Sexy moms breastfeed

The picture below was taken when my baby was three months old

I don't really know how much I weighed back then but this is how I look like now.

After six months from the last photo, this is me. Still a bit chubby on the arms but definitely sexier. I can't complain, my arms have been like that since I can remember. Haha.

My secret? Breastfeeding. Can't say aything more, but I will. I really made one of the best choices in my life by breastfeeding my baby since birth. I have to admit that there were a lot of bumps on my breastfeeding journey but everything was worth it because I am giving the best milk to my sweetie.

When she was a few days old, the lying-in where I gave birth did not promote the "Unang Yakap". When I was delivering my baby, I expected that after I push her out, she would be placed on top of me to breastfeeding but no. I remembered when I assisted in the Delivery Room of Quirino Memorial Medical Center, they promoted the Unang Yakap. After that, I lost consciousness and the nurse told my hubby to make formula milk for the baby, which he did. When we were already home, I tried and tried using a manual pump, letting her latch and all. Even got to a point that I broke down and cried because she doesn't want to latch. Ten months after all the hardwork and determination, she is still breastfeeding exclusively and is very healthy. Very proud that we were able to do it.

I realized that it's very important that you give your child what you think is best. Not what others think is best. I'm not one of those moms that shame moms that give formula milk because they breastfeed theirs. I remember even being shamed once on a breastfeeding group on Facebook for giving out an opinion. I just wish that they would stop that.

There are people who will hate because they think they are better than you but always remember that they can hate all they want, as long as you're happy, what they got to say don't matter.

I wish you luck on your breastfeeding journey. Smile sexy mommies. :)

Sentiments from a stressed out mom (June 13, 2014)

Today was a very busy day for me. Thank God, I got to take a little chillax mommy time. Sometimes, you just have to rest.

My day started with cooking breakfast for Paul, my hubby, and our baby Jorgie. We had sunny-side eggs, chicken, sopas, and coffee. Jorgie ate a little bit but I'm happy, at least she ate. She has been sick since last week. I'll create a post about it.

My husband also works at home for a well-known search engine company that I cannot say. It's very nice to see him everyday, eat breakfast with him, and be with him always. We get to spend a lot of quality family bonding time together. The benefit of working at home.

However, sometimes it can be very stressing for me. You see, I work two jobs, take care of the baby, and do household chores. A lot of men would say that women who stay at home, don't do anything all day; which is the exact opposite. Earlier, I was able to clean the house, wash the plates, cook, do the laundry, all, while taking care of a sick baby. How tiring and stressing.

I worked a few hours in the morning for my Virtual Assistant job, and had a meeting with my other boss. There, I'm a researcher for a recently-launched Apple application (soon on Android).

Now, I just feel relieved that I was able to complete my tasks, and very blessed that Jorgie's recovering so fast.

A lot of us don't realize that our family is life's greatest blessing. Cherish every moment and always try to see the good in everyone.

Good night.

How to make malunggay powder

From my last post, I taught you guys on how to plant your very own malunggay tree. Now that it has grown leaves, I will be teaching you how to make malunggay powder. It is very easy to make and you can add it to just about anything.

1. Gather malunggay leaves and remove the stems. Wash the leaves thoroughly and shake off excess water. (Alternative: Wash the leaves but don't remove them from the stem)
   
2. Place leaves in a mesh net bag that you can buy at the public market. The leaves have to be air dried but not directly exposed to sunlight because it will lose its nutrients. Let it air dry for about three days. The mesh net bag looks like this: 

(Alternative: You can also hang them dry using a hanger with clothes pins. Don't forget to tie the end of the stems together using a rubber band or else they'll fall off and get dirty.) Then remove the leaves afterwards and proceed to the next step. You can hang them like this:

3. After three days or until it has completely dried, you can now roast the leaves under low heat for five minutes.

4. Now, you can use a blender or mortar and pestle to grind the leaves. 

Then sift it afterwards.

Presto! You are now able to make your very own malunggay powder and it did not cost you anything. You can add this to almost any food or drink you want. 

If you're going to try this or have already did, I would love to hear how it came out or if you have any questions.

Credit to the owners of the photos used.

Malunggay in your own backyard

Malunggay (Moringa Oleifera) for us breastfeeding moms is the best tree ever because it helps us increase our milk supply.

Lately, I have been searching for the best supplement to increase my supply. A mom from my Facebook group, Breastfeeding Pinays, said that she takes Natalac two to three times a day I think. So, as I was researching about this supplement, I found out that almost all of the galactogogues out there are made from the miracle tree, which they process into powders, teas, capsules, polvorons, biscuits etc. Basically, it is made of malunggay. At the drug store, capsules cost about Php 8.00 each. 

For me, quite expensive for something that you can grow in your own backyard.

Let's get started!

With growing malunggay, the easiest way is through cutting its stem. Just select branches with 2 to 2.5 inch diameter. Then, cut it to 2 to 2.5 ft length. 

To expose more of its surface area to the sandy soil this tree loves so much, cut the bottom part diagonally at a 45 degree angle.

Now, we can plant it. Dig around 8 to 10 inches and bury the stem cutting. Water it from every now and then and you'll notice leaves growing in no time.

  

Credit to the owners of the photos used.