Maternity Leave: What To Do

I can't believe I've used up 1 1/2 months of my Maternity Leave already. How time flies. Now I only have a month left to be productive! I filed my ML ahead of time, it was hard to decide when because I was always assuming I'll be on labor sooner than the due date given by my doctor. Turned out I was right on my guess! I filed my ML to start on February 6 (on my 37th 1/2 week) and I gave birth February 5! 


I planned to do a lot of things while I'm on ML. I have the perfect schedule for almost everything! First, I gave myself 3 weeks to recover from my Cesarean Section. Actually, one week was supposed to be enough for that but I was confined back in the hospital for another week after giving birth, so again I was right on schedule. I did a lot of things after my recovery, taking care of my baby has the biggest part of that of course, but I also made sure to get enough rest and to use my time away from work productively.  


If you're wondering what to do while you're on ML, here's my personal to-do list:


1. Train your Yaya. - Whether your Yaya is new or not, make sure to train her on how to take care of your baby. You might have special rules on things like cup-feeding or keeping the baby on a particular routine or whatnot, also make sure your Yaya understands the importance of following those rules. If you need help on this, Medela Philippines has a 3-hour Yaya Seminar on Newborn Care and Proper Breastfeeding Support. You might want to check their website for their schedule and other details. 


2. Read. - Do this especially if you're a first-time mom, trust me you'll ask too many questions! Sure you'll have friends, parents and relatives giving you many advises on parenting but it's still best to educate yourself ahead. I bought this book to help us on our common questions on baby's monthly development and also to get more tips.

The book is around Php800.00 at Fully-Booked. If you don't want to buy a book  you may also read from the internet. My favorite links are Baby Center and WTE. Of course on your free time, read other books of your interest too!




3. Sleep during the day. - Or at least try to do so. I know that this is the number one tip everyone gives a new parent, but this may also seem to be hard for some people like me. I'm a light sleeper plus I'm breastfeeding my baby every 2-3 hours during the day. There are times I can sleep with him in the afternoon but sometimes I just don't get sleepy right away then the baby starts to wake up for the next feeding. 


4. Get the baby's Birth Certificate. Schedule when you can get your baby's Birth Certificate from City Hall. It's good to have an authenticated copy in your hands for filing claims or other documents in the future like getting your baby a passport or visa.


5. Plan the baby's Baptism/Christening. You have more time to do so while on ML. You can start deciding the perfect date, church, list the  requirements and start gathering them right away, find the right location for the reception, list your baby's godmothers and godfathers, finalize your guest list, contact suppliers for your cake, souvenirs, invitations etc..


6. Online Shopping. You may not be able to go out right away after giving birth. While spending most of your time with the baby and getting enough rest, this is also the best time to list all the important things you need to buy for the baby. Perhaps things you didn't know you need like a pacifier or a second crib in my case for instance! You can search on the web which is the best product to buy, read reviews, participate in forums, order online and etc. You can also check out discounts or great deals from the many coupon sites available nowadays. Maybe plan your next vacay too! 


7. Fix your home. It won't be too long before you see your house with so many toys everywhere, broken tables, walls with drawings and etc. Try to spend one day just fixing the house. Maybe fix your closet, the baby's closet,  baby-proof the house, change all curtains and linens etc. Get a cleaner to help you on this of course. If you don't have a helper ask for referrals from friends, other maids, office janitors etc. They usually cost P350 a day with a free meal. 


8. Baby Book! It's fun to put your baby's compilation of firsts together! It can be a nice gift to your son/daughter someday. 


9. Warm up. While you still can't go back to the gym, you can start with buying a work-out DVD and do a little exercise at home. 


10. Watch DVDs. If you can't go to the movie house yet, you can still buy a bunch of DVDs and watch them at home. I'm not proud to say this but even though my husband is collecting original DVDs, I sometimes buy pirated ones at Metrowalk. They have good copies there. Hi hi hi...


11. Pamper yourself. Get that home-service mani-pedi and that glorious full-body massage! You must have missed it after a 9-month long pregnancy. For those living in Paranaque, Makati and The Fort areas, I call  SALON AT HOME 473-77-77 for massages. Only P250/hour and I recommend "Lumen" as the therapist.


12. Be creative. Bake. Cook. Start a blog or a small business. Anything!


You can surely do a lot of things while on Maternity Leave as long as you do everything when the baby is sleeping! Make sure to spend quality time with him because you'll miss all these moments alone with your precious one when you start working again.