I’m sorry for not being able to come up with new posts for almost a week now. It’s because I had Dengue. For Filipinos, having this dreaded virus seems so ordinary already (since everyone seems to be getting it). And with a lot of people acquiring this virus, the medical staff in St. Lukes Bonifacio Global City, seems well versed and trained in handling patients with this virus. I was confined for almost a week and during my stay, there were 10 other patients scattered in two other floors who had the same virus.
Well, what got me worried was not really the condition I was in, but more of how to sustain feeding my baby with breastmilk and how to maintain my milk supply. My baby is still at six months (she just turned 6 months yesterday) and i’m exclusively breastfeeding her. I had high fever and I only agreed to be confined 4 days after, because I didn’t want to leave my baby at home. I finally gave up and had myself confined when my platelet count was below normal.
With a temperature of 39 degrees celsius, I was still directly breastfeeding my baby and having her latch on to me. Those who are breastfeeding would know why I was acting the way I was. Maintaining a good supply of breastmilk is one huge feat for some moms (like me). To maintain my supply, I need to directly feed Baby Z often and express milk religiously. So with this, my main worry during that time was not having enough milk for my baby.
Then amazingly, people started sending in breast milk donations. I was too shy at first to ask my friends, but had no choice since baby Z finished all of my stored milk and the milk that I was expressing (my supply) was decreasing and wasn’t enough to feed Baby Z. After the donations from friends came in, I then had more than enough to feed Baby Z during the days I was in the hospital.
One of the things that I realized during the time I was sick is that there are a lot of people who are willing to lend a hand and these people may be the ones whom you may not always be in touch with. They may be friends whom you haven’t seen for a long time or even acquaintances whom you only get to see and talk to on social media.
A lot of people were also giving great advice on what to take and what to do so that I would recover faster. People were sending me Tawa Tawa (herbal plant) and Dr. Gerry’s coco nectar to help increase my platelet count and to help strengthen my immune system. By the way, these remedies, although not yet scientifically proven, have got my vote. I think these really helped me a lot!
There were a lot of concerned people sending prayers and tips, and to all of these people, I am really grateful and thankful.
During these times, I was also nominated as one of the finalists for the mompreneur awards for this year under the social entrepreneurship and advocacy category. CLICK HERE to VOTE! Although, I didn’t get to campaign as much, the mere fact that people saw that Manila Workshops was something that helped people achieve their personal and professional goals in life, was enough for me. It was something that confirmed that I was doing something right and good. People were voting for me and to these people, I send my thanks! It’s such a nice feeling to be a part of this list of mompreneurs (some are actually people whom I consider to be my ‘idols’).
This was the silver lining that I saw during these low times for me. My heart was filled with amazement, gratitude and love for every single one of you — family and friends.
So sorry to hear about you being so sick with that virus. But what great friends you have! Hope you are feeling much better.
Author
Thank you for your kind words, Alli! 🙂
That’s great you have so much support! And congratulations on your award, that’s amazing!
Author
Thanks so much! 🙂 I didn’t win though, but at least I was nominated 🙂 hehe!
I’m very sorry that you were sick and glad that you are doing better. It is amazing what friends can and will do for you. I was unable to breast feed my girls so I don’t know that “feeling” but I do understand what you mean.
Author
Thank you, Southern Mess Mom 🙂 I’m feeling much better now!
I remember a time when I was sick and struggled to breast feed. It was a want that I want so bad. I did my best to keep it up. I am so sorry that you were sick. Delighted by the challenge that you were able to keep up breast feeding not directly.
Author
Hi Jen! Thank you! 🙂 I’m actually back to feeding my daughter directly, since I’m doing better now 🙂 I missed our bonding moments (breastfeeding)!
It made my heart smile to know that people donated breast milk for you and your babe. I love hearing when BFing moms band together. We have a hard job, right??
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Hi Jenna! Super hard right?! 🙂 It made me smile, too, knowing people were willing to help 🙂
How great that your friends were willing to donate breastmilk to you. I have never heard of that before- but that is the coolest thing.
Author
yeah, my friends are the coolest!!! 🙂
I am so happy that you are feeling better! It is always in the times of our greatest needs that we find out who our true friends are, and it is great to realize that you have so many people there to support you and help you out.
-Becky
Author
Hi Becky! That is true! It is always on the challenging times we get to know those who are truly concerned 🙂
So sorry to hear you’ve been sick with Dengue – we get cases of that here in Cairns and I know how nasty it is! How wonderful that you gained so much support and help from your friends in a time of need too – truly a silver lining to a dark cloudy time!
Author
Hi Jill! It’s super nasty. 🙁 It’s quite common here in the Philippines 🙂 Yes, truly a silver lining during these moments 🙂
Way to go fighting for your health and your breastmilk supply! I struggled with low supply after several boughts of mastitis, but it was always worth the fight. You can do it, and it is worth it. I hope you heal quickly and your supply bounces back immediately.
Author
Thank you so much! 🙂 Breastfeeding is always worth the fight! 🙂 Thank you for cheering me on!
I am glad it all worked out for you and you have such good friends.
Author
Hi Jeryl! 🙂 Thank you for your kind words! 🙂
I live in Indonesia, your neighbor. Dengue is really threatening. It is very lucky that your baby is still safe and can get breast feed. I wish you can handle everything. God Bless You and family…
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Hi Adelien! Yes, indeed it is. Thank you so much and God bless you, too!
I have never heard of that virus, but I a so happy you are feeling better, that is so hard when you have a little one you are caring for. But I’m happy to hear people took care of you, that gets you on your way to taking care of the ones you needed to.
Author
Hi Candi! Yes, it’s quite common here in the Philippines. It comes from a mosquito bite 🙁 booo! Thank you so much!!! 🙂
Oh my… this sounds like a terrible virus!! I am SO glad you are better and I just love that so many people helped you with your precious baby and the angst of not being able to breastfeed. What a horrible condition to be in!!
People and their sheer love and heart for others – always touch my heart so deeply.
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Hi Chris! Yes, it was quite challenging — being sick with this virus and trying to breastfeed still, but i’m glad I was able to continue breastfeeding 🙂
Thanks for sharing! Glad you are feeling better! Very nice blog!
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Thanks, Michelle! 🙂
Having a good support system is half the battle.. Hang in there – hope you feel much better!!
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Thank you so much!! 🙂
Glad you are better and wonderful news on the award! You have a wonderful support system!
Author
Hi Michelle! Thank you! 🙂 I didn’t win though but I was glad I was part of the nominees 🙂 hehe!
So sorry to hear that you were ill, but isn’t wonderful to find out that there are so many ready and willing to come to your aid? Hope you are well soon!
Author
Yes, it is wonderful indeed, Cherri! 🙂
Bless you and Baby Z and all the wonderful people who pitched in at your time of need. I’m sure that this is a direct reflection on the person that you are. Congratulations and I hope that you continue to recover with no setbacks.
Author
Awwww, thank you, Libby! 🙂 thank you for your kind words! 🙂
As an extended-breastfeeding veteran of four babies, getting a serious illness during nursing was always a huge fear.
It’s so awesome that people donated breastmilk. That is such a labor of love and such an important service. Love it.
Author
Wow, four babies and all breastfed? Amazing! It was indeed heartwarming! Thank you! 🙂
Aw, I’m sorry to hear that you were ill and your supply decreased. I hope you are feeling better and that your supply has not suffered too much. How nice of your friends to donate and what a great thing to be nominated for! There always seems to be that light during some of our darker days! 🙂
Author
Hi Leila! 🙂 Thank you so much for dropping by! 🙂 That’s true! There is always a light during our darkest days!
You have some REALLY great friends! Praying all goes well and you have a quick recovery!
Sorry to hear that you have been ill and glad you are better now. It is so great that your friends helped you in your time of need and it cheers me to know there is still kindness in this world.
Take care.
Linsey xx
It’s great to hear a story of how people have stepped up when there was a need. Wouldn’t it be nice of the evening news had more good stories?!
Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear about your rotten illness. It’s always at the worst of times we learn just how much goodness is in our lives. Hooray for such wonderful friends to support you and help in your time of need.
Sorry to hear you are not feeling well. Get better soon 🙂 I’m so happy to hear that people donated breast love. Just love it when people do positive things to help each other.
I’m sorry that you have been sick. Your story is so inspiring and a great reminder that there are still some amazing people still in this world. Hoping for the best for you and your family.
Ugh-my SIL is living in Manila with her family and they recently all had pinworms. So many illnesses that I’m not accustomed to hearing about in your part of the world! It’s a good reminder.
I had no idea about breastmilk donation until last year when I had twin preemies in the NICU. There was a shortage and all the news media outlets were publicly pleading for donations. What a selfless thing for people to do. I’m glad you were able to receive the milk you needed and hope you are able to go back to breastfeeding when you are feeling better!
How amazing of people to send their milk!!!! What a huge relief!
I am happy to hear that there are still good and generous women who come to the aid of an ill mother. May your recovery be speedy,
Elle
It’s great to hear what positive reinforcements you had during your ordeal. It shows the great spirit of people. Love it!
Sorry to hear you were sick! It’s always great to try and find a silver lining!
Author
Thanks for the kind words, Danielle! 🙂
so sorry that you were sick. I hope you feel better soon. Its no fun being sick, especially with a baby. I’m so glad you have great friends who stepped up to help you.
Author
Hi Megan! That is so true! It’s so hard especially when you have a baby. I’m feeling much better now. Thank you! 🙂
It sounds like you have had a tough time recently. How nice that you have true friends who saw your need and stepped up to help. It’s so wonderful that you were able to look for the good and not see the bad.
Author
Yes, I think you really need to see the ‘good’ in every situation that would come your way 🙂
What a sweet story! As a BFing mommy for 3 years (and soon to be another few) I can totally relate. Even when you’re sick baby is always priority #1– you sound like a great mom!
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Aaaaw, thank you Aubrey! 🙂 I can tell you are a great mom, too!
What wonderful friends you have! Glad to hear you’re feeling better now.
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Thank you, Olivia! 🙂
Amazing how something positive comes from a bad situation. I am sorry you suffered from the virus. But, how great that people stepped in to help. Speaks volumes of how good people truly are.
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Thanks, Tim! 🙂
Get better soon! Be strong!
Author
Thank you, Angela! 🙂
Breast feeding is very important to me, and I would be very upset too if I was at risk of losing my milk supply or having to feed formula. I breastfed my first son for over a year. I have a 6 month old just like you and am breast feeding him as well. How wonderful that your friends pitched in to help! I hope you are feeling better.
Author
Great job, mommy, in keeping the commitment to breastfeed! 🙂 My goal is really to breastfeed for at least a year 🙂
I’m so happy to hear that your family and friends pulled together to support you like this! Breastfeeding can have so many challenges for even the healthiest of mamas and the fact that you were able to stick with it even while very sick is amazing. It sounds like you have a wonderful support system! 🙂
Author
Hi Sara! Yes, I really have a great support system and I feel lucky! 🙂 Thank you so much! 🙂
I’m glad to hear that you’re doing better! What an experience you went through. Thank God for all the wonderful people in your life to help and support you! 🙂
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Thank you, Jen! 🙂
Thank you for sharing this – I’m sorry that you were ill but I love the way that rather than complain about your unfortunate circumstance you pointed out the good that shined through the bad. I think people need to see the silver lining more often because I think it is present a lot more than people acknowledge.
Author
Awwww, thanks Alison! 🙂 I think people should really learn to look at the positive side of thing more 🙂 Thanks for visiting my blog!
Congrats on your award, that is so awesome. Sorry to hear you were so sick n had to stay in the hospital. I hope you are feeling much better. Glad to hear that friends n people helped you out for donating breast milk for your baby. What a blessing! 🙂
Author
Thank you so much, Karen! 🙂 I’m feeling much better already 🙂
What kind and generous friends you have! I’ve breastfed all my children and am still breastfeeding my 14-month-old, so I know how important maintaining supply is. Hope you’re feeling better now!
I am beyond thrilled to hear that friends donated milk to you! Even though I have not had the fortune to be able to donate while I was breastfeeding but it makes me so happy to hear stories where this has helped. Glad that you’re feeling better.
I’m sorry to hear you went through this and here’s to a speedy recovery 🙂 I definitely understand your struggles trying to maintain your breast milk supply–it is so important! Good for you doing your best for your baby 🙂
I am so sorry to hear you were so ill! I am glad you are feeling better. I am a HUGE proponent of breastmilk donation. I am so glad you had that support!