Last Tuesday September 28, 2010, I went to the launching of the book Infanticipating by Rome Kanapi. She is a mother, a childbirth expert and a teacher of childbirth preparation classes for over 30years! (that’s how long I have lived here on earth!). I have gone through the booklet and I gave a copy to my friend who is 5months pregnant. It is a great book to read and carry along when you are pregnant. It gives you important and practical information on how to take care of yourself and your baby while he/she is inside you. This book and event was in partnership with PACE (Philippine Association for Childbirth Education), Mommy Mundo and GSK (Glaxo Smith Kline). I enjoyed the event because it was very informative for moms like me. A doctor spoke on prenatal to postnatal vaccinations that are now highly recommended for mom’s to take to ensure not just the baby’s health but also their own. This was backed up by the representative from GSK that spoke about their new and available vaccines for pregnant (and pre-pregnant) women.

With Ana and Phoebe

Ms. Rome Kanapi was asked on what she can advise women who are planning to get pregnant and those who already are pregnant, and here are the 3 things she said:

1. Vaccination–She highly advises that you consult your doctor and take recommended shots and prenatal health care. She said that it is best if your body is in top shape before you even get pregnant and that it is best if necessary precautions are taken so that the mom is healthy and protected even before she conceives. I did not do this before and during my pregnancy. It is good to be aware of these though so that you may discuss with your doctor about it and then decide what is best for you (and your body) and your baby too.

2. Eat healthy! I agree with this 100%. I remember that I was in a way “forced” into a healthier diet when I got pregnant last 2007. And I have been eating healthier too since then. I have managed to do away with sodas and lessened processed food as much as I can. Just the thought that whatever I eat not only affects my body but the development and health of my baby made me more conscious of what I take in. This continued even after I gave birth since I decided to breastfeed.

3. Be in tune with your body! Know what is happening to your body. This last point is for me the most important. I remember being pregnant and being overwhelmed with the experience. I was pregnant for the first time and totally clueless. And as I studied about my body and what it was going through, I began to feel more at peace and at ease with my pregnancy. I understood my body and as I did I was more equipped how to take care of it and my precious baby inside my tummy.

Noelle, Andi and Danae

To sum it all up, here are my own final thoughts:

1. Be well informed. Whether it is about vaccinations or about healthy living or about changes in your body and development of your baby, it is vital that we are informed and equipped. When I was pregnant, I read a lot of books about pregnancy, baby care and parenting. I also took up classes on Child Birth and Basic Baby Care and I went to Mommy Expos etc. There is a popular saying that says we fear things that we do not know or understand. It is indeed liberating when you are aware of what you are going through and what you are going to expect as you go on with your pregnancy, up to when it is time to give birth and even after that.

2. Involve other people as you go through this wonderful journey of motherhood. Share your pregnancy experience first with your husband, and get him involved as much as you can and partner with him. (First time dads are going through major adjustments just as well.) My husband JA would talk to Andi when she was inside my tummy everyday. He would read books to her every night. He would be with me in my check-ups and because we were sharing this experience together, not only was his bond with the baby strengthened, but we became closer in the process as well.

I sought company and advice from my mommy friends (and even single friends), and family too. I am grateful for the support that they have given me. These people have showered me with their presence, prayer, advice and encouragement (and gifts too!). Even now, I continue to enjoy the relationships that I have. My point simply is this: experiences become more meaningful and special when we share them with people we love.

3. Enjoy and celebrate! Every pregnancy is a miracle, and every child a gift and blessing. Enjoy this time and cherish it. Be thankful! Find things that make you happy and fulfilled and find time to do it. After all happy moms are healthy moms! It also makes us able to take care of ourselves and our families better.

4. Last but not the least, remember that God is in control. At the end of the day this holds true: your life and your child’s life are in His hands. Knowing this truth is the ultimate source of freedom (from worries and anxieties) and the greatest source of joy. We can then enjoy to the fullest the gift of life that was entrusted to us and that He blessed us with.

Pretty Andi

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14

Sons and daughters are a heritage from the Lord, children are a reward from Him. Psalm 127: 3

Andi & Mommy