My Breastfeeding Journey

As a first time mom, I was clueless about so many things despite reading a ton of articles on raising a newborn. It was painful to see your child crying and not knowing what's wrong. I doubted myself and questioned if I was producing enough milk during the first few weeks postpartum. The sleepless nights didn't matter. What was more important was seeing Sam satisfied and full. And it was a struggle at first. But it's true what most moms say; it gets better. So hang in there, momma. 

I felt like a baby bird who got kicked out of the nest after getting discharged. With the aid of nurses and lactation consultants abruptly gone, I was back to being unsure about my every move. 

My Birthing Story: I Gave Birth During A Global Pandemic

Expecting and giving birth during a global pandemic is one experience I'll never forget. I still remember the mixed feelings R and I had when we first found out that we're expecting. As much as we were thrilled to have a little one of our own, we couldn't help ourselves worry about the looming coronavirus. Everything became different now with the new normal. Medical checkups felt more like mission impossible or being at the setting of the movie Contagion. Baby shopping was all limited to online. And there was also a lack of social interactions with one's support group. The lack of trips outside also limited my physical activities that led to Sam's extended stay of 40 weeks and 4 days. And with no sign of her coming out, I had no choice but to be induced.

I was scheduled to be induced on Friday morning after my last prenatal checkup confirmed that I didn't dilate any further. Stuck at two to three centimeters, I had to head to the hospital (St. Luke's Medical City, Quezon City) that same afternoon.

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.

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. 

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.