Maternity wear must-have

There is a simple and very practical maternity accessory in the market that will continue to make your regular clothes such as shorts and trousers wearable until you are due: the belly belt.


I heard about the belly belt when I was almost due with my first pregnancy that getting it might only be a waste of money. With baby number two on the way, however, I no longer passed up the chance to have one of my own.


Maternity jeans and shorts do wonder to make your pregnant belly as comfortable as possible. But not all jeans, shorts, and even leggings are a perfect fit. There is an awkward stage during pregnancy when you are big enough for your regular clothes but still small enough for maternity clothes and that's when the belly belt starts to enter. Although you can not go wrong with dresses, they won't do for a breastfeeding mom. Unless they are nursing dresses or those loose enough on the neckline for easy feeding access, you'd rather not go for them.


The belly belt is a set of three cotton cover ups in black, white, and blue and four adjustable bands with either buttons or snap-ons available in two sizes each.


The cotton cover ups will help hide your undies as your zippers come undone.


The stitching is simple that I could have made one myself had I had the time. I actually experimented on making my own maternity jeans a while back. I wore it once just to try it on, but after that, my floppy stitching just turns me off that I felt compelled to store it away.


The belly belt may be purchased online or in maternity stores such as HAB at Greenbelt 5 or the Mompreneur stall at Shangri-la Plaza Mall for Php 1,100.




- Mommy Smiley

The belly belt set.

A Filipina's experience with Chinese ge-lai

Ge-lai is hardly heard of among pregnant Filipino women, but the practice has been associated with pregnancy itself among those with Chinese heritage in the Philippines.

I am a Filipina married to a pure Chinese who was born and raised in the Philippines. Marrying Jon also meant embracing his culture. Among them is the traditional practice of ge-lai after giving birth.

I first encountered the term ge-lai when Jon and I were trying to get pregnant. I did not fully understand it then, but it has always haunted me. So when I got pregnant, i finally asked my husband what ge-lai is really about. In reply, he said that it's a post-natal care followed by the Chinese which means that you won't be allowed to bathe for a whole month. That's it! Hmmm, ge-lai does not sound so dreadful after all.

But as my belly grew bigger in the passing months, I learned more about ge-lai that my husband failed to mention (I think deliberately) when I first asked him about it.

Here's my chronicle:

At one month pregnant: All our friends and relatives knew I was pregnant and they were excited and happy for us. Jon's aunts started asking me if I will undergo ge-lai, and I remember very clearly how Jon answered for me proudly, "Yes, she will!" Some approached me with words of luck. They told me I can do it. I must have looked so puzzled and worried that they all seem to reassure me that it's easy and repeatedly say that I can do it.

At two to three months pregnant: Ge-lai includes tea and I love tea! At this time, my mother-in-law had contacted her classmate for some herb concoction for my ge-lai. She also asked her sister based in Dagupan for some ginger. I asked my husband what the herbs are for and he told me casually that it's for my tea. A ge-lai diet includes lots of tea, he said. I thought that's great because I love drinking tea, but my thoughts were only into jasmine tea or the type of teas that I usually drink. I remembered my husband being very happy about it.

At four to five months pregnant: Ha, Jon started to break it to me gently. My baby bump was showing and I was blooming that people thought I was having a girl. In one of my appointments with my OB, I heard the lady sitting across from me talking to her daughter about ge-lai. In my mind, oh, ge-lai again? But I got curious so I eavesdropped. So the mother was telling her daughter that she will not be allowed to bathe for 30 days or even wash her face. When I got home, I asked my husband about it. He said that since I won't be allowed to take a bath, naturally, washing my face won't be permitted too.

At six months pregnant: Baby showers left and right. One of our baby showers was hosted by my classmate. And in that party, the wife of our friend brought up ge-lai again. But this time, her version really scared me. I learned that aside from not bathing for 30 days, in some cases it's even 31 days, you will not be allowed to wash your hands, what's down there (you know what I mean), eat fruits, vegetables, and use the electric fan directly at you. Your outfit is limited to the following: pajama/jogging pants, long sleeves, and socks. And the most shocking of them all is that you will only be allowed to eat black chicken, pigeon, native chicken, pig's trotters, and lapu-lapu soup!

I am a picky eater. My husband would describe my eating habit as either really expensive or downright jologs. Nothing in between. Plus, I'm not really an adventurous eater. So upon hearing this, I looked at my husband with Ling's signature stare (aka Lucy Liu from Ally Mcbeal). He knew he has some explaining to do when we get home.

At home, Jon comforted me and told me that I need to eat all those food so my body will get its warmth back (apparently we lose it during labor) and to balance the yin and yang of my body. With eyes rolling, all I can say was, "Yeah right!"

At seven months pregnant: Rollercoaster ride of emotions. Early contractions started kicking in at this time and I was adviced to take Bricanyl while undergoing a three times a week monitoring via a non-stress test. But we were still very excited since all the baby stuff are in and the decors for the baby's room are done. One month to go and we could finally see our baby.

One afternoon, while decorating the nursery room with my sister Sarrah, I mentioned to her that I will go through the Chinese traditon called ge-lai. A nurse by profession, she was shocked. Being my ate and a very dutiful sister, she searched the internet for more information. She stumbled upon Giselle Sanchez's blog (yes, the comedienne) and it made me realize that ge-lai doesn't sound that bad. Giselle's blog was centered to the benefits of ge-lai for the mommy. But at this point, I still took ge-lai with a grain of salt.

Then,I got scared again. While having dinner at the House of Wagyu, my mother-in-law said that the stuff she ordered from her friend and the ginger from Dagupan have finally arrived. So while enjoying my steak, ge-lai graced us again. The next day, I took it upon me to check-out the stuff she mentioned. I was shocked to see how many and raw they were. I asked my mother-in-law what all the herbs are for? She told me they were called "o-tso tong sim," and that I'll only be allowed to drink that. I can't have water, she said, and my jaw dropped liked Jimmy Carry from the movie Mask.

At eight months pregnant: I started attending lamaze and breastfeeding classes while looking for my "abugado" or a person who is an expert and who may be able to help me talk with my mother-in-law about the whole tradition of ge-lai and how it affects breastfeeding and the baby.

When I heard that I will only be allowed to drink Chinese tea, I acted fast. I got in touch with Medela Moms, a breastfeeding support group, and told them about my concerns. How do I reconcile ge-lai and breastfeeding my child? Here was my email to the group:

1. I am not Chinese, but I am married to one and I will practice ge-lai. 
2. I am determined to breastfeed my baby, but I don't know if the Chinese tea that I will only be allowed to drink would affect my milk supply.
3. I also don't know if the wine they want me to take will affect my milk and my baby.
4. I really want to show my in-laws that I will do my best to embrace their culture, but I need help.

I was so happy and thankful that Miss Beng referred my email to her partner Maricel Cua. Miss Maricel was so nice in replying to my concerns. She said she had the same dilemma and would be very happy to help and assist me with my ge-lai and breastfeeding. Oh, thank you Lord!

Now, onto finding an "abugado."

Jon and I then looked for a pediatrician who is a breastfeeding advocate and who understands ge-lai. My OB, Dra. Anita Poblete, recommended Dra. Joy Ty-Sy. Ate Bessie called the clinic of Dra. Joy and her secretary, Miss Carina, was so jolly and accommodating to us. So we went and visited Dra. Joy. I asked her to be my son's pediatrician and then discussed with her my concerns. I was happy that she said she will help me with my in-laws. She was glad too that I was exerting effort to undergo ge-lai. She assured me that I can take all the herbs, but not the wine. That day, she became my "abugado." She said she will explain to my mother-in-law that I need to drink water (warm water). She also gave me a two-page list of things to buy to help me with breastfeeding which included her recommended soap, lanolin, and feeding bottles. I was impressed and was sure that she was really an advocate of breastfeeding. I was happy! Oh, thank you Lord!

Dra. Poblete then recommended Rome Kanapi for our lamaze class. Miss Rome is really a sweetheart. She is cool, carefree, and knew what she was talking about. We attended her class because I want my husband to see how it was like to be pregnant and undergo labor.

"Alangan naman ako lang mahirapan. Dapat dalawa kami, regardless kung natural o ma-CS ako," I told Jon.

In one of our sessions with Miss Rome, she mentioned that our bones will loosen-up to accommodate the baby. This is were the yin and yang concept of ge-lai became more logical to me. Then, I knew I was ready to embrace ge-lai. But I gave my husband a condition. I told him that he has to eat all the food that I eat, and to make it really yummy. After all, he is a chef. So as my dutiful husband, he made all efforts to comply with my condition.

At nine months pregnant: I was finally at peace with ge-lai

Bothered and upset with ge-lai, my husband treated me for dinner at our favorite resto.

This photo was taken on April 2, 2011. Eight days before our delivery. I was enjoying my goose liver. I was really pampered for a month before I gave birth because I will only be eating ge-lai food after that.

Some herb that I took before giving birth. After drinking this, wapak!

After a three-hour labor, here's Saffron's first breastfeeding session.

My MC Hammer inspired look! I was all covered up. My breastmilk was not affected by the two thermos full of tea (made of prunes and some herbs) that I drink everyday.

Muji socks and my husband's pajama were my BFF then.

Native chicken for lunch.

Native chicken cooked ala soup version.

The famous black chicken (dry version) and my favorite. We do send this as gifts to our friends. They love it too! =)

Sunday treat: steak ala ge-lai by my husband Chef Jon. I am indeed lucky!

Giving Saffron his bath while wearing gloves.

This is me. Bagong ligo! Yehey!

Sample Menu:

Breakfast: 

Oatmeal with chocolate tablea

O-tso tong sim tea

Lunch: 

Black Chicken (dry version)

Lapu-lapu soup

1/2 cup brown rice

O-tso tong sim tea

1 pc Dark Belgian Chocolate (70 to 80% pure)

Snack: 

Crackers or cookies with chocolate coating

O-tso tong sim tea (warm)

Dinner: 

Black Chicken or Native Chicken (soup version)

1/2 cup brown rice

O-tso tong sim tea and warm water

1 pc Dark Belgian Chocolate

I wasn't swollen during my pregnancy, but after giving birth I was. Someone said I should sit on steamed bayabas leaves so I did. The next day, I am back to my old self. It worked for me. 

I am proud to have done and survived ge-lai. They say that because of it, I would live up to 85 years old and on my second ge-lai I would reach 90! Hahaha! But I would not have done this without the love, help, and support of my husband, mother-in-law, Maricel Cua and Beng of Medela Moms, and Dra. Joy. =)

My experience also inspired me and my husband to cook and sell yummy gourmet ge-lai food. Despite the limited selection in your ge-lai diet, you do not have to suffer bad cooking and preparation. Make your experience lovelier with delicious gourmet ge-lai food.

To those who want to undergo ge-lai, but are scared or turned off with the thought of not bathing for 30 days, I am telling you that it will be worth it. I am now as strong as a horse, and I do not get cold as easily as I used to.

If I survived it, so can you. Leave your comments below if you have any questions or need support.

Happy ge-lai!

- Mommy Raquel

Me-time

How much time do you get for yourselves, mommies?


I did not use to have a regular me-time since I had Caitlin. When I feel down and ugly though, I make sure to get some time-off to have a facial, mani-pedi, foot spa, massage, or even shop for some necessities - all by myself! Sometimes, my me-time could be as simple as watching the TV at home, or having ice cream - activities that I still do not share with Caitlin.


But now that Caitlin's a year old and seeks a lot of fun outdoors, I find myself needing regular me-time. I can't seem to keep up with her more active self nowadays, especially with another growing baby in my tummy.


So every afternoon, when she wakes up after nap time, I feed her and let her go out and walk with our helper while I catch up on some work, or just rest and chill.


Every weekend, I've also arranged some me-time to jog. Yes, even at four months pregnant, I still do it. Before I had Caitlin, I was hiking some 10-50 kilometers on the mountain trails of Hong Kong on weekends and running for an hour after work on weekdays. I led a very active lifestlye and it was a shame that I stopped when I had a baby. After a year, I can feel its toll on me. I easily run out of breath climbing stairs now. Then, I only felt that when I was due with Caitlin.


My me-time also includes going out for a date with my husband. We sure miss Caitlin when we do that, especially when we see other families with their babies or toddlers in tow. But it also feels good to dress up, wear make-up, replace the diaper bag with my purse, and leave my nursing clothes and bra at home. Besides, we can't bring her to the movies when she's not even allowed TV at home. And when her grandparents are free, they take her and bonding with them will be good for our daughter too.


Now that I've experienced having a regular time for myself, I can no longer imagine living without it. It's still uncertain how my schedule will be like when baby number two comes out, but I still have months to enjoy my regular me-time before October.


How about you, mommies, do you get some me-time? If so, what do you do with it?


- Mommy Smiley

Breastfeeding (nursing) at Rustan's Shangri-la

One of my favorite malls here in Metro Manila is Edsa Shang-ri La Plaza Mall. I like it because it's not congested. Plus, it is very close from our house. (I live in Shaw, Mandaluyong). But when I was pregnant, I began hating going to this mall after an incident with a not-so pregnant-friendly elevator staff.

I went to the mall once when I was heavily pregnant with Sam and had to use the lift. When the doors first opened, it was jam-packed with abled-looking adults so I waited for the next one. The second time it opened, an elderly on a wheelchair was waiting beside me but neither of us got in because it was still packed. By the third time it opened, I put my foot down and talked to the girl manning the elevator about my obvious condition and then pointed to the elderly on a wheelchair and told her why we had to use the elevator. I am sure those abled-looking adults are more capable of using the escalator than me or the elderly beside me. But I think it should not have come from me to have pointed it out. It should have occured to the girl manning the lift.

When I gave birth to Sam, my next dilemma when I go to malls, even high-end ones, is finding a breastfeeding station or a changing table, at least. I do not understand why it hasn't become a standard to put changing tables inside the toilets. I am happy to read though that Shangri-la Plaza Mall now has a breastfeeding station which I have yet to visit. Let me share to you though Rustan's Shangri-La Plaza Mall's own breastfeeding (or nursing) station.

I chanced upon Rustan's breastfeeding station when, while buying stuff for Sam (an excuse to shop for him even if he does not really need them), he soiled his diapers.

Here's my conversation with five staff (!) when I was looking for a place to change Sam's soiled diapers.

 
Me: Excuse me, where is your breastfeeding station?
Staff: Wala po kami noon. 
Staff 2: Ano po yun ma'am?
Me: Breastfeeding section. Iyong pwede ka mag-change ng diaper and mag-feed ng baby. 
Staff 3: Ay wala po kami noon.
Staff 4: Ano po ba yung hinahanap nyo?
Me: Breastfeeding station nga. How come Rustan's Makati has one? Tapos kayo wala? 

A fifth staff who approached me finally knew what I was talking about.

Staff 5: Ahhhh ma'am, meron kami dito nursing station, pero breastfeeding station wala po. 
Me: (Duh!!!!???????? But I calmed myself) Miss, saan iyong nursing station ninyo? 

To my surprise, it was located beside the staff's office.

So here are some pictures of the newly renovated Breastfeeding (err, Nursing) Station at Rustan's, Shangri-la Plaza Mall. 

The walls are designed with cute fairy decors. I think they are more for the moms than anyone else.

Clean and sturdy changing table. Please clean it before and after use.

Comfy seats. It's nice that they have pillows availble here.

Cushioned flooring.

Saffron comfy on a bean bag.

A proud moment: I am still breastfeeding my 13-month old! Clap!

So when you are at Rustan's, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, do check it out.


- Mommy Raquel

Caitlin turns 1, the birthday party

The happy birthday girl.

The pictures are in, and they tell the story of how Caitlin's first birthday party went - from the do-it-yourself (DIY) decorative pompoms, home-made cake to the teacher-led games for the little ones, boy, were we exhausted!

The Gymboree party did not start until 4:30 pm on April 29, but I was already making the pompoms, souvenirs and game prizes for the kids weeks ahead at home. A day earlier, I spent it baking the cake while Caitlin was away with her grandparents.

On the party day itself, I woke up early to decorate Caitlin's cake with fondant so I can already relax.

Meanwhile, Jay was the busy bee preparing spaghetti and then packing them in carton food boxes.

It was a DIY birthday party of sorts. We weren't driven by costs, but by sheer desire to provide Caitlin something we made ourselves. It was labor of love the way we understand it.

But as her party drew near, Jay and I knew that we would not do it again. The preparation did not stop from the planning, sourcing vendors and caterers, and coordinating with them on the day of the party because we were also part of the catering and event styling.




DIY party pompoms.

But it all worked out. The one-hour lead time that we've allotted was more than enough for us to put everything in place - many thanks to my brother Dino who pinned all the pompoms to the ceiling, a task I thought was for me to do at three months pregnant! Jay's eldest brother Michael also helped with the hauling of our stuff from home to the mall. And who would deny the friendly and courteous guard at the mall as well as the staff of Gymboree? They were all very helpful to us.

So when every decor, cocktail, cake, and gift tables were set by 4:00 pm, we started relaxing.

But as the guests began arriving one by one, the birthday girl who was coming with her grandparents was still nowhere in sight!

It was past 5:00 pm when we saw her and because there were already a lot of people, it did not occur to me to nurse her first before we begin with the teacher-led activities. So by the time we were on the play floor, she was not as active or smiley as she usually is at home. I think a lot of factors played, too, from the many new faces, foreign environment to the lack of sleep and snack.





Playing on her own this time.

Her mood lightened after dinner as she was playing with our helper. Finally, she was all smiles and our photographer Lianne Bacorro captured it. What any parent would want for his or her child is for him or her to be happy. So the birthday party that we planned ideally for a one-year-old came to be - a happy child discovering and practicing her motor skills in a safe environment.


As for everything else, Jay and I couldn't be happier. The guests were inquiring about our caterer for the food and even the styling of the place that we had to tell them several times how we made a lot of them ourselves. Also, Abi Ong of Forks and Beans supplied a wonderful treat of chicken and salmon sandwiches with potato salad on the side while my mom provided the fried chicken which we packed together with the pasta.


Although my co-blogger Raquel Chua could not make it because Sam was sick, Daddy Jon came over with her freshly-baked red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. They were a hit, and so was my cake which made all my hard labor pay off.





L-R: Raquel's red velvet cupcakes and my home-made lemon cake with fondant.



It was a day to remember, and another wonderful story to tell Caitlin of how we spent her first birthday when she is old enough to ask for stories. Despite agonizing over how her party will turn out to be with all our hands-on participation, we could not imagine having it any other way.

But please don't ask me yet whether we'll do it again for baby number two. Planning a child's first birthday is not as easy as it seems.

For now, let me continue to savor the milestone that Caitlin has achieved and how we are blessed to have celebrated it in the company of close family and friends.



- Mommy Smiley

PS: All photos posted here were taken by Lianne Bacorro.






DIY souvenirs for the kids. The boxes were filled with chocolates.





Abi Ong's sandwiches and salad.



Gymboree's table setting for the kids.






Gymboree mascot.



With mommy and daddy at the play floor.




Playing with daddy.



Matt and colors.



Caitlin on a toy horse.

Siblings Pillar and Tommy at play.




Caitlin wondering what's happening.



We are happy as can be!



Jump!



Bubbles everywhere.



The famous Gymboree parachute.

Caitlin turns 1!

The birthday girl.




The older kids at play.

More arts play.



Older kids' art works.

What's important is that she had fun on her first birthday party.

Yummy recipe: taco salad

There is something therapeutic about cooking - even while you are only preparing the ingredients. I guess it's the break from your usual routine that makes cooking fresh again. I did not use to cook. I only picked it up when I got married - same with my other newly-acquired domestic skills such as baking and sewing. So when I finally put Caitlin to sleep, I detached from my phone and stayed away from my laptop so I can prepare the dressing for the Yummy Taco Salad that we are having for lunch.

I modified the recipe I found from http://www.yummy.ph/. I never used cilantro leaves and sour cream. And I also do not follow the recipe to the letter, but according to taste. Today, however, I will be using soft tortillas instead of nachos which we usually have. If that does not work, we can always buy tortilla chips at the nearest convenience store.

The Yummy Taco Salad is best served during dinnertime with beer, but it is up to you really.

Click on this link to view the recipe submitted by Jun Jun de Guzman or see my version below.

For the dressing:
Combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, tomato sauce, sugar, chopped onion, and a dash of hot sauce to taste.

For the beef mixture:
Saute chopped garlic and onion in oil. Add in the ground beef. Season with cumin powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

You'll also need to chop lettuce and tomatoes in bite size pieces.

To assemble the salad, lay your nachos, soft tortillas, or tortilla chips on a platter. Spread lettuce and tomatoes on top. Add in your beef mixture and dressing before topping it off with grated cheddar cheese.

Enjoy!

- Mommy Smiley

Trying the recipe with tortilla chips. It's still best with nachos.

If you want it heavy and very filling, try it with soft tortillas.