Maternity Leave in Numbers

Days: 86

Miles Ran: 31

Yoga Classes: 20

Massages: 6

New Recipes: 19

Closets Organized: 3

Pounds Lost: 20

Baby and Toddler Kisses: Lost Count

Going Gluten Free: Week 1

Breastfeeding gives me lots of iPhone research time. Recently I have been reading about the Paleo diet. I used to puke in my mouth a little when I read about it because of words like bone marrow, but I have been considering giving it a try. As a little prep, I have decided to go gluten-free for 30 days to see if I notice any improvement in my health or energy levels. Granted, I have been getting up every four hours to nurse and change Baby Genki, but I also have random pains, frequent tiredness, and occasional anxiety. Probably all normal, but wouldn't hurt to cut out processed foods, refined sugar, and gluten to see how I feel.

Here's what I had this week:

Feb 17
B: Vegetarian omelette, hash browns, coffee (duh, assume that for every day)
L: Protein shake*
D: Tofu red curry with brown rice, raw chocolate nib brownie

Feb 18
B: Protein Shake
L: Oatmeal with banana
D: Roasted portobello, roasted butternut squash, spinach salad with goat cheese and carrots

Feb 19
B: Protein Shake
L: Leftovers from dinner
S: Frozen yogurt with granola, strawberries, and coconut
D: Vegetarian chili with quinoa corn bread

Feb 20
B: Protein Shake
L: Leftovers from dinner
D: Julienne vegetable stir fry
S: apple paleo cookies  

Feb 21
B: Protein Shake
L: Leftovers from dinner
D: Spaghetti and herb flatbread
S: Vegan PB cookies

Feb 22
B: Paleo burger (what?!)--thank you Down to Earth Farms
L: Protein Shake (can't go a day without my witch's brew)
D: Vegetarian chili and quinoa corn bread (still had leftovers!)

Feb 23
B: Oatmeal with dried fruit
L: Protein Shake
D: Corn chips, salsa, hummus, and veggies (that's because I hosted a baby shower and couldn't eat the cupcakes)

*Witch's Brew: almond milk, banana, spinach, berries, tumeric, peanut butter, honey, Amazing Green

Baby Genki's Birth Story

How is little Baby Genki already 60 days old?? Well, here's her birth story.

The decision to attempt a natural, unmedicated birth was easy for me.  For many years, I have been concerned with pesticides, additives, preservatives, and all other forms of chemical junk added to our bodies for convenience and profits of others. After spending two years in a rural African village, living closely to the level of the people, with no running water, no electricity, and no processed foods, I realized how important it was to take care of my body naturally. So, the decision to not have my body injected with chemicals to take away the normal pain of childbirth was obvious. I wanted to have the full experience, pain and all, and bring my children into the world the way women had for all of time, and the way women did in my rural African village everyday.

For Toto's birth, The Shark and I took a natural childbirth class to prepare us with ways to cope with pain, and to get a more realistic idea of what a natural childbirth entails. It was a great way to practice different laboring positions, talk about plans to cope with pain, and discuss ways The Shark could provide support. We also found a doula.  Probably the best decision we made was to have someone help us prepare for the birth, make a birth plan, and support us both during labor and delivery. I also kept my body in shape with yoga, walking, swimming, and hiking to keep up with the physical demands of labor.

Fast forward to 2013. After I found out I was pregnant in March, I immediately decided to fly back to the U.S. for the birth. But the logistics of taking a two-year old across the ocean, finding a place to stay, jet lag, bringing our nanny (??), and being without The Shark for a few weeks made me change my mind. I talked to several women who had great birth experiences right here in Manila, so we decided to stay. Just like Baby #1, I looked for a doula to assist us, and I found the only (or one of the few) in Manila--Betty. We had two sessions during my pregnancy to prepare for the birth. My favorite part was drawing a picture of what we hoped for the birth and included words like "calm" and "breathe." Toto even added some decor to the drawing.

Baby Genki's first ultrasound had a December 9 due date, but all sonograms after that showed December 2. As the days passed December 2, I became more anxious and discouraged.  I tried to stay positive, but the 16 weeks of morning sickness, months of chasing a toddler, and body aches had taken their toll and I was ready to deliver my little girl. I worked until December 5, then decided to stop with the hope that a more relaxed mind and body might trigger labor. That whole weekend I did everything to encourage labor - evening primrose oil, pineapple (lots and lots of pineapple), spicy food, lunges, walking, dancing, you name it. On December 8, I woke up to some bleeding and light cramping - the show was finally starting! I had mild contractions throughout the day, so back to the dancing and lunging. Sunday night was a little uncomfortable, but I managed to get some sleep.  My doula, Betty, spent the night and in the morning massaged my feet and back.

On Monday morning, we went to see Dr. Henson and I asked her to strip my membranes. I am all for letting things progress naturally, but I was so ready to get things moving. The strip was painful and within 45 minutes I was in active labor. We never even went home, just got wheeled to the birthing suite.  

The birthing suite was big with nice natural light from the windows and a couch that I glued myself on all fours to for a few hours. Contractions were coming less than 5 minutes apart, and it felt really good to moan "ohhhh," imagining my body opening. Betty and The Shark took turns applying counter pressure to my back, relieving lots of pain. I was still in good spirits and even able to joke with Dr. Henson. But then the pain started getting worse.  At seven centimeters, I moved to the hospital bed.

During Toto's birth, I tried lots of different positions, but Genki's birth was different. Everything was faster and more intense. Kneeling on all fours was the only comfortable position for me. Switching to my back to check for progress was almost unbearable. The Shark was amazing--encouraging me to keep going, to bring our little girl into the world, to breathe--I couldn't have done it without him.  

I was stuck at 8 centimeters for two hours and started to feel tired and a little desperate.  Moans weren't cutting it anymore, I started to scream, and there were times I thought I just might pass out.  Dr. Henson offered to break my bag of water, I agreed, and after one huge contraction I was fully dilated. Everyone was ecstatic, but no one more than me. Then I had to push. Honestly, there are no words for that burning and stretching pain.  I stayed on my knees and after a few good pushes her little head came out, but her shoulders were stuck.  Dr. Henson had to reach inside (she has tiny hands) and literally pull her out. Because I was on all fours, I had to turn around to see her. Luckily, Doula Betty caught that moment on film (will not be shared here) because the look of joy and love in The Shark and my faces is really beautiful. Dr. Henson placed her on my chest. We let the cord stop pulsating on its own, then The Shark cut it.

The relief, joy, euphoria, happiness, everything at once. Genki was so alert, looking around, and nursed right away.  Then a few more contractions for the GIANT placenta, a few stitches (small, natural tear), and I was left in peace to just be with my little girl--all 7 lbs 13 oz, 19 inches long of her.

The memory of the pain doesn't fade away, but is it supposed to? Everything that I felt during the labor and delivery were created by my own body. There was so much more than pain, there was trust, and love, and excitement, and hope, and strength, and the overriding belief that my body knew exactly what to do. Bringing my girls into the world without chemical intervention has easily been the most empowering experience of my life.

Kid-Friendly Nail Salon

Toto has shown interest in girly things like makeup, dresses, princesses, and nail polish. Instead of fight it, we are just going with it (while also offering other things like basketball and toy cars). Since Tita R was in town we booked a girls morning at Coco Nail Studio. All their polish is free of the nasty stuff, and the small, cozy salon is kid-friendly! There are little chairs, kid-safe nail polish, and a play area. 

The salon opens at 11am, but they opened early for us so we could squeeze it in before Toto's nap. On the weekends you can have a tea party with scones, macaroons, and cupcakes (you must book in advance). Toto was thrilled that I let her have a cupcake at 10am.

Tea Party packages:
Saint Germain package for 2: regular mani with paraffin pedi (P2,300)
Las Marais package for 2: mani-pedi spa with premium polish (P1,800)
Toto got the Coco Petite - not sure how much that was :)

Directions from Makati: Take SLEX, Exit Sucat, cross to West Service Road, make a R at the Total gas station, Don Jesus building on left (above Pancake House)

Call or Text: 0917 561 9555

Manila's Chinatown

I've had a brochure for Old Manila Walks since we arrived in 2011, but just finally got around to taking a tour last week - The Big Binondo Food Wok. The tour was about P1,200 per person ($30) and lasted 3 hours. When I first hear three hours of walking in Manila I spazzed a bit - the pollution, the traffic, the heat! But January was an awesome time to do it, as was a Saturday morning. The three hours flew by as we walked and ate with our fabulous Chinoy guide, Ivan. Highly recommended (even for vegetarians-just let them know in advance)!

Veggie Lumpia

Best dumplings ever.

Managed to squeeze in some shopping

Daddy Daughter Christmas Fun

I find it difficult to find out what is going on in this city, which is too bad because there is a lot happening. We learn about most events through word of mouth or through MADS (not a member and have kids under 5? Highly recommend you join). I also frequently check TicketWorld to see what's playing at the theaters throughout Manila. 

The Shark recently attended a work event at the Fairmont Hotel and found out they had some kid's Christmas activities. Two weeks ago he took Toto to a gingerbread house event. She had a blast.  Not only did they decorate the house (and eat some candy), there was a choir, Christmas movies, and Santa.  

For P925, each kid got a beautiful house, 2 tubes of frosting, and a cup of decorative candy.  I have enjoyed picking at it all week.

Last week the Shark geared up again and took Toto to a Teddy Bear Tea while I stayed home to get ready for our Christmas party. On her way out, Toto waved goodbye to me and said, "Bye Mama, I'm going to have coffee with teddy bears." She came home on a sugar high and added to it with some cookies at our party. By the end, she was bouncing off the walls and shrieking with her friends. All in all, some great daddy daughter memories!

Having a Baby in the Philippines

Hi! We had a baby who we shall call Genki on this blog because that is what her big sister, Toto, named her when I was pregnant.  

I debated for a long time whether to go back to the USA to give birth or stay "home" in Manila.  Toto's birth was such an awesome experience that I was afraid I would be disappointed if I had a less than perfect experience here.  But I am so glad I stayed.

My keys to having a positive birth experience overseas:

1. Find a supportive doctor.  Dr. Theresa Henson is amazing.  She was extremely respectful of our decision to have a natural, unmedicated birth.  I felt confident that she would offer the best care possible and would be able to deal with any complication that arose - and I was right.  I felt completely safe under her care, which made the whole experience easier.  Another bonus of delivering in Manila - your doctor is always the one who delivers you, unlike in the US where it could be another OB in the practice.

2. Consider a doula.  While The Shark is seriously the best labor partner ever, it is nice to have someone else to help.  Especially someone from the country you are delivering in.  Granted, I have lived in Manila for over 2 years and am familiar with the culture, but despite the Starbucks on every corner, there is lots I will never really understand.  Doula Betty was a big help by liaising between us and the hospital staff, covering for The Shark when he needed to eat or rest, suggesting positions for pain relief, reminding me to stay hydrated, and taking photos. 

Pretty much the only comfortable position I could find for 3 hours straight.

3. Make a birth plan.  Not only does this help you mentally prepare, but it also gives clear guidance to the staff on how you would like your labor and delivery to go.  Here's mine:

About Us

We spent the first two years of our marriage in a rural African village living very simple lives.  That experience changed us and we continue to try to live as naturally as possible.  I delivered our first daughter naturally and unmedicated in September 2011 in the U.S.  We really want to bring our second baby into the world without medical or chemical intervention.  We have been working with our doula, taken a natural childbirth class, and I have practiced prenatal yoga to help prepare ourselves for a natural birth.  We would love to be matched with nurses who like working with couples attempting a natural birth.

Labor and Delivery
--My support people are my doula, Betty, and husband, The Shark.  I would like them to be present during labor and delivery.
--I would like to try whatever I can before receiving Pitocin.
--I know what my pain medication options are, so I ask that the hospital staff please not suggest medication options to me unless I ask.
--Please offer The Shark the opportunity to catch the baby and cut the cord.
--If possible, please delay clamping the cord for at least one minute after delivery.

Cesarean

--If my primary care provider determines that a Cesarean delivery is indicated, if possible, I would like The Shark and Betty present at all times.

--If I must have a cesarean section, I wish to have an epidural for anesthesia.

--If possible, I would like skin-to-skin contact with my daughter immediately after birth.

Post Partum

--We are planning to breastfeed; please do not give my daughter bottles or pacifiers.

--I want to have as much skin-to-skin contact as possible – I would like to have my daughter placed on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery, and have any evaluations be done while I am holding her.  If possible, please wait to administer the Vitamin K and eye drops until 60 minutes after the birth.

--Please administer the HepB immunization, but not the BCG.

We thank you for taking the time to help us achieve a natural birth for our daughter.

I put in bold the most important aspects, and kept it to one page in order to not overwhelm the staff. Kudos to the Makati Med staff for never once mentioning pain medication. Of course, I realize that complications can occur and I was prepared to alter the plan if necessary.  (Note: The Shark opted out of "catching" the baby. End Note.)

4. Prepare yourself mentally and physically.  Honestly I was much better about this for Toto's birth when I had less to do and no toddler to chase after.  But I did spend time writing a letter to Baby Genki, doing some meditating, light yoga, walking, and meeting with Doula Betty.  Being in shape gave me the stamina I needed to get through 6 hours of painful active labor.  Being mentally prepared allowed me to completely let go of any fear about giving birth and just use the pain and contractions to open up and bring Baby Genki into the world.  Not to say that the pain wasn't almost unbearable at times, but never once did I feel afraid - mainly because I trusted my body to do what it needed to do.

5. Have a support system in place for your other children.  We are so lucky to have an amazing nanny for Toto, Yaya, who took great care of her in our absence and brought her to the hospital to visit us. Having Yaya continue with her normal routine made Toto comfortable and calm while we were in the hospital for 3 days.  That's not to say that she adjusted immediately - we are still working through some issues, but overall she is doing great as a big sister.  When I got home she said, "I'm happy you're here, Mama."  We have also made time to do things just with her to remind her that we still love her and Baby Genki has not replaced her.

6. Research hospitals.  I chose Makati Med because it is close to where I live (did not want to sit in traffic in labor) and my doctor prefers it. But we toured the birthing suites beforehand just to make sure we were comfortable with the set-up.  The only downside is that the rooms lack a tub.  I didn't want a water birth, but I did enjoy the tub during Toto's laboring or pain relief. (From what I have heard, St. Luke's has really gorgeous suites with tubs.) The Makati Med staff was overall great, everyone washed their hands before coming in the room, let us rest when we were asleep, and provided good care and explanations whenever they did anything--I even ate most of the food, which will be a shock to anyone who has seen me place an order in a restaurant.  Not to say it was perfect, there were a couple of instances when staff didn't show up to do an oxygen test or weigh Genki.  But I had those frustrations in the US as well.

7. Do your research. I have O- blood, which is a rarity in Asia.  Well before the birth, my blood type had to be found and banked.  Unfortunately, for privacy reasons I can't know the donors, so therefore can't thank them. But next time someone needs O- blood, I will donate. Because of the negative blood, I also needed Rhogam once we determined Baby Genki's blood type was A+.  To everyone's surprise, there was no Rhogam in the ENTIRE country. So, we had to order from Singapore and it arrived within the last 24 hours of the 72 hour window.  

8. Know what comes next. It is not The Shark's responsibility to get all the Philippine paperwork done before Genki gets her real birth certificate and passport.  More on that if we ever finish the process...

Baby Genki's birth story to come!