Motherhood 101

This is the new chapter and I think the most important one in my life... I am now a Mommy.

What an exciting part of me and my husband's life!

Being a first time parent does entail A LOT of excitement, anxiety, and confusion. Day by day we get to learn something new, most of it things that make me say "I WISH SOMEBODY TOLD ME THAT!"

That's why I've decided to share random anecdotes of our life through this blog; stories of a (new) parent and hopefully be able to help those who are in the same situation as ours. 

Click on the Category "MOTHERHOOD" to see all of the articles on this.

:)

Motherhood: Breastfeeding

THE BEST OPTION
Yes, breastfeeding is and will always be best for babies. It contains the nutrients your baby needs and the best part of it all... IT IS FREE!
It is the best opportunity to bond with your baby. It is an overwhelming but good feeling when you breastfeed and realize that that cute little human being depends on you.

NATURAL INSTINCT?
Babies know breastfeeding as a normal reflex, however, contrary to popular belief, is not a mother's instinct.

As my nursing coach (yes, you need someone to teach you how to do it!), "It is the hardest thing you will ever do as a mom. They all lied to you, it is not easy!" It needs effort, a lot of patience, and is a very TEDIOUS task. You may read or watch videos about breastfeeding and tell you that it is such an easy and graceful thing to do, but in reality - is not.

COLOSTRUM
If you do choose to breastfeed, you'll start immediately after giving birth (like within an hour or so). They say your body will start to produce milk as soon as you give birth... NOT! You will start breastfeeding your newborn with a green fluid they call colostrum, for the first few days. Your nipple will have no choice but to get some bruises and chaps on the first few days as it is still adjusting to the fact that the baby latches on it. You would have to learn to teach your baby how to properly latch (the act of baby's mouth attaching to it) so as not to hurt you. During the first few weeks, you would need to do it every 2-3 hours.

BREASTMILK SUPPLY
When you and your baby get the hang of it, it becomes easier and becomes less of a task. It will also help if your breasts have enough supply to satisfy baby. I wrote a different article about breastmilk supply.

LACTATION
They have a term called "let down," it is when the milk actually comes out of your breast, when stimulated by your baby's latch. It will come to a point where you lactate at a mere sight or sound of a baby. Yes! No joke, you will have to use nursing pads to absorb the leaks. You would have to accept that you will smell like rotten milk for most of the day. Hihihi.

VITAMIN D
I also learned that the only nutrient that is not in breastmilk is Vitamin D. This is why your OB will most likely give a Vit D supplement for your baby. Our doctor said the need for the Vit D supplement for baby depends on your race too. As for Filipinos like me, it is really not needed, especially becaue we live in a tropical island where sunlight (a natural source of Vit D) is oh-so-abundant!

Favorite Lunch Place

For a beautiful island, I find Guam weird in the sense that there are only such a few restaurants/cafes/bars that are located right beside the shore (think Boracay for a second and you'll know what I mean).

We have been passing by this small cafe named "Turé"  for at least 3 years but never got the chance to try it out. Thanks to my co-worker, who is a salad - sandwich lover, that I got to try the place out. The cafe is just 3 minutes drive from our office anyway so it was perfect!

This is what I call a lunch BREAK! Away from the computers, away from crowded places, no waiting in line to get seated or order your food. Just park, pick a seat, enjoy the sun, the breeze and the ocean view.

They play lounge/jazz music just enough for you to hear it but at the same time, you are still able to enjoy the sound of the waves.

It is so relaxing here, I forget that I am on lunch break and I still need to get back to at least 4 more hours of work. Haha.

My favorite on their menu - Fuji Apple Salad. I never knew I have salad-lover cell in me, but now I DO! This is also a typical scenario at how I spend lunch, whenever I have (or want to) spend it alone. Peaceful and quiet. I enjoy scribbling notes on my Starbucks (STARBUCKS! You are still no.1!) organizer, checking facebook and personal mails on my phone... RELAXATION.

Some might think that it will cost you more to get lunch from establishments like these compared to going to the mall food court, but here's how I see it:
1. The place is 3 minutes from work. You park, you walk for 10 seconds and you are there. The mall is at least 15 minutes away, then you still need to add another 5-10 minutes to find a parking space then order food, then carry your tray while scouting for a table to eat in. Another 15 minutes to go back to work so you have to eat fast!!!
2. Lunch here is around $7-$12, same price as when you go to the mall. The difference? Food here is fresh! Will be cooked when you order. The food court? Uhm. I doubt that.
3. I get unlimited water with lemon... for free.
4. There's free wifi too, if you need it. 
5. And the view? The peaceful experience? PRICELESS. So why would I go to the mall again?

I come here almost three times a week and I have to say I haven't been able to try all of what they can offer, I usually stick to what I always order. Other than salads, they also have amazing sandwiches, burgers, pasta, and a few that have rice too! Oh! Actually, they are famous for their desserts too, but I haven't tried it except for their Monkey Bread (which is like a cinnamon bread).

I have been telling them to widen their menu choices and just a few weeks ago, they did! I hope they continue to improve. Deep inside though, I wish they won't get too famous that they get over-crowded. Hehehe, what a selfish wish.

Or... a better solution... I hope Guam maximizes their beautiful oceanfronts and encourage more of these types of establishments.