Sunday, August 16, 2015

Placenta capsules

And because my good friend Mec has been teasing me as to when i'd be able to write my experience with placenta capsules, I'am now writing this to give information and enlighten other preggos out there.

I wanted to make sure i will have all possible resources / support on my breastfeeding.  To myself, this is my second chance and i want to prove to myself that if i give and do everything there is, breastfeeding is possible.  I checked out about three suppliers who do placenta encapsulation and since Conscious Birth came out as a recommendation of my doula (Velvet Roxas), they were my best option.

I emailed Irina two months before my due date. She advised me to message her a week before my due date so we can coordinate delivery of my placenta.  Here are some tips and reviews on placenta capsules:

1.  Make sure your doctor will approve and support having your placenta encapsulated.  This means your doctor has to inform the hospital, laboratory technicians and nurses to not apply formalin on the placenta. My doctor was very specific with this but my doula followed my placenta being transported to the laboratory just to make sure that no other chemical will be put.

2.  your hospital room should have a refrigerator with freezer.  You'll be the one to deliver the placenta so until then, store it in a freezer.

3. My placenta had an extra lobe, it was bigger than an average placenta so Irina was able to make 150pcs of capsules.

4.  Most of the benefits that it gave were more for emotional and physical recovery and it helps in milk production as well.  But since i did other things as well, I honestly cannot really measure how much the capsules helped me with the above but at least to myself, i think they did :)

5.  I usually take them once a day postpartum and took an extra one if i feel tired.  I treat it as my vitamins.

6.  Would I suggest it? Yes specially if budget is not a concern.  :) The package I got was the one with placenta cream and placenta tincture.  she also preserved my baby's cord as well and shaped it into a heart.



here's a part of the services she offers: (information from website)

Placenta encapsulation 

Inspired by the Traditional Chinese Medicine method of preparation involves cleaning the placenta, gently heating the placenta with fresh herbs such as ginger and lemongrass and then dehydrating the placenta before it is put into capsules. Using this preparation is thought to bring out the placentas healing and tonifying properties as well as warming and healing the uterus.

One placenta usually renders between 90 and 200 capsules depending on the size of the placenta. 


Placenta Tincture 

Putting part of your placenta in tincture form is another way to stretch out its longevity. A small portion of placenta is added to >100 proof alcohol and set to ferment for 6 weeks. Some of the benefits include hormone stabilization in your postpartum cycles, less bleeding during those cycles, energy and for menopause years down the road.

Placenta tincture is a also constitutional remedy that can be used for the baby throughout her/his life. The placenta contains vitamins, minerals, hormones and stem cells so it’s a very good immune remedy. A few uses include cough, stuffy nose, indigestion, teething, high stress events (1st day of school, daycare etc.) It’s also beneficial for mom during transition and stressful times.

Placenta Salve 

Placenta is widely known to have healing and restorative qualities for the skin. Many expensive anti-aging and restorative creams and lotions contain placenta as their “secret” ingredient. From the dehydrated placenta powder a natural and healing salve can be created, custom made for our own use.  The salve is made on the basic of organic oils (coconut, almond), shea and cocoa butter, bee wax and therapeutic grade essential oils. Herbs that promote post-partum healing are incorporated into the salve as well.  

 Placenta Salve can be used for healing:

Cesarean and other surgical incisions, Perineal Tears, Diaper Rash, Eczema, Cradle Cap, General skin-care


Umbilical Cord Keepsake  

A forever symbol of connection between you and your baby, the umbilical cord keepsake is made by dehydrating your baby’s cord in a heart or circle shape. You can keep it in the baby’s book and store it safely in your cherished items treasure chest.



Placenta Printmaking 

In addition to the medicinal uses, another way that we can bring back the tradition of honor and gratitude toward birth and the role of the placenta is to make artistically beautiful prints with it.  I make your prints before I wash and prepare the placenta.  They are printed with the natural placenta blood on acid-free artist’s paper.  Some families frame them and display their prints as art or others choose to save them as personal keepsakes.  The prints are unique imprints that display the size, shape and general appearance of the placenta and also remind us why the placenta is often referred to as "The Tree of Life."

Contact details:
Conscious Birth Manila

+63 9279146955 (globe)consciousbirthmanila@gmail.com

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Our birth story

I’m thinking of a word to best explain our birth and I think the best words to explain is our birth was “God’s perfect plan”.  From the beginning of our pregnancy, I’ve been interested with trying VBAC.  It was non-negotiable for me.  I wanted to have an informed, and gentle birth.  It was my prayer ever since.  The reasons behind a VBAC dream are 1) I want to recover faster to be able to take care of my baby which will lead to my number 2 reason that I want to breastfeed exclusively and longer.  I think my reasons are valid so I thought God will grant my VBAC wish.  He thought otherwise.

It was a long wait.  I was 40 weeks before I started having real contractions.  Two weeks prior to this, I was 1-2cm dilated already. I did all possible natural ways to induce my labor but it was all Braxton Hicks the whole two weeks. I’ll post a separate entry about the different natural ways we did to induce labor.

Jump to the birthing day, it was 1am when I woke Simon and told him that it’s time to go to the hospital and that it’s for real already.  I knew it was time when I tried to walk my contractions and they’re still there, when I’d twitch everytime there’s a contraction.  Since we did’nt have a helper then, we needed to drop off simone to my husband’s parents.  I contacted Velvet and we picked her up from her house at 2am.

We arrived at St., Luke’s QC around 2:30am.  I was brought to the  admitting room immediately.  When they did an IE, I was 3cm dilated. So I thought to myself, “just 3cm?! with all those pains?!” lol! A few moments after, my water bag broke. They asked me to cough and a lot of water came out.  I got a little excited and scared at the same time.  With my first daughter, it was this time when I had lost a lot of blood, just right after the breakage of my water bag.  I kept on asking Velvet if there was blood that went with my contractions.  Luckily, it was just minimal blood.

Labor pains
When I was wheeled to the High Risk Pregnancy Unit (all natural birth labors are brought here instead of their regular labor rooms), Simon and Velvet were with me the whole time.  I was so blessed to have these two with me. The support they gave were more than enough. 

3cm to 4cm – I remember stopping from anything I was doing while having a contraction but it was more manageable.  First thing that Velvet reminded me was to “drop my shoulders”.  I’d easily get tired if my shoulders are tense every contraction.  Velvet would always feed me.  After every contraction, she’d give me a piece of wheat bread and let me drink water.  I was not hungry but it was needed so I have some energy for the actual delivery. 

5cm to 6cm – 2cm to 5cm, I got it in less than 5 hours. When it reached 6cm, it was when I realized that “this one is for real. The pain is real.” Lol! I lost my sense of shyness and embarrassment.  When my husband would see my “laboring face”, and I can see his reaction, I know he wanted me to stop all these.  He wanted me to just give in to CS and get this over with.  I saw it in his eyes.  But he was just quiet, he was there hugging me, massaging my legs, my back. When I needed them both, they would instantly jump up even if they’re sleepy and would help me with my pains.  Having Velvet was like having a sister, a sister who knows what to do in times of labor pains and all.  Her facial expressions alone were very encouraging, her touch was so calming, her confidence dictated a lot of firmness in it and passing off that confidence to me really helped me a lot.  I would always ask her, “am I on the right track? Is this okay?” and her answer will always be a resounding “yes! You are doing great! We’re almost there”

6cm – I was 6cm for five hours.  It was the longest five hours of my life. Everytime the resident doctor would visit me and we’d request for IE, I’d get disappointed to know that I have’nt progressed. Seriously, those pains were still 6cm?! Thankfully, I was not losing blood but more of the water.  Dr. Menefrida Reyes  went inside the room when I was in the middle of my 6cm journey and she stayed there from then on.  She was very patient waiting for baby to come down.  She was supportive with my trial labor, and was very hands on with me.  On the 4th hour of being 6cm, she informed us that she needs me to have some progress with my labor in a hour as my water bag broke already and 4 hours is a long wait already for zero progress.  This was when Velvet told me “now we have to do the squats. This will be really painful but you need to do this for baby sarah to come down”. So I expected it to be worse. Squat with every contraction?! What the heck?! I would always see it in pictures but I never realized that those pictures came along with labor pains. Lol. So with every contraction, I did some serious squats with Simon holding me and supporting my back.  It was really painful but I had to endure the pain.  The interval was more like 3-4 minutes apart.  The contractions are seriously painful but tolerable.  Tolerable thinking that it will only last for a minute or so, that’s why there’s something to look forward to.  This fact really helped me a lot during labor. That “this too shall pass” moment was also a step closer to seeing my baby.  In that one whole hour, we did a lot of squats.    

After one hour, when Dr. Reyes asked me to lie down already, I even requested for one more squat and she let me.  Before I lied down, Simon asked if we can pray.  So Velvet, I and simon held hands.  Then before we started praying, Dr. Reyes joined us in prayer.  I could’nt help it but tears just fell as we were praying.  I lifted everything to God.  He knows my desires, He knows how much I wanted this.  He knows my reasons.  Then my husband prayed “Let your will be done Lord and we offer to you this birth, that we will feel your presence and favor”

Then I lied down and doctor did the IE…the moment of truth.  This is it moment, make or break, go or no. When I looked at my doctor’s face, I can’t depict her reaction. I don’t know if it was good or not so good news.  Then she said, “yup,still 6cm”.  She then advised me that she needs to do a repeat CS.  As soon as I heard the repeat CS, tears just fell again.  I could’nt even look at my husband thinking that I failed.  All our efforts were nothing?! I looked at Velvet and asked her “diba ginawa ko naman lahat? Lahat naman nagawa ko na diba?” and I just kept on crying. Velvet’s words were so comforting. “oo, ginawa mo na lahat. Andito lang kami for you. And isipin mo makikita mo na si baby sarah mamaya lang. Good call na to ni doctor”  While velvet was saying these, my husband was on my left, whispering comforting words as well.  Everything that my husband told me was everything I needed to hear.  It was like God talking to me.  He was touched by God to tell me the right words I needed to hear.  “Ginawa na natin lahat beh, at least di mo iisipin na kulang yung efforts mo kasi yan na talaga yun e. hindi na natin controlled ito. May ibang plano si Lord…makikita na natin si baby, diba gusto mo na sya mayakap?” and I was crying the whole time.  I even asked Dr. Reyes if yun na ba talaga.  She held my hand and told me “we need to do this for baby’s safety pero you did everything you can and more” After that, I was pacified like a baby.  There was this instant sense of acceptance.  I may not be able to have what I wanted so much, I may not know yet what reasons God had to allow me another CS operation but I know it was for the best. 

So they prepped me up, on the way to the operating room, I requested that Velvet and Simon would still be there with me.  When we were inside the operating room, a lot of medical staff were there.  I was overwhelmed. I asked my doctor why there were so many people inside and she assured me that they would leave before the operation starts.

When they transferred me to the operating bed, it was so small, I did’nt know if I would fit. It was shaped more like a cross, im sure those who had an operation here would know what im talking about.  The anesthesiologist came.  I liked him because he was very considerate of our birth plan and our goal to breastfeed. He informed Velvet of the anesthesia he will administer and Velvet told him to talk to my husband but Velvet explained that we want to breastfeed so we prefer a drug that will have the minimum interference on our baby and our breastfeeding. 

 I heard my baby’s cry at 2:10 pm, they immediately wiped her but since it was stated in my birth plan to properly time the cord-cutting, they waited for five minutes before the clamped and cut Sarah’s cord.  Everyone was saying she’s so big. Haha. After a few minutes, they placed Sarah on my chest to abide with the Unang Yakap Protocol.  The nurse patiently waited so Sarah can latch. Took us about twenty minutes before she finally sucked and it felt sooo magical. J It was such a wonderful feeling that she was latching and trying to suck. Birthing and breastfeeding is such an amazing work of God.  I’m amazed at how our body and the baby communicate and interact with each other. 


So did I have the birth I wanted and prayed for? Maybe I would still hope I’d have a successful VBAC again should we be blessed with another baby but as for the goals and reasons why we wanted to have VBAC, I think God favored it and more.  It was the gentle birth we prayed for and now I have a faster and better recovery, successful first month of exclusive breastfeeding, all because we had a gentle birth, informed decisions and choices as parents and a mother. :)

PS. Why my emergency CS was a good call???
1.  Our baby pooped inside already and we only found out when they opened me up.

2.  I have a myoma that grew 4 times throughout my pregnancy so my doctor took it out when she saw it -- an instant myoma removal :)

3.  My baby is 8.6lbs.  My doctor said that even if i dilated to 10cm, with a baby that big, she might get stuck during the final phase which can cause more trouble.

so yeah, it was really a good call. Thank you Lor. 

Monday, November 3, 2014

39 weeks

And i started to develop these fears... fears that i might not dilate EVER; fears that baby may not be okay anymore inside my tummy and overstaying would mean CS operation without even having to go through trial labor.  What if safety of my daughter is at stake and i can't even do anything about it.  So should i still wait for it or give in to the CS operation? There were days when I found myself welling up in tears because I can't stand the waiting and the not knowing aspect of pregnancy.  I felt like a failure because i did everything humanely possible to ripen my cervix.  Some techniques would work, i'd feel contractions coming in stronger and at the end of the day, the contractions would be bearable and stop on progressing. I felt frustrated everytime. i would go to a nearby lying-in clinic, have myself checked if how many Cm have i dilated already and would soon find out that no progress took place.  It was really a test of patience and faith.  You could'nt work anymore because your mind is set to focus on the birthing already and preparations needed.  I couldn't get my hands to read more about birthing stuff as it only adds more pressure ot thinking of why i have'nt given birth yet when i should be But I know that as long as baby is doing fine inside, her environment is perfect then i should'nt be worried about anything.  During the waiting period, these are the things we did to help us induce labor naturally.  Although it took a little longer for us, I'm sure these techniques contributed a big factor as well

1. Walking - i had my fair share of walking routine specially on the last few weeks of my pregnancy.  i would stroll around the mall,  I would walk on my own pace, rest a little then walk again.  It's a little costly to walk inside the mall (you'd end up shopping haha) but it's found to be good to strengthen your legs.

2.  Sex - And the husband showed a big grin with this one.  we did'nt mind if it's uncomfortable because we were more desperate than ever.  It's said that sperm contains prostaglandins that will help in ripening the cervix.  Everyday sex can be ideal but we were'nt able to do this religiously.  With my eldest, after having sex, the next day i had some bloody show so we went to the hospital immediately (but it was still a premature call for labor then)

3.  Acupuncture - I blogged about this on my previous post.  I felt an immediate effect after my session with Sister Regina, giving me more regular and intense contractions but for some reasons, it just stopped and mellowed down the next day.  Sister Regina even asked me if our bags are packed already and if we're ready to go to the hospital after the session.  We got pretty excited anticipating that after the session, it might be "it", but we still went home after. Lol!

4. Spicy food - I wanted to eat "papaitan" but could'nt find any decent restaurant that served this.

5. Primrose oil - Dr. Reyes prescribed this for every 4 hours.  Sometimes it would have an effect but just like any other natural way to induce, it still mellowed down with me.  I dont know what's up with my body and this is said to be very effective with just a capsule.  My sister in law took one and we went to the hospital right after. I, however, took this for more than a week, orally and vaginally, and it did'nt lead me to the hospital. Lol

I would still suggest all these natural ways to induce labor even if i felt it did'nt have a direct effect on me.  I'm sure these have still contributed to my labor and nothing has been put to waste.

Saturday, October 18, 2014

37-38 weeks

I was on hold from blogging because i pretty much got caught up with business and birthing preparations. So here's a rundown of what happened in the last two weeks

Hypnobirthing
- tried the CD a couple of times. there are a lot actually, 8CDs but it's like there's a CD for every week or phase of birth.  The hypnosis state kinda makes me uncomfortable or maybe i was doing it wrong, i don't know.  So after trying about two sessions (my husband transferred the files to my tablet), i decided to just go with my joyful affirmations mp3 file and stay with it until my birthing.  Maybe in the coming days, i'd try this again.

More Braxton Hicks
- the contractions are more often now, still irregular but you know that it's there.  It's somehow good that i'm busy so that i won't feel the tightening and focus on other things.

37 weeks
- felt more tightening of tummy that practiced my breathing more. Did more rebozos and squats, i make sure i meet my walking routine everyday (well, with shopping or not, works with me either way). Sometimes, i'd feel myself catching my breath but most of the time, it's just the usual preggy feel.  I feel so blessed that this pregnancy is such a smooth one. Thank you Lord.

There was a time my OB thought my tummy was small for baby's age so she requested for an ultrasound.  I was more confident that she has just tucking herself really good, the reason why my tummy does'nt show that much.  true enough, after the ultrasound, she's almost 3kilos at 37 weeks. So we'll probably have another 7-pounder baby this time. haha.

38 weeks
- visited our OB and our cervix has opened! yay! we're 1-2cm dilated and baby has come down more, halfway through the canal although still a little high.  It's on track according to the timeline but it will help more if i'd walk it out more and frequent contact with the husband (so, now he gives me the happy look haha).  CBC results and urinalysis results came out all good.  Although i have to admit, my baby suddenly got bigger this time. It's such a good time to eat now and i'm so bad, i've been having sweet cravings lately.  I know, i know, i really need to stick to the plan and be more disciplined.  The contractions are still irregular but more felt.  I can still sleep soundly with bathroom breaks in between but looking for the sleeping position has never been a problem. I think i'd also have to give credit to my Sung-a-Hug pillow. It works wonders with my sleeping position, or if i just want something at my back. It's really effective

I find myself having extra energy to go to places, buy last minute stuff, and still attend to my events. :) I think my baby bun is telling me to enjoy it while it lasts. hahaha.

Meeting our doula
- Met up with Velvet again, signed some documents with her, and just chatted with her for any birthing questions we might have.  But i somehow stopped asking too many questions and thought to myself, it's impossible for me to remember all these things so might as well go with the flow, trust God and the support system i have now (my wonderful OB, my husband, Velvet, family and friends)

I like to cherish the last few weeks i'd have my baby bun inside my tummy. I'm excited to meet her but at the same time, i'll miss this time that i can always feel her, be with her and literally connect with her :)

Pray with us!

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Hypnobirthing

While researching on the birth method we are most comfortable with, we have found it beneficial to mix different methods to our pregnancy, to be able to find which one will suit best our needs.  I found hypnobirthing to be very relaxing and reassuring.  I started playing these joyful affirmations almost everyday. My friend, Pat Soliman, emaile me a mp3 file I just play it over and over to somehow help me condition to a positive pregnancy and birth.  I love how soothing the voice is and the affirmations are just right for mother and baby.  Somehow it gives me special remnders to eat more healthy, to give more informed decisions and take full ownership on our baby.  Next to these affirmations, if you are near to your due date, there's a separate hypnobirth CDs.  She lent me her copy last weekend and I intend to start on it this week.

you can check this site for more information and a sample of hypnobirth affirmations.

Here are sample affirmations:
Here are some samples:
  • I know how to take care of myself in pregnancy.
  • My body knows how to give birth.
  • My baby knows the true birthday.
  • Birth is safe for me and my baby.
  • My baby will be born at the perfect time.
  • My body knows when to give birth.
  • I am a good mother.
  • My baby will find the perfect position for birth.
  • I love my baby.
  • My baby loves me.
  • I am a strong woman.
  • Contractions help to bring my baby.
  • I will make the right decisions for my baby.
  • My pregnant body is beautiful.
  • My baby senses the peace I feel.
  • I accept the help of others.
  • My baby's head fit snuggly into my pelvis.
  • I accept my labor and birth.
  • I am surrounded by those who love and respect me.
  • I trust my body.
  • I know how to take care of my baby.
  • My baby feels my love.
  • I will make plenty of breast milk for my baby.
Happy hypnobirthing! :)


Silent Knife book

This book is so enlightening.  It's very informative, objective and really focuses on all possible scenarios of having to go through VBAC.  I'm on my cramming mode and I need to finish all my books in two weeks. waah!!! so many things to finish, with so little time!

I personally love that it taught me to let go of my caesarean birth, to forgive myself for blaming myself, moving onward to another birth and celebrate life.  The assurance that I needed that caesarean made me feel that it was yes, a good call and i need to give myself a pat for having to endure the cesarean birth. Move on, let go and celebrate the life of my baby.

It's really a good read. I highly recommend this for those who seriously consider having VBAC.

Velvet's Birth Class

Velvet wanted to meet with me and Charmaine (another client of Velvet's with the same due date as mine haha) for a birth class to teach us about breathing exercises, prenatal exercises and breastfeeding advices.  It was so informative.  She does'nt really hold classes but for us she made an exemption.  To cut down on the expenses, she got three more moms to join us for the birth class and paid only 1k for the session.

~ I specifically love the Rebozo techniques.  We did'nt hear about this from the other class we attended.
~ I love that she emphasized to follow our mammalian instincts rather than our intellect on our journey to birth.  No one can tell us what to do except us moms and doctors and doulas are there to guide us and support us.
~ I love that she is into natural birth. I've been recommending her to a lot of friends already.  Whether we'll be successful with our VBAC or not, i would still recommend her.
~ She would always tell me... VBAC success is not defined as having to undergo VBAC and failure as to otherwise.  It is having more informed decisions about your birth and taking control each step of the way.

Love, love, love! Go VBAC!!!