I *heart* Being A Mom! Project 2014 Update

07 May 2014, Quezon City -- Mother's Day came a little early to 13 mothers of Nazareth House. Initially, what was thought up to be a simple mentoring and support visit, became something bigger. It was a baby shower party!

Have a look at the wonderful decor and food provided by our generous sponsors and donors!

Participation was a success and the mothers were all actively participating to each of the activities.

Newborn babies slept quietly while their mommies listened and had a wonderful time.

The program proper started with an opening welcome and introduction of Nazareth Home by Ms Cecile.

Some background about Nazareth Home:-

Kaisahang Buhay Foundation (KBF) came into being in 1975 as a branch of Holt International Children’s Services, Inc. Holt was founded in 1955 by Harry and Bertha Holt in Eugene, Oregon, USA, as a child welfare organization whose mission is Christian inspired service – reaching out to different countries where children need help.  Harry Holt institutionalized Holt’s vision “Every child deserves a permanent loving family of his/her own”. In 1987, KBF created Nazareth Home in Project 4, Quezon City, to provide shelter for single pregnant mothers, which is also called “Bahay ni Maria". 
There were 13 "girls" that are living in Nazareth Home when we visited while about 5-6 mothers have already given birth.

Continuing on...a short prayer of thanks and blessing was done by Sister Joy, the one dressed in blue then a short baby shower game by Jennifer that got all of the mothers excited.

Speaker Mae (Nagtalon) gave relaxation techniques and shared experiences that helped a lot of mothers get relaxed after the fun game.

 

* I later got to bond and talk to Ms Mae since her daughter is in the same culinary school as where my sister-in-law is teaching. So nice to get to know her and her experiences more also!

Birth/Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Discussion by yours truly with much assistance and support by Sister Clarice. The discussion was new to me because it's the first time I had to do it in Filipino. I totally fumbled a few times but thank goodness for much assistance from Clarice and Denise so the conversation was flowing and we got a lot of questions of "breastfeeding myths", how to properly latch ("hakab"), etc. The discussion took longer than expected but definitely audience appreciation was felt all around.

Cloth Diaper expert and owner of Tickled Moms, Clarice introduced and discussed cloth diaper use with Ms Cecile. Tickled Moms donated cloth diapers to the home for all the mothers use. I love those fluffy minky diapers!

As a sign of thanks, the mothers prepared a song and dance number for us. It was a really thoughtful and fun gesture. I enjoyed it a lot! The pregnant mothers are the ones that were giving lamaze/spinning baby movies! Go twists!

 

After eating and the festivities, the blogger mommies were able to do some one-on-one talks with our assigned "girls". I was happy to have met Ms C and learned that although she had the option of giving up her baby for adaption, she decided to keep her baby and go back to work soon in Quezon. Her former employers were the one that stirred her to Nazareth Home and assisted her in every way that they can. They are still in touch and visited her and the baby a few days ago. What a lovely and supportive couple/family!

The loot bags provided was lovely...so healthy nice and I love the crafted tool basket by Wooden KidiKraft and King Sue!

After going through this experience and speaking to the "girls" of Nazareth Home, I am fully convinced of the following:-

1.) Every Child Deserves a Loving and Permanent Family!
2.) Women/Mothers can do amazing things, if they allow themselves to grow and develop
3.) No matter what happens, there is always help as long as we ask. God will send help and provide
4.) Always strive to be the best person you can be...someone who your parents and family will be proud of!

Special thanks to the following sponsors who without their support and donations, this project wouldn't be a success:-

• M Catering & Fine Foods
• Wooden Kidikraft
• Party Boosters
• Sisters' Sweetness
• Tickled Moms
• DigitalFilipino.com

Thank you, Nazareth Home also for welcoming all of us! Thank you, JLofied for the opportunity!

#IBM2014