Why shop at S & R?

I seldom go to S & R but just the other day, I went there with my mom and Ben for some shopping.  I tried to limit myself to buying things which are hard to find in other groceries so that I can somehow stick with our monthly budget.  Here are three of our family’s favorite things can easily be found at the said store.

For Me – Lindt Lindor Balls

Yes, I am a chocoholic!  I took away coffee in my diet every since I got pregnant until now that I am still breastfeeding, but I need my choco fix every now and then.  Lindt Lindor Balls are my personal favorite since they have the right sweetness and creaminess.  The red ones are milk chocolate but they have other varieties that tastes just as good.  Even their dark chocolate isn’t that bitter.  I recently found out that my brother likes them, too! He thought they were only available abroad but good thing S & R sells them here so my mom and I wouldn’t feel guilty for consuming his stash, hehe.

For Bry – Del Monte Original Orange 100 Juice

Bry is very particular with his juice, and this is one of the few brands that we both like.  I think he likes them because it is not too sweet so it tastes fresh compared to other brands.  It probably reminds him of his parents home, too since his mom would serve this drink over there.

For Ben – Huggies Disposable Swim Diapers

Is it just me or it hard to find swim diapers here in Manila? I ordered IPlay reusable swim diapers online but it is nice to have disposable ones as well.  Good thing my mother and sister in law found some in S&R, just in time for Ben’s swimming lessons.  They sell them in two sizes, medium and large.

So that’s it for our S & R shopping list.  Just wanted to share just in case you guys are also looking for these items, hehe :)

Happy Weekend!

Spreading the Word on Breastfeeding

"Welcome to the Milk Mama Diaries Carnival (July). For this month, we join the National Nutrition Council - Department of Health in celebrating Nutrition Month with the theme "Isulong ang Breastfeeding - Tama, Sapat at EKsklusibo!" Participants will share their experiences in promoting breastfeeding or their tips on how breastfeeding should be promoted. Please scroll down to the end of this post and check out the other carnival participants."

Ever since I had Ben, I've been trying my best to promote breastfeeding to the people around me. It's a challenge to be passionate about a certain cause but at the same time, not be too pushy. Here are some of the things I've been trying to do to make my family and friends more informed about the benefits of breastfeeding.


To see is to believe!
For me, the best way for others to see how breastfeeding is advantageous to both mom and baby is to actually observe it themselves. Ben is a generally healthy kid and I give credit to breastfeeding for that. My aunts appreciate the fact that it's quite convenient for us to bring along in our impromptu shopping trips since I can nurse Ben anytime anywhere. My best friend gave me a dress with nursing access for my birthday because she knows it has became part of my wardrobe. I like showing how the choice to breastfeed can be made easy and fun.


Make you husband your ally
Bry and I knew nothing about breastfeeding before we had Ben, but I am happy to say that we're more informed now. Even so, there's still a lot to be learned about its benefits. I do my best to share with my husband whenever I find new trivia about the power of breast milk. Hopefully he'll spread the word to his fellow dads as well.


Be encouraging to fellow moms
I remember meeting a high school batch mate after so many years at a party. I noticed she was wearing a nursing top and I felt an instant connection with her. Corny, huh? But there's something about the experience of nursing that bonds moms, and who can best cheer you on during your breastfeeding blues than someone who has been there. I wouldn't be breastfeeding until now if it weren't for my mommy friends who were there to answer my calls and text 24/7 especially when Ben was still a newborn. This is why I get excited and feel honored whenever there is an opportunity for me to pay it forward. I do my best to be there for my love ones who are new moms and dads. I also had the chance to share my experiences with a group of soon-to-be parents and made sure I mention where to get the support they need. I really believe that having someone you can talk to really helps sustain breastfeeding.


You don't have to be a parent to be informed and involved
One doesn't have to be a parent to appreciate breastfeeding. Ben's yaya is now an advocate after being able to understand how it's like to take care of an exclusively breastfed baby. I also get to chat about it with the teachers and yayas from Ben's school. Whenever my single friends ask me about breastfeeding, I give them tidbits on how it's beneficial even for toddler and share them about my experience with my lactation consultant. Chances are they might know remember a thing or two when they have their own children or share what they know with someone who does.


You do not need to go very far to promote breastfeeding. The best place to start is with the people you interact with everyday. Personally, there are a lot of things that I can still be doing but more importantly, I'm hoping to become even more equipped with the proper information so that I can be a good resource. Aside from the various references I find online, I'm hoping to get proper training so that I'll be qualified to support moms. Wish me luck!!!

Do check out these entries from fellow bloggers :)

Three Ways I Promote Breastfeeding by Example by Dainty Mom

A Simple Breastfeeding Campaign by The Lazy Mama

I Am A Breastfeeding Mom by The Painter’s Wife

Why I Don’t Nurse in Breastfeeding Rooms by Legally Mom

The Low-Milk-Supply Mommy Did It! by The Odyssey of Dinna

Breastfeeding Promotion Tips from a Formula Feeder (Yes, you read that correctly…) by The Fearless Formula Feeder

On Promoting Breastfeeding by ImPerfectly Created

Milk Mama Diaries 3 by Mimma Benz

Breastfeeding Mama by canDIshhh

I *heart* Breastfeeding by The Mum Side

A Breastfeeding Formula-Fed Mother by Soprano Mom

Breastfeeding: Promoting It Even If I Didn’t Get Lucky The First Time Around by Glamma Momma

Taking Breastfeeding Further by Mec as a Mom

I am your breastfeeding friend by Changing Nappies in High Heels

"Thoughts of a LactatING Counselor: Breastfeeding is More of Psychology!  by Handy Mommy

Breastfeeding promotion - a view from a UK doctor by Good Enough Mom

More on Breastfeeding Promotion plus a Guest Post   by Chronicles of a Nursing Mom

W-u-r-r-w-u-r-r-w-u-r-r by Martha de Lusong hosted by Jen CC Tan's MomExchange (@next9baby)
Celebrating my Magic Milk by Denise Gonzales
Breastfeeding Sisters by Isis Evasco 

Ben at Explorations - An update

It has been a month since Ben started school and I’m quite glad that he and his cute classmates are settling well into their 2 hour schedule. Interested in what keeps the toddler busy? Here’s an idea of what their classes are like:

* Playing Outdoors – 25 minutes

* Wash-Up – 5 minutes

* Quiet Time / Nap time – 5 minutes ( believe me, getting 6 toddlers to sit still for even 5 seconds is no easy task)

* Work / Play Time (Painting, Building, Playing Pretend) – 45 minutes

* Circle Time (Greeting / Action Songs) - 5 minutes

* Preparation for Snack Time (Praying and Washing Up) - 5 minutes

* Snacktime - 20 minutes

* Storytime / Goodbye Song – 10 Minutes

It’s really nice how the kids are becoming more familiar with the routine. I enjoy seeing the things like praying and washing hands before eating. Ben has been spending a lot of time playing with the toy oven, pot and pans. Then there was one time, he got a baby doll and brought it to my chest (for me to nurse, I guess, haha!). He’s been quite rough with his girl classmates though, hmmm …. We’ve been trying to tell him to be gentle with your hands. Hopefully, he’ll do better in the coming months.