The Misis Chronicles

Working Mommy Blogger from the Philippines

Expecting Moms Urged to Exercise

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Guest Post

Exercise has been proven by repeated studies to provide many benefits during pregnancy, including strengthening baby’s heart and reducing the risk of complications. Other studies have confirmed a faster recovery and fewer delivery complications for mothers who routinely exercise. Even with this evidence, an epidemiological study has now shown women may not be receiving the message.

Only half of women reported exercising 90 minutes per week prior to pregnancy, which is a rate lower than the 120 minutes recommended by experts. Only 27 percent of women continued at this modest level of exercise after pregnancy.

The problem turns out to be one of belief. Many women have a completely unfounded belief that working out for longer than 30 minutes, even with low- to moderate-intensity walking and swimming exercises, poses a danger to their babies. I was greatly encouraged by my doctor to exercise regularly and research has proven the real danger lies in not exercising.

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Post-partum depression

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I never thought that I can fall into a depressed state. I’m a person with a positive outlook in life and always see things on the brighter side. I always have this cheerful disposition in life that even if problems occur, I can still smile.

But after I gave birth, I suddenly felt sad, I cry even at the slightest issue and worry even if it’s only inside my mind. Am I going through post-partum blues? Maybe, aside from that, I’m still adjusting to motherhood, things are so new to me. I’m not used to being stuck inside the house doing nothing. There are times that I feel like a slave because I’m breastfeeding Gwen, and she’s on me every hour or so. I’m left with nothing to do but just lay in bed too.

What’s making my post-partum depression worse is the fact that I miss my husband terribly. Weird, I know, because we’re together 24/7, but being married for 3 years and childless at that, I miss our cuddle and bonding time together, just the two of us. But with baby around and the exhaustion I get, I feel I’m neglecting my husband and not being able to take care of his needs.

*sigh* Good thing I was able to tell Jeff how I feel and he completely understands but I still feel bad. I hope this goes away soon because I don’t think any expensive material thing can elevate my mood.

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On pregnancy myths, beliefs and superstitions

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I was sort of disconnected to the outside world for about a week after giving birth, well, I kinda sneaked-in a blog post as you have noticed, hehe… My mother said this is to avoid “binat”. Here are the things my mother imposed on me during that 1 week hiatus:

  • Do not take a bath or even wash hands for 1 week. (I cheated on this because I have to wash my private part down there, hello?)
  • Do not watch TV, read or use the computer. Grrrr….
  • Don’t drink cold beverages or food.
  • Have plenty soups such as tinola to increase milk supply.
  • At the seventh day, I thought I can rejoice because I can finally take a bath. Only to find out, I have to use the water with boiled leaves and no soap or shampoo.
  • The next day, finally, a warm shower with soap and shampoo too!
  • After taking a bath, get a manghihilot for a massage. (We’re still searching for a manghihilot until now…)

There are plenty of Filipino beliefs and myths during pregnancy right? I’m even not sure if all of these are true, some Chinese friends also have Gelai to follow where a woman who just gave birth is not allowed to take a bath for ONE month.

The most difficult part of the 1 week hiatus is not being able to use the computer and go online. I can last a day without TV but with no Internet?, no way! I was very eager and excited then to look for Baptism invitations ideas for my little princess. Well, I’m glad I’m past that phase…

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Cost of giving birth at Chinese General Hospital

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I gave birth at Chinese General Hospital via NSD. My OB, Dra. Mitch Borbe is affiliated with the hospital that’s why I chose it there aside from it’s the one near our place. We went to the delivery room at 1 AM in the morning and I gave birth at 9:53 AM of December 22, 2010. I thank God that I had an easy delivery, the most excruciating pain of labor lasted for only an hour before the final GO! My OB is also happy that I didn’t give her a hard time on my delivery, after 3 or 4 pushes, baby’s out!

Our hospital bill costs Php 28, 606.55. That includes private room charge, nursery room charge, delivery room and labor room fees, PF of both OB and pediatrician and the medicines and other miscellaneous items. I was not able to use my Philhealth at that time because it’s a holiday and no one can sign the form, I’ll just reimburse it next year.

Private room charge in Chinese General Hospital is Php 1750 in the old building and Php 2000 in the new building. Jeff chose the old building because it’s near the delivery room. Rooms are clean and the comfort rooms are clean and well-maintained.

Related: Delgado Hospital Maternity Package Rates

Most of the bulk of the cost in giving birth is due to the high PF of doctors but I’m lucky to have a very good OB with minimal PF. Dr. Mitch Borbe’s PF is Php 10,000, but with less Philhealth, it’s only Php 7,500. If you’re looking for a good OB, I recommend her because although she’s young, she took care of me throughout my pregnancy and had me and my baby safe and healthy. She has clinic schedule at Centralle Medical Diagnostics at 6th Avenue, Caloocan City every Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. She replies through text messages whenever I have questions or I just need some quick consultations too.

Whew, I’m glad that I breezed through this pregnancy and Jeff. I’ll just claim my SSS Maternity benefit next year to recover part of the costs.

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Going sabbatical on sweets

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How I wish I can do it, going sabbatical on sweets that is! Especially this Christmas season where almost all chocolates and mouth-watering desserts tempts me everywhere. Add to that is my soda (Coke) cravings… sigh.

I’m really trying and I just remind myself that it’s just a matter of weeks or days of sacrifice until the baby’s out. 38 weeks and I eat like there’s no tomorrow. I think I need a colon cleanser after giving birth because of my holiday binging.

OB also seems on a rush for the baby to come out earlier, aside from Eveprim, she also added Buscopan, also to ripen my cervix. I hope it works…

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