Breastmilk Jewelry: Immortalizing a Mother's Love

Breastmilk Jewelry: Immortalizing a Mother's Love

I decided to exclusively breastfeed my son when I was 6 months pregnant with him. I read so many books and articles and even spoke with mommy friends on how to go about breastfeeding successfully. I encountered a lot of obstacles but we persevered. I even quit my job to stay home with my son so I could breastfeed him successfully for the first year of his life since that was the crucial period. And I have no regrets. So when I found out about breastfeeding jewelry, which was usually in a necklace form where the milk was incorporated into a pendant, I researched far and wide until I found the maker I believe suited my needs.

Mommy Jenn is the creator of breastmilk jewelry for Sharing Moments by Jenn. I really liked how diverse her designs are and how many types of jewelry she could make. Plus her story resonated with me; she quit her job to take care of her son. She began by crafting a keepsake for herself and her friends, and her business grew by word of mouth. She can incorporate breastmilk and DNA samples like umbilical cord, dried placenta, baby hair, baby nails, milk teeth and even fur babies hair or a dearly departed's ashes. Mommy Jenn makes pendants, earrings, bracelet bead charms, bracelet dangling charms, rings, bangles, cuff links, and frame keepsakes.

The process begins when Mommy Jenn receives the breast milk, and this is preserved with 100% natural and organic elements which work to stabilize, dry and prevent any bacteria growing once it's infused to our hardener. Preservation takes 3-4 days, and once the milk is fully dried, she grinds it to a very fine powder. Then she will start casting by mixing resin to turn it into a stone-like texture. This is the time for molding, drying, designing and polishing will take place. Everything is carefully made by hand and infused with love.

I sent Mommy Jenn some breastmilk and a lock of my son's hair. I asked her to make them into a night sky with the moon and stars. It stands for my loving him to the moon and back. (Cheesy!) When I saw the finished product I was truly amazed and got goosebumps! She even placed iridescent sparkles all around so it looked like a starry night sky. She also included a very nice necklace I could use free of charge. I would highly recommend having her make your breastmilk jewelry as she is very easy to talk to, patient and meticulous in making the keepsakes. Another big plus is her prices which are very affordable compared to her competitors based on my market research. Mommy Jenn is based in Singapore but she comes to the Philippines to share her talent. You can order through their Facebook or Instagram accounts. You won't regret having Mommy Jenn make your keepsakes and I am totally sure you'll love what she makes.

Congratulations Hakab Na 2018!

Congratulations Hakab Na 2018!

Congratulations to all the breastfeeding mothers and their babies that participated at the last Hakab Na! 2018 which was held at the SMX Convention Center Pasay. The final official count proved that more mothers joined this year compared to last year. This is fantastic news for the local breastfeeding community, Breastfeeding Pinays, aim to normalize breastfeeding and spread correct information about the benefits of breastfeeding for families.

Hakab Na! 2018 was brought to you by the non-government organization Breastfeeding Pinays (BFP) in partnership with the Department of Health, SM Cares, SMX Convention Center Manila and World Vision in celebration of  National Breastfeeding Awareness Month. It was a full day of activity after activity and dozens of amazing booths where moms could shop after the Big Latch On. Check out my favorite booths last Sunday in the photos below, and what I bought from them.

For the kids, there were play areas they could spend time in, but they could only pick one. This was a bit sad as so many kids wanted to try each play place but they were denied entry. My son was allowed to play in the Little City Ph, Gymboree and Kolisko Waldorf School play areas but was denied entry at the Little Hands and Minds one. Same with the photobooths, you could only pick one set-up to get professional photographs. There was also a raffle the moms could enter where they had to get a "passport" stamped by the big sponsors. The prizes were amazing! I really wanted that portable UV sterilizer!

I'm happy I attended and spent the day with my son. It was a worthwhile bonding experience and I got to take home some amazing loot and do a little shopping at the same time. It's still unsure if we could join again next year or if the little guy has weaned already by then, but if you're a breastfeeding mom, I highly encourage you to join next year's Hakab Na event. Stay tuned to Breastfeeding Pinay's social media accounts for more information.

Hakab Na! 2017 live at Araneta

Hakab Na! 2017 live at Araneta

          This will be the third year my son and I will participate in the annual Hakab Na event by Breastfeeding Pinays in honor of Breastfeeding Month. Every August, the whole country alongside the Department of Health celebrates Breastfeeding Month. It is advised by the DOH that all children must be breastfed from birth to at least 6 months, but they urge mothers to continue breastfeeding until 2 years or older. Philstar reports "The Department of Health (DOH) has urged healthcare facilities to follow the “10 steps to successful breastfeeding” recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef). In a statement, the DOH said it is important to breastfeed newborns “within the first hours of life” because they could get the mother’s colostrums, thus giving them a head start in the race against malnutrition."

          In line with this, Breastfeeding Pinays, a group who is the leader in breastfeeding advocacy, has been holding the Hakab Na event since 2013. It all began with a hundred mothers in Aristocrat and this year we expect to have quadruple that number participate in The Big Latch On. Breastfeeding Pinays share what their advocacy is on their Facebook page:

Ang "online community" na ito ay binubuo ng mga ina, ama, trained breastfeeding peer counselors, breastfeeding experts, at mga espesyalista sa pangangalaga ng kalusugan ng sanggol, bata at buntis. Naglalayon ang Breastfeeding Pinays na makapagbigay ng wastong kaalaman, suporta at lakas ng loob para sa mga inang gusto magpasuso (breastfeeding), bumalik sa pagpapasuso (relactation) at matuto ng tamang impormasyon tungkol sa pagpapasuso. Inaasam din ng grupong ito na maitaguyod ang pagpapasuso bilang pamantayan ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino - Protect, Promote and Support Breastfeeding.

Hakab Na! 2017 is a whole day event on August 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. It will run from 8 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon. The main event, The Big Latch On, will occur at 10:30 am. Mothers from all over the world will simultaneously breastfeed their children. This yearly event started back in 2005 with New Zealand's Women's Health Action Celebration. This year, there will be booths from mompreneurs inside the area and plenty of games and educational talks from experts. It is a really worthwhile event to attend with your friends, especially since this year you can form tribes to get discounts on tickets. To register, go here. I hope to see you there!