Behind a successful woman is a tribe of other successful women, who have her back.
Again, this proves me right.
I finally gave birth to our fifth boy through Cesarean Section last July 19. And though we’ve anticipated his coming, we were somehow left off guard about his unusual arrival.
A mother’s advice
Last Tuesday, July 18, I visited my OB Gyne for my hopefully last pre-natal check-up.  As per our last conversation a week after that, she advised that we will wait until my 42nd week to induce labor. I gave birth to my four other boys via normal delivery so we were hoping for the same procedure with my fifth. To make sure we are on the right track, she requested that I undergo an ultrasound to check on the baby’s weight among other things.
Upon seeing the results of my ultrasound, she suggested that we do it via Cesarean Section as the baby’s weight is way too big for a normal delivery. I might experience rapture if we still opt for the original plan. Likewise, it may jeopardize my and the baby’s health and well-being.
A mother’s experience
We went to the hospital at 1 am on July 19. We got a room, slept for a few hours, and waited for my 9 am schedule of operation. Everything went fast after that; our little one finally came at 9:40 am.
MOMI THANKS| Behind a successful woman is a tribe of other successful women, who have her back
Though unsteady from the anesthesia, I heard the doctors and nurses’ comment:  the baby is so big. He weighs almost nine pounds. His four other brothers only weighed around six pounds at birth.
Our baby had his breast crawl and he immediately latched to my nipples. Â When we were in the recovery room, the medical staff would often latch the baby to me and even hand express and feed our infant via syringe.
I was finally wheeled into our room by 3 pm. I took some rest and after almost an hour, we got a call from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICA). Our baby is experiencing low sugar and his milk demand is way too high compared to the supply I could produce at the moment. He needs milk donors. Otherwise, he will be fed with formula milk by his next feeding at 5:15 pm. That was how husband relayed to me the situation.
A mother’s instinct
I immediately asked aid from the Lactation Center to be patient with me and help me hand express milk. We were able to produce about two syringes full of milk. I also had about two more syringes full of hand-expressed milk before I left the recovery room. Then without much thinking, I asked help from fellow moms I know who had just given birth a few months ago. The response they gave to my call was way too overwhelming.
A mother’s caring moves
SJ of All Around Pinay Mama started a Facebook request for donors. Aside from sincere wishes and kind recommendations, we also got leads for possible milk donors.  Morena Mom Richelle, for one, visited us at the hospital to volunteer as a wet nurse. She was able to express breast milk which lasted up to five feedings at two hours interval each feeding. Cheanne of Mamemimommy also generously donated bags of expressed milk for our little one.
MOMI THANKS Cheanne for her generosity.
Text and chat messages flooded that late afternoon until the following day. Everyone was concern for this momi and her new bundle of joy. And I couldn’t thank them enough for the support, prayers, and kind words.
A mother’s gratitude
My sincerest thank you to Kat, Reylen, Marie, Nedy, Yvette, and Jhoanna for the concern. Of course, Mhaan, Nilyn, Melisa, and Madz also gave their support. Joey of Dragon Chatter even announced on her radio program the need for breast milk donor, and I couldn’t thank her enough. There are so many moms who extended their help and again, we will forever be grateful.
Behind a successful woman is a tribe of other successful women, who have her back.
Indeed, moms understand each other. They need not call one another best friends to extend help and support. They feel the pain of another parent as their own the same way they rejoice to the triumph of one. It is perhaps their motherly love that makes them speak, listen, and act as a parent. And I am again forever grateful to be surrounded by mommy friends who helped us in our most trying times. Again, maraming salamat sa inyo pong lahat.
Congrats! I saw the call as well. 🙂 it’s amazing how online community has really drawn us together. I love how all the breastfeeding pinays created a movement to this natural but seemingly so unconventional way to feed babies. Others may think it weird to even look for breastmilk but only breastfeeding moms can actually feel the weight of it. Congrats!
I’m happy many sent help! I was thinking about you during that day. So when I read SJ’s post, talagang napa message ako sa chat group natin. I wish I could help by giving milk, pero tuyo na din ang boobies and lola mo! hahaha.
I’m so happy that you were able to get all the breast milk needed for your baby. I saw the call and wanted to help too. Unfortunately, I don’t store breast milk because our small freezer doesn’t really work well anymore. So I had nothing to give. And as much as I wanted to go to you, I couldn’t go out of the house that time. I’m so happy that there are a lot of other BF moms who helped. Congrats on your new bundle of joy! 🙂
Congrats! Ang big nga ng baby mo, mahirap nga ilabas. Good thing that there are moms who are willing to help, may God bless them more.
Congratulations on the new baby! He’s big! It was nice that you have mommy friends who are breastfeeding that could really help your little boy. Hope your breastmilk is back to normal na. 🙂
Congratulations Mommy! Anlaki nga ni baby. And That’s true, I appreciate our MBP mommies, kahit hindi blog related they’re very helpful..
Congratulations Momi Berlin. I saw mommy SJ’s post in MBP and I’m so touched how mommies quickly responded on the request. Sobrang nakakatuwa magkaroon ng mommy tribe like MBP, I am happy to be part of the group.
Yay! He’s finally arrived. And he’s such a big baby! Congrats Momi Berlin! And indeed, mommy tribes are the best! Buti na lang many have offered help na. And now, tuloy ang breastfeeding journey mo. <3 Cherish every moment with your new bundle of joy. You now have a basketball team and you are their muse for sure. Hihi
First I thank the Lord na okay kayo ni Samuel. Nag alala ako bigla nong nabalitaan ko na cs ka, but I know that He is always with you kaya kering-keri mo yan. But then, biglang nag message si Nilyn na need mo ng breast milk for baby, buti nalang God always provide and used an instrument to meet your needs,. Congrats Berns masaya ako para sayo, I know marami kang pinagdadaanan but still God is faithful, I hope na makita ko kayo before kami umalis.
Congrats Berlin! Galing ng moms, no? When one mom is in distress, it’s like there’s a magnet that pulls us together. I could just imagine your hormones overload–overwhelming feelings, distress then gratitude. 🙂
Good to know that we can always rely on each other in times of need. This community of moms helping moms truly serves its purpose and we were truly blessed for this group of friends online. Congrats to your new addition and to successful breastfeeding journey!
Awww…there are really genuine friendships formed talaga in the virtual world. You just really have to be wise about it and really pick them. Glad you and your baby are okay now.