Shopping for Junior Pie: All About Diapers

Posted by InstantMommy at Sunday, April 11, 2010 0 comments
             I was writing a post about the money jar system (the money management system that Jovel and I will be implementing starting April 15 see my post about Vision 2010), when I got a text message from my mom. She asked when I will be going to Gapan. She also asked whether I'm already done shopping for Bukol Pie's stuff. I know for a fact the she already bought some pillows and layettes for the bukol. I conferred with Jovel first before I replied because 1.) We haven't really decided on that exact date when we'll be going to Gapan. I haven't updated my marital status and married name on my IDs and bank account yet. I need to have them updated to get a check that I'll need for my "panganganak" budget. 2.) We haven't bought anything for Junior Pie yet. We're planning to do that this week. My mom is suggesting that I buy everything in Gapan but I thought shopping for our baby's stuff is something that Jovel and I must experience as a couple. I sent my mom an "elusive" reply, if you know what I mean.☺
             Being a statistician-mom, I opened Microsoft Excel and started encoding our shopping list in a spreadsheet. Top on my list are Junior Pie's diapers. I'm not sure what type of diapering system that Junior Pie and I will be using, so I decided to get a little of each diaper type.

              Traditional lampin cloth diapers. This may be unpopular among moms my age but my first choice when it comes to diapers is the lampin. This is the most economical and environment friendly choice. I remember using my own lampin as pangsapi sa likod when I was already in high school. That's how long-lasting these diapers are. Tiyaga tiyaga nga lang, when it comes to monitoring the wetness, because the lampin is not as absorbent as disposable as "newer versions" of the diaper. Anyway, it is actually in my baby's best interest if I will change her nappies as soon as she soils them, don't you agree?
             Generic, unbranded flat diapers are widely available in public markets and department stores, but I have heard that they are not as good as they were before. Some moms and, even, dads swear by the quality of brands like Curity and Enfant. Flat cloth diapers or lampin come in two common varieties - birdseye and gauze. While birdseye is said to be more absorbent, gauze is proven to be more breathable. My mom used the gauze type when my sisters and I were little, so I’ll be using that too. I just can’t wait to embroider Junior Pie’s name on her lampin.

             Leak-proof diaper covers. To solve the issue of absorbency when using lampin, I’m also getting a couple of leak-proof diaper covers for Junior Pie. I saw plain, unbranded ones in SM but they are not cute and made of “baby-friendly” materials like Enfant and Diaperaps.

             Pocket diapers. One modern version of the diaper is the pocket diaper. It’s a pre-fitted cloth diaper that has a pocket for folded flat cloth diapers or inserts (can be disposable or reusable). Its outer cover is made of waterproof material so it’s leak proof, while its inner layer is made of micro fleece or microfiber that keeps wee-wee away from baby. A lot of imported brands are available online but I’ll be asking a local manufacturer to make customized nappies for Junior Pie. I’m just waiting for Jovel to come up with the designs.

             Disposable diapers. As much as I would like to protect the environment, I always believe that I should put people first. I do realize that other caregivers (relatives and friends) may not be as keen on monitoring Junior Pie’s diaper as I hope I would be. Tsaka masisirang tulog ni Junior Pie if she wets her nappy in the middle of the night, so I’ve conceded to using disposable diapers during night time and other occasions. I’m still torn between two brands - Fitti and Earth’s Best. Both brands are said to be gentle on baby's skin and dependable for night-time use. What I liked about Fitti is its Aloe Vera liner that helps prevents rashes. On the other hand, Earth’s Best is latex-free, dye-free, perfume-free and non-toxic making it safe for babies and the environment. Has anybody tried any of these two? Which one do you think is better?

               I'm super excited to try all of these on Junior Pie. One of our biggest considerations is affordability but we'll stick with whatever will work best for our little bukol. Anyway, I came upon some business ideas while studying the different types of diapers. Instead of being an expense, a diaper business may just be the perfect business venture that I’ve been waiting for!

1 Million Visitors Free

Posted by InstantMommy at Friday, April 09, 2010 1 comments
   Let's see if this will work...


The Love Dare - Day 13

Posted by InstantMommy at Thursday, April 08, 2010 1 comments
The Love Dare - Day 13: Love Fights Fair

"Talk with your spouse about establishing healthy rules of engagement. If your mate is not ready for this, then write out your own personal rules to "fight" by. Resolve to abide by them when the next disagreement occurs."
 ♥♥♥
   The Love Dare Book was featured in the movie Fireproof. See it on Blu-ray.





The DOH Unang Yakap Campaign

Posted by InstantMommy at Thursday, April 08, 2010 4 comments

   On December 7, 2009, the Department of Health launched the Unang Yakap Campaign. With this campaign, the DOH aims to cut down infant mortality in the Philippines by at least half. The campaign employs Essential Newborn Care (ENC) Protocol as a strategy to improve the health of the newborn through interventions before conception, during pregnancy, at and soon after birth, and in the postnatal period. The ENC Protocol provides an evidence-based, low cost, low technology package of interventions that will save thousands of lives.

    Based on health statistics, the Philippines is one of the 42 countries that account for 90% of under-five mortality worldwide. 82,000 Filipino children under five years old die every year. 37% of them are newborn. Majority of them (3/4) die within the first two days of life. Mostly due to stressful events or conditions during labor, delivery and immediate postpartum period. The current practice of handling newborns, like clamping and cutting the umbilical cord and washing the baby right after birth, have been known to actually contribute to the high incidence of neonatal deaths and illnesses in the country. Thus the need for a paradigm shift from  the prevailing standard procedures into the new protocol.

    Health Secretary Duque explained that the ENC Protocol involves focusing on the first hours of life of the newborn with the manual guiding health workers in providing evidence-based essential newborn care.
 
       The guidelines categorize procedures into time-bound, non time-bound and unnecessary procedures:


  • Time bound procedures should be routinely performed first - immediate drying, skin-to-skin contact followed by clamping of the cord after one to three minutes, non-separation of the newborn from the mother and breastfeeding initiation.
  • Non time-bound intervention should only be done after the first full breastfeed. These are immunizations, eye care, Vitamin K administration and weighing. Washing must be postponed by at least 6 hours.
  • The so-called unnecessary procedures include routine suctioning, routine separation of newborns for observations, administration of prelacteals like glucose, water formula and footprinting.
       Here's a screen capture of the ENC time-bound intervention flowchart as presented by Dr. Maria Asuncion Silvestre F.A.A.P.





   In celebration of the International Women's Month, the U.P. Manila School of Health Sciences held a symposium with the theme "Unang Yakap: Yakap ng Ina. Yakap ng Buhay" to tackle the New DOH-WHO ENC Protocol. Sadly, some participants from the medical and academe sectors commented that the new protocol is contrary with the common practices of most local hospitals today. The ENC is currently being practiced by three hospitals in Metro Manila: Quirino Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City, and Fabella Memorial Medical Center and Philippine General Hospital in Manila.

♥♥♥

    Now, one of my concerns as an expectant mom is to ensure that the new protocol would be observed when I give birth to Junior Pie in Gapan. Will probably discuss this with the pedia beforehand and attach a copy of Dra. Silvestre's presentation, the Administrative Order and ENC Guidebook to my birth plan.

The Love Dare - Day 12

Posted by InstantMommy at Wednesday, April 07, 2010 0 comments
The Love Dare - Day 12: Love Lets the Other Win
"Demonstrate love by willingly choosing to give in to an area of disagreement between you and your spouse. Tell them you are putting their preference first."

Hm, I've never done this before... We'll see.

Read the complete daily devotional, record your thoughts and experiences as you perform the challenges - Order your copy of The Love Dare Book NOW.

4438

Posted by InstantMommy at Monday, April 05, 2010 1 comments
   Hello Globe?! It's already April 5 and I still haven't received any message from 4438.

   My husband, Jovel, on the other hand, received this message yesterday: "From Globe: APRIL 4 marks how Globe values YOU through the years. Ngayon, may balik na POINTS ang load mo at MORE FREEBIES para sayo! Txt REWARDS to 4438 for free."

    Been looking forward to this text ever since I'd learned that the (then) soon to be launch program is a rewards program for Globe subscribers. I've been a heavy mobile phone user because of my work and I've always been a sucker for rewards and freebies programs such as this.

   Hay... has everyone received their 4438 message? Do you think I can just go ahead and register my Globe handyphone without the "invitation"? Tampo na ko...

The Love Dare - Day 11

Posted by InstantMommy at Monday, April 05, 2010 0 comments
The Love Dare - Day 11: Love Cherishes
" What need does your spouse have that you could meet today? Can you run an errand? Give a back rub or foot massage? Is there housework you could help with? Choose a gesture that says, "I cherish you" and do it with a smile."

Naiisip niyo bang naiisip ko? *wink* *wink*

Jovel's Art Work (Iraq 2004-2005)

Posted by InstantMommy at Monday, April 05, 2010 0 comments









Vision 2010

Posted by InstantMommy at Sunday, April 04, 2010 0 comments
   Close friends and family know that I will be going away middle of April to give birth to Junior Pie in Gapan and stay there until Jovel and I will be able find a suitable place for Junior Pie to stay in here in Manila.

   Though we are open to starting new businesses in Nueva Ecija, we're also open to the possibility that I might not be able to do any income generating activity while staying there. Should that happen, our family that used to be a two income household for two people will become a single income household for three people. Knowing this, Jovel and I are gearing up to double, triple, quadruple - multiply our income for the days to come.

   I spent a good part of the holidays reading about the Law of Attraction and listening to T. Harv Ecker's Millionaire Mind Intensive Program. With these, I'd decided to illustrate our 'targets' via a vision board and here's what I came up with.

    Jovel said he'll be printing a big tarpaulin copy that he'd post in our home office in Malate. ☺

    Jovel and I were too busy with being 'newly pregnant' at the beginning of 2010 but I guess it's never too late to start on a New Year's goal. We'll also be starting on a new money management system on April 15 paycheck. ☺

The Love Dare - Day 10

Posted by InstantMommy at Sunday, April 04, 2010 0 comments
The Love Dare - Day 10: Love is Unconditional

"Do something out of the ordinary today for your spouse - something that proves (to you and to them)that your love is based on your choice and nothing else. Wash her car. Clean the kitchen. Buy his favorite dessert. Fold the laundry. Demonstrate love to them for the sheer joy of being their partner in marriage."

Do Not Be Afraid

Posted by InstantMommy at Saturday, April 03, 2010 0 comments
I was reflecting on the message of the song "Huwag Kang Mangamba" this morning when I realized that its title is actually the Tagalog translation of the Easter message: "Do not be afraid."



Happy Easter Everyone! :D

The Love Dare - Day 9

Posted by InstantMommy at Friday, April 02, 2010 0 comments
The Love Dare - Day 9: Love Makes Good Impressions

"Think of a specific way you'd like to greet your spouse today. Do it with a smile and with enthusiasm. Then determine to change your greeting to reflect your love for them."

Wrong Side

Posted by InstantMommy at Friday, April 02, 2010 0 comments
   Pregnant women are advised to avoid sleeping on their back because this sleeping position rests the entire weight of their heavy uterus on their back, intestines and two major blood vessels. This will not only worsen backaches but will also interfere with breathing and cut off the blood circulation to the baby. Sleeping on the left side is recommended to allow for maximum flow of blood and nutrients to the placenta.

   I've been following this advice since I read it in Smart Parenting's "The Smart Mom's guide to Pregnancy and Baby's First Year" book. I was then 2 months pregnant. Seven months into my pregnancy, I would often wake up in the middle of the night feeling sore on my left side. I seldom feel rested or relaxed whenever I lie on my left side. It seems like I'm literally getting tired of lying on my left side and longing to rest my back or right side, after a long while of not being able to.

   Sometimes, when I go to bed early and Jovel is still up or whenever I wake up a little early in the morning, I would try to sneak a few minutes of sleep on my right side. Grabeh, miss na miss ko nang matulog nang nakatihaya or sa right side. I would tell Junior Pie, "Right side muna tayo mag-sleep Junior ha. Sandali lang. Kick mong malakas si mami kapag nahirapan ka." Wala pang 10 minutes, Junior pie would start kicking violently on my right side, as if trying to turn me to the other side by herself and telling me that I'm sleeping on the wrong side. Ang cute noh? So balik ulit ako sa left side. Hay...

The Love Dare - Day 8

Posted by InstantMommy at Thursday, April 01, 2010 0 comments
The Love dare - Day 8: Love is not Jealous

"Determine to become your spouse's biggest fan and to reject any thoughts of jealousy. To help you set your heart on your spouse and focus on their achievements, take yesterday's list of negative attributes and discreetly burn it. Then share with your spouse how glad you are about a success he or she recently enjoyed."
 

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