Baby/Mama Essentials

It seems that everyone I know from each side of our family and friends are expecting a baby this year. Baby season indeed!

When you're a first time mom all you can think of is to buy the best and most adorable baby products available in the market. Here are some of my favorite products that I think every expecting Mama would love to have.

 

1. Arms Reach Co-Sleeper

One parenting style we practice is co-sleeping (we still do with 4yo V). In most Filipino families we co-sleep with our parents till we reach our puberty stage, after that we still do share a bedroom/bed with our siblings.

With V I had trouble sleeping when he was not by my side, I was checking if he was still breathing every half an hour just to make sure he was safe after doing this for a week (V in his cot and me in bed) with me having no proper sleep I decided to co-sleep with him which just made sense to me since the Bana C was working overseas. Breastfeeding while co-sleeping was a breeze as well since I didn't have to stand up to attend to his feeding all I have to do was roll over and offer him my breast.

And since V is still sharing the bed with us (V occupying half the bed space) this will be just the ideal set-up for us and would specially make V feel that although his a Kuya (big brother) now he's still a baby.

I'm still on the look-out for this kind of cot/crib here in Dubai, hopefully we'll find one in the coming DSS.

 

2. Baby Carrier

This I know is a must have especially when you're little bundle of joy becomes fuzzy, and irritable plus it allows Mom & Dad's out there to be mobile while keeping baby close by. I had a similar one with V and I was able to do grocery shopping.

[caption id="attachment_1018" align="aligncenter" width="526" caption="Stokke 3 n 1 Baby Carrier"][/caption]

 

Aside from the carrier I also use a Ring Sling with V, though compared to the carrier above using a sling takes getting use too and a lot of practice. I remember the look on my relatives when I use this on V they were scared that the little boy might fall and kept on checking if he was comfortable enough.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480" caption="Ring Sling"][/caption]

When V and I got the hang of the ring sling this was my first choice whenever we went out. I can easily put him to sleep or breast feed him at ease.

For Dubai residents I found a facebook group called Dubai BabyWearing, they are a group of Mom's who run regular workshops who are interested in Baby Wearing.

 

3. Breastfeeding Essentials

It took me almost 2 months to have a good regular supply of breastmilk for V, he was more happy to feed on his bottle than on me. I consumed a lot of clam soup and had malunggay supplements, when he gets hungry I offer my breast first if he refuse to feed I willingly pump my supply so he can still benefit from my milk.

When we finally had a good latch and supply I was his first choice. See the moment I learned I was pregnant I have already decided that I would exclusively breast feed my child till the age of two, though V was not exclusively breastfeeding his milk intake was 80% from me and I was happy and felt complete as a mom.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="545" caption="UnderCover Mama"][/caption]

I know every breastfeeding mom would benefit from this UnderCover mama product since you can use your usual clothes to breastfeed.

A breastfeeding Mama needs a good pump, it will surely be your breast friend. Back when I was still working I had a Dual Electric Pump in the office and I would extract milk every 2-3 hours which helped me ensure that even when I was at work my son was getting the nutrients he needs from my milk.

Feeding Cover is one of the wonderful creations for BF Mama's.

I found a helpful and informative Dubai group on breastfeeding - Breastfeeding Q&A Dubai.

Will surely be adding more to this list! What other baby/mama find's would you like to share?

*Photos featured on this post are from the product website and by searching online. These are products that I would love to have and all opinions are my own. "

 

Baby Bump Update: 31 Weeks

 

We are now visiting my OB  every 2 weeks for check-Up then we'll move to a weekly visit till Baby #2 comes out. Base on last Saturday's visit everything looks good and we are hoping to do have a normal deliver this time. I'm excited to have it the normal way this second time but scared because I really have a very low tolerance to pain.

 

Physical: My belly is huge that I have to borrow my husband's oversize shirt for me to use at home. The large size maternity clothes that we bought online are still a tad big for me but it'll manage besides we only have 2 months to go.

 

V's Reaction: During our visit Kuya V asked the doctor if he can see the baby and get a picture of her as well. Dr. Taylor has also been kind to ask V to assist her whenever she listens to the baby's heartbeat which makes him really happy.

 

Dad's Reaction: C has finally finished the papers/visa for his Mom's visit by the time I give birth. We're expecting my MIL by the 3rd week of June.

Baby Bump Update: Week 30

 

Information on BabyBump iphone app:

As your due date approaches, it's a common and very normal time to feel more emotional than usual.

 

10 weeks to go and we are going to finally meet our little girl. I'm getting really scared and excited at the same time. I have been avoiding videos and write-ups on scary pregnancy and SIDS. One thing I'm really excited about though is that I'm looking forward to breastfeed my little girl.

 

Weight: I haven't checked yet but I'm sure I gained a kilo or two since I've been eating a lot.

 

Physical: Lately I've been having shortness of breath and migraine still. Cleaning is a challenge as well since I'm having a hard time just after doing 30 minutes of house chores.

 

Cravings: Ice cream! I've been eating ice cream everyday, it's understandable really because of our weather.

 

V’s reaction: Super excited to see babybump and has been telling me that he wants the baby to come out soon.

 

Dad’s reaction: C has been controlling my urge to shop online :) He's been reminding me that baby outgrow clothes and toys fast.

Baby Bump Update: Week 28

 

Information on BabyBump iphone app:

Over the next three months your baby is in for a major growth spurt. Because of this, you may have noticed smaller movement inside your belly.

Your third trimester will bring back some of the fatigue you felt in the first trimester.

 

We are on our final 3 months! Happy to report that my glucose test is normal so all the waiting that day till I get to have a proper meal was all worth it. We have purchased a crib and stroller from a friend but we still haven't figure out where to set it up in our 1 bedroom flat. C kept re-assuring me that he'll take care of the space but I want to see it now, but since I can't move our furniture around I don't have any choice but to wait.

 

Weight: 5 weeks after my last check-up I gained 4 kilos, my official weight is 74.4 kilos. Doctor said I gained a lot but I don't like it and it seem that all the weight is with the baby.

 

Physical: I've been having terrible migraines lately and has been vomit-ish for the past week. Parts of my body is looking swollen-nose, feet and hands my sweet boys have been re-assuring me that I'm beautiful. Aside from the swollen body parts my oh my I've noticed some parts of me getting dark (I mean scary dark) that prompts my honest sweet toddler to say "Oh my mama that looks ugly"

 

Cravings: Fresh fruit juice and it should be really cold.

 

V's reaction: Last night while reading a story babybump gave her Kuya a big movement which made him shout with excitement. The first thing he asked this morning "Ma baby wake-up now?"

V was disappointed that we didn't do any scan on my last checkUp he wanted to see his sister on the monitor.

 

Dad's reaction: I told C that I want for him to cut the umbilical cord and he refuse to do so. Why? he can't stand hospital smell. When we pass by the Hello Kitty store I think he imagines himself going inside with our little girl (we assume that like me this little one will be a daddy's girl).

 

Baby Bump Update: Week 24

 

Information from BabyBump iphone app:

Your baby's respiratory system is rapidly growing, lungs are developing in preparation for breathing, moving amniotic fluid in and out of the lungs. For now your baby still gets oxygen through your placenta.

 

 

Weight: At my doctors appointment last March 10, I gained 2 kilos after 4 months of trying to gain weight. Now I just have to maintain slowly gaining and eating healthy.

 

Physical: I still have a strong sense of smell that the slightest unpleasant odor gives me headache and makes me dizzy. The change of weather happening here in Dubai does not help since during this time I usually get migraines which makes me spend more time in the bed thus our house is a mess. Comparing this pregnancy to my first I think I'm on the smaller side now people asking me how long I am still can't believe that I'm on week 24. The bump is much more obvious now and I am feeling our baby girl having a party inside.

 

Cravings: Salty food! Oh my I've been eyeing salty condiments from back home like dayok, bagoong, and tuyo! Whenever C see me about to grab that bottle of salty delight he is quick to remind that I can't have them. Meanwhile since I have this craving C has been calling my attention that the meals I prepare are becoming salty.

 

V's reaction: For the first time V felt the baby move and he was completely happy! As soon as he gets back from school he whispers in my tummy "baby, Kuya is here" and sometimes he gets a movement. The reaction on his face is just priceless.

 

Dad's reaction: One night the baby decided to stay on the right side which gave me a hard time I let C touch it and he got scared (lol). According to C he could as if feel the baby's bone. I think the baby is such a Daddy's girl whenever C talks to the tummy telling the baby to let me sleep or to not give me a hard time this little girl listens.

 

 

 

 

Sex announcement (as in the baby's gender, silly!)

When we had our scan at 15 weeks our sonographer asked us if we wanted to know the gender of the baby. C replied not really we'll wait till we are in our 20 weeks. The lovely lady insists that we can find out at our current week. C was still not convinced.

 

Another scan at 18 weeks was done (baby scan is done every time we go for a monthly check-up) and once again our sonographer told us the baby's gender. C still wanted to wait till we do our full detailed scan.

 

Finally the day of our full detailed scan (20 weeks) at Fetal Medical Center came, and before we left the house it has been settled that what we find out today will be final.

 

Doctor checked the baby's head, hands, heart, tummy, feet and...

 

"Do you want to know the gender?"

"Yes, Doctor"

 

Mom, are you sure?

 

YES. I'm going to have a baby sister.

Baby Bump Update: 21 weeks and feeling better

We had our full detailed scan* at Fetal Medicine Center last Saturday. My OB required me to do the scan just to make sure that our baby's growth is normal.

Thank God that everything is normal and baby's growth is inline with what is expected in 21 weeks.



 

Along with the scan we have already confirmed (for the 3rd time) the gender of the baby but that deserve's another post with some cake :)

Our next check-up will be on March 10 hopefully I've gained some weight by then since I've been losing since the start of the pregnancy. I'm eating well now and often look for something to eat every 30 minutes.

 

*Detailed Fetal Scan - 1000 dhs

Eating again

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="551" caption="Breakfast: Tortang Talong, Fried Dilis, Tomato Sardines, Tomatoes and Cucumbers"][/caption]

I'm so happy that we are entering our 2nd trimester with my appetite back and enjoying kitchen work again.

On our first trimester all the food you see above I can't eat. Then I woke up with a craving to eat Tortang Talong, Sardines, and Dilis I was happy to find all of the ingredients in my pantry.

Pregnancy Scare

Entering our 6th week I experienced an on and off pain in my lower left pelvic. The sudden pain when I move would last about a minute then goes away.

I'm naturally a worrier especially after giving birth to V and the worry-some me has doubled and emotions have heightened with this pregnancy. One afternoon the pain was back - a sudden stabbing pain and it lingered till late night. Immediately I sent a message to my OB and describe the pain. Her reply was "We should be worried. Please go to the City Hospital and have a scan. It could be an ectopic pregnancy"

wikipedia - An ectopic pregnancy, or eccysis , is a complication of pregnancy in which the embryo implants outside the uterine cavity.

If this is the case the only option was to terminate the pregnancy as it could also cause harm to the mother. I cried myself to sleep.

C kept re-assuring me that everything will be alright.

The next day we headed to my OB's clinic to have a scan. I tried my best to not cry of the possibility of losing our 2nd baby. While waiting for our turn to see the Sonographer a family of 3 came out the Mom was in tears while the Dad whispers to her "its' ok..shh" and the daughter just sat beside them smiling at us.

I so wanted to stand-up and give them a hug while I was fighting back my tears, then nurse Carol told us it was our turn. I laid back and we waited for the image on the monitor. "Baby is ok and in the right place, Ate"  I was happy and said a prayer of thanks and strength for the family at the waiting area.

For the first time we heard our baby's heartbeat.



Please say a little prayer for all the mom's who have lost a child that they may have the strength to move on. A prayer for all pregnant ladies that we all have a healthy and safe pregnancy.