StuckWithEvent: Smart Parenting Baby Shower 2014

Smart Parenting hosted once again a baby shower event for expecting moms, who were treated to free workshops and services uniquely for pregnant women, such as expert advice from OB-GYNs and pediatricians, pregnancy yoga, pregnancy fashion and beauty advice, and food recommendations best for pregnant women and their babies.

Of course, this event was attended by yours truly, and it was my first time. And no, I am not pregnant, sorry to burst your bubble, haha! Thanks to Mommy Bloggers Philippines for the invite :)

But before anything else, let’s give special thanks to Baby Company, the baby specialist; Discovery Suites, the venue partner; and Party Treasures for the photo souvenirs.

To kick off the event, Ms. Mia from Smart Parenting shared some tips for first-time moms, sort of a refresher course for those who were already in their second, third, or even fifth pregnancies.

I was actually waiting for Team Kramer to emerge from backstage, as I thought they would be hosting the event. The excitement level skyrocketed when the gorgeous and ever-bubbly Ms. Delamar Arias of the radio show The Morning Rush showed up and graced the event instead. Forever fan here!

We all know about the traditional birthing methods done in hospitals, but recently, alternative methods are now being practiced here in the Philippines, such as Lamaze, the more well-known natural birthing method. There are also other alternatives like natural birthing and water birthing.

Ms. Delamar introduced the first speaker, who gave us a glimpse of alternative birthing methods, a missionary midwife, Ms. Deborah Anne Gustafson, co-director of Shiphrah Birthing Homes.

The most important advice she shared was that women should really take care of their bodies in preparation for giving birth.

If your body is weak, your growing baby in your belly may also be affected.

She talked about the importance of malunggay for pregnant women. Lack of proper nutrition is one of the main causes of complications during pregnancy.

She also demonstrated some belly exercises that are good for pregnant women.

According to her, squatting is the best birthing position. She even had the moms squat for a few seconds so they could experience what it’s like to give birth in a squatting position, on a birthing stool!

The next speaker, Ms. Irina, a doula, a professional pregnancy birthing companion or coach, and also a hypno-doula who specializes in using hypnosis during childbirth, talked about a different approach to childbirth.

Frankly speaking, it was my first time hearing about hypnosis being used during childbirth. Mothers nowadays are blessed with these alternative options that are beneficial to the body.

Ms. Betty, who also went through natural births for her five children, and whose doula at that time was her husband, is currently a professional doula as well, supporting women during pregnancy through the concept of natural birth.

According to her, what’s critical for natural birth is choosing the right care provider, meaning doctors who are pro-natural birth. A background check is a must, along with proper preparation such as childbirth classes and seminars.

I was particularly interested in what she said about giving birth using a birthing stool, “nakaupo,” she said. If options are given to you, by all means choose the natural side. Our bodies were made to give birth naturally.

“Whatever we do to the child in the womb, we do to the world,” she ended her speech with this quote.

Kudos to this mom who gave birth in the bathroom. She was planning to have her baby in an inflatable kiddie pool at home but to her surprise, she gave birth in the bathroom while doing her thing instead.

The next mommy speaker , ms. Monica , shocked me the most with her water birthing story. Why?

Because she ate a part of her placenta. Yes, really.

She didn’t like the idea at first, but after reading and hearing about its supposed benefits, she went through with it without hesitation. She cut a portion of the placenta and turned it into a smoothie. The yogurt helped mask the taste, so it wasn’t a problem.

According to her, one of the benefits is that it contains hormones that may help prevent postpartum depression. She also mentioned that it can help stop bleeding and may even be life-saving in some cases.

She recommended taking your placenta home if you’re going to give birth in a hospital, as you can actually request it. She also suggested not cutting the cord right away, saying it is most beneficial for the baby. She emphasized that you have every right to discuss these preferences with your doctor.

Fashion stylist mom for Smart Parenting , Ms. Margaux Romero -Alampay shared some fashion dos and don'ts and some basic pieces to keep in the wardrobe to help pregnant mommies survive the whole nine months and also shared a few beauty tips.

Pregnant moms enjoyed a few minutes of Preggy Yoga session that focuses on the areas that tend to tighten up as well as on getting you breathing deep and long for the end part of labor.