LATCH DAVAO BRINGS IN CANADIAN DOCTOR JACK NEWMAN FOR BREASTFEEDING SEMINAR

 

Celebrate the Breastfeeding Month (August) by learning together as a community in a one-day symposium by one of Canada’s highly acclaimed doctors and breastfeeding advocates, Dr. Jack Newman. Dubbed as Breastfeeding Uncovered: Mission Possible, this special event is set to happen on August 11, 2014, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City. Organized by Latch Davao, the whole day activity is open to nurses, mothers and other interested individuals. Topics include What they didn’t teach you about breastfeeding, Norms for the first few days, Numbers on demand: Norms for the breastfeeding baby.

 

  

L.A.T.C.H. (Lactation, Attachment, Training, Counseling, Help) is a hospital-based non-profit organization established in 2006 that offers quality lactation education and peer counseling services to mothers who wish and make a commitment to breastfeed.

 

 

 

As mothers, Latch Davao Peer Counselors reach out with kindness and understanding to fellow mothers. Their aim is to empower parents by ensuring they receive the most up-to-date information to assist them with their breastfeeding baby. Sharing challenges and benefits of breastfeeding raises awareness and creates ripples within the community, and a Latch Peer Counselor’s purpose is to reach out within her own growing sphere to support, promote and forge breastfeeding into everyone’s lifestyle. Their resources also address breastfeeding concerns, milk supply issues, fears about babies’ health as related to feeding, and help to prevent future problems.

 

 

Latch Davao regularly holds breastfeeding talks and counseling among groups of parents and women within the city. Their lectures include not only their experience but also medical data, new ideas and best practices in breastfeeding.

 

 

The upcoming event with Dr. Newman is one feat that Latch Davao is proud of. Throughout the year, the group ran series of fund raising activities that circled around the interests and hobbies of moms. Considered a labor of love, all members of Latch Davao generously shared their time and talents in putting together workshops and lectures just to save up for everything that was needed to fly in Dr. Newman.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Jack Newman is a Canadian physician specializing in breastfeeding support and advocacy. A graduate of University of Toronto medical school, first worked as staff pediatrician at the Hospital for Sick Children emergency department from 1983 to 1992, sometimes acting as chief of the emergency services. It was during those years that he found his calling and decided to campaign on the benefits of breastfeeding to both mothers and children. This advocacy eventually gained a lot of following and took more of his time from the hospital. He then decided to work full time in helping mothers and babies discover and enjoy the wonders of breastfeeding. This journey led him to open the Newman Breastfeeding Clinic and Institute based at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto.

 

 

Dr. Newman is known for having written books on breastfeeding. In 2000 he, along with Teresa Pitman, published books on breastfeeding for professionals and mothers called Dr. Jack Newman's Guide to Breastfeeding, The Latch and Other Keys to Breastfeeding Success and The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers. Some of his works were translated to French, Indonesian and Japanese, and some are currently being translated to Spanish and Italian. He, along with Edith Kernerman, also produced a video guide in DVD format as learning tool for health professionals and mothers. 

 

 

Register for Dr. Jack Newman’s seminar by July 31 and avail of the early bird rate of Php1,000.00 net per participant. Regular admission fee is at Php1,500.000 per person and Php800.00 for medical students. Seminar fees also cover snacks and packed lunch.

 

 

For inquiries, please contact Latch Davao through (0905) 353-7144 or send them an email at latchdavao@gmail.com. Follow https://www.facebook.com/LATCHDavao for regular updates on breastfeeding talks and seminars.

 

(Latch Davao photos by Mima Tan)

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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.

A1, INdulge, Edge Davao, Vol. 7 Issue no. 97, 30 July 2014

 

 

SARAH CLAUDIO AND HER LOVE OF PRINTS

Millennial female entrepreneurs have redefined several industries with their unique business acumen and guts that can withstand all odds. Driven by passion, they run their business according to their own instincts and rules of engagement. 

 

Kristine Sarah A. Claudio is one of those women who has created a brand for her passion, consistently and successfully following the path to profitable businesses while building a collective reputation  --- philanthropic, resourceful, adaptable and collaborative. One of the country's top publications recently tagged her as a "serial entrepreneur" for her inimitable skill in managing 5 lifestyle brands namely, SUNLAB (a fashion boutique), a Penong’s franchise (located in Toril), For the Love of Prints and The Print Room (both boutique print shops) and Echostore (a licensed social enterprise).

 

Sarah, as she is widely known, is well-armed with theoretical knowledge on business and vast experience in different industries. 

"I finished school with a degree in Business and Economics, plus a master's degree on Business Administration. Soon after that, I worked for Kodak Philippines for 6 years in Manila. I was an Account Manager in the Consumer Imaging Division."

 

Of the 5 brands Sarah is currently supervising, she finds print and design closest to her heart as it reminds her of happy childhood memories. 

 

"When I was young, I collected notepads and personalized stickers. I also kept a diary, a notebook for poems and a stash of different stationery for letters I would mail. In high school, my barkada and I would trade notebooks which we called 'sulatan,' with which we would write stories about our day and share them among ourselves daily. I would always choose notebooks with nice covers and thick paper."

 

 

"My 6-year stint with Kodak led me to understand the print industry, all its marketing and technical aspects. Coincidentally, the Claudio clan owns a commercial print shop (Midtown Printing Co. Inc.) managed by the family of my dad’s sister. My dad used to own a newspaper company as well. I guess these things somehow contributed to my affinity to paper and print."

 

In the midst of juggling operations concerns for Penongs and Sunlab, Sarah found an opportunity to revisit her love of prints and forged ahead with it. "After Sunlab and Penongs, I felt that there was a niche market for a boutique print shop in Davao City offering invitations, photobooks and personalized stationery."

 

"I envisioned a homegrown concept print shop located in a premier mall. For the Love of Prints (FTLP) was conceptualized in such a way that it would provide room for product and service expansion. Two years after we opened, the company has grown its product and service portfolio which included personalized T-shirts, tumblers, mugs, bags, cellphone cases and other home and fashion accessories. Now, some of our merchandise can be found at select Fully Booked and National Bookstore branches. We also opened a stand alone branch called The Print Room."

 

"Establishing the business was a breeze because I knew how I wanted to position it and who my market is. Of course, there were birth pains, but it is a lot less work if you start a business that embodies your personality and things that you are passionate about." 

A successful design and print business requires not only proficiency with software, but also artistic talent or, as some would say, imagination quotient. Her knowledge of what the current market demands became her springboard to this creative venture. 

 

 

"​I provide creative direction to all our artists to ensure that their designs fall within the brand’s creative standards. My knowledge on Adobe applications (all self-taught) made it easier for me to guide the artists. I provide reading materials on industry trends, pegs, training and creative tools to the artists to keep them updated to the market and FTLP’s evolving creative style. I empower my artists, I give them creative freedom and I involve them in product development. Apart from the design style which should be contemporary, chic and minimalist, we are very particular with print quality, the choice of paper and the use of embelishments and packaging materials. On my free time, I do the designs myself especially for my friends and family but most of the time, I just give direction so I can focus on other operational matters."

 

  

To Sarah, the market still has a lot of space for new adventures and ideas --- all waiting to be realized by creative people. "There are dozens more types of design projects. Each one of us might as well enjoy the creative process by having fun and simply being authentic."

 

FTLP is located at the 3rd Level of  Abreeza Mall, Bajada, Davao City. For inquiries, call 082 321 4086. You may also visit The Print Room, Unit 2 Lenel Bldg., Robinsons Highlands, Buhangin, Davao City.

 

---Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
A1 and A4, INdulge, Edge Davao, Vol. 7 Issue 92, 23 July 2014

WISDOM BEGINS WITH WONDER

 

Women have long established their place in the community, going beyond the confines of home and family. To this date, they are strong forces which continue to bring innovation and growth in the society, more so among the children.

I honestly have great admiration for women in the academe who help carve out a better future for our country by educating our young ones. It takes a lot of passion, patience and dedication to put together an effective learning and development program that the youth can carry with them from childhood onwards.

Thirty year-old working mom Careen Aleta Lim- Hao Bian is one of those who proudly enjoys a career in education. She graduated Architecture in UP in Mindanao and underwent a program on Early Childhood Education in UP Diliman. Now holding the position of Vice President for Operations for Stockbridge International School (formerly known as Tumble Tots Philippines-Davao), she handles all admin and operations issues in the school.

 

 

“When I joined the school, it was already 7 years in operation,” explains Careen. “It was God’s perfect timing because I needed to immerse myself in the family business and at the same time learn the ropes of being a first time mom. I am learning so much from my work while sharing the demands of our clientele being one myself. I used to tutor, teaching kids on a supplementary level really helped me to understand what the primary lacks so I am able to also see things from a different light. I have always loved children. They are so innocent and genuine. They are also remarkably so clever and unpredictable. It’s always a happy fulfilling time to be around them. Educating children is similar to parenting, you take on the hard role of responsibility towards imparting values and ensuring a positive learning experience every time.”

Learning starts at home

Careen expounds on the role of parents in child development.

 “Studies have shown that the period from birth to six years old are the most crucial years in character formation and child development. That is why I believe early childhood education is very important. As parents, we have a brief but golden opportunity to ensure that we are building a solid foundation for our child. Its making the most of this little time, because they will not be babies forever. So it is important that we equip them with right values and attitude early on, while we can, while it’s easier to teach them. By age 6, character is already set.”

“Toddlers are explorers. The world is a wonderland for them --- everything is new and exciting so our role is to fuel their curiosity constantly because every new experience can be made a learning experience. It doesn’t have to be a new toy or a new destination every time, just a little creativity and more passion. The role of parents is integral to the development of the child. How they perceive learning and study/education affects their educational attitude towards their children. A parent is the child’s first teacher and will forever be their mentor throughout life. Developmental milestones are naturally occurring, our role as parents is to provide a scaffold. According to some child development studies, just as scaffolding is put up to support the structure of the building as it is being built and gradually taken down as the building is able to stand on its own, a parent needs to provide the necessary support for a child to allow them to safely and productively explore and learn from their environment. As the child matures and develops mastery the scaffolding is removed or changed to allow the child to become more independent.”

“Early childhood education is not only a trend, it has become an apparent need. With k12, the age acceptance has already been adjusted. By age 6 or even younger, a child may be accepted in Grade 1 – provided he passed kindergarten. Our goal in the prekindergarten school is to inculcate the love for learning. Learning to love learning is more difficult and important than learning per se. In the character formative years of child development, it is important that the attitude is set for learning being the school as a happy place to learn. A school should stress-free environment where the child can grow and develop wholistically. The language of children is play, very common is the concern of parents when their child cannot talk but more often than not it is just the environment is not tuned to this milestone when the child is already ready to talk. What motivates the child to talk, when he is only left with yaya at home. He has no one but himself to play with. In school, he is delighted because he has constant friends to play with. Adjacent to a child’s developmental milestone is a teachable moment to impact behavior. You know they're coming, oh no to the terrible twos! But it all depends on how you handle it and of course No two children are alike, each child is always unique. First, remember that there should be no labelling. If you’re already convinced your tot is terrible then chances are he will likely be molded into one. Second, don’t compare. Isn’t it frustrating to feel like you are not doing anything right with the second one? And yet, there are significant achievements you’re been missing because we focus too much on the negative. Third and last, invest in time with your kids. Nothing else and nothing can ever replace and is more important than a bonding time with your child. Listen, you would be amazed at how relentless they could be with their stories and finally say “for the love” because we are never perfect as parents but I believe it is our love for our children that makes everything right. The test of right way of raising, right peers, right way of discipline, right school, right environment is the heart of the mother.”

 

Stockbridge International School

Careen shares the mission and vision of the school she manages.

“The school’s main purpose is to provide Filipino students especially children of the local Davao and Mindanao Community an international education to provide opportunities for Filipino students to have an education that is multi-cultural vis-à-vis excellent international standards. A school that will impact educational possibilities to Filipino students where they become future leaders. At Stockbridge International School, a child will develop not only academic skills but gain positive attitude towards learning. Our program ensures wholistic development: learning is complemented with a structured active play program wherein they develop self-confidence and self-esteem. Stockbridge International School aims to make learning relevant and meaningful to students by adopting an inquiry-based, integrated curriculum which focuses on the child as a learner. Our program emphasizes on a well-rounded development of the child; nurturing the physical, intellectual and skill building using the developmental learning approach to early childhood education. Our program provides structured play for children where they can explore, discover and develop independence, socio – emotional skills and build high self-esteem. Our curriculum focuses on activities that leads to the development of cognitive academic areas and provides opportunities that encourage the child to develop a well-rounded personality; socially and emotionally ready, artistic, imaginative, physically fit, and displays excellence in character and spirituality. Our team comprises of qualified and dedicated teachers paired up with our small class sizes will allow each child to develop according to his / her own pace.”

 

 

“We offer wonderful learning experience to look forward to. Our SmartPlay class is an all-time favorite of our students. It is a structured physical play that allows kids to practice newly acquired gross motor abilities through the use of specialized exclusive equipment in a safe and secured environment. SmartPlay classes develops confidence and leaves students free to enjoy, and challenge themselves in, physical activity which is crucial for lifelong health and physical and emotional wellbeing both now and long into adulthood. Letterland, a language and literacy program, from UK. The Letterland program is child-friendly and multi-sensory, based on “pictograms” - a fusion of letters and animated characters that makes learning fun and easy."

 

 

"An essential component of any balanced literacy program, Letterland builds on the student’s success from the Explorer level, where children are taught letter recognition, formation and sounds, through Nursery Years where letter patterns and clusters as well as advanced word and sentence building are learned. Our learners today are honed to become future leaders with Character First. Specific value traits are presented in a fresh, dynamic manner through stories, action songs and home connection activities. It’s not only about standardized test now, we also care to teach children to be strong, to be wise leaders with discernment. To better prepare our kids for big world, we make sure they are not only equipped with cognitive skills but the heart is set as well. Children are eager to embrace new technology. This year, we welcome a new addition to engage students for our kindergarten level – the iPad, this aside from weekly computer classes. The touch-screen interface allows students to engage more interactively with content, allowing for control of their own learning.”

STOCKBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL is located at Tumble Tots Bldg, Mabini Corner Araullo St., Davao City. For inquiries, please call 082-2251847 or 0922-2501492.
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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
A1 and A4, Indulge, Edge Davao, Vol. 7 Issue 82, 9 July 2014

BREASTFEEDING NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE WITH INAMORATA

Breastfeeding provides mother and babies with countless benefits, and leading medical experts recommend mothers to breastfeed their infants for at least six to twelve months. Breast milk is the perfect food for babies as it provides immunities to an infant that he would not otherwise receive. For moms, it reduces the risk of breast, ovarian and cervical cancer, and promotes emotional health and postpartum weight loss.

Nutritionists, medical practitioners, mothers and other nursing advocates can’t stress enough the importance of breastfeeding. Nowadays, there is a growing population of moms who religiously take time to nurse their babies, which even inspired a new trend in mom and child selfie’s by documenting their bundles of joy and sharing their own magical experience. “There are still some mothers who are shy about exposing themselves in public. On the other hand, there are those, like me, who takes action in challenging the incessant taboo on breastfeeding in public,” says Tatiana Jean 'Ina' Bautista-Moran, 29-year old wife and working mom of 2. Ina is very passionate when it comes to looking after the welfare of her family and their wellness is always her top priority day in and day out. 

Sharing the joy of motherhood

“For me, the instinct on family and baby care just sparked the moment I saw my first child. I was very young then and I didn’t know much, but it just happened. It grew in me,” explains Ina. “In a way, motherhood gave me direction. I wouldn’t have known what I wanted to do in life if I didn’t become a mother. In everything I do and decide on, I carry that maternal instinct with me and everything else just follows.”

 

Not only is Ina a devoted mom, she also does her share in supporting programs on breastfeeding by establishing her own line of fashionable breastfeeding covers called Inamorata.

“It all began when I started breastfeeding in public. I noticed people gave me strange glances and stared like I was supposed to hide what I was doing. At first, I felt very much like an activist about it, realizing that this so-called mentality among locals has been going on for years and might even take a couple more to gain the society's full acceptance. As a solution, I created a breastfeeding cover that can aid moms in nursing their babies and protect them from prying eyes and discriminating stares of strangers. Initially, it was just for myself, but then I got a few compliments from others. So I started promoting it on social media and soon, I received orders and inquiries from fellow moms.”

“Breastfeeding and childbirth make a woman and mother unique. It is an expression of love,” she adds. “By using a breastfeeding cover, mothers can feed and share love whenever and wherever. Inamorata is comfortable and easy to use as you can simply just wear it over like a poncho. It can be worn as part of your outfit, or, when not in use, as a scarf, a bag accessory, a bandana, a belt or even a baby blanket. It comes in one size which fits all, with 3 prints to choose from. There’s the Sweet Inamorata for regular days, Smart to fit that classic or corporate look and Sexy for cocktails and special events.”

 

What makes Inamorata unique from those that are commonly sold in the market? “We use mesh to allow air to pass through and to allow baby and mommy to have a glimpse of each other. We have to keep in mind that eye contact with the baby stimulates milk flow. We use soft and light fabric which keeps mom and baby feeling secured and comfortable at the same time. Our covers come in trendy patterns which can enhance any look and make breastfeeding in public look as natural and fashionable as possible.”

“I’d like to think that there has been a lot of positive change now in terms of how people perceive breastfeeding, as compared to how it was at the time I had my first child. Breastfeeding advocates have been doing a great job in spreading awareness through community lectures and special programs. As for me, I just lead by example. I do my own share by campaigning among the fellow mothers I come across with and further out to wherever the wind may take me.”

Ina shares some tips to new moms.

“Breastfeed whenever and wherever your baby demands milk. Take advantage of all the available information and support you can get in the community, and don’t exclude dad from the whole experience. Keep in mind that there are things that may look difficult at first before they become easy. Don’t listen to people who just make breastfeeding sound complicated because it never is, never was, will never be.”

To order Inamorata breastfeeding covers, contact 0917 803 1425 on either Viber or iMessage. You may also send a direct message to @inanijaviatjaco on Instagram.
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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
A1 Indulge, Edge Davao, Vol. 7 Issue 77, 2 July 2014.