Thank you, Dr. Jack for Showing How Breastfeeding is a Win-Win :)

"Welcome to the Milk Mama Diaries Carnival (August). For this month, we write about the World Breastfeeding Week 2014 - Breastfeeding: A Winning Goal for Life and share how breastfeeding can help the Philippines achieve the 8 Millennium Development Goals developed by the government and the United Nations. Participants will share their thoughts, experiences, hopes and suggestions on the topic.  Please scroll down to the end of the post to see the list of carnival entries."

If you have researched about breastfeeding, chances are you have heard of Dr. Jack Newman.  Dr. Jack is a world-renowned pediatrician who has helped over 40,000 moms and babies breastfeed.  In his more than 30 years of experience as a doctor, he has seen how breastfeeding saves lives and has continuously pushed for it to become the norm all over the world.

I had the pleasure of spending time with him during his recent stay in Manila.  During one of our meals, fellow LATCHer, Charmaine, asked him " Do you ever get tired talking about breastfeeding? " Without any hesitation, he answered "no" and smiled.  If this man can tirelessly talk about breastfeeding for decades, it must be important, right?

Dr. Jack has seen firsthand how breastfeeding has made the world a better place.  He has seen the good that breastfeeding does for the families all over the world, and hopes that by visiting our country he can help make breastfeeding become the norm in the Philippines.

By encouraging mothers to breastfed, families will not be spending money on artificial milk, which is not only expensive but also risky for the child's health.  Breastfed families are able to save money because they don't need to buy milk and the children get sick less often.  The money they save can be used for other necessities, put up a small business and even pay for tuition fees so they can have a brighter future.  Also, the reality is that some families can't afford the P120,000 a year that they will have to spend on formula milk.  Some families have to borrow money just so they can buy artificial milk for their babies and to quote Dr. Jack "that's ridiculous!"

When a country promotes breastfeeding, it’s  child mortality rate declines.  Why? Because breastfeeding lowers the risk of infants dying of SIDS.  Breastfeeding also lowers the risk of a child getting cancer which are caused by viral infections.   One of my favorite benefits of breastmilk is it has an ingredient called a-lactalbumin, that kills tumor cells.   On a personal note, my twins were born a bit premature at 35 and a half weeks.  During the time that they were in the NICU, their blood pressure and pulse rate were constantly monitored.  I noticed that as I feed them, not only am I giving them milk, but the skin to skin contact that breastfeeding provides helps ensure that their vital signs are stable.    

Breastfeeding does not only save the lives of children but of mothers as well.  A new mom who breastfeeds recovers quicker from the blood loss she incurs during birth.  The calories she burns help lower the risk of her becoming obese and diabetic.   A breastfeeding mom lowers her risk of having breast, uterine and ovarian cancer.  She also lowers her risk being diagnosed with osteoporosis.  This is because even if a mom transfers calcium into milk while she’s breastfeeding, her bone mass increases upon weaning.  I remember taking a bone density test when I was younger and my pediatrician was concerned because it was below average for my age.  I’m glad that there’s something I can do about it.   

With all the benefits, it is clear that promoting breastfeeding and supporting nursing mothers is a win-win situation that should become the norm.  I’m glad to hear that most hospitals here in our country have policies that help moms get a good start in breastfeeding.  I’m also happy that there are laws protecting breastfeeding mothers.  We still have a long way to go.   But like Dr. Jack, by providing the proper support and information, we can make a difference one family at a time. 

Thanks again, Dr. J!  The Philippines misses you! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!

Here are many thoughts and reasons why we should all advocate for mothers to breastfeed for the first 1,000 days of life #BF1st1000days Jenny shares experiencing the One Asia Breastfeeding Forum
Mec insists to do the Math and breastfeed!
Ams, The Passionate Mom says Breastfeed for a Better Future
Pat says breastfeeding saves money and the planet
Cheryl, the Multi-Tasking Mama, tackles maternal health as addressed by breastfeeding
2011 CNN Hero Ibu Robin highlights gentle births and breasfeeding, even in disaster zones
Felyn stresses that Healthy Moms = Healthy Babies
Monique reminds us that there are second chances in breastfeeding
Normi relates how breastfeeding gave her strength and purpose
Nats thanks Dr. Jack Newman for showing how breastfeeding can be a win-win situation
Em believes breastfeeding is a solution to societal problems
Marge shares what breastfeeding has taught them
Kaity was empowered financially and as a woman through breastfeeding
Madel relates her breastfeeding saga
Jen of Next9 reminds us to do our research and share what we know
Celerhina Aubrey vows to work on one mother at a time
Grace wants to put an end to stories of toasted coffee and similar stuff over breast milk
Diane shares how she prevailed when things did not go according to plan
Hazel appreciates mommy support groups
Roan combines two passions, breastfeeding and architecture
Queenie tackled breastfeeding as the best choice for the environment as well and breastfeeding myths and poverty
Rosa shares how the picture she thought of was realized
Sally believes breastfeeding benefits mankind and our planet Earth
Floraine reminds us that breastfeeding helps combat diseases
Crislyn was happy to realize that she improved her own health by breastfeeding
Armi reminds us how breastfeeding during emergencies is crucial
Arvi tells us how breastfeeding made her look at her body a different way
Clarice elaborates on how breastfeeding saves lives and the planet
Giane reminds us that women empowerment can begin by seeing breastfeeding as more than a feeding issue
Liza thought she was only breastfeeding for her child

Happy Breastfeeding Month ;)

Hello, August ;)

Happy Breastfeeding Month :)

If someone told me when Ben was a newborn that I'll be enjoying breastfeeding and actually help others moms do the same, I'll probably would not believe it.  I lacked in sleep and Ben wanted to feed round the clock making me question if he was able to get any milk from me at all.  But I somehow survived my gelai and was encouraged by other moms to stick with it.  I remember Chronicles of Nursing Mom's Jenny Ong replying to my long list of questions over email.  (I was super starstruck then!) I remember watching Dr. Jack Newman videos and comparing the latches I saw with Ben's.  I remember Lita Nery teaching me how to do laid back and side lying nursing.  I remember talking to my ICA Batchmate Germaine asking her how she did it with her firstborn ,Sean.  It took a lot of people sharing their experiences and knowledge for me to finally be comfortable and confident.  

So when the opportunity came to learn how to help other moms breastfeed their babies, I was glad to be given a chance to pay it forward. I am thankful to be part of LATCH and be surrounded by like-minded moms.  To be honest, at first I did it so that I can properly counsel family and friends.  But I find myself also enjoying talking about breastfeeding in our classes, being a cheer leader to counselees, some who I have not even met face to face.  

I'm still fairly new to the advocacy, but the most important thing I have learned so far is that BREASTFEEDING SAVES LIVES! When a country promotes breastfeeding and implements proper protocols to support it, it's infant mortality rate goes down.  We all want that do happen right? 

I recently had a chat with a beautician while she was doing my make-up for an event. Last time we spoke, her daughter was pregnant and she (her daughter) mentioned that she wanted to breastfeed especially since she was breastfed, too.  Her daughter and grandson have been doing well and they're now talking about how to express milk when her daughter goes back to work.  She was pleasantly surprised to learn that there are laws protecting breastfeeding moms, making sure they have a proper place and time to express milk.  

After chatting with her, she said "'maam, buti nalang at nakilala kita" (I'm glad to have met you).  I got teary-eyed.  This is why the breastfeeding advocacy is close to my heart.   I am thankful for the opportunity to empower families who choose to give babies the best start in life.

What to expect in BUMP 2014 ?

Breastfeeding expert Dr. Jack Newman is coming to Manila, Cebu and Davao.  He has been studying and observing breastfeeding moms and babies for a lot of years and what is great about him is since he is a doctor, he can talk about breastfeeding not just to moms but also authoritatively to nurses and doctors. 

Here are the topics for this talk in Manila on August 9 at St. Luke's Global City

Breastfeeding and Baby's Weight Gain - What to do when the baby is not gaining weight.  

What to do when Baby Refuses to Latch On - Prevention and what to do when this happens

Observation of different nursing sessions through video clips to be able to identify what is the correct latch and how to troubleshoot.  

Since Dr. Newman has a vast experience with a lot of moms and babies, he can share numerous case studies and what he learned from them.  This is important because especially for doctors and nurses who want to support their patient's breastfeeding journey.

Interested? please check out Asya's Cradle and Mayumi & Me who are hosting group buys for the event.

For more information, please see below:

Stock Market Basics for the Busy Mom

logo taken from http://www.pse.com.ph/

My brother and I are "stock market babies".  Our parents met by being office-mates in a stock broker firm.  We grew up listening to stock market updates on the radio, and eventually watching live updates on cable TV.  Our 94 year old gwama still updates herself with the stock market until now.  It's no surprise that it is one of the topics during family gatherings on my mom's side of the family.

I admit, I'm not as active in trading stocks as my parents and brother, but I do feel fortunate that I was exposed to it at an early stage.  Recently (specifically in the middle of the night when I find it hard to go back to sleep after being awaken by the kids, hehe) I have been thinking about ways to invest.  Then I realize I haven't written much about the stock market here.  Anyway, I'm no expert but I do hope that these simple tips will help fellow moms who are thinking of investing.

1. Know the Basics

Investing in the stock market involves choosing a company where you want to invest in and how much you are willing to buy and sell its shares.  The bid or buying price is the amount investors are willing to spend per share of the company.  The ask or selling price is the amount shareholders of the company are willing to let go of their shares.  An investor places a buy or sell order of shares of a certain company.  The stock market, through the brokers, matches your order with the asking or bidding price of another investor.  There are certain instances when it take some time for the orders to be matched, depending on how actively traded the stock is.  You can find that out by checking the volume of shares transacted during the trading day.

2. Being online makes transacting easier
Having internet access is helpful when monitoring your investment.  Citiseconline is an online stock broker that makes investing convenient.  You can register with them and place the amount you are willing to invest in your account.  Then you can place orders and view your portfolio online anytime.  If you like to add more funds to your account, you can do it online by transferring funds from your bank.  Then if you decide to withdraw, you can fill out a form so they can deposit the funds to your bank.  All stock brokers provide this service.  If you want a more personalized approach, you can contact other stock brokers through phone.  The advantage of transacting through phone is you can chat with your agent and maybe get tips :)

3. Invest money that you do not urgently need

Investments take time to bear fruit, and even blue chip stocks have their "down" stays.  Invest funds that you do not see yourself spending in the near future so you won't panic when the market is not doing well.  Also, in doing so, you can afford to be patient while waiting for your target price.

4. Read, research and update yourself with what's happening in the business world.  

The performance of the Philippine market is somewhat affected by the way the international market performs, particularly, in the US.  A stock of a certain company might rise or fall depending on a recent development or disclosure by the company.  For example, a company's shares is likely to go up if it acquires a new big client or go down if it's facing a public relations crisis.  Also, if you can, try listen to business analysts and read on their technical / fundamental recommendations on how certain stocks are performing.

5. Take profits when you have earned them

It's not considered an actual profit until you sell your shares.  As my aunts would say, a peso earned is still an earning, which is better than a loss.  Try setting a target price for the stock you own, then sell if you reach your goal.  Otherwise, you risk the price of the stock going down and you miss your chance to earn.  The same goes with cutting your losses.  If the market price becomes lower that the amount you bought your shares, consider selling and switching to a better stock. 

Hope these tips will encourage you to think about investing in stocks.  As a full-time mom, it's a challenge to find the time and resources to contribute to the kids bank accounts.  Investing in stocks may not be easy and risk-free, but it is worth it when done wisely.

Any stock market traders out there? Care to share some tips? :)

Latch-A-Babe is having a sale!

Hello, Fellow Nursing Moms :)

The lovely ladies of Latch-a-Babe Nursing Wear are having a Mother's Day sale from May 11 to 18, 2014 :) Get discounts on their favorite designs as well as take advantage of the intro prices of their new line.  For more info check out their Facebook page here

Happy Shopping and Hope you had a wonderful mother's day :)

wearing one of my fave LAB dresses (Dharma) during the Dr. Newman testimonial dinner

The Tans' Sumilon Escapade

Last Holy Week, we had our first official family vacation with the twins at Sumilon Island in Oslob, Cebu.  I was quite nervous at first but we had a good time.  Here are some tidbits :)

Since Oslob is at the southern part of Cebu, the fastest way to get there is through a flight to Dumaguete.  It's an hour long flight, then a short car ride from the airport to the pier then an hour long boat ride to the island.  The kids were alright during the trip, thanks to snacks, toys, and of course patient grandparents and uncles to keep them busy.

Bluewater Resort is well managed.  Their staff was quite accommodating and they have complete amenities.  Although as a mom, it would be nice if they can make some improvements so their resort will be more kid-friendly.  The resort only has two high chairs and there were other toddlers just like the twins in the resort.  An indoor area for the kids would be nice.  There's a small playground but if you have a lot of kids staying in the resort, the space may not be enough.  I'm happy with the buffet spread.  I personally appreciated that there were many choices of seafood dishes during Good Friday.  The cost is about P800/pax for lunch and P900/pax for dinner.  They even had a pasta station during one of the dinners.

As for the beach, the island basically has two main areas for you to enjoy.  They were both clean and one area has a small sandbar during low tide. I was glad the twins enjoyed their first experience of the beach although we've been to places where the sand is finer which is better for the girls who are just learning how to walk. If you are the more adventurous type, you can try clamping (sleeping inside a tent) by the sea shore. 

The highlight of our trip was the whaleshark watch and the visit to Tumalog falls.  We had to do them on Black Saturday because the people in charge of the butanding watch were on a break during Good Friday. 

We booked these activities through the resort which was a good thing because when we got to the island where the whale sharks were, there were already a lot of people waiting for their turn.   We tried to find out if it was always like this.  According to some of the caretakers it's not always the case.  Usually by 6-7 am

there are already around 9 whalesharks swimming in the area but when we arrived that morning, there were only two, probably because the one day break from their routine.  Pretty soon, more whalesharks swam in the area and we had our turn.  Kudos to my brother JP for following up for us and for keeping us posted while waiting.

When it was finally our turn, we rode a bangka to the viewing area.  The fee is different if you just want to view the whale sharks from the boat and if you want to swim and watch them underwater.  I'm so proud of Ben for being brave enough to swim and actually see the butanding from his goggles.  He still talks about  the experience once in a while.  Oh, if you don't have an underwater camera, you can rent one, have the boatmen take your photos and have it burned on a CD.

The trip to Tumalog falls was interesting.  We took a short car ride to the viewing area then we had a choice of walking or riding a motorcycle to the falls.  I highly recommend taking the motorcycle to save time and energy because there is some walking involved once you reach the falls.  It can get very muddy and wet so be prepared.  Ben enjoyed spending time at the falls.  It was the first time he saw one and even wanted to go swimming.  We didn't get to spend a lot of time there but some groups who planned to stay for lunch and brought food with them.

All in all it was a lovely experience.  I was quite anxious at the start with how the twins will adjust during the trip but they did well and I'm glad they love the water.  I hope I'd get the chance to bring them back to Oslob in the future, perhaps when they know how to snorkel

Have you tried the Explore Sandbox?:)

Thinking about what activities to do with the kids is not that easy.  To be honest, when we are at home, I'm tempted to just let the kids hang out in the playroom and do whatever they want.  However, I am always on the lookout for learning opportunities for the kids, especially Ben, which is why I'm so happy to find about Explore Sandbox.  Explore Sandbox is a box of arts and crafts activities that you can do with your kids.  You can purchase a box or subscribe to receiving them monthly.  

For the month of May, the theme is "keeping cool" so the activities involve ice, ice cream, and sunvisors :) Next month, the theme for the activities will be about the weather.  The instructions that come with the materials are easy to understand, with some teaching notes along with them.  They really make learning both simple and fun :) Seeing how interested Ben is with the activities in the first box makes me look forward to the future boxes even more.  As a plus, he is also excited to do the activities with Bry - another bonding activity for them, yehey!

For more information on the Explore Sandbox, go to their website   http://www.exploresandbox.com or contact   +63 917 534 6955.  It's a great gift idea, too.

PS.  I am also impressed that they asked for the kids names so they can have the box personalized.