Pages

Friday, July 31, 2015

Breastfeeding and Work, Let's Make It Work 2015

It's almost August and it's Breastfeeding Month once again. And because this year's theme is "Breastfeeding and Work, Let's Make It Work", I'll be sharing you a post related to it. 

2 years ago, I was still working out in a corporate world when baby was still less than 6 months old. I can't imagine how tiresome it was lugging around my cooler and pumping paraphernalia, commuting to and from Libis and Binondo everyday; worrying if my milk stash will be enough for baby and the hassle of sterilizing bottles and pumping gears, storing milk and all that when I got home from work. I took the courage to pump on my desk with cover as we don't have a lactation room in the office. All my colleagues even the boys knew that I was pumping because we were only in 1 common room. I didn't mind. I won't give up on breastfeeding because I know that it is what keeps my baby healthy.

One day, my preggy colleague asked me how much to avail a pump. I was using a Medela Swing Maxi and I didn't want to discourage her thus I kept the price to myself and told her that there were cheaper brands available in the market and Spectra was one of them. This conversation took place last April 2013 when suddenly I saw a post on BFP giving away pre-loved breast pump. 


I joined the contest and here was my entry:
When I was pregnant, I took time to attend various breastfeeding classes. Now I'm still able to exclusively breastfeed my 4.5 months old baby despite having to work away from home. Recently, my 4-month preggy colleague asked me on the cost of buying a pump. I recommended her the Spectra because it's the cheapest double electric pump that I know. And when I saw this giveaway, I immediately thought of winning this for her. I was overjoyed to hear that she have decided to breastfeed her baby as she was inspired to see me pumping in the office everyday. Her name is Ruby Libo-on, due on Sept. She works as a warehouse staff while her husband works as a security guard. Their combined salaries barely meet their monthly expenses for a family of 3. Not being able to breastfeed her first born really ate up a chunk of their income.

And surprisingly, my entry was chosen! I was so happy for my colleague Ruby. "Ask and you shall receive." When I informed her about the good news, she was so thankful and committed herself to breastfeed her second child.


Ms. Abie went to our office to hand over the breastpump to Ruby last July 2013.


Now that I've been away from the company for a year, I thought of interviewing how her breastfeeding journey went. Here's an interview with Ruby Libo-on.

Sally: Ilan taon na ang inyong anak na nagbbreastfeed? Hanggang kelan niyo balak magpasuso sa kanya at bakit? 

Ruby: 1 year and 10 months na siya ngayon. Hanggang gusto pa ng anak ko, hangga't may gatas pa ako kasi healthy si baby saka malaki din yung na save sa budget.

Sally: Base sa inyong sariling karanasan, ano ang nakita ninyong benepisyo sa batang napasuso ng gatas ng ina kumpara sa hindi? 

 Ruby: Mas healthy kasi si baby pag sa akin dumididi, hindi kagaya sa formula na sakitin gaya ng panganay ko dati, sakitin kasi formula siya.

Sally: Ano ang trabaho niyo at tuwing kelan ang pasok ninyo? 

Ruby: Inventory assistant, Monday to Friday yung pasok ko. 


Sally: May breastfeeding area ba ang inyong opisina? 

Ruby: Wala pero my area naman na pwede mag pump.

Sally: Paano ninyo nagawang ipagsabay ang trabaho at pagpapasuso sa inyong anak? 

Ruby: Pag sa bahay ako direct, tapos nag-iiwan ako ng gatas. Tapos pag sa trabaho naman, nag-ppump ako.


Image from Ruby.

Sally: Maari niyo bang ikwento ang pagsusubok na naranasan ninyo habang nasa trabaho at sabay ang pagpapasuso?

Ruby: Pag sa trabaho na ko binibigyan ko ng oras yung pag-ppump. Yung baby ko kasi naiwan sa bahay so nag-iiwan na lang ako ng milk para sa kanya. Umiinon talaga ako ng maraming tubig saka mga liquid na pamparami ng gatas. May time talaga na parang kumokonti yung milk ko, ininuman ko ng malunggay capsule.

  Sally: Anu-anong mga bagay ang nakatulong sa inyong pagtagumpay sa pagpapasuso?
  
   Ruby: Kumain at uminom ng pamparami ng gatas. Tiyaga sa pagdadala ng pump para my pasalubong na milk pag-uwi kay baby. Saka bigyan talaga ng oras yung pag-ppump para hindi mawawala yung gatas.

  Sally: Ano ang mensaheng maibabahagi ninyo sa kapwa nating nanay na nagdadalawang isip kung kakayanin bang magpasuso habang nagtatrabaho? 


Image from Ruby.
   Ruby: Tiyaga lang talaga sa mga nanay na gusto magbreastfeed. Bigyan talaga ng oras yung pagppump para may maiuwi na gatas para sa anak. Malaking tulong talaga magpabreastfeed kasi nakakatipid talaga. Saka isipin mo din yung health ng iyong baby.

So there. Hope you were inspired somehow to breastfeed even while working away from your baby. 

August 8, to be exact, marks my 32nd month or more than two and a half years of my breastfeeding journey. As a breastfeeding advocate I have written quite a number of post of my personal experiences which I would like to share them with you here.

2013

2014

2015

Before I end my post, let me invite you to join the most-awaited event during the month of August, Hakab Na 2015, now on its third year! 



For more details, pls. visit: http://hakabna.com/ or 
FB event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/384992915044541/

So excited for tomorrow! Long day ahead! Hope to see you there!

Mommy Sally

Saturday, July 11, 2015

My Journey Towards Becoming a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

My Breastfeeding Journey

Last Sept. 2014, I attended the first batch of BFP Peer Counselors Training and one of the requirements is to submit a one-page story of my own experience in breastfeeding my child. Today, I thought of sharing it to everyone here and hoping to inspire co-mommies to breastfeed.

Within a few minutes after giving birth to my baby girl last Dec. 8, 2012, she was brought to me to latch to stimulate my breasts. That time, I can’t see any drop of milk yet but I’m not disheartened because I was fully aware of the do’s and don’ts of breastfeeding which I learned from the classes that I had been attending when I was still pregnant. My baby was immediately roomed-in with me after all the initial check-up. That first night we hired a resident mid-wife to help us get through the night since we didn’t know how to handle a newborn. She also assisted me in bringing baby to latch on while I was half asleep. I grew up from a non-breastfeeding family thus it is not surprising to hear members of my family advising me to supplement baby with formula milk while waiting for my milk to come, even the pedia prescribed us formula milk. I was glad my informed hubby was there to support and back me up. We were able to bring home baby on the second night and that was the start of my sleepless night. My mature milk came out on the third day. My breasts got engorged and thankfully I have many mommy friends to consult and ask for help. I also consulted Ms. Abbie Yabot’s help which she visited me on the 5th day to check my latch and show me different breastfeeding positions. I didn’t invest on any lactation supplements instead I just constantly let my baby feed on demand. I even followed ge-lai rituals during the first month. She was exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months (no water, no vitamins, etc.) and then complemented with regular solid food starting 6 months until now. As soon as I returned to work after my 2-month maternity leave, I let baby feed on bottle, with my stored milk, when I'm out. Then I experienced nipple confusion when baby was still 4 months old. Luckily, with my persistence and determination to succeed, I was able to bring her back to my breast. From then on, I decided to stay at home most of the time so that I can continue direct feeding her and to ensure a successful breastfeeding journey. Despite having a flat nipple, I was able to overcome and feed on both breasts. I'm also proud to say that I rarely give her frozen milk since I'm aware that refrigerated milk is better than frozen one. And I'm happy to have a stable milk supply, producing just enough milk for my baby. Until now that she's 21 months old, I don't have any plans of weaning her yet. Thanks to Breastfeeding Pinays for giving the right support to all breastfeeding moms.

Saturday, July 4, 2015

Hands-On Parents While Earning Summit

Majority of parents nowadays chose to be hands-on with their child's upbringing and development and that includes myself. I have been a stay-at-home mom for a year now and life has been simpler. Simpler meaning there's not much social activity to brag about except for my toddler's milestone diaries. Everyday we challenge ourselves to keep our expenses at a minimum so as not to use up our hard-earned savings. Sometimes, I would be tempted to apply for a full-time job outside just to satisfy my thirst for adventure but looking at my lovely daughter, I really can't. I invite you to read this post on how I enjoy being a hands-on parent to my toddler.

When I saw this upcoming event entitled "Hands-On Parents while Earning", I got interested with the line up of program. However, upon checking out the learning fee, I was saddened because it's too costly for me. Sigh!  But I am sure that this H.O.P.E. Summit would be a nice event to consider attending as the speakers are really experts in this field, being hands-on to their kids while earning.     

Event Details

The mommy behind this big parenting event is none other than Ms. Teresa Gumap-as Dumadag, bestselling author and inspirational speaker. Hands-On Parents while Earning or H.O.P.E. Summit is set to happen on August 8, 2015, from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM at the AVR of PLDT TelTech Building, Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City. This whole day workshop on hands-on parenting and working smart in the new millennium seeks to inspire and teach parents how to marry hands-on parenting with earning for the family.

Friday, July 3, 2015

Nikidom Roller Bag: Coolest School Bag Ever

Exactly two weeks ago, a sample school bag arrived at my house for me to test run and it's the prestigious Nikidom Roller! Baby and I were so excited to open the package. 



What is Nikidom Roller?


Nikidom Roller, a brand from Spain, is a revolutionary stroller bag best known for its almost 7-inch-sized giant wheels and is the sleekest looking bag in the market for children aged 7-12 years old. It is designed by a mom tired of seeing her children carrying heavy backpacks, stroller bags that breaks easily long before the school year is over, and bags that are cumbersome for children to carry around. 

Below are some photos I took of the product showing the different angles.