drain. As I am just being part lazy to walk, part practical. (yeah right.)

I also am eating every 3 hours and sleeping a complete 7-8 hours which I later found out was my nesting instinct kicking in. (uhuh)

PET INTRODUCTION PREPARATIONS:

And in the wait I have been training Pablito  to get used to the sounds of babies crying and cooing. I also took all the baby stuff out so he will go by the rounds and be familiar of the smell and it's existence.

I also have been telling people in the house how to act around Pablo and the baby. How they would have to let me introduce the two because I trained for it and if I need help to listen as instructed and not go their way even as he would look as cute as this and beg for more space in their lives...

CLEANING HOUSE AND STUFF:

I also have been cleaning fridge for new stuff.

I also have cleaned my air conditioning unit and boy It got so cold around the house  after that.

Well that's it for now.  You can share with me your waiting stories by commenting on the box below or messaging me on the contact form.

xoxo

Philhealth Maternity Benefits 101

OK, so like any other mom you want to save costs on hospital bills and one way to cut costs is by using your Philhealth Maternity Benefit. There is a big deal of savings arranging your Philhealth benefit particulars 6 months prior to giving birth because it gives you more time to accomplish what you really need.

Do not make the mistake of asking Philhealth officers in the Que about how many months you need to pay for so you can avail of this benefit because I did and I was told there time and again to just have a payment made 3 months prior to my estimated due date only to find out a month before my EST DD, using my smarts and calling the actual birthing hospital's billing department  that I would need at least 9 months. It is a good thing that my company paid for our Philhealth and I was able to secure a certificate for these payments aside from my individual payments for the months April, May and June (yes you can pay 3 months ahead).

So this are the requirements to avail of the Philhealth Maternity Benefits of your local Hospital:

1.   Clear copy of  Member Data Record (MDR)

2.  Philhealth Claim Form 1 — You can also get this form from Philhealth or from some hospitals or clinics.   Fill this up and sign.

3.   Clear copies of Official Receipts of Philhealth contribution payments  (If employed, secure a certificate of contribution from your company HR, If individual paying submit a copy of your reciepts)

 9 months Payment is required.

4.  If you are a dependent of your husband, and you are not a declared dependent, submit a copy of your marriage certificate from NSO or from local civil registrar.

5.  Official receipts of Prenatal Care Payments —
Submit at least 1,500 pesos worth of receipts so you can avail of the Prenatal Care benefit.  (This can be an additional saver, just be sure that you had exams, ultrasounds, tests done in your birthing hospital.)

The following are the prenatal expenses that  are covered:

- Prenatal consultation
- Drugs and medicines used during prenatal period, such as anti-anemics, anti-infectives, vitamins, minerals and tetanus toxoid or tetanus immunization
Medicines should be in the Philippine National Drug Formulary (PNDF) list.
- Routine care tests, such as CBC, blood typing, urinalysis, glucose test, Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test, Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test
- Ultrasound, glucose tolerance test and related tests when they are considered medically necessary
(source: http://www.healthphilippines.net/2011/11/philhealth-maternity-benefit-prenatal-care/) 

6.) Accomplish the CF 2 form as much as you can because the other things there are who knows what the hospital did because it is a healthcare provider form of sorts. 

7.) 2 valid Government ID's.

AND Make sure you have 2 copies of everything. One for you and one for the baby. :)

 

Motherhood Constipation Solutions

I am a person who feels complete going 2-3 times a day finishing my number 2 job in the bathroom. BUT Motherhood changes these patterns and hormones and vitamins cause our bowel movements to be abnormal. I have managed through it at most days and found best ways in beating this with the following:

Brown Rice

1.) Substituting Brown Rice to white carbs.

Let me tell you, not only it is rich in fiber, brown rice will save you money because it is way cheaper nowadays compared to white rice. Our rice dealer here sells 47-52 pesos per kilo of white rice and only 42.50 to 43 pesos for brown rice. Same goes in the wet and dry market. You's be shooting yourself though if you buy brown rice in the grocery because they mark the price up for healthy options in there.

Prune Juice

2.) Drinking 1 Glass of Prune Juice every day

This my friend, will guarantee not just A TRIP but 3-4 trips of colon washing goodness in the bathroom.

This is also a good source of prenatal vitamins and minerals. A glass can give you 3% calcium, 17% Iron and 17% Vitamin C.

I highly recommend that you drink a good 3-4 glasses of water prior to taking this.

1.8 Liters (1/2 Gallon)

3.) Consume MORE than 8 glasses of water.

I highly recommend that you buy a 1.8 liter coleman and finish it twice a day consuming a gallon of water a day. It is very very important because it is the best source to flush out unnecessary waste and bacteria out of our frail pregnant bodies. Trust me, I beat Constipation but went to the ER for a urinary tract infection. I was too focused on beating the constipation that I forgot to add reinforcement.

So these are my Top 3 Constipation remedies. I hope it helps you.

Motherhood Dramatics 05/26/2014

I woke up today thankful that the contractions I felt last night didn't progress as full on labor as I slept through it. 

I also woke up today to the reality that Bubba Taluli is due to come out in the next 2-3 weeks. I am raising a child in this crazy world, my crazy world.

This crazy world he is going to wake up to has grandparents that are happy to have a grandson but unhappy about my situation.

This crazy world has a grandfather that is not the best well wisher and have already pre empted a future of doom for my kid and our mother and son relationship.

This crazy world he is going to wake up to is a world where everyone has a father that comes home every night and puts them to sleep.

This crazy world he is going to wake up to is  a world where his father has other things to do and priorities aside from him due to his circumstance.

It is a heck of a responsibility to raise this wonderfully awesome kid.

I am not supposed to be a person who dwells on the negative, but the sheer drama of this imagined future was enough to break me today. Sometimes you just need to wash your heart with a good cry knowing that at the end of the day, things will work out well according to what it is supposed to be. All I can do is control the things that I can control.

This is easier said than done I know.

Just Had my Biophysical Untrasound at Megaclinic

Baby is no Longer Breech Bitch! Hah! We're Going to have a Normal Delivery Yeah! The Universe revolved according to my favor today! Thank you!
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld

36 week check up updates

Well, nothing really significant happened in my check up except that while waiting for my turn, I watched my belly rippled through the baby dancing in my tummy, other than that I got this paper with scribbles that I am supposed to give to Commonwealth General Hospital just in case a.) My water breaks, b.) Bleeding c.) Super duper pain. Doctors and scribbles, lols.

Also Dra. Virginia Go, my OB-GYNE gave me my quote for normal delivery. Somewhere along the lines of 35-40 Thousand BUT we have to wait of course for the phat boy inside me to get steady and ready and if he is breech, i need a good  50-80k. So no to breech babes. Walking next week I shall do.

I WILL HAVE A NORMAL DELIVERY .

I WILL HAVE A NORMAL DELIVERY .

I WILL HAVE A NORMAL DELIVERY .

I WILL HAVE A NORMAL DELIVERY .

Come on sing it with me! Yeah!

I am scheduled to have my ultrasound today. Excited about that one too and of course I shall update.

Any tips on unbreeching this bad boy? They will be much appreciated. Come with your tips mommas on the comment box below. 

xoxo.

 

 

 

What's in my Hospital Bag and what you really just need *UPDATED* ??

I have packed and repacked this hospital bag starting from 32 weeks of pregnancy. We hid it at the back of the door for easy access when we have to go.

It is a carry on luggage that I use when I go on my 5 day trips. It's the next size to the carry on luggage that flight attendants use.




I don't know how it's going to go down so I packed clothes and things for me and the baby for 5 days.

So the big question: WHAT IS IN THIS HOSPITAL BAG?

Well folks I wanted to take them apart and show it to you bit by bit but I just decided to enumerate the items here instead. Atleast you got the glimpse of how it looks like.


For the Baby: 

1.) 1 small bottle
2.) 3 pieces onesies
3.) 2 pieces sleveless kimono shirts
4.) 2 hooded blankets
5.) 2 swaddling fleece cloth
6.) 1 pack 100's baby wipes
7.) 1 pack NB diaper
8.) baby thermometer
9.) Nasal Aspirator
10.) Baby nail cutter
11.) 12 gauze diapers
12.) Diaper Clips
13.) Petroleum Jelly
14.) Baby Mosquito Lotion
15.) 3 pairs mittens, 3 baby hats
16.) 3 pairs of footsies
17.) One pair of going home socks


For Me:

 1.) 2 button down soft sleveless shirts
2.)  2 dresses
3.) one tank top
4.) 1 pajama bottom
5.) 3 flannel shorts
6.) 6 undies
7.) 3 nursing bras
8.) 1 swim top
9.) 2 pairs of socks
10.) 1 small hair towel
11.) 1 big ass beach towel
12.) Breast Pump
13.) Maternity Pads, Modess 1 Pack
14.) 1 box breast pads
15.) 3 pieces bed pads
16.) toiletry bag with toothbrush, tooth paste, cologne, alcohol, shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, breast cream, small hair clamp, 2 hairtie, one sports head band, small comb and tissue.

I also bought paper plates, plastic spoon and fork and paper cups just incase we decide to have a party in the room. LOL

OH AND THAT  HOSPITAL PAPER WORK!:

I  downloaded and pre filled the Philhealth forms CF1 and CF2 the best that I could so there won't be much hassle. I also called the hospital beforehand and spoke to their Philhealth benefits officer about what requirements I need for my particular situation. In my case the problem is the benefits payment. I  switched statuses midway of the  9 months that they needed so I can qualify for the Maternity Benefit.  The situation is my company paid for my benefits from October 2013 to March 2014 and after that I paid as an individual member from April- June 2014. The officer said not to worry, I just need the original certification that my company paid for my Phil health and she asked me to bring my receipt from April to June. They asked for 2 copies of all these requirements to cover me and the baby. I also bought a philhealth ID,  2 valid government  ID's and I brought my birth certificate just incase they will need it.

UPDATES:

So as you already know I am out of the hospital and at home taking care of Taluli. So I thought I packed perfectly but this is what you really just need:

FOR MOM:

1.) Clothes for 4 days (expect the unexpected kid, you never know where your baby takes you, CS or Normal best to over pack rather than not have what you need in this very vulnerable situation)
2.) Maternity Pad (Because you will bleed after you give birth)
3.) Toiletries of your choice knowing you cant take a bath after that gruesome birthing episode ( Because you will want to take a bath but can't and will just have to bathe like a chicken and I wished at that time I had a dry shampoo and more baby and feminine wipes)
4.) Mineral Water(Because it is expensive to buy it within the hospital)
5.) 2 Comfortable Pillows (Because they charge extra 100 or so per pillow like duh)
6.) Your Own comforter (Because it can get really cold and the hospital sheets can be a drag)

PAPERS! PAPERS!

Your Philhealth Requirments: 
a.) MDR from Philhealth,
b.) Your Philhealth ID
2 of the following: 
c.) CF1 form and CF 2 form which you can get from the hospital.
d.) 9 Months worth of Your Employer's Certification of contribution if you are employed and or 9 Months of your Philhealth Payment Receipts if you are individually paying.

Philhealth offers a great deal of discount as high as 20-30% off of my case rate.

For the Birth Certificate Processing:

Cedula's of You and Your Partner if you are not married but would decide to have the dad's last name and or Your Marriage Certificate obviously if your married hehe.

FOR THE BABY:

1.) 4 small bottles*
2.) 3 pieces onesies
3.) 2 pieces sleveless kimono shirts
4.) 4 hooded blankets
5.) 2 fleece blankets
6.) 1 pack 100's baby wipes
7.) 12 gauze diapers8.) Diaper Clip
9.) Petroleum Jelly
10.) 4 pairs mittens, 4 baby hats
11.) 4 pairs of footsies
12.) One pair of going home socks
13.)  Baby bottle Cleaner of your choice*
14.) Baby soap
15.) 1 Gallon Wilkins Mineral water.*
 * These are if you are having a c-section, Particularly my hospital advised my caretakers to buy a formula since Im too grogs to breastfeed so have this ready just incase.

And a smile when you leave.

Have a safe delivery mums!

xoxo

Motherhood ain't a walk in the park

Ain't a walk in the park I have to tell you, as I have started to know and get to know more of how to be a considerate human being, there is more to motherhood than I use to think.

It is a total life change. I was not the perfect tool for the job, I am a happy go lucky, Good time chaser who smoked and drank like there was no tomorrow, an unwise spender and a devil may care type of person. I was into life and self gain all the time man, whatever suits my fancy.

These 9 months changed all that.

These 9 months bought the best version of me I couldn't imagine I would be.

It's beyond explanation. This experience blew me away and made me more confident as a person.
9 months of no immediate gratification from synthetics, no pain meds, no alcohol, no smoking just plain self will and thoughtful consideration and an extreme feeling of love and anticipation that was so raw. Physical and emotionally grew me to a point of understanding my strength and weaknesses. There is another life that wants to live and I gave way, this life is choosing to live from receiving my surrender and it is a different experience, I know that is true love, I am capable of true love. That is incomparable. No shit from anybody can beat that. It is a God given gift and I am lucky to be able to have it manifested in front of me. But this revelation doesn't mean I am going to submit myself to your church so stop yourself before you go on inviting me. Hahaha.

Along the way I have lost a lot of friends and gained friends, my fair weather friends just started to drift away because of changes and choices the people I never though would be my friends just all of a sudden came barging into my life full of love and care. I had more meaningful relationships with people now as opposed to the relationships I had prior to getting pregnant and all these changes happened in a span of 9 months. It was a wild ride.

I have no regrets but all that I have is a sense of thankfulness, this child on the way changed my life and will continue to change my life for the best.

I am looking forward to more of these changes that will be revealed to me as this next phase in life progresses.

Welcome to Mamachronics!

I am a new momma due sometime last week of May OR First week of June (Because as a lot of mommas and doctors know, we don't really know until he or she is ready to go.) My intention in writing this blog is to help other mommas, who are like me, very curious about carrying a baby, childbirth and raising a baby. As a new momma, my researching super abilities were put to good use now I am going to be a mommy to a wonderful baby boy, Tala Elija Del Rosario , otherwise known as bubba taluli. I have craved for new information when I was going through this pregnancy because it seems that no particular event in this new path is in my control so I have focused on something that I can control which is getting as much information as I want.

And oh,  I am a single mom with a cute Boston Terrier dog  so dealing with this alone and with a pet can sure help a lot of expectant single human and dog mothers out there for sure.


Enjoy my blog as I share to you my mamachronicles.

xoxo