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| The Medical City, Ortigas |
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| Starbucks Iced Mocha with Mint - my request before giving birth |
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| inside the operating room; my last photo before giving birth |
Saturday, January 1, 2011
The Big Day Has Come
Even though one year and three months had passed, every single detail of “my first-time mom experience” was still fresh and clear. I was only scheduled for my check-up, since it was my 9th month, I was asked to have regular visits to my OB twice a week. Internal examination had been conducted but my cervix was not dilated, still at 1 cm. It was forcefully dilated but still no effect, I was not in labor nor feeling anything close to it. Ultrasound was performed, and we found out that my baby’s presentation was still in transverse lie position. Honestly, I was still hoping that when labor progresses, she will turn around. But, as per my OB’s advice, there’s a very little chance for me to deliver normally. Since it was already my 38th week, she scheduled for a caesarian delivery on that same day. According to her, it will be best if I’ll have it on that day considering the fact that we were experiencing typhoons every now and then. Typhoons may cause flood which will make it hard for me to reach the hospital during labor and power outrage might also be a problem though, I’m quite sure that Medical City is well-equipped with gen-sets and located in a flood-free area. Well, being traumatized and victimized by the typhoon “Ondoy” my husband and I both agreed to have it done on that day.
I was told to have lunch right away, was prohibited to eat after 2 pm and was advised to go back to the hospital by 4 pm. We had lunch in the cafeteria, ate Max’s chicken and I requested for a Starbucks Iced Moccha with Mint which I was really craving for the longest time. Atlast, I had a taste of my favorite. I was like a kid enjoying the food and this was what I had in mind “whatever will happen to me later, atleast, I had a sumptuous lunch and my favorite iced moccha with mint”. I called at home, informed my parents and they hurriedly and nervously packed my things. Being the only girl in the brood of four, I can feel that my family were all apprehensive. Honestly, I was very anxious and scared. I was really afraid to give birth, I hate it most when I don’t know what will happen, I mean if I haven’t experienced it yet. But, I had to psyche myself for my baby. I know my bravery and my ability to calm and control myself will be a great help to my successful delivery.
On our way home, we went to Sta. Lucia Parish and prayed. I prayed not to ask for any favor, but to fully surrender myself to our Lord. In a while, I was at peace. I was very calm, brave and excited. We got my things from home and went back to the hospital with my parents, husband and my Tita Belle. Spiritually motivated and with a rosary inside my pocket, i went inside the pre-labor room for some testing and preparation. Well, I was not aware that I will no longer be allowed to go out and see my family, I regretted that I wasn’t able to kiss my mom for I know she was worrying a lot. After all the tests had been done and everything was prepared I was brought to the delivery/operating room and waited for almost an hour before the operation had begun.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
What Is Transverse Lie?
In my 8th month of pregnancy, I was told by my ob that the baby inside my womb was in transverse lie position. The immediate question that popped-up in my mind was "what is transverse lie?" Well, obviously, I knew that time that something was wrong. Though, not that seriously wrong but I knew that her position/presentation was not normal. I was advised not to move that much because if my water bag will break it will be dangerous for my baby - her umbilical cord may be compressed which might cause her to be short of air resulting to her death. (That really got me scared.)
Transverse lie means that the head is to one side and the feet or bottom are to the other so that neither the head nor the feet or bottom are presenting to the cervix meaning the fetus is lying sideways.
A transverse baby may be a temporary condition due to the positioning of the mother, or it could be due to other reasons. Common reasons for a transverse baby are multiple babies, low-lying placentas, small pelvic inlets, weak abdominal wall, and issues with the uterus or baby.
Fetuses cannot deliver safely in a transverse lie. They either need to turn such that they are facing head down or need to be delivered by C-section.
A transverse lie could be fatal to the fetus if the woman goes into labor and breaks her water, allowing the fetal [umbilical] cord to come out and be compressed.The cord can protrude first and become occluded, which can result in oxygen deprivation and brain damage, and possible death to the baby.
Transverse lie means that the head is to one side and the feet or bottom are to the other so that neither the head nor the feet or bottom are presenting to the cervix meaning the fetus is lying sideways.
A transverse baby may be a temporary condition due to the positioning of the mother, or it could be due to other reasons. Common reasons for a transverse baby are multiple babies, low-lying placentas, small pelvic inlets, weak abdominal wall, and issues with the uterus or baby.
Fetuses cannot deliver safely in a transverse lie. They either need to turn such that they are facing head down or need to be delivered by C-section.
A transverse lie could be fatal to the fetus if the woman goes into labor and breaks her water, allowing the fetal [umbilical] cord to come out and be compressed.The cord can protrude first and become occluded, which can result in oxygen deprivation and brain damage, and possible death to the baby.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Milk and Vitamins for Pregnant Women
Pregnancy is the most exciting and nerve-wrecking part of a woman's life most especially when it's the first time. Upon knowing that I'm conceiving, I immediately surrendered myself to my obne-gynecologist and had my whole reproductive system checked. As per doctor's advise, she recommended two supplements for expecting-moms like me- milk which is high in folate and multivitamins.
According to my OB, two glasses of Anmum Materna is needed everyday. One at breakfast and the other one before bedtime.
Anmum Materna is rich in folate, gangliosides and essential fatty acids.
Folate is the natural source of vitamin B9 found in a variety of foods, most often, in leafy green vegetables, dried beans, and peas. When folate is used as an additive in foods, generally in bread, grains or breakfast cereal, or when it is taken as a supplement, it is called folic acid. It is an important vitamin, especially when taken by women who are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or nursing.
Gangliosides are lipids that help in the development of child’s brain functions, especially the synapses or connections. The more the cells of child’s brain connect, the more potential his brain has for learning.
Essential Fatty Acids or EFAs support child’s brain development, especially his eye functions. A baby cannot make his own EFAs, so he has to rely on your diet to get what he needs.
Aside from milk supplement, I was also advised to take one tablet of Obimin everyday.This is a vitamin and mineral supplement for pregnant and lactating mothers.
But, of course, these two are just supplements. It's still best that pregnant women eat a well-balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, get enough sleep,exercise and regular visit to their ob-gynecologists.
According to my OB, two glasses of Anmum Materna is needed everyday. One at breakfast and the other one before bedtime.
Anmum Materna is rich in folate, gangliosides and essential fatty acids.
Folate is the natural source of vitamin B9 found in a variety of foods, most often, in leafy green vegetables, dried beans, and peas. When folate is used as an additive in foods, generally in bread, grains or breakfast cereal, or when it is taken as a supplement, it is called folic acid. It is an important vitamin, especially when taken by women who are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or nursing.
Gangliosides are lipids that help in the development of child’s brain functions, especially the synapses or connections. The more the cells of child’s brain connect, the more potential his brain has for learning.
Essential Fatty Acids or EFAs support child’s brain development, especially his eye functions. A baby cannot make his own EFAs, so he has to rely on your diet to get what he needs.
Aside from milk supplement, I was also advised to take one tablet of Obimin everyday.This is a vitamin and mineral supplement for pregnant and lactating mothers.
But, of course, these two are just supplements. It's still best that pregnant women eat a well-balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, get enough sleep,exercise and regular visit to their ob-gynecologists.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Baby Names
The big day was getting near and we haven't chosen a name for our soon to be little princess.Well, we are certain that she's a girl from the numerous ultrasounds confirming that we are having a baby girl. Originally, I wanted a baby boy and I'm sure my husband too though he was silent about his choice from the start. He used to tell me that what's important was for the baby to be healthy with no physical deformities.
I was already on my 38th week and still our baby had no name. We asked for suggestions from our relatives. What's certain was that her name has to start with a letter E and her second name should be K following our initials. Here's the list of our supposedly baby's name:
I was already on my 38th week and still our baby had no name. We asked for suggestions from our relatives. What's certain was that her name has to start with a letter E and her second name should be K following our initials. Here's the list of our supposedly baby's name:
- Noel wanted her to be named Eloisa but I opposed so it was crossed from the list.
- Mommy suggested for Erika but the name seem to be so strong
- Mama wanted Hannah Cossette. This was supposed to be my name
- My brother, Ronnell suggested for Elisha
- My Tita Weng wanted Elijah Kendra
- My Tita Rubs suggested for Elisha Cathburt
- I wanted her to be named Kassandra or Keisha
Pregnancy
I was shocked when I knew that I was pregnant. It was not planned but we were very thankful for the gift of life. I can still remember the day when I told my husband that we're going to have a baby. He was so surprised too.
My first few months were really hard. I had morning sickness not only in the morning as well as in the afternoon and in the evening. I was just lying on the bed the whole day due to headache and nausea. I hate the smell of my room and even I'm at a far distance I can still smell the awful odor of our dog. I was always irritated and agitated. I can't eat, I don't like the taste of all the food. I never craved for anything, all I wanted was to lie down and sleep. I vomited a lot. When I eat, I vomit. When I vomit, I sleep. It was a traumatic experience though. I don't know what I was going through and I never thought that it would be that hard.Everything was new, my body was changing and I was anticipating what changes will happen next. Literally, I was afraid of the changes. But, thank God I didn't had pimples I even had a better skin in my entire pregnancy.
My second trimester was a bit easier. I still feel sleepy at all times but now I can eat. But when I started to eat I can't stop eating. From 1 pm to 5 pm, I'm chewing something - fruits sometimes chocolates. my husband reprimanded me from eating chocolates but I can't stop. I loved it so much though I was really a chocolate-lover by heart since birth. I made sure that I was able to eat all the nutritious food except for my yummy chocolates.
My third trimester was not that hard except for the more intense ankle and back pain that I was feeling. Maybe, it had something to do with my height. I guess my body can't support my increasing weight. Big thanks to my ever supportive and sweet husband who always find ways to make things easier for me. All throughout my pregnancy, he never failed to give me a foot massage every single night even though, sometimes he's so sleepy and tired.
Well, I didn't grew that big except for my 9th month. I was more of bed-ridden during that month. I was so afraid to move because according to my ob-gynecologist, my baby's position was transverse and if my water bag will break something bad will happen to our baby. I was extra cautious that time.
My first few months were really hard. I had morning sickness not only in the morning as well as in the afternoon and in the evening. I was just lying on the bed the whole day due to headache and nausea. I hate the smell of my room and even I'm at a far distance I can still smell the awful odor of our dog. I was always irritated and agitated. I can't eat, I don't like the taste of all the food. I never craved for anything, all I wanted was to lie down and sleep. I vomited a lot. When I eat, I vomit. When I vomit, I sleep. It was a traumatic experience though. I don't know what I was going through and I never thought that it would be that hard.Everything was new, my body was changing and I was anticipating what changes will happen next. Literally, I was afraid of the changes. But, thank God I didn't had pimples I even had a better skin in my entire pregnancy.
My second trimester was a bit easier. I still feel sleepy at all times but now I can eat. But when I started to eat I can't stop eating. From 1 pm to 5 pm, I'm chewing something - fruits sometimes chocolates. my husband reprimanded me from eating chocolates but I can't stop. I loved it so much though I was really a chocolate-lover by heart since birth. I made sure that I was able to eat all the nutritious food except for my yummy chocolates.
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| I was 6 months pregant in this |
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| my 8th month |
Married Life
From the day I said "I do", I started to be a housewife. It was never my dream to be just inside the house but I must say that I've enjoyed it and still continuously enjoying it. My vision of a wife is someone who is always available for her husband, someone who takes in charge of everything - the food, clothing, house. I've seen how my grandmother served my grandfather until the last air that he breathe and that's what I wanted to be.
I woke up around 5 AM and started to cook. I act slow that's why I have to start early. Cooking was very new to me and it was really a challenge. Before, I never stepped into our kitchen to cook, it was always my mom who prepares everything for me. As a new wife, I had to impress my husband. I'll wake him up around 6, we eat together and I wash the dishes afterwards. At 7:30 am my husband starts to leave our house. By this time, I'll go back to sleep again and get up around 9 am. Cleaning our house was my favorite, it was never hard because our house was small.
At around 11 am, I started preparing my husband's food for lunch which will be brought to his office. My lunch was always served in my in-laws house since I was always left alone in our home. After eating, I take afternoon naps, watch TV or DVDs. Around 5 pm, I started to cook again for our dinner and wait for my husband. Night time was only our moment to bond. Sometimes, I got bored but I always fill my schedule with a lot of house activities.
I woke up around 5 AM and started to cook. I act slow that's why I have to start early. Cooking was very new to me and it was really a challenge. Before, I never stepped into our kitchen to cook, it was always my mom who prepares everything for me. As a new wife, I had to impress my husband. I'll wake him up around 6, we eat together and I wash the dishes afterwards. At 7:30 am my husband starts to leave our house. By this time, I'll go back to sleep again and get up around 9 am. Cleaning our house was my favorite, it was never hard because our house was small.
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| the first food that we cook after moving in tour house |
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| my husband enjoying our sinigang na hipon |
At around 11 am, I started preparing my husband's food for lunch which will be brought to his office. My lunch was always served in my in-laws house since I was always left alone in our home. After eating, I take afternoon naps, watch TV or DVDs. Around 5 pm, I started to cook again for our dinner and wait for my husband. Night time was only our moment to bond. Sometimes, I got bored but I always fill my schedule with a lot of house activities.
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| my husband and I |
My Work As A Financial Advisor
Before getting married I was a Financial Advisor/Planner working in AXA Philippines. My work deals with counseling Metrobank clients with long-term investment opportunities, giving them the best financial solutions to their problems, educating them in income protection and wealth management, assessing their tolerance for investment risks and constantly monitoring the investments in client's portfolios and being on top of new investment strategies and investment vehicles. I love the stock market. I'm very much interested in learning the ups and downs of it. I was assigned in three Metrobank branches: first in Xavierville, second in Barangka, and lastly in Marikina Center. I strongly believed that I was able to penetrate and tap the clients in those branches. Work was easy but stressful, tiring but rewarding. All my hardwork paid off when I received an award for having the most number of case counts for the month of January 2008. From then on, expectations started to screw up.
I can still remember the most challenging days of my financial planning years. It was during the American financial turmoil - the collapse of the Lehman brothers which began as a mortgage market crisis in the summer of 2007. The fears were based on the fact that the firm was a major player in the market for subprime and prime mortgages, and that as the smallest of the major Wall Street firms, it faced a larger risk that large losses could be fatal.The bank's demise set off tremors throughout the financial system. That contributed to credit markets freezing, forcing governments around the globe to take steps to try to calm panicked markets. This really caused me too much falling hair. Clients go in and out of the bank worrying about their investments and wanting to withdraw all their money. Pacifying panicking clients was the hardest part especially when the market value of their investments were starting to go down.The experience was very hard and challenging but in that time I have learned a lot-professionally and personally.
I decided to leave my job when my company asked more than what I can give. I have nothing against my previous employer. It was just that during the lowest time of the economic crisis, I didn't like the way they handled their people. That's why even though I love my job I was forced to let go. I wanted to be more of a financial planner/advisor than a sales person. But, still I am so thankful for all the things that I've learned, experienced and of course for the friendship and camaraderie that I've built with my workmates.
I can still remember the most challenging days of my financial planning years. It was during the American financial turmoil - the collapse of the Lehman brothers which began as a mortgage market crisis in the summer of 2007. The fears were based on the fact that the firm was a major player in the market for subprime and prime mortgages, and that as the smallest of the major Wall Street firms, it faced a larger risk that large losses could be fatal.The bank's demise set off tremors throughout the financial system. That contributed to credit markets freezing, forcing governments around the globe to take steps to try to calm panicked markets. This really caused me too much falling hair. Clients go in and out of the bank worrying about their investments and wanting to withdraw all their money. Pacifying panicking clients was the hardest part especially when the market value of their investments were starting to go down.The experience was very hard and challenging but in that time I have learned a lot-professionally and personally.
I decided to leave my job when my company asked more than what I can give. I have nothing against my previous employer. It was just that during the lowest time of the economic crisis, I didn't like the way they handled their people. That's why even though I love my job I was forced to let go. I wanted to be more of a financial planner/advisor than a sales person. But, still I am so thankful for all the things that I've learned, experienced and of course for the friendship and camaraderie that I've built with my workmates.
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