Help!

No, I don’t need help.  Or you know what, yes I do.  And we found the perfect solution.

My cousin will help out in taking care of the baby when I start working.  Yey! Solved!

What is your Baby's Milk?

Mine is formula.  Sigh.

I was hoping to breastfeed my baby but I wasn’t lucky.  I really thought I won’t have issues producing milk dahil mahilig ako sa sabaw, no doubt!!!  “What’s the soup of the day?” is my favorite line. I tried eating lots of soup and food with malunggay.  I also tried supplements but to no avail.  I had wet moments but they weren’t enough to feed the baby.  So when I got really really frustrated (I’m known to be sooooo patient, by the way)and  taking into account my baby's hunger and my near-depression, I fed my baby formula-milk.  Do so at your own risk please.  I did this because I pity my baby, he was crying all the time and he couldn’t sleep well as he was always hungry. :(

When I would offer my breast, he would suck a few times and would cry after because he wasn’t getting anything.  Those scenes were frustrating...big time.   It felt like I wasn’t a mother at all.  The frustration I felt was the main reason why I super hated the pedia who attended us in the hospital.  He never educated me on anything.  I was hoping that as a first time mom, I will be taught on how to deal with breastfeeding, baby caring, etc.  I wasn’t even aware on how to change a diaper!  He wasn't helpful at all.  Again, now I know the benefits of undergoing childbirth classes.  I would have wanted to attend one but Marvin was so conservative.  If you have the chance and resources, I highly suggest that you go for it.  There are so many childbirth classes nowadays.  Books can only give you as much.   And again moms, always demand to talk to your doctors.  Never shy away from asking questions.

So far, my baby is doing very well with formula milk.  We changed from S-26 to Similac through Doctor's prescription.

I support breastfeeding.  If you have the chance and you’re lucky to be able to do so, ALWAYS go for it.

Raphael: Newborn

Raphael was born November 2011 at 5:35AM

6.38 lbs, 51cm 



This was taken in the hospital, few hours after he was born.  Such a fragile little angel. :)  Everything fitted perfectly well except for his mittens which were still too big for him.  Nurse even had to tape it.

The Best Things in Life are Free

Let me share with you how I feel now.

I am just overwhelmed..

...with the support that my family and loved ones have given me and are continously giving me.  I couldn't ask for more.  Everything in our house has changed, including our lives and they ALL supported me with it.

I just want to say, THANK YOU. I LOVE YOU ALL.

First Timer

Now I know the reason why other couples go through birthing lessons.  Not only will it help you while you’re pregnant.. it will also help you on preparing yourself when the baby arrives.

There were things I didn’t know "how to do", even nappy change.  Books can just coach you as much.  Practice and hands on learning is still different.  I remember looking and watching our helpful Nurse when Raphael pooped for the first time. In my head, I was saying “ah, ganun pala”. *grin*

Bathing Raphael was also another challenge.  He doesn’t cry with his Lola the way he does with me.  Note to self:  Bawal gulatin ang newborn, everything has to be done slowly so he won’t cry. Sloooooooowly.  And I'm sure you wouldn't want to see your baby cry. Because when he does, nangingitim talaga!!  Parang walang hangin na sa katawan, nakakatakot!

I'll blog some more discoveries as I encounter them. Weeeee! :)

7 days after...

I had a seizure attack. 

Everyone got traumatized by the incident.  It was totally unexpected as my blood pressure has always been normal, if not low.  

So that Sunday morning, I was supposed to do my morning routine (move the baby out of bed, go to our sala and feed him) when I fell from the bed during the first attack.  I think I was trying to put baby’s mittens when I suddenly couldn’t control my arms and passed out.  My last memory was looking at the ceiling and terribly shaking.  Having a seizure is like having an epilepsy attack.  I don't know what happened after.  When I woke up and gained consciousness I was already in the emergency room.  Putting everyone's story together, they said I was found under the bed and was immediately put on a chair.  I had blood stains on my dress (I think from biting my tongue).  I was conscious and was answering questions correctly until I was asked if I knew I delivered a baby recently.  I shook my head.  They asked if I knew I have stitches because of CS operation, I was just looking blankly at them.

  

I had my second attack when Marvin arrived.  He was talking to me, trying to have a conversation on what happened.  I was then brought to the hospital.  Mom said I gained consciousness again when I was being brought out of the car, with a spoon on my mouth.  They were preventing me from biting my tongue.  When I was in the ER, my consciousness came and went.  I saw different people including my OB.  I couldn’t remember being moved to ICU but I woke up and was already there.  The magnesium shots were very painful; they were injected through my buttocks  Even after weeks of being discharged, the pain was still there.

Thankfully, I got out of the hospital after 4 days. 

Looking back, there are so many things they said contributed to the seizure.  OB said it was because I wasn't taking a bath so my body heat rose, mama said 'binat'.  I think it was post natal depression. Hmmmm.

Let's talk about it some other time.

...Happy to be enjoying another LIFE! Thank you Lord!!!

November 21

Here's my LABOR story :p

6:00am – woke up and went straight to the toilet to pee, feeling just normal.  Another typical Sunday until I saw red stains in my urine.  I know I'm due today so I calmly approached Mama.  I'm 100% sure that if I panic, everyone would go hysterical.  That's another fun story to tell, wouldn't it?

7am or 8am – I decided to go to the hospital but I was experiencing cramps, that I can hardly move, so I waited for Marvin.  The OB who attended me from the ER said I’m 1cm dilated.  I was sent home to wait.  Normally 3cm or up requires confinement already.  Actually, it depends if you want to stay in the hospital early.  Worrying about the bill, I'd rather stay home.  Again, it was just really a typical and ordinary Sunday if not for my complains about my lower back. Ugh.  Painful contractions.  Up until bed time, I was trying my best to tolerate the pain.  I told myself I'll deliver the normal way.  There is no other option than normal.

Past 10PM -  I decided to go to ER again for screening because the lower back pain is now getting unbearable.  I was 2cm dilated when the OB checked.  Imagine the entire day?? and I was just 2cm now??  I was advised that I can now be admitted.  Good Lord! 

at 12:30AM – I was filling up forms.  I can't imagine anyone else doing this for me.  Again, all was calm.  I was wheeled to the Labor Room right after.  I changed to hosp gown and was put on an IV (my first ever!).  The nurse also administered something for the tummy but I can’t remember exactly what medicine it was.  I think it was Buscopan.  Nurse said it's to induce labor? or 'pampahilab'.  By this time, my cramps were already getting stronger.  I seriously felt sharp pressures on my lower back.  Peeing was also a problem.  I wanted to walk a lot (as I've read from the book) and pee but they kept giving me a bed pan.  Another ugh – I’m not used to that so it took a while before I could freely pee.  Whoooo, so many firsts!!

by 1AM – my OB arrived.  First time I saw her in green uniform, cute.  Hello doc!  This is me, tolerating the pain.

by 3AM – stronger and painful contractions. Unbelievably bearable.  And I was getting tired and sleepy but my lower back pains kept me awake.  I also kept refusing Epidural but when the Anesthesiologist arrived, my OB persuaded me to have one.  

So at 4AM something – I was wheeled to the Delivery Room.  It took forever for the anes to administer the drug!  I swear.  That was the longest contractions I can count!  What kept me from shouting at the Anes were the two nurses encouraging me to stay calm and held me all along.  I think I held on too tight onto one of the nurses’ pockets that she ended up with a crumpled uniform, sorry nurse.  And truly, thank you for the support.

I can’t tell the exact time of the event that happened next, they didn’t have a clock in the delivery room that I can see.  All I know was that the Anes kept the room relaxed and soothing through his music.

I was now still lying on the table with both feet propped up, with bright lights focused on....oh you know where.  I was just still, telling my doctor that I think I may poop anytime.  She was just making small talks.  Yun pala, she broke my water bag na.  I know the anesthesia took effect because I didn't feel anything.  She then declared that I had to undergo emergency CS as the baby already pooped.  I felt sad.  All this walking, waiting.. I would still end up on CS. Hay.

It was probably 5 in the morning when I was wheeled out of the Delivery Room going to the Operating Room.  I didn't see anyone on my way out to the hallway.  I was hoping to glance at my family before the procedure.  Then it happened very fast.  Well, emergency CS should always be fast.  Anes gave me a spinal block (I read it from the book so I know what it will do) and altogether at the same time, my OB and nurses uncovered me with my gown, blocked my view of the Operation, placed a BP monitor on my left arm and placed an oxygen mask on my nose.  Music was still playing.  I decided to pass out and sleep this off.  I was very tired and groggy.  Been awake since 6!

Family said it was 5:30AM when they declared the baby was out.  Pedia even took a picture using his iphone (grrr) when they made the baby cry near my right ear.  It was over!!  During this time I heard my OB said “mae, tapos na ha”.

Sometime in the morning, when I gained consciousness, I saw Marvin entered the Operating Room and handed the nurses a support belt.  They also brought the baby in for feeding before I was moved to my room.  Sadly, the baby was just sucking, I didn’t see any milk..which they said was normal.

I stayed in the hospital for 3 days.

Twenty Twelve

I am very grateful for my 2011.

Even if there were things that didn't go my way... and I hope you had a good year too.  

Remember, count your blessings!  I'm sure you'll feel great.

Looking forward to another wonderful year!!

Charlie's Grind and Grill

Marvin and I went to try out a new Burger Place, thanks to one of his friends.
Charlie's Grind and Grill is situated along the highway (16 East Kapitolyo Drive, Pasig) but we had to go through residential houses first before we finally got there, kinda hidden actually. I even thought we were lost!

You all know I'm not a big fan of burgers so I tried their Marinara Meats Balls in Pasta and Marvin had Black Angus Beef Burger and Buffalo Wings which he was truly truly satisfied of. I actually liked all that we ordered too.. including the tasty fries that go with the burger and the Charlie's Iced Tea (I even had to order a take out). I didn't have a camera with me then, sorry and my phone got no memory card. Of all days, it had to be last night that we were digitally helpless.. oh well.

Do not be discouraged with the place though. It's modest and quite small and may get packed easily. Please do not go there as a team or more than 5.. you'll find it hard to squeeze in and sit together. And yes, they're situated beside a car wash.. and they have tables outside to extend their dine-in services but come there for the food. One thing I like is the overflowing of condiments in their outside ref. Super nice for sauce lovers.

We promise to give you pictures when we get to come back. Don't fail to try their promising handcrafted burgers too! :)

I am Number Four Too!

Well, I'm four months that is! :)

Good Vibes lang peeps.

My trips to the bathroom have definitely lessened. I feel better now more than ever, no more lazy days (for now) ! hehe. One thing I'm really noticing, I can sense some pulses and somehow 'kicks' from down below. It could be my intestine.. but it could be something else too. I wanna think the baby is swimming and making some acrobat moves. :)

Stomach Flu

Perhaps you've experienced diarrhea once in your life? Or maybe you've vomited here and there (specially after a drinking session?) But have you had this two together in a single night? I did, and it was terrible, I tell you. Specially when you're pregnant!

So it was my typical Saturday. I came home, had breakfast, rest a little then slept. I was awakened by mild stomach cramps telling me that I need to use the bathroom, which I did. I realized I'm having diarrhea when I've been in and out of the bathroom more than 3 times in 4 hours. Usually, preggies are constipated and I'm no different. So I like this change, maybe it won't last soon. I was thinking maybe I just need to dispose all those that I've eaten.

Lo and behold, my diarrhea never left. I vomited right after dinner, had fruit and vomited again. It was crazy as I've never been sick like this.. ever! I can't keep anything down.

I resolved to run to the ER, as advised by my OB, if I won't be better. And thank goodness I was a bit better the next morning (because I didn't take anything anymore, except water!) Then I slowly took food that were easy to digest.

.....

I got the 'stomach flu' diagnosis from my book but I didn't exactly know what happened to me that night. I did not see a doctor at all. But the web says stomach flu is caused by germs or bacteria. I'm scared. I will make sure to talk to my OB about it.

Breaking Dawn Official Trailer (Teaser)

I can't wait for November!!

I think I will surely love Bill Condon. :)

Breaking Dawn Poster

Coming this November!!

Dopplers

I heard my baby's heart beat, second time, today. Quite fascinating actually. :)


My OB used a handy fetal doppler and with a few gel, we were able to listen. I read from the book that you can slo buy your own dopplers so you could hear your baby's heart beat whenever you wishes to. Super cool!

Body Changes

Before I learned that I was pregnant, the most prominent change I was ever aware of was that of my breast. They're super full like I was supposed to have my period. LOL, excuse me if my post will be revealing or straightforward. :)

• breast changes - the more you approach your delivery day, the bigger and fuller they will get. Especially your areola which simply prepares you for breastfeeding



• bloating/flatulence - I never experienced this. I get bloated if I drink too much liquid but apart from that, I never felt being bloated



• fatigue, sleepiness, low energy - this is fairly common. When extreme fatigue hits, there's just one thing to do, REST. Most pregnant women get so lazy as in lazy, haha, as the month progresses.



• frequent urination - ay very true. but when I hit my second trimester, visit to the washroom lessened.



• nausea w/ or w/o vomiting - so far, I've just vomited twice. :) apart from being nauseous, I get headachese here and there.



• excess saliva - weird right? but because of our hormonal changes, the body produces more saliva. nasasamid ako sa sarili kong laway, hehe.



• increased sensitivity to changes - we all know this. pregnant women tend to puke a lot if they don't like what they're smelling



• metallic taste - pregnant women may experience gum bleeding a lot because of lack of calcium, that's where there metallic taste comes from



• spotting / discharges - one may discharge a lot, expect that but colors vary. some discharges may show signs of complication or infection so always to talk your OB about it. spotting is red and beware. consult your OB when you're experiencing spotting.



• hair loss/breakage - I don't know if other pregnant women are experiencing this, but I do. my hair is so brittle.

If you're experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms above (hopefully not all!), relax, nothing's wrong with you.. you're just pregnant. Continue to eat well, avoid stress, get enough sleep and drink your vitamins. All will be better, soon.

Profiling

*image not mine, I still don't show*

I'm very thankful to my manager who got me this book entitled "What to Expect when You're Expecting". Been reading it since I got my hands on it. :)

And through this book, I learned that when you're pregnant, 3 profiles does matter:

GYNECOLOGICAL HISTORY

You have to mention to your OB if you've ever taken birth control pills or other methods. Other women kept taking oral meds because they aren't aware they are pregnant. So it's safe that you always keep your count right, and don't miss telling your OB about it. Anything that's happening down there and inside - mention to your OB.

OBSTETRICAL HISTORY

The success of your pregnancy also depends on your birthing profile - is this your first pregnancy? have you had back to back pregnancies? Have you had any preterm births, abortion or miscarriage? Are you considered high-risk? Women who are first timers to bear and is older than 35 maybe at high-risk.

lastly..

MEDICAL HISTORY

How's your health going along? Suffering from Obesity? Diabetes? Eating disorders? Are you drinking any meds on a regular basis?

I didn't really plan on getting pregnant but I'm still thankful that it happened now than later. I may not be that healthy when I hit my 30's. And of course, every body is different, every lifestyle is different. You may be 40 and still has the body of a 25y/o.

The book keeps reminding it's readers that every pregnancy is different. I think mine is. :)

Fixed

Pictures in my blog got all my posts mixed up..
but yey! It's all back now.. got to post 'hot news' here!

6 not 8

Hmmmm.. according to my LMP, I was 8 weeks pregnant. But today, I had my first transV that confirmed I am rather 6 3/7 weeks. OB said we follow the ultrasound calculations as it is more accurate.

I also had some blood tests done. My medical profile confirmed that I am fit to bear a child.



.. good vibes, good vibes. :)

Two Lines!

Ok, just before it turned out to be positive, I got a single line on my very first try. I wasn't surprised.. I really thought I will get my period soon.

After a week, I tried a PT again (in the office), yep! just to satisfy my curiousity. I placed the PT away from me because I was positive that it'll be just a single line. But lo and behold, I saw a two well placed and well pronounced purple lines, no mistakes this time. My hands turned cold and I texted away.

My head was racing then and my heart was pumping... I was looking at 9 months from now, I was looking at my family, my work and how everything will be.. now that I will have a ... baby of my own.

Questions.. questions.. I've got thousands of them!! but i was given the comfort that i need by my beloved fiancee who stood with me thru thick and thin.

Surprise !

There's always one.. coming your way!


(test post for the blog, which suddenly stopped working correctly)