The New Avent Manual Comfort Breast Pump

I bought an extra manual pump from Avent because my other two electric pumps from a different brand gave up. It is under repair.

Here is a quick list of benefits, well as for me, of the new Avent manual comfort breast pump.

•  Easy to clean. You can reach all parts of the body of the pump.
• Space saver. It can fit perfectly in my container or pouch.
• Little effort to express. There is no “ngalay” factor. My hands do not get tired easily.
• Very easy to assemble.
• Fits to the old model of single electric pump though you need to hold the machine tight. Plus, it will not stand with the machine on it.

I’m loving my Avent manual comfort breast pump!

Mommy kisses,

May

Thermomix: A Wish

It was a very bad idea that we (May and I) went to Thermomix Product Demo... Now we are lusting on this small yet powerful kitchen equipment that is so intelligent and efficient. Of course, a product that good has a huge price tag that we cannot afford at the moment but putting on top of our wish list. To our husbands, our family, friends and to Santa... we wish to have a Thermomix TM31! :-)

crushed fresh lemon with sugar

add some water

enjoy your natural and fresh lemonade

it can clean itself also

this will soon be ours. :-)

It cannot only do lemonade and other drinks, but it can help you knead bread dough and cook chicken adobo and binagoongan as well, plus cold desserts like sorbets and a whole lot more. Oh my heart, please be still. :-)

Mommy hugs,

Mel

Healthy Snacks for Breastfeeding Mommies

Do you want these? 

You can also achieve these. You can also express 18 oz of breast milk in one sitting.

If you want these, here is another healthy treat for us breastfeeding mommies. Actually, even if you are not breastfeeding and you want to eat healthier foods while at work, this is perfect for you – oatmeal with malunggay powder.

I bought from an online seller 1 kilo of malunggay powder and 50 pcs of malunggay tea bags. These are mainstay items on my office desk. I just add malunggay powder on whatever I eat or drink such as soup or hot choco.

Yes, I am using my son’s old but still useful bowl and spoon. These items are so cute that I cannot afford throw.

For three years, I am in constant search of the best way to help me produce more breast milk for my kids especially my Kuya K loves to continue nursing from me or drinking from the bottle or from his cup.

Will share more of my secret weapons why my supply of milk is abundant.

Another secret is – praying. I always pray that we will be blessed with more milk!

Mommy kisses,

May 

Sign for the week: Daddy

The next most important person in our children’s lives (sorry I’m biased) is their father, thus we’re showing the sign for DADDY.

Till next week.

Mommy hugs,

Mel

Where is the perfect spot to express your breast milk?

Since I have been expressing breast milk in 2011, I can say that I have become resourceful where and when I can express milk. I can even do it while working and talking with someone, using a manual pump!

You would probably agree with me – we can multi-task better than our spouses, right mommies?

I really need to multi-task. When at work, I do not want to make it an excuse that I need to express milk. I am fully aware that there is a law that allows nursing moms to have additional 40 minutes to express milk on top of the usual break times.

It is a personal choice. I want to provide the best milk then, I have to look for ways on how to do it effectively and efficiently. I am willing to sacrifice time for myself because I know I am investing the best investment I will ever make – the health of my children. This is for them. Actually, for all of us. Here goes my list of places where I expressed milk and still a perfect place for me to continue expressing milk:

• Movie house: In order for me to watch a movie with my husband just in time to the next screening, I expressed milk inside the movie house. Actually, at this time, I personally do not choose to watch a late night movie with my husband or friends. My kids’ body clock will say around seven or eight o’clock in the evening, “Mama will be home anytime soon.” I aim to be at their side at eight or nine in the evening, the latest. During Christmas parties, I express milk right after eating dinner so that when I get home, I will just take a bath and be with them in an instant.

• Quezon City Circle Park: In one of the covered areas of the park where our team building was held, I expressed milk while participating in a charades game. I can still remember, I was able to answer “Palawan” in just 5 seconds! Then when I checked my milk container after the entire game, I got 6 ounces of milk.

• Waiting lounge: While my husband and I were waiting for our turn to have the keys in our unit, I need to express milk. There is no other choice but wherever we were sitting. Again, I don’t care if a male agent is sitting in front of us. I have my cover and I can do whatever I have to do.

• Hotel clinic: During our annual company-wide Christmas party, after dinner I have to express my milk. I went to the hotel’s clinic. The doctor on-duty provided me a covered area. However, to my surprise, while in the middle of doing my job, she opened the curtain. She watched while I express milk and asked me questions.

• Hotel small room: When I cannot be away that long during a seminar and it will take time to go to the hotel’s clinic, I just ask from the hotel staff if there is a small room that is vacant near the room where the seminar is being held.

• Nursing station: More and more establishments are supporting breastfeeding moms. Whenever I need to do some errands at the mall after work, I express milk at the nursing station.

• Comfort room: Yes, you read it right. In our office, we have this comfort room that is opened when there is a function at the hall. This means it is not usually used. Though right now, it is opened daily. I expressed milk in this not so-good and not advisable location for one year.

• My office desk: Then, I learned to express milk on my desk. There were times that even male colleagues approached me without noticing what I am doing. I can hide it under my shawl and desk.

• Pantry: While chit chatting with colleagues after eating lunch, I express milk.

• Car, FX and bus: Yes, I value time that is why when there is a chance, I will express milk.

My chaotic desk

I can express milk practically anywhere. I just need a cover and I can manage. My mind set is, I do not care what the people around me will say. All I want is to express milk because my children need my milk. Plus, if I don’t express milk with filled breasts, it will make me sick. It will give me a headache and it will make me uneasy.  

These are some ideas that you can follow. Always remember that do whatever works for you. Read other tips of other moms then come up with your own drill when you need to express milk.

How about you mommy, where have you expressed your milk lately? Enjoy expressing milk! This is for our babies.

Mommy kisses,

May

My Fashionable Baby Bag

Who says baby bags cannot be fashionable? Let me show you our new baby bag that is not only functional but also fabulous. ;-)

Our bag, always ready to go.

with my my son's favorite toy

 his baby book - just incase we need to see a doctor (aside from his pedia)

something to prevent insect bites and to mend minor cuts

plus a cup of water, this is a must.

his tablet at one of the secret pockets - this is my last weapon against boredom.

alcohol and wet tissue, we don't leave without these two.

all the other stuff we might be needing - cap, sunnies, cologne/perfume, lipstick, umbrella, vanity kit and wallet

I still bring the changing pad (just in case) and a toweland put it in one zipped pocket.

some identification documents, prayer booklet and rosary - you'll never know when will you be needing these.

Folding fan and bag hook

Everything in has its place inside our bag and I can get them instantly :-)

Mommy hugs,

Mel

Malunggay for Breakfast?

Breastfeeding or not, we cannot deny the health benefits of malunggay especially for women and children. It is packed with calcium, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C and protein that are vital to our daily diet. And having it during the most important meal of the day is such a wonderful treat. :-)

Here’s my Malunggay Breakfast Ensamble:

Home made peanut butter with malunggay ( 125 pesos per bottle)

Freshly baked malunggay pandesal ( 2 pesos each )

Malunggay Tea ( 5 pesos per tea bag )

Cheers to a healthy breakfast, Burp! Ooops. ;-)

Mommy hugs,

Mel

Baby Sign: Milk

Today is baby sign day!

Mel and I will share every Wednesday a baby sign that you can teach your baby. Here is a short video of my two kids doing the baby sign for milk.

Baby sign for milk

My son and daughter first learned the sign for milk probably because it is easy for a baby to do it.

The Sign for Milk

Many thought it is “close open,” one of the common and easy things that you can teach a baby. And many times, including my parents and my in laws, I’ve told them that it is not close open. It is a sign for milk and they are calling me. I did not teach them the sign for breastfeeding or direct feed. I opt to teach the sign for milk for them not to get confused.

Enjoy!

Mommy kisses,

May

What’s Inside My Bag?

Are you looking for the must-have items that you need to bring when travelling or when going to work with your breast pump? I am going to give you ideas on what I have been bringing everyday for the last three years.

I started expressing breast milk at work in 2011 for my eldest son. I stopped when I got pregnant with my daughter in 2012 but I still nurse my eldest at night while pregnant. I just don’t express and store anymore breast milk while at work. He also weaned from bottle feeding when I got pregnant. Though my eldest is back in drinking stored breast milk from the bottles because he is seeing it from his sister. This is another story to share.

First Travel Bag: A Failure

Before I share what I bring now everyday at work, on my first day when I came back to work from maternity leave, I brought a small fuchsia pink luggage. Inside the luggage: a small cooler and a small bag with my manual pump. I asked from the staff of our banquet operations cube ice during lunch time for my cooler. During the first two days, I found it hard to manage because when the ice melts, water drippings will be all over wherever I go. It is hard to commute carrying a luggage.

On my second day, I decided to get the single electric pump model of the brand of my manual pump and bought blue ice Coleman from SM department store. I used the luggage for 2 months. After using the single electric pump for a year, the machine gave up. So I have to look for another pump.

Second Travel Bag: Now a Success!

Now, I am using my ever reliable Jansport backpack. According to the tag of the bag, the handle helps lessen 50 percent of its total weight! I decided to get a back pack to make my hands free for carrying other stuff and my office bag.

So here goes the list:

Breast pump: In 2012, I shift to single Avent electric/manual pump. I bought from SM department store at a discounted price. As far as I know, Baby Company is on sale every March of the year. Plus, check the schedule of the yearly baby fair which is usually held at SM Megatrade hall. They offer great discounts. You will see in the photos that my 2-year old unit has been serving us. Thank you to Avent’s amazing product. 

Avent milk storage cups: I also got this at a discounted price. The box contains 10 cups with lids and 2 connectors. I use this when storing the breast milk inside the fridge at home.

 

Fridge-to-go: I bought my fridge-to-go from SM Centerpoint as well. It has panels inside. I store this inside the freezer. The one you see in the photo is also a 2-year old model. It is still working and serves its purpose. I put this Fridge-to-go bag inside a muslin cloth bag before I put it inside my backpack.

Ice packs: To help maintain the coolness of the fridge-to-go, I also put two ice packs which I bought from babymama.com. One ice pack is inside the pocket and the other one is inside the main bag. By the way, I removed the handle of the bag. I don’t need it anyway.

Milk storage bags: I segregate the breast milk that I express. There are batches for freezer and for fridge. I use storage plastic bags when storing inside the freezer. I also bought from babymama these Spectra bags.

Wash cloth: I bring wash cloth to wipe drippings of breast milk.

Lock and Lock container: I keep the pump and cups inside the container to secure the parts.

Extension cord: This is optional. I use this if I want to use my electric pump and I am not sure if there is an accessible socket and there is a need to express milk within a limited time frame. For instance, I am out for a meeting or conference.

Soap and Alcohol: To clean and sanitize your hands.

Tissue or wipes: For spills

Water tumbler: This is essential for nursing moms. Make it a habit to drink water before expressing milk and then drink again after expressing milk.

Tote bag: I keep all the stuff inside a tote bag before putting inside my backpack. This is to secure the precious items inside my bag.

This list is just an option of what you can bring when you go back to work or if you are going to be away from your baby for a day. 

The best present you can ever give at the end of the day is your breast milk.

Mommy kisses,

May

Busog Lusog Feeding Program: Garde Mange

As a breastfeeding mother of two, I always find ways to eat healthy. If I have the option of not choosing to grab my lunch from fast food establishments, I always go with my colleagues and friends at Illumine or at Magsaysay People’s Lounge, located in our office building, Times Plaza.

When I am asked where I will have my lunch, I always say, “I will go for my Busog Lusog Feeding Program J”

Why such name? I am sure that I am going to be satisfied with what I am going to eat at an affordable price. A complete meal course – soup, main entre, dessert, and iced tea is given to us at 50% discount as part of our employee benefit.

Last Friday, we enjoyed our lunch because it is Garde Mange day. On top of the usual lunch menu, we have the option to get the items from the garde manage buffet.

I am working with one of the best training schools for Culinary and Hospitality students. Part of the module of the Culinary Arts Program is preparing Garde Mange. According to Professional Cooking by Wayne Gisslen, the art of garde manger includes the techniques of cold food decoration, cold platter design and presentation, and the design and planning of buffets. Garde manger is an intricate and complex discipline.

Here are the outputs of our students that made my lunch last Friday.

Mommy kisses,

May

Baby and Toddler Feeding Set

I always look for the best products that will serve the needs of my children. Here are the factors I consider:

• Price: I am willing to spend for an item if it is durable and can serve its purpose for a reasonable time frame.
• Availability: If I can purchase the item anytime and anywhere. If I can buy it from an international seller like Amazon to save on costs, I schedule the purchase.
• Safety: I always make sure that the products I buy for my children are safe.

When buying any feeding item, here are the things I keep in mind:

• There will be no peeled off layers of the plastic. I once bought a feeding bowl from a department store that peels off because of everyday usage. Peel offs might get into the food of your baby.
• It can be sterilized.
• It will not spill when covered. I always look for non-spill tumblers and food containers.
• Colourful and attractive. I always go for orange and yellow colors if I have the options to choose. Orange color helps enhance the appetite. Yellow is attractive to the eyes of children.

I do not settle for one brand for all the stuff of my children. I choose from a particular brand that is the best for my children. Here are the items on the pictures that I love for my kids.

Pigeon step 2 spout: From SM department store. Pigeon offers different stages of cups for your children.

Munchkin Straw Cup: From Amazon.com (can also be bought from SM department stores, from the big branches such as Megamall though pricey when bought locally). The price of one piece here in the Philippines is equivalent to three pieces from Amazon.com.

We also have the Pigeon’s straw cup but my one year old daughter is having a hard time drinking from it that is why we go for a bigger straw. My eldest son used the Pigeon’s straw cup for a year. He preferred this for a drinking cup. Then we shift to Munchkin’s straw cup. Now, he loves drinking from the Tupperware Eco tumblers. We shifted to tumblers without a straw when we observed that he wants to drink from our tumblers – the bigger version of the Tupperware Eco 1L or 750 ml bottles. Now that it is summer, he can finish 500 ml of water. In our family, we encourage our little ones to drink more water and to always keep themselves hydrated.

First Years Take & Toss: From Amazon (available locally)

Ikea Kalas Feeding Set (Yellow): From Amazon. It is a 36-pc feeding set – 6 plates, 6 bowls, 6 cups, 6 spoons, 6 forks and 6 knives. You can also check online deals that offer the best prices of Ikea Kalas feeding set.

Below is a picture of how the Ikea Kalas feeding set looks like when used everyday. The plastic layers do not peel off.

First Years Toddler Fork, Spoon & Knife: Bought from SM department store with travel case.

Biokips containers: SM department store

Eco Tumbler from Tupperware: 500 ml is perfect for my growing kids.

When I want to save and my children do not need the item immediately, I schedule the purchase. I buy through Amazon.com and have it delivered to a US address, courtesy of cousins and friend. This is to save on shipping costs and to buy quality items. 

Above are some suggestions that you can apply. Just always remember, settle for any item that works best for your children.

Mommy kisses,

May

Are you waiting for a SIGN?

My son took a SIGN and SING course in Kindermusik at age one. It is a one hour per week session that teaches kids how to communicate through baby sign language using wonderful songs and melodies. During the course my son was able to say his first word – FOOD.

I believe that the course has enhanced his communication skills at a very young age. It helped us understand his needs better, thus decreasing significantly those what-do-you-really-want-?!?-moments in our lives. I also become a fan of baby sign language since then. And not only me but my friend May (the other half of this blog) as well. She teaches her son important signs that are useful in their day to day activities… you can imagine how animated our conversation with our kids? What more when we meet-up outside (like at the mall) with the family? Signs overload. Haha!

That being said, we decided to share one SIGN per week that you can learn and teach your kids, in the hope that in this way we can encourage better communication ad interaction between you and your child. J

Let’s begin with the most important sign for all of us…

MOMMY

Wait for the next SIGN.

Mommy hugs,

Mel

Thank you Philips Avent Philippines

Thank you Philips Avent Philippines for choosing me as one of your 30 Circle of Moms.

We are actually waiting for the line-up of activities prepared for us.

I know all of us will enjoy. So excited!

Mommy kisses,

May

Breast Milk Sharing

Let's start the Monday with sharing that is priceless. 

In 2012, we were given a chance to appear on local television shows – Reel Time and Tonight with Arnold Clavio. Below are the YouTube links.

Reel Time: It is a documentary show. The episode talks about breast milk sharing. We were on the first part of the show.

Gatas ng Ina Part 1: http://youtu.be/YBDyp5ZFeAc



Gatas ng Ina Part 2: http://youtu.be/Oq8iChL6_aA

Tonight with Arnold Clavio: The episode is in relation to the controversial Time Magazine cover entitled, “Are You Mom Enough?” The questions thrown at me are about milk sharing as well.

Tonight with Arnold Clavio: http://youtu.be/laBewzzD8-E

Through these shows, I hope I can encourage you to do the same – Share your breast milk especially to babies in need.

You can share your breast milk through posting you have something to share at Human Milk for Human Babies 

As of now, I am not donating. My last donation was last March 2014. Since we are into tandem nursing, I need to keep up to the consumption of my two growing kids. I need to always have enough supplies for them. Will share soon!

Mommy kisses,

May

Happy Mother's Day!

Hello! We decided to launch our blog today which will feature everything about us – mommies - our daily adventure, treasured advocacies like breastfeeding and homeschooling and everything under our maternal radar. And since it is Mother’s Day – our day, we decided to give out something special and close to our hearts.

First, as a welcome treat to those who will take time to read and explore our blog, we will be giving away copy of the “A Parent’s Guide to Happier Kids: Easy Tools and Approaches in Raising a Happy Family, written by my friend May (who is the other half of this blog). This e-book is inspired by the “Raising Happy Children for Dummies.” Just send us your name together with your email address and share a dummy-mommy experience so we can all share a good laugh, great tips and wonderful experiences.

Second, we are giving away a 10% discount voucher for an enrollment in Cohen Program. I decided to give away this gift because I wanted to give it to another mom who really wanted to enroll in this program- more than I do at the moment. So just let me know why would you like to enroll and how much you wanted to be in this program, convince me that you are really serious about it and it will be yours.

E-mail address: mommymel.mommymay@gmail.com

We would love to hear from you. Welcome to our blog! J

Mommy hugs,

Mel