No Way, No!

U.N. Report Advocates Teaching Masturbation to 5-Year-Olds

While I am sure this isn't as sensational as it reads right now... there are still several things that I find seriously wrong about this picture.

First... I believe in sex education but I also believe in letting children be children. I know kids go through a phallic stage but I would rather teach better gendering (how not to be so rough for boys, and how to be more active for girls) to kids rather than teach them about ideas like masturbation (unless asked). I would rather they are taught of social graces and responsibilities, rather than where to get safe abortions. 

Second... though I understand the real tragedy that is HIV/AIDS and other reproductive health issues compromising the health and welfare of women and children, I really don't think one can teach about sexual responsibility without a proper value framework. Sure, using religion sometimes turn more people off from safer sex practices and sexual responsibility BUT you really can't be tackling ideas without it being in the context of values, priorities and what dignifies a human being.

Third... I would rather parents are taught to properly address their children's questions because they then can be better parents to all their children. Wouldn't that be more cost effective in the long run as well? 

Fourth... thinking of marginalized people with no education, support and options... what would concepts mean to them? How is a child of 8 who knows about abortions be saved from premarital sex, promiscuity and abuse? All they'd know is that there is a concept like abortion and it might provide a 'solution' to whatever happened to them.

Yikes!

So, no... no way, no!

*~*

I seriously hope this isn't their answer to this GIRL EFFECT MOVEMENT

Maria Lactans

I sincerely hope that the site fisheaters.com won't mind that I copied their pictures to post here. I was just really amazed at the many wonderful paintings/sculpture on Mary as Nursing Mother. I really checked each one out.

This post is coming along the heels of the picture ABS-CBN posted in their FB wall that is garnering a lot of really WTH comments from prissy hypocrites. Yes, I am labelling them :D

Anyway, here are my faves of the Maria Lactans:

artist: Pisano

Anonymous French Sculptor

 

Cleve (he has many breastfeeding paintings, and I like that he depicted baby Jesus/babies falling asleep at the breast... and Mother Mary/moms going about other nurturing activities, like reading)

 

Fouquet (I think others in this day and age would find this sensational... amazing that it was created in AD 1450)

 

Michelangelo (most Our Lady of La Leche paintings show Mother Mary'sbreasts really full, and usually, nipples are prominet)

 

Morales (don't you just love how romantic this one is? and how it depicts the baby trying to soothe himself by nippling the mom?)

 

Robert Campin

 

Orley (look, baby Jesus is already standing and still nursing!)

 

Painting at Bethlehem's Milk Grotto

Alonso Cano's depiction of the spiritual nourishing of St. Bernard by the milk of Our Lady, based on this legendary mystical experience: Bernard prayed before a statue of the Madonna, asking her, "Show yourself a mother" ("Monstra te esse Matrem"). The statue came to life and and squirted milk from the breast onto the Saint's lips.

 

 

But like what a fellow breastfeeding Mom said... at least people are talking now and more people are becoming aware that there is such a thing as Our Lady of La Leche... that this devotion to the nursing mother is real and has been in practice for a long time... and sanctioned and supported by the Vatican. 

Shame on SM Management

Allow mw to direct you to two blog posts concerning recent incidents wherein breastfeeding moms were told by SM security guards that they cannot breastfeed in the mall, and that's why there was a nursing station provided in their mall.

The right to breastfeed: An open letter to Sm Supermalls Management

Incident at SM Davao

When I first read about it, I really said that if the same happened to me, I'd have probably cried buckets there and then from sheer anger and offence.

The fact is, breastfeeding stations are for those who might need/want a more quiet or private place to nurse... but just because there is one shouldn't mean breastfeeding should be done ONLY there.

I heard certain buses in Davao allot seats for breastfeeding moms as well... does that mean passengers intending to breastfeed should sit there and only there?

Last time I checked too, they don't allow companions in their nursing stations in SM... what is a mother supposed to do with her husband, child, etc who are all prospective shoppers/customers?

And what of the real supermalls where there is only ONE breastfeeding station? If you were at SMX, would you really walk all the way to heaven knows where in the main mall to nurse?

I tried going to the breastfeeding station at MOA before and couldn't find it, my son finished nursing during the course of our search. I never attempted to find it again.

I also don't know if it applies to all... or just some... but SM combines nursing stations with their clinic. Apart from the complaints that the nursing stations they've seen/been into do not smell good... could you blame a Mom if she does not want to go somewhere where some stranger with bad-a$$ germs could have sat?

Breastfeeding stations are like disabled lanes, it is a courtesy an establishment extends to its patrons... not some room like a CR where you SHOULD go to DO certain things that would be really objectionable and unsanitary if done in public.

Maybe, if SM looked at a breastfeeding station not as a loss of income for allotting facilities/staff that do not generate income but as an investment in their valued customers' well-being, then they'd do things better. These moms are the ones who frequent your Baby & Company area, and if they're happy, they will buy more.

A Boob Job Present for a Birthday Gift

I will not include a link here to the news site but just feel free to Google or Bing "Sarah Burge, Human Barbie, gifted her daughter with a boob job voucher for 7th birthday" and you're sure to get many hits.

My initial reaction was "Ewww." and my friend's, "Disgusting." And I guess we're both referring to both the Human Barbie's face (who looks soooo unnatural) and the implication of the gift. And I don't really care if the mother says that she's just giving her daughter the option, should she someday want her boobs fixed, enlarged, changed, etc., because it still screams inappropriate to me.

Heck... heels for little girls are inappropriate, this is verging on perverted and abuse. After all, why would a 7-year old scream with delight over a future boob job if she's not being raised with the notion that she's need or want one?

Now, i'll just get back to searching appareils photo numériques and silently thank my happy problem of not having their money, which seems to be tied to their poor self-image as well. And I soooo won't ever take pictures of that scary-looking Sarah Burge.

Bloggers Engagement for DOH's Breastfeeding TSEK Program

Last May 14, 2011, I had the privilege of attending the Bloggers Engagement for the Department of Health's (DOH) Breastfeeding TSEK Campaign at Alejandra Hotel in Makati.

I was at the launch of the Breastfeeding TSEK campaign months ago but was not really familiar with the details. Still, it was really nice to see the government funding the promotion of breastfeeding awareness and support. It was now tapping new media even!

Welcome Remarks and call for support was made by Asec. Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial while Dr. Anthony Calibo (Supervising Officer for Essential Newborn Care, NDCC-DOH) presented the Breastfeeding TSEK Primer. The PR is being handled by Campaigns Cebu.

Highlights of/Notes taken from the bloggers engagement include:
* We actually have better breastfeeding laws compared to other countries; we have a problem with implementation though

* Aside from the usual Milk Code Violations, we also have a culture where most pregnant mothers do not go for prenatal pediatric consultation to know their rights and responsibilities

* There is a growing trend now of OB-GYNs also pushing milk formula by colluding with their 'partner' pediatricians; "if you don't push this milk, I will not send clients your way" (on top of hospitals issuing formula cans; pediatricians ordering formula feeding for any number of reasons; and public health workers giving away formula to mothers they see in their clinics... all funded by milk company giants, of course)

* Good news: Aside from designated breastfeeding areas in public places in Davao, there are also reserved bus seats for breastfeeding moms

* Based on their most recent studies, 53% of mothers breastfeed after giving birth, but only 33.5% do it exclusively for the first 6 months of life. The median duration of exclusive breastfeeding is 2.8 months, corresponding to length of maternity leave and an obvious room for improvement on information dissemination (that it is doable to exclusively breastfeed even after going back to work, and how) and support (both from family and employer). Sorry I cannot cite the specific study and year but maybe we can ask from the Breastfeeding TSEK Facebook page

* There is actually about 20% or more who breastfeed for the first six months and do not give formula, but give water or other things (solids, honey, etc) and it is DOH's hope to target this population to just exclusively breastfeed to bring the percentage of exclusive breastfeeding to over 50%

* A story of a breastfeeding mom who pumped in a toilet cubicle: a colleague only heard the low hum of the pump motor, reported it to the supervisor and the whole thing resulted in Bomb Squad, NBI, etc being called

* 38.4% of the labor force is composed of women; 33% of union members are women... which should empower women to insist on their needs and roles being considered and addressed

* Mothers who want to delay rooming in should also be informed of the increased chance of catching infections the longer their newborn stays in the nursery (issue of support system will come in here for the newly-delivered mom)

* Region VI (Western Visayas) showed consistent low scores in proper breastfeeding and complementary feeding scores; Region X (Northern Mindanao) consistently scored high

* Underweight problems set in at age of solid introduction which suggests a problem with proper complementary feeding

* Formula milk has to have added iron as the allergens in it result in microbleeding for babies

* to my question of whether the Breastfeeding TSEK program has anything in it to also effect changes in the training of medical students, there was no clear answer (breastfeeding is just a course topic, not even an entire subject for med students, when breastfeeding experts cannot even cover everything about it in two weeks)... however, it seems the World Health Organization (WHO) has already issued a guide for curriculum developers and that they are targetting nutritionists especially (since they are actually required to master formula components & preparation); there has also been a curriculum integration meeting where medical schools were represented last year;

* I brought the matter up because aside from the OB and the pedia, nursing mothers who get sick also see a slew of other doctor specialists who are quick to prescribe medications without considering its safety for a nursing mom or who refuse to prescribe/look up safer drug alternatives

* A good thing is the government's conditional cash transfer program (CCT) involving DepEd, DSWD and DOH wherein P5.7 billion has been allocated for DOH's social service package to cover basic emergency obstetrical and neonatal care facilities. "Under the CCT program, the government provides a monthly stipend of P500 to mothers plus P300 per child up to three on condition that they keep their children in school, that they receive immunization, and that the mothers avail themselves of pre-natal and other check-ups. (Source)" Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are also given Vitamin A and Iron supplements.





Training for breastfeeding peer counselors all over the country will also commence this June, so yes, the government is now doing more so breastfeeding can save lives.

*~*

I was a little annoyed and disappointed that only half of the bloggers who confirmed for the event showed up. As a former government employee, I know just how limited the funds are and no-shows are a waste of resources.

I spoke about this with Campaigns Cebu and asked them, should there be another blogcon on DOH's breastfeeding program, that I be contacted so I can also invite actual breastfeeding advocate bloggers.

It is good to have converts among those who make a career out of blogger events but inviting those who are already advocates too will effect bigger improvements as we can work better with the government, offer more informed feedback and see how else we can help.

I have also asked DOH to let me cover their peer counselors training so I can blog about it. Hopefully, I can be accommodated. I really believe that knowing what the government is doing, no matter how slow or small, can result in more cooperative constituents.

And I have no agenda other than to help save lives... both the baby's and the mother's.

The Plight of Moms in Japan

sharing here my friend's FB alert

============

No wonder i feel so lethargic during the day..Not even nine in the morning and we already have 3 pretty strong after shocks in my prefecture. Tap water in Tokyo is not safe for infants that they are now distributing bottled water to households with babies.Many kids in the Chernobyl disaster developed cancer months or even years after drinking milk/water spiked with radioactive iodine but thought to be safe level at that time. Imagine the anxiety of mothers now who can't even wash milk bottles with running water thinking it might give their precious children thyroid cancer in the future..?

Tsubasa called me last night saying,mom,send me bottled water,i can't find any in the supermarkets,sold out despite a limit of two, two-litre bottles per customer.

Earthquake is something you can feel,so you know when it's coming and hitting you.Radiation is invicible,making it so scary and hard to fight,making people paranoid. Just yesterday, they announced not to eat cabbage,spinach,cucumbers and a lot of green leafy vegetables grown in Fukushima and my place cos they tested positive and so farmers are suffering a lot too. I had to throw away the cucumber i just bought the day before cos you don't wanna take the risk. Vegetables grown from other areas deemed safe are not selling well too cos people are afraid.

And yeah, i just saw that they are distributing free bottled water in some parts of my prefecture too that tested with high levels.They distribute them to every household tho,not just those with infants.

After shocks,radiation and food/water shortage..Life goes on...

** oh mec i thought of you when i saw those moms worried faces wondering if the water they drink will also affect their breastfeeding babies and asking if they can bathe them too. tsubasa is an adult and im worried for him but just thinking of those young mothers with small children breaks my heart.thanks again everyone..:-)

Japan is one of the countries with a high breastfeeding rate. My friend there says that you really do not get to leave the hospital without knowing how to breastfeed. If you want to formula feed there, you will have an option of two brands at most, usually just really used for babies with special cases.

But indeed, what of breastfeeding moms drinking contaminated water? How will this affect their babies?

And what of young children already eating solids... what water will they use? How long will this go on? How far will it spread?

Sigh.

Please join me in praying for the people of and in Japan. Radiation is a monster that they could do without.

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.

LATCHers at the MDG-F Photo Exhibit

Aside, we could be models for Indigo Manila, Blissfulbabes and Eden Maternity with our fab nursing wear, no?
(photo courtesy of Stan from The Stork Studio)

I basically missed the entire thing since we got there late, save for the exhibit which was great. Anyway, briefly, the Millenium Development Goals Achievement Fund/Philippines has partnered with DLS-College of St. Benilde, Breastfeeding Patrol of Mandaluyong City, L.A.T.C.H. Inc., National Nutrition Council, Department of Health, SM, UNICEF and the Stork Studio to come up with a photo exhibit with their theme: "support, promote and protect exclusive breastfeeding and appropriate complementary feeding for a healthy child, family and community."

They got breastfeeding moms to pose while breastfeeding in public around MOA and put those on exhibit. Kudos really to Stan of Stork Studio for the wonderful pictures.





I am really glad that the government seems to be more proactive about breastfeeding promotion and support, and I really hope more families will be made aware of breastfeeding benefits... the long-term ones especially since saving money on formula for now is the least of it.

Essential Newborn Care Protocol

It takes time to download but everything one must know about essential newborn protocol care protocol/program (ENP) can be found here.

The Four Core Steps of Essential Newborn Care include:
* Immediate and thorough drying
* Early skin-to-skin contact
* Properly timed cord clamping
* Non-separation of the newborn and mother for early initiation of breastfeeding

Note to moms... drying a baby is essential since they easily get cold and cold is the enemy of newborns. Per my LATCH counselor friend (who is also a pedia), babies who get cold may have breathing problems. It is, however, not the same as wiping off the vernix (the waxy substance covering the baby which is a natural protection from infections). This is why part of the protocol is the delayed bathing of the baby (up to six hours).

The same procedure can be done for STABLE premature babies but for both unstable term and premature babies, resuscitation or other initial intervention is of course prioritized.

The ultimate goal of ENP is non-separation with their mothers, not just for breastfeeding but also for the colonization with the mother's bacteria (which the mother can provide protection from) and skin-to-skin contact (warming).

And yes, even moms who just had a CS operation can enjoy the breast crawl. In fact, it becomes all the more essential as the baby missed the good bacteria it usually gets from normal deliveries that is very essential in jumpstarting a baby's immune system.

And this is the beautiful Unang Yakap video again:



And this is the official World Health Organization flyer on ENP.

*~*

My nurse friend in the US shared that "mothers are best for their babies" is the cornerstone of what is referred in the US as NIDCAP (Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program) which I believe is the counterpart of our ENP.

It is really sad that a mother's natural capacities to carry, deliver, nourish and care for a child has been undermined by the modern way of life. Now, groups like ours even have to convince and empower women that the best they can give their children are nowhere outside them... that they are the experts and the authorities on their child.

Soyami with Yummy Mommies

I attended the Soyami Soya Chips mini launch at Active Fun last Friday with my friend Laya. So while our kiddos bonded (Oona and Yakee could be siblings, honestly!) at the playground that is Active Fun, we got to meet other moms and hear about the Soyami product.




the cutest girl ever, little Olly




Laya in a video shoot for Soyami (naks)


loved meeting Chats finally here (the lovely lady beside me)

Apple Morales, who owns the Active Fun branch in SM North and who thought of Soyami soya chips as a healthier food snack to offer their patrons, was a former UNICEF breastfeeding advocate. And I absolutely loved her and her tales about her son. I really hope they'd be blessed again soon!

Anyway, don't be surprised if you see a video of me in their site recommending their product. I do believe that it is a great alternative to the usual potato chip. And from the freebies we got, I can say that it's really made from soya since we've observed certain digestive/excretory benefits (to think we share a 50 gm. pack).

Soya supposedly helps in losing weight so dieters might want to consider Soyami for when they are craving for crunch. That surely beats having to determine diet pills that work, right? And soya is rich in protein and calcium.

I won't ever say to make Soyami a habit BUT if you are buying chips anyway, Soyami soya chips surely beats most junk food out there. The sodium content alone in the common brands are a killer, what more the msg.

Have I said that Soyami soya chips are certified Halal? Apples said that they import their soya beans which are certified GMO (organic). Soyami will start being sold in groceries this November and will cost P37/50 gram bag. Yes, it's a lot more expensive compared to other chips but you basically pay for healthier snacking.

Come on, save your colons and kidneys. Try Soyami chips!

Shopping Weekend

There is currently a Big & Small sale going on somewhere in Pasong Tamo extension. I wanted to go there but decided on skipping it to save myself money.

But then I found out that it's Expo Kid II at Rockwell too this Saturday!!! And since both are in the same general area, I am now itching to go!

Yikes.

*~*

Was up early this morning looking at maternity con nursing wear again. So much for being prudent with money, haha.

On Formula Recalls

Just recently, I posted about how two of Mead Johnson's products were recalled for not having the standard level of fat content. And now there's the recall of certain Abbott powdered infant formulas.

In both cases, the term "harmless" was used. And I guess, if we have to be technical about things, it is true. Infant formulas usually have a "consume within so many days after opening" rule printed on their boxes and cans but only the aware or can-afford strictly follow that rule. Do you honestly think the poorer people extending their formulas follow that? And not doing so is still pretty harmless. Just like eating dog food is, or consuming some products past their expiration dates. Or eating things that have fallen on the floor (kids actually love this!). Or ants in your food.

The list can go on and on and on.

But the point is, it's still simply wrong for products you pay good money for to not meet certain standards set for them. And though I understand that these companies just want to reassure the public, I also can't help but find it in poor taste for them to be throwing the 'harmless' bit when the real issue is, their production was compromised and their products tainted.

You'd be grossed out and offended and threatened when you order fried chicken at a restaurant and have it placed on your plate by the waiter, using his hands. He can invoke "I washed my hands properly with antibacterial soap and sung Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star twice" but still you'd find it inexcusable. And you'd probably punch the restaurant owner if he points out to you that "it's harmless, what the waiter did."

2 Mead Johnson Product Recalls

My friend Jenny has already posted lengthily on the news. Sustagen Junior Milk Drink Powder Vanilla Flavor (for toddlers 1-3 years old) and Alactagrow Bibo Trio Milk Supplement have been found to have less fat content than the standards set for them by the FDA.

Some might actually say wonder if it isn't good news but it could just as easily mean, either more sugar or more of the other components which again translate to non-compliance of set standards. It's called FORMULA for a reason: its composition has to be just right, and it has to be prepared just right, otherwise it could be harmful to your kids.

When you also consider the fact that often snubbed milk like Bear Brand is meeting the FAD requirements, then it really does seem silly to be buying the more expensive milk. Children 1 year and above do not need formula and can also get their calcium requirements from other dairy products, since they should be into solids by then. And fresh milk is actually a healthier, better option than powdered milk. And formula milk fail to facilitate healthy eating habits in children, after all, adults think that just as long as a child is drinking milk, he'd be okay.

Meanwhile, we have more allergy-ridden kids and childhood obesity to deal with. And the average formula expense per month is between P3,000-6,000 when you can just spend P1,000-2,000 on really fresh cow's milk like Rizal or Holly's. You may even spend less (or more) if you spend the amount on fruits and veggies.

Kris Aquino Marriage is Over

Kris says she's given up on her marriage and is keeping mum about the details out of love for her son Baby James.

Well, it's sad when a marriage ends, and it's sadder when there are kids involved. I just hope that Baby James is the last child Kris will have. Chances are, he is, because she had such a high risk pregnancy. But you see, I know she'd fall in love again... the crass would even say, she'd continuously haunt men, looking for the father figure she never had. And though it will never say anything about how good or bad a mother she is, I just really don't like the idea of her having another child fathered by someone else... unless maybe that one really is for keeps.

And well, it's so hard to be married to Kris with her friends being as involved in her relationship as she is. Maybe she's destined to be as lone a wolf as brother Noynoy, who she of course upstaged (or tried to) with this weird non-confession. Yes, she could have just kept quiet and maybe made an announcement after their marriage has been annulled.

Baby Gender Prediction Test Kit

I am so clueless and behind the times. I didn't know such a test already exists!!! But the Baby Gender Prediction Test Kit is uber expensive. I mean, for Filipinos, $35 dollars is already the cost of an ultrasound! And at least, with an ultrasound, you will know more than your baby's gender, you'd also see if everything is just fine and dandy in there.

But still, wouldn't it be great to someday have a urine test that not only tells you you're pregnant but also already tells you if it's a girl or boy? My gosh, all the months of shopping you can do since you need not wait to be at least five months along!

But I do hope to God such a test will not be used as some sex selection tool and propel couples to abort.

Celine Dion: Pregnant With Twins

I just found out that Celine Dion is pregnant with twins. They got pregnant via IVF, same with their firstborn, and this was supposedly their 6th try this time. I am really happy for her and her husband because they have always seemed so in love.

And I know they can very well afford the expensive treatments, since they have Kichler lighting in their mansions and everything else that's expensive to make them comfortable, but IVF never held guarantees, and I can just imagine how exhausting it was to always be poked and prodded, injected and tested. I had told hubby before that I couldn't go that extra mile other trying-to-conceive couples do so I really have so much respect for them for being brave.

Oh and yeah, I am a little envious of the twins. But seeing as mine isn't a smooth pregnancy at all, am good. Plus, it's not like we have their money.

Celine and I are due around the same time. Haha.

John Travolta and Kelly Preston Expecting!!!

I was super thrilled to find out only now that Kelly Preston is expecting. And at age 47 too!!!

I know that a new baby will not diminish their departed son's memory, but I think it will really help them heal some more. Plus, Scientology aside, I love that they truly love each other and that they have a thriving, stable marriage. I'd rather couples like them have more kids than those celebs who just end up pregnant, hook up for a time and then move on.

I wish them well!!

Johnson's Baby Bedtime Discoveries

Nuffnang has just sent me an e-mail asking me to invite Mommy friends to a series of Johnson & Johnson's Bedtime Discoveries events. I assume this is open to Mommy bloggers.

Mommy EyeBall: Characteristics of a Good Baby Sleep
15 MAY 2010
9:30 AM - 12:00 NN
Café Via Mare
Level 1, Power Plant Mall, Lopez Drive Entrance
Rockwell Center, Makati City
~ ~ ~

Nursery 101: Creating a Sleep Environment
22 MAY 2010
9:30 AM - 12:00 NN
Café Sweet Inspirations
311 Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, QC
~ ~ ~

Mommy & Me Sparty: Benefits of Touch Therapy
29 MAY 2010
9:30 AM - 12:00 NN
Seattle's Best Coffee
Ground Floor, Cyber One Mall,
Eastwood City, Libis, QC
~ ~ ~

Bedtime Stories: Bedtime Activities for Your Baby & Baby Lullabies
5 JUNE 2010
9:30 AM - 12:00 NN
Dome Café
Ground Level, Solid Mills Building,
Dela Rosa St., Legaspi Village, Makati City
~ ~ ~

Wrap Up! Mommy Gets Good Sleep
10 JULY 2010
9:30 AM - 12:00 NN
Figaro Coffee
Level 3, Robinson's Galleria, East Wing
EDSA cor. Ortigas Ave., QC
~ ~ ~



So pick a date and venue convenient to you and contact Trixie Esguerra / 09234576817 / trixie.esguerra@nuffnang.com to RSVP. Friends who have attended such gatherings before had loads of fun aside from going home with some freebies. Plus, you can easily consult with the fellow moms and speakers after on what's the top eye cream to use to tide you over those sleepless nights during the first months after delivery and exchange parenting and mommy tips on caring for a newborn. No support like a mommy support.

Bullying in America, Bullying Here

A friend in the States is contemplating homeschooling because news of bullying in her country (with at least three kids committing suicide last March).

Even parents in the country have been reporting bullying on their kids. A friend even changed schools three times because her youngest was being bullied. And that is one of the reasons, and one of the rewards, of homeschooling.

But I really don't want to homeschool because I want my kids to avoid bullying. I want to homeschool because I want to mold his character as best I could so they'd grow up productive members of the society. And homeschooled kids do not exist in a vacuum. Bullying can still happen within the community, in sports meets, even maybe in family reunions.

And how do you avoid raising door mats or bullies? Where is that fine line?

Parents are typically scared most of their kids being bullied. So plans of enrolling their kids in self-defense classes are always a top strategy. But it's just as easy to raise an empowered child who is soooo empowered, he drives others crazy as well.

What even struck me the most about the news is how bullying has changed. Bullies have ganged up, gone subtle and logged online. It will really be harder for parents to detect these things because not only do we not have the energy to go through every site they go to, it would also be wrong. I mean, there's supervision and there's disrespect of their privacy.

How do you teach your child to come to you for help?
How do you teach your child to not attract bullies?
How do you teach your child to learn, even from other people's mistakes?
How do you teach your smart, beautiful child that she is not more important or special than others? That she doesn't have any entitlements?
How do you teach your child where to draw the line? That what's fun or harmless for him may really be hurtful to others?
How do you teach a child to handle peer pressure and lynch mob mentality?
How do you ensure that your child will have friends?
How do you teach your child to react better to adversities?
How? How? How?

*~*

Please also read the interview of Susan Klebold, the mother of the Columbine 'killer.'

Because it would indeed be wrong to always assume both bullies and bullied kids were not loved, or loved enough. There isn't just one victim when such tragedies happen.

Lucky Mom, Lucky Woman

I am currently trying to finalize an article on maternal and perinatal health and mortality for thepoc.net. Briefly, I found out that at least 4,000-4,500 women and 20,000-30,000 babies die every year due to the mother's malnutrition during pregnancy, and complications arising from the delivery as well as pre-term birth and low birth weight.

Sad isn't it?

And the powers that be who are responsible in addressing this still seems to have their blinds closed. Politicians are all saying they're going to address this (at least, Mike Defensor was) but despite the women Presidents we've had, and the multitude of women senators, this continues to be a lesser priority.

I will admit I haven't even read the Reproductive Health Bill in its entirety, but I fully support it now because it is just really imperative these women and children are saved.

Anyway, I am a lucky woman that I was born in a middle-class family. I grew up having choices and practicing those choices. My body was mine and mine to give... And throughout my difficult pregnancy, I had access to great medical care. My son continue to enjoy great medical care as well as proper nutrition and a healthy environment.