Postpartum Care: Ge Lai Dishes from Ahma Shirley

I was so excited for the day I get to meet Sam. I was looking forward to our first hug, kiss, and snuggle. But one thing I wasn't looking forward to was the pain of giving birth and the postpartum care I had to undergo for a month. Yes, I am talking about the Chinese postpartum practice called ge lai. I simply do not like the idea of not taking a bath for a month. But after a few days of indulging in ge lai dishes, I realized that it wasn't bad at all. I even like it. And it was a treat when Ahma Shirley PH offered to send some of their bestselling dishes my way.

Hello, Ahma Shirley.

Ahma Shirley specializes in traditional Chinese postpartum recovery dishes and conveniently deliver it straight to your doorstep. Its menu has been well received, not just by moms who recently gave birth, but also by those who enjoy feasting on the health benefits ge lai dishes offer.

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). 

Pregnancy Journey: Covid-19 Walk-In vs. Drive-Thru Swab Test Experience at St. Luke's Medical Center QC

Anticipation. This is probably the best word to describe the stage R and I are in these past two weeks. From a false labor scare to scheduling my swab test (a new normal protocol) a tad too early, we've reached the part where we're itching to see our little one. But Sam doesn't seem to be ready yet that I had to redo my swab test as the first result's validity already expired. And to shake things up, I decided to try its walk-in swab test instead of taking drive-thru twice.

Hello again, Swab Test!

One of the perks of giving birth at St. Luke's Medical Center Quezon City is that your required swab test before delivery is complimentary. You can even choose drive-thru without any additional cost. However, those who hit over two weeks and haven't delivered yet have to take another swab test. And this time, you have to pay for it. 

Scheduling an appointment for my swab test this time around was not as convenient as the first one. I felt less prioritized as I had to do things on my own. But it was still pretty straightforward and quick as everything was done via St. Luke's ehub portal. 

Motherhood Diaries: WaterWipes

From a distant future to nine months, then a few weeks, and now, days, I can't believe that I'll be seeing my little one soon. I have to be honest, I never saw myself as mommy material. But things changed as soon as I found out that I'm pregnant and that I'll be a mom. I became diligent in reading the ingredients list as well as familiarizing myself with the chemicals to avoid, a habit I only got to build after seeing two lines twice! I now think of my baby, who is solely dependent on me. Thankfully, several brands in the market meet my plan to stick with all-natural products. And a new addition to my baby bag is WaterWipes.

Hello, WaterWipes.

WaterWipes was born out of a father's passion for his daughter. 

Pregnancy Journey: My Covid-19 Swab Test Experience at St. Luke's Medical Center QC

Being pregnant during a pandemic could be a blessing and a curse. Though I enjoyed the break I got from the two-month lockdown and skipping the grueling daily commute to and from the office, there are just too many changes and new normal to keep up with. From prenatal check-ups to giving birth, that makes the whole pregnancy journey became not as bright and happy, especially for first-time moms like me. And one of the things I dreaded the most is the hospital policy of pregnant women having swab test prior to giving birth. Hearing and reading about how stressful the experience could be made me worried. But to my surprise, it was actually not that bad thanks to the efficient team behind St. Luke's Medical Center Quezon City's drive-thru team. 

Hello, Covid-19 Swab Test!

My pregnancy journey has been relatively smooth throughout the whole 36 weeks. Though there were minor dizzy spells, weird cravings, and back pains, I never encountered anything serious or problematic. I'm so thankful too as the last thing I want to do is go to the hospital for a series of laboratory tests. My OB-GYNE visits (outside the hospital) alone was enough to make me paranoid. (I refuse to take the lift and climb up five flights of stairs every time I have an appointment.)

Quarantine Favorite: Butter and Cheese Creations' Red Velvet Cheesecake

Being pregnant made me crave sweet food all the time. I developed an insatiable appetite for anything chocolate as soon as I hit the second trimester. And my OB-GYNE is not happy about it. I try my best to curb my desire for this sweet treat to no avail. Thankfully, some shops offer cakes and other desserts with less guilt. And one of my current obsessions now is Butter and Cheese Creations' Red Velvet Cheesecake. 

Hello, Butter and Cheese Creations.

Butter and Cheese Creations is an online cake shop owned by Christine Tan, a pilot mommy who has a knack at baking delectable cakes. She decided to pursue her passion for baking during the pandemic. Her current menu of cakes includes red velvet cheesecake, carrot cake, caramel custard cake, super fudge chocolate, mud cake, and ube cake.

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. 

All Natural: Bloomglow Luxe Trio Set Review

Being pregnant during a pandemic is not easy. It was especially challenging during the Enhanced Community Quarantine when I didn't get to visit my OB-GYN for two months. Even with the more lenient quarantine guidelines, I'm still not comfortable going out. And all the stress and paranoia took a toll on my physical well being. Thankfully, Bloomglow got my back (or hair and skin to be more precise) and brought it back to life.

Hello, Bloomglow.

Bloomglow is the sister brand of Orange and Peach, a 100% local brand that offers quality products for breastfeeding moms, babies, and children. Bloomglow, on the other hand, focuses on moms and their physical needs. 

Food Delivery: Go! Salads Smoothie Kits

Eating healthy has been a challenge for me for years. I grew up spoiled with chips, soda, chocolates, and everything one would consider far from nutritious. But the availability of fresh produce made me want to have a healthier lifestyle. And being pregnant made me more motivated to stick to it. Thankfully, Go! Salads got my back when it comes to power smoothies!

Hello, Go! Salads.

Go! Salads is known for their fresh and convenient salad bowls. With several mixes to choose from, it's hard to get bored with eating healthy. For an extra dose of fiber and vitamins, many indulge in its delicious smoothies. And you can now have these guilt-free drinks at home!

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.