These Breasts are Blessed

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!" [This is Tagalog - apparently, it translates as "Push Breastfeeding Forward - Correct, Sufficient, and Exclusive." 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.

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 Breast milk is still best for babies. We normally hear this in each milk formula advertisements there is. And even from our own family, relatives, friends and neighbors who nursed, this will be the one-liner sentence they will give you in terms of feeding your newly born.

When I got pregnant with my son, A and I decided that our first option is to breastfed the baby because of many advantages it can bring to us and to the baby.

• The most nutritious way to feed your baby.  - An amazing craft by God. Everything a baby need to be healthy can be found in mother's milk.

• Most economical. - Saves you lots of money considering the very demanding need of your baby to satisfy his/her hunger and nutrition needs. From what I heard from other parents, a typical baby can consume one big can of formula milk in one week and can get even more depending on his ability and capacity to drink. Imagine that!!! It can help parents to re-allocate supposedly budget for formula milk to other things you have to buy for the baby such as diapers, vitamins, vaccine, etc. Parents are not force to buy a set or dozen of feeding bottles, sterilizer, and other accessories needed to feed your baby. Even though I am breast feeding, we still bought few feeding bottles and milk storage bottles basically just to store extracted milk that we need when we go out.

We got this since its the brand most recommended to us in terms of durability.

We use this to store extracted milk in the fridge for later consumption

• Always available - Less work. No need to scoop then and there. No need to boil water. Lesser time is needed to feed your baby. No worries to ran out of supply. No need to stock up and horde from supermarket. When he/she gets hungry, you just need your hand and pull out your boob. :P

• Breastfed babies are said to have a closer bonding with the Mom. I hope not to the extent that my son will be teased as Mama's boy.

• A rewarding feeling for any Mom. - I know all of other Mom's who will read this will certainly agree to me that though breastfeeding has its fair share of hardships and pain, you will and never can express in words how wonderful and amazing you feel within when you see you satisfied your baby's hunger by your own milk. Each moment you held your baby close to your breasts, chest and of course your heart, it brings such a rewarding and remarkable happiness to a Mom.

To date, I am a nursing mom for exactly 30 days now. I am so much thankful that I am able to feed my son by these breasts. Though I must admit that until now, I still have sore and throbbing nipples. But I can say that I am happy and proud. I am hoping that I can still supply my baby for at least a year. They said that constant or regular feeding helps you produce and stimulate milk. I am a bit worried that by the time I come back to work, my supply of milk will ran out fast. I hope breast pump will help me out on this serious work.


For other tips and information about breast feeding, check out the other Carnival posts:

• Breastfeeding promotion - a view from a UK doctor by Good Enough Mom
• Taking Breastfeeding Further by Mec as Mom
• http://fabnaima.blogspot.com/2011/07/more-on-breastfeeding-promotion-plus.html
• http://esciebossingnirudy.blogspot.com/2011/07/my-18-days-experience-as-nursing-mom.html

It's not funny at all - PLM Planking

On my blog hopping and reading, i saw this post from Mae that directed me as well to Maude's post.

I admit that I felt 3 emotions instantly.

• Disgusted
• Sad and
• Ashamed

I totally agree with what Mae and Maude said on their respective blogs. 

Who wouldn't feel such if you see these?

I am an Iska / PLMayer and I am proud to be one.

I hope these kids (don't want to call them adults because they don't act they should be. Nasan na ba ang utak ng mga batang ito?!!! *Sigh*)

Morning Date

Yey! and Yey!!! Why?

1. I made it! We made it. We were able to see HP7.2 in the big screen and not just in an ordinary movie house but at 

2. IMAX.

Though it's just 25 days after giving birth, I made sure I will see the last installment of Harry Potter movies. There's no way I will let this pass. Never!!! Even with my Mom's constant bickering to stay home. I already let Transformers 3 (TF3) pass though I've been dying wanting to see it as well. 

Peechur muna bago mag-start ang movie

It was only now that I gave IMAX a try. Why? because I believe watching HP7.2 at a more wider and bigger screen will make my movie experience more thrilling and exciting. Forget about the high ticket price (P450 per pax w/o FOOD!!!) basta need to have my IMAX experience once and for all. But I've proven that big 3D glasses does not necessarily mean bigger and better view. Nakakapango pa nga yung 3D shades nila eh. It's really on the proper angel and sitting arrangement. But I must say, parang I was just a foot away from the screen. Dun bongga ang IMAX. Another comment is,  the seats are not even that comfy. And it clinks when you move. Nakaka-distract tuloy while watching the movie. *Sigh* Bawiin ko na kaya yung 2nd Yey ko? :P

I find this movie experience quite unusual for A and I since it's our first time as well to watch a movie on it's first screening time. As in 10:30AM!!! Imagine that! hehehe. We normally get late in the afternoon showtime or last full show. But this time, umagang umaga talaga! hahaha. Iba na pala talaga kapag may baby na. It's double effort for QT. 

The movie runs for almost 3 hours. And since I'm a nursing mom, we have to go home ASAP. No more side trips, strolling and even window shopping. Even before the movie ended, my breasts are already engorged. A sign that my son (who we left under my Mom's care) is already hungry. We just had a quick visit to MOA's Hypermarket to buy bread, and our take home lunch. A wanted to have lunch at our favorite noodle house but I insisted for a take home lunch instead. Engorged breasts are painful and itchy kasi. :-(

By exactly 2PM, we were home. What a kalokang movie date it was. Daig pa namin ang highschool. Diretso uwi! hehehe.

Anyways, here's my short review/feedback about HP7.2. If you haven't seen the movie yet, I advise you to stop reading now or I will just spoil it for you:

• Loved it to the max!!!
• The scenes, especially the highlights from the book was shown in the movie.
• Cinematography is superb!
• Characters were given their fair chance to shine except for Ginny Weasley. Parang kulang ang exposure nya sa HP7.2. Dinaig pa sya ni Luna Lovegood. I loved it how JK Rowling made a hero in Neville Longbottom. Cool!!!
• Fight scenes were superb!!! It's bloody awesome! I love Mrs. Weasley and Bellatrix Lestrange duel! I was so thrilled reading it from the book and imagining how they did their fight. I was super contented how they translated the duel in the movie!!!
• Alan Rickman a.k.a Severus Snapes was so brilliant and effective in his acting as "Always".. :D
• Ron and Hermione's kissing scene sucks!!! Ano ba yun? Mas ok pa yung kissing scene ni Harry and Hermione sa HP 7.1
• Ending is cool. I loved how they they dressed up old-married versions of Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione. As expected, Hermione was way way far in fashion sense than Ginny. Hehehe. 
• Overall rating = 5 Blue Stars!!! ( oh ha! hottest star dapat :P )

It hits me

July 19, exactly 3 weeks after giving birth, I suddenly broke down and cry. Postpartum depression hits me. Nyay! Well, all I know was I am pissed and I feel low.

We just finished watching TV and about to go to our room to tuck the baby to bed as well so we can all rest and sleep. A was surprised seeing me crying on the couch. I just said "Naiinis ako eh!"

A, being a loving husband, get near me, hugged and kissed me on my forehead and then told me that I should not cry cause it may affect the baby.

I don't know!!! At that time it seems all my frustrations bottled up to my neck and I can't breathe!!! I am irritated!!! There are things I am certain why I am pissed. Why?

It's hot!!! I feel hot. I am perspiring so much that my hair (those near the "batok") are always wet. I can't take just bathe to freshen myself because of many "pamahiin" and beliefs or simply safety precautions to avoid the "Binat".

In line with not getting all the "Ligo-Galore" I am so longing for, I smell not-so-good! I smell a bit sour and stinky (But not so foul...basta there's a weird smell). It's because I am leaking milk over my dress almost every feeding sessions with my baby. And I can't just change that often or the laundry will pile up to the ceiling. My mom says the smell that is coming out of my system is natural coz I am breastfeeding. Aaarrggghhhh!!! If only I can get all the "Ligo" I want!!! But not yet...My Mom is watching over all my actions, making sure I follow the rules. *Sigh*

I can't eat those food that relaxes me. I can't have cold drinks and desserts. I need to stuff myself with soup, malunggay etc... to keep the supply of milk flowing. What about the grilled liempo, fried chicken and the crispy pata? Hay, i am craving for more.

But all of this self-centeredness vanished when i held my son again. As I was feeding him, I simply stare at his so angelic face and I suddenly came back to my senses. That all of these sacrifices are nothing. It's just the start. These are so simple and I have to prepare myself for more. But whatever parenting hardships i may face, I know I will surpass it all because i am equipped with the greatest weapon i can make use of...the UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.

Aaawww...I am a Mom na talaga! ^__^

QT means "us"

QT means Quality Time. And when I say QT, I mean QT for A and I. An event, a moment or a time, exclusive for us.

I used to write about our QTs on my (see this) on my old blog and realized I have stopped talking about it here in my new blog and so is the reason of this entry. ^__^

Yesterday was our (Adrian & I) first time to be away from our son, Jared after 18days of giving birth. It was just me and hubby. We were away for 4 hours because we did the following:

1. Attended Sunday Service: Last July 10, we bought Jared with us attending our ever first Sunday together as a family! Yey! But as expected, in the middle of the service, Jared woke up and started crying. In order not to disturb the rest, Jared and I were asked to leave the room for a while until he calms down and be quiet again. So yesterday, we decided to leave Jared at home under my Mama's care ensuring he has enough supply of breast milk to keep him from getting hungry.

2. Grocery: Once a month, we do our groceries. It was still the same items we have in our cart since Jared is 100% breast fed and his diapers and other toiletries are still enough from our previous shopping. We did it fast so as to be at home on or before 2pm. We decided to buy a take-home food and have our lunch at home instead because I am getting worried about Jared. Wondering if he runs out of milk or what. My 1st separation anxiety, I supposed. :D

And as we settle inside the cab on our way home, A and I had a short talk, that we should always find time to be together (without the baby) so as to continue to have our QT (Quality Time). Just the two of us. We both agree that having our own bonding time will be healthy for our relationship as husband and wife. Yes, it is indeed a remarkable feeling when we are with our son...but we have to remind ourselves, that there was A and I first.

Our next attempt to have our QT is scheduled next weekend. Have to watch the last installment of HP7. I hope we get our tickets this time. *crossing fingers*

Time to extract milk again to ensure Baby Jared will have enough supply of milk by Sat. :P

Mom - Me!

Yes! I am a certified Mother, Mom or Mommy now. The feeling is a mix of emotions but I am liking it so much. Today, my son, Aedan Jared is already 2-weeks old. He grow so fast!!! He gained additional 0.5 lbs from 8.2lbs from birth, now 8.7lbs in weight and is now 57cm from 53cm from birth. Wow! I am growing a basketball player in the crib.

I'm surviving dirty diapers and partial-sleepless nights. But it's perfectly fine. I enjoy it. Just simply looking at my son while he sleeps puts me in cloud nine. What more the other milestones he will share with us. Now, each day for me is more exciting. If I was thankful before for each day that God entrusted to me, now, I am more and more thankful. More positive and more colorful! Basta!!! Saya-saya! *wink*

I'm so blessed! We are so blessed. I'm running out of words to describe how happy and contented I am now as a new Mom to my son. ^__^

For now, I will end this entry sharing this:

Thank you Lord for Our Bundle of Joy

Buntis No More!!!

Time to create a new baby ticker for our Son's first birthday!!! ^__^