Pinaglihi ako sa pusa. 

My cat, Rui, half Scottish Fold and half British Shorthair, was brought to Japan on December 13, 2023, during my 38th week of pregnancy with my first daughter. 

The process took about a year and a month. In this blog, I will summarize his journey, the preparation process, and some key considerations when flying your pet to Japan. This could also help those furparents planning to do this.

Bearing these in mind, we decided to bring Rui in winter. Fall, early winter, or spring are the best seasons to fly a pet because the weather is cool and comfortable. My parents bought tickets to Japan in December to be with me as I prepare for childbirth. Everyone said it was bad timing because I would need to take care of Rui and a newborn. I agreed with them. But I still pursued my goal of bringing Rui to Japan for him to meet my baby early. This would lessen the risks of developing pet allergies, and my baby would enjoy growing up with a cat. So, we started to prepare for Rui's plane ride with my Dad to Japan. I will elaborate on this later.

In your home country, the first step is microchipping. Note that before the first rabies vaccination, your cat should be microchipped. 

We first brought Jiji, my eldest Scottish Fold cat, for microchipping to Pendragon Vet Clinic in Kalayaan Avenue, Quezon City in 2017. They provide microchips that comply with ISO standards.  As I have mentioned, I initially planned to bring Jiji abroad, but she often bites and snarls at someone when she is too excited or provoked. The doctor from Pendragon labeled her as "with temper." So, instead of Jiji, we decided that Rui would do better. Truly, Rui was so calm. Zen. 

The second step is the vaccinations for your pet. Your pet should be at least 91 days old. The first rabies vaccination could be done on the same day of microchip implantation. Then the second rabies vaccination should be done after 30 days or more, or within the effective period of the first vaccination. As for Rui, he was vaccinated twelve months before he flew to Japan. These were some videos of his first rabies vaccination and microchipping on November 2nd, 2022 taken by my mother.

In our case, Rui didn't leave the Philippines in August as planned. So, an additional vaccination was required because the first vaccination had expired before flying to Japan. It is best to consider the timeline and make adjustments when necessary.

The third step is the titer test, a blood test that measures the number of antibodies in a cat's body to ensure protection against infections. The test can only be acquired in designated laboratories abroad. In the Philippines, Vets in Practice could provide it. In 2017 when I was planning to bring Jiji abroad, I consulted the VIP Pet by phone. So, I just emailed the Pet Export Assistance again to ask for more information. Since there is no designated laboratory in the Philippines, we had no choice but to send it to designated laboratories in other countries. VIP provided two options: the first laboratory is in Australia, and the second is in Kansas, USA. We chose Kansas due to the 10, 000 pesos difference in the price, but it would take a little longer to get the results. There was still enough time, so the longer waiting period was not a problem. The test was a little expensive, but you can get a discount if you have two or more pets to test. It's best to inquire and check the updated fees with them by phone or email.  

One technique to save time is to have the second rabies vaccination and the blood sample for the rabies antibody test on the same day. But be sure to have the second rabies vaccination first followed by the blood sample.

Vets in Practice gave us the titer test results in PDF and printed format. Only one original copy was sent to us so it is best to keep this safe. We thought we lost the original copy because my parents moved from our old family house to a new home, so a lot of the documents were misplaced. When I came home last May 2024, I found it at the bottom of my big plastic storage box. Jeez. We had to pay an extra 10,000 pesos for that.

Choosing the best airline to bring a pet to Japan is quite limited. We could only fly with Philippine Airlines (PAL) and the other options are Japanese airlines such as All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL). No budget airline options. These airlines are quite pricey, but they could accommodate pets in cargo. Sadly, pets are still not allowed inside the cabin with the passenger/owner in many airlines because many countries are not rabies-free. My wish is for Philippines to become rabies-free someday!

December 12, 2023 | Rui ready to fly

We chose PAL to fly with Rui because it was the most affordable. I bought the tickets for my Dad two months in advance. He was undecided about going to Japan at first. But when he said he would go, we planned for Rui's departure with him. 

Unfortunately, in the early morning of the day of departure, Dad and Rui weren't able to board the plane. The flights for the day did not have proper ventilation in the cargo. This usually happens because planes with ventilation in the cargo are limited, and this condition can lead to the deaths of animals. Some have operational concerns, such as broken ventilation, so they cannot accommodate pets.

Dad's flight was rescheduled on December 13th instead of 12th. We were supposed to wait and pick them up because my Mom's flight to Osaka was scheduled on the same day. But the unforeseen blessing was Dad's new flight schedule was the direct flight to Osaka instead of Tokyo. It also didn't include extra costs. The flight agent found a more suitable flight for him. The plane was traveling from Guam to Manila to Osaka. After learning about the news, I woke up instantly and exchanged numerous emails with the Quarantine Division of Narita and Kansai International Airport. I filled out a Modification Form online that stated the flight number, time, and date changes. You can access this form on the Japanese website, and the immigration will also send this to you by email before your flight. 

Thank God because Dad didn't have to ride the Shinkansen to Kyoto anymore, which would take 2-3 hours from the airport. Though he had to return home from NAIA airport and pay for another expensive taxi ride, we didn't have to pay anything for rebooking and the Shinkansen train. My husband had to drive to the airport and rent the car for another day. But the most important thing was everyone was safe.

Rui was also very thirsty when they arrived home, so he really needed water in his carrier. The big bottle we bought for him couldn't be attached to the travel crate. So, Dad updated Rui's essentials in the carrier, such as putting a smaller and more appropriate travel crate bottle and Dad's shirt to give off a familiar smell that would comfort him. 

I also sought help from my friend who works for PAL (Hello, Yosh!). He submitted a form for my concern with my father's details. He knew the person to contact in the Central Control Team to ensure that the airplane had ventilation in the cargo. Then, in the afternoon, we had an assurance from his colleague that the plane was already locked in, meaning it could not be changed. Though we weren't 100% sure because other things could happen, his action helped ease our concerns and alerted the staff to the urgent need. 

December 13, 2023 | Rui checked in

The flight from Philippines to Japan took about four hours. Upon arriving at Kansai International Airport (KIX), proceed directly to immigration and then to Japanese Quarantine. Rui in his carrier was already waiting for Dad when he arrived. They checked his documents. Then he was ready to go out to the arrival gate in a few minutes. My mother, husband, and I were waiting at the gate when they stepped out.  

Rui was in complete shock inside the carrier, but thank God, his condition was nothing serious. He was very quiet in the car and only made a few *meow*s. He also ate a little during the ride home and licked our hands a bit. We had to stop over to eat. So, we left him in the crate in the car for a few minutes with one window open for air to come in. 

When we arrived at our apartment, Rui stepped out of his carrier. We fed him food and gave him water, which he swallowed in gulps. Then, he hid himself in the curtains and under the dining table. He was almost back to his normal self a few hours after that. The presence of my parents also helped him feel at home. 

He also had dark spots on his nose that might be due to excessive bumping into the carrier while trying to escape. He might also be scratching it during the flight. The spots disappeared after a week or two.

'

One thing I've learned from this experience is being prepared for anything. In case plan A doesn't work out, and you expect it won't always work out, having a plan B or  C in mind will prepare you for the next steps. We also learned from the mistakes we've made, such as the misplacement of important documents. Being extra careful and having extra copies would have made the process easier. 

I prayed really hard and just believed that my pet could come to Japan. With the help of my parents and siblings, we were able to do the veterinarian visits and paperwork as a team. Even though I did most of the communication with the immigration and vets for appointments and paperwork online, I could not fly to the Philippines to do the vet visits. I could not complete the whole process without my family's support. Despite the challenges we've been through, God smoothed out everything. Everyone's efforts and the changes made were worth it to bring Rui safely to Japan after all. 

I think I would not be able to do this process again. I don't plan on bringing my eldest Jiji anymore! Haha. If someone I know is interested in doing this, I can encourage him/her that bringing a pet to Japan is possible. If the budget isn't tight, I highly recommend a pet travel provider so you can avoid doing all the paperwork on your own. But it will be a lot cheaper if you don't.

Whatever way you choose, the most important thing is that your pet comes to you safe and healthy and lives a full life with you abroad. If you have any questions, I am happy to help!

Unfortunately, my cat's journey around Japan suddenly ended last November 28th.

As a remembrance, I'm creating a storyboard about his life in Japan. I hope to finish this project before his birth month ends. 

March 25, 2025 "plum and cherry blossom season"

Once a baby becomes a toddler, the challenges that a mother faces are different. The baby who is crawling and holding on to something to stand is now walking on their own and running around. I was amazed by how my baby started walking before her first birthday and began exploring the world around her.

Even though I've had pamangkins (nieces and nephews) and played with my friends' children, I have never imagined what taking care of my own child would be like. I've heard many stories from people in person and online. Each child is different. Writing about my experiences could just be the total opposite of what other parents feel and experience.

Weaning Stage

I had planned to breastfeed my daughter until she turned two years old. But our circumstances changed, and it was shortened to one year, four months, and eight days when I suddenly found out that I was pregnant.

During one of my postnatal checkups, I was asked by the hospital staff if I wanted to talk to a breastfeeding consultant and/or midwife. So, I shared about my dilemma with breastfeeding because it had already been sore and painful. Breastfeeding during pregnancy was not prohibited, but it became a problem for me because I was already uncomfortable. The nipples turned softer and more delicate than normal. I was advised to start weaning early. When my newborn arrives, the toddler has transitioned to formula milk or cow's milk. Most Japanese mothers have done the weaning stage after their babies turn one year old. 

The midwife recommended that I choose a day first and be decisive about it. No giving in to your baby's cries. I went home more confused than ever. I just told myself a rough date, "Around May 5th." If we failed on that day, we would just try again. Here are some things that helped me prepare for weaning: 

1. Decrease the number of feedings and duration.
2. Express the pain to my daughter when she feeds, but replace it with more emotional support (e.g., hugs, kisses, singing). 
3. Increase food portions and give cow's milk/formula milk before bedtime. 

On May 8th, she stopped breastfeeding. It was the day after Mother's Day, which sounded as if she had given it to me as a gift. Lol.

The bonding that we had during breastfeeding is priceless. My little one and I miss it every day. She would still cling to me like a koala in bed, touch my boobies, bite my shirt or sometimes skin (ouch, I know), and let go by turning to the other direction. She would hold on to me by wrapping her arm around mine. Sometimes she cries while doing all these because she has gotten used to breastfeeding to help her sleep. Recently, she sleeps with her head on my arm or chest and her hands wrapped around mine or on my belly (here she finds the most comfort).

One basic tip to help you and your weaning baby is to wear clothes that won’t expose your breasts. The least we can do is make our breasts less accessible for a feed. Out of sight, out of mind.

Entering Daycare

Our daughter entered Ichijuu hoikuen, or temporary daycare, on April 15th. Our purpose for enrolling her in daycare is to restore my "me time." My husband understands that I need a weekly breather. Another big advantage of hoikuen is socialization. Since I am not working yet, I can't enroll her more than three times a week, and paying the hourly rate is our only choice. It can also get expensive depending on our combined salary/income.

So, she goes there for only three hours in the morning. At first, she started with three times a week. Her schedule includes playtime activities, snack time, other school activities, and lunchtime. During the first week, she cried a lot when she saw me leaving. When I picked her up on the third day, she ran to me and hugged me. She did better the following week. She learned quickly that I was going to come back for her.

Her socialization skills improved, and she started talking and moving around more. She's excited every time it's daycare day. When I pick her up and talk to the teacher, she shows me around happily as if saying, "Mama, I'm enjoying myself here. I want you to see this~" 

Socialization skills at her age are not a priority because she mostly engages in individual play. At home, she usually plays with my husband and me. When I'm watching her from afar, she plays by herself but looks at me from time to time, invites me to play, or shows me something she created. She has the opportunity to interact with other children at the indoor community playground and have occasional playdates with mama friends and their kids. But she usually engages in parallel play, playing alongside others without direct interaction. There are times when she does associative play, too. She shares a toy with another child, but she doesn't have a shared goal or structured play with them. Her stage of social development will eventually increase at age three, so I want her to enjoy playing independently or just with us for now. 

In Sickness and In Health

The most difficult time for a mother and baby is when they are both sick. I felt helpless and sorry for us when this happened from May to June. Our whole household, including my parents, who stayed with us for two weeks, suffered from fever, colds, runny noses, asthma, and shingles. It wasn't an easy time at all. 

The disadvantage of bringing my daughter to daycare is her exposure to different people carrying different illnesses. My husband and I had a huge debate about whether we would still allow our daughter to attend daycare. We have decided that once a week, for three hours in the morning, is the best. As a result, we have experienced fewer chances of getting sick.

However, we couldn't avoid it entirely. In July, my daughter suffered from the worst hospitalization yet. Seeing her in IV fluids broke my heart. I thought we were just going to be given the usual medicines for a cold and fever. But she was required to be hospitalized for two hours due to her high WBC and CRP. The doctor also found out that there were cloudy areas in her lungs that could lead to pneumonia if not treated. Therefore, the dextrose was necessary to administer the proper medicine. It was tough for me to carry her in an uncomfortable position in the hospital chair and bed. To calm us down, I kept singing “With Christ in my vessel, I can smile at the storm until he guides me home…sailing, sailing home, sailing, I’m sailing home.” Praise God that her condition improved after a couple of days.

Mama Rage

I've witnessed many women get angry, but to experience "Mama Rage" myself is such a shock to me. I've never been frustrated or upset in my whole life. These episodes actually started during pregnancy and then escalated in certain situations. It felt scary. Every time I encounter it, and my interactions with my husband and daughter are affected, I feel guilty and ask for help from God. We really couldn't control it on our own.

Different anger management techniques could help. I tried deep breathing, taking a time-out, and singing instead of yelling (one tip I acquired from my sister-in-law). They all helped me, but without prayer and regular quiet time with God, it only gets worse.

Tantrums and "No"s

My daughter is now very active and curious. She couldn't help but explore many things that are prohibited. Telling her to stop becomes very challenging because she insists on what she wants now and starts responding to us with "No." She cries when she doesn't get what she wants. 

Tantrums are stressful, especially when we are outside and people are watching. She usually flops herself down on the floor and moves her back upward like a fish out of water. I've been told by an Australian grandpa at the airport that this lasts until she's four. LOL NO. 

Actually, tantrums are more manageable outside the house for me. One day in July, after her vaccination at the pediatrician's office, she wanted to continue reading books and take one book home. Though she returned the book as I had instructed, she got upset and cried on the floor. I kept my cool. I continued talking to her calmly, telling her that we needed to go home and that she could read her books later. Surprisingly, she stopped and allowed me to carry her out of the room. Talking to her by acknowledging her feelings, acting calm, continuing normal behavior, and then waiting for her to stop and come to me when she is ready works most of the time. In extreme situations, I just carry a crying toddler and go home. HAHA.

My daughter is now experiencing a different range of emotions that she can't regulate. As a mother, my role is to support her in naming and managing them rather than adding to their already negative feelings. Her language skills are also developing, so I need to be patient and understand her way of communicating with us. 

Sleeping Problems

My daughter cannot really fall asleep at night without me by her side. This is going to be tough when a new baby comes. Due to various reasons such as teething, separation anxiety, nightmares, or sickness, she wakes up in the middle of the night and looks for me. She then falls asleep, usually right away, but sometimes it takes an hour or so. When she cannot fall asleep, I get anxious too. So I tend to stand up and go to the toilet or kitchen while she cries because she wants my company in bed. She also gets out of bed and runs to where I am. 

I have had insomnia for as long as I can remember. I used to sleep in the wee hours of the night back in college. When I was pregnant with Kanade, it happened several times, too. Now that I am pregnant again, I have experienced bad nights during the second trimester and am now experiencing them again in the third trimester. I've tried dozens of ways to fight it. I limited screen time before bedtime, prepared the room an hour before, turning the lights off, cooling down the temperature, turning on the air purifier, listening to white noise and worship music, drinking hot milk, not consuming liquids an hour before, reading books, doing yoga and exercises, and writing, etc. All of these helped me one way or another, but they do not work all the time.

One thing I have found to be very effective is getting tired. It's easy to fall asleep when I'm super tired. Because my belly is getting bigger now, my legs feel sore more often, and I experience pain in the pelvic muscles. When we were in Australia, I had no trouble sleeping because I walked a lot. The condition of my body made me more drowsy, and I could just snooze right away when I'm putting my toddler to bed. I want that again. So, we really have to get out and move more.

The Learnings

The purpose of writing all these down was not to complain about all the challenges I faced as a new mother to a toddler and a baby about to come out. I want to send the message that, despite the cloudy and stormy days, there are sunny days that can ease all anxieties, tears, and body pain. And the one who creates and provides all these is Jesus. By His grace, it is impossible to accomplish our motherhood duties alone. 

God knows all things and He allows everything to unfold in His time (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Whether He has given us a child or we are still waiting to conceive, we can be assured that He fulfills our desires at the right time. Even weaning our toddler happens at His best time because He has plans for us and our children. Things may not go the way we expect, but He has a reason for every detail.

Protecting our child from danger or sickness is natural for any parent. To us, daycare has its pros and cons. But trusting God that He can keep our children safe while they explore the world is a good exercise of faith (Proverbs 3:5-6). If we continue to lean on our own understanding, we could miss out on God's plans for our family.

Getting angry is normal, but staying angry for long periods or in a sinful way is not healthy (Ephesians 6:4). God wants us to discipline with love. Speak kindly and act when the anger has subsided. 

The same goes for dealing with misbehavior. I also need to be quick to understand when she does not act appropriately (James 1:19-20). My job is to be her guide and support so she will grow up in the way she should go and have an intimate relationship with Jesus as well (Proverbs 22:6).

When sleep is stolen from us, ask God for peace and He will make us dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8).  I always think of this verse whenever I feel anxiety creeping in...

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

To all parents and soon-to-be parents reading this, I hope that, whatever challenge you face, you will overcome it with God. He won't give us this parenting role for no reason. This role is a gift for us so we can witness His grace and faithfulness in our lives. 

I sincerely pray that God will continue to equip us as we traverse this journey. 

Attraversiamo. 

Photo taken by Matthew Lester Magat at Sydney Harbour August 2025

Babywearing, the practice of wearing or carrying a baby in a sling or carrier, was in my To-Do List after giving birth. It was as if nine months of carrying a baby in my tummy wasn't enough, eh? Well, holding a baby after birth requires more hard work. That is why a mama needs ample knowledge about wearing her baby safely.

I have been seeing mothers wearing structured carriers everywhere. However, I didn't know a lot about the vast world of babywearing in woven wraps that started in Indigenous communities in many countries. In fact, the terms Onbu or Onbuhimo are Japanese and refer to onbu, the traditional way Japanese mothers carried their babies on their backs, using himo or long and thin cloths. They even tucked their babies inside the obi of their kimonos. Indigenous Filipinos, on the other hand, carried their babies using thin blankets or fabric called ubfan, malong, katsa, and patadyong. Interestingly, we have things in common.

As a first-time mom, I had tons of questions about wearing my baby. Now that I have experienced it and had some of my questions answered, I want to share them here in this blog because someone might be considering doing this too.

When I reconnected with my former schoolmate (hello Kat!), I heard more about different carriers and wraps. She started her collection before she gave birth. She said that now is the most precious time to get close to our babies because we don't know if we will be blessed with another opportunity to give birth again. She totally convinced me to buy my first baby wrap!

I researched the different types of carriers and slings. Many brands are available in Japan for structured carriers, like Baby Björn, Ergobaby, Aprica, Combi, Artipoppe, etc. Wraps are another world, with foreign brands like Oscha, Didymos, Artipoppe, Linuschka, Lennylamb, Little Frog, and others dominating the market. But not all were available here in Japan so I had to check the international websites. It's all about finding the right wrap/carrier that fits our needs and gives the comfort and safety our babies need. 

At first, my major excuse for not wearing a baby carrier after I got pregnant was "I could carry her with my arms myself." What a superwoman! My husband also likes carrying her in his arms when we are out. But carrying a baby daily took its toll on our bodies. I experienced pain in my wrists called tendonitis or "Mommy Wrist." My fingers started to hurt too as if they were overused. I also had a tiny lump that could swell and get bigger if not relieved with pads early. They still hurt until now but more when I haven't used baby wraps/carriers.

Picture this.. Filipina mother in Japan, with no household helper, husbands' relatives and friends are nearby but they are all working full-time... who would carry the baby? Only my husband and I. My husband leaves early in the morning so evening is his only time to care for our baby except for Sundays. What does a momma gotta do in the daytime? I gotta have the right stuff!

Obviously, I need more proper baby-wearing photos and fewer mirror shots. ((:

I also considered the top benefits of babywearing based on research studies. The main purpose of babywearing is to strengthen the bond between mother and baby through bodily closeness and touch. The second is to maintain the spread-squat-position or M-shape position. According to Dr. Med. E. Fettweis, an orthopedist and retired head physician, the spread squad position is the ideal carrying position because the baby's legs are wide-spread and flexed, and their back is slightly rounded, and oriented towards the carrying adult. Instead of a cradle-side position, which we used to do in the past, the baby should be sitting upright. 

Source: https://hipdysplasia.org/baby-wearing/

"Conversely, the child of a mother who moves every day while pregnant shows clear developmental advantages. The carried child develops greater physical strength (statomotor developmental, vestibular abilities = balance, skeleton including cartilage, tendons, and connective tissue), greater nerve strength (co-ordination, sensory awareness, and digestion), greater psychological strength (self-assurance, frustration tolerance, deep trust, creativity), and greater social strength (ability to integrate)." 

~Dr. Eckhard Bonnet, specialist in paediatrics, youth medicine, environmental medicine, and sports medicine

In my experience, I saw the improvement in my baby after babywearing. The tension and stiffness in her body disappear quickly while in a wrap. She relaxes immediately and falls asleep faster. I still rock her in my arms sometimes but not for long periods and only when I forget the carrier. LOL. 

Also, I love that she is close enough to kiss! Who can resist a baby smell?! 

Plus, I can do breastfeeding while carrying her in a sling or carrier. Awesome right?

Just keep in mind T.I.C.K.S. for safe babywearing...

UK Sling Consortium, 2015

I used a second-hand Baby Björn Carrier Mini for the first six months that I bought in Mercari Japan. I loved it because it was simple, compact, and easy to put on. I usually drive around town so after parking my car, I could get her from the car seat and put her in a carrier in two minutes and vice versa. But her legs sagged in a straight position when she got heavier than 6kg and my shoulders hurt. This could lead to hip dysplasia. Her head was highly supported in that carrier though.

So, I decided to use the Ergobaby Original and Aprica Colan Hug Luxe carriers that my friends passed on to me before I gave birth (thank God for super mama friends!). Honestly, I wasn't a fan of the bulkiness of structured carriers but I also appreciate the safety and ease of use. I prefer using the Ergobaby outdoors because it has a head cover. Then, we use Aprica for quick carries indoors. I really like seeing my husband use the structured carriers and I help him buckle up. 

After six months, I also started babywrapping. I am not sure if it was my love for anything woven because I used to weave a little with my little loom... or if I'm just looking for a challenge with using slings. There were many different kinds and sizes in various blends, weaving patterns, and thicknesses which were very intriguing to me. 

I chose and bought my first wrap based on WrappingRachel's guide to purchasing a woven wrap. I agree with her, "Buy a wrap you think is beautiful. If you love it, you will use it!" My first wrap is still the one I practice different styles of wrapping with because it's my longest wrap. Its colors easily match any outfit too. When it comes to the blend, I consider the season when I will use it the most. I want something easy care. But I could also do some ironing and handwashing to avoid permacreasing and prolong its quality.

My first wrap: Didymos 1975 Stracciatela

Based on the few ones I've tried, my favorite is the quilted weave wrap (a pocket weave x2 which is unique to the brand Oscha Slings) due to the cushiness and support for my heavy baby. As for the material, I love the linen and hemp blends in medium to thick GSM because they helped me survive the hot and humid Japanese summer last July to September. 100% cotton wraps are too hot.

My favorite wrap: Oscha Slings Aran Polar Lights which reminds me of Frozen hihi

The price of a wrap is usually based on the material used (e.g. cotton, linen, silk, hemp, etc.), weaving pattern, design, and thickness. 100% cotton wraps are generally more affordable than other blends. Wraps can be used in various ways not only for babywearing. It can be a fashion accessory, blanket, throw, or picnic mat. It can last for several years when well taken care of.

If you start collecting wraps, it gets pretty expensive. I thought about this many times before I dove into this rabbit hole. This is definitely my most expensive collection now. But I just minimized spending on other things I love such as shopping for clothes, shoes, bags, cosmetics, merch of my favorites, etc. I also avoid going to the salon for a haircut or nail polish. Adding all these expenses up in a month or two is equivalent to one wrap. Palusot (Making excuses). Haha!

The first time I told my husband about my expensive collection, he laughed and said, "You don't need that many." I said babywrapping made me feel good while carrying our baby instead of pitying myself about my situation. I also told him how one wrap could be sold at an expensive price, almost the same as the original price. He just smiled and agreed with me. I also have a limit for the number of wraps our small living space could accommodate. 

Actually, my husband is right. I do not need a lot of wraps. But each wrap that I own has a specific use. Most wraps that I bought could be used for all seasons. I usually use a ring sling for quick carries at night when my baby has a hard time falling asleep. I also use a half-buckle and half-wrap carrier during the daytime for my baby's naps. I love that I could still enjoy wrapping while having the safety and ease of buckles. I also have an Onbuhimo for back carrying which is so convenient when I do chores with my baby. 

my little stash~ limited to 10 excluding my structured carriers

Using them on rotation also helps to break them in, experience their utmost quality, and prolong their use. The wraps are worth it as long as they will be used regularly. If your husband could also use them too, then that's great! 

My husband has yet to try wearing the wraps. But he encourages me to use them. One afternoon when our baby was crying, he said to me, "You should use the wrap you always use to make her sleep." I was so happy! He even reminded me a few times to do it when our baby couldn't fall asleep at night and helped me put her inside the wrap. I told him that if we had started babywearing earlier, we wouldn't have had difficulty rocking her to bed during the wee hours of the morning during the first five months. 

I also look forward to using my wraps in the future if I am blessed with another little one. An alternative is to sell and trade them to the online community of baby-wearing mothers. One of my wraps is originally a shawl that could be used as a fashion accessory. If all else fails, I will use them as a throw or blanket inside our house during the cold months until they get torn by my cat. Awwch!

Structured carriers are easy to use. Wraps have a higher learning curve and need practice to get used to. I was overwhelmed when I first knew about the different styles. Watching tutorial videos on YouTube helped a lot in my practice. Wrapyouinlove is my favorite! Honestly, I got discouraged when I needed more time to wrap properly. But that didn't stop me from trying one style to the other. I am still not an expert but I enjoy learning. 

The not-so-fancy fancy finishes I've done: Ponds Finish, Poppins Finish, and Anne's ((:

I also joined online babywearing classes offered free by Didymos Japan to those who bought a wrap. It takes a lot of patience to learn the styles. Honestly, I still couldn't figure out how to do the back carries and I hate ring slings sometimes (lol). But we can always do the basic Front Wrap Cross Carry (FWCC) if all else fails. Hehehe. 

To me, babywearing is a prolonged extension of pregnancy. It's a crazy but beautiful time. It actually helped a lot with my postpartum depression. Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I was happy that I learned a new skill. It made me feel empowered because now I know how to carry my baby in different ways. I still get sore in all parts of my body and I might not be able to gain weight faster due to babywearing and breastfeeding. But I am just grateful that I never got sick since I gave birth. I always remember what my husband tells me: "This is only a short season." 

I also cling to this Bible verse, "There is a time for everything and a time for every activity under the heavens" Ecclesiastes 3:1-11. I could only witness this once in my baby's life and after a few years, we would enter a new season different from this. 

To you Mamas who are reading this, give babywearing a try! Of course, you should consider your physical condition and the state of your family first. Not all mothers can do it after birth and that doesn't make them any less of a supermom. I started when my baby was six months old and still going strong. 

Remember that you do not need to buy expensive wraps and carriers or build a big stash to do babywrapping. Second-hand wraps and carriers will do. I bought two used wraps from Mercari Japan. If you want brand new, most brands have online websites where you can read more about them. You can also join Facebook community groups and second-hand shops to find the best wraps and communicate with and learn from other baby-wearing mothers. 

This season is tough but I do not get weary in wearing my baby. I hope I will be healthy enough to carry her as long as my body is willing. 

Let's enjoy our babies' first years when we have the best opportunity to savor each moment with them and have all the cuddles, snuggles, and kisses before they move into the world. 

Much Love,

When I first found out that I was pregnant, I felt a mixture of emotions. My husband and I had been praying for a baby. Though we were married in March last year, we waited for our second wedding in August to be over and to return to Japan safely during the new coronavirus wave. More than six months passed until we tested for the first time. But we just experienced a false alarm. We just kept in mind that by God's will, the baby would come. 

A month later, we got pregnant. Though having a baby was an answered prayer, we were still in disbelief. I was worried about my job because I just started working in two new high schools. But the timing was actually more perfect than we could have imagined because I was given a driving position. Instead of commuting to work by bus or train while carrying a baby in my tummy, I had the convenience of driving a car. My husband also had a spare car for me to drive and there was enough time to repair it and enroll for insurance before the school year started. Also, teaching English in high school didn't need too much energy and time for material preparation. My job turned out to be just right for me!

But of course, as a first-time mom, I was filled with a lot of questions. I wasn't sure if I was doing the right thing or what to expect and prepare myself for. It made me really paranoid to read about pregnancy on the Internet too. I spent my free time researching, asking questions, and listening to the experts or people around me. Hopefully, in a series of blogs, I will be able to share what I've learned. Take note: I am still learning and definitely not an expert. 

Like all moms, there were many adjustments that I had to deal with. In this first blog, I want to share the things that I invested in and did not invest in during the three trimesters of my pregnancy. Having a baby is definitely not easy and cheap. But it doesn't need to be a burden and break the bank. What I enjoyed the most was actually researching and shopping for maternity stuff! *twirl dance* If you love shopping (especially online) like I do, then this blog could be for you. 

I consider myself a practical pregnant woman because I consider a lot of things before buying something. My ultimate goal is to invest in quality pieces. I chose items that have multiple uses and are durable, compact, and reasonably priced. My choices weren't all cheap but the quality makes them worth buying. Check out my personal list.

As a first-timer, especially a bookworm, my initial action was to read all about pregnancy. What to Expect When You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff is the best pregnancy bible to own. One of my closest friends, who already gave birth to three beautiful kids, was the first person to recommend it to me. She swore by the book. So, I quickly searched for a free PDF book on Google and found one. But it was a little difficult to read online because I needed to open the link, scroll, and find the chapter where I left off. So, I bought an actual book from Amazon Japan, which shipped from the US and received it a month later. It was a second-hand copy in very good condition. I just searched for good reviews and looked for the condition of the book that I could afford. It was almost brand new for only 767 yen. It was a little bulky to carry around though but it usually stayed by my bedside. You can also download the What to Expect application from the App Store or Google. I connected it to my email so I received daily and/or weekly articles and community discussions of mothers around the world who were in the same pregnancy season as me. 

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth was another recommended book by a church friend. She said the book convinced her to go for normal childbirth instead of having an epidural or painless childbirth. I was in awe of the various stories that I read about the experiences of mothers all over the world. Because of this, my fear of giving birth naturally subsided and made me surrender everything to God. My body is made in God's beautiful design and I should trust Him and allow my body to take on its natural course.

Five to six years ago, when I was still single, I started to use the free Flo application to track my period days which was another great recommendation from a friend. Friends really help a lot. So, just ask away! When I got pregnant, I started using the app to document my body condition and subscribed for a year to get daily advice about my pregnancy. I also did the physical workouts available such as prenatal yoga sessions per trimester. Each video is just a 10-15 minute workout which makes it doable. I highly recommend it!

When your growing belly is making it hard to sleep, having a maternity pillow, or だきまくら (dakimakura) in Japanese, could reduce the discomfort and help you relax in bed. The challenging part is to find the type of maternity pillow for you and your baby because not every pillow works for everyone.

For practical purposes, I wanted something that I could use not only during my pregnancy but also while nursing as well. So I chose to buy the Tamahiyo Body Pillow made in Japan. It is available directly on the Tamahiyo website and on Amazon Japan. The 100% organic cotton cover is removable and washable so it is very easy to clean. It's so comfortable that my husband steals it away from me sometimes. It makes my sleeping position intact with two legs wrapped around the lower part of the pillow and my arms around the upper part. My belly is situated perfectly around the hollow part in the middle. I look like a koala! Hihi.

During the latter part of the second trimester, I had to buy another type of maternity pillow because my tummy was getting bigger. It was harder to remain in a side position during the night. I usually twisted and turned and I felt the need for more support on my back as well. So I looked for a side sleeper wedge pillow. There were a lot of options from the most expensive to the cheapest ones. I was about to invest in an expensive Australian brand when I found a similar type for only 2599 yen on Amazon JP. It is also available in an H-shaped pillow type (wedge + long pillow) for 3290 yen, but I already have the Tamahiyo for my legs so that wasn't an option anymore. It was cheaper than the ones I saw in other online stores too. You can check out this pillow to see if it's available in your country as well. 

I compared all the belts that I could find online and at Nishimatsuya, the famous mother and baby store in Kansai. I ended up buying a British brand called BABYGO®  4 in 1 Pregnancy Belly Band Support. The shipping costs were a little expensive for me,  but I wanted a belt that I could use in all trimesters and even post-partum. It wasn't available on Amazon JP and US and their website doesn't ship directly to Japan so I ended up buying it on eBay. I should have shipped it to my brother while he was in the UK. But it was all right because I could get it quicker due to the express international shipping. 

The best thing about the BABYGO belly band is its versatility. There is no need to wear every band at once. You can gradually start from the first band during the first trimester to the beginning of the second trimester. I started to wear a belly band when I had to do morning or night walks outside for about 30 minutes or so. I also wore it to work sometimes during the second semester when my bump started to show and got bigger. But Japanese summer was very hot so I couldn't put it on it every day from July to September. Eventually in the third trimester, in autumn and winter, I was able to wear all three bands. It could also be used as a post-partum belly band to ease the recovery of the stomach and back.

I had a funny incident when two of the belly bands started missing. I was looking for the bands so I could wear them to support my aching joints around my hips and under my stomach. But I couldn't find them anywhere. I was worried that I left them at school or that they had fallen from my bag while I was getting in or out of the car in the parking lot. I really couldn't remember anything at all. When I came home on my second night of searching and wondering, my husband helped me look for it in our whole apartment. I was already complaining that it was an expensive belly band while my husband was telling me to let it go and buy a new one. Argh, I mumbled about hating my vintage brown leather bag because I really knew I put it there. And then after searching the whole apartment one more time, my "mommy brain" finally remembered where it was. I opened the side zipper at the back side of my bag and found the two bands folded inside. Whew! My husband just let out a laugh. Lesson learned: Put them all together in one tote or sack. 

I used to drink coffee at least once a day before coming to work. Sometimes, at work. Coffee makes me energized during the whole day and it improves my mood. Though my doctor told me I could drink up to 5 small cups of coffee every day (I couldn't believe her tbh), I didn't. I opted to be safer and only drank one cup on days when I felt I needed a boost. I also bought decaffeinated or caffeine-less coffee during my first trimester. But I stopped buying it because it was too expensive. Soon, I found an alternative to coffee, Teecino in iHerb, which is available in different flavors. I`ve tried the best flavors based on the reviews: French Roast and Vanilla Nut. I usually drip it with a washable coffee cloth and dripper. It tastes good enough for me, especially when you mix it with milk or add a little sugar. I actually like the French Roast better. 

Vanilla Nut

However, I had to stop drinking coffee and tea completely because these drinks are diuretics. They made me pee nonstop which was all right, but it was accompanied by discomfort or pain after urinating. The feeling was so uncomfortable that I'd rather just be sleepy. It was harder at work though because I had to stay awake at my desk especially when I had a lot of free time. Desk warming became worse. I substitute coffee for chocolate instead. It might be different for everyone so just limit your caffeine intake so your baby won't take in too much caffeine as well.

For hair, no sodium laurel sulfate. I also avoided getting my hair dyed or colored. There was not enough research to claim that coloring the hair is damaging to a pregnant woman and her baby. However, studies have shown that prolonged sitting on a salon chair and inhaling the chemicals from the dye could make a pregnant woman nauseous and tired.

Brands: Curel, Human Nature, Vaseline, Burt's Bees Mama Bees, Bioil, Palmer's, and The Face Shop

I have been limiting my skincare routine to washing with a mild facial wash that balances my PH levels in the morning, an oil control wash at night, and a natural moisturizer after every wash. I also add vitamin C or an eye cream and put on a moisturizing face mask when I feel like my face is getting dull and dark. Less is more.

Brands: CosRx, Cetaphil, Neutrogena, The Ordinary, and Beauty of Joseon

Brands: Melano CC Vitamin Serum & Human Nature (Eye Serum)

A massage is definitely a must-have! At first, I thought it wasn't good at any stage of the pregnancy. I was told that I could only get as far as foot massages. Eventually, I found out about prenatal whole-body massages that are safe to get during the second trimester. When I went home to the Philippines for a week, I took advantage of the cheaper options. I had it twice. The first one was two days after I arrived and another one was the night before our flight back to Japan. Both were very helpful and I was able to relax my tired body. Just make sure that the massage therapist is knowledgeable about prenatal/maternity massage. The first one that I had only asked me to sit down on a chair. They told me that certain points in the body must be avoided because it was dangerous for a pregnant woman. They also wanted me to sign a waiver. They were so afraid to get into trouble that they were already in a warfare mode. LOL. All they did was give me a massage on the back, leg, feet, and head. The second one was a home service massage and I specifically requested a whole-body prenatal massage. The therapist that they sent was more knowledgeable and she did it carefully, avoiding pressure on certain points on my body. 

On buying maternity clothes, I did trial and error too. I hoped that the things that I bought would fit me perfectly but a few didn't. It's all part of the process and in my next pregnancy, I know I could do better. I invested in some maternity clothes that I could still use after giving birth. Living in Japan, online shopping has been very convenient for me. H&M has a special clothing line called MAMA BEFORE & AFTER which sells comfortable yet stylish clothes. Some really good ones are a little pricey. But it's good to watch out for sales to get a discounted price. I also bought some clothes from SHEIN but be sure to check the sizes and the fabric used. It's a hit-and-miss. But I'm glad I bought really affordable maternity underwear and innerwear there. Cotton is the best friend of a pregnant woman's skin. The other shops that I've also tried were Uniqlo, and Pairmanon, a Japanese online store for mothers and babies with a basic yet European style. I also window-shopped innerwear in Muji but I ended up adding more bra tank tops from Uniqlo's Airism line instead. 

RELAX. Do anything that gives you joy. Sleeping well is really important. There were days when insomnia attacked and I couldn't get myself into bed. I just did stuff that made me productive even though it was already late at night. I knew that I would eventually get tired again and hit the sack. 

MOVE. Preparing for labor with yoga exercises helped my body a lot. I procrastinated several times but I got motivated to move and exercise for my baby's future. I knew she was weighing big so I really had to burn calories by watching my appetite. A yoga ball was recommended by friends. Sitting on a ball could also help my baby position downwards in a natural way. Trust the power of gravity! I ended up buying a medium-sized yoga ball on Amazon JP. I chose a dark purpl one, the color that gives me joy and matches the color of my yoga mat too I could use this ball for prenatal and postnatal yoga and exercises with my baby when her neck becomes stronger.

Apple Watch helps me track my movement daily; c/o hubby

It's also important to savor this last season of just you and your husband. Both of you are about to enter another different yet beautiful season. For moms who are not first-timers, spending time with their husbands and other children can help them adjust to changes when the newborn member of the family comes. In our case, being a fur mom and fur dad, we had to introduce our cat Rui to our new baby. Along with us, the feline adjusted to the baby slowly and surely. Baby steps.

***

I am now about to enter my fourth trimester. When I look back, among the three trimesters, the first trimester was the most challenging. My morning sickness happened literary in the morning which made me want to throw up everything I've eaten for breakfast--whether food or liquid. I couldn't drink my health supplements normally either. I had to take it one tablet at a time at different times of the day. 

While driving to work, sometimes I felt the need to throw up in the car but luckily, I never did. Then when I arrived at work and started teaching my first or second-period classes, I sometimes experienced headaches and dizziness. Because I threw up what I've eaten, my stomach wasn't full. When I arrived home, I was already very hungry. Sometimes, I threw up too. It was so hard to manage. My appetite just started to become stronger during the second semester. I was able to eat anything but the problem was I needed to watch out what I ate due to my growing stomach and baby, especially in the third trimester. I had to cut down on sugar to avoid Gestational Diabetes. 

I also had to care for an aching leg that made it hard for me to move sometimes. I felt a lightning crotch or a nerve pain on the left side of my pelvic bone. I remedy this with prenatal yoga exercises and the discomfort somehow subsides.

The demands of pregnancy really require us mommas to rest and take care of ourselves. All of the things I mentioned here are just examples of what you might or might not need during your pregnancy. This list could not apply to you or you need more than these. I hope it has enlightened you somehow about what you need or could do without. 

Remembering what my Mom told me, "Sige lang. Treat yourself. Make yourself feel better." Because pregnancy itself is already challenging, do something good for you and the baby but at the same time something that makes you feel relaxed and less stressed. 

You deserve it, fellow Momma! Pamper yourself.