Babywearing convert

I am not aware that October is babywearing month until I read Mommy Raquel's post. I am actually a recent convert to babywearing, thanks to her. We received a baby carrier - not the sling type - for Caitlin when she was young, but my husband wasn't convinced because it made him feel hot. On my part, I also worried whether it is strong enough to hold my child. So we shelved it and instead took turns in carrying our daughter when she doesn't feel like sitting on her stroller when we were out.

When we had our second daughter, however, things had to change. She was prematurely born at seven months and needed constant cuddling. We did Kangaroo care (skin to skin contact) while she was still confined at the hospital and I'd like to believe that it greatly helped improve her weight in conjunction with the vitamins that she was - and still is - taking.

So because of her need to be constanly next to me, I thought of babywearing. I got Mamaway and taught myself how to use it by watching youtube clips. I have yet to watch the vcd that the sling comes with. I experimented on the Koala position with Caitlin and, surprisingly, she loved it at 17 months. My husband also loved it. He took Caitlin on a sling when he went to the grocery or the mall, and he even got pretty good comments (something like how responsible looking he is). I am sure they looked great together even though I wasn't there to take their pictures.

So if you haven't got a sling yet, it's not too late to convert to babywearing as my toddler and husband can attest to. And it's never too early to start too.

Happy babywearing month it is!

- Mommy Smiley

October Is BabyWearing Month

October is World Babywearing Awareness Month (Oct 8-14)

I'am a pro-babywearing mommy. We started using sling when Sam was just 4months. Why sling? I find strollers too bulky, heavy and we end up putting bags on it. I like how sling works. I get to carry my child with weight evenly distributed. I have free hands to use specially when using escalators and carrying of bags. I also love how i can nurse in public freely. When Jon and I decide to get sling we got the Maya BabySling.  

To know more about Maya BabySling read here http://www.mayawrap.com/
To know more about babywearing group you may view their page here babywearing international
To know more about babywearing you may read about it here wiki/Babywearing
To know more about babywearing (article) read on here smartparenting

Babywearing Sam at 4 months old

Babywearing at 6 months

Babywearing Sam on a out of town trip in batangas  6months 

Sam at 15 months with his Baba at SM Megamall

Sam with me his Mimi at Greenbelt 5.

Sam with me at Jamba Juice MOA

To learn how to properly wear your sling check out the video:Putting on your Maya Wrap Baby Sling

You on baby slings too? What sling you using? Would you consider babywearing too? Tell me about it. Lets share tips. Love to hear from you guys. 

Mommy Raquel

MybabySaffron look of the day:

Saffron Look of the day:

view full image

"#mybabysaffron look of the day. Long sleeves onesies & cap by mothercare (shangri-la), jeans by guess kids (sm baguio), shoes by Nike (location at Yabu megamall) "

Mommy Raquel

Weaning Caitlin from breastfeeding

It's ironic that as we celebrate the breastfeeding month this August, I have to wean my nearly 16-month-old from directly breastfeeding from me for medical reasons.

I have been diagnosed with placenta previa totalis and there's a rare chance that it will change before I am due. As is the case, according to my doctor, there is the threat of bleeding that could result to an emergency C-section before I reach my full-term. Since direct breastfeeding involves nipple stimulation and the release of oxytoxin that could contribute to contraction and trigger bleeding, I have been adviced to wean my child from suckling from me.

Although I don't feel any uterine contractions during breastfeeding and I haven't bled since I got pregnant, I can't take any chances for the sake of my baby. The goal is to bring her to full-term healthy.

On a brighter note, I am happy that Caitlin is past one year old with a very good appetite for healthy and nutritious foods so I need not worry too much about her health.

Besides, in the past six months, she has been feeding less and less from me. Sometimes even sleeping through the night without milk. It bothered me at first, thinking that I will dry out of milk, but was gently reminded that breastfeeding, then and now, continues to be demand-led.

So by the time that I have been told to wean, Caitlin has been feeding to sleep roughly four times a day.

Weaning, like beginning your breastfeeding journey, can't be established overnight. I am at least glad that I don't have to stop abruptly because of something I took that could harm Caitlin, for example. So I had the luxury to take weaning a day at a time.

On the first week, I have successfully removed one daytime session only to put it back one day to pacify her when she's all weepy and cranky from lack of nap.

On week two, breastfeeding has been cut to three sessions with the introduction of about one to two ounces a day of fresh goat's milk to her diet since that's only how much she would take.

We're now on the third week and have successfully increased her goat's milk intake to about two ounces during the day and another two at night. The breastfeeding sessions have been cut to two. One in the day and when she wakes up in the middle of the night.

She still prefers breasts at night and I give in or else we all wouldn't be able to sleep.

I have two more months to go before I am due, and I am uncertain what week four will bring. But I am happy to have reached this far, and provided this much for my daughter.

Breastfeeding is a wonderful experience. Yes, you will have your bad, awkward, tiring, and at first, painful moments. But when you get past those, the bond that forms between mother and child is priceless.

Happy breastfeeding month Everyday Mommy!

- Mommy Smiley

One of those rare times when she gets to drink her fresh goat's milk.

Medela Moms hosts annual baby shower

Medela Moms threw its second annual baby shower for expectant moms at its premises in New Manila on Aug. 4.

The Medela House was filled with pregnant mommies and their supportive husbands who were equally attentive to the discussions on breastfeeding, finding a good yaya, and tips on going back to work, and were even very participative during the fun games.

Loot bags and game prizes awaited participants which included two portraits of each mom by photographer Lawrence del
Mundo and lactation brownies by Mommy Treats, among others.

PGH-certified Lactation Counsellor Abbie Yabot talked at length about breastfeeding, among them, its benefits, the proper latch, and the likely challenges.

She mentioned that the baby is full from the placenta in the first three to five days of life and only needed about one teaspoon of milk to hydrate his or her tummy. Hence, there really is no need to give water or formula as these may disrupt breastfeeding, she said.

Beginning breastfeeding is not a walk in the park. The first two weeks are the hardest, but equipping yourself with the right knowledge can do a lot to help you succeed.

So if you are serious about giving what's best for your child then consider breastfeeding. And once you have decided on breastfeeding your child, plan ahead and seek out support groups or attend seminars such as those offered by Medela Moms. Connecting with other moms during said seminars could also give you the needed pat in the back when you need it the most.

You do not have to be alone in your journey - during your pregnancy and once you give birth. Apart from your immediate family, there's a whole network of supportive moms out there who are wont to help and encourage fellow mommies in their quest at giving what's best for their child or who are simply open to share their experiences to help you as you build your own.

- Mommy Smiley

Some of the treats and prizes for the expectant moms.

Lactation counselor Abbie Yabot talks about breastfeeding.

Happy Breastfeeding Month!

Breastfeeding is one of God's ways to let us know his wonders. It is indeed such a wonder how a mother can produce food for her infant child and how that will be enough for the baby to thrive in his or her first six months of life. Breastmilk, for me, is akin to God turning water into wine - a miracle. A miracle, too, is how a woman's life is changed when she becomes a mother. Becoming a mother and breastfeeding my child Saffron for 16 months now make me feel fortunate to have experienced God's wonders.

So as we celebrate the breastfeeding month this August, let me greet my fellow breastfeeding moms and thank those who helped me in my own journey.

To those who are still breastfeeding, keep it up! To the new moms who doubt their ability to produce milk, believe! You can do this for your baby. To the moms who fight for our right to continue breastfeeding our child vs the monster bill, thank you. We are grateful. To the moms who are advocates of breastfeeding, we need more like you. To my co-blogger mommy Smiley, thank you for being my support (group) so that we can give what's best for our babies. May God continue to bless you and may He always keep you and your babies safe. To my mom for breastfeeding me for the longest among my siblings, thank you. To my Ate for helping me during the first few months of my journey to motherhood and to my ninang Virgie for always encouraging me to breastfeed, my profound thanks. To Maricel and Beng of Medela Moms, thank you for always opening your house to new moms like me and for answering my calls when I was almost at the verge of giving up. To Abbie Yabbot, for sharing your gift and knowledge in breastfeeding to all the moms, thank you. I am also grateful to Dra. Joy Ty-Sy for helping me and encouraging me to breastfeed.

And to my loving husband who's so proud and supportive of me, thank you for giving up your space where I can confortably breastfeed and for waking up every morning to take care of Sam so I could rest more.

So before Saffron turns 1 year and 4 months on August 10, I surprised him with a cake to mark his birthdate and to celebrate the breastfeeding month as well.

Happy breastfeeding!

- Mommy Raquel

Happy breastfeeding month!

Yummy recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu

It's been awhile since my last post. I got busy baking cookies for breastfeeding moms and making our weekly menus at home. That's my role - I do the weekly menus and make desserts. I also encourage you mommies to do your weekly menus. It will not only help save you time when doing your grocery, but it will also let you stick to your budget. Plus, it will guide your helpers as to what to feed your kids.

Unlike other moms who have to rush home from work to cook dinner, I am lucky because I married a professional chef. That said, I usually tell my husband what I want for dinner and he does it for me. That means an overwhelming culinary experience of about six years (four years in college and two in culinary school) into my plate.

For every new recipe, my husband Chef Jon usually performs a mini demo to our staff so our cook can re-create them when they appear on the weekly menu. Here's a sample.

Monday:

Breakfast (B): Oatmeal with milk and banana

Lunch (L): Kiwi, Beef Afritada with potatoes, Fried Chicken, Brown Rice

Dinner (D): Ebi Tempura, Beef Gyudon, Cabbage Salad with Sesame Miso dressing, Miso Soup, Brown Rice

Tuesday:

B: Open-faced sandwich with caramelized onions and cream cheese and orange wedges

L: Kiwi, Beef Soup, Grilled Bangus Belly wrapped in banana leaves, Green beans and Brown Rice

D: Avocado, Egg Ampalaya, Chicken Cordon Blue and Calamares, Brown Rice

Wednesday:

B: Orange wedges, Corned beef and Brown Fried Rice

L: Papaya, Beef Sinigang and Brown Rice

D: Ripe Mango, Fresh Mushroom soup, Roast Tamarind Chicken, Steamed Broccoli, Fried Dory, Brown Rice

Thursday:

B: Oatmeal with milk and Papaya

L: Banana, Pork Ribs Nilaga with pechay, Fried Galunggong and Eggplant Torta, Brown Rice

D: Pears, Nilaga Soup, Korean Beef Stew, Grilled Shrimps, Steamed vegetable (beans, sayote and cauliflower)

Friday:

B: Apple, Club Sandwich (Ham, Egg and Chicken Spread), Hot Choco

L: Atis, Beef soup with Malungay, Fried Pampano, Pinoy ensalada (Bagoong with tomatoes and onions), Steamed Okra, Brown Rice

D: Dragon Fruit, Chicken Tinola with Malungay, Baked Pork Ribs, Brown Rice

Saturday

B: Pomelo, Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese Sandwich

L: Lunch at Mameng's

D: Dinner Date

Sunday:

B: Papaya and Pancit Canton with Egg

L: Lunch at Ama's house

D: Family dinner

I often post pictures of our dinners at Instagram (follow me @raquelchua) and most of my followers ask me for recipes so I am sharing you one on this blog: Chicken Cordon Bleu by Chef Jon.

Ingredients:

4 pcs chicken leg quarter, deboned

4 slices cooked sweet ham

4 long strips Quickmelt cheese (We love Magnolia Quickmelt Cheese)*

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

2 pc eggs, beaten

1 1/2 cup Japanese breadcrumbs

cooking oil for deep-frying

*If you don't like Quickmelt cheese you may use pasteurized cheese (I love Quez-O Cheese)

toothpicks

Procedure:
Place boneless chicken skin side down on a chopping board. Place 1 ham per chicken then a strip of cheese. Roll chicken into a log then seal the ends with 3-4 toothpicks per chicken.

Prepare 3 bowls or plate for your breading.

1st bowl: Combine flour with salt and pepper.

2nd bowl: Place egg and whisk until well beaten.

3rd bowl: Place Japanese bread crumbs.

Dredge the chicken onto the flour mixture, dip into the egg, then completely coat with Japanese breadcrumbs.

After drenching in eggs, coat the chicken with breadcrumbs.

Pre-heat oil for deep-frying. Preheat oven to 350F. When the oil is hot, deep fry chicken until the crumbs are golden brown. How will you know if the oil is ready? Sprinkle some breadcrumbs in the oil. If it bubbles, it’s ready for deep-frying.

Place them in paper towels so it can absorb the excess oil. Then put the chicken onto a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.

Bake in the oven for 20 minutes (325F) or until the chicken is fully cooked with an internal temperature of at least 165F.

Remove the chicken and let it rest on a chopping board, about 5 minutes. Slice chicken into thin rounds and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Hint: if you are using boneless chicken breast fillet, there is no need to cook inside the oven. Skip the oven part as they quickly cook during deep-frying. Boneless leg quarters are far thicker so they need to be finished off inside the oven. If you don't own an oven, you can continue cooking by oil.

Happy cooking mommies!

- Mommy Raquel

Upscaling used containers

Upscaling or upgrading used containers that you have at home is not only a fun activity that you can share with the kids, but it is also an opportunity to teach them how to contribute to the environment by recycling and avoiding unnecessary waste.


Those are two great reasons to get into upscaling in the first place even though those weren't my primary reasons for deciding to decorate a used plastic container that has been keeping Caitlin's tea set for months.


My initial thought was only to cover up the container to make it more appealing so I got a purple cloth, ribbon, garter, matching thread and brought out my machine for an hour of sewing. And in another container, I simply put paper stickers and a few scrapbooking decors and glued them on the box.


The results were better looking boxes for Caitlin's toys.


Earlier, I also put ribbons around a used sardines bottle and converted it into a hair clip container.


With more toys and other children's stuff piling up in the house, it's a challenge to keep everything tidy everyday and containers - big and small - always come in handy to keep some toy parts together or just hide away all the mess.


I am sure there are a lot of used stuff lying around in your house that - with a little imagination - could turn out to be something else more beautiful.


Happy upscaling!


- Mommy Smiley



A used cookie container.

Putting cover on a used container.

Decorating a used box with stickers and craft materials.

Stacking them.

Making use of an old cookie container.

A box to put away some of her toys.



Hair clip organizer.

Another view.

Lactation cookies giveaway winners

The results are in and we are happy to announce the five winners of a week’s supply of Mama Chow’s lactation cookies baked fresh by pastry chef Raquel Chua of Ginquelrus and co-blogger of Everyday Mommy Diary.

Mama Chow’s lactation cookies are packed with commonly used galactagogues such as oats, flaxseed, and fenugreek. Galactagogues are any substance believed to increase breastmilk supply.

These cookies are great for sharing – even for those who are not nursing such as your spouse or another child in the house. For breastfeeding moms, just take three to four lactation cookies a day. Results vary on individuals. Direct feed your child whenever you can to stimulate more milk supply.

The winners are:

Melody L. Liwanag

Leira Bhagwani Pagaspas

Dyann Alon-Alon

Roxi Roman-Santiago

Jennie Lyn Cuyco

Congratulations, you have been e-mailed for instructions on how to claim your prize. Thank you for joining Mama Chow’s lactation cookies giveaway!

Join Mama Chow's lactation cookies giveaway

It has been a blessing to be able to breastfeed my first son since birth and up until now that he's beyond one. But my experience is not without its difficulties.

I also experienced low milk supply during the times that I had to be away from Sam for work. At least, that was how I felt when I was able to pump less and less milk for storage in the freezer. So when I stumbled upon a lactation cookie recipe, I lost no time to try it out and even refine it to my own taste and liking. I gave away some to my other breastfeeding mommy friends and much to my surprise, they not only loved the taste, but the cookies also helped increase their milk supply.

So in much the same way that my own lactation cookie recipe helped me when I needed to pump more breastmilk for my son, I hope these cookies will also aid in your breastfeeding journey.

That said, I am donating one week supply of lactation cookies to five breastfeeding mommies who have been so kind-hearted at giving some of their pumped breastmilk to those in need at the social network Human Milk for Human Babies - Philippines.

Mama Chow's Oatmeal Lactation Cookies

 

But not only that, I am also giving away for free another weeklong supply of lactation cookies to five breastfeeding mommies who are struggling with their milk supply.

Mama Chow's Oatmeal Lactation Cookies are packed individually.

How to get the lactation cookies for free:

1. You must be a member and a breastmilk donor of Human Milk for Human Babies to avail of the weeklong suppy of Mama Chow's lactation cookies for breastmilk donors.

2. Look for the giveaway icon on this blog or go to Everyday Mommy Diary on facebook, look for our giveaway through Rafflecopter, and join.

You may get the giveaway widget here to share and post to friends who may need boosting of their breastmilk supply: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/Y2Y3NjAzZWIxYzY1OTYzNWFmN2EyZjA4MDQwMWFlOjE=/

I send these cookies with love and hope that more mommies will endeavor to provide what's best for their babies: breastmilk. And also the thought that however difficult breastfeeding may be for some, pray to endure because breast is still best.


- Mommy Raquel


NB: take three to four lactation cookies a day. Results vary on individuals. Direct feed your child whenever you can to stimulate more milk supply.

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