Nanays, please breastfeed your little one

This is my personal appeal. If you could, please do breastfeed your baby.

My little girl is purely breastfed since day 1. Eleven months and counting. And aside from her congenital condition, she had not suffered from sniffles, fever or any sickness yet.

When I found out I was pregnant, I didn't decide outright on exclusive breastfeeding. But somehow, in the back of my mind, I knew that I would. It was a natural choice for me. I guess I never forgot all those formula milk ads with the disclaimer: breastfeeding is still best for babies up to 2 years. I have friends too who breastfeed their babies and I couldn't help but admire them. And aim to do the same.

So on my third trimester, I read up on breastfeeding. I also joined Breastfeeding Pinays on FB. 

In the group, mommies share their breastfeeding journeys and how to address issues like having no milk, breast engorgement, mastitis, biting baby, the stigma of breastfeeding  in public, and even the type of food to eat to help my body produce milk . When my baby came out, I was prepared. Because I knew what to expect, breastfeeding was easier for me than most moms. My little one was able to get the colostrum (first milk from the mother's breast filled with antibodies) and I had more than enough milk on me (I donated my extra milk to two special babies).

Of course it wasn't easy the first months. Direct latch means I don't get to sleep (you know, sleep-sleep. Not the fish sleep i'm now used to). But it was a relief I didn't need to wash and sterilize bottles. Aside from giving your little one the best milk there is, breastfeeding is so convenient.

And the science of it all! 

Did you know that mommies and their babies share an immune system through the enteromammary pathway? Imagine this: you take a deep breath. You come in contact with a foreign invader so your body creates an antibody to fight it.  And you pass this antibody to your baby by breastfeeding. Another scenario is your baby encounters a pathogen while you are out malling. When you feed your baby, her saliva will let your body know that she needs a particular antibody to fight this invader. Your body then forms the necessary antibody and you pass this to your baby through your milk. Yes, you are giving extra protection to your baby by direct feeding. But if you're working and need to use bottles, try to breastfeed at night (here is why) or whenever you're home. 

There are also montgomery glands in a women's areola that secretes natural oils to keep the breast moist and clean. So no need to wipe or wash before baby latches.  Amazing, huh? The geek in me is practically giggling with glee. Haha!

I could go on and on about the benefits of breastfeeding--bonding with your baby, getting back your pre-pregnancy weight, and did I mention the huge savings from NOT buying expensive formula milk, bottles, and sterilizer?

After almost a year of breastfeeding my little girl, I'm proud of this feat and I plan on breastfeeding until she turns 2. I also nag my friends to do the same.

So Nanays, please breastfeed your little one.

BOOKS AND BOOK TALKS

How do I do this? Sell myself, my books and my stories? Ok, here goes:

Hello! Kamusta?

If you are reading this, chances are I know you. Probably, you came across my post in FB and followed the link to my blog. So you know I write books for kids. And this blog post is all about my published works.

 100 Filipino Kids Ask published by Adarna House

This book is very useful to have around the house especially if you have an overly inquisitive kid following you all day, bombarding you with questions. A fun reference book for grade-schoolers, it’s a nifty friend during homework time. It doesn’t hurt that it’s a National Book Awardee and Gintong Aklat Awardee. 

Enjoying Art published by Brilliant Creations

A textbook with worksheets that will keep your little one busy. You can do the art projects together with your preschooler and create masterpieces!

 Palette of Dreams published by Museong Pambata

This book is part of the Batang Bayani Series and tells of extraordinary lives by extraordinary kids. Palette of Dreams will inspire your teen, tweens and in-betweeners to dabble in self-expression, explore colors and share the love of art.

 Where Do Mountains and Hills Come From?  published by Lampara House, illustrated by Iori Espiritu

 

Have you ever wondered where do mountains and hills come from? This book aims to find the answer that suits your curiosity. The story is a PBBY-Salanga Prize finalist (2005).

Gusto Ko Nang Lumaki! published by Lampara House, illustrated by Domz Agsaway

 

Everybody wanted to grow up fast when they were kids. Especially Buding, the feisty and gullible little girl in this story.  The story received the honorable mention during the 2005 PBBY-Salanga Prize.

The Girl Who Always Looked At People’s Shoes published by Lampara House, illustrated by Beth Parrocha-Doctolero

A Lampara Prize honorable mention, this book tells the story of Daniw and her friend Danding Dwende. It touches on bullying, overcoming shyness and making friends.

Ang Paglalakbay ni Potpot published by Lampara House, illustrated by Domz Agsaway

 

Learn with Potpot as he and his father travel to the city to sell bamboo and rattan products.  He meets a new friend that introduces him to the wonderful world of books and school.

Super Pinoy Kids published by Lampara House, illustrated by Domz Agsaway

 

Five ordinary kids doing extraordinary things. It is my first comic book and is wonderfully illustrated by my suking artist, Domz. It tells of fantastic deeds, courageous steps and awe-inspiring lives. And yes, the stories say you can be a hero, too!

Creatures at Home

Illustrations by Che Aguilon (the photo here is hers too).  Published by Vibal.


There are creatures in the house that only I can see. They come in different forms in different days. All these creatures scare me and make me feel unsafe in my own home. How do I drive them away?

-----

NEW BOOKS :)

HANDA AKO!
Published by Adarna House

Isinulat ni Liwliwa Malabed at iginuhit naman ni Mia Lagos, laman ng Handa Ako! ang sari-saring impormasyon, mahahalagang numero, at gabay na makakatulong sakaling may mangyaring emergency. Ang munting librong ito ay nilikha para sa mga bata upang mabigyan sila ng kakayahan at kaalamang maghahanda sa kanila sa mga di-inaasahang pangyayari.

KASALI KA, KASALI AKO, KASALI TAYONG LAHAT

Kung may akda ako na gusto kong mabasa ng aking mga pamangkin at mga estudyante, ito yun. Nabuo ang librong ito kasama ang mga batang katulad nila at ito ay para sa lahat ng batang Pilipino katulad nila. dahil mahalaga ang karapatan nilang makilahok.
Mahigit isang taon ding tinutukan ito. papugay sa mga dibuho ni Ramil Vinarao.
Inilimbag ng CWC at Educo.

SUPER NINGNING

with illustrator KORA DANDAN ALBANO

Mababasa ang tunkol kay SUPER NINGNING dito.


_____ 

All books, except Palette of Dreams (which can be purchased from Museong Pambata), are available at National Bookstore. Or you can also buy from me! Just drop me a line here. Or if we are friends on FB, PM me your orders. I also do book talks and storytelling sessions in schools.  

To know more about me.

Maraming salamat!

NANAY CHEAP THRILLS: A WALK IN THE PARK

I love trees and walking. So parks are my haven here in the city. Where there are trees, there are birds and all manner of curious and magnificent beings.

You see, it's my secret wish to live on top of a mountain, surrounded by trees everywhere you look. And far off, the sea winks at you and the waves are like warm blankets left unfolded early in the morning. The stars are also nearer, the breeze is caught in a dance with the branches and the afternoon cloud-dappled sky leaves you wanting to take a nap.

But we live in the city so parks would have to do. Last week, I wrapped my little girl in our ubba carrier and we found ourselves heading to Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center.

We headed straight to the lake where the sky was mirrored in the water. There we saw some fish, snails and lilies in bloom. 

Afterwards, we met our guide.

Yep, this little cutie accompanied us on our walk around the park.The kitteh led us to a sunny spot to meet some of her friends.

Then we followed some bird calls and discovered the aviaries where rescued eagles, kites and hornbills were kept. This is when the kitten ditched us. Smart move.

This sea eagle kept on hollering at us. I wonder what he/she is trying to tell us? Maybe they all want their ocean/ mountains back.

The tariktik is pretty energetic, hopping around like a pregnant lady ready to pop.

And the Philippine Eagle--it was massive, so beautiful and breathtaking, i completely forgot to take pictures. But hey, we can always go back. Maybe tomorrow :)

____
Post Script
The Philippine Eagle is also known as banog, malamboogook, or haribon. The one in Wildlife is 34 years old!

SAFE AND SNUG: BABYWEARING

I hate watching news nowadays. That's why we don't have a television at home. But I can't escape bad news. Here's another one: Kidnapping Attempt in Alabang Town Center. Good thing the sales lady had the presence of mind to help the girl. Even though the attempt was foiled and the girl is now safe with her parents, the perpetrator got away and incidents like this are becoming more frequent. Reading about this made my paranoid-meter go over the top BUT I can't be that woman who thinks every stranger she meets in the street is out to get her kid.

Still, we can't be too careful. Here are What to Teach Kids About Strangers.  My little girl is still a baby and I feel safe going around the city only when I'm wearing her. Yes, babywearing gives me a sense of security. Just they try taking away my baby from me when she's snug in our Ubba wrap. 

I was well into my 3rd trimester when I saw a mom with her hands full of shopping bags and her baby asleep on her chest. I thought, "Ang galing! Handsfree!" I followed her and asked her about it. She told me she's using Saya and then invited me to join the Filipino Association of Babywearers. The next mommy bazaar, I found myself buying my own Saya. For two months, we practiced with our stuffed toy Cotton. After I gave birth, I went home from the hospital wearing my baby. 

There are other reasons why you should wear your baby. This article sums it all up: The 5 Fab Benifits of Babywearing.

I'll add two more:

#6: anti-kidnapping devise :)

#7: keep baby close to you while holding hands with your love :P

MIBF 2014 BEST FINDS

I'm always on the hunt for good books. But during the yearly MIBF, the bookhunt goes up a notch. We have a booklist (I put mine together months before), a budget (1k per head), and a gameplan (arrive before lunch, an hour alloted for booksigning, then visit the booths, leave before 4PM—anlayo naman kasi ng MOA!). The best thing about this year is I get to spend my baby's budget as well. Oh, the perks of being a Nanay!

This year, my list included:

Rizalpabeto by Vim Nadera and Elmer Borlongan

Kulay published by Adarna House

Jepoy Dyip by Jomike Tejido

It's a mens world by Bebang Siy

The Day of Darkness by Gutch Gutierrez and Zig Marazigan

And copies of my new book Ang Paglalakbay ni Potpot

This is what I came home with--

I spent the night looking at our loot, reading once, twice, thrice (The first time, I focus on the text. Second reading is for the illustration. The third, both).

And every year, I select one or two that I really, really liked. This year's blockbuster award goes to:

Yep, mommies, go out and buy these two books. The price is higher than your usual local children's books but it's worth every penny! I just wished they printed these into board books.

Prrrrrt...Utot! Tells a story of a lonely carabao who ate balut! The result? A fantastic, marvelous, stinky fart! HaHaHa! The carabao shared balut with his friends and what do you think happened? Your guess is as good as mine. The artwork featured inabel woven motifs from northern Luzon.

Kilikili! is all about body parts, especially the ones that tickle easily. It also introduces counting, and Philippine fabrics with Mindanao motif—T'nalak and Yakan. 

Both books are heaps of fun, not just for the lttle ones but for adults too! I wish I've written them. Great job  Ana de Borja Araneta , Krie Reyes Lopez, and Anvil. I'll try to get the rest of the series when my wallet gets fat. You can see other Anvil Early Learning Books here.

FLUFFY MAIL

Nothing beats the smile on my face when the doorbell rings. Fluffy mail! That means new cloth diapers found their way home—to me!

It’s my latest addiction (before, it was to buy the best finds in ukay-ukay shops and second hand bookstores). My Irog doesn’t frown down on my recent fling with cloth nappies.  He said anything that makes me want to change diapers is well worth it. So even before our baby came out, I already have a pretty decent stash: 9 newborn diapers, 1 all-in-one diaper, 7 covers, 23 pockets (plus 6 in transit). Two months before my due date, I already washed and prepped the nappies. And when I packed our hospital bag, it was filled with CDs. I was that excited for my baby to poop on them!

Now, my baby is 9 months old and I’m still hooked. But this time, with hybrid fitted diapers. It started with Fluffy Pwets, on the day I said my diaper stash is complete. I finally found that elusive Sunbaby cat print nappy, so I was ready to go on rehab. No more looking at the for sale album in Modern Cloth Nappying Pinays and Cloth Diaper Exchange. No more cat-print-nappy-hunting. I even made a promise not to get hybrid fitted diapers (i was trying each system and different brands then, to see the one that my baby agrees with) because it was pretty expensive. And then a friend on FB (yes, I made friends with cloth-loving mommies on FB) posted a picture of Fluffy Pwet diaper on her wall. I was done for.

It was beautiful.

So i had to get one, you see. I didn’t know I had to fight for it. Us moms call it giera. There were limited slots to each design so I had to wait for the exact slot-taking hour and comment MINE! on the picture of the nappy I’ve been stalking. I had to call two friends for support, to make sure I get the slot. You’d think this will discourage the addiction. But no, it made things even more exciting. Winning a slot is like seeing my crush when I was in high school. It made me gush, made me sweat and sent my heart racing. Every stocking, a new design would call my attention, plead to my sentimentality and push me to "go to the mattresses!”

And oh, did I tell you that a Fluffy Pwets hybrid fitted is as airy as your old-fashioned lampin? And the soaker is so thirsty, it lasts the night without any leaks.  They also have these bundles where you get dresses or sando tops the same print with the nappy. And since I’m also a certified children’s book junkie, I went gaga over Guess How Much I Love You, Goodnight Moon, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar prints. Who wouldn’t? They're absolutely gorgeous.

I ended up spending more than I planned for on cloth diapers. But did you know you can sell all of them when your baby is potty trained? Yes! And if you take care of the nappies well (no bleach, no fabric conditioners when washing), they have a very good resale value. My Irog tells me I can keep buying so long as I sell some. I make sure I’ll always have closet space for another Fluffy Pwets nappy. 

Post Script

I was so into FP, I even made a story out of it. Read it here.  Photos taken from The Marshmallow Baby Online Shop where you can order your Fluffy Pwets!

 Look at this adorable FP pinafore that Fluffy Pwets sent me :) It is reversible and the pprint comes from children's book classic Goodnight Moon. Thanks Fluffy Pwets!

InaaayKoPo!

A blog on motherhood, children’s literature, and early literacy

 Let me introduce myself—

I am a mother.

Every morning, i wake up to my little girl’s smile, nudge(a rough one) or wail. The first thing i do is pull down my top to feed her. The second is to change her nappy. The third is to carry her and the soiled nappy (we use cloth diapers) to the bathroom so i can finally pee (and oh, drop off the nappy in the dry pail). Yep, I’m THAT* kind of nanay.

I am a teacher.

I love kids. Not just my kid. Yes, those monsters who live to run around, pick their nose, draw on the walls, and tear your books. I specifically love doing art with them. That’s why I choose to teach in preschool. But I can teach primary and high school if  I want to. I also taught college kids and even trained teachers.

I am a writer.

I write mostly for children. Books, scripts, comics. Right now, it’s how i make money to buy books, cloth diapers and baby carriers (my Irog feeds me so no need to worry about that). I do write for adults too—magazine articles, scripts, blogs posts. I still write the first sentence or paragraph of any piece on my notebook, with a pen.

So there. I’m starting this blog as a writing exercise. And somewhat like a public journal. If people find it useful, wonderful. If not, it would still have made me happy to spill my guts out. Keep calm and write.

Salamat!

Liwliwa

*breastfeeding, cloth diapering, babywearing