My 3 Things: SoMoms Neva and Janice

#my3things #SoMoms

For my third quarter installment of My 3 Things with the SoMoms, here are two mompreneurs in the group, sharing their on-the-go essentials. 

It's nice to see the contrast between these two as one can be considered a freshman mom to two young tots, while the other is nurturing her brood of three, which includes a teen.  Here are Neva's and Janice's #my3things.

Neva's #my3things

Breastmilk is best for babies, that's why I strive to pump wherever and whenever I can! I'm really happy that the office I work in has a cool privacy room that moms in our office can use.  My pumping sessions are my mini-breaks from a busy day at the office too.  I always look forward to my pumping sessions and use it to catch up on my reading or FB!  Here's the stuff I need for pumping:

1. Light reading (magazines or a book) - I like Mindy Kaling's new book, it's an easy read :)
2. Shaparee Ella Handsfree Bra - a friend bought this from Mamababylove and gave it to me as a gift.  Hands-free pumping rocks!
3. Manilababy Wet Bag - stores my pump accessories, the bra, a small towel and breastmilk bags.  It's what I carry from my work station to our office's privacy room where I pump (milk).

See more of Neva's posts on Instagram: instagram.com/manilamommy

* * *

Janice's #my3things

My 3 Things are essentials from my last family trip abroad. We were away for three weeks and experienced different weather conditions- sunny and hot days, rainy weather, and cold, dry days. These three things are part of my travel essentials:

1. Sunnies - Never go on a trip without sunnies. It not only protects your eyes but keeps you looking decent and cool even when your eyebag ridden because of jetlag. Did you also know that wearing sunnies also lessens chances of wrinkles on your face? Well because when you squint because of the sun, you get wrinkly around your eyes and forehead and doing this often they say, can actually cause premature wrinkles! I got this pair, Rayban Clubmasters, during my trip and I love the combination of beige and orange.
2. By Nature Baby Salve - I always keep this handy at all times and during my trip was not an exception. It's made of natural ingredients and I used it as a lip balm for my whole family! Even with the extreme weather conditions, it kept our lips from chapping.   I also used it as a moisturizer when we would get occasional dry patches of skin due to cold weather, and i used it to soothe itchy skin from rashes or insect bites, even as a first aid for small wounds.
3. Mustela Agua de Colonia - I brought this entire spray bottle with me on the trip along with a small atomizer to carry in my shoulder bag. The scent is light and fresh, I used this on myself and my 3 kids, even my teen boys since the scent is more refreshing than it is dainty. For the trip I took a break from my usual cologne and just sprayed this light cologne on myself several times during the day. It kept us smelling and feeling refreshed whether it was warm, cool or rainy.

See more of Janice's posts on Instagram: instagram.com/mommymundo

Do you use any of the stuff they like?
Check out #my3things of these two pairs:
Jackie and Fleur
Jen and Jenny

* * *

#my3things

To shoot and share photos of groups of things that I use together or consume regularly.   If you are following me on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, you will see #my3things instantly.  On the blog, you'll learn more about each one, and know the story behind them.  I'll be sharing one photo at a time.  This is another window into the life Mom-Friday. =)

Join me on Instagram and share your 3 things.  
Don't forget to use the hashtag #my3things and tag @mymomfriday so I can see them too! :)

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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I Am a Proud Anmum Mommy

Let me just say I am thrilled to have Anmum as a blog sponsor! Yey!!! =) If you subscribe to this blog, you'd have noticed the Anmum leaderboard/ad up on the homepage displayed since July.  I'm just proud to be a part of the Anmum Mommy Circle because the brand is really close to my heart.  Why?

Well, if you must know...

• It's the only milk I took while I was pregnant (twice) and breastfeeding
• During my stint in advertising, Anmum was one of my key accounts (client) ever since it was launched in the local market in the late 90s (as with the rest of the New Zealand-made milk brands, Anchor and Anlene)
• My first blog post featured the Anmum material I made for their Mother's Day print ad

So you see, it was an easy decision for me to have Anmum as a blog partner.  I believe in the brand, I loved drinking it, I reaped the benefits, I recommend it to my friends, and I know the product very well.  At the Anmum blogger partners' luncheon over a month ago, the brand managers even teased me to do the presentation after learning about my history with Anmum! =)

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Smart, Glamorous and Hardworking Women Breastfeed

"Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and joyous acts of human love. And yet many Filipina mothers today, misled by a number of mistaken notions, continue to depend chiefly on formula milk to nourish their infants." - BBB

Over a week ago, I was invited to a press conference for UNICEF's breastfeeding campaign in partnership with Beauty, Brains & Breastfeeding, Inc. (BBB), an NGO advocating breastfeeding led by Ms. Iza Abeja.  As much as I wanted to attend this noteworthy event, my daily mom duties did not allow me to. Still, I decided to share these important facts I've learned from their press release as I am an advocate of breastfeeding as well.

According to UNICEF statistics, only 34% of mothers in the Philippines practice exclusive feeding during their babies' first six months, and close to 50% depend on artificial milk in varying degrees.


BBB would like to correct several misconceptions about breastfeeding that discourage many mothers:

• Exclusive breastfeeding in the formative first six months of an infant is NOT a hindrance to a mother’s professional or personal goals
• Exclusive breastfeeding is a commitment to give one’s child with life-nourishing food and a good start in life; to think of breastfeeding as only for the poor should be dismissed immediately
• Continued breastfeeding DOES NOT cause  a woman’s breasts to deform, sag or make her look haggard and unattractive
• Breastfeeding in public places is not an act shame and therefore should be encouraged

The event brought together three equally beautiful and accomplished women, composed of Ms. Abeja, media personalities Patricia Bermudez-Hizon and Daphne Oseña-Paez, to speak out and recount their breastfeeding experiences, and inspire more mothers to nurse their babies.

Patricia Bermudez-Hizon

 Daphne Oseña-Paez

Iza Abeja

These amazing moms and their kids will appear in billboards around Metro Manila to bring their messages across and create more awareness about the importance and benefits of breastfeeding.

I have written my personal breastfeeding experiences here and have also encouraged many of my friends to breastfeed as well.  Breastfeeding was truly one of the most fulfilling part about my being a mother.

Notes from a breastfeeding class

Got milk?

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Shop at the 2011 Grand Baby Fair from Baby Company

I loved shopping at Baby Company when I was infanticipating several years ago. It's a one-stop shop for me and hubby as they carry a wide range of products that expectant parents need to complete their baby checklist. 

This weekend, I am happy to share that they will have their first ever, Grand Baby Fair this weekend at SM Megatrade Hall in Ortigas Center!

Aside from shopping with amazing discounts, the Grand Baby Company Fair has lined up exciting activities with baby experts and celebrity parents like Christine Jacob-Sandejas, Paolo Abrera, Tintin Bersola-Babao, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, among others.

Learn from their discussions on different topics each day for the 3-day affair, such as:

• Essentials of Newborn Care
• Milestones during the First Years
• Breastfeeding and Travel Safety
• Cord Banking
• Infant Feeding
• Baby Skin Care
• Baby Checklist

(source: Baby Company Facebook Page)

Incidentally, I have also compiled a Baby Checklist here to guide new parents on the essentials for newborns. I'm sure you can find everything you need at the fair while taking advantage of the big discounts.

This is one event that is truly worth a visit. Maybe I'll see you there :-)
Block your calendars! Happy shopping!!!


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Got Milk? It's World Breastfeeding Week!

First Friday of the month:  (Baby) Food/Drink

Breastfeeding is one of the most fulfilling experiences that motherhood has brought me. Breastfeeding is serious business as it can bring much joy and deep depression at the same time. Mothers each have unique experiences on nursing, and I thought I'd share mine today, plus a few personal thoughts, serious and otherwise, on this week's advocacy.

"organic baby: breastfed" printed on my girl's tee -- love it!

Breast milk is baby's first food.  I learned that babies can live on breast milk alone during their first 6 months, which can provide all the nutrients they need.  I've always believed that breastfeeding is a choice and it should be a wonderful experience shared by mother and child.

By definition, Breastfeeding is the feeding of an infant or young child with breast milk directly from human breasts rather than from a baby bottle or other container. (from Wikipedia)  

Cannot breastfeed? Then by all means bottle-feed.
Express milk (by pumping) if baby cannot latch or mommy is not physically/emotionally capable of nursing the baby directly. Yes, we all know by now the super benefits of breastfeeding. But for me, the important thing is that baby gets to drink breast milk.

Sadly, not all mothers are "built" the same way.
While others can supply milk for two infants at a time, others may fall short and desperately try to provide a sufficient amount just to fill one serving. Mixed feeding is the next best thing for me (mixed, meaning alternate breast milk and formula, not combined in a bottle). Make an informed choice. If all else fails, then I say go for formula. To each her own. Let's not judge.

More questions like 'How long?', 'How much milk?'
It is inevitable among new moms to compare notes about their nursing experiences. To quote Ms. Daphe Osena-Paez, "it's not a competition...".  No thanks to those who can be so judgmental and belittling, making other moms feel less able.  Believe me, I was so clueless on nursing my first baby that the frustration really got to me. On top of that, I was a shocked and unprepared emergency C-section patient! I was still thankful that I was "loaded" with milk to feed my child, though I failed to breastfeed the first time.

I was one of those who cannot nurse in open public. I'm shy :-)
I was not comfortable nursing in front of other people outside my immediate family members.
Not comfy = can't breastfeed. That's just me. The most public I've done was in the car, and in the (clean and air-conditioned) rest rooms of malls and restaurants.  That's why our choices of places to dine and unwind were very limited for like 12 months! I really admire mothers who can breastfeed anywhere.

                                  Bottle-fed baby boy                   Breastfed baby girl                   

Look at how different my nursing experiences were with the boy and the girl:

The Boy
Me lactating as early as 5 months.
Boy cannot latch. Me and baby frustrated to the max.
Engorged boobs bordering on mastitis.
Pumped all the way for 2 months.
Bottle-feed all the way. Over supply of breast milk.
Mixed feeding from the start = breast milk by day, formula by night.

The Girl
Me lactating at 7 months.
Girl instantly latch. Me and baby happy to the max.
Sore nips for days.
Breastfed all the way for 18 months.
Pumped excess milk in between feedings. Over supply of breast milk.
Exclusive breast milk for 12 months. 
Mixed feeding after 1st year = breast milk, formula, fresh milk.


On hindsight, I now realized that the term "breastfeeding" has been misused (or loosely used) many times over. Technically, the term 'breastfeeding' is not the same as 'feeding breast milk'.  I breastfed, and I bottle-fed as well with breast milk (and formula). To illustrate, look at these contradicting, albeit funny, lines from actual conversations and interactions I've encountered:

Mom 1:  Been breastfeeding for # months now...
Mom 2:  Wow! So you don't use bottles?
Mom 1:  I've always breastfed, but not direct. I just pump.
Mom 2:  (Huh?) ?!?!?!

Mom 1:  I'm still breastfeeding, but I also give formula.
Mom 2:  How long have you been breastfeeding?
Mom 1:  # months already, but he can't latch, only on the first month.
Mom 2:  (Huh?) ?!?!?!

Confusing, right? :-)  Heehee.
Breastfeeding = Directly nursing.  If it's not direct, it's not breastfeeding. If one can't breastfeed, then pump and bottle-feed. Nothing wrong with that.  After a wonderful breastfeeding experience with my second, I have been more confident in encouraging other moms to try and breastfeed, or pump, for as long as they can, drop by drop, ounce by ounce. And don't count the days or months.

While awareness on the importance and benefits of breast milk and breastfeeding is at an all-time high, this has also put undue pressure especially on moms who “can’t” -- can't breastfeed, can't express enough breast milk, can't latch.  Although I unexpectedly produced a lot, I can still relate to the frustration and pain that goes with trying to breastfeed, especially with a baby that can't latch.  Extra challenge for me then was being a working mom too.  So for me, as long as mothers are willing to try, successful or not, direct or pump, that is more than enough effort already.  No shame in that mommies!

Bottom line:  parents should simply be thankful for being blessed with a happy and healthy baby, breastfed or not, that’s all that matters in the end anyway. :)

Thanks to Manilamommy for inspiring me on this post.  Stay tuned for my regular Foodie Friday entry later. ;)

More tips from my previous post on breastfeeding: To (Breast) Feed Or Not To (Breast) Feed?

Read about my c-section stories with The Boy, and The Girl.
What's next after breastfeeding?  Click here for babies' first foods.


I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
Get instant updates:
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Also on Google Friend Connect, or Subscribe Via Email.
I try my best to reply and answer any questions you may have on each entry so check back if you've left one. Thank you and do visit again!
(Comments with links will automatically be flagged by Disqus.)

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Baby's First Foods, part 1

Second Friday of the month: Babies / Health / Feeding

Baby's first smile, first coo, first time to 'close-open' his fist...these are just a few of our baby's many 'firsts' that we don't want to miss. And getting a taste of his first 'solid food' is another milestone that parents, most especially moms, prepare for and tend to obsess with.

What's healthy, what's safe, when to feed certain foods... these are just some of the questions I had in my head when I had my first born. And just recently, these same questions pop up as I am surrounded by new moms who are preparing for this somewhat daunting milestone of baby eating his first foods.

Comfy babies on the bouncer, the boy and the girl had their first taste of rice cereal at 4 months.

I used Nestle Cerelac Rice Cereal (plain white rice).

Several months ago, I had posts about breastfeeding and the baby boom in my circle of friends.  Back then, I knew about twenty or so expectant women. Before 2009 ended, I already counted past 30, and most of them were first time moms!

As we ushered in the new year, breastfeeding joys and woes were the hot topic, and then questions and conversations were moving towards baby's first foods. So, I thought now is the best time to share this food chart given to me by our pediatrician almost seven years ago. This chart proved useful for me as a very practical guide on the stages of feeding for my baby's first 12 months.

I took the liberty of re-creating the chart for a quick and easy reference.
Take note of the general rules. Feel free to print out a copy.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is best to introduce solid foods when your baby is between 4 to 6 months. Both my children had their first cereal at 4 months. For some babies who are not yet developmentally ready, it is fine to start a little later until 7 months.  Most doctors advise solid feeding at the age of at least 6 months, especially for babies with a family history of allergies.

Babies only require breast milk until about 6 months, providing all the nutrition that they need, after which certain nutrients from solid foods are required. In the first six months, water and juice is generally unnecessary as baby gets all the water he needs from breast milk (or formula, if you choose to). By the time he starts eating solid foods, you can offer a few sips of water between feedings.

I did my share of homemade baby foods for my boy and girl, and here are a few of their favorites which any busy mom or care taker can prepare for the curious, the difficult, or the ravenous infant.

MASHED RIPE BANANA
Start with half a banana
Cut and mash on a sterile plate or bowl, with a clean fork
Serve immediately

This is a favorite among babies since bananas are naturally sweet, fragrant, and has a soft texture when mashed. I don't see the need to prepare in advance nor stock up on this since mashed bananas will turn brown quickly. Besides, this is the most simple, instant "super food" that anyone can have. Widely available and most easy to prepare.

By 10 months, chop up bananas and serve as a great finger food!


PUREED SWEET POTATOES (Camote)
Peel, wash and cut in cubes, around 1 cup
Boil in a pot of 1 cup water, cover
Simmer until fork tender, around 15 to 20 minutes (add a little water when it's getting dry)
Transfer to food processor or blender and mix until you have a thick, smooth consistency.
Cool and transfer to a clean jar or food keeper.
Spoon a portion on baby's bowl
Mix breastmilk just before feeding

For a thinner, smoother consistency, simply add milk, as needed.

There are a few varieties of camote in the market and I prefer the orange variety which has a sweeter taste. Squash, carrots and potatoes can also be used for this recipe. By the time my babies reached 8 months, I have already combined carrots with either potatoes or squash.

This mashed butternut squash tastes like camote (sweet potato)

Aside from the blender, I also used this Braun submersible hand blender (below, left), and a manual baby food mill / food grinder (the brand escapes me at this time) -- Munchkin is the brand. I have the exact one below. Just grind, detach the mill, and serve without transferring to another bowl.

APPLESAUCE
Peel, wash and cut in cubes, around 1 cup
Boil in a pot of 3/4 cup water, cover
Simmer until fork tender, around 15 to 20 minutes (add a little water when it's getting dry)
Transfer to food processor or blender and mix until you have a thick, smooth consistency.
Cool and transfer to a clean jar or food keeper.
Serve warm or cold.

Pears can also be used for this recipe. The texture will not be a smooth as apples though.

Whenever possible, choose fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables in season. You may refer to the chart for the right time to start.  In my experience, buying jarred baby food didn't hurt either as it offered more variety for baby, and the convenience when traveling.  I just made sure I alternate in serving homemade and store-bought foods.

Resusable food jars

A few things I learned while preparing baby food:

1. Make sure you use sterilized utensils, cutting boards, plates and bowls.  Assign an exclusive set if possible to avoid cross contamination of raw food bacteria to the prepared baby food

2. Have a set of small, clean plastic food keepers or glass jars on hand. When I buy jars of baby food, I keep the glass containers and reuse them as I portion the prepared food in each jar. I saved on buying new food keepers and I don't even have to transfer the food to a bowl anymore 'coz I just feed directly from the jar. Unfinished portion are kept in the fridge only until the next feeding, after which, leftovers from the jar should be discarded.

3. Ice cube trays are also handy in portioning your homemade baby food. Just pour and freeze. Put frozen the food cubes in plastic bags and they are ready anytime you need them. You can also check out my friend's tips on making and storing baby foods here.

4. Prepare enough food to last at least 3 days, or 3 individual servings per variety. Since it is advised to wait 3 days before introducing a new food, I thought this is a practical solution to monitor, at the same time control the portions. I keep them refrigerated up to 3 days only to maintain freshness. If you are able to produce more, stock them in the freezer.

Feel free to share your food and feeding tips here. It's always nice to learn something new from each other!

Part 2, continued here


Note:
Braun product photo from Braun.com
Munchkin product photo from Amazon.com

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Breastfeeding and The Medela House

“Breastmilk is best for babies up to two years” – I truly believe in this advocacy.  Just ‘Google’ this topic and you will find a long list of the benefits of breastmilk and breastfeeding to the mother and child.  

It amazes me that even with modern science and technology in producing what I call “fully loaded” formula milk and food supplements for babies, more and more parents are now going back to basics -- back to the natural way of nursing and feeding their newborns.  And most baby companies are advocating this as well.


One company that actively supports breastfeeding is Medela, the industry leader in breastpumps and number one choice among hospitals and mothers. Founded in Switzerland in 1961, Medela is the only company to develop their products based on research by the world’s leading lactation experts.

Just recently, I was able to visit the Medela House when I got a few breastpump accessories for my friend who is a first-time mom. I got curious about the "Medela House" when she told me about it, and when I got there, it is actually a big house located in New Manila, Quezon City that was remodeled to feature a lecture hall, an office and a showroom. I was not able to ask about the other facilities but the place is spacious, with a garden and ample parking space, and is currently being improved.  The House was opened by MedelaMoms, Inc., the exclusive authorized distributor of Medela products in the country. I was able to meet one of the partners during my brief visit, the very accommodating Ms. Maricel Cua, who showed me some of their latest products and other mother and baby care accessories they carry.

Aside from showcasing various products, the House will act as a support center and venue for breastfeeding classes and other topics that aims to educate and guide expectant and new parents. And part of that support is their complete line of breast pumps and accessories to make breastfeeding and expressing milk more convenient for mothers. Learn more about them and their upcoming schedule of activities from their site. They are also the authorized service center where customers can bring their Medela breastpump units for cleaning and repairs.

With more than a dozen of my friends currently nursing, I was feeling sort of “in the zone” with them as I fondly recall my own so-called adventures and misadventures in breastfeeding some years back.

“Were you able to breastfeed?”
“How long did you breastfeed?”
“How much milk did you produce?”
“Did you pump (express) milk? What pump did you use?”
“What formula (milk) did you buy?”

These are just some of the questions I often get from my somewhat confused and worried friends, especially from the first-time moms, and even dads!  I can definitely sympathize since taking care of a newborn is just so overwhelming and exhausting. And for each of those questions, I try to share what I have learned from my two very different experiences with my babies. Now that's another story.

After giving birth the first time, I neither had any support nor references except for the books I’ve read, the internet, and my OB-Gyne. I didn’t attend any birthing and baby care class whatsoever. Good thing a friend shared with me her notes from a breastfeeding class that she attended, which I have posted here. It was only until I was heavy with my second child that I was able to attend an enriching seminar at Gymboree, which talked about lactation, breastfeeding, infant care and massage.

With a heightened awareness on the importance of breastfeeding, more advocates and support groups are providing classes, all well-equipped to give a helping hand to guide new moms on this challenging yet fulfilling nursing experience. Now I wished the Medela House had opened sooner as I would definitely have attended a class or two. Coincidentally, one of their resource speakers, certified lactation expert Ms. Abbie Yabot, was also the one who conducted the talk I attended at Gymboree. She was very encouraging and truly an inspiration.

I am also a satisfied ‘Medelamom’ since I used the very compact, lightweight and easy-to-use Swing breastpump -- also ideal for moms on-the-go. This was my dependable partner while I successfully breastfed my baby girl for 18 months.

To all you expectant parents and nursing moms, whether you are breastfeeding or expressing milk, take advantage of the generous support and expertise that the Medela House can provide aside from the wide array of specialized products and accessories to support breastfeeding. They will definitely help you become more secure and confident in feeding and caring for your precious bundles of joy.

Displayed here are other non-Medela products available at the House.

MedelaMoms, Inc. – Ms. Maricel Cua and Ms. Beng Feliciano
Medela House:  29 1st Street, New Manila, Quezon City (near corner of Gilmore Ave.)
Tel. Nos.: (632) 725-3723; (632) 738-6272
Mobile No.:  +63917-5614366
Email: medelamoms@yahoo.com or medelamoms@gmail.com
www.medelamoms.multiply.com

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Talks on Wellness & Nutrition, part 2

"Kain lang ng kain (just keep eating)...you're eating for two" is always the line that pregnant women hear from well-meaning family and friends -- I myself did not escape this prodding. There's really no question when it comes to eating right during pregnancy as wellness begins from the womb. And now, to continue the series on wellness and nutrition, here are the highlights on Nutrition in Life Cycle.

Here I was "eating for two", on my 5th month with my second child
 

Part 2 - Talk and Slide Presentation by Ms. Joan Sumpio, RND, FPAN

Nutrition in Pregnancy to Infancy

Each stage of our lives require specific nutrients to sustain our growth, development, promote wellness and prevent diseases. And it all starts during pregnancy. Based on the presentation by Ms. Joan Sumpio, aside from the normal requirements for the mother's health, pregnant women requires certain nutrients to meet the needs of the growing fetus, and building reserves in preparation for delivery and lactation.

These are:
* Protein
* Vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B3, Folate, B6
* Minerals such as Calcium, Iron, Iodine, Zinc and Selenium.

During my own pregnancy, I was taking vitamin supplements like Trihemic and Caltrate Plus, as prescribed by my OB-Gyn, aside from drinking at least one glass of Anmum (chocolate) milk each day and downing lots of water to prevent pregnancy-related conditions such as constipation and U.T.I.

Ms. Sumpio also listed the positive effects of good nutrition on the mother and infant (see slide below), and on lactation. That is why, the increased needs for nutrients "has to cover the needs for producing and secreting the milk" and "for wound healing and physical and emotional activities in caring for the child."
 

She also pointed out the importance of water as 87% of the volume of breastmilk is water.  I believed this to be true since I quickly recalled my own post-partum diet consisting mostly of:  soupy dishes prepared Chinese-style (like lapu-lapu fish soup, pigeon adobo), blood tonics and broths from Chinese herbal concoctions (which smell and taste terrible!), and gallons of water and fruit juices, all for at least one month after birth. I was confident that this kind of diet really helped me produce better quality, and quantity, breastmilk as I lasted 18 months of breastfeeding my second baby (12 months of which are exclusively on breastmilk).

Infants, aside from breastmilk, require appropriate supplementary feeding with gradual introduction of solid foods influenced by:  Nutrition, and Physiological Development  (secretion of enzymes for digestion, gastric acidity, maturity of kidneys).  You will see below some general expectations from a well-nourished baby.

Nutrition in Early Childhood to Adolescence

Early childhood is a critical stage where our child experiences growth spurts.  Thus, the challenge for us parents is to provide the best foods we can give in terms of nutritional value for optimal support of their physical and mental growth.  According to Ms. Sumpio, here are the basic needs for the kids' early years:

* Energy (calories per day) = age in years x 100 + 1000
* Protein - for demands on growth of  skeletal and muscular tissues and provide protection against infection
* B-Vitamins - for energy
* C - for formation of tooth structure
* A - for immunity, and for vision in dim light
* D - for the bones
* E - acts as antioxidant

It is a fact that during this stage, pre-school-aged kids get the most nutrients from the milk supplement we give them, aside from the solid foods and daily vitamins. So choose wisely -- read labels and compare milk brands, as mentioned in part 1 of this series.

The speaker also touched on the eating habits of the little ones and some common problems they may encounter. Please read the slides below, which clearly defined each one.

One tip she mentioned, which I am practicing, is to give your kids probiotics.  Probiotics are "good bacteria for the intestinal tract...for better absorption" of nutrients, especially helpful if the child is not eating vegetables.  Part of our regular grocery items include Yakult, Dutchmill yoghurt drink (blueberry flavor), and Nestle Yoghurt with fruit bits.  Aside from the benefits we get from the "good bactaeria", they products all tastes yummy! It's best to find some that suits your family's tastes. Learn more about it here.

As children grow to adolescence, their eating habits significantly change and some socio-psychological factors causes this, as shown below:

With the teens' search for independence and being more conscious of their own body image, some common feeding problems occur:

* Meal skipping -- which may lead to hormonal imbalance; can result in irregular menstruation for girls
* Snacking
* Reliance on fast foods
* Non-traditional eating patterns (trying fast foods) -- can cause nutritional inadequacy which will lead to weight loss

Among children and teens, being overweight or obese is also a growing concern of late, and the simplest solution to prevent this is to make them more active and watch their diet.

Illustrated below are some activities that parents and children can do (as shown with energy expenditure per minute of activity):

Other activities you may enjoy doing are:

* Running = 6.6 - 9.1 cal / min.
* Cycling = 3.2 - 4.4 cal / min.
* Weight-lifting = 5.7 - 7.8 cal / min.

It was concluded that among the popular sports activites, basketball has the highest energy expenditure per minute.

Before the first speaker ended her talk, she presented an overview of the leading causes of death in the country.  It was not surprising that heart disease tops the list.  And the Filipino diet does reflect this.  The findings made me all the more convinced that I have to re-evaluate and properly plan the meals I prepare for my family since the most recent blood test and check-up that my hubby and I took showed us having high (bad) LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

A fun way to illustrate what our food choices contain was through a simple game of guessing how many calories are there in some of our favorite fast food dishes.  And here are the eye-opening results:

* Pizza Hut Spaghetti with Meatballs = 850 calories
* Taco Bell Taco Salad with Salsa = 850 calories; 60 mg cholestero; 52 gm fats; 1780 mg sodium
* Wendy's Chicken Club Sandwich = 470 calories; 70 mg cholesterol
* Burger King Double Whopper with Cheese = 960 calories; 195 mg cholesterol; 63 gm fats; 1420 mg sodium
* Kentucky Fried Chicken Hot & Spicy Chicken Breast = 530 calories; 110 mg cholesterol; 35 gm fats; 1110 mg sodium
* Subway Tuna on Wheat = 542 calories; 36 mg cholesterol; 32 gm fats; 875 mg sodium

Now wouldn't you think twice before ordering? (Too bad I missed the slide showing how much calories and sodium our favorite McDonald's burger sandwich contain)

Here are some of the surprised parents and DML sisters during the guessing game

Did you know...?

... Stroke and Cancer is the second and third (respectively) leading causes of death in the country; Diabetes is 9th

... Carotenoids may help in the prevention of certain degenerative diseases

... double fiber loaf, raisin bread, wheat pandesal and wheat loaf are considered healthy breads

... high consumption of fatty foods may reduce both cognitive function and physical endurance

... the more usage (and re-heating) of used cooking oils, the more de-natured the oil gets which can be unhealthy

... Riboflavin may help prevent migraine headaches in certain individuals

... Alfalfa, Barley and Wheatgrass are considered powerful antioxidants; taking barley makes you feel full

... darker-skinned individuals take longer to convert vitamin D


Continued:  
Healthy Lifestyle through Proper Nutrition (part 3)
Antioxidants and Tips to Healthy Eating (part 4)
Talks on Wellness and Nutrition (part 1)

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Talks on Wellness & Nutrition, part 1

"You are what you eat."  I've read this saying hundreds of times and I know this is true. Our health and well-being not only depends on what we do to keep fit, but more importantly, what we feed our bodies. And in recent years, people grew more and more conscious about eating and living right, to enjoy longer, healthier, happier lives.  Being well-informed is also key.  And the more we know about the foods we eat, the better the choices we make in providing a balanced diet for ourselves, and for our families.

Last Saturday, I attended a talk on wellness and nutrition at my son's school.  This is the first of a series of parent seminars organized by the PTA of DML Montessori School in New Manila, Quezon City.  The two-and-a-half-hour talk proved to be very informative and enlightening, fun and full of surprises as well.

In the course of the presentation, several food and diet issues made quite an impact as I noticed the positive responses from the audience. After trying to take as many pictures, and scribbling down notes at the same time, you can just imagine the information overload I had that morning. As the first speaker remarked, "pang isang semester" sa dami ang topic outline for discussion (the length of the topic outline is good to cover one semester). And I am still overwhelmed just looking at my notes, and honestly, quite confused up to this point as to how I will be able dissect all of it and share them with you.  I thought it would be best to break this in three parts...let's see how this goes.

I can only hope that after reading this, you may gain the same appreciation I had from that very educational talk. It was truly an opener for me, since as a homemaker, I am the main meal planner for my family. And so the pressure mounts -- time to re-think my grocery list, food and supplements choices pronto!

So here's my best effort to outline what I have learned, in bullets and vignettes from the slide presentation, and some trivia in between.

"Wellness in Our Children, Wellness in Our Family"
 Part 1 - Talk and Slide Presentation by Ms. Joan Sumpio, RND, FPAN

Read this basic Nutritional Guide, from the presentation of J. Sumpio

Our first speaker, Ms. Joan Sumpio, talked about the basics of nutrition, how to read nutrition labels, nutrition in life cycles, and foods that prevent diseases.  As a registered nutritionist-dietician, she stressed the importance of eating a variety of food, reading labels, and understanding how nutrients function in our body.

Nutrition Facts / Food Labels
1. When buying food, especially in the grocery, do spend time to read the labels
Note the serving size and RDA (recommended daily allowance) as an indicator if one is getting enough of the vitamins and minerals.  Also consider needs by age.

2. Nutrition charts are "tools for consumers", to know exactly what we are getting from the products we purchase
Note artificial sweeteners and caffeine, take with caution for kids.

3. Labels indicate differences in nutrition content = always check different brands and compare
Nutritional content and Taste are the main factors when buying, especially for children.

4. Fortified foods - this means manufacturers are putting back some nutrients that were lost during the manufacturing process
Note products in the market today, like powdered juices, cookies and cereals which are now fortified with vitamins, and iron, and this adds value to the food

Sample comparative label with Tiger milk cookies and another brand

Below is the classic Food Pyramid to guide us with our daily food consumption and achieve a balanced diet.

(Food pyramid image lifted from the web)

Even after reading the labels and finally choosing which brand offers the best in terms of nutritional content, more often than not, it's the better-tasting brand that makes the cut.  No matter how loaded with vitamins and minerals some brands may claim to be, if it doesn't taste good, it will not be preferred. And most especially among kids, "taste is a big factor for acceptance", she said, and particularly with their milk. So the challenge really lies with the food manufacturers to produce highly-nutritious, safe, and tasty food and beverage that will appeal to the general public.  Healthy food CAN taste good.

A perfect example of a good-tasting bread is this new Walter Double Fiber Wheat Bread with Apple Fiber.  I personally prefer this brand when buying our loaf bread, pandesal, and sugar-free loaf.  Thank you for the free samples at the venue!  :)

DID YOU KNOW...?

...the longer you breastfeed, the less nutrients is given to the baby (although the recommended period is from birth up to 2 years)

...Calcium is not just for bone building but also acts as heart support for active kids

...Soluble fiber is the specific type of fiber that protects against heart disease

...hard boiled egg daily for kids is OK

...mackerel has higher omega-3 content than tuna

...we should limit intake of sodium (salts) to 1 teaspoon = 2400mg per day

...that 3/4 of cholesterol is produced by our body, and 1/4 is from intake (of food)

...one out of 5 (1:5) females have U.T.I. (urinary tract infection)


Speaker 1 - Ms. Joan P. Sumpio, RND, FPAN
Registered nutritionist-dietician of UST.  Head of the UST Hospital Dietary Department; a visiting nutrition consultant of Metropolitan Medical Center; a fellow of the Philippine Nutrition Association. Currently the Senior Nutritionist of Kraft Foods Philippines.
She was given the Philippine Association of Nutrition Fellow Award in 2002 for contributing significantly to the advancement of the profession of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics.



Series continued here:
Nutrition in Life Cycles (part 2)
Healthy Lifestyle & Nutrition (part 3)
Antioxidants and Tips to Healthy Eating (part 4)

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To (Breast) Feed Or Not To (Breast) Feed?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ...10, 11, 12,...now I lost count.  Listed them down and I just finished at 21!  Wow I can't believe I know 21 women who are all due, or have given birth, between June to early 2010!  Every month I hear of another preggy woman among common friends, so what's with the baby boom this year? This number did not even include those who have already popped during the first half of the year!  And as I promised in earlier posts here, here, and here, I will feature more baby-related entries as a tribute and share with my expectant and new-mom friends my own journey to motherhood.

To (Breast) Feed Or Not To (Breast) Feed?  I don't think it should be a question anymore. Breastmilk is, no doubt, the best, and only milk babies need in their first 6 months of life. Tons of info are already out there to tell you all about it, and the many wonderful benefits for mother and child.

Breastfeeding is the feeding of an infant or young child with breast milk directly from human breasts rather than from a baby bottle or other container. (from Wikipedia)

Successfully breastfeeding my children has been my goal since I conceived. Daunting as it may, the sense of pride and joy just overshadowed the sleepless nights, post-partum pains and depression that I have been through. I am pro-breastfeeding. I'm no expert, but with my 18 months of breastfeeding (12 months exclusive), I am able to share my personal experience to those who seek my help or advise.

 

Exclusively breastfed @ 10 months...yeah, those are big teeth, but thankfully, she doesn't bite!

With my first-born, I was fortunate to have a friend who just gave birth a few days earlier, and she has generously shared her breastfeeding class notes with me to provide guidance and encouragement for a new mom's first attempt to breastfeed.

Full and happily in deep slumber after feeding (from the bottle, with expressed breast milk)

This is NOT Breastfeeding 101, but a basic guide made easy for me to understand, and simplified the challenging, yet very rewarding, task at hand.  Best of luck to all the moms, and lots of support from the dads!

So here are the notes (slightly edited and paraphrased to simplify the outline):

Outline from breastfeeding class conducted by Ms. Chiqui Brosas-Hahn

A.   Preparation & Feeding
1.    Massage/stroke breast before feeding.  Circular or stroking motion towards the nipple. Then lean forward and give your breast a gentle shake.

2.    Position in breastfeeding:
a.    Step on stool or elevate your arms for baby’s body to be parallel to your own body, his stomach to your stomach, tickle cheek, and as mouth opens, pull him towards your breast (always mouth to breast, not breast to mouth).  His mouth should cover most of the areola, and his chin should touch your breast.
b.    To unlatch, put pinky in between gum then latch out. Do Not pull away.

3.    Approximately 15 mins. for every breast. The first few minutes, early secretion is like their water, the next flow of milk will be the one that makes them full. The last breast he feeds on will be the first one on his next feeding.

4.    Best to give both breasts during the day.  At night, it’s ok if only one breast every feeding.

5.    It is suggested to burp baby after every breast immediately.  They burp faster that way.

6.    Wait a few minutes for the burp, with light tapping of the back. If none comes, it's okay.

7.    Stick to the feeding time, even if baby is asleep, wake him by changing his diapers or stroking him to encourage feeding.

8.    Time between feedings should not exceed 4 hours.  But as baby grows and feeds more, timing in between can extend.

9.    Don’t wait for baby to cry before breastfeeding. Once baby wakes, he will play with you, about 10 mins. of this alertness, you can feed him.

10.    Good indications if baby is getting enough milk:
a.    First few days: 1 diaper a day is ok
b.    After the third day: about 6-8 diaper changes

11.    Make sure baby has secreted his meconium poop (black), normally it’s the first poop.

B.   Breast Care & Milk Storage
1.    For Engorged breast:  warm compress/packs; or can pinch areola inwards then out, all around the breast. This is also a technique for manual expression.

2.    Drink a lot of water when feeding.  Other form of liquids are fine (broths, juices).

3.    For sore nipples: try breastmilk around nipple/areola. If nothing works, then ask                 doctor what cream can be used (Lasinoh is a good brand).

4.    To avoid cracked/sore nipples: air/sun dry, if you need to rush, you can use hair dryer. (Luckily, I didn't need to do this one!)

5.    If baby must take glucose water, use a dropper or cup.

6.    Breastmilk storage: don’t forget to write date and time on a masking tape to label your bottles. Newborns will consume about 3 oz. - can store for 3 months in freezer (with door separate from the fridge); 8 days in fridge, and about 10 hours at room temp. depending on humidity.  (I only store mine in the refrigerator for 3 days)

8.    Always check if milk temperature is enough by doing a skin test. And smell also in case it turns. When in doubt, don’t use.

9.    Best to give pure breastmilk for 6 months. During this time, they can do without water.

10.   When to bottlefeed: If possible, at least after 6 weeks of breastfeeding.

C.   Others
1.    It is suggested to room-in baby. But once baby is released, you can’t put him back to the nursery. Bring diapers and all other stuff you need to bathe and change the baby.  (I personally do not want to room-in baby, mainly due to germs carried by visitors, and also, I went thru C-Sec which required me not to move too much or sit upright. I think I went to the nursery to breastfeed on the second day)

2.    Bring salbabida (life savers / inflatables) to the hospital.  This is for the mothers’ comfort due to the sutures / or even hemorroids (for normal delivery).  But kids’ salbabida is ok, inflate halfway.

3.    Don’t give up. It is normal that for 3 days, you won't have milk.  You might think you are not expressing any, but you are - it is the colostrum that is clear/rusty in color.  The creamy while milk will come several days after, as you continue to feed, or pump.

*Thanks to my friend Mina for sharing this to me :)

This note definitely does not cover everything you need to know about nursing your child.  Here are more helpful guides as well as local sites I have used in the past, and groups like L.A.T.C.H and La Leche League offer counseling and support for your nursing woes and queries.

So to the new moms, are you ready to breastfeed?

Sharing my breastfeeding 'adventure' here: It's World Breastfeeding Week

Related posts:
Baby Checklist
Baby Boom

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