Smart Parenting Magazine gives its Best for Newborn seal of approval for Pampers

Moms and moms-to-be recently gathered in an afternoon of informative learning and discussion at the recently concluded Birth and Baby Workshop held at the Discovery Suites Ortigas organized by Smart Parenting magazine and its online counterpart, www.smartparenting.com.ph, the credible and ever reliable source for parenting information and education.

Pampers baby Dry receives a seal of approval from Smart Parenting Magazine

The Birth and Baby Workshop featured a series of talks and lectures conducted by experts from prenatal to post natal baby care. Aurelin Fernando, a certified doula (a woman trained to assist another woman during childbirth) from Gentle Hands Birthing Clinic talked about the benefits of Lamaze method as well as birth preparation essentials, breathing techniques during labor as well as other natural and relaxation methods a mom-to-be can make use of to help her ease labor pains. 

Have everything ready to go when you're 8 months pregnant, since you could go into labor at any time in the weeks before your due date. You may want to pack two small bags for the hospital or birth center: one for the items you'll need during labor, and another for items that you won't need until after you give birth.

Here's what Aurelin Fernando recommends for Moms-to-be for packing:

What to pack for labor

• A picture ID (driver's license or other ID), your insurance card, and any hospital paperwork you need
• Your birth plan, if you have one
• Eyeglasses, if you wear them. Even if you usually wear contact lenses, you may not want to deal with them while you're in the hospital.
• A bathrobe, a nightgown or two, slippers, and socks. Hospitals provide gowns and socks for you to use during labor and afterward, but some women prefer to wear their own. Choose a loose, comfortable gown that you don't mind getting dirty. It should be either sleeveless or have short, loose sleeves so your blood pressure can be checked easily. Slippers and a robe may come in handy if you want to walk the halls during labor.
• Whatever will help you relax. Here are some possibilities: your own pillow (use a patterned or colorful pillowcase so it doesn't get mixed up with the hospital pillows), music and something to play it on, a picture of someone or something you love, anything else you find reassuring. If you're going to be induced, think about bringing something to read or watch because it may be a while before labor is underway.

Aurelin Fernando talks about the proper breathing and pushing techniques during the Smart Parenting Birth and Baby Workshop

What to pack for your partner/labor coach

• A camera or video camera with batteries, charger, and memory card. Someone has to document the big event! Some hospitals don't allow videotaping of the birth itself, but there's usually no rule against filming during labor or after the birth. If you plan on using your phone to take photos or video, make sure it's fully charged and pack your charger. Note: Not all hospitals let you use plugs in the delivery room, so you might want to bring a battery-powered charger or another way to charge your devices that doesn’t require a plug.
• Toiletries
• Comfortable shoes and a few changes of comfortable clothes
• Snacks and something to read or watch
• Money (or a credit card) for parking and change for vending machines
• A bathing suit. If you want to take a bath or shower during labor, you may want your partner to get in with you to support you or rub your back.

What to pack for after you deliver

• A fresh nightgown, if you prefer to wear your own
• Your cell phone and charger or, if you'll be using the hospital phone, a prepaid phone card. After your baby's born, you or your partner may want to call family and friends to let them know the good news. Bring a list of everyone you'll want to contact so you don't forget someone important when you're exhausted after delivery.
• Snacks! After many hours of labor, you're likely to be pretty hungry, and you may not want to rely solely on hospital food. So bring your own – crackers, fresh or dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, or whatever you think you'll enjoy. A bottle of nonalcoholic champagne might be fun for celebrating, too.
• Toiletries: Pack a few personal items, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, lip balm, deodorant, a brush and comb, makeup, and a hair band or barrettes. Hospitals usually provide soap, shampoo, and lotion, but you might prefer your own.
• Comfortable nursing bras or regular bras. Whether or not you choose to breastfeed , your breasts are likely to be tender and swollen when your milk comes in, which can happen anytime during the first several days after delivery. A good bra can provide some comfort, and breast pads can be added to help absorb leaks.
• Several pairs of maternity underpants. Some women love the mesh underwear usually provided by the hospital, but others don't. You can't go wrong with your own roomy cotton underpants. The hospital will provide sanitary pads because you'll bleed after delivery. Make sure you have a supply of heavy-duty pads waiting at home!
• A book on newborn care. The hospital will probably provide you with a book, but you may prefer your own. Of course, the postpartum nurses will be there to answer questions and show you how to change, hold, nurse, and bathe your newborn if you need guidance.
• Photos of your other children. When they come to visit, they'll see that you haven't forgotten them.
• Gifts for older siblings. Some parents bring gifts for the new baby to "give" to big brothers and sisters.
• A notepad or journal and pen or pencil. Track your baby's feeding sessions, write down questions you have for the nurse, note what the pediatrician tells you, jot down memories of your baby's first day, and so on. Some people bring a baby book so they can record the birth details right away.
• A going-home outfit. Bring something roomy and easy to get into (believe it or not, you'll probably still look 5 or 6 months pregnant) and a pair of flat, comfortable shoes.

Essentials to pack for your baby

• An installed car seat. You can't drive your baby home without one! Have a rear-facing car seat properly installed ahead of time and know how to buckle your baby in correctly.
• A going-home outfit. Your baby will need an outfit to go home in, including socks or booties if the clothing doesn't have feet, and a soft cap if the air is likely to be cool. Make sure your baby's outfit has legs (is not a baby "gown," for example) so the car seat strap can fit between them.
• A receiving blanket. The hospital will provide blankets for swaddling your baby while you're there, but you may want to bring your own to tuck around your baby in the car seat for the ride home. Make it a heavy one if the weather's cold.

What not to bring to the hospital or birth center

• Jewelry
• Lots of cash or other valuables
• Medications, including vitamins. Talk to your doctor ahead of time about anything you think you'll need to take during your stay, so the hospital can provide it.
• Diapers. The hospital will provide diapers for your baby while you're there. Leave your supply at home.
• A breast pump. If you end up needing a breast pump for any reason, the hospital can provide one.

Dr. Jamie Isip-Cumpas gave a lecture on proper lactation and breastfeeding

Breastfeeding may be a natural thing, but that doesn't mean it comes naturally. I honestly used to think it would happen on its own without much effort from the mother.  Little did I know it entails hard work, patience, efforts and lots of support. It could make someone so frustrated which may further lead to postpartum depression. However, Dr. Jamie Isip-Cumpas, a lacatation consultant and member of Breastfeeding Committee of the Philippine Pediatric Society assured us that although nursing may be tough in the beginning, one will get the hand of it.  The best part? Your baby will thrive on your milk and the cuddly closeness that breastfeeding offers. Trust us -- and trust in your body!

Here's how to make it work from the start:

Holding Your Baby

There's more than one way to nurse a baby, but the best way is the one most comfortable for both of you. Here are three simple ways to cradle baby. Breastfeeding pillows and carefully folded blankets and towels can also help you prop baby in a comfortable position.

• The Cradle Hold Lay baby lengthwise across your abdomen, using one hand to support his head and the other his bottom.
• The Football Hold Place baby beside you face up and lengthwise. Lay him along your arm and guide his head to your breast. If you've had a c-section, you may find this hold more comfortable.
• The Lying-Down Hold Lay baby next to you in bed, with you on your right side, he on his left. His mouth should be at the same height or slightly lower than your nipples. With your free hand, adjust baby's mouth toward the nipple closest to the bed and circle your other arm around him.

Babies need swaddling and lots of love and care

Every two hours or each time he cries, put baby to your breast to suck. To help him figure out where lunch is coming from, rub his cheek with your nipple or finger to get him to turn toward the breast.

Baby's first meal from Mom isn't milk, it's colostrum, a yellowish liquid rich in antibodies that boosts his immune system. Your real milk will come in a few days after you give birth. Don't worry -- you'll know when it's there! Your breasts may feel like they're full of rocks, or that they're about to burst (this is called engorgement). The good news is that your hungry baby can really help you out; the best way to relieve engorgement is to nurse often. Drink a large glass of water every time you nurse, eat well, and take your prenatal vitamins.

Menchit Ordoveza gave a lecture on Parents and Yaya relationship

Another speaker, Menchit Ordoveza, a yaya trainer and owner of My Dearest Nanny Training taught us the basic yaya training guidelines and how moms can teach yayas help them take good care of their newborns and toddlers. 

Smart Parenting gives Pampers two thumbs up

Also at the said event, Smart Parenting revealed the recipient of its BEST FOR NEWBORN SKIN seal of approval which they had awarded to Pampers Premium Care and Baby Dry. After a series of thorough tests and challenges, Pampers Premium Care and Baby Dry bested other diaper brands in a series of tests. Proving that they truly deserve the top spot  and seal of approval from both pediatricians and Smart Parenting magazine from among the other diapers in the market.

Pampers Baby Dry was proven to lock up 99.9% wetness

During the said event, guest moms and moms-to-be were able to see for themselves why Pampers Premium Care and Baby Dry came out and emerged as the top choice. Pampers Premium Care and Baby Dry has 5 star skin protection specifically designed to provide the optimum care for baby's sensitive and delicate skin. 

Guests had the chance to witness and see for themselves how effective Pampers Baby Dry was.

Pampers Baby Dry is proven to lock in up to 99.9% of wetness for newborn's skin, dryness is guaranteed, it comes in stretchy tapes that adapt to baby's shape and movement. And it still comes with the ever reliable magic gel to lock in wetness better than other diapers.

Awesome prizes were given away  as raffle to lucky participants

Lucky moms-to-be and guests walked away with awesome prizes from the event's sponsors which included Pampers Premium Care and Baby Dry newborn diapers, baby crib, stroller, carriers and other baby products. 

Stay updated and get vital parenting information and tips 24/7 via Smart Parenting website and follow them on social media pages: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.