I suddenly found myself searching for a cute or trendy baby bag. It feels like just yesterday when we tested and I’m positive for our 6th child. I haven’t even planned the gender reveal yet (though I already know the gender haha) and here I am feeling ready to give birth. I’m on my 30th weeks already and due on April first week. At my age, it will seem like baby will arrive earlier than expected so it is best to be prepared. I have been reading a lot and they say it is best to have your baby hospital bag organized and packed around 32 weeks of pregnancy. I only have 2 weeks to prepare!

So I am posting this personal check list (based on readings and experiences from past child birth) to help me prepare everything I need for myself, the baby, and the daddy. I divided it into 3 categories, each with own separate smalls bag and will list it that way. For me, this is the best way to organize our baby bag. Everything will be then put in a big bag after. What kind of bag? As I have mentioned earlier, still looking for it! But some of my jujube bags seems promising, better to save the money on diapers and other baby essentials. 

Hospital Bag for Baby

• Receiving essentials which I will put in a small pouch and will be placed on top most of our big hospital bag.
  • receiving blanket
  • baby clothes (I prefer side tie tops and cute pajama)
  • mittens & booties
  • newborn diaper
• Comfort essentials for the baby. I am thinking of putting this essentials on a plastic box so that I can just put it on top a table or cabinet while in the hospital room.
  • • pacifier
    • diaper rash cream
    • IPI Aceite de Manzanilla if in case baby is colic. Our tried and tested product when it comes to soothing the baby’s discomfort due to accumulation of gas or what we call as “kabag’. IPI Aceite de Manzanilla main ingredient is manzanilla oil which has a soothing and calming effect.

I have been using Aceite de Manzanilla since my first born at as I have mentioned, tried and tested product in soothing the baby. Recently, I heard some rumors about the use of aceite and that it can cause Pneumonia. Syempre feeling first time mom at medyo nagpanic ako doon so I researched and asked our pedia about.

Can Aceite de Manzanilla really cause Pneumonia?

Fact is, there are two types of pneumonia, one cause by bacteria and one cause by vrius, nothing in my research says that another cause is the use of Acete de Manzanilla. If there’s one thing I learned, it is that proper hygiene and cleanliness dapat to avoid getting sick, lalo na kay baby.

Our pedia advised us on how to properly use it. Remembering always that improper use and excessive use is not good. Use it only when necessary and when the baby is experiencing kabag or discomfort. Avoid using it as oil before bathing the baby, you don’t really need to put oil on baby’s back or head. Mag bu build up lang yan ng bacteria because hindi mo malilinis ng husto si baby. Of course, at the first sign of irritation, stop use na agad and ask advice sa pedia. SInce in our case, wala namang history ng irritation, Acete de Manzanilla is still part of our hospital bag list.

Aside from the receiving essentials and comfort essentials, ito pa yung mga essentials na nasa bag ni baby:

• Baby toiletries will include diapers, baby wipes, cotton balls, and alcohol. This will be placed together with the comfort essentials.
• Change of clothes for the baby. I am thinking of packing at least 3 change of clothes for the baby but will add more pjs. Based on my experience, you will need this more often. So that would be 3 tops + 3 mittens, and 5 pjs + 5 booties.
• Going home outfit (and car seat). This is the most exciting part to plan! Since baby’s gender is not out yet, I am not going to discuss this more haha. Rest assured, it will be the cutest outfit ever, after all, it will the older siblings’ first time to see their newest baby.

Hospital Bag for Mommy

I think this is what will take most space on our hospital bag. After all, I will be the one doing all the labor.

• Documents required in the hospital that will be placed neatly in a resealable pouch
  • ID
  • RT- PCR test result
  • contact details of my OB-GYN
  • Insurance documents (Philhealth, SSS, HMO, and the likes)

• Comfort essentials that I will probably need during labor also placed in a separate small bag.
  • lip balm
  • socks
  • essential oil like IPI Acete de Manzanilla to help me calm during labor, just the smell of it, parang kumakalma na ako eh. Also I noticed how it helped me kabag too lalo na pag busy ako mag work.
  • hand lotion
• Change of clothes during our stay in the hospital.
  • 3 comfy tops
  • 3 comfy bottoms
  • 3 pairs of undies and nursing bra
  • Jacket or robe
  • Slippers
• Toiletries & make- up. I am not comfortable taking a bath in the hospital so I will not include bath essentials but will include facial wash (skin care is a must!)
  • maternity pads
  • hand soap
  • body lotion
  • facial wash and moisturizer
  • Make up kit
• Other essentials that will be very useful during our hospital stay will include:
  • blanket
  • extra pillow
  • charger and power bank
  • snacks
  • alcohol
• Going home outfit would be a nice nursing top or dress.

Hospital Bag for Daddy (Birth Partner)

So let us not forget the essentials for daddy who is my birth partner since child #1.

• For documents, I still have to check with the hospital if husband also needs to present an RT- PCR result.
• For husband’s comfort, I will be packing a blanket for him, slippers, and jacket.
• Other essentials will include:
  • alcohol
  • charger and power bank
  • snacks
• For change of clothes, 2 shirts and 1 pants will do, plus undies for him.

These are my list so far and will probably add a few more as the day goes by but this is is most likely the bulk of it. As this is already my 6th baby, no need to read up on the signs of labor, kabisado ko na yan! But if it is your first time to give birth, it is best to also discuss the signs of labor to your birth partner so he would know what to do if labor starts. Good luck to us mommies of 2022 babies!

Almost every woman has come across on this trend that has been around for a while, hair rebonding. After all, a woman’s hair is her crowning glory. However, during a woman’s pregnancy, she experiences hormonal imbalance that affects the thickness of the hair. And due to this instance, many pregnant moms are thinking of hair rebonding. But the question is, is rebond safe during pregnancy?

RELATED: #CompleteAirSolutions with Panasonic Air Conditioners

Can you rebond your hair during the pregnancy period?

Hair rebonding is a type of hair styling that effectively straightens the hair. However, the process uses certain chemicals, as well as heat, to relax the cells in the hair. After applying the chemical relaxant along the entire length of the hair for an hour, your hair will be washed and blow-dried. However, the procedure doesn’t end there. The Keratin lotion must be applied to the hair that moisturizes, manages frizz, and de-tangles your hair before it becomes straight. And finally, hair serum is used, before the hair is straightened with a hair straightener again. Those are the necessary process of hair rebonding. And as mentioned earlier, it involves a lot of chemicals such as relaxants and creams to alter the structure of your hair to make it look straight.

Even they only apply those chemicals along the length of your hair; it’s still possible that these chemicals may come in contact with your scalp. It creates an opening for these chemicals to enter your bloodstream and eventually reach your baby through the placenta. Furthermore, some hair relaxants contain a chemical that is called Lye. It can cause skin irritations, thus making it unsafe for a pregnant mom’s sensitive skin. Also, some chemical relaxants and lotions have an overpowering smell. It irritates the respiratory tract and causes you to feel nauseated.

Good read: What to do and what not to do while pregnant

Hair rebonding is not completely risky as long as you go to a well-known salon. Make sure also that your chosen stylist is well experienced and a professional and has done a lot of hair rebonding before. However, health experts recommend being cautious about hair rebonding, especially during pregnancy. It is to prevent any health issues in your baby in the future. Also, you are experiencing hormonal imbalance, and your hair might not behave as it used to be, so we don’t advise doing hair rebond while pregnant.

What are the alternatives for a hair rebond that is safe during pregnancy?

If you wish not to have a bad hair day during your pregnancy, you can always opt for safe hairstyling that doesn’t use Lye chemicals. Or you can also use an electric hair straightener or clip-on hair extensions as a temporary alternative to hair rebonding. 

Also read: 5 Refreshing Your Hairstyle Suggestions

Final Thought

Until now, there’s still no medical test that proves getting a rebond while pregnant is not safe. But, it is better to consult your doctor first for medical advice. And if he or she allows it, make sure that the salon you choose is clean, hygienic, and well-ventilated.