REPOST: TIPS for a Healthier Working Pregnancy
Tuesday, July 17
This is a Repost taken from
an online site which I personally used as guide throughout my entire pregnancy.
Read on!
There are things you can do to make your working life easier. Few
ideas to make a perfect blend of career
and pregnancy include:
# 1 Don't be a superwoman!
Get rest when you are not at work and reduce household chores, especially when approaching the delivery date. Studies show that one and a half hour of extra rest makes a lot of difference; uterine blood flow increases, and the supply of oxygen and other nutrients to your baby improves.
# 2 Relax when possible
If at all possible, lie down on your left side for ten minutes during your lunch break on a floor mat. Else, just rest your head on the table or elevate your feet. Relax your mind and body.
# 3 When exhaustion overtakes you, leave work early
If you are commuting to work using public transportation, don't be afraid to ask for assistance with regards to a seat, if necessary, from the conductor or driver.
Get rest when you are not at work and reduce household chores, especially when approaching the delivery date. Studies show that one and a half hour of extra rest makes a lot of difference; uterine blood flow increases, and the supply of oxygen and other nutrients to your baby improves.
# 2 Relax when possible
If at all possible, lie down on your left side for ten minutes during your lunch break on a floor mat. Else, just rest your head on the table or elevate your feet. Relax your mind and body.
# 3 When exhaustion overtakes you, leave work early
If you are commuting to work using public transportation, don't be afraid to ask for assistance with regards to a seat, if necessary, from the conductor or driver.
# 4 Negotiate a flexible work schedule
Work out a schedule that suits your health. If you suffer from morning sickness, ask about coming in later and ending your workday later. On the other hand if you are an early riser and get tired easily in the afternoon, ask to come in early and end your workday early.
# 5 Telecommute whenever possible
Try and work out such that you can group assignments and attend office 2-3 times a week. The balance days of the week when your presence at the office is not necessary, you can work from home. Another alternative is to work part of the day at the office and part of the day from home but ascertain you are always open for office contact.
# 6 Ask for help
If a project or assignment is causing your health to suffer, speak up to your boss about getting the help of a coworker or even a temp worker to fill in for you. If need be, request the project be reassigned to someone else and take a less stressful assignment.
# 7 Snack - time
To maintain energy levels and to avoid nausea & heartburn (common ailments of pregnancy), stock up a selection of snacks to work and eat something every few hours.
Work out a schedule that suits your health. If you suffer from morning sickness, ask about coming in later and ending your workday later. On the other hand if you are an early riser and get tired easily in the afternoon, ask to come in early and end your workday early.
# 5 Telecommute whenever possible
Try and work out such that you can group assignments and attend office 2-3 times a week. The balance days of the week when your presence at the office is not necessary, you can work from home. Another alternative is to work part of the day at the office and part of the day from home but ascertain you are always open for office contact.
# 6 Ask for help
If a project or assignment is causing your health to suffer, speak up to your boss about getting the help of a coworker or even a temp worker to fill in for you. If need be, request the project be reassigned to someone else and take a less stressful assignment.
# 7 Snack - time
To maintain energy levels and to avoid nausea & heartburn (common ailments of pregnancy), stock up a selection of snacks to work and eat something every few hours.
# 8 Pregnancy emergency kit
Keep the kit in your desk drawer. It should contain lemon hard candies to beat nausea, an extra pair of undies or sanitary napkin for incontinence accidents, an Evian face mister for instant cool-offs, and a cache of crackers, pretzels, wafer cookies for snacking.
# 9 Write notes
Maintaining a notebook at all times can offset memory loss in the first trimester. Note down important work reminders. Jot down anything you consider important for you to remember or act on.
# 10 Heroine you are not!
If possible, start your maternity leave a week or 2 prior to your due date to give yourself ample time to rest before the big day.
The Final Word
You will probably decide on discontinuing work either on your doctor's advice or exhaustion. There are certain guidelines you should follow to minimize health complications that can worsen if you are working.
• If your job is more rigorous in nature entailing heavy lifting, climbing or bending below the waist you should stop work by week 20. But if you have moderate load to tackle with rest periods in between, you can continue working till about week 28. However you should consider giving up your job after conception if you are carrying more than one baby, had a previous miscarriage, or premature birth. Cut back on your work hours if you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes or high blood pressure. Bottom-line: listen to your doctor's advice on when to quit your job, how many hours you can afford to put in and the nature of job you can continue with. Don't ignore your doctor's recommendations, no matter what your financial status.
• If your job requires you to be on your feet all day, you should consider switching to desk job or stopping work beginning in your 24th week. If your job requires you to spend more than 30 minutes out of every hour on your feet, consider shifting to something sedentary by week 32.
Returning to work after baby:
Much of this depends on how you feel and the health of your baby. If all is well then returning to work is a personal choice. Whether you decide to take 3 whole months, less or more, some workday precautions apply as when you were pregnant.
• Avoid fatigue by taking short naps.
• Try to arrange to work from home sometimes.
• Go back part time rather full time until your body readjusts to your previous schedule.
• Push for a flexible work routine in order to accommodate to your baby's needs.
Above all, don't be afraid to enlist your husband's help with household and baby chores. Make certain to visit your doctor for a complete checkup before returning work. Take time out if despite your leave you still feel you need a break.
Keep the kit in your desk drawer. It should contain lemon hard candies to beat nausea, an extra pair of undies or sanitary napkin for incontinence accidents, an Evian face mister for instant cool-offs, and a cache of crackers, pretzels, wafer cookies for snacking.
# 9 Write notes
Maintaining a notebook at all times can offset memory loss in the first trimester. Note down important work reminders. Jot down anything you consider important for you to remember or act on.
# 10 Heroine you are not!
If possible, start your maternity leave a week or 2 prior to your due date to give yourself ample time to rest before the big day.
The Final Word
You will probably decide on discontinuing work either on your doctor's advice or exhaustion. There are certain guidelines you should follow to minimize health complications that can worsen if you are working.
• If your job is more rigorous in nature entailing heavy lifting, climbing or bending below the waist you should stop work by week 20. But if you have moderate load to tackle with rest periods in between, you can continue working till about week 28. However you should consider giving up your job after conception if you are carrying more than one baby, had a previous miscarriage, or premature birth. Cut back on your work hours if you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes or high blood pressure. Bottom-line: listen to your doctor's advice on when to quit your job, how many hours you can afford to put in and the nature of job you can continue with. Don't ignore your doctor's recommendations, no matter what your financial status.
• If your job requires you to be on your feet all day, you should consider switching to desk job or stopping work beginning in your 24th week. If your job requires you to spend more than 30 minutes out of every hour on your feet, consider shifting to something sedentary by week 32.
Returning to work after baby:
Much of this depends on how you feel and the health of your baby. If all is well then returning to work is a personal choice. Whether you decide to take 3 whole months, less or more, some workday precautions apply as when you were pregnant.
• Avoid fatigue by taking short naps.
• Try to arrange to work from home sometimes.
• Go back part time rather full time until your body readjusts to your previous schedule.
• Push for a flexible work routine in order to accommodate to your baby's needs.
Above all, don't be afraid to enlist your husband's help with household and baby chores. Make certain to visit your doctor for a complete checkup before returning work. Take time out if despite your leave you still feel you need a break.
Source: http://www.welcomebabyhome.com
Till Then,
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This is Us against the Odds (Pag-ibig na Pangmatagalan)
Monday, July 16
Life has all its twists and turns and sure to attest to that
is the trials we encounter in each of our relationships especially with our beloved someone, I had my own fare share and though ours was definitely not perfect we managed to get through the lowest parts of time that we were together the things and problems we get through with having each
other.
US during our first month together
The story begun last 2011, when I had just resigned from my
full time job to venture other seas looking for greater opportunities but turns out to be a failure and a waste of time and money on my part and his as well, that time I moved from our house to live alone as a boarder in Colon, Cebu. I wasn’t able to cope up with my new job then due to the working schedule
(graveyard it is) that easily my immune system had dropped.
Worst part is, a few weeks after I returned home after my resignation since my body was badly affected, he also lost his job. He was a project-based employee and under an agency based in Makati. It was hard. Definitely being both the eldest in each of our families.
Worst part is, a few weeks after I returned home after my resignation since my body was badly affected, he also lost his job. He was a project-based employee and under an agency based in Makati. It was hard. Definitely being both the eldest in each of our families.
The usual hangouts and dates, movies, dinner were put off
and set aside and we would find ourselves staying just about at home at texting
each other. Priorities changed. Fun was still there since we had each other through it all. I opted to make money out of my last pay and turned a little online business alive. I found myself selling pre-owned items on the internet specifically through my facebook account you can also view my post of my online venture here.
While we were busy looking for full time jobs, we busied ourselves roaming around Ukay Ukay Shops in town. He was with me all the way though he had to travel a 30 minute ride from Parian Cebu to our home in Mandaue, Cebu. I enjoyed myself knowing I could still make money online. We would wash the Ukay Ukay items (pre-owned blouses and Clothes) before we sold them to our customers. I made sure it smells good and ready to use upon purchase during my meet-ups with prospect customers. We were glad that Tide came handy for us with Downy we achieved a better smelling product ready to be sold. Now, even more than that here comes for us the Tide with Downy product with which we could greatly use for our pre-owned clothes business.
our online venture logo and name
Right then and there, my money quickly slept away since I had to send two siblings to a state college and had to provide for their daily allowances. The search for that coveted full time job continued for the both of us. Then, I eventually got hired by an American Company based here in Cebu. I was excited, we were excited and he was there always ready to support after almost two months of being jobless finally I now have a job. though he was still - searching.
Since the day came to us, I was endorsed for Physical Exam as a job requirement. At first, I was in doubt to take the X Ray examination. Yeah, I doubt I was pregnant since I haven't had my monthly visit since November. Come December, still no signs. I told him I had to test just to confirm if I really was expecting.
At 3 am that next day, I woke up with the kit in my hand and quickly did the pregnancy test. Surprised!
It showed - two lines! Which means, we were having a baby. I was two months pregnant already. I called him and when he found about it, he had to digest everything it was clear in his voice, he was not ready but his love for me and my baby won every fear he had. He had no job yet. It was like, what-are-we-going-to-do state for us. Mixed emotions.
The set up we had isn't easy at all. He had to come every night to visit me at home while I work full time. By February, he got hired. We were happy and finally he was too. Relieved that now he can raise us his family-to-be. We had troubled days, crying nights, those arguments along my pregnancy, that adjustment stage seemed unbearable for the both of us. We were expecting a baby out of wed luck and it wasn't easy for me and him as well. We couldn't live together due to these circumstances. Came Friday night, he would stay at home with me and sleep at home just so we could bond as I was pregnant. Every Saturday morning, he would help me with my Laundry. He would eagerly help me especially with the bedsheets, those huge bedsheets, I know I couldn't lift them with the baby bump plus the additional weight it had on me. Our typical weekend together having fun doing the laundry.
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Now, I am on my due. About to deliver our sweet little baby boy coming end of July or first week of August. I can say that amidst all the things we were in, we stayed stronger and forever grateful that the Lord God hasn't left us without nothing. He was our guidance and that sweet little angel as our inspiration to go along.
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Attest to everything we've been through is Tide and Downy which helped us get along the tough times. You may watch this video http://www.
At 3 am that next day, I woke up with the kit in my hand and quickly did the pregnancy test. Surprised!
It showed - two lines! Which means, we were having a baby. I was two months pregnant already. I called him and when he found about it, he had to digest everything it was clear in his voice, he was not ready but his love for me and my baby won every fear he had. He had no job yet. It was like, what-are-we-going-to-do state for us. Mixed emotions.
The set up we had isn't easy at all. He had to come every night to visit me at home while I work full time. By February, he got hired. We were happy and finally he was too. Relieved that now he can raise us his family-to-be. We had troubled days, crying nights, those arguments along my pregnancy, that adjustment stage seemed unbearable for the both of us. We were expecting a baby out of wed luck and it wasn't easy for me and him as well. We couldn't live together due to these circumstances. Came Friday night, he would stay at home with me and sleep at home just so we could bond as I was pregnant. Every Saturday morning, he would help me with my Laundry. He would eagerly help me especially with the bedsheets, those huge bedsheets, I know I couldn't lift them with the baby bump plus the additional weight it had on me. Our typical weekend together having fun doing the laundry.
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my father and sister and him during his visits at home
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me during my baby shower taken last July 6, 2012
Attest to everything we've been through is Tide and Downy which helped us get along the tough times. You may watch this video http://www.
Tide with Downy Bangong Padala video entitled “Pag-ibig na Pangmatagalan”
Share the love. A love that is lasting and enduring amidst hindrances.
Till then,
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REPOST: 5 ways to look your best while preggy
This is a cool post for mom-to-bes like me to read.. :)
You’ve heard so much about this so-called “pregnancy glow” but why isn’t it happening to you?
First of all, this “glow” is purely hormonal and the result of an increased flow of blood to the vessels and even oil secretions on your face.
Secondly, it’s hard to hide the unease you feel about your body—hormones going haywire, your body adjusting to the new life it’s nurturing.
Instead of worrying too much about your ever-changing body, here are a few ways to feel beautiful during the 9-month wait.
First of all, this “glow” is purely hormonal and the result of an increased flow of blood to the vessels and even oil secretions on your face.
Secondly, it’s hard to hide the unease you feel about your body—hormones going haywire, your body adjusting to the new life it’s nurturing.
Instead of worrying too much about your ever-changing body, here are a few ways to feel beautiful during the 9-month wait.
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1. Don’t become a couch potato.
Being pregnant seems like a good excuse to stay in bed all day and stop exercising. But women who are feeling bloated or experiencing morning sickness benefit from light physical activity throughout the pregnancy. Try walking around your neighborhood, light stretching and pre-natal yoga.
Also, don’t see pregnancy as a license for excessive weight gain. According to WebMD, “In general, you should gain about 2 to 4 pounds during your first three months of pregnancy and 1 pound a week for the remainder of your pregnancy.”
Packing on too many pounds mean the weight will be harder to get rid of when you have your baby.
2. Visit the salon.
There was a time when pregnant women were not allowed for any reason to dye their hair or paint their nails. Nowadays, there are salon products that are chemical-free and said to be safe for expectant mothers. Certain nail polish brands and plant-based hair dyes now have preggos rejoicing. Before you get too excited though, it is still advisable to get the go signal from your doctor first.
3. Go make-up shopping.
What better way to feel pretty than to play with make-up! Try out a new lipstick shade that is out of the ordinary for you, or buy that facial highlighter you’ve wanted to push that preggy glow even further. After you’ve had your fun, you can always wash it off.
4. Treat yourself to a massage.
Thank your lucky stars that pre-natal massages exist nowadays! Many salons now offer this service to sooth the aching bodies of expectant mothers, so take advantage of it. A great massage can do wonders for your physical aches and your worries.
5. Fix the nursery.
Being hands-on with fixing your baby’s future room can help you relax and definitely get you excited about the little bubba’s arrival. The best beauty secret for pregnant women is happiness—and this activity will definitely put a smile on your face!
REVIEW: Skin So Soft Whitening and Firming Hand and Body Lotion
Thursday, July 12
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Avon has been known for its all time lotion favorites ever
since it landed the Philippines and for more than 30 years had captured the
hearts of many women of all ages.
I’ve been an avid lotion fan since then way back in high school and I must say I tend to get in touched with it on a daily basis.
The first time I got a grab on lotions was when I just
turned 11 as far as I remember but ravaged the thought of having to use it
again on my skin because of the greasy feel it has on me.
Now that I am 20-ish I can say lotions have greatly
revolutionized and have even offered great variants around the market for the
consumers to choose from thus, the cause of this blog post.
I personally love AVON’s SSS (Skin So Soft) array of
lotions. Ultra Moisturizing Lotion, Intensive Whitening Lotion and the
Whitening and Firming Lotion are amongst the ones I’ve tried. All were good
that one can’t get enough of ordering as soon as one bottle got emptied,
believe me I’m a self-confessed AVON Dealer/User.
Here is my review on AVON’s SSS Whitening and Firming HBL
AVON PRODUCT CAPTION: Get Silky, sensual skin that tempts
your loved ones to touch.
PROS: Non-greasy, moisturizing hand and body lotion, has the
firming effect as soon as applied, whitening can be observed on frequency of
use though, leaves the skin soft and smooth to feel and touch. Smells good and is
soft and sensual.
CONS: None.
TO USE: Apply generous amount to hands and body. Massage In
circular motion onto skin until dry.
NOTES: Item can be bought on AVON direct dealers or
stores only. This lotion contains ingredients known to whiten the skin and
improve skin’s firmness. With regular use, skin appears toned and looking
radiant.
AVON SSS HBL comes in four variants:
- Signature Silk Ultra Moisturization Lotion
- Soft and White Intensive Whitening Lotion
- Soft and Sensual Whitening and Firming Lotion
- Signature Silk Replenishing Body Lotion
RECOMMENDED? Definitely Yes.
Come and get your own.
Til Then,
Hashtag RIP Dolphy
Wednesday, July 11
The comedy king of the Philippines no other than Mr Pidol himself has passed away last night at exactly 8:43pm. As I was doing my nightly ritual half bath i was surprised to see my fiance read a text message from a common friend of ours which read 'patay na c dolphy' (Dolphy is dead).
To that i quickly instructed my brother to open the TV and watch for news for confirmation.
And it was it, CONFIRMED! The comedy king we all adore and respect had passed away to cardiac arrest.
He was 83. The one thing that really uttered out of my mouth were the words, "patay na jud c dolphy" (dolphy is really dead now.) and just like anybody else whose childhood went from the 90's i came to know of him as that old man on prime time TV with the name 'kevin cosme' in home along DA riles. Remembering the old times, my innocent laughs as a child and my affection for him and his family on that sitcom. I hope abscbn gets to pay tribute by airing the episodes.
I will surely miss him. Nonetheless, he has touched the lives of many Filipinos for decades.
he will be forever in my memories and that melody, 'home along DA riles, home along DA riles' keeps on buzzing in my ears just like an LSS song one cannot forget.
To Mang Kevin, Pidol, Mang Dolphy, May you rest in peace with the Lord God.
Thank you for the laughter. 'problema ay may remedy, kapag may konting comedy.' indeed.
Here is a statement of his son eric quizon which i got from twitter since it trended even worldwide.
Till then,
To that i quickly instructed my brother to open the TV and watch for news for confirmation.
And it was it, CONFIRMED! The comedy king we all adore and respect had passed away to cardiac arrest.
He was 83. The one thing that really uttered out of my mouth were the words, "patay na jud c dolphy" (dolphy is really dead now.) and just like anybody else whose childhood went from the 90's i came to know of him as that old man on prime time TV with the name 'kevin cosme' in home along DA riles. Remembering the old times, my innocent laughs as a child and my affection for him and his family on that sitcom. I hope abscbn gets to pay tribute by airing the episodes.
I will surely miss him. Nonetheless, he has touched the lives of many Filipinos for decades.
he will be forever in my memories and that melody, 'home along DA riles, home along DA riles' keeps on buzzing in my ears just like an LSS song one cannot forget.
To Mang Kevin, Pidol, Mang Dolphy, May you rest in peace with the Lord God.
Thank you for the laughter. 'problema ay may remedy, kapag may konting comedy.' indeed.
Here is a statement of his son eric quizon which i got from twitter since it trended even worldwide.
Till then,
MAGNUM: My First Bite
Tuesday, July 10
First saw this product being so popular on twitter by some celebrity I was following. Pictures on instagram always keeps me wondering what this ice cream sort of tastes or differ from the ones already out in the market. I'm a huge fan of Cornetto which I believe right now is a big no-no for me, being pregnant can give you those unsightly feelings of craving no one else could ever put out upon but believe me I ate this one and gave my first bite as soon as one of my office mates brought one during the baby shower they gave me.. hehe. Now that's a certified cheat day, huh? no to sweets but then I consumed it all. As far as my tastebuds are concern, this Magnum in almond is just about the same taste of chocolate one can get on the affordable ones out there. Mind you these choco indulgence thingy is a bit pricey and can already by you two sets of Cornetto at your own flavor of choice. So, then it was free given by my officemate which make it more delictable and enticing to eat. hehe... For the purpose of this blog I came out with some photos of it as a proof .. :) Take a look.
My Hospital Maternity Package
Maternity Packages for hospitals in Cebu has been of great use and help especially for mothers on a financial strife. Here in Cebu some of the hospitals I know that offer these are the following:
- Cebu Doctor's University Hospital
- Chong Hua
- Cebu Maternity and Puericulture Hospital
- Sacred Heart Hospital
- Mactan Doctor's Hospital
- North General Hospital
- Velez Hospital
- Perpetual Succour Hospital
I opted for the one in Perpetual since the facility is only a minute away from my office. As I had my first prenatal check up for the maternity package at Perpetual Succour Hospital here in Cebu, I knew that I had to go through a lot especially with processing of the requirements. Below is their requirements for enrolling in their Maternity package:
Requirements:
- Attend the orientation at OPD (out patient department)
PHP750.00PHP1000.00 for the prenatal fee for the first visit, (PHP750PHP1000.00per visit as soon as the 5k deposit is complete)- Complete Blood Count
- Blood Type
- Operative Record (if you have been previously operated)
- HBsAg
- Pap Smear
- Ultrasound
- Uric acid
- Blood Certificate of Donor (to be presented on the 5th visit), if AB+ pay for the cash bond of PHP2,000.00.
After accomplishing all the requirements, have it photocopied and attach to your OPD form upon application and present the results to the OB-Gyn in charge (per team you are assigned) for interpretation at the 2nd floor Delivery Room.
Admission:
- Bring OPD Form and receipts
- No Accompanying
- No Epidural or Ligation
- No Lana (oils)
Deposit:
- Normal Delivery - PHP5,000.00
- Ceasarean Delivery - PHP15,000.00
Accomodation:
- Normal Delivery - 3 days ward (FREE)
- Ceasarean Delivery - 5 days ward (FREE)
For more info about their Maternity Package Privileges, you may contact (032) 233-8620 local 120 (OPD) or local 249 (DR) or you can visit their website at www.pshcebu.com
They also have discounts for laboratory fees of up to 30% which is good and beneficial.
Prenatal consultations starts at 12:00 noon every M-F except T for first Saturdays of the month they offer Mother's Class with free snacks just make sure to be there on time!
It was a rather great opportunity and privileged for me but as soon as I got regularized from my current company I opted for a private doctor to be able to avail of my insurance medical benefits.
Anyway, I hope this post helped you with your search.
More power to all expectant moms out there and have a safe delivery!
Til then,
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