In a way, I am excited to give things away... not really because it may mean I can shop for new ones again (but that's a perk, of course... and the kids ARE growing and need wardrobe adjustments from time to time) but that I may be able to breathe better in our home.
Of course, hopefully the search for donatable items won't aggravate the sinus allergy that has kept me down all day today (because I 'rescued' some stuff from possible flooding).
I realized I have so many slippers of Yakee's that I was keeping... since Yamee prefers bigger-sized slippers anyway, now I can give away what he's using without guilt.
I also just hope I can go to UP-PGh to drop off the things... because though LBC accepts donations now, few trust them because their parcels aren't delivered on time.
Showing posts with label help. Show all posts
Showing posts with label help. Show all posts
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
On Delays and Interventions
I'm a Psych grad. And I have enough friends with kids who have special needs. And both hubby and I have/had uncles with special limitations (they were undiagnosed). So, having my child asseessed by a developmental pedia was part of my mothering plan because in my mind, it can just as easily be us with a special-needs child. Then, I met someone online who regularly sends her twins to the DevPed (every six months) and is a great advocate of it, even for kids without special needs, because she says, "at least you get a picture of their strengths and weaknesses and can consult with the expert on how to better support/address those."
I was all the more sold and bent on getting Yakee assessed. I had to convince hubs though, because he had the impression that you only go if there is a problem, and like most fathers... he was more ready to defend a child's 'nornalcy' than face the possibility of a 'problem'. But because he is a loving one, and very supportive of my mothering, he agreed.
In the end, I kept my reason for doing it simple: I want it done to serve as an objective reality check... so that I'll know for sure that my struggles with my child are 'normal' and not because of special needs I am not addressing. I wanted to be reassured that Yakee was just testing his boundaries, and I just need to find better ways of accepting his growing independence, to parent him better... rather than him having needs I was not meeting.
And I was very quick to encourage others to do the same. I looked at it as a well-baby checkup. At least have an expert tell you that YES, YOUR CHILD IS FINE.
But then... my passion for homeschooling grew. And I discovered Waldorf. I will explain the connection as I go on.
Yakee was already attending St. Michael when his first (and only, so far) meeting with the developmental pedia transpired. And I actually can't believe that I haven't blogged about it. Anyway, I wasn't sure what I expected and not quite sure how satisfied I was of the assessment. But I realized some things:
1) there were some tasks he didn't do well because I have not given him enough chances to practice (e.g. button up... I only stopped dressing him up completely after he started going to play school)
2) he hesitated a lot, and I knew it was because he didn't know the doctor, and not because he didn't know what to do/how to do it (because I have seen him play, I know what he can do... I'm not being a parent in denial)
3) I already knew listening is an issue for him (he was diagnosed to have auditory processing issues, which means it's hard for him to process more than one question at a time, or repeat long sentences... and that though it wasn't a cause for alarm then, it may be a sign of some attention disorder in the future)
We were advised to have him come in again for a check this year... just to make sure that if there is a problem, we could catch it.
So, anyway, like any prudent parent, I echoed these findings to his nurturers... and they assured me they'd make sure to come to him instead of calling him, and talk to him while facing him... stuff like that. But in the meantime, these same nurturers had so many great things to say about my child at the exit interview (which I apparently also forgot to blog about).
They told me how much of a natural leader he was, how he brought everyone together and kept the peace. I saw how much they appreciated my son for who he was, and I told friends later that I was literally fighting back tears because it was very humbling to me... I was the parent but I forget to see my child as they saw him. I was the parent and yet they saw something in my child that I have never seen or acknowledged.
And then, like what I said above, I discovered Waldorf. I attended the Waldorf Crash Course which changed a lot of how I look at children, at things, at parenting.
And I guess, when you're in love with someone/something... you can't stop talking about it and feel extra averse to things that do not jive with it.
And I... I seem to be becoming quite the fanatic against interventions that aren't natural for a child. And I find myself against things that take away the child from the home or from his parents. So, I am now sort of anti-TV/gadgets for young children. And structured sports and play. And early school attendance. And early academics.
I like to think I was preparing to homeschool... but because of Waldorf, I find myself drawn by unschooling more. Regular school now feels weird to me, and certainly not for my kids.
I am telling these things just to give an idea where I am coming from.
Now... in our ygroups, a mother sought inputs about her son who still wasn't talking at over 2 years of age. Without thinking it through, I adviced the mom to sing more songs to the child and let the child move... I also said this:
This also brought to mind the following:
a) The speaker hired at a Learning Styles seminar I attended didn't believe in ADHD and believed more in learning styles (duh)... that it's not that a child cannot pay attention, it's more that he may process things differently and that is okay. A parent, however, needs to be aware of how his child learns and teach/approach him that way.
b) Debra Bell, the speaker at the recently held Homeschooling Conference, shared with us the story of how one of her daughters couldn't read well till she was around 10. That daughter was homeschooled and is now a Math teacher at a public school. That daughter also acknowledged to her Mom (Debra) that she now knows that had she been attending regular school, there would have been pressure for her to attend extra classes or have tutors and that she''d have been made to feel lacking because of that 'inability' at that age. (this same sentiment will be echoed in a lot of homeschooling blogs)
c) Dr. Fuller (one whose background in education and psychology is extensive), creator of Ball-Stick-Bird books, was surprised herself when suppposedly uneducable people (those with IQ below 60, based on standardized tests) taught themselves to read her books, when she created those books for high IQ but illiterate adults
d) A movement with indications of Steiner's anthroposophy is the Camphill movement, which basically looks at people with special needs as just different, without the need for the same people to be 'trained' according to the 'norm'. It's like one advocacy among the deaf... to hear shouldn't be THE GOAL but to self-realize despite not being able to hear.
(I do not mean to suggest that Waldorf/Anthroposophy and Homeschooling believers do not believe in delays and therapies... just that they may offer a different view of looking at the 'delays' and how to 'address' those.)
Now... "The assessment and if ever, therapy is not about and for the parent, but the child."
True, it is very sad when parents in denial would refuse to get a child assessed or not commit to a therapy regimen. True, the time a child is frustrated from not being able to communicate or move as he liked will be time that cannot be recovered anymore and may have lasting damage to their self-esteem.
By the same token, special classes and the resultant stress of those on the parents' emotions, time and finances could also potentially result in anxiety, frustration and shame as well on the child.
So, what is a parent to do?
I... I went to my husband and told him all this. I ended up crying, afraid that I might be veering off to one school of thought and end up jeopardizing my sons' future. After all, Yakee still has those listening issues (which is also weird because his widow is so strong) and Yamee is still not talking.
My husband listend and listened and listened and then asked me if parenting came with a manual and guarantees (no) and if I'd do everything I can for our children should they need help (yes). Then he told me that whatever we decide upon for them, they will accept it, thrive in it and if it was wrong, forgive us... because they'd also know that we love them. That I love them. He also reminded me to only worry about how I will parent our children.
(yes, isn't he wonderful?)
This reminded me again of the Waldorf belief that it is in our striving to be better parents that our children will bloom. So, whether we decide to just let them be, honor who they are now and let them unfold in their own time... or provide them with all the interventions we can to ensure that they have had help... it's going to be okay. The important thing is that it was done out of love and humility, faith and courage. Not out of fear, conformity, not because you just want to be different or too lazy/uninvolved to do anything about it.
=======================
So, when faced with the possibility of a child having delays or special needs, what do you do?
I guess you can start with home remedies, basically more intentional activities at home to address or possibly help with whatever it is you are concerned about. But also, just watch your child at play without intervening or directing the play. See what is coming out of her play, what she is good at, what she struggles with. Just be at a place where you not only see what's different about your child in a negative way (comparing to the usual standards) but also in a positive way.
Then schedule an assessment with a DevPed.
And should further assessments require drug and therapy recommendations... then I suggest to do your research and process the course of action with your spouse. Do you go into the therapy suggested? What are your options? Why are you doing this? Is it really because you want to help your child or because you don't want him to be different, lagging, etc? Can you commit to supplementing it with activities at home? (that's another thing hubs pointed out, some parents might provide all the therapy in the world but not be there with their child when they're needed, even just to talk to... same way that some parents might be so blind that their child is already asking for help... and hubs said, he believes that children do ask for help when there's something they really need that isn't being provided.) Are you open to changing course should one strategy fail? Will you check with your child if they think it is helping them? Should you choose to delay therapy, can you live with the decision? Should you choose to go into therapy, can you manage your expectations?
Parents know their children best and are in the best position to see if something's working or not, if their child is responding positively to something or not. And yes, we can get outside help... just hopefully, we don't lose sight of who our child is in pursuit of what we want her to become. And hopefully, we remember that there is NO ONE WAY to raise a child, or help a child.
I was all the more sold and bent on getting Yakee assessed. I had to convince hubs though, because he had the impression that you only go if there is a problem, and like most fathers... he was more ready to defend a child's 'nornalcy' than face the possibility of a 'problem'. But because he is a loving one, and very supportive of my mothering, he agreed.
In the end, I kept my reason for doing it simple: I want it done to serve as an objective reality check... so that I'll know for sure that my struggles with my child are 'normal' and not because of special needs I am not addressing. I wanted to be reassured that Yakee was just testing his boundaries, and I just need to find better ways of accepting his growing independence, to parent him better... rather than him having needs I was not meeting.
And I was very quick to encourage others to do the same. I looked at it as a well-baby checkup. At least have an expert tell you that YES, YOUR CHILD IS FINE.
But then... my passion for homeschooling grew. And I discovered Waldorf. I will explain the connection as I go on.
Yakee was already attending St. Michael when his first (and only, so far) meeting with the developmental pedia transpired. And I actually can't believe that I haven't blogged about it. Anyway, I wasn't sure what I expected and not quite sure how satisfied I was of the assessment. But I realized some things:
1) there were some tasks he didn't do well because I have not given him enough chances to practice (e.g. button up... I only stopped dressing him up completely after he started going to play school)
2) he hesitated a lot, and I knew it was because he didn't know the doctor, and not because he didn't know what to do/how to do it (because I have seen him play, I know what he can do... I'm not being a parent in denial)
3) I already knew listening is an issue for him (he was diagnosed to have auditory processing issues, which means it's hard for him to process more than one question at a time, or repeat long sentences... and that though it wasn't a cause for alarm then, it may be a sign of some attention disorder in the future)
We were advised to have him come in again for a check this year... just to make sure that if there is a problem, we could catch it.
So, anyway, like any prudent parent, I echoed these findings to his nurturers... and they assured me they'd make sure to come to him instead of calling him, and talk to him while facing him... stuff like that. But in the meantime, these same nurturers had so many great things to say about my child at the exit interview (which I apparently also forgot to blog about).
They told me how much of a natural leader he was, how he brought everyone together and kept the peace. I saw how much they appreciated my son for who he was, and I told friends later that I was literally fighting back tears because it was very humbling to me... I was the parent but I forget to see my child as they saw him. I was the parent and yet they saw something in my child that I have never seen or acknowledged.
And then, like what I said above, I discovered Waldorf. I attended the Waldorf Crash Course which changed a lot of how I look at children, at things, at parenting.
And I guess, when you're in love with someone/something... you can't stop talking about it and feel extra averse to things that do not jive with it.
And I... I seem to be becoming quite the fanatic against interventions that aren't natural for a child. And I find myself against things that take away the child from the home or from his parents. So, I am now sort of anti-TV/gadgets for young children. And structured sports and play. And early school attendance. And early academics.
I like to think I was preparing to homeschool... but because of Waldorf, I find myself drawn by unschooling more. Regular school now feels weird to me, and certainly not for my kids.
I am telling these things just to give an idea where I am coming from.
Now... in our ygroups, a mother sought inputs about her son who still wasn't talking at over 2 years of age. Without thinking it through, I adviced the mom to sing more songs to the child and let the child move... I also said this:
"before... I would also say get your child assessed but I am now very iffy
kasi
usually, if there is a delay, OT is recommended... and while that may be
helpful, one can also not say that the child just finally bloomed in time and
was finally ready to talk
i like yung suggestions to enrol in a class... not because I like the suggestion
that what your child needs is outside the home, but because it reinforces the
idea that sometimes, more people to talk to (or more things to talk about) get a
child engaged enough to talk
so, if you live anywhere near Kids Ahoy in QC for example, parang i'd recommend
you bring your child to their play sessions and alternate that with running in
parks... than manage your sked to bring your child to OT
but that's just me :) "
usually, if there is a delay, OT is recommended... and while that may be
helpful, one can also not say that the child just finally bloomed in time and
was finally ready to talk
i like yung suggestions to enrol in a class... not because I like the suggestion
that what your child needs is outside the home, but because it reinforces the
idea that sometimes, more people to talk to (or more things to talk about) get a
child engaged enough to talk
so, if you live anywhere near Kids Ahoy in QC for example, parang i'd recommend
you bring your child to their play sessions and alternate that with running in
parks... than manage your sked to bring your child to OT
but that's just me :) "
One of the moms there, one whom I really like and someone I know who had a child in therapy (plus, she's a play therapist) reacted to what I said... and brought up important points like:
1) Those who have not had kids undergo occupational therapy cannot really appreciate its value
2) DevPeds seldom recommend OT just after one assessment, and only really when they deem it necessary
3) It may be true that kids in therapy improved not really because of therapy but because of time (constitutional delay) but the emphasis should be on the improvement
4) Tests and measures serve a purpose
5) The assessment and if ever, therapy is not about and for the parent, but the child.
I was greatly bothered by this e-mail, not because I thought her points off-base (because I KNEW and BELIEVED in them already before) but because I realized I was being very dismissive already of what I once felt strongly about.
Oh, rebuttals came to mind asap... about how therapy is actually a lucrative business now, and how some therapists are holding families hostage. Or how some doctors are prescribing medication as Plan A.
More and more kids are being reported to have special needs, true. But, how about we look at TV/gadget use, diet, health, lifestyle and their routines instead?
Tests and measures serve a purpose, but they can also be counter-productive. They may be used as general guidelines but if one falls short of them, it shouldn't necessarily mean they have a problem that need to be fixed. This also brought to mind the following:
a) The speaker hired at a Learning Styles seminar I attended didn't believe in ADHD and believed more in learning styles (duh)... that it's not that a child cannot pay attention, it's more that he may process things differently and that is okay. A parent, however, needs to be aware of how his child learns and teach/approach him that way.
b) Debra Bell, the speaker at the recently held Homeschooling Conference, shared with us the story of how one of her daughters couldn't read well till she was around 10. That daughter was homeschooled and is now a Math teacher at a public school. That daughter also acknowledged to her Mom (Debra) that she now knows that had she been attending regular school, there would have been pressure for her to attend extra classes or have tutors and that she''d have been made to feel lacking because of that 'inability' at that age. (this same sentiment will be echoed in a lot of homeschooling blogs)
c) Dr. Fuller (one whose background in education and psychology is extensive), creator of Ball-Stick-Bird books, was surprised herself when suppposedly uneducable people (those with IQ below 60, based on standardized tests) taught themselves to read her books, when she created those books for high IQ but illiterate adults
d) A movement with indications of Steiner's anthroposophy is the Camphill movement, which basically looks at people with special needs as just different, without the need for the same people to be 'trained' according to the 'norm'. It's like one advocacy among the deaf... to hear shouldn't be THE GOAL but to self-realize despite not being able to hear.
(I do not mean to suggest that Waldorf/Anthroposophy and Homeschooling believers do not believe in delays and therapies... just that they may offer a different view of looking at the 'delays' and how to 'address' those.)
Now... "The assessment and if ever, therapy is not about and for the parent, but the child."
True, it is very sad when parents in denial would refuse to get a child assessed or not commit to a therapy regimen. True, the time a child is frustrated from not being able to communicate or move as he liked will be time that cannot be recovered anymore and may have lasting damage to their self-esteem.
By the same token, special classes and the resultant stress of those on the parents' emotions, time and finances could also potentially result in anxiety, frustration and shame as well on the child.
So, what is a parent to do?
I... I went to my husband and told him all this. I ended up crying, afraid that I might be veering off to one school of thought and end up jeopardizing my sons' future. After all, Yakee still has those listening issues (which is also weird because his widow is so strong) and Yamee is still not talking.
My husband listend and listened and listened and then asked me if parenting came with a manual and guarantees (no) and if I'd do everything I can for our children should they need help (yes). Then he told me that whatever we decide upon for them, they will accept it, thrive in it and if it was wrong, forgive us... because they'd also know that we love them. That I love them. He also reminded me to only worry about how I will parent our children.
(yes, isn't he wonderful?)
This reminded me again of the Waldorf belief that it is in our striving to be better parents that our children will bloom. So, whether we decide to just let them be, honor who they are now and let them unfold in their own time... or provide them with all the interventions we can to ensure that they have had help... it's going to be okay. The important thing is that it was done out of love and humility, faith and courage. Not out of fear, conformity, not because you just want to be different or too lazy/uninvolved to do anything about it.
=======================
So, when faced with the possibility of a child having delays or special needs, what do you do?
I guess you can start with home remedies, basically more intentional activities at home to address or possibly help with whatever it is you are concerned about. But also, just watch your child at play without intervening or directing the play. See what is coming out of her play, what she is good at, what she struggles with. Just be at a place where you not only see what's different about your child in a negative way (comparing to the usual standards) but also in a positive way.
Then schedule an assessment with a DevPed.
And should further assessments require drug and therapy recommendations... then I suggest to do your research and process the course of action with your spouse. Do you go into the therapy suggested? What are your options? Why are you doing this? Is it really because you want to help your child or because you don't want him to be different, lagging, etc? Can you commit to supplementing it with activities at home? (that's another thing hubs pointed out, some parents might provide all the therapy in the world but not be there with their child when they're needed, even just to talk to... same way that some parents might be so blind that their child is already asking for help... and hubs said, he believes that children do ask for help when there's something they really need that isn't being provided.) Are you open to changing course should one strategy fail? Will you check with your child if they think it is helping them? Should you choose to delay therapy, can you live with the decision? Should you choose to go into therapy, can you manage your expectations?
Parents know their children best and are in the best position to see if something's working or not, if their child is responding positively to something or not. And yes, we can get outside help... just hopefully, we don't lose sight of who our child is in pursuit of what we want her to become. And hopefully, we remember that there is NO ONE WAY to raise a child, or help a child.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Breastfeeding Disempowerment in Disguise
Monday started with my insides in a knot. Fellow breastfeeding advocates admitted to feeling as anxious as I was over a draft House Bill entitled “An Act Promoting a Comprehensive Program on Breastfeeding Practices and Regulating the Trade, Marketing and Promotions of Certain foods for infants and Children.”
At first glance, it does appear pro-breastfeeding, doesn't it? It does appear as if they had the babies' well-being in mind, right?
Unfortunately, this draft bill is just a fancy way of really saying... "allow milk companies to promote their products with impunity."
Read articles that have already discussed some of the things the bill hopes to accomplish against breastfeeding:
An Alarming House Bill
A New (Anti) Breastfeeding Bill
How about we revisit some truths?
1) Breastfeeding is not just best for babies but also best for women.
There are enough studies to back up the claims on the benefits of breastfeeding to babies, because breast milk provides nourishment in the right amounts and in biodigestible form but it also provides good bacteria and antibodies from the mother. And then there are the effects on the mother too, like lactation amenorrhea and reduced osteoporosis and cancer risks.
2) Breastfeeding saves lives.
Did you know that when malnourished babies are brought to Bantay Bata, Ms. Gina Lopez hires wet nurses so these babies will surely thrive and survive? Sure, these babies may gain weight with just milk formula, but the act of being held and pacified by a heart beat as well as being given antibodies to fight common illnesses are what allows them to thrive.
3) Breastfeeding saves lives in emergency situations
Celeb mom Gladys Reyes has woefully went on to promote powdered milk, but she thanked God she was breastfeeding when she and her family were trapped in the second floor of their home for many hours during Ondoy... contrast that with other moms trapped on rooftops who were formula-feeding who were crying because they couldn't feed their babies.
And then there is the fact that typhoons displace thousands of families in the country yearly. These people end up living in shelters with not enough food, water, ventilation and disposal systems which allows the shelters to be breeding grounds for viruses and bacteria. Diarrhea is always a problem in these shelters, which is why the Department of Health always appeals to the mothers to continue breastfeeding so that there would be one less baby to worry about.
3) Breastfeeding is free, formula is not.
We may spend on pumps or nursing covers initially but it will still not be as much as you'd spend on formula... and when you start with formula, chances are, you'll be offering powdered milk for many years. The middle class family may spend an average of P4,000 for milk formula (how much more if your infant is sensitive and was prescribed the really expensive ones?), some of which would have to be thrown out if not consumed within a specified time (unless you want to invite stomach troubles for your child). P4,000 for 12 months is P48,000... enough to cover 1-2 years worth of vaccines or some child's tuition.
Imagine the cost, not just financial, to a typical Filipino family when most of their money goes to the purchase of milk instead of food for the entire family, or allowance for the school-aged kids. Imagine how dangerous it would be for the babies of poor parents who will water down their formula (water intoxication may cause seizures) or feed them milk substitutes like evaporated milk or rice water?
4) Milk formula is not a sterile product.
Milk formula, as well as most powdered and liquid milk, is processed food. Not only is it made from hormone-raised cow's milk, there are also issues in the manufacturing, containing and storing processes that it goes through. It also requires sterile water, equipment and the right formulation, otherwise it can be toxic.
5) Due to some technicalities in the packaging that can be circumvented by milk companies, people often think they are buying milk that came from the US, Australia, etc when milk sold in the Philippines is largely supplied by China. Think about it, do you honestly think New Zealand can supply the world with milk? New Zealand can supply Kiwis with milk, but not the world. European countries can supply their milk demands, but not the world's. The USA can probably supply their own demands, but again, not the world's. And most countries in Southeast Asia cannot really produce milk in large quantities because of the tropical climate that affect a cow's milk production.
6) Breastfeeding doesn't pay.
Sure, there are many mompreneurs now selling breastfeeding paraphernalia and accessories but no one is earning enough to fund TV ads, billboards and celebrity endorsers. Milk companies, however, can freely dangle millions to donate something (in exchange for "Sponsored By" banners) or sponsor events. After all, milk companies generate an income of around P42 billion in our country (because they have effectively created a culture of formula milk dependency well into childhood among Filipinos, when formula is really only prescribed by the American Academy of Pediatrics for babies 1 year and below).
Milk companies are estimated to spend some P2 billion to employ some 3,000 Filipinos and spend another P2 billion for marketing, which includes advertisements, freebies, incentives offered to doctors by Med Reps and other varied ways of propaganda. These various ways to promote their products (and undermine breastfeeding) are what fueled boycotts of milk companies around the world, since breastfeeding cannot possibly compete with free vaccines, notebooks, shirts and what-not distributed where they are hard to catch and monitor... in our case, community health centers in far-flung barrios.
7) It pays to breastfeed, however.
Breastfeeding provides a baby optimum nutrition. Breastfed babies also report fewer and/or milder ilnesses which translate to savings in medical care and productivity (since a working Mom may be absent fewer times). Breastfeeding also protects from a lot of childhood ilnesses which result in 16,000 deaths every year for the Philippines.
Even if we assume that the 3,000 milk company employees in the country are all a family of 5, that's only about 15,000 people directly benefitting from the milk trade. But is their well-being more important than the 16,000 lives we lose every year, and who knows how many families driven to greater malnutrition and poverty from dependence on milk formula? And if we're to take the reasoning that milk companies do not just employ people but also move the economy by employing the services of ad agencies, printers, etc... should we also then be thankful that they are also driving patients to doctors, dead babies to funeral homes, shoppers to buy mineral/distilled water and reducing the population by 16,000 yearly?
8) Mothers are still fighting to breastfeed.
With the Milk Code and the breastfeeding campaigns by the DOH, as well as handy information from books, the internet and support groups on breastfeeding... Filipino mothers still have to fight and take a stand to breastfeed. We still have to defend our choice to our husbands, parents, friends, doctors and employers. We are still made to feel ashamed if we do it in public. We still have to convince ourselves that our bodies can deliver the milk as naturally as it delivered our child. We still have to combat a lot of myths and there is still a lot of information about breatfeeding tha isn't common knowledge. Why, even doctors are quick to say that after a year, our milk is no good for babies anymore.
That is still the scenario now... so imagine how worse it will be when milk companies can lure the Filipino's psyche into thinking that all the plus, plus they add to their milk makes it the best thing to give to our babies? Imagine how harder it will be to raise children eating right when a dependency on the bottle is cultivated? Imagine how many diabetics that will create in the short and long-term? Imagine how much that will deplete family resources for the marginalized?
I have said it often... I advocate breastfeeding for the poor. Moms like me can afford E.R. trips and sterile water and dental checkups. But not the poor. And unfortunately for the Philippines, the poor is at least 50% of the population. Even middle-income families are better off using their money elsewhere, instead of filling landfills with cans.
Let's all take a stand for those who seldom get to be heard. Do not support this consolidated bill and let your representatives know that you, their voting public, are against it.
*~*
My fellow LATCH peer counselor and mom blogger has also already blogged lengthily on this attempt to water down the Milk Code.
At first glance, it does appear pro-breastfeeding, doesn't it? It does appear as if they had the babies' well-being in mind, right?
Unfortunately, this draft bill is just a fancy way of really saying... "allow milk companies to promote their products with impunity."
Read articles that have already discussed some of the things the bill hopes to accomplish against breastfeeding:
An Alarming House Bill
A New (Anti) Breastfeeding Bill
How about we revisit some truths?
1) Breastfeeding is not just best for babies but also best for women.
There are enough studies to back up the claims on the benefits of breastfeeding to babies, because breast milk provides nourishment in the right amounts and in biodigestible form but it also provides good bacteria and antibodies from the mother. And then there are the effects on the mother too, like lactation amenorrhea and reduced osteoporosis and cancer risks.
2) Breastfeeding saves lives.
Did you know that when malnourished babies are brought to Bantay Bata, Ms. Gina Lopez hires wet nurses so these babies will surely thrive and survive? Sure, these babies may gain weight with just milk formula, but the act of being held and pacified by a heart beat as well as being given antibodies to fight common illnesses are what allows them to thrive.
3) Breastfeeding saves lives in emergency situations
Celeb mom Gladys Reyes has woefully went on to promote powdered milk, but she thanked God she was breastfeeding when she and her family were trapped in the second floor of their home for many hours during Ondoy... contrast that with other moms trapped on rooftops who were formula-feeding who were crying because they couldn't feed their babies.
And then there is the fact that typhoons displace thousands of families in the country yearly. These people end up living in shelters with not enough food, water, ventilation and disposal systems which allows the shelters to be breeding grounds for viruses and bacteria. Diarrhea is always a problem in these shelters, which is why the Department of Health always appeals to the mothers to continue breastfeeding so that there would be one less baby to worry about.
3) Breastfeeding is free, formula is not.
We may spend on pumps or nursing covers initially but it will still not be as much as you'd spend on formula... and when you start with formula, chances are, you'll be offering powdered milk for many years. The middle class family may spend an average of P4,000 for milk formula (how much more if your infant is sensitive and was prescribed the really expensive ones?), some of which would have to be thrown out if not consumed within a specified time (unless you want to invite stomach troubles for your child). P4,000 for 12 months is P48,000... enough to cover 1-2 years worth of vaccines or some child's tuition.
Imagine the cost, not just financial, to a typical Filipino family when most of their money goes to the purchase of milk instead of food for the entire family, or allowance for the school-aged kids. Imagine how dangerous it would be for the babies of poor parents who will water down their formula (water intoxication may cause seizures) or feed them milk substitutes like evaporated milk or rice water?
4) Milk formula is not a sterile product.
Milk formula, as well as most powdered and liquid milk, is processed food. Not only is it made from hormone-raised cow's milk, there are also issues in the manufacturing, containing and storing processes that it goes through. It also requires sterile water, equipment and the right formulation, otherwise it can be toxic.
5) Due to some technicalities in the packaging that can be circumvented by milk companies, people often think they are buying milk that came from the US, Australia, etc when milk sold in the Philippines is largely supplied by China. Think about it, do you honestly think New Zealand can supply the world with milk? New Zealand can supply Kiwis with milk, but not the world. European countries can supply their milk demands, but not the world's. The USA can probably supply their own demands, but again, not the world's. And most countries in Southeast Asia cannot really produce milk in large quantities because of the tropical climate that affect a cow's milk production.
6) Breastfeeding doesn't pay.
Sure, there are many mompreneurs now selling breastfeeding paraphernalia and accessories but no one is earning enough to fund TV ads, billboards and celebrity endorsers. Milk companies, however, can freely dangle millions to donate something (in exchange for "Sponsored By" banners) or sponsor events. After all, milk companies generate an income of around P42 billion in our country (because they have effectively created a culture of formula milk dependency well into childhood among Filipinos, when formula is really only prescribed by the American Academy of Pediatrics for babies 1 year and below).
Milk companies are estimated to spend some P2 billion to employ some 3,000 Filipinos and spend another P2 billion for marketing, which includes advertisements, freebies, incentives offered to doctors by Med Reps and other varied ways of propaganda. These various ways to promote their products (and undermine breastfeeding) are what fueled boycotts of milk companies around the world, since breastfeeding cannot possibly compete with free vaccines, notebooks, shirts and what-not distributed where they are hard to catch and monitor... in our case, community health centers in far-flung barrios.
7) It pays to breastfeed, however.
Breastfeeding provides a baby optimum nutrition. Breastfed babies also report fewer and/or milder ilnesses which translate to savings in medical care and productivity (since a working Mom may be absent fewer times). Breastfeeding also protects from a lot of childhood ilnesses which result in 16,000 deaths every year for the Philippines.
Even if we assume that the 3,000 milk company employees in the country are all a family of 5, that's only about 15,000 people directly benefitting from the milk trade. But is their well-being more important than the 16,000 lives we lose every year, and who knows how many families driven to greater malnutrition and poverty from dependence on milk formula? And if we're to take the reasoning that milk companies do not just employ people but also move the economy by employing the services of ad agencies, printers, etc... should we also then be thankful that they are also driving patients to doctors, dead babies to funeral homes, shoppers to buy mineral/distilled water and reducing the population by 16,000 yearly?
8) Mothers are still fighting to breastfeed.
With the Milk Code and the breastfeeding campaigns by the DOH, as well as handy information from books, the internet and support groups on breastfeeding... Filipino mothers still have to fight and take a stand to breastfeed. We still have to defend our choice to our husbands, parents, friends, doctors and employers. We are still made to feel ashamed if we do it in public. We still have to convince ourselves that our bodies can deliver the milk as naturally as it delivered our child. We still have to combat a lot of myths and there is still a lot of information about breatfeeding tha isn't common knowledge. Why, even doctors are quick to say that after a year, our milk is no good for babies anymore.
That is still the scenario now... so imagine how worse it will be when milk companies can lure the Filipino's psyche into thinking that all the plus, plus they add to their milk makes it the best thing to give to our babies? Imagine how harder it will be to raise children eating right when a dependency on the bottle is cultivated? Imagine how many diabetics that will create in the short and long-term? Imagine how much that will deplete family resources for the marginalized?
I have said it often... I advocate breastfeeding for the poor. Moms like me can afford E.R. trips and sterile water and dental checkups. But not the poor. And unfortunately for the Philippines, the poor is at least 50% of the population. Even middle-income families are better off using their money elsewhere, instead of filling landfills with cans.
Let's all take a stand for those who seldom get to be heard. Do not support this consolidated bill and let your representatives know that you, their voting public, are against it.
*~*
My fellow LATCH peer counselor and mom blogger has also already blogged lengthily on this attempt to water down the Milk Code.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Best Beginnings in Breastfeeding at TMC
It was my first time last Saturday to handle a topic for the Best Beginnings in Breastfeeding Workshop that LATCH conducts for The Medical City every other month. Suffice it to say, hubs was my worst critic, haha, but I appreciate the support, really.
I opened the talk with my favorite quote these days:
"We make time for what we choose to have in our life." (Lucy Torres Gomez)
me doing the Benefits game with the chocolates wrong
demonstrating how to switch from cradle to cross-cradle position which would be useful when, say, one is eating
my all-time breastfeeding supporters (hubs even offered to answer questions from the dads in my breakout group, hehe
Swannie (N@wie), Ethel, Buding and me (trying out the SaYa gift from Buding)
always with a girlfriend!
I realized that I really know so much about breatfeeding already... at least, the basics. But I could use more practice in my delivery. I believe i'd convince more people to breastfeed if I can be as charming as Buding when I talk about breastfeeding. Haha. Just like what the doctor said that time, hearing Buding talk makes her want to breastfeed there and then (and she's not even a Mom yet).
I opened the talk with my favorite quote these days:
"We make time for what we choose to have in our life." (Lucy Torres Gomez)
me doing the Benefits game with the chocolates wrong
demonstrating how to switch from cradle to cross-cradle position which would be useful when, say, one is eating
my all-time breastfeeding supporters (hubs even offered to answer questions from the dads in my breakout group, hehe
Swannie (N@wie), Ethel, Buding and me (trying out the SaYa gift from Buding)
always with a girlfriend!
I realized that I really know so much about breatfeeding already... at least, the basics. But I could use more practice in my delivery. I believe i'd convince more people to breastfeed if I can be as charming as Buding when I talk about breastfeeding. Haha. Just like what the doctor said that time, hearing Buding talk makes her want to breastfeed there and then (and she's not even a Mom yet).
Friday, December 10, 2010
UP-PGH FMAB: Yay or Nay?
We have already enjoyed UP-PGH's Faculty Medical Arts Building (FMAB) because my sons' pedia has been holding clinic there since October and that's where we take my newborn. In fact, we're going back there for his shots on Tuesday as well as for Yakee's primary complex consult.
I was even surprised and happy that a blogger event was held there yesterday to help create buzz about FMAB and how it not only houses the creme de la creme of Philippine medicine but also offers all the latest medical technology.
When I was searching for what FMAB stood for though (as I kept forgetting), I came across this article and felt a little bothered.
It's true. Because I can afford it, I like the idea of a clean, air-conditioned waiting area when I go or take my child for checkups. And as a mother, I LOVE the idea of not having to look very far should I need to seek a specialist for my child. You see, our pedia is a pedia-neonatologist and he will be sharing the pediatrics complex with a pediatric dentist, a developmental pedia, a pedia pulmo, etc. I'm sure you get the picture. That is such a great convenience, isn't it? And these are UP-PGH doctors which I really consider to be the best in the country by virtue of their training attending to UP-PGH patients. Plus, I bet they'd be all breastfeeding-friendly at least.
I can just gush and gush and gush.
However, I greatly respect Dr. Jose Gonzales because he was my late nephew's surgeon and is very well-respected by even Filipino doctors abroad. So he must have a clearer view of the bigger picture here. Me, I am only being selfish and thinking of what's convenient for me.
Then again, I had assumed, after seeing all that space for private clinics, that the privatization of the FMAB will help subsidize the operations of PGH. And I was willing to be a paying customer because I thought it would contribute to free medicines for others. Plus, at least doctors will be more available to those who NEED them while also being able to earn a living.
My pedia still charges his usual rate. I really hope the same will hold true for the other doctors holding clinic there and that the FMAB will not take away from PGH's earnings. I also can't think of how exactly but I also hope the FMAB will actually bring in more money to PGH.
I was even surprised and happy that a blogger event was held there yesterday to help create buzz about FMAB and how it not only houses the creme de la creme of Philippine medicine but also offers all the latest medical technology.
When I was searching for what FMAB stood for though (as I kept forgetting), I came across this article and felt a little bothered.
It's true. Because I can afford it, I like the idea of a clean, air-conditioned waiting area when I go or take my child for checkups. And as a mother, I LOVE the idea of not having to look very far should I need to seek a specialist for my child. You see, our pedia is a pedia-neonatologist and he will be sharing the pediatrics complex with a pediatric dentist, a developmental pedia, a pedia pulmo, etc. I'm sure you get the picture. That is such a great convenience, isn't it? And these are UP-PGH doctors which I really consider to be the best in the country by virtue of their training attending to UP-PGH patients. Plus, I bet they'd be all breastfeeding-friendly at least.
I can just gush and gush and gush.
However, I greatly respect Dr. Jose Gonzales because he was my late nephew's surgeon and is very well-respected by even Filipino doctors abroad. So he must have a clearer view of the bigger picture here. Me, I am only being selfish and thinking of what's convenient for me.
Then again, I had assumed, after seeing all that space for private clinics, that the privatization of the FMAB will help subsidize the operations of PGH. And I was willing to be a paying customer because I thought it would contribute to free medicines for others. Plus, at least doctors will be more available to those who NEED them while also being able to earn a living.
My pedia still charges his usual rate. I really hope the same will hold true for the other doctors holding clinic there and that the FMAB will not take away from PGH's earnings. I also can't think of how exactly but I also hope the FMAB will actually bring in more money to PGH.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Sleep Deprived
I think I need the help of natural sleep aids because I am being really grumpy on hubby and short on Yakee for lacking sleep.
Yamee actually has spells when he'd just sleep but during the day, I either squeeze in some work or playtime with Yakee. I also bond with my newly-arrived mom. At night, even when Yamee sleeps, I get awakened by the noises he makes, a cacophony of grunts and moans that disturb my sleep because I want to get him before he cries in earnest and disrupts his older brother's sleep. And even when I know someone is minding him during the day, I can't get any rest when I hear him fuss. Unfortunately for me, I cannot always go back to sleep after being woken up.
Sigh.
I am worried that I am turning out to be unloving to the other boys in my life.
Yamee actually has spells when he'd just sleep but during the day, I either squeeze in some work or playtime with Yakee. I also bond with my newly-arrived mom. At night, even when Yamee sleeps, I get awakened by the noises he makes, a cacophony of grunts and moans that disturb my sleep because I want to get him before he cries in earnest and disrupts his older brother's sleep. And even when I know someone is minding him during the day, I can't get any rest when I hear him fuss. Unfortunately for me, I cannot always go back to sleep after being woken up.
Sigh.
I am worried that I am turning out to be unloving to the other boys in my life.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
It's Raining Free Seminars!!!
At first, we were only going to the Parentin.tv talk because there were financial and marriage topics. Plus, it's the only chance I have of ever seeing the inside of St. Luke's Global City, possibly the most high-end hospital in the country right now. A normal delivery there will set you back around P150k!!!
And then I found out that LATCH is having its Best Beginnings in Breastfeeding talk (done every other month) on September 11 too. Since I have never volunteered for one yet, I thought to make it an advocacy day and hubs said he wants to tag along (jokingly, so as to make sure I won't breastfeed any other baby).
And then, we were already planning to go to the Manila Interntional Book Fair 2010 as Adarna launches 5 storybooks. There'd be cosplay and loot bags too. This is on September 18. And then I receive a text from Mommy Academy: they are throwing a birthday bash for kids turning three!!! So, of course I registered already without telling hubby just yet. If ever, it's another jampacked day for us!!! And I am tempted to ask my friend from Adarna to reserve my son loot bags, haha.
Shucks.
But really, I love free parenting seminars and the freebies I get there. I even adore the pamphlets. Of course, am sure my hubby wishes we'd go to techie or car shows instead where he can bond with other guys over Ferrari parts and iPads but well, he'd have to find those for himself.
*~*
Got my first boncho ever!!! I love it!!!
And then I found out that LATCH is having its Best Beginnings in Breastfeeding talk (done every other month) on September 11 too. Since I have never volunteered for one yet, I thought to make it an advocacy day and hubs said he wants to tag along (jokingly, so as to make sure I won't breastfeed any other baby).
And then, we were already planning to go to the Manila Interntional Book Fair 2010 as Adarna launches 5 storybooks. There'd be cosplay and loot bags too. This is on September 18. And then I receive a text from Mommy Academy: they are throwing a birthday bash for kids turning three!!! So, of course I registered already without telling hubby just yet. If ever, it's another jampacked day for us!!! And I am tempted to ask my friend from Adarna to reserve my son loot bags, haha.
Shucks.
But really, I love free parenting seminars and the freebies I get there. I even adore the pamphlets. Of course, am sure my hubby wishes we'd go to techie or car shows instead where he can bond with other guys over Ferrari parts and iPads but well, he'd have to find those for himself.
*~*
Got my first boncho ever!!! I love it!!!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Of Strong, Struggling Moms
Krissy is currently pregnant like I am, and due this December. Her firstborn, Anya, is currently confined at Asian Hospital for pneumonia and we've all been appealing for prayers for their family for Baby Anya.
Normally, though pneumonia is serious even for adults, there won't be such a plea for prayers. But Anya has many conditions, like lissencephaly, which makes pneumonia a number one enemy. She has been losing weight when she needs to be gaining at least 4 kilos asap. We're praying for no more complications and a strong fighting spirit for her... and her parents.
I cannot imagine how it is to be Krissy right now, pregnant and scared. Not only does she have to take care of herself and her unborn, she also needs to be with Anya to help her fight.
I told hubs, maybe that's why I'm dreaming of them a lot... because again, I never realized how lucky I've been to be pregnant with a healthy firstborn. It takes all of my wits already to just manage each day, so I really can't imagine how hard it must be for my friend.
But Krissy is prayerful... I know things are hard for her but I know her faith keeps her strong and sane. But please, do offer a prayer with us for Baby Anya and her family. Thank you.
Normally, though pneumonia is serious even for adults, there won't be such a plea for prayers. But Anya has many conditions, like lissencephaly, which makes pneumonia a number one enemy. She has been losing weight when she needs to be gaining at least 4 kilos asap. We're praying for no more complications and a strong fighting spirit for her... and her parents.
I cannot imagine how it is to be Krissy right now, pregnant and scared. Not only does she have to take care of herself and her unborn, she also needs to be with Anya to help her fight.
I told hubs, maybe that's why I'm dreaming of them a lot... because again, I never realized how lucky I've been to be pregnant with a healthy firstborn. It takes all of my wits already to just manage each day, so I really can't imagine how hard it must be for my friend.
But Krissy is prayerful... I know things are hard for her but I know her faith keeps her strong and sane. But please, do offer a prayer with us for Baby Anya and her family. Thank you.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Pregnancy Forum
Pregnancy Group is a new forum catering to pregnant women, moms and other people who have pregnancy-related concerns. The site also offers pregnancy tickers.
If you're looking for a message board that isn't as inundated yet by posts to make sure your particular complaints are addressed by the other members, then do register at the site. See you there!
If you're looking for a message board that isn't as inundated yet by posts to make sure your particular complaints are addressed by the other members, then do register at the site. See you there!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Excited About the Pediatric Complex
I heard from our pedia's (Dr. Mantaring) clerk that they are transferring to a better clinic by October. It will be a pediatric complex cooked up by Dr. Mantaring himself, which will house pediatric experts. She said there'd be some 36 doctors in all occupying the 8-10 cubicles, and a doctor and nurse will be attending to all the patients. The nurse will also be the one administering vaccines while all consultation will still be with the doctors.
There'd be pedia pulmo, pedia derma, pedia dentist, pedia surgeon, etc. Dr. Mantaring is a pedia neonatologist. I was telling hubby about this and he said, "so you're sure to blog about this?" because he could see I was so excited. I told him our pedia might increase his consultation fee but I was really looking forward to this one. He said he's hoping they will finally accept HMOs, but I doubt. Anyway, it would be a haven for worried parents, for sure. The drudgery and hassle of going to different places for different specialists will be eliminated!
Dr. Mantaring is now the head of pediatrics in Asian Hospital (and has instituted the Essential Newborn Care protocol there, where newborns are given skin-to-skin time with mommies before the umbilical cord is cut, and are allowed to breast crawl and breastfeed first before eye drops and initial vaccines are given to the baby). He also told me that in Asian Hospital, you can even directly room in if the baby was found to be completely okay at birth. So yeah, it's most probably Asian again for our second baby.
Going back to the pediatrics complex, I am sure PCMC is already sorta like this since it is a children's hospital. But this pediatric complex will be in Manila (in front of PGH) and for sure will be peopled by Dr. Mantaring's colleagues (and hello, he is one of the most sought after neonatologists in the country). We're looking at probably the best UP-PGH has ever produced... and am sure, they would all be breastfeeding-friendly, if not advocates, since Doc is.
I am stoked. Excited to the core. I do not wish for my son to ever need their services but the thought that I would know where to go if ever my kids need specialists... it warms my heart and tickles me pink.
Can you tell how excited I am?
There'd be pedia pulmo, pedia derma, pedia dentist, pedia surgeon, etc. Dr. Mantaring is a pedia neonatologist. I was telling hubby about this and he said, "so you're sure to blog about this?" because he could see I was so excited. I told him our pedia might increase his consultation fee but I was really looking forward to this one. He said he's hoping they will finally accept HMOs, but I doubt. Anyway, it would be a haven for worried parents, for sure. The drudgery and hassle of going to different places for different specialists will be eliminated!
Dr. Mantaring is now the head of pediatrics in Asian Hospital (and has instituted the Essential Newborn Care protocol there, where newborns are given skin-to-skin time with mommies before the umbilical cord is cut, and are allowed to breast crawl and breastfeed first before eye drops and initial vaccines are given to the baby). He also told me that in Asian Hospital, you can even directly room in if the baby was found to be completely okay at birth. So yeah, it's most probably Asian again for our second baby.
Going back to the pediatrics complex, I am sure PCMC is already sorta like this since it is a children's hospital. But this pediatric complex will be in Manila (in front of PGH) and for sure will be peopled by Dr. Mantaring's colleagues (and hello, he is one of the most sought after neonatologists in the country). We're looking at probably the best UP-PGH has ever produced... and am sure, they would all be breastfeeding-friendly, if not advocates, since Doc is.
I am stoked. Excited to the core. I do not wish for my son to ever need their services but the thought that I would know where to go if ever my kids need specialists... it warms my heart and tickles me pink.
Can you tell how excited I am?
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Get Your Above Ground Swimming Pool Today
The temperature keeps rising, and the kids are restless, now that school's out for the summer. With the economy pinching your budget, you don't have the cash to put in a cement pool. You want the exercise, the kids want to cool down, and your spouse wants to lounge on a floating raft. All you need now is an affordable, above ground swimming pool with a deck and accessories to get the party started.
You'll be in the swim soon enough with a pool that's sized just right for your space and family. You'll want a pool that is built to last for years to come with choices like aluminum, 100 percent resin or a steel resin hybrid. With such a wide variety of sizes and styles, you're sure to find the perfect choice for your dream pool. To really save, think about pool packages that include a 1.5 hp pump with a filtration system that will keep your pool crystal clear.
You'll find so many reasons to get an above ground swimming pool that chilly spring and fall days won't be a problem. With a solar pool cover, let the sun do all the work, then slide down into the warm water. An automatic pool warmer is always welcome when the sun doesn't peek out from behind the clouds. When winter arrives, just use the winter pool cover to protect your pool until it's time for another season of swimming.
Don't forget the pool toys and games that are sure to stir up some fun with your kids. Add a slide and watch those faces light up with glee as they plunge into the water. Put in a deck to sunbathe, or try floating toys for a game of basketball or volleyball. You'll never be caught in the heat again with an above ground pool to cool down the hottest days.
You'll be in the swim soon enough with a pool that's sized just right for your space and family. You'll want a pool that is built to last for years to come with choices like aluminum, 100 percent resin or a steel resin hybrid. With such a wide variety of sizes and styles, you're sure to find the perfect choice for your dream pool. To really save, think about pool packages that include a 1.5 hp pump with a filtration system that will keep your pool crystal clear.
You'll find so many reasons to get an above ground swimming pool that chilly spring and fall days won't be a problem. With a solar pool cover, let the sun do all the work, then slide down into the warm water. An automatic pool warmer is always welcome when the sun doesn't peek out from behind the clouds. When winter arrives, just use the winter pool cover to protect your pool until it's time for another season of swimming.
Don't forget the pool toys and games that are sure to stir up some fun with your kids. Add a slide and watch those faces light up with glee as they plunge into the water. Put in a deck to sunbathe, or try floating toys for a game of basketball or volleyball. You'll never be caught in the heat again with an above ground pool to cool down the hottest days.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Three Tips for Getting Cheap Cruises
A cruise is one of the best vacations you can take. It gets you away from all the busyness of everyday life by putting you in the middle of the sea or ocean where you are only surrounded by water and the beautiful sky. The only thing better than booking a cruise is knowing how to find cheap cruises so you do not have to break your budget. Here are some tips to save money on your next cruise.
Book cheap cruises through travel agents or discount cruise booking websites. If you book your cruise directly though the cruise line, you may end up paying more. Travel agents and travel websites often have lower rates for customers. Shop around before making your final decision because prices could fluctuate a great deal.
Look for companies offering inaugural cruises. Inaugural cruises are cruises that include a ship's maiden voyage. Most companies do not advertise these cruises except through word of mouth. You may be able to find a list of available inaugural cruises on user-based travel websites or by simply asking your travel agent for information about them when planning your trip.
Book a repositioning cruise. A repositioning cruise is when a company must move a ship from one area of the world to another due to the off season. For instance, European cruises experience their peak season during the spring and summer months while Caribbean cruises are not as popular during these months. As a result, the companies must move their ships from the Caribbean to Europe. You can book cruises on these ships that are getting moved and enjoy all of the same features without the same price because it is better to charge lower prices than to have the ships go empty. Check with your favorite cruise lines to inquire about this type of cruise to help you save money.
Book cheap cruises through travel agents or discount cruise booking websites. If you book your cruise directly though the cruise line, you may end up paying more. Travel agents and travel websites often have lower rates for customers. Shop around before making your final decision because prices could fluctuate a great deal.
Look for companies offering inaugural cruises. Inaugural cruises are cruises that include a ship's maiden voyage. Most companies do not advertise these cruises except through word of mouth. You may be able to find a list of available inaugural cruises on user-based travel websites or by simply asking your travel agent for information about them when planning your trip.
Book a repositioning cruise. A repositioning cruise is when a company must move a ship from one area of the world to another due to the off season. For instance, European cruises experience their peak season during the spring and summer months while Caribbean cruises are not as popular during these months. As a result, the companies must move their ships from the Caribbean to Europe. You can book cruises on these ships that are getting moved and enjoy all of the same features without the same price because it is better to charge lower prices than to have the ships go empty. Check with your favorite cruise lines to inquire about this type of cruise to help you save money.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Starting with the Potty Training
Suddenly I feel that I have to start pushing Yakee in the direction of a potty trained way of life. Plus, he loves Elmo's Potty Time so am thinking he's getting groomed for it. Another thing going for him is that it doesn't take him a long time to poop. He's not like other kids/people who go through so many ceremonies before being finished.
I have been asking Moms how they went about it, as I am having issues with holding his peen as he pees. But he has exhibited more bladder control now because he can let go at the CR now. He just refuses to tell me beforehand when he really has to pee.
I wonder if having a cardboard display of his accomplishments, a potty and rewards chart, is imperative at this point. But I have tasked my husband first to bring him to the CR everytime he pees so he can instruct Yakee.
Good luck to us!
I have been asking Moms how they went about it, as I am having issues with holding his peen as he pees. But he has exhibited more bladder control now because he can let go at the CR now. He just refuses to tell me beforehand when he really has to pee.
I wonder if having a cardboard display of his accomplishments, a potty and rewards chart, is imperative at this point. But I have tasked my husband first to bring him to the CR everytime he pees so he can instruct Yakee.
Good luck to us!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Praying for Janna
I was at the salon, reading a proactiv review in a mag while getting my nails done when I got a fellow Mom's text message that her eldest daughter has been confined in the hospital. Janna has been feverish for days but it was only today that her platelet count dropped. Dengue is such a stealthy monster.
My friend is now more worried because they're having their second daughter baptized on Saturday.
So please help me pray for Janna and her family, esply Mommy Anne. I really hope they caught it early and that Janna will eat and rest all she can so her body can work with her meds.
My friend is now more worried because they're having their second daughter baptized on Saturday.
So please help me pray for Janna and her family, esply Mommy Anne. I really hope they caught it early and that Janna will eat and rest all she can so her body can work with her meds.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Help Me Comfort a Mom
Krissy is the wife of hubs' high school barkada. She gave birth last year to a beautiful baby girl they named Christianne Lucia.
Anya has been diagnosed with a slew of brain-related problems that are now resulting in other developmental and physiological problems. She is now deaf, has epilepsy and hydrocephaly. You can read all about her challenges and accomplishments at the blog her Mom keeps: Anya, a miracle everyday.
Help me comfort my friend.
Mommy Krissy posted this in the blog on how people can help them.
I cannot imagine how Moms like her go through each day with a special needs child. I do know this: burdens are easier to carry when they're shared. So please take some time to extend kindness and cheer to her and her family. You can add Anya on Facebook too (Anya Orobia).
I like what Krissy said in her blog, something a friend told her. Anya may never be okay, the way we know okay to be. But someday, Krissy will be okay about things not being okay, most of the time. Let's help her reach that point sooner, so she can also be more help to Anya.
Anya has been diagnosed with a slew of brain-related problems that are now resulting in other developmental and physiological problems. She is now deaf, has epilepsy and hydrocephaly. You can read all about her challenges and accomplishments at the blog her Mom keeps: Anya, a miracle everyday.
Help me comfort my friend.
Mommy Krissy posted this in the blog on how people can help them.
Prayer. Anya needs a MIRACLE and we believe it will be granted to her. We believe in the power of prayer. We pray to everyone in heaven of course. And we ask for the intercession of Mama Mary and all the Saints. Specifically we are praying for the intercession of Blessed Alvaro del Portillo. He needs a “documented” miracle to be a canonized saint just like Pope John Paul II. Anya will be the documented miracle that we will submit to Rome. Please pray with us.
Accompany us. Even your presence during a doctor’s visit or a blood extraction from Anya will be a great comfort to us. Anya’s liver has to be constantly checked so she will experience the needle quite often.
Visit Anya. Anya needs “aggressive” stimulation. Come over and sing her a song, carry her around, help her move her tiny arms and legs during a therapy session, let her smell you, touch your face, do a session of her stimulation cards, or simply talk to her. Just let us know ahead of time so that you can catch her when she’s awake.
We want the best for Anya and have dared to explore the possibility of going abroad for treatment if needed. There are 2 institutes we are looking at: Johns Hopkins Medicine http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/ and The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential http://www.iahp.org/.
The Institutes will be in Singapore on July 2010 for “What to Do about your Brain-Injured Child Course.” That would be just the beginning as we intend to enroll her in the Intensive Program. We are currently raising funds for this purpose. You can also help us accumulate Mabuhay Miles at your convenience (just email and I’ll let you know how we’ll do it) since this would require frequent trips abroad.
I cannot imagine how Moms like her go through each day with a special needs child. I do know this: burdens are easier to carry when they're shared. So please take some time to extend kindness and cheer to her and her family. You can add Anya on Facebook too (Anya Orobia).
I like what Krissy said in her blog, something a friend told her. Anya may never be okay, the way we know okay to be. But someday, Krissy will be okay about things not being okay, most of the time. Let's help her reach that point sooner, so she can also be more help to Anya.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Looking for Adoptive Parents for a Crack Baby
Seriously.
A friend of mine has a deliquent brother who was a druggie, who impregnated a fellow druggie. Their daughter is turning two and the wife is pregnant again, giving birth in two months' time. My friend and her mother have convinced the couple to give up their second baby since they're dirt poor and cannot really provide for even themselves.
Crack babies come with a slew of problems sometimes. They may be sickly, have congenital anomalies, may go through withdrawal after birth, etc. My friend assures me that the mother has at least stopped using drugs during the pregnancy. But the mom has yet to have prenatal check up and she certainly needs prenatal vitamins.
I know the couple can still change their minds at the last minute. But still, i'm hoping there is a couple or family out there who'd consider adopting the child. We can't because 1) we are not open to that at this point in our marriage and 2) am sorta close to the family (what if the druggie dad tries to visit or what).
I have yet to check with an adoption agency though how best to facilitate this. Then again, I will admit that i'm all for just having the adoptive couple sign the birth certificate when the baby comes out. I know, it's not legally right but in this case, I believe it is still the moral thing to do.
A friend of mine has a deliquent brother who was a druggie, who impregnated a fellow druggie. Their daughter is turning two and the wife is pregnant again, giving birth in two months' time. My friend and her mother have convinced the couple to give up their second baby since they're dirt poor and cannot really provide for even themselves.
Crack babies come with a slew of problems sometimes. They may be sickly, have congenital anomalies, may go through withdrawal after birth, etc. My friend assures me that the mother has at least stopped using drugs during the pregnancy. But the mom has yet to have prenatal check up and she certainly needs prenatal vitamins.
I know the couple can still change their minds at the last minute. But still, i'm hoping there is a couple or family out there who'd consider adopting the child. We can't because 1) we are not open to that at this point in our marriage and 2) am sorta close to the family (what if the druggie dad tries to visit or what).
I have yet to check with an adoption agency though how best to facilitate this. Then again, I will admit that i'm all for just having the adoptive couple sign the birth certificate when the baby comes out. I know, it's not legally right but in this case, I believe it is still the moral thing to do.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Zero to Ten Temper
I'm one of those people whose temper goes from zero to ten. No in between. I'd be patient and calm one minute and suddenly, am mighty angry and rabid as hell.
Unfortunately, it's not good if am parenting my child because he doesn't get any warnings at all when am going to combust. So there I was, patient and loving one minute, trying to help a post-Holiday Yakee to settle back for his afternoon nap when I suddenly lost it because Yakee kept trying to poke my eye out. I started spanking. And it wasn't calm, controlled, numbered spanking either. I was not screaming but my voice was raised also and I was shaking with anger. Then later on, with guilt.
Sigh.
I was spoiled with over a week of having others to help me care for him. Pappie was there, for one. He was also spoiled with having other people to entertain him. Today was the first day that we're left to our own devices and Yakee didn't wake up happy to start with because I was not in bed with him, I was out hanging the clothes I washed last night.
After my son has calmed down, he started telling me again and again "I Love you" (Awahu). Sigh. Then we played with clay, and he asked for HOT MILK and bread. Now he's there, playing the drums. And am very calm again. But I also hate what happened.
I vowed to be a better Mom and am not making good on that promise.
Unfortunately, it's not good if am parenting my child because he doesn't get any warnings at all when am going to combust. So there I was, patient and loving one minute, trying to help a post-Holiday Yakee to settle back for his afternoon nap when I suddenly lost it because Yakee kept trying to poke my eye out. I started spanking. And it wasn't calm, controlled, numbered spanking either. I was not screaming but my voice was raised also and I was shaking with anger. Then later on, with guilt.
Sigh.
I was spoiled with over a week of having others to help me care for him. Pappie was there, for one. He was also spoiled with having other people to entertain him. Today was the first day that we're left to our own devices and Yakee didn't wake up happy to start with because I was not in bed with him, I was out hanging the clothes I washed last night.
After my son has calmed down, he started telling me again and again "I Love you" (Awahu). Sigh. Then we played with clay, and he asked for HOT MILK and bread. Now he's there, playing the drums. And am very calm again. But I also hate what happened.
I vowed to be a better Mom and am not making good on that promise.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Feeling Helpless
We really can't afford Outer Banks vacations, or even a trip abroad just right now. But we're blessed enough to have roof over our head, cloths on our back, some money in the bank, etc.
My cousin found two families at the Plaza de Dilao with two infants exposed to the elements. One is just 3 weeks old, the other 4 months old. She was affected by their plight and was asking me if I haven't kept some of my son's socks.
Good thing I actually still had 4 pairs of infant socks. But I'm at a loss because I really gave away my son's stuff already for Typhoon Ondoy victims.
The only things I have saved for myself were two newborn onesies (one I gave to my cousin to give away to the baby) and the other things that are still here, I have promised already to a Mom. My son's past two years old... I really have no more newborn stuff to give.
Sigh.
Now, I should really seek them out and try to convince the Mom of the 3-week old to nurse the 4-month old, whose Mom is working as a maid somewhere. And I should see what we can give to those families.
I can't save every child... but that doesn't mean I don't wish I could.
*~*
A friend is also enlisting my help to help her get her future niece/nephew adopted. See, her brother (and his wife) are drug addicts and they already have a one year old. The wife is pregnant again and they usually vanish for several days and are unemployed because of their addiction so my friend and her Mom wants to have the new baby adopted. They even want to just sneak the newborn away and bring it to me so that her brother couldn't go after it anymore.
I didn't want that though because I know it's kidnapping. Plus, my heart always go out to adoptive parents whose hopes get high one minute and get dashed the next. So i'd rather adoptive parents pick the baby up from the hospital... give their names to be placed on the birth certificate instead.
Yes, I am a little ashamed to say that there are cases where I also don't like how the DSWD system works.
*~*
All these babies needing to be saved...
My cousin found two families at the Plaza de Dilao with two infants exposed to the elements. One is just 3 weeks old, the other 4 months old. She was affected by their plight and was asking me if I haven't kept some of my son's socks.
Good thing I actually still had 4 pairs of infant socks. But I'm at a loss because I really gave away my son's stuff already for Typhoon Ondoy victims.
The only things I have saved for myself were two newborn onesies (one I gave to my cousin to give away to the baby) and the other things that are still here, I have promised already to a Mom. My son's past two years old... I really have no more newborn stuff to give.
Sigh.
Now, I should really seek them out and try to convince the Mom of the 3-week old to nurse the 4-month old, whose Mom is working as a maid somewhere. And I should see what we can give to those families.
I can't save every child... but that doesn't mean I don't wish I could.
*~*
A friend is also enlisting my help to help her get her future niece/nephew adopted. See, her brother (and his wife) are drug addicts and they already have a one year old. The wife is pregnant again and they usually vanish for several days and are unemployed because of their addiction so my friend and her Mom wants to have the new baby adopted. They even want to just sneak the newborn away and bring it to me so that her brother couldn't go after it anymore.
I didn't want that though because I know it's kidnapping. Plus, my heart always go out to adoptive parents whose hopes get high one minute and get dashed the next. So i'd rather adoptive parents pick the baby up from the hospital... give their names to be placed on the birth certificate instead.
Yes, I am a little ashamed to say that there are cases where I also don't like how the DSWD system works.
*~*
All these babies needing to be saved...
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Homeschooling Thoughts
At the World Bazaar yesterday, we almost bought a bedroom and accessories set because I wanted the toy rack. But I knew that was being impractical but hubby also said that we could use the table and chairs for our homeschooling days soon. Two years can fly so fast after all.
Maybe next year, I will start browsing curriculum online to see what is being offered and weigh what will also seem as a perfect fit. I also intend to attend next year's homeschooling conference and continue attending the seminars being aranged by The Masters Academy. Right now, however, I am still really torn between three homeschooling institutions.
The Masters Academy is a school I am already sort of at home with, because they initiate the homeschooling conference and I've attended one Learning Styles seminar with them. Being affiliated with CCF, I also know that they're really intent on values formation and that their parents are a warm lot.
School of Tomorrow, on the other hand, is where a friend's son is enrolled. Supposedly also, it has the best curriculum of all the homeschoolings institutions here. It's also Christian-based and there is a regular school in Las Piñas should I ever want to enrol my child in a regular school already.
Catholic Filipino Academy seems to be the only Catholic-based one and is actually the most affordable. It's being run by Bo Sanchez.
I still don't know which homeschooling curriculum best fits our family and which one will offer the best support system to homeschooling parents. It's great, however, that the pinoyhomeschool yahoogroups is also able to provide support, information and resources to parents who are feeling lost or overwhelmed.
Maybe next year, I will start browsing curriculum online to see what is being offered and weigh what will also seem as a perfect fit. I also intend to attend next year's homeschooling conference and continue attending the seminars being aranged by The Masters Academy. Right now, however, I am still really torn between three homeschooling institutions.
The Masters Academy is a school I am already sort of at home with, because they initiate the homeschooling conference and I've attended one Learning Styles seminar with them. Being affiliated with CCF, I also know that they're really intent on values formation and that their parents are a warm lot.
School of Tomorrow, on the other hand, is where a friend's son is enrolled. Supposedly also, it has the best curriculum of all the homeschoolings institutions here. It's also Christian-based and there is a regular school in Las Piñas should I ever want to enrol my child in a regular school already.
Catholic Filipino Academy seems to be the only Catholic-based one and is actually the most affordable. It's being run by Bo Sanchez.
I still don't know which homeschooling curriculum best fits our family and which one will offer the best support system to homeschooling parents. It's great, however, that the pinoyhomeschool yahoogroups is also able to provide support, information and resources to parents who are feeling lost or overwhelmed.
Friday, November 27, 2009
My Anvil Shopping Spree
Every December, Anvil Publishing holds a Book Sale. When I heard that you could buy Archie Comic Books for as cheap as P5 (well, I bought mine for P10 each), I really decided to at least check it out. Plus, I wanted to see if they're selling storybooks which I could give away as Christmas gifts.
Well, taxis are hard to get these days so we had to commute. I had the brilliantidea of letting my son tag along. But at least there wasn't any major traffic.
Most of the books are kinda dusty. Good thing nobody was smoking Rocky Patel cigars there because the dust on the books was already enough to make my son's eyes puff and all of us itch. But the staff was gracious enough to direct us to their washrooms.
There were a lot of inspirational books, Michael Crichton's The Lost World, old storybooks selling for P10 each, old Archie Comic Books (but only two titles remain). The Kwento ni Lola Basyang storbyooks are being sold at 20% discount but they didn't have a whole set out (plus, we already have a whole set which we bought at 15% off when we attended a parenting seminar before).
My splurge buys? Barney coloring and sticker book because it was only half-price off and a new storybook (a brother with autism) that's only 20% off. Those cost me P169.
But the rest of the books, I bought for P1,012.00 and am talking of 77 books (including a set of Toy Story stickers and sticker book).
We were already going home when one of the staff mentioned that they're bringing in Magic School Bus books and a mom said that she'd return for them. I was curious so we had merienda and returned for the books. They cost P20/pc but I decided to buy one of each (and some extra to give away). It's silly but I believed them that it's big in the US (plus, the books seemed very informative).
I actually bought a lot of storybook extras, because am retaining a copy for our mini library and giving away some to nieces and nephews.
While waiting for the Magic School Bus books, Yakee had me read The Mahiwagang Biyulin. I've actually memorized this story and can tell it while also signing half of the words.
Hopefully, Yakee wouldn't ever outgrow his love for books :)
Well, taxis are hard to get these days so we had to commute. I had the brilliantidea of letting my son tag along. But at least there wasn't any major traffic.
Most of the books are kinda dusty. Good thing nobody was smoking Rocky Patel cigars there because the dust on the books was already enough to make my son's eyes puff and all of us itch. But the staff was gracious enough to direct us to their washrooms.
There were a lot of inspirational books, Michael Crichton's The Lost World, old storybooks selling for P10 each, old Archie Comic Books (but only two titles remain). The Kwento ni Lola Basyang storbyooks are being sold at 20% discount but they didn't have a whole set out (plus, we already have a whole set which we bought at 15% off when we attended a parenting seminar before).
My splurge buys? Barney coloring and sticker book because it was only half-price off and a new storybook (a brother with autism) that's only 20% off. Those cost me P169.
But the rest of the books, I bought for P1,012.00 and am talking of 77 books (including a set of Toy Story stickers and sticker book).
We were already going home when one of the staff mentioned that they're bringing in Magic School Bus books and a mom said that she'd return for them. I was curious so we had merienda and returned for the books. They cost P20/pc but I decided to buy one of each (and some extra to give away). It's silly but I believed them that it's big in the US (plus, the books seemed very informative).
I actually bought a lot of storybook extras, because am retaining a copy for our mini library and giving away some to nieces and nephews.
While waiting for the Magic School Bus books, Yakee had me read The Mahiwagang Biyulin. I've actually memorized this story and can tell it while also signing half of the words.
Hopefully, Yakee wouldn't ever outgrow his love for books :)
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