In order for a relationship, an organization, and an
enterprise to thrive, it must have its end in mind. It must have that clear-cut
purpose - it must answer that WHY. With this, it is no wonder that the
breastfeeding advocacy group Breastfeeding
Ilonggas (BFI) is thriving and is increasing in its members’ number. I have
been a part of this group since 2015 when I got pregnant with my first child, Thirdy and it had been of great help in giving me the information and the motivation
to exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months of my firstborn’s life. The
breastfeeding extended to two years and I only stopped when I got pregnant with
my second baby, Bambam. Bam is now 2-months-old and also exclusively breastfed. I am
still a member of BFI, and I have since also taken breastfeeding as personal
advocacy. I share about breastfeeding and its many benefits to pregnant moms I
know every chance I get, and I no longer feel as inhibited when I breastfeed in
public. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to Lusay Cabrera-Dellosa and Myra
Ortega-Goco for inviting me in this group and to Adhara Alcudia Sebuado for teaching me how to
properly breastfeed. The moms behind BFI have done so much to empower and
educate mothers in Iloilo City not only about breastfeeding but also about their
rights. They have even valiantly stood up against Joe Da Turd. Seriously, these
ladies deserve an award from the city. If you are pregnant or a new mom, join
this group. Just search Breastfeeding Ilonggas in Facebook, join, and
wait for the admin to approve your membership.
The moms behind BFI are also the same moms behind the first
mother and child advocate center in Iloilo City, aptly called 9 and Beyond. It
serves as a lactation clinic for Adhara who is by the way, the only lactation
consultant in Iloilo City. It is also a venue for classes that promotes
wellness and environmental consciousness for the whole family like eco-crafting,
calligraphy, kid’s yoga, urban gardening, and the like. Furthermore, it is a
mommy and baby essentials store. Aside from breastfeeding, they have also taken
social entrepreneurship as their advocacy as they outsource products from small
and local entrepreneurs.
9 and Beyond is
located on the 2nd floor of Galleria Complex in Jalandoni St. Jaro.
I am writing about this store because going there is a treat for me. When I was
in high school, I would often go to the stationary store of Iloilo Supermart (Jaro)
and get lost in the aisles of assorted colorful papers, pens, and other knick
knacks – being an arts and crafts girl that I was, this already made me happy.
Going to 9 and Beyond gives me a similar feeling, except that I am now a mom of
two and no longer have the luxury of getting ‘lost’. So, it’s helpful that this
store is just a stone’s throw away from our place. Also, for someone who rarely
goes out to shop, I find it convenient that I am alerted with new stocks thru
FB before I head out to the center. This store is for everyone, not just for
moms, so if you are around the city, drop by at this place. For more
information, you may also call their number 517 6636 or visit their Facebook page 9 and Beyond.
Because I drop by here often, these are the services/classes
I joined and the products I purchased.
SERVICES
I attended the Batch 6 of the Breastfeeding and Birthing Preparation class.
(7 months pregnant with Bambam here)
Picture grabbed from 9 and Beyond FB page
I attended the 1st Batch of Newborn Care.
(1 week postpartum with Bambam)
Picture grabbed from 9 and Beyond FB page
Something for new parents to ponder on. YOUR BABIES DO NOT NEED WALKERS.
I tried the lactation massage.
(7 weeks postpartum with Bambam)
Picture grabbed from 9 and Beyond FB page
PRODUCTS
BOOKS
Thirdy's book of the moment is Go, Dog. Go! of Beginner Books.
Books are supplied by Book Over Gadgets.
We bought three (we gave the other one as a birthday gift).
BIBS
Bambam, my cutie model wears a bib from EcoSnuggles
(I love the print)
This reversible bib is also from EcoSnuggles.
BREASTFEEDING DRESS
I'm wearing a boyfriend dress that is breastfeeding friendly.
You can match it with a pair of shorts or leggings.
I can easily pull out the boob when Bambam is hungry.
This dress is from Ellie & Me and it comes in three colors (pink, grey, and blue).
TEA
I can vouch for this one.
If you want to increase your milk supply, drink once a day or once every two days
of this malunggay, okra and ginger concentrate.
TOYS
Wooden animals from Acqua Bambino - this one was given as a gift by Tita Ditas.
BABYWEAR
Ring sling and breastfeeding dress are both from EcoSnuggles
Contents of this paperbag is from 9 and Beyond. It's a birthday gift to my sister-in-law.
Photo grabbed from Felinor Naira Villa's Fb account.
Other items I have been buying are the kamote chips from M2, which I usually consume right away, so I don't have a picture to show here, and a charcoal soap from Highgenics.
Who
knows what these awesome moms behind BFI and 9 and Beyond will do next?
Whatever it is, I am sure they will go beyond and reach out and extend their
services to more people and not just moms. That is because they know what their
WHY is.
