Expecting During a Pandemic: Husbands Now Allowed Inside Delivery Room at St. Luke's

I missed out a lot while expecting during a pandemic. I didn't get to enjoy those fun baby fairs or experience a baby shower. I found myself extra paranoid every time I step out of the house. And getting the food I crave was, more often than not, a challenge. But the saddest thing this new normal changed for pregnant women is not having their husbands or partners beside them during labor and delivery. I wanted to share this precious moment with R. And luck was on our side when I found out that one companion during delivery is now allowed at St. Luke's! 

Two days to go before we meet Sam!

I was beyond thrilled when I accidentally found out that husbands or partners can now enter the delivery room. It was late at night when I was browsing through Glam-O-Mamas' Facebook community page when someone inquired about a swab test for her husband as he'll accompany her in the delivery room. She was asking fellow moms if paying PHP4,300 (walk-in) or PHP6,500 (drive-thru) is worth it given its short validity of five days for dads or dads-to-be (versus two weeks for moms). 

Countdown to the Big Day: My Hospital Bag

Time sure flies fast! I can't believe that I'm now on my 8th month of pregnancy and that I'll see my little one in less than two months. I guess I'm too excited as I started packing my hospital bag when I hit my 28th week. It was slow progress as we completed our baby's necessities just recently. But now, it's finally ready!

Countdown to the big day: Our Hospital Bag

With the global pandemic in mind, I wanted to be prepared as much as possible and limit our exposure. I read that most moms who gave birth during the lockdown stayed in the hospital for two to three days maximum instead of the usual three to five days. Some were even discharged within 48 hours from giving birth. I guess this is the hospital's way of limiting the mom's and baby's exposure to coronavirus, and at the same time maximize the use of its rooms. 

My Pregnancy Journey: The First Trimester Medical Experience

Being a first-time mom made me so dependent on Google. I'd often find myself searching for pregnancy tips and check-up schedules. One thing I found out is that you have to book an appointment with an OB-GYN as soon as you find out that you're expecting. And here's my first trimester medical experience.

Hello, First Trimester.

The first trimester is said to be the most challenging period of pregnancy.  And this is also known to be the riskiest trimester. 

My Pregnancy Journey: The First Trimester

Expecting during a pandemic never paints a rosy picture. Aside from worrying about raising a little human being, paranoia with germs and viruses is at an all-time high. But it's those tiny kicks at night that assure you that things will be okay. 

Hello, Motherhood.

I have to be honest. I was never the type who planned out my life. I wasn't the girl who had a dream wedding or a timeline on when to have a family and raise kids. I want my life to be more spontaneous.