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I have a lot of friends who gave birth or are about to give birth this year... And I told my husband this, there is obviously a "baby boom", hehe.

 Kidding aside, I suddenly had a thought about the gifts we give to our pregnant friends... they are mostly just for the baby.

 Don't get me wrong, expectant parents love getting gifts for their baby, and who doesn't adore buying those little outfits and amusing toys? But the Pregnancy Journey wouldn't be complete without the parents who started it all: the Mother who carries the child for nine moths or so, the Father who makes sure that his wife and child are safe and secure.

 That being said, I just thought about writing on what other possible gifts could we give the expectant parents? Yes, that thought just went into my head, so I am writing about it now...haha!

 Here are some gift suggestions you could give your pregnant friends. I'm sure the mom and dad will appreciate being thought of too, during their pregnancy journey :) 

 1. The Baby Owner's Manual
Photo source

 This was a gift from one of our friends, and it's very helpful! Not to mention very geeky, and I mean that in the best way!

 The illustrations in this book are quirky and it is, in fact, easy to understand and follow. Great gift for first time parents!

 I don't actually know where they bought it, but perhaps it's in your favorite bookstore :) You can also catch this gem on Amazon/Kindle or iTunes, if you want a digital copy.

 Here is a sneak peek of what's inside:


2. Nursing Cover or Nursing Clothes (for mom)
If your friend plans on nursing, whether for just a few months or for a couple of years, it would be really helpful to give them nursing clothes or a nursing cover. 

 It wouldn't only help the breastfeeding journey easier and more comfortable, but also it would benefit the baby too, so it's a win-win! 

 To know about the different nursing wear brands, READ ALSO: Nursing Wear for the Breastfeeding Mom

 3. Nursing or Body Pillow
Source: www.snugahug.net

Personally, we don't have this, but it's something I would have loved to have during my pregnancies and even post-partum!

 The body pillow is basically an all-around pillow for every stage: Maternity, Nursing, Baby pillow, and more! I'm sure dad would also love to use this pillow :) 

 For more information, you may head on to: http://www.snugahug.net/about-us

4. Prenatal or Lactation goodies (for mom... maybe some for dad too)


 Again, if your friend plans on nursing, why not give her yummy goodies too? I personally tried a couple of local pastries that are not only delicious, but also very effective in helping boost milk supply. And mom and dad can share them too (don't worry, dad won't lactate, hehe). 

 Some also offer prenatal snacks for expectant moms that have Wheat Germ (rich source of folate) & superfood Chia Seeds!

 Lactation pastries have "galactagogues" (milk-increasing ingredients) such as fiber-and-iron-rich oats, Omega-3-flowing flax seed, cholesterol-and-blood-sugar-lowing fenugreek, and Vitamin-B-packed brewer’s yeast.

 To know more about the different lactation cookie brands, READ ALSO: What are Lactation Goodies?

 5. A "manly" diaper bag or baby carrier (for dad)
Source: Baby-Wearing Celebrity Dads
I know, I know. I said there was no baby stuff on this list... BUT, this is different because the dads get to use them mainly, ok? :)

 More and more parents are being hands-on when it come to taking care of their children. And dads are no exception.

 My husband would almost always say that there should be more "masculine" or neutral baby stuff for the dads too! And I agree. Don't you?

 Why not give your dad friend something he'd be happy to carry around or wear, like a neutral or "manly" diaper bag or sling.

 READ ALSO: Moby Go Carrier Review

 6. Shapewear (for mom)

 There are various shapewears now for every stage of motherhood, and I personally got to use a girdle, post pregnancy. It was a gift from my mom (thanks mama!). It helped me to get back in shape. And for those who've had C-sections, it serves as a support garment.

 I'm sure your mommy friend would appreciate to get one too, whether it be a maternity tank, girdle, or belly bands.

 To know more about shapewear, READ ALSO: Urban Essentials: A Modern Mom's needs from Pregnancy, Post-pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Beyond

 7. Teething Jewelry (for mom)

Who wouldn't love jewelry as a gift? It's a plus if the baby can chew on it when he's teething. YAS!

 I personally own a teething necklace and bracelet. I wear it occasionally, and when my daughter was younger, it was one of her favorite accessories and teether, hehe.

 Here's where you can get one too:
IG: @chunkychewelries or @teethingbeads
Facebook: Teething Beads

 8. Matching clothes


 Twinning with your kids is SO "in" now. I mean, who doesn't find it adorable that you have your own "mini me"? 

 Boutiques and online shops are into the matchy-matchy thing too. So I'm sure there's a perfect pair of outfits or a family set of outfits for your expectant friends :) 

 9. Digital Picture Frame
Photo Source

In this digital age, we take a LOT of photos... I mean a LOT. And if your friends are first time parents, they will definitely get the unlimited baby picture taking syndrome as soon as their bundle of joy comes out!

 So, a digital photo frame would be a wonderful gift for storing those numerous baby photos and milestones. I believe you can get some at CD-R King or appliance stores.

 10. A Photoshoot Voucher

 Family photos are one of the most treasured keepsakes. It would definitely be a unique and thoughtful gift for any expectant family to have a photoshoot: maternity, newborn, or family portrait.

 What do you think?

 READ ALSO: Remembering your Baby Bump: Getting a Maternity Photoshoot

I hope this post helped you somehow. Next time you attend a baby shower or plan to give an expectant friend a gift, maybe consider these things on the list too? :)

 Cheers!
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Every one of us undergoes some major change at some point in our lives, and, whether if it's good or bad, we become a stronger, better person than we used to be. 

 For me, that major change would be becoming a mother. During pregnancy, I underwent physical and emotional changes: My hips expanded and my shoe size and cup size increased, I became picky of what I ate, I took extra care of my body, I was physically and emotionally sensitive... my whole world suddenly changed. And when I finally met my baby in person, I was determined to become a hands-on parent: I breastfed, I co-slept, I became a stay-at-home-mom.

 And now, I have two little ones to look after, and Motherhood, for me, is a constant learning process. 

 Isn't it nice to have support throughout those stages of Motherhood? I'm not only talking about support from family or friends, but as well as personal essentials, like belly bands, nursing bras, and shape wears.

Fortunately, Urban Essentials provides just those for the modern mom. 
Urban Essentials is a company formed to cater to the needs of all women at any stage in their lives. The company has a goal of providing the essentials of womanhood by giving them products that are of the highest quality and have been tried and tested. To set itself apart from competition, the primary target market of the company is moms and females in the mid-market segment and up, who are sophisticated and in tune with the latest trends in keeping themselves fit, healthy and beautiful. However, these women are also money-sensible, who would want to enjoy the best value for their money when investing in garments or accessories so they feel their purchases are more acceptable when it is more than for cosmetic or vanity purposes only. (Urban Essentials Facebook)

Urban Essentials aims to provide the modern mom's needs for Pregnancy, Post-pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Beyond! They carry the following trusted brands:

1) Nursing bras by Ingrid & Isabel support a woman, during and after
pregnancy. You can choose between a drop cup bra, which has no back clasps, or a crossover bra, which has absolutely no clasps for a more comfortable breastfeeding experience.
Oh, isn't it wonderful to have a bra that you can use during and after pregnancy? I would want that... I had to buy bigger sized bras when I was pregnant, and since I wasn't fully aware of breastfeeding and its benefits, I didn't get nursing bras yet. So I had to buy ones when I already nursing.

 The Nursing bras by Ingrid & Isabel look very comfortable and are great for support. Nursing moms now quite well how hard and painful it is when we get engorged, so better get a bra that can support well while providing easy access come nursing or pumping time :)

 Go here for more information: http://urbanessentials.com.ph/nursing-bras/

2) Wink Shapewear can help women flatten their tummy, support posture, and give them a sense of returning to their pre-pregnancy body. Made from medical grade compression material, Wink Shapewear has been proven and tested to slim a woman by 2 sizes and is an ideal post C-section support garment. 

 It was my mom who gave me a girdle post-pregnancy, because I didn't bother to think of buying one (Thanks ma!). Shape wears help moms post-partum, not only to help get back your post-pregnancy body, but also for support for your back and C-section scar.

 I've heard of Wink from friends and even celebrities before, so I know that this is a well-trusted brand. Their shape wear covers the whole abdomen, including the hip area, which expands during pregnancy. And best of all, it is seamless under clothing! Nice!

 Go here for more information: http://urbanessentials.com.ph/wink/
3) Bellaband is a handy tool that allows a woman to keep wearing her
pre-pregnancy pants by simply placing a band over the pants. This means you no longer need to shop for different-sized pants at each stage of your pregnancy! You can even wear it post-pregnancy for support and transition.

 Now this sounds cool and handy! And yes, I had the maternity belt, like the little garter you use to extend your pants button, and it didn't really work for me. When I was pregnant, I preferred dresses and leggings instead. If I had these before, then I probably could still wear any of my jeans easily :)  

 For more information on Bellaband: http://urbanessentials.com.ph/bellaband/

4) Look stunning and feel amazing while pregnant with Blanqi's maternity tanks. It helps you stay active by giving optimum back support, and alleviating pressure through the built-in belly support.

Talk about full support! This is perfect for the active moms or if you want to get that extra support and lift for your big belly. I know it can be hard to walk around with a pregnant belly. This seamless, comfy maternity tank might just be what you need :)

 For more information on Blanqi: http://urbanessentials.com.ph/blanqi/

 If you're interested in getting your own essentials or giving a friend or loved one some of her own, you can easily get them at the Urban Essentials website:



Or stay connected and updated through the following social media accounts and contact details:
Facebook: Urban Essentials Inc
Instagram: @urbanessentialsinc
Mobile/Viber/Whatsapp: 09178336967
Email: ask@urbanessentials.com.ph
-----------------------------

 Good News! You can win your own Bellaband just by sharing a Christmas photo (old or recent), or you can win it for a relative or friend. For more information about the contest, go HERE, at the AllPromos.ph facebook page. 

 Cheers to motherhood,
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Disclosure: Lique’s Antics has been asked to help promote the Urban Essentials website by All Promos Philippines. The feedback and opinions expressed in this post are purely the writer’s own. Read more about this blog’s Disclosure Policy.

Motherhood has brought about a lot of changes in my life: physically, emotionally, and mentally. I have my own fair share of ups and downs in parenting, and I'm sure I'm not the only one... that's why I have so much respect for my co-parents, and most especially for my own parents. Sorry if I was a naughty kid Ma and Pa!

More often than not, I honestly think I am doing a good job. As long as I begin and end the day with the kids being fed, cleaned, and healthy-slash-alive, I feel I've had a successful day already. 

 There are just those times where things seem to go out of hand... when both kids run amok, squeal and scream, or worse - they cry and throw tantrums! But hey, tantrums aren't much of a biggie anymore, I know how to handle them... or do I? 

 On the worst of days, the screaming and crying go along with me being tired from lack of sleep or having just too much to do in a day... that's when I feel helpless and feel that I have failed. 

 But then something happens... whenever I feel crappy, my kids would always find a way to make things better: they look at me with those sparkling eyes of admiration and love, amidst the dungis (dirty faces), like I am their hero. Hugs and kisses never fail to make things all right again with the world.

 You know the saying that moms are super heroes? I thought it was overrated, until I realized that I had some super powers of my own...

 What am talking about? Well, let's just say that my children made me realize that even though there are those crazy days, I still manage to go through them every single time! And they made me realize that I am more than just a mom...

 My super hero credentials include:

 1. Ouchie healer - I make booboos heal quickly with just a kiss and a prayer.

 2. Monster shield - I scare away the boogie man, ghosts, and monsters with my power hug!

 3. International Baby Translator - I translate the alien language of my toddlers to the common people... I'm like the baby dictionary of googoo gaga!

 4. Shape-shifter - Sometimes I'm a horse, sometimes a rocket ship. I can be whatever my kids want me to be, I'm flexible that way.

 5. Sanitation Manager - I have a knack for keeping things clean (or at least I try my best), especially when your kid tries to taste everything he touches! I spot germs and spray them with alcohol or remove them with my powerful baby wipes.

 I change diapers in a snap! Not to mention that I clean baby butts more than 3 times a day... I mean, can you handle a mega poop-splotion?! I dare you!

 6. Heightened and Extra Sensory Perception (ESP) - I can smell a dirty diaper from meters away. I sense when things will get messy, especially when you drink chocolate milk in the car.. never again! I grab and hide sharp objects even before the little one sees them, ha!

 7. Sharp Memory - specifically for nursery rhymes, Disney songs, and a wide range of book and cartoon characters.

 8. Super fast reflexes - Never mind what you're doing, you just run and try to catch the falling baby... or in most cases, catch your cellphone in midair!

 9. Super human strength - Try carrying kids plus your bags on a regular day out... or stepping on their little action figures.. or a lego! True tests of strength people!

 10. Mom M.D. - I am the doctor that is on-call 24/7. Cough, colds, mild bruises... for every ouchie and owie, doctor mom is here to save the day!

 11. Chef - I keep the little humans fed and healthy with my domestic cooking skills. Plating skills = making a smiley face. Nutrition value = feeding them fruits and vegetables.

 12. Detective - No lego is too small, no puzzle piece too tiny for mom to find! It's hard to sleep without solving life's mysteries, you know? Where, oh where is that block?!

 13. Cheerleader - When mom says "you can do it!" or "I'm here for you", kids get their instant boost of confidence :) I know this, because I get a boost from my mother's words of wisdom every time.. Thanks Ma!

 14. Professor Mom - Moms have the answer to almost every What, Why, When, and How.

 15. Girl scout - Extra clothes. Check. Diapers. Check. Baby wipes, alcohol, insect repellant, sun hats, towels, bibs, socks, crayons, pencils, drawing pads... check, check, check! Ok, we can go now, hooray! :)

 16. Milk maid -  I make milk, 'nuff said :)

I don't know if my kids really see me this way, but I'd to think that they do :) And I wouldn't mind being Super Mom for them for as long they need me to.

 How about you? What other super mom powers do you think you possess? Please share, I'd love to know about them.

 Ending this post with one of my favorite mom quotes:
Love this quote! (source)
Cheers to you Super Mom!
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Well hello there!

 It's been a while since I wrote on this blog space. And just in time too, August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month! Hooray!

 I have been breastfeeding Hailey for 9 months now and still counting. I don't plan on weaning her any time soon. Why should I when it is the best nutrition I can give for my baby. But I wouldn't be as successful enough without the support of my family plus an extra amount of willpower!

 One of the things that help increase my milk supply is the lactation goodies I have been snacking on from time to time. Though I still love to eat malunggay (Moringa oleifera) and I make sure to drink lots of water, but since I am a dessert lover, I tried the modern-day alternative to increasing milk - Lactation Goodies! 

 Lactation goodies? What's that?
Oh they're just yummy cookies, cupcakes, or brownies that contain "nutrient-rich galactagogues (milk-increasing ingredients) such as fiber-and-iron-rich oats, Omega-3-flowing flax seed, cholesterol-and-blood-sugar-lowing fenugreek, and Vitamin-B-packed brewer’s yeast! " (quoted from Mommy Treats)

 You can order them in 1-2 week supplies or more.

 Are they just for breastfeeding moms?
No. My husband and toddler loves to munch on them too. Yes, I love to share it with them. And no, they don't lactate when they eat them. hehe. 

 Wow that sounds good, but do they taste good too?
Definitely!

 Where can I get some?
Here are is a list of where you can get Lactation Goodies:

 1. Mamachows (Ginquelrus Pastries) 

 Chef Raquel is the homebaker behind Mamachows. They make the Best Cheese Cupcake ever! And I say that with confidence because they are super yummy! Even Steven Tyler of Aerosmith thinks so too. As well as Kris Aquino.

 They also make lactation cookies, ensaimada (I want to try these next), revel bars (and this) and brownie cupcakes (and this too, hehe).

 Their goodies are freshly baked and individually packed, delivered in a box. So far, her goodies are my favorite! What can you expect from a chef and baker, right? :)

 Like on Facebook: Mamachows
Follow on Instagram: @mamachows
You can order by texting 0917 322 0926

Choco Chip Oatmeal Cookies + Cheese cupcakes 


 2. Mommy Treats

Paola Loot is the mom behind Mommy Treats. She is also a certified breastfeeding peer counselor.

 My favorite is her plain lactation brownies (also comes in peppermint).

 She also makes lactation cookies, muffins, and chocolate spoons (hot chocolate ready in a spoon for stirring in a mug of hot water, sugar free and dairy free).

 "Packed in 1-day servings, these preservative-free goodies are always baked fresh upon ordering and are packed small enough to fit in your purse or diaper bag!" (Mommy Treats)

 You can order directly from their website: http://mommytreats.com.ph/
Or Like on Facebook: Mommy Treats



Lactation Brownies
2-inch Cookies packed in 6, for a day's
consumption. These are Oatmeal raisin.
You can order a variety of cookies, others
are oatmeal choco chip and white choco chip

3. Mom's Basket

Mommy Dea is behind Mom's basket. I knew about her from the Breastfeeding Pinays Group, and feedback about her red velvet cookies were good. And they were right! Her red velvet cookies are delicious!

 She has other cookie variants, such as plain oatmeal, chocolate, and choco chip. Cookies are packed the microwaveable container in cling or bubble wrap.

 Like on Facebook: Mom's Basket
About 3inch cookies, Choco Chip and Red Velvet
4. Crumbs and Grubs

I knew about Crumbs and Grubs when I attended the Mommy Mundo Belly Blessed Fest last year. Jean approached me and asked if I was the mompreneur of Honeybaby. I was surprised and she said she recognized my name when I enlisted for their mailing list. How nice to be recognized and to meet a fellow mompreneur too :)

 I love her chocochip walnut cookies. Their cookies are crunchy and yummy, packed and sealed in 2's and delivered in a box. Comes in other flavors:

Like on Facebook: Crumbs and Grubs



Choco Chip Walnut Cookies
Almond Cookies

5. ABC Milking Bombs (Updated: April 2016)

 I personally haven't tried these goodies, but since they are made by Mommy-baker-actress Bettinna Carlos, I'm sure they're yummy! Hey, she taught me how to bake, so it should be good. If I was still nursing I'd definitely give this a try!

 For orders and more information:
IG: @abettinnacarlos or #bakedbitesbyabc


Do I need them to breastfeed successfully?
No. They are not a necessity in producing milk. Every mother has the capacity to breastfeed her child. You just need to cut back on stress, remember to hydrate and eat healthy, and feed baby on demand. These are just alternatives to your Mother's Milk Tea, Malunggay capsules etc. that aid in milk production. Ok? Moms' bodies are awesome milk machines, trust me :)

 Happy Breastfeeding!

I never thought that breastfeeding would be a special part of my life, up until I nursed and cuddled my two babies. Kiel was breastfed until he was a 13 months old. I could've stretched that period of nursing him, but then I got pregnant and had no more milk to give. This time, I am exclusively breastfeeding my baby girl. She's almost 5 months now and very healthy!

 Although one "dilemma" a nursing mother faces is picking what to wear when going out. Well at least that's what I am faced with. I can't just wear any kind of clothing when we bring the baby out. Not unless you have a bottle of breastmilk with you for feeding baby then I guess that's fine too. But most of the time I prefer to directly breastfeed my baby so as to lessen engorgement. Besides, who doesn't love some quality time with baby while nursing? Also, most facilities and establishments nowadays have breastfeeding stations, so it's easier to nurse come feeding time.

 But what makes breastfeeding more convenient is getting to wear nursing clothes. More and more choices of nursing wear come out and it's a joy to think that breastfeeding is now more widely accepted that even nursing clothes are fashionable!

 As the "world of breastfeeding" became widely known to me, I "discovered" the beautiful nursing wear and elegant, feminine nursing bras. I never thought I'd go gaga over nursing clothes before! There are also nursing covers in different, lovely prints. I have Next9 and Nursing Mom covers.

 I remember my first stash of nursing wear came from Blissful Babes. There was a warehouse sale over at a residence in Valle Verde 4, where all Blissful Babes apparel was on sale. I got 6 tops, only worth 3 for 500!

Here are some more of me wearing my nursing clothes:
Green Nursing top from Mommy Matters
Black padded, nursing Tank from Mamabella
Grey Nursing top from Mommy Matters
Red padded nursing tank from Tiny Tots
Black nursing dress from Tiny Tots
My favorite so far, my grey nursing dress from
SweetPea Nursing Wear

My Sweet Pea Nursing inner dress used as a top
MommyfidePH flowy red top
MommyfidePH flowy Pink top
When I choose "regular" clothes, I make sure to get button down blouses or polo shirts and tops with loose, stretchy neckline or a V-neckline. I recommend Folded and Hung for the buttoned polo shirts, they have those with long buttons up to a little more below the bra line. I also choose stretchy cotton tops with a loose neckline or V-neckline. I love Cotton On Shirts and Tanks, so soft and stretchy but it doesn't loose it's original shape. For inner wear, although i have nursing bras, I prefer to wear an inner tube top so it's easier to nurse, you just pull up or down then latch on!

Here is a comprehensive list of where to buy Nursing Wear (updated as of June 1, 2016):
For Nursing Covers:

If you know some more stores that offer nursing wear or if you have some other tips on what a breastfeeding mom can wear, please do share! Your feedback would be greatly appreciated :)

 Cheers,