DIY Baptism | Party Ideas and Decorations

Infant Baptism occurs when a baby becomes one month old and is often the first big event in a baby's life.That is the traditional to baptize a child however many people wait a few months now between three and six months and that is perfectly okay. Miara is 10-month-old when she was baptized. It is entirely up to you, parent, on when you would like to do it. You will see the terms Christening and Baptism mentioned but please know Baptism is the more proper term to use. You typically hear the statement of someone having a "Christening Party for a Baby's Baptism"

When babies are Baptism, parents promise to help their child grow up as Christians. During the ceremony, water is poured on the baby to symbolize a fresh start with God and the baby is dressed in a nice christening gown or for boys a white suit or white vest and whit shirt is acceptable. Usually, the parents must be members of the church where the baptism takes place and participate in the church with giving donations. If you are not an active member at a local church, contact churches for their standards and Baptism regulations in order to have your child baptized.

To ensure that no one misses this celebrated event, send invitations to everyone you would like to see in attendance two or three weeks prior to the date. The invitation should include the date, time and location of the ceremony as well as the names of both parents and the child.

Prior to the invitations being sent out, the parents choose godparents for their baby. You can honor a special friend or family member that you feel will be a good role model for them as they grow up and/or take on the role as a caretaker, should anything were to happen to them. Whatever your reason for choosing whomever you do, make sure you give the decision a lot of thought as the role is important to your child's life. Please know while a few Baptisms are private affairs, most are held.during a church service, where several children may be Baptized at once. This is how our daughter was baptized and I thought it was done very nicely.

After the ceremony is complete, it is nice to invite your guests to a brunch or dinner. Some parents choose to invite their guests to their home, while others might go to a restaurant nearby. If you have it at your home, be sure to decorate it before leaving for the church. Simple decorations would include balloons and baptism confetti with paper plates and matching napkins. If you have a morning Christening, a brunch is perfect. If it is on a late afternoon, it calls for a dinner.

During the celebration, you can have a toast to your guests praising the special occasion as well as thinking them for being apart of it. You can also have godparents say a few kind words if they are not shy. Prior to your guests leaving, it is nice to give them a baptism thank you favor to remember the occasion.

The loom bracelets my sisters and I made last summer, served as thank-you gifts.

Check out more of Miara's Baptism photos below for some ideas for your baby's big day!

Last June 29, we celebrated Miara's Baptism. We wanted to create party decorations that had a pretty pastel theme. I made white and pink banderitas, pink and white pom-poms and pinwheels for the party decorations.

The table included a birth print, home-made cupcakes, Pancit Malabon, Boneless Bangus Milkfish, Chicken and our staple food, rice.

We thought it would be nice idea for the guests to leave Miara a message, something that can be kept and read when she gets older. Migs and I came up with the idea of a wish board. I put sticky pads and ballpens where they've written their messages to Miara. And I made a wish board that the guests could put their messages to.

Next to the wish board we framed a poem that explained what the guests needed to do:

Here is Miara's Baptism Wish Board,

Although it looks a little bare,

But it would look so pretty

With the thoughts you want to share.

So please pick up the pen and write,

A joke, a note, a quote

Then hang it on the board

And watch the wishes float.

When the day is over,

We can't wait to have a look,

We will keep the little labels,

In Miara's very special book.

To finish the table, we hung personalized bunting above the table. Beautiful!

Your baby's Baptism is truly a once in a lifetime event. The memories of this day should be your number one thought so be sure save a copy of all the details such as invitations, photos, details, favor and be sure to have your child's baptism gown or outfit professionally dry-cleaned and sealed in a garment box or container to preserve for years to come.

5 Revelations Of A Guilt-Ridden New Mom

Here is something few people told when I was pregnant and about to become a new mom. Among the many emotions I've experienced as a parent, guilt is likely to be right up there at the top.

The stakes for parents these days are higher than ever. We live in an age of high expectations that everything is a Kodak, or nowadays a Facebook, moment. It is very easy for us--especially mothers of newborns out of love and concern to feel traumatized quickly over all sorts of things.

Here are five of some of the most common reasons that I feel guilty for and even more reasons why we should learn to cut ourselves a break.

1. Not feeling it.

I don't feel the instantaneous unconditional mother's love I was expecting. I feel like that is what I am supposed to have and I feel shame about it.

Although most women do feel an immediate bond--like my mother to me--upon giving birth to their baby, many don't. I think it is quite understandable; pregnancy and giving birth is a great trauma to our body.

Think about it: In most cases after surgery or other physical challenges of injuries, we rest, care for ourselves and perhaps have others tend to our needs until we are back on our feet. Not the case upon becoming a new mom. Giving birth to a baby sometimes comes with many uncomfortable and even downright painful side effects--an episiotomy, perhaps a C-section delivery (been through that) and the pain and soreness that can come with breastfeeding.

But instead of resting, I face sleepless nights/zombie-mode nights and the physical and emotional demands that come with caring for a newborn baby.

Many families do not have the financial means to pay for baby nurses or nannies/yayas and may not have extended family support to help care for the newborn. So after going through this unbelievable thing with my body and mind, I am then supposed to be super happy and performing things when I am exhausted and tired. Not everybody has the means to do this and all of this adds to the stress.

What I Did: To relieve some of the pressure, I take a clue from my beau, my significant other. Sometimes, I think, it is more common that a father doesn't become emotionally connected until the baby becomes more interactive, but they don't have the same expectations that us women have for ourselves. For that reason, many do not struggle with the same level of guilt that new moms often feel.

2. Not breastfeeding every time

This guilt is my mom's new-mom guilt.

Every article about breastfeeding that I read highly recommends that healthy women breastfeed their babies for the first 6 to 12 months of life. There is ample evidence that breastfeeding has health benefits both for babies and mothers.

For that reason, new moms face a tremendous amount of pressure to breastfeed. If you've recently given birth, there's a good chance you were paid a visit in the hospital by a lactation consuktant extolling the benefits of breastfeeding or were bombarded with literature on the topic.

Because of all that there is an increased level of guilt among mothers who don't think they can pull it off.

The fact is, however, that nursing simply doesn't work well for all families for a range of reasons, which unfortunately, can leave many new moms feeling horrible about the health benefits they think they are denying their new bundle of joy.

Breast is best but formula is a wonderful alternative if it doesn't make sense for your lifestyle or is not possible for any reason. For me, there is nothing wrong with formula. Babies will get the optimal nutrition they need.

The most important issue is us, being a content mother. Being an unhappy nursing mom is not better than a happy mom feeding her baby joyfully with formula.

3. Returning to work--or school, for me.

Returning to what you are used to do before getting pregnant is one of the biggest guilt inducers a new mom can face. And though it is understandable to want to be at home with your baby, experts say children are remarkably resilient and can adapt and thrive in many different types of family arrangements. I agree to this because I have experienced this with my mom, she returned to her work, being a Nutritionist-Dietitian, 2 months after giving birth to me.

The reality is that over the past decade--and especially today, given the economy--many families have cone to rely on the income of both partners. My mother always says, "Kailangan kong gawin ang alam kong tama para sa pamilya natin."

Doing what is right often means earning enough money to keep a family clothed, sheltered and fed, but it also means making sure that as a parent that you are personally fulfilled. Some moms are better mothers working part of full time. As for me, I do not know yet, I need to graduate first and foremost. *wink!

As a woman, having an outlet and sense of purpose both inside and outside of the home helps me to feel whole. Wholeness makes for a better parent.

Even the best of circumstance, however, can leave working moms feeling pulled between home and work, which can lead to feeling of guilt. The key to combating this--planning.

Be organized so when you get home from work you can share time with your baby and partner. You don't want to get home and find you have no diapers.

Work out a division of labor between you and your partner, if you have one. Or asking for help from your friends and family. It will be easier for you to relax and enjoy being a parent.

4. Leaving your child in day care.

Going back to work usually means leaving your child in the care of someone else. Shouldn't you feel guilty about that?

As long as you have reliable and trustworthy child care and find meaning in the work you do and it completes you and you're able to maintain and strike a balance, it's a healthy thing to do.

I can say that children actually benefit from being in the care of another loving adult. The fact is they are providing stimulation and teaching kids to socialize and accept other people, which are all helpful things.

Based on my experience, I found babysitters with skills different than my own and that contribute to my daughter's life in wonderful ways. They can bring in a different dimension and encourage different talents in your children.

The bottom line is; I like to emphasize to you, yes you, the one reading this, that it is the quality rather thab the quantity of time you spend with your kids.

5. Taking time for yourself

As difficult as it can be to find the time, I always make sure that I continue to exercise, spend time with my friends--without my baby--not to mention some bond with my significant other. And drop the guilt because taking time for yourself, experts say, can be a benefit for you and your child.

I want to say that it is important for each person to have an outlet and a way of recharging

and re-energizing to be the best parent we can be.

Release the guilt

With so much information available in books and online about how to raise children, many new moms are left with the sense that they could always be doing more for thei child.

We're always falling short of our sense of self.

The truth is that a mom who knows how to relax with her child and enjoy the process is likely to be happier within herself, and therefore, a better mom.

The key is to deal with your perfectionism. It's important to be realistic.

This info is not intended to replace the advice of the doctor. MHM diclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this info.

Infant Massage | Gentle massage for your gentle baby

Massage, applying pressure on the body through careful strokes to improve health is not only for adult. Infants, too, need a daily dose of gentle massage. Like food, giving your baby the "gentle touch" everyday provides him/her with the basic 'nutrients' for his well-being. 

Massage is an extended way of touching. It is the original art of "rubbing better", of creating ease through any or all parts of the body. A product of research conducted by the Touch Institute on Florida, massage has been proven to be very beneficial to both baby and parent.

Research showed that preterm infants massaged three times daily gained 47% more weight and became more responsive than others left alone.

A daily massage does all these and more for your baby:

• stimulates your baby's circulatory system
• benefits the heart rate, breathing and digestion
• encourages muscle coordination and suppleness
• improves mobility
• increases weight gain
• teaches baby how to relax
• reduces stress behaviors like grimacing and clenched fists
• relieves colic
• reduces/prevents sleep disorders and improves sleep patterns

Parents who massage their babies gain greater knowledge and understanding of their babies. For the mother, touching and handling her baby stimulates the secretion of proclatin, the "mothering hormone", which assists in her milk production and her ability to relax.

Infant Massage is a wonderful bonding tool for parents and babies. It is not therapy but a way to share love. It is something that a parent does with her baby in a way like no other means of interaction can.

TO GET STARTED MAKE SURE:

1. Your hands are clean and warm.
2. Your nails or jewelry cannot scratch baby's skin.
3. The room is warm and draft-free.
4. Baby is not hungry or had just eaten.
5. You will remain undisturbed for at least fifteen minutes.
6. You are sitting comfortable and relaxed.
7. Baby is lying on a soft, clean cotton surface.
8. You have assembled towels, a few extra diapers, a change of clothes and oil or lotion.

With the help of my 6-month-old daughter, Miara, we'll show you gentle massage that you can do for your little one. 

FACE

"SMILE" MASSAGE relaxes facial muscles.

Baby's face may accumulate a great deal of tension through sucking, teething, crying and generally interacting with the ever expanding world around him. With the thumbs, make a smile on the upper, then lower lip.

CHEST

"BUTTERFLY" MASSAGE tones the lungs and heart.

Both hands are at the baby's sides, at the bottom of the rib cage. Place left hand over baby's left shoulder and move down diagonally across the chest. Now do the same with the right hand over baby's right shoulder.

ARMS

"SQUEEZE AND TWIST" MASSAGE releases tension and tones the muscles.

Hold hands together around baby's arm at the shoulder (as if you were holding a baseball bat). Then move hands in opposite directions, back and forth, from the shoulder to the hand, gently squeezing as you do.

STOMACH

"SUN MOON"

Make an upside-down halfmoon with your right hand going from your left to the right. Make a full circle moving clockwise with your right hand. While the right hand is above, the left hand is below.

"I LOVE YOU" MASSAGE

"I" - Make a single I-shaped stroke with your right hand o baby's left belly (your right).

"LOVE" - Make a backward, side ways L from your left to right

"YOU" - Make an upside-down U, going from your left to right. As you go through this series of motions, say " I love you" in a warm, cooing tone.

LEGS

"MILKING"

Stroke one leg as if you were milking cow. Milk the leg with each hand, one hand following the other. One hand gently holds the foot at the ankle. The other hand should move over the buttock; the inside hand moves inside hand moves inside the thigh and up the leg to the foot.

"ROLLING" MASSAGE

Roll the leg between your hands from knee to ankle.

BACK

"BACK AND FORTH" MASSAGE develops muscles that will support the spine.

Start with both hands together at the top of the back, at the right angles to the spine. Move your hands back and forth, in opposite directions, going down the back to the buttocks, then up the shoulders, and back down once again.

IMPORTANT TIPS

DO'S:

• Maintain eye-to-eye contact with the baby.
• Sing to the baby or play soothing music to help you and the baby relax.
• Begin with a very light touch and gradually increase pressure as you become more confident and baby gets used to being massaged.
• Be sensitive to your baby's cues. If the baby cries a little, try to calm him/her down before proceeding. If he/she cries forcefully, stop messaging, the baby may want to be held or breastfed or may want to sleep.
• Give the baby a bath after massaging him/her especially when you used baby oil, to help refresh him/her.
• Keep the oil away from the baby's eyes.
• Consult a pediatrician for more details on infant massage. 

DONT'S:

• Massage the baby immediately after he is fed.
• Wake up the baby for massage.
• Massage the baby if he is not feeling well.
• Massage him/her against his/her will.
• Force the baby in a certain position when massaging him/her.

This info is not intended to replace the advice of the doctor. MHM diclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this info.

Some Serious Frozen - Inspired Snowflake Paper Making

After we finished watching Disney's Frozen (Miara's favorite movie, as of now), I thought it would be perfect as a theme for my daughter's first birthday party. I really like the idea of DIY making for her party. In my thoughts, she's just a baby and won't really remember her first birthday party, right? I won't invest so much on the decorations or even hiring party planners. Now, I came up with the idea of doing my own decoration, PAPER SNOWFLAKES! What's a frozen-themed party without snowflakes?! Even though, we're here in the Philippines, a tropical country, I will really push through this kind of winter-frozen-themed party.

I got these awesome, How to make paper snowflakes and templates from Disney.

My sisters, Rejeen, 12, and Marielle, 9,  helped me do it. It is really nice that I always have my sisters at my back who always supports me in everything I do. This is also a nice activity for them to enjoy and to harness their skills and creativity.

And this is the awesome outcome of our teamwork! Not bad for us first-timers! We are thinking of adding colors and glitters to it to feel the "snowy" and "queeny "vibe.

By the time Miara turns 1, I'll blog right away to show you all her DIY frozen-themed birthday party.

The Top Up Trap | Mixed feeding, bad for you and your baby?

Personally, I haven't tried mixed feeding for my little one. I always stick to my decision even before I gave birth to Miara, that I want to-do exclusive breastfeeding. In my opinion, the more you mix feed, the less milk your body will produce. Every ounce of formula you give is one ounce that you told your body not to produce. Do not fall into the Top Up Trap!




This is the Top Up Trap:  You will feel that your breast milk supply isn't sufficient →  You'll give formula milk to your little one →  Your little one  will be full and will  go to sleep fast. He/she  gets full fast because formula milk comes from cow's milk, (cow's milk are for calf with four stomachs, while our baby only has one little stomach; on the other hand, they sleep fast because most for the energy of their body goes to digesting, it's hard for them to digest the composition of the formula milk). Our bodies are wonderfully designed. Our breast milk supply, goes along with the demand of supply  our baby need. → When you seldom breastfeed your baby → The more your milk will decrease → You'll feel your breast milk supply isn't enough → And this cycle will continue on and on until your breast milk will be unavailable.Many says that they chose formula milk, because when they start giving their  breasts to their little one, their baby doesn't want it and it starts to cry. That can be because of so many different things. Usual causes are nipple confusion and missed hunger cues. When your baby cues that he/she is hungry, go breastfeed! So what can you do to prevent this? Do not use formula. I have nothing against formula milk, but breastmilk is still best for babies. If you give more formula than breastmilk now, don't lose hope, read the story of mommy Donna.Cup feed and do not bottle feed.  Doing bottle-feeding  adds to the factors that affects the appetite of your baby towards your breasts. Why? Because our little ones are having a hard time sucking when we're breastfeeding, bottle-feeding gives is easier because their sucking effortlessly. Thus, this will give them nipple confusion. What will happen next is that they would choose easy bottle-feeding than having a hard time sucking with the breasts.Why cup feeding? In cup feeding, nipple confusion won't exist. When can I start cup feeding? As early as you give birth to your little one. Here's a video.Side note: Breastfeeding is a pre-cursor to chewing and to talking. Breastfed babies has practiced jaws, it will be easier for them shifting to solids and then talking. Another important thing, learn hand-expressing. When you hand express, the more you empty the milk from the breast. The more you empty the milk, the more your body will produce milk.





Do not forget that the stomach of your little is like the size of a marble. He/she do not need much milk. Your colostrum would be enough for your little one's tiny stomach.

Remember, the rule, 1oz per hour until your baby reached 6 months. So for working moms out there, when you leave the house and left 10oz milk for one day, and nothing's left within half the day, it means that they (husband, family member, relative, etc) must have given more than what your baby needs.If your baby  cries, the first thing that comes into your mind is that he/she's hungry right? But there are several issues why your baby is crying, maybe he/she is feeling hot or cold, poop alert, or your little one is just missing his/her mommy. Your baby was in your womb for 9 months. Hugged tight inside, warm, calm--but when he/she comes out, noise everywhere, adjusting to lights, your baby feels alone--he/she misses you, mommy, simply because your baby loves you.I also have nothing against mixed feeding mommies but please remember that the goal is to be able to breastfeed your baby exclusively during the first 6 months or until such time that your baby is ready for solid food.
Happy breastfeeding!

This info is not intended to replace the advice of the doctor. MHM diclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this info.