Friday, November 6, 2015

Things I Desperately Wanna Do Right Now

 
1. Blog about the things I desperately wanna do. To express myself. To keep my sanity. Everytime I can't do the things I want makes me think of writing this one.
2. I want to bottlefeed my child. God knows how hard I struggled with breastfeeding my baby. Now that he's bigger he is very active-sitting, rolling, playing, bouncing and he's hard to feed. When I breastfeed him in public he would  look around and latch and the look around and my boobs will be exposed since I'm not a fan of breastfeeding covers. He also got his 5 teeth now and he bites my nipples whenever he feels it. Imagine me screaming.
3. I don't want to bring my son when going out or attending a party. It hinders my social life. I would be there persistently making him calm. He's always irritated whenever we go out especially when we will eat, he would scream and bounce and I will be irritated too. (I tell you, he's like a toddler.)
4. I want to go back to work. Babysitting is tiring. I want to work to pay for a nanny and help my husband with our finances. And honestly, I wanna wear make up again. (I sound so mean but it's a big thing to me.)
5. I wanna have a good sleep. Since I became pregnant I had disturbed sleeping pattern, worst than studying an exam in college (because I really sleep whenever I want). I hate waking up next to a screaming baby who wants to be cuddled while I was still dreaming about James Reid (LOL. I never dreamt of him ever but he's cute so I'm gonna put him here).
Don't get me wrong. I love my son so much. There's just sometimes I want to break free but I can't do it so I'll just express them in here and maybe dream of what I wanna do. 
There are things that holds me back. Things that I wouldn't desperately do just for my own's convinience. I remembered I'm a mom now. All I want is the best for him. And I know it's me who needs to accept this changes. 

Thursday, November 5, 2015

My Frustrations Over Soft Structured Carriers (SSCs)

This post can't be biased. We have one SSC that was given to us (Thanks doc Pauline). I love how convinient it is especially if we are in a hurry and going for long walks. My baby outgrown the Pognae SSC at 10 months so I looked for another SSC.
My choices are only limited to Tula, Lenny Lamb and Kokadi. I research the three carriers before deciding and this made me very frustrated:
1. They are expensive. I knew this from the start. It may somehow break the bank. Safety tested carriers are expensive. My choices of SSCs would range 7,000 php to 10,000php+ depending if its only canvass or wrap conversion. Imagine what can you buy with that. But somehow, I saved money for that so I go on with my research and got frustrated again.
2. They come with sizes. Baby size, toddler size, preschool size.. I don't know what size should I get. Since my baby is almost a year old, he would outgrown the Lenny Lamb baby size and the toddler is too big for him because he's petite. Tula baby size is okay but I'm afraid he will outgrown it again. Kokadi Flip would be awesome since it is adjustable but it leads me to my next frustration.
3. They have weight limit. I almost ordered Kokadi Flip at Little Yeoh Trading FB page but I was so sad that the weight limit is 15kgs only. And my son is a heavy baby. We might not use it when he reaches the limit, and I'm so tired of destashing carriers which explains why I'm desperate of finding the one carrier for us. 
4. It's bulky. I have seen a toddler size and it's too big for me. You know, I'm a petite momma. I can't imagine myself wearing toddler size SSC (but hey! I would love to try). 
5. So many terms like PFA, waistband, buckles etc. that I don't understand and I would rather search for a new wrap carry than find a dictionary of the terms.
6. Since I destashed my other wraps, I would miss wrapping when we will have SSC and I think I had a God-given talent for wrapping, so this is very frustrating for me. 
Got a headache after that research. I swear it's true. Unlike wraps I only got headaches when there's a new release because the designs are just so lovely. I would love to have another SSC but I think its not for me. 
I predicted the ending would be purchasing another wrap again. I'm thankful that eventhough Claud Yeoh (Little Yeoh Trading owner) provided me all infos about the SSCs she understood my love for wraps. I preordered my super DISO Kokadi Erna in Wonderland from her and I'm very much excited!
This is a biased conclusion but it's the reality.. If you're on a tight budget and you want to have a carrier that can be used from newborn to toddler or whatever age your baby is, go for wraps. It has weight limit but usually up to 45kgs. Very good for any ages. Enjoy a two shoulder support without hurting your back. Easy to use. 
What are your thoughts about SSCs? 😄

Sunday, October 25, 2015

The Modern Fairy

She is beautiful.

She gives only the best.

She hugs him when he feels cold.

She's hurt  when he's hurt.

She kisses all the tears away.

She droves all the bad dreams.

She knows his wish.

She will do everything to grant his wishes.

She's happy when he's happy.

She loves unconditionally.

She disguised.

She's what we call "Mom".

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Dearest Husband..


Photo by Welfred's Photography

Supposedly, I should give you a paper on our 1st anniversary but I'm not a traditional kind of girl..

It's been a year that I said "I do" in front of God and to our loved ones and until today and forever, I still do.

It's been a year since you started waking up next to me, saw me in my messy hair and my "no filter" face, you saw me fat and thin but til now you still look at me like I'm the most beautiful woman you've ever seen.

Taken from one of our trips together.
It's been a year since you supported me with my passions or should I say my addictions (cloth diapers, carriers, breastfeeding) and your always on my side whenever someone criticizes my parenting style. You believe that what I'm doing is the best for our baby. (It really is.) I want to say thank you for all the funds.

It's been a year since you always, always cheer me up when I'm frustrated. I always tell you my sob stories and I ended up laughing and feeling stupid after I realized that its just a petty thing.

It's been a year that I became your wife... and I'm proud of it! I'm now Mrs. Hazel Ruth E. Oclarit-Cabrera, RN (murag artista hahaha!).

Thank you for never breaking my heart. I'm sorry if sometimes I'm so into being a mom that I forgot to be your wife but I know you'll understand because we both love Brett Lucas (and our children to come hahaha) very much. I love you and Happy 1st Anniversary!


Monday, July 6, 2015

What Did I Get From Breastfeeding?

They say "best things don't come cheap" but I say sometimes best things can't be bought by money. I can name you one. That thing was the one that nourished my baby. A liquid gold that flows out of my breast called  BREASTMILK. I don't have to spend our money because I just have to pull up my shirt when my baby gets hungry.

I have to admit that I almost gave up breastfeeding my child. My problem from day one was my nipples. They looked like a volcano that has a a crater, they are inverted. Brett is always confused where to suck and his cries break my heart. I was thankful that there was a way to make the nipple out. To the one who made the improvised syringe that let my nipples out, I owe so much to you!

Breastmilk is easily digested in a baby's tummy so they feed every 1-2 hours. Before I got to pee or sleep, Brett is already hungry. I lack of sleep and I can't do what I need to do. I remembered that I joined Breastfeeding Pinays as my BF advocate OB suggested. Since I was too busy stalking cloth diapers while pregnant, I took time to read everything in the groups files. The hardest part is when you put your baby down but gets awake because they startle. Then I learned that I can feed while lying down. I don't have to get up and put him down after feeding. I also don't have to worry burping him after because there's no air in my breast right?

Nights get better and then suddenly.. aww! I got sored nipples. I swear it was so painful that I wish my son don't get hungry. But when I visited my OB she told me I can used my own breastmilk to heal the sore and after a few days it was gone.

Sounds hard to breastfeed? I will now take you to the best part. So what else did I get from breastfeeding?

Compliments. People are all praises to me that I chose the best. They can also see that my baby is very healthy. I remembered a Pediatrician thanked me for breastfeeding my baby and told me I'm a good mom for doing it to my baby.

I also got my body back! I was so fat when I was pregnant and breastfeeding got me to back shape. I burn 500 calories everytime I'm breastfeedig so I can eat the whole pizza! I eat with no worries!

Though breastfed babies aren't bulletproof, my baby got sick but he gets well quickly. We didn't spend much for his medicine and we don't spend money on vitamins because my milk has everything. It also contains antibodies that protects our little ones from diseases.

We don't also have to spend on contraceptives. As long as baby is exclusively breastfed and menses did not returned yet I'm safe from conceiving about 98% for 6 months.

To moms and moms to be take this from me. Breastfeeding is 99% determination and 1% supply. Meaning, if you are very destermined to do it, you also can be successful with it. Make time to educate yourself. There are so many myths our there that could discourage you. Don't think you can't breastfeed because you have small boobs. Be patient. It would hurt like hell at the first month but it would get better. The relief feels like heaven. You will feel sorry for those who have to pay for their child's milk. Don't think that letting your child drink a very expensive formula milk is a luxury, you have to know that breastmilk under the microscope is a liquid gold. Save that money and reward yourself.

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Why do we Need More than One Wrap

my very humble stash
Yes, I have more than one wrap and it doesn't mean that I am boasting it. *peace yow* It is actually a very humble stash. Though some people don't understand us wrapping mommas why we need more than one, here are my reasons..

1. We need different sizes for different types of carries.
You need a size 2 if you want a quick rebozo, a size 3 if you want to do a hassle free kangaroo carry, a size 4 if you want an abbreviated Front wrap cross carry, size 5 for a full FWCC and size 6 to do your fancy back carry finishes.

2. We need different blends for different seasons.
You may need a 100% cotton wrap for cold seasons since they are mostly medium thick and medium heavy, and jacquard or a linen for a hot summer season.

3. They wont hurt your back and your budget.
You can have a wrap for as low as 250 php if you are good at DIY (you need a lot of research though) or a local handwoven wrap at 1,000-2,000 php or a nice imported wrap at 3,000 php. My cheapest wrap cost 400 php. 😊

4. We can't resist gorgeous designs.
Self explanatory.

Having more than one wrap is not a sin. It is not a "luho" either. It is for our convenience in carrying our little one. 

Friday, May 29, 2015

Wrapping Is Everything

One time, while I was breastfeeding my son, I felt back pain and I cannot do things I needed to do. I am a Stay at Home Mom (SAHM) with no helper at home. Although my family and hubby offers to carry my baby, they can't stand carrying him for a long time. And because I'm exclusively breastfeeding, I cannot leave without my baby. Traveling is so hard for me before I knew babywearing. Indeed, carrying our little one is one of our job as a mom.
Until I found Babywearing Philippines. I learned a lot through the group. I thought all carriers I saw everywhere are safe but I learned that the common carriers that I see are the Narrow Based Carriers (NBC) and most of them are not safety tested. Of course I would choose a carrier that is best and can't put my baby into danger. So my first ever carrier was a Hybrid type.
Hybrid carrier
I love it because it is easy to wear but honestly I didn't used it often because it has a definite size and I felt that though I got the right size, its too tight. It's also not airy and I learned it will get sagged once baby is getting heavier. I switched to Meitai since it is also a two shoulder support and I wished that my hubby could wear our baby too as it is not so complicated to wear. I can adjust the tightness that I prefer. I was wearing it for the first time in like 2 hours, I noticed I always adjust it because baby was slouched. And after wearing it, God, I had the worst back ache in my entire life.
This time, I tried my luck for wraps. I was too afraid to use it because my baby might fall if I missed a step. When I tried wearing a wrap, I was surprised that it is actually easy. And I felt like "oh my GOD! thank you for inventing wraps!" . I can adjust the tightness, baby is on optimal position and no more back aches for me. Then I started to learn the different carries since wraps are the most versatile of all carriers. I learned rebozo, kangaroo, back carry and hip carries aside from Front Wrap Cross Carry (FWCC). It's one of my hobbies at home and we both enjoyed it. I also learned that we need different sizes for a certain type of carry (see my next post about Why We Need More Than One Wrap).
I'm practicing back carry here
My first 2 wraps were locally made. I'm happy that I support our local weavers. And then I started dreaming of an imported wrap. It is not easy to get since you need to buy them at online shops abroad. Then a lovely mama offered me to join her purchase on Little frog. When I got my first wrap from Poland I felt contented that I got to own a wrap that I dreamed of. And now, lucky are the mommas because they don't need to wish for a star to have their DISO Wraps because Wraps by Little Yeoh will make them available for us. They are authorized retailer of different imported wraps here in Philippines. The prices are almost the same with the prices abroad which saves you a lot and save you from visiting and pleading at Customs. They also offer lay away to their selected products. Plus the owner (Claud Arellano) is so accommodating and a babywearing advocate too.
Well that was a wrap on our search for the best carrier. When you found the right one that suits you, you can't stop loving it.
Our travels are easier with babywearing. I'm using Little frog Sunny Agate II.

Monday, May 18, 2015

Who's Too Lazy to Give Birth?

A woman was strapped in an operating table. She was given medications for her not to feel the pain in her ultimate battle.The baby was out. She was stitched again. I guess that's all you knew about Cesarean Section. Mother's just lie there and viloa! baby is out with no effort. Do you see them as lazy mothers?

I gave birth via CS in a day I will forever remember. You don't know how scary it is especially when you knew what exactly is going to happen (I assisted many CS operation). As much as I would like to give birth normally, it's not meant for me. I can't risk this baby who's been inside me for nine months. So, I decided to have emergency CS.

My bag of water got lower than the borderline and my baby was struggling. I can say I was lucky because I was adviced by my OB to return that day to have my ultrasound since my bag of water is always at borderline. I was hesitant to go to the hospital that time because no one can take me there. But my mom persisted. When its my turn for the ultrasound, the sonographer asked me a lot of questions and it was unusual to me to lie there for a long time. She said my bag of water is low. As a nurse I knew what that mean. I should give birth immediately or else.. and I became hysterical. I'm scared. The doctor asked me if I would give birth normally and they will closely monitor my baby but to my judgement, I can't take a risk.I heard 2 mothers lost their babies that week because of the same condition. So my husband signed that I will had the operation that night.

While I was at the Operating room, there's a lot going on my mind. Until I was sedated. Even I was sedated, I was scared. What if I feel the cut? Oh no! What if I won't woke up? But the Anesthesiologist reassured me. Then afterwards I woke up,still groggy and I saw my little baby. I was nauseous when a certain medicine is injected and sometimes vomited. The recovery was hard for me. I had cough and I worry the stitches would give in. I can't move a lot. And I felt the pain that I was so scared of. It reaaaaaly hurts! but I am thankful for my hubby for taking care of me and our baby while I was still recovering.
I am very jealous of those mom swho are brave enough to give birth normally. It's not easy too i know. But people should not judge us moms who gave birth via CS because every scars tell different stories. Are we lazy and didn't actually gave birth? What's important to me now is that I saved my little one.

Here's baby Brett fresh from the womb.


Brett at one day old.

Friday, May 15, 2015

How We Saved the Earth by Chaging Diapers


If I didn't bumped to a mom who was very into cloth diapering, I would have used disposables. Well, saving the Earth isn't my first concern by then. I admit, I was attracted by the cute prints that these reusable diapers has unlike the disposables that obviously look plastic and hmmm doesn't look nice at all. So I had my first purchase (so fluffy!) And joined Modern Cloth Nappying Pinays. I thought I would just settle for 3-5 pieces because I didn't knew using it exclusively would be possible. Until I was surprised I had 20 in my stash (and growing) before giving birth to my precious.
It's a One Size Fits Most (OSFM) so it can be used from newborn until baby will be potty trained. Great huh? Though I wasn't able to use it exclusively when Brett was still a newborn because he poops every after feeding. It's hard to handwash with all the poop plus I can't leave my son because he is breastfeed and kinda clingy. We exclusively used our CDs when he was 2 months old where he only pooped once a day at least.
I enjoyed every cloth diaper change. I'm always excited of the next cloth diaper Brett would wear. And thinking I saved the Earth for not throwing the soiled one, I saved my son's bum from rashes and I saved money because I can reuse them.
Newbies to cloth diapers be like "how do you save from it? It costs 220 per piece". Uhm yes, its costly at first but think of it as an investment and as long as you are using it, you get your money back. Plus if baby will be potty trained already, you can sell them or you can keep it and pass it on to your next squish. Since I am a thrifty momma I only buy when there are great deals like sale or free shipping. I also buy in bulk to have bigger discounts.
Some parents are not using cloth nappies because they find it inconvenient for them (it's okay, it's your child, your choice). They think cloth nappies have special washing care. Yes, they do. Since we want them to last long right? But it isn't what you think. Just stay away from fabric conditioners, bleach and brightening agents. They can damage the PUL and causes repelling (see Google) . We used the cheapest detergent powder to wash our nappies and it woks for us.
And if you will ask me if I spent most of my time washing nappies? No. Brett is breastfed so I just toss all his used nappies (even with poop) to a pail and wash them on the next day. I don't worry about the poop stains, just wash them properly and dry them under the sun- all stains will be gone.
I hope this post would help you somehow to choose cloth on your own baby. Don't be overwhelmed. I've been there too. You can visit my online shope @ Chuvaerma Boutique Facebook page. I sell cloth diapers too. Send me a message if you have questions. Happy Cloth Diapering!