My own mother taught me many things, but the most important thing in life she told me is to take everything day to day, don't rush things. When I had my first baby, I didn't know what I was doing. I was young, I was a single mother and she supported me. I was stressed, I was getting bloated and asking many questions from my mother. I always asked her silly questions like why are my feet swollen, why can't I do this and that. She stopped me from doing things that can harm my baby. She taught me to be a mother and how to raise a newborn. Family is important to me because its unconditional love and support. We may have ups and downs, but at the end of the day, you love and care for one another.
I was 4 weeks when I found out I was pregnant the second time. My mother was excited, but during the pregnancy I found out she had stage 3 cancer and had only one month to live. She told me I was having a girl, because she always wanted a granddaughter. A month later, we decided to celebrate an advance 60th birthday for her, and a few weeks later, she left us. It was the saddest moment of my life. It built up so much stress on me that I was scared it would harm my unborn child. At 20 weeks I went for a ultrasound to find out what gender my baby was. I asked the lady to put it in a envelope so my partner and I could open it together - it was a girl. I cried as my mother predicted it was a girl.
My contractions were intense and decided to call the hospital. I went into the hospital and the birthing suite was such a long walk for me but I had to do it so I can speed up my labour. I was put in a room in the birthing suite and the contractions were all over the place. A few hours later they told me to have a nap as I was only 2cm dilated. 3 hours later, I felt a big kick to my stomach. I tried so hard to find the button to call the midwife, but the contractions were really strong. My midwife told me I was in active labor. I went from 2cm to 7cm with just that big kick. 3 hours later, my daughter was born. It was such a relief. Today she is 8 months and crawling.
Being a mother has changed me for the better, I am more mature, more committed, more independent and self confident.
My family came from the Philippines and moved to Australia. I was born here and know the Australian lifestyle and traditions. But my family have taught me about their traditions, their beliefs and religions. How my parents raised me, I would like to raise my children. Before my parents gave me solid food for the first time, it was their tradition to for their children to taste a cooked chicken bottom - it gives the children confidence in talking to each other (chatterbox) and teaches them not be shy when growing up. I have given my first son this family tradition and my son has felt confident to talk to others.
Parents want so many things for their children, but my main goal for my children is to have a happy, healthy life and for me to help guide their way towards success.
