Maternity 101: Hospital Bags...All Packed And Ready!

I feel like I am a ticking time bomb.

As of today, I'm already 39 weeks! It means I can give birth anytime. And just now, I read from my FB newsfeed that 2 more of my birthing classmates gave birth! Ahhh...I am getting more anxious each day. Anyway, while waiting for my baby to come out, I will share with you how I packed my hospital bag.

If you know me personally, I am very OC on packing my things. That is why as early as when I was 6 months pregnant, I started organizing the things I need for the hospital. and as early as 36 weeks, all our bags are in the trunk of our car. Yep. I am OC. And I am proud of it. :)

The below checklist is specifically if you are staying at St. Lukes BGC - because different hospitals vary on what should the mother would bring.

During labor, we will only bring out the diaper bag from our car which consists of the following:


1. Delivery Clothes for the Baby - this is a proof of how OC I am. I love ziplocks and labels. I put my baby's name (not seen on picture) and the content of the pack so the nurses/doctors will know what's inside. Be sure that the baby's clothes are washed. I used Cycles detergent as I got it free from my birthing class. But if you are on a tight budget, I know Perla soap is also good to use for newborn clothes.

Delivery Clothes

2. Baby Bath towel - Just in case we need it during delivery

3. Baby Toiletries - Also, just in case needed. Our baby toiletries bag contains baby wash, baby wipes, Ispropyl Alcohol 70%, cotton, cotton buds and Mustela Physiobebe no rinse wash

4. Binder - I am pushing for normal delivery, but just in case I will undergo for C-section, binder is a must. I bought my Wink binder from Urban Essentials as I got a lot of great reviews on this.

Wink Binder - Image from google

5. Hospital Documents

a. Lamaze Notes - we took Lamaze class during my 7 month of pregnancy and it's best to bring along our notes just in case we need.

b. Hospital Admission Forms - Last week, we went to the admissions office and I asked for admission forms for getting a room. I already filled out the forms needed so it will be easier and faster for my husband to get a room for us to stay.

c. Pregnancy Files - This clearbook contains my:
-Birth Plan
-Admission Forms
-Lamaze Certificate
-Mother's Information Cheat Sheet
-Ultrasound Results
-Urinalysis Results
-CBC Results
-St. Nonnatus Prayer (my Lola's request)

Important Documents

After giving birth, while I will be in the recovery room, my husband will get a private room for us to stay for 2-3 days (or whenever my OB will give me the go signal that we could go home). Only during this time when my husband will unload our luggage. I prepared two bags (1 for the baby and 1 for me and my husband)

BABY BAG:

Baby Bag

MOM and DAD BAG:

Mom and Dad Bag

I will blog more on what I prepared and put inside our luggage...stay tuned :)

"Secret" Baby Shopping Haven: Hello Baby Garments Factory Outlet

For 7 months, I have prevented myself from buying baby clothes because of a pamahiin I read somewhere that you should not buy baby clothes until you are on your third trimester. Though I rarely believe in pamahiins, I was very careful on everything I read because of my miscarriage last year. I told myself there's nothing to lose if I follow them. It will also prevent me not to splurge too much on baby clothes. :)

On my 6th month, I started researching on where I can buy affordable baby clothes. I know Divisoria is the first place to go to, but with my delicate condition and heavy belly, I don't want to exhaust myself in a crowded place. Then I read at femalenetwork forum, some of the girls there mentioned a place in Bel Air, Makati that sells export over runs from Carters, Disney and other baby brands from Australia and States. I researched more on this particular place and found other blogs recommending expecting mothers to go there as it is a baby clothes haven.

Now that I am on my last trimester, I started completing my baby/hospital bag checklist and we have set this morning to check out that baby clothes store called, Hello Baby Garments. It is located at 48 Zodiac Street, Bel Air Subdivision in Makati City. When we got there, we found ourselves in front of a nice house and there was a "baby clothes" sign directing to the back of the house. At the back of the house is a separate storage room where shelves and shelves and shelves of baby clothes are stored. 

I forgot to take a picture of the place as I got excited when the storage room opened. Even though I know what to expect, I still got overwhelmed because there really is A LOT of things you could choose to buy. From booties and mittens to blankets and cute onesies, You name it, they have it! I suggest you be ready with a shopping list of the things you ONLY need. Because once you are there, you might get carried away and over buy baby stuff. I also suggest you bring your mother or mother in law...so they will be the one to pay for the baby clothes. Hahaha!

Grabbed from: https://honeyteodoro.wordpress.com

Grabbed from: https://honeyteodoro.wordpress.com

Grabbed from https://honeyteodoro.wordpress.com

Grabbed from https://honeyteodoro.wordpress.com

I'm very thankful to have a supportive husband who came along and helped my pick our baby's clothes. After almost an hour of rummaging thru the shelves, we bought the following:

6 pairs booties

6 pairs mittens

2 bonnets

4 pajama bottoms

2 bath towels

1 receiving blanket

4 onesies

Things we bought: 6 pairs booties, 2 bonnets and 6 pairs mittens

The quality of the baby clothes are very good. I also learned from the lady who manages the storage room (Ate Vicky) that all the baby clothes are made in the Philippines with international branded names for export to different countries around the world.

2 baby bath towels and 1 receiving blanket

4 pajama bottoms and 4 onesies

They offer clothes from newborn to 6 years. Can you guess how much we spent for the things we bought? Our total bill was Php 1,900. Not bad, right? I did a canvass before at SM and saw onesies cost around 200 per piece and a baby towel costs around 300.  I think if we bought all these at SM, we would be spending twice the money. 

The kimono tie side shirts and burp pads were already bought by my mother in law so I didn't buy anymore at the store. To all mommies, do not buy too much newborn sized clothes because babies grow really fast. :)

Baby shopping done!

_____________

Tomorrow will be our Day 4 birthing class with Rome Kanapi which I will blog very soon. Stay tuned! :)

A Year After...

The month of March will always be very memorable for me and my husband. I can vividly remember everything that happened last year...

January 3, 2014 was the day I got married to the man of my dreams. It was extra extra special because believe it or not, I got my period in the middle of the church ceremony. Funny, right? Anyway, February came and after the second week, I began wondering how come I have not gotten my period yet. So I asked my husband to buy a pregnancy test just to check...and the result was positive. I have to be honest, neither one of us expected to have a baby so soon because we were planning to have one after a year or two. Anyway, we were still happy with the surprise news. A baby is a blessing.

Funny Note: the moment I saw the two red lines that confirmed positive pregnancy, the first thing that came to my mind was...how will I tell my parents about this? Then I realized, hey I am already married. :)

The next day, my husband and I went to St. Lukes BGC to have a checkup. Armed with no experience and knowledge on pregnancy, we went to the first available OB, Dr. Elsie Pascua. She gave a pep talk that pregnancy is not an illness, explained the do's and dont's of pregnancy and handed us a recommendation to have an ultrasound to determine the age, expected due date and if there are any complications. Out of excitement, we got an ultrasound on that same day. The result was I was already at 7 weeks. However, the OB - Sonologist informed me that the gestational sac is still empty. I informed my OB about the result and she told me it is normal and it may be too early as it is still developing. She told me to have a repeat ultrasound in 2 weeks time.

After 2 weeks, we came back for another ultrasound. Because it's our first pregnancy, we weren't aware that husbands can accompany you to the ultrasound room. I was alone with the OB - Sonologist when:

Doctor: "You are already at 9 weeks but the sac is still empty and no heartbeat detected."

Me: "What's that supposed to mean?"

Doctor: "You should ask your OB about this."

I wanted to cry right then and there. From that moment, I knew something was wrong. I asked myself, But how can it be? I feel perfectly fine. The moment my husband saw me at the lounge outside the room, he asked what's wrong because he could see it in my face. I told him what the Sono said. We went to the OB for her to see the result of the ultrasound, she was not happy with the result either, but she was still hopeful. She said give 1 more week to have a final ultrasound because it might just be a late bloomer and that my cycle is just off.

The car ride from BGC going home to Cainta, all I did was to cry my heart out. My husband tried his best to comfort me. I knew he was also very down but he also knew he has to stay strong for both of us. When we got home, I researched possible causes and the most common term I read was BLIGHTED OVUM. 

A blighted ovum occurs when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus but doesn't develop into an embryo. It is also referred to as an anembryonic pregnancy and is a leading cause of early pregnancy failure or miscarriage. Often it occurs so early that you don't even know you are pregnant. - WebMD

Both our families were still hopeful, but I couldn't bring myself to be that way. I want to prepare myself for the worst because I never liked disappointments. I have to be physically, emotionally and spiritually ready for this. That dreaded week came and the ultrasound result showed my gestational sac was still empty. It was indeed a Blighted Ovum. My OB said possible causes could be a weak sperm or egg when they fertilized. But she told us very reassuringly that my husband and I have done nothing wrong to cause this miscarriage and we certainly could not have prevented it.

On March 23, 2014 I got the very first surgery of my life, D&C (Dilation and Curettage) at St. Lukes Hospital in BGC.

Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a brief surgical procedure in which the cervix is dilated and a special instrument is used to scrape the uterine lining - WebMD

My room at St. Lukes Hospital - Bonifacio Global Center

While waiting for my scheduled operation. I was never a fan of needles.

It has almost been a year since then, but it doesn't mean I shouldn't forget that moment. It may have been a very shattering moment for me and my husband, but everything happens for a reason and we believe God will grant you blessings in His right time. 

Though she stumbles, she will not fall. for the Lord upholds her with His right hand.

-Psalm 37:24 

St. Lukes Hospital BGC - Maternity Rooms 101

Hello non-existing readers! Happy 2015!

It's that time of the year again wherein my blog will be updated. I just scanned my previous blog posts and it seems - no matter how few - my blog entries have reflected the different phases of my life. The transition of interest on food and fashion, to travel and wedding plans...and now on my new phase - motherhood!

Yes, my husband and I are so blessed to be expecting our little bundle of joy soon. As of today, I am on my 2nd trimester (19 weeks to be exact). And today, I will share to you information you need to know about St. Lukes Hospital at Bonifacio Global City.

Now, a lot of people, when they hear St. Lukes Hospital - BGC...the first thing that comes to their mind is the word expensive. I will be honest, this hospital may be a bit pricier compared to other private hospitals. But do keep in mind that, you do get what you pay for - bigger rooms, state-of-the-art equipment, nice lobby, and very clean facilities. And if you ask me, when your health is the topic...it's best not to be kuripot about it.

St. Lukes BGC lobby - view from the 2nd floor

My husband and I took a tour of their maternity rooms and suites last weekend. I think this is a very necessary step to expecting parents so you would know how much you need to prepare and save in the coming months before the baby comes.

Now here is what I learned:

If you are already experiencing THE contractions, you need to proceed to the 3rd floor Delivery Room. From there, you will be taken to their admission room wherein the resident OB and nurse will evaluate and assses your status. After that, you have the option of choosing to have your labor at the Labor Room or the High Risk Pregnancy Room. The Labor Room is NOT a private room, there are 6 beds separated by accordion and you will be joined by other mothers in labor. Eating and bringing of companions are NOT allowed in this room. The cost is Php 1,500 for 24 hours.

High Risk Pregnancy Room - It doesn't mean you must be at high risk to be admitted here. You can choose this room when you are in labor and you want more privacy. This room is equipped with an LCD TV, private bathroom and a lazy boy for your companion. Eating is allowed in this room and the cost is Php 4,620 for 24 hours or Php 300 per hour if you do not consume the 24 hour period.

High Risk Pregnancy Room

High Risk Pregnancy Room

After the tour at the 3rd floor, we where then directed to proceed to the 8th Floor which is the Maternity Wing. Located here are the Private rooms and suites. There are 4 types of private rooms (Small Private, Regular Private, Deluxe Private and Executive Private). This will be the room you will go after you give birth to recover. We only viewed the first 3 rooms mentioned as the Executive Private Room is already out of our budget. :)

Small Private Room - This is the smallest room in the private room category. It includes an LCD TV, refrigerator, cabinet and a day bed for your companion  The cost for this room is Php 2,500 per day.

Small Private Room

Regular Private Room - This is around 2 square meters bigger than the Small Private Room and has a better view and larger windows but with same amenities. The cost for this room is Php 3,500 per day.

Regular Private Room

Deluxe Private Room - This is much bigger than the Regular Private Room. It has same amenities as the first two rooms plus an office desk. And there's a bonus lazy boy for your companion or for you when you breastfeed your new born. The cost for this room is Php 4,150 per day.

Deluxe Private Room

Compared to the private rooms, if you choose to be admitted in a Birthing Suite, you don't need to be transferred to different rooms during the different stages of birthing. In here, you will have your labor, delivery (for normal delivery only), and recovery all in one room. There are 5 types of Birthing Suites (Regular Suite, Deluxe Suite, Executive Suite, Ambassador Suite and Presidential Suite). We only viewed 1 Suite Room because the Regular Suite is occupied during our visit and the rest are out of our budget. :)

Deluxe Birthing Suite - This is a quite a big room and has lots of seating for expected visitors. I just don't favor the choice of wallpaper though. I think it's kinda "chaotic looking". The cost for this room is Php 12,000 per day.

Deluxe Birthing Suite

Deluxe Birthing Suite

Keep in mind when choosing the room...Doctor's professional fees are dependent on the room you take. "The more expensive the room is, the higher the doctor fee will be."

That's it for now! I'll be blogging about childbirth classes which my husband and I will take next month! :)

Travel Tuesdays: South Korea 2014 (Part 2) - Travel Tips

South Korea Travel Tips:

WHAT TO WEAR

Spring Coats: The clothes you need to bring depends on the season of your travel. With our experience, we traveled during Spring Season (April 29-May 7) hoping that we will be able to catch the cherry blossoms. But sadly, this year...they bloomed too soon than the expected time so we failed to see them. Anyway, because it was already spring season, we expected that the weather will not be as cold as winter so we brought with us normal jackets and long sleeved shirts instead of coats. Big mistake! Little did we know that the temperature drops in the evening and the wind sometimes adds more chill factor to our "used-to-tropical-weather" bodies. So if you're travelling within these dates, it's best to still bring coats.

Rubber shoes/Flats: 80% of Koreans we saw there were wearing rubber shoes. Do you know why? Because there are a lot of uphill and downhill roads and sooooo many flight of stairs. I lost count of all the stairs I stepped in. So save your feet, ditch your fashionable high heeled boots and wear your trusty rubber shoes and flats.

WHAT TO BRING

Pocket Money: From what I read over countless websites and blogs, it is best to exchange your peso (PHP) to USD while still here in Manila. I also exchanged a liitle of my PHP to Korean Won (KRW)...just enough to cover our transfers from Incheon Airport to our hotel. The rest of my USD was exchnaged at Myeongdong area as they have good rates there. South Korea is not as expensive as others might think. If you really are on a budget...meaning you staying at guesthouse/hostel (pretty popular with backpackers) and if you scored good seat sale at Cebu Pacific, 20K pesos all in (per person) will bring you a loooong way.

Discount Coupons: As I was saying a while ago, South Korea is not as expensive as you think it is. My tip is to search online for discount coupons, print them and show them to the cashier to avail the discount. Also get the free maps available on your hotel lobby as they usually have coupons inside. Thanks to that, I got to save KRW 1,000 for the airport bus ride (KRW 9,000 instead of 10,000) and in Everland, I saved   

KRW 9,000 for the entrance fee (KRW 37,000 instead of 46,000) because I printed the coupon found in their website here.

WHAT TO BUY

T Money Card: This is like the reloadable MRT/LRT card here in Manila. But this is way better because you can buy/load in 7/11 stores and can use them as mode of payment in some stores as well. Plus, this card never expires so you can still use it if you return back.

Cosmetics: Etude House, Holika Holika, Nature Republic, The Face Shop, Tony Moly...and the list goes on. You can see these stores literally in every 5 steps in Myeongdong. They are much cheaper there and they give a lot of freebies as well. Even if you do not buy, just walk to their stores and look around and they will give freebies!!! Instant pasalubong for those kuripots out there hehe!

Clothes: Koreans wear fashionable clothes. Those online stores I see regularly on Instagram or Facebook came to life when I went there. If you're in your teeans to 20's, I suggest you go to Ewha Women's University for shopping as the stores outside the Uni are trendy, of good quality and at student friendly price.

Pasalubong Food: Go to Lotte Mart for your pasalubong haul of Market O brownies and Dr. You cakes. It's cheaper there and you will get 5% tax refund with KRW 30,000 purchase.

Photo courtesy of melissacheoksz.blogspot.com

Street Food: Unlike here in Philippines, street food in Korea is safer to try. There are so many street food stalls scattered, we even get to eat tall ice cream cone on a chilly evening.

WHERE TO GO

Korea Tourist Organization: Her you can make free international calls, free wifi, free medical checkup, free brochures and maps on all places in Korea and the best part...free Hanbok experience! This is where you can get to wear traditional Korean costumes and take pictures all you want for 20 minutes.

Travel Tuesdays: South Korea 2014 (Part 1)

Hello Philippines! Hello World! Hello my non existent blog readers!

I will never ever be proud to say that I am a blogger due to the fact that my last blog entry was last year. Hehe! But today, I want to take a break from my laziness and share my travel experience all the way from the land of Etude House, KPop and all things cute...SOUTH KOREA!

A lot of websites and blog entries helped me in my "more-than-6-months" of planning. Yes, I am that OC. But I believe it will never hurt (and will save you money) if you did some research on the country of your destination prior to your flight

SOUTH KOREAN VISA
First things first, you need to get a Visa before you can fly to South Korea. Do not be deceived that obtaining a visa is hard. For me, this is my first time to acquire a visa on my own and for my husband because prior to that, it was usually my parents who take care of this process. Or in the case of my Australia business trip, it was the HR of my company. Just remember that as long as you have the COMPLETE requirements, there is no need to worry.

Basic Requirements
a. Duly accomplished application form
b. Passport (must still be valid for at least 6 months)
c. Photocopy of the passport Bio page (Page 2)
d. 1 passport size colored photo

Proof of Financial Support - EMPLOYED
a. Certificate of Employment (Must be original; and must have the contact number and address of employer, and date of issue)
b. Original Personal Bank Certificate (NOT bank statement)
c. Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316

Proof of Financial Support - SELF EMPLOYED
a. Photocopy of Business registration form from DTI or SEC
b. Photocopy of Business permit or Mayor’s permit
c. Photocopy of ITR
d. Original Personal Bank Certificate

Submit at South Korea Embassy
Address : 122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig city 1634, Philippines
Contact number : (63-2) 856-9210

***

ACCOMMODATION

Okay, this is a VERY VERY crucial stage of planning for me. I have an "above average" standard when it comes to accommodation . Some people will overlook this for the reason they will not be spending a lot of time in the room because they will always be out exploring the city. But for me, after a long day of activities, I want to reward my tired body (and feet!) to a comfortable bed and a clean bathroom. It doesn't always have to be in a five star hotel for you to experience this, but do research on it and always canvass before clicking the "RESERVATION" button.

I always trust TripAdvisor every time I look for hotels to stay. I also compare direct prices from hotel websites and Agoda before I book just to check if I can get the room I want for a lower value.

Photo courtesy of TripAdvisor

During our South Korea trip, we stayed at Metro Hotel in Myeongdong area...and let me tell you, this is the best decision ever! Not only is it clean and spotless but this is centrally located:

-2 min. walk from Airport Limousine Bus Stop (very important specially if you have a lot of luggage with you)
-2 min. walk from subway train exit (at the end of the day and after all the walking you did, you will appreciate that the subway is very near your hotel)
-hotel is above Myeongdong shopping district so just go down the elevator and you are ready to shop till you drop and there are also a lot of restaurants/fast food chains to choose from.

Photo courtesy of TripAdvisor

Photo courtesy of TripAdvisor

You know the best part is with Metro Hotel? It is really an affordable hotel! You will never find nearby hotels with the same good value. :)

*Metro Hotel is voted #9 out of 384 hotels in Seoul*


***

ITINERARY

It is best that when you travel, you have a planned itinerary with you. Not only will it maximize your vacation time but it will also save you money in ways you will never expect. Some blogs you may have read have a jampacked itinerary. But my advice is...this will depend on the people you're travelling with. If you are travelling with kids or  senior citizens, I suggest you have a rest period in between one or two tourist spots you visit. In my case, I am only travelling with my husband but I still prefer a relax itinerary just because we don't want to always be in a hurry to go to another place.

Day 1 (arrived at night)
Arrival at Incheon International Airport
Check in at Metro Hotel

Day 2
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Explore Insadong
Buy Nami Island bus tickets at Insadong office
Explore Myeongdong at night

Day 3
Everland (it is best to allot one whole day for this as the theme park is big and travel time going there takes 1-2 hours already)

Day 4
Nami Island (allot one whole day for this also as the island is big)

Day 5
Myeongdong Cathedral for Sunday Mass
Bukchon Hanok Village
Hanbok Experience (traditional Korean outfit)

Day 6
Lotte Mart
Ewha Women's Univesity (a must visit for girl's shopping on a budget!)

Day 7
Departure from Incheon to Manila

***

Stay tuned for my South Korea 2014 (Part 2)...as I will give essential travel tips for you on what to wear and what to bring for your trip!

Wedding Wednesday: The Search for the Perfect Wedding Gown

Ever since I got engaged, I focused planning on the church, reception and everything in between. But I never really have a vision on what I will wear on my special day. Of course I want to look beautiful...who wouldn't want that? But I was just not keen on the thought of spending BIG on something that I know I will only wear once in my life. I also want the guests to tell me "Oh! you look so beautiful!" instead of saying "Oh! Your gown looks so beautiful!"...makes a lot of difference right? ;)

So for the past few days, I've been googling the net for pegs that would suit me...and I came up with only one requisite:

When most brides want to look like a princess...I want to look like a model. (teehee)

UPDATE: Okay! I have found the peg that I've been looking for, though it's not incuded in the pictures above...I decided not to reveal it here until the BIG day because I want it to be a surprise. ;) Anyway...the next step is very very crucial:

WHO WILL MAKE IT?

HELP ME!