The Parenting Emporium

A few weeks back, I was able to meet and mingle with other mothers who share similar passions as I do when it comes to parenting. Beng and Maricel previously known as "The Medela Moms" were in pursuit of a project to suit the needs of modern parenting. More than merely helping mothers through lactation consultations, they envisioned a place where parents can get support for the ever growing demands of raising a child.

The Parenting Emporium is their answer and their gift to the community! Like they all say, "It takes a village to raise a child" And so they presented different experts in a wide range of topics, from nutrition to style to education and more. All these people have will act as mentors for parents to get a wholistic view of this challenging but fruitful journey of mindful parenting.

And guess who I saw? An old friend, Tita Jacqueline Alleje! She was the person responsible for the healthier meal alternatives that day. Denise and I remember eating in her old cafe in Makati during our college days...over a decade ago?!

Thanks to SM Woman for my outfit-on-that-day!

I'm always pleased when there is veg food in events :)

Do dropby their newly renovated space for baby essentials, too!

Many kids got to enjoy the do-it-yourself cupcake station by Cupcakes by Sonja <3

Always glad to see some friends. Jane and Martine super brilliant mamas!

Denise and I hang out with Baby Rory and Timi :)

Here with me is Smart Parenting's Editor-in-Chief, Mia Fausto Cruz and her baby with Em Sulit and her little one, too!

Here are the Catilos and Pam Begre with my godson, Mauro :)

Look at all the goodies I brought home from the party :) Thanks Beng and Maricel! 

Drawing is by me made during the Waldorf teacher training :)

I am happy to announce that my next Sacred Pregnancy and Conscious Birth Workshop on August 1, Saturday will be held here! Yipee! 

Registration link to the workshop is here

Please pass the information to all expecting couples or even those wanting to conceive. We'd like to plant seeds of consciousness on the gentle birth revolution early on! 

See you there!

To The South: Sacred Pregnancy + Conscious Birth

Since the birth of Maya, more and more people are waking up and choosing nature's way of birthing. One of them is my friend, Cat Juan Ledesma who has had a previous natural vaginal birth in Australia but has chosen to hire a doula and to birth in the water 2nd time around. Read her birth story here.

Cat graciously invited us to conduct the Sacred Pregnancy Conscious Birth workshop in her home in Alabang for the southerners wanting the knowledge and techniques, Irina and I share with a passion. See photos from that day :)

Just before Kelly Misa and husband Carlos birthed their son, they were practising labor techniques using the stability ball!

An inversion taught during the Gentle Birth essentials module which is so good for optimal fetal positioning!

Irina explains more about the concept of WHY your baby's positioning is CRUCIAL to a fast and more comfortable birth.

One of our attendees, Andrea, has had a previous homebirth with our midwife, Deborah Gustafson!

A couple from Bacolod flew all the way to Manila to learn about their birthing journey together <3

Our host, Cat, spoke about on having a sacred space for herself during pregnancy and beyond.

We practiced some hypnobirthing techniques on ourselves and partners to get us into an ideal birthing state.

Photo by Cat Juan Ledesma

All smiles after finishing another workshop with these gentle parents-to-be!

Photo by Cat Juan Ledesma

Thank you to Cat and all the sponsors that have given loot to our participants!

Photo by Cat Juan Ledesma

To join the next series of workshops, email consciousbirthmanila@gmail.com or visit www.consciousbirthmanila.com/events

Promo Code: Pre-Natal, Active Birth and Post-Natal Yoga Training in Manila!

I've got exciting news for my readers! There is an upcoming Pre-Natal, Active Birth and Post-Natal Yoga Teacher Training happening in Manila this October :)

If you read the birthing story of Maya, you would know that my yoga practice has truly helped me achieve the birth of my dreams. Being mindful is the right brain-state for the whole duration of motherhood - from pregnancy, birth and post-partum. And that is exactly what yoga does to you. Keeps you present to the moment in which everything exists. If you could teach this gem of a practice to ALL the women, then traumatic births and unnecessary c-section rates will decrease. This is why I'm totally supporting Beyond Yoga's Mindful Birth Yoga Teacher Training...because I want the Gentle Birth Revolution to rise in the Philippines! If you feel a call to help others, like I do. Then please sign up for this!

And for you my dear readers, please sign up with a special promo code "Birthing Beyond", to avail of all these treats from my participating blog partners:

Conscious Birth Manila: A mini sampler of a new-mommy kit and P1000 discount on Sacred Pregnancy & Conscious Birth and Sacred  Postpartum Workshops

INDIGObaby: Bath and body samples and discount vouchers

Rawlicious Green Smoothies: Organic green smoothies and discount coupons

The Juice Barista: A set of fresh-pressed juices and discount vouchers

STRIP: Strip Mama brazilian wax discount vouchers 

Cult Favorites: Itch Defense and My Amazing Blow Dry Secret Shampoo and Conditioner samples

Body-Food: All-natural bath and body loot

Flow Retreats: 1,000php discount coupon on any of the 2015 retreats

Cutieverse: A mystery gift

Brown Belly: All-natural Bath salts made with essential oils

Hillside Cafe and Juice Bar: Wellness shot, Bliss Balls and a gift certificate!


Ysabel's Daughter: Slimming and Firming products for the first 3 sign ups!

Leelu Mobile Massage: 20% discount for Pre-natal massage and 10% discount for Lalaland massage

Planet Noah: All-natural Oasis baby oil for mothers and babies

Let's help spread the seeds of awareness of gentle mindful births by sharing this post on your social feeds!