Taking a Pregnant Pause

There is nothing quite like the exhilaration of finding out you are going to be a mom, then going through the next 36 or so weeks preparing yourself for the biggest role of your life, motherhood. All of us who have gone through this memorable journey as women know the mixed emotions that go with being pregnant- immense joy for our coming blessing, coupled with worrying about whether we can do the job, excited anticipation and preparation, and then sometimes feeling overwhelmed with just trying to be as ready as possible.I've gone through pregnancy three times and it is true what they say that each pregnancy is different. With my eldest I was working and driving till full term, with the second, I had pre-term contractions twice and ended up bedridden the last 4 months, and while my third pregnancy was pretty smooth, labor took thrice the time versus my other two births! So with my own experience alone, I know that the best thing a mom (and dad) to-be can do is to be as informed as possible, so that you go into the experience of pregnancy, labor and birth (and beyond!) as empowered as possible.The best way to empower yourself is really by getting as much information as possible. Aside from seeing your OB-gyn regularly for prenatal check ups, I would highly recommend all pregnant couples to take a pre-natal class with my Expo Mom partner, Rome Kanapi or others. Sessions would normally happen once a week for 6 weeks (Rome's sessions are every Sunday for six weeks) covering pregnancy to labor, birth and even basic baby care and breastfeeding.photo from Rome's website: http://childbirthteacher.comEvery quarter, I also organize PREGNANT PAUSE, specifically for expectant moms and dads, tackling different topics that are of interest to them. Our last one was held at Chef Sunshine Pengson's OTKB restaurant in Bonifacio High Street.We schedule these talks in the afternoon, from 1pm to around 4:30pm, and it is always so wonderful to see preggy mamas with their caring hubbies and partners really listening intently to all the talks, asking smart questions and be totally engaged in discussion.It is, for me, one of my opportunities to just connect with my fellow parents who are so determined to give our children the best of ourselves. For these passionate moms and dads-to-be, it is obvious by their presence they want to give their babies the best start they can possibly give, as well as the best after-delivery environment with all necessary things from carriers to bath tubs (find more at http://www.babyidesign.com/bath-tub/).We always try to do a portion with Rome giving super practical and easy-to-remember tips on how to relax and have a productive labor.She also teaches the dads how to give the moms a soothing lower back massage. I love how this lesson alone is such a win-win opportunity. Practiced well, the moms are not only the ones who gain from this lesson. Dads get to learn one of the ways to be more involved in their wife's pregnancy and giving her a massage is touch therapy that creates a stronger bond between two people.One of the topics always requested is fertility issue, as that may happen to anybody. I advise to find nearest office of fertility clinic and get the specialist consultation. Another subject is breastfeeding. This is no surprise because breastfeeding is also something that has to be prepared for or it may cause a lot of undue anxiety during the first weeks after birth. Abbie Yabot, our friend and La Leche League counselor was there to give an info-packed talk on breastfeeding.I also believe in Baby Sign language as it helped me a lot as a mom. This is a session we have maybe once a year, when my busy sister and baby signs instructor Jaymie is available. Baby signs is something that can ease a lot of frustration during the first years of baby's life and is quite simple to learn and teach.At Pregnant Pause, our partner Cordlife also educates us all about cordblood banking. Cordlife provides families with this option to collect and store cord blood stem cells from baby's birth, which can possibly be used for future medical treatments should the family need it.There is much to learn about cordblood banking, it being a relatively new technology in the Philippines and we had a doctor come and present us with the information, and answer all questions as well.I'm always so thankful to all who came and made our efforts worthwhile.A special thank you to friends Tin and Chessy who were expecting at that time,also to our mompreneur friend Ven who was there to display and sell her MomBabyFabric products.Special mention to Ven's little girls who are mainstays in our events and help out their mom in her booth.Kathleen, who introduced to the market UK brand Mamas and Papas was also there to show their products to the attendees.I'd say the Mamas and Papas Armadillo stroller is one model to check out if you are in the market for a baby stroller.Mommy Matters Nursingwear and Nurture Nook was also at the event.A joy to be amongst these parents-to-be!These events we organize are free of charge and open to all. Check out our events calendar for 2015 here or just follow us on Facebook and Instagram to always be up to date:)