A Round-up of Great “Firsts” for Me

Lately, or better yet, in the third quarter of this year, yours truly have been very blessed to experience a series of ‘firsts’ in my career as a breastfeeding coach. Here’s a quick round-up of recent events that have been both ‘nerve-wracking’ and exciting for me, to say the least.

Me and Ms. Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan

First Radio Guesting On DZMM

On August 25, in connection with celebrating Breastfeeding World Week I had been privileged to grace Ms. Maricel Laxa Pangilinan’s radio program “Kapamilya Konek” over DZMM Radio-TV to speak on the subject. It’s thrilling to know that Ms. Maricel is a mom of five children, a breastfeeding advocate herself and currently still nursing her 2-yr-old daughter.

Ms. Maricel gave me a chance to talk about my upcoming book on breastfeeding set for launch by National BookStore in September. Like with most people I encountered, I managed to surprise her with the fact that I am still single yet I coach breastfeeding moms assuring them that breastfeeding is an enjoyable journey they cannot afford to miss out on.

First Time Guest Speaker for a Post-Graduate Course by Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center

Me with Dr. Andrea (top-left photo); I am shown on other photos along with the ob-gynecologists of OMMC

On August 27, I was privileged to be one of the guest speakers at an event of Ospital Ng Maynila Medical Center for their 3rd Post-Graduate Course dubbed “What’s In, What’s Out – Current Practices in OB-Gyn” at the Diamond Hotel in Manila. I was assigned the topic “Got Milk? -Preparing the Expectant Mother for Breastfeeding.”

How did I stumble upon this? Dr. Roselle Andrea Alvarez, the overall chairman, tapped me for the said engagement right after hearing from a certain patient about what I do. I need not explain anymore why I am more than glad to jump at an opportunity like this – it’s always a pleasure. Thank you to Dr. Alvarez and the friendly staff at the Ospital Ng Maynila Medical Center.

First Time Attending a Symposium by Dr. Jack Newman

On August 31, I attended a symposium by Dr. Jack Newman at the Medical City. Dr. Newman is a pediatrician based in Canada and I asked permission if I could include his Skin-to-Skin article in my upcoming book. The good doctor was very gracious to grant me his permission so be sure to check out my book when it comes out to learn more about the said article.

First TV Interview

On September 18, I was at CL TV 36 for the taping of my first TV interview for OK SI DOK. The exchange focused on a number of breastfeeding topics such as common breastfeeding problems & solutions, helpful tips and techniques to avoid and overcome breastfeeding difficulties. These were all intended to encourage moms and assure them there are no contraindication or reason for certain moms with a medical condition to avoid breastfeeding. Dr. Wil and Dr. Salve Olalia were on hand to answer questions pertaining to the medical aspect of the topic.

Shown in collage: Me with Dr. Wil and Dr. Salve Olalia of OK si DOK

Please indulge me as I share here how the hosts introduced me in the show, which was all surreal to me at the time. Dr. Wil introduced me as the first breastfeeding coach in the country and author of the first breastfeeding book in the Philippines, still single, advocating breastfeeding. Dr. Salve, on the other hand, introduced me as an executive turned breastfeeding coach, a cheerer of moms (including her daughter-in-law for her 3 granddaughters), and someone who has personally seen to the needs of more than two thousands moms (not including the number of sessions i’ve conducted) and still counting since I’ve already reached my 7th year anniversary in August.

Additionally, we discussed tips & techniques on how to latch the baby properly. Tips and techniques on how to avoid sore nipples, manage having engorged breasts and mastitis, how to handle Sinok or hiccups among others.

First Ever Book I’ve Authored on Breastfeeding

As mentioned several times earlier in this write-up, yes I have a book on breastfeeding set for launch in September (and actually launched already at the time of my writing this, you will soon see a special blog post on it). I am not sure if indeed it’s the first book on breastfeeding in the Philippines. It may or it may not be, but in any case, I am just happy and proud that it’s out. There’s always something fulfilling and rewarding about accomplishing a no-ordinary feat like a “first-published book” but the more rewarding part is sharing the joy with those who have helped and supported you over the years. I thank and praise God and I thank my mom and all the moms I’ve worked with.

I am just happy and proud that it’s out. There’s always something fulfilling and rewarding about accomplishing a no-ordinary feat like a “first-published book” but the more rewarding part is sharing the joy with those who have helped and supported you over the years.

The book is entitled “Breastfeeding Journeys: Straight from the Coach.” The book is a collection of inspiring stories from the many moms that I’ve helped over the years to experience meaningful and fulfilling journeys breastfeeding their babies.

What a blessing! I’m currently promoting my first book, Breastfeeding Journeys: Straight from the Coach. Moms, dads, grandparents, and even moms-to-be… be sure to check it out. The book is now available online and in all National bookstores in Metro Manila!