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Advocate

World Breastfeeding Week 2014

I miss breastfeeding.

I remember breastfeeding each of my kids and the quiet time I cherished with each of them. I remember how difficult I thought it was with my first baby. I remember crying and pumping and feeling completely inadequate as a mom the first few days after giving birth to my first baby. I pumped and pumped and it seemed like my breasts just couldn’t make the milk I knew my daughter needed. It was a moment that was shared with my ever supportive hubby…he was always by my side when it came to anything that our children needed…attentive…ready to comfort me if I needed it…or in this case provide comic relief when I was on the verge of tears.

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(Photo Credit Little People Photography)

Days later (with all of my pregnancies), my milk would come in and as it turned out my baby girl would have to come off the breast every now and then because my milk flow was in fact, too fast! At first I thought I was doing something wrong, but then I realized she was actually coughing because it was too much at first. I was so grateful for the abundance of milk in those beginning days…I knew that I could give my baby girl what she needed to grow big and strong. As Gia and I both became more comfortable in her nursing, my own body regulated to her needs and soon enough there wasn’t anymore coughing or adjusting to the flow.

With all of my children I did my best to breastfeed them for as long as I could. With each baby, I grew more and more comfortable with the entire process. When I breastfed Gia, I would always retreat to the privacy of my room if we had guests for fear it might make them uncomfortable. By the time Gelli was born, I was quite comfortable breastfeeding in public if she wanted (I would nurse on demand), with the help of a small blankie or even a breastfeeding cover. While each of my experiences with my children were different…I feel the one that I can share with you today to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week 2014, would be my journey of breastfeeding Gellibean.

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(Photo Credit Little People Photography)

As many of you know, Gelli was born with Duodenal Atresia. Her duodenum was only a partial blockage which meant that I did not have the build up of amniotic fluid that many women experience during pregnancy if their child is diagnosed with this digestive disorder. Despite this partial blockage she would still require surgery immediately after she was born to correct her malrotated intestines, remove her appendix, and by-pass the partial blockage that was evident in all the scans. 

After making a deal with God to love and cherish this little girl he gave us, we decided to have her baptized before sending her off to be operated on for her Duodenal Atresia.

After making a deal with God to love and cherish this little girl he gave us, we decided to have her baptized before sending her off to be operated on for her Duodenal Atresia.

This also meant that Gelli would not be able to latch for at least one full week after being born. She would be fed the nutrients she needed through tubes. She needed to be monitored closely to see if she could pass a simple gas bubble all the way through her digestive system before she could be given any breast milk…AT ALL. 

Because I could not feed my baby while she was healing, I did my best to pump and pump and pump. I stayed up until the wee hours of the night  while Gelli was still in the PICU. I read blogs of other mommas who had babies just like mine…I pumped, I measured milk, and I prayed that when Gelli was ready we could have our time together in the same rocking chair I nursed her big brothers and her sister in.

I had many concerns in breastfeeding Gellibean. Children with Down Syndrome tend to have tongues which are a little bigger and this can sometimes inhibit a proper latch.  Children with Down Syndrome can also have very low muscle tone which can also hinder the ability to nurse properly because nursing is hard work for lil babies! I was afraid that the instinct to suckle at my breast might not be there because we were not allowed to breastfeed until Gelli was 9 days old.

Evangelina just days after her surgery to correct her duodenal atresia. She was still receiving nourishment intravenously.

Evangelina just days after her surgery to correct her duodenal atresia. She was still receiving nourishment intravenously.

When Gelli’s team of neonatologists at St. Luke’s Global gave me the go ahead to nurse Gelli (at 9 days old), I knew that I needed to enlist the help of my friend Abbie Yabot. She is a PGH certified lactation counselor, and one of only 3 La Leche League International Leaders in the country. I taught yoga to Abbie’s son JM and we were good friends even before she helped me with Gelli. She came to the hospital, helped Gelli latch properly, and set this “feeling like a first time Momma” (again) back on track without worry and concern. She stayed two entire days with me in the hospital until I felt confident and calm in nursing my daughter. She was more than my lactation counselor, she was my friend when I needed it. She reassured me that my milk production was enough to feed more than just one baby and in fact said that I was blessed with an abundance and could consider donating.

She accompanied me to Medela House after seeing how the cups for my pump were quite small. We got situated with all of the right gear and I felt confident in what seemed like a totally new endeavor for me despite breastfeeding my three big kids before Gelli was born. 

Honestly, as a new Momma of child with Down Syndrome…she was exactly what I needed. Her energy was calming. She put my fears at ease. All my insecurities of nursing a child with Down Syndrome and the difficulties that can arise were quelled with her knowledge and expertise. What makes this entire story even more ironic is that Gelli was the first baby with Down Syndrome that she had helped latch!

But I digress in my gratitude because this entire month is Breastfeeding Month. World Breastfeeding Week began on August 1st and there is so much information I want to share! 

Truth is I had a wonderful breastfeeding model. My cousin whom I am very close with breastfed openly in front of me when I was just engaged to Nino. Through her example she showed me with such strength and grace how easy and natural it was to breastfeed her then baby, Andrew. I knew I was embarking on an adventure with my then fiance which would (God willing) lead me to a path of motherhood, and I looked up to my cousin wanting to emulate the nurturing mother who breastfed so naturally in front of me. 

If children learn by example, she was my example as a young adult who knew she wanted to have children to breastfeed of her own someday.

If you are breastfeeding, or plan to breastfeed your future babies, you need a support network. (We need support networks in everything we do, it just makes life easier.) There are many places you can look to. Family and friends are the first people I always turn to because they are who we are most comfortable with. We can also turn to experts, books, websites, attend seminars, talks, and of course turn to the internet for help as well.

Here are some helpful people, places and organizations that can assist your endeavor to give the your child the best start by breastfeeding.

  • Abbie Venida Yabot 
  • Jenny Ong of Chronicles of a Nursing Mom
  • Jen CC Tan of Attached at the Hip
  • La Leche League Manila
  • L.A.T.C.H. on Facebook
  • Medela House, Medela Moms, Medela Moms Too 
  • Honey Suckle Breast Milk Bags
  • Mommy Matters
  • Elin
free download poster_kindle bfbook

Click on the link to be taken to Amazon so you can download your free version of the book.

As a special treat for World Breastfeeding Week Author, Teresa Gumap-as Dumadag is giving away her book  “Breastfeeding A Journey Worth Taking,” on Amazon. Teresa’s book is a collection of stories tied together with the faith and strength of a mother’s love to provide inspiration to other mothers who decide to embark on the “Journey Worth Taking.”  

Screen shot 2014-08-02 at 10.18.27 AM

To register for the Manila leg of Dr. Jack Newman’s talk click on the poster. (screenshot from Jenny Ong’s blog)

This is the second time that Jack Newman will be visiting the Philippines, and he has added two more cities to his itinerary. Perfect timing for Breast Feeding Month. If you are interested in breastfeeding or are a breastfeeding advocate this would be an event NOT to miss. Check out the pages on Eventbrite.com 

 

If you would like to consult with Abbie you can contact her by email at Abbievyabot@yahoo.com, or through text 09178292268.

 

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Comments

  1. Jenny says

    August 5, 2014 at 10:17 am

    Thank you Michelle!!!

    • michelle says

      August 5, 2014 at 11:33 am

      You’re welcome Jenny 🙂

  2. Martina says

    August 5, 2014 at 12:40 pm

    Thank you for including us on your list! 😀 Hooray for breastfeeding!

    • michelle says

      August 5, 2014 at 1:00 pm

      Sure thing Martina 🙂 I know the SoMoms are very fond of your clothing line 😉

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It’s December 1st! Is there anything more delic It’s December 1st!

Is there anything more delicious than the smell of Christmas and the new found freedom as we anticipate celebrating the holidays with our families again?

@festivalmall has hosted a series of musical shows since November 5th that include Ace Banzuelo and Silent Sanctuary. Check out Michael Pangilinan on December 10th, too!

With Santa visiting, Christmas parties, arts and crafts and lots of promos, you can even enter for a chance to win a Toyota Fortuner!

Best of all-I love it when the places we know give purpose to their celebrations. Thank you #FestivalMall for partnering with @dsapi1  this holiday season. 

Thank you for sharing all the different ways we can celebrate the holidays with you!

#tistheseason #seasonofgiving #downsyndromeawareness #aintnothingdownaboutit #upsyndrome
I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Th I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Through this learning exercise with @usapeecphl, I have learned a bit more about these little birds that have bigger breast parts, and thank you Chef @ivoryyat for showing me how easy it is to prepare Greek Lemon Roasted Cornish Hens with Roasted Potatoes.
 
Clean and fresh flavors are perfect for these smaller birds that are rich in protein with zero carbs. Try the recipe in the comments section. I’m sure you’d enjoy it as much as I did!
 
Interested in U.S. Cornish Hens? You can buy them in stores near you. #CornishHen #USCornishHen #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ad
@gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @pura @gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @puratosph products that they sent over the other day. Ready to use Bavarian Cream made these Cream Puffs easier than ever. I think we have to figure out how to temper our couverture better…

#workinprogress #wasdelicious #giabaked #puratosph #gavinosph #anyonecanbake
@mommymundo always has a way of bringing together @mommymundo always has a way of bringing together just what we need, no matter the time of year. Loving these photos of my first boy that were snapped @expomom.

Anyone else thinking about #HolidayPhotos? I am not one of those moms that has it all together before Christmas. It’s usually a mad dash for us at the end of the year, but if it’s anything that the past few years has taught me, it’s that the little things are what makes the Christmas special.

Many of us haven’t been together with the extended family or even our immediate family in so long. That means it’s the perfect time to document.

@nextbymetrophoto will be hosting one last Christmas Marathon family photo shoot before the end of year. Check them out or shoot them a message. They have some cute set-ups.
****GIVEAWAY ALERT*** 10 things I LOVE about @sed ****GIVEAWAY ALERT***

10 things I LOVE about @sedahotels listed here and on FB!

1. Each property has a Signature Dish. If you can’t make it to Bacolod, you can still enjoy Chicken Inasal in any of their properties.

2. Clean Design. So easy to work and play in a space that is light, modern, and clean in design. 

3. Beautiful views. Every chance I got, I would sit outside at @straightupatseda. 

4. Spacious Rooms and Residence Stays. Staying in the Three Bedroom Premier was perfect for our family. 

5. Attentive Service. Everyone was pleasant and accommodating.

6. Centrally Located. If you are thinking of fun things to do in Makati and want a home base, Seda Residences Makati is near a few of the museums, parks, and malls.

7. Work with ease. Internet service is uninterrupted. Meeting rooms are available and easy to book.

8. Relax and Play. From mid-day tubbies with Gelli to, taking advantage of the pool, or the children’s room, the little girl had more than enough things to keep her busy!

9. #FamilyTime. Spending an extended amount of time outside our own space led to laughter, fun conversations, and opportunities to try new things. We were comfortable and rested in the space we were in, which meant more opportunities for us to connect.

10. Homegrown with a Purpose. A Filipino brand that understands the importance of both work and travel, each property is important to the city & province location. Environmentally aware by adopting Mayumi, a Philippine Bald Eagle. 🦅

Want to win your own staycation at #SedaResidencesMakati?

Up for grabs is one night in a ONE BEDROOM DELUXE for two persons with breakfast!

Here’s how to enter to win:
1) Follow @sedahotels 
2) Follow @mommanmanila & @kitchen143 
3) Tag a friend (or more) who love(s) staycations too!
4) Comment why you should win this staycation treat!

Plus points for people who share this post in stories and the winner will be announced on December 6th.
Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work. Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work.

@kitchen143 is something I really do love. Sharing a little bit of my kitchen with viewers and followers brings me joy. Even better when I get to work with chefs whom I can learn from and friends who like to spend time in the kitchen too!

#Thanksgiving
Thankful for the gift of music. Wish I caught mor Thankful for the gift of music.

Wish I caught more mini moments from We Will Rock You.

Such a great musical!

@sedahotels 
#sedaresidencesmakati 
#sedaat10
Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. @gelliaventajado j Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. 

@gelliaventajado joined our family and led me to @bestbuddies. 

Thankful for all the ambassadors who were able to spend time with us. And for @smlpeeps  and @asurionphcareers for helping make magic happen on Saturday afternoon for #Friendsgiving.

#Thanksgiving #bestbuddiesph
Thankful for women who share their faith with me. Thankful for women who share their faith with me. 

#Thanksgiving
Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at this time of year? Whole turkeys require serious commitment to cook. #IYKYK But because U.S. Poultry is now available here in the Philippines, that also means preparing turkey is a tad bit easier.
 
Frozen U.S. turkey products are available and ready to cook for people who want to dabble with flavors for this bigger bird but aren't sure how.
 
Thank you to Chef @ivoryyat for putting together a medley of my favorite fall flavors. This combination of apples, sweet potatoes, and maple syrup perfectly compliment  the roasted turkey leg and remind me of flavors and scenes from back in New York. 
 
@usapeecphl l has the highest standards that follow USDA requirements which are certified safe before shipping to the Philippines. Get them in stores near you. 

#ad #Turkey #USTurkey #Thanksgiving #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ServeTurkey #EatTurkey
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