Midwives Summit Champions Collaboration for Women’s Health and Universal Care

     The Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines (IMAP), in partnership with Organon Philippines, brought together midwives, government agencies, and development partners for the Midwives Summit 2025, themed “Sustaining Women’s Health – Well-being in Every Community.”

     The forum underscored the essential role of midwives in advancing Universal Health Care (UHC) and highlighted the power of collaboration between public and private sectors to expand reproductive health access in underserved communities. Representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), PhilHealth, the Commission on Population and Development (PopCom), the academe, and civil society shared updates and insights.

Midwives Summit Champions Collaboration for  Women’s Health and Universal Care
Leaders from the public and private sectors join midwives in reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing women’s health and well-being during the Midwives Summit 2025

Everything You Need to Know About Pregnancy and COVID-19

     The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a wrench into the plans of expecting mothers all over the world. The regulations, policies, and approaches surrounding pregnancy significantly changed in a few months, making several would-be mothers feel troubled and confused.

     But don’t worry. There are guidelines in place that will help you manage your pregnancy and ensure that you and your baby are kept safe. If you’re an expecting mother or knows someone who is, here’s a quick rundown of the key things you need to know about pregnancy and COVID-19.

Everything You Need to Know About Pregnancy and COVID-19
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IVF: What You Need to Do to Prepare Your Mind, Body, and Spirit for It

     Infertility is an experience that can take a huge toll on anyone’s life. Being able to reproduce is one of the most basic human needs and abilities so not being able to do that can not only largely impact one’s mental state but it can also be a big stressor in the relationship. Feelings of being inadequate or “broken” tend to overshadow the aspect that just because you may be having infertility issues, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t be able to have kids.

     There are so many technological advancements that have changed the world of medicine but when it comes to infertility, IVF is the leading the way with innovative technology to give people the families they’ve always wanted. The funny thing about IVF is that despite its high success rate, people still use IVF as their last, best option, especially after years of trying the “old fashioned” way, which is okay.

IVF: What You Need to Do to Prepare Your Mind, Body, and Spirit for It
photo from pexels.com

Things You Should Do for a Healthy Pregnancy

     Bringing a new life into this world is one of the most incredible experiences that a woman can go through in her life. You might be seriously thinking about having your first child. If this is the case, you need to educate yourself about how to live a healthy lifestyle so they your baby is born healthy. 

      The way that you live your life during your pregnancy will have a huge impact on your child's overall health. Therefore, you need to take care of yourself to protect the innocent life that is growing inside of you. Here are a few of the most crucial things that you need to do in order to ensure that your pregnancy is healthy with no complications.

Things You Should Do for a Healthy Pregnancy
image from pexels

First Time Mom Unit at Dr. Jesus C. Delgado Memorial Hospital

     In my previous post, I've mentioned that childbearing and child rearing are two of the most important aspects of motherhood. I believe that once a woman decided to have a family, she wholeheartedly accepts responsibility and dedication of taking good care of the children at all times.

     The challenge is always there, especially for first-time moms. Did you know that it is important for those who want to conceive to be healthy physically and emotionally? There are so many things like preparations that the couple needs to understand so that both of them will be ready when the little one arrives. Moms-to-be, rejoice! Dr. Jesus C. Delgado Memorial Hospital recently launched their First Time Mom Unit- the first in the Philippines! Learn more about this after the jump :)

First Time Mom Unit at Dr. Jesus C. Delgado Memorial Hospital

Dr. Jesus C. Delgado Memorial Hospital First Time Mom Unit

     There are so many questions in the mind of first-time moms especially if the knowledge that they have in childbearing and child rearing is limited. Hand me down advice don't work all the time that's why it is important for moms (also dads) to equip themselves with information from the experts on fertility, pregnancy, and giving birth.

     As a first-time mom or a couple planning to get pregnant soon, you find it necessary to research and do all the preparations necessary. As much as possible, you want to know what to do with whatever you’ll encounter, and you want to minimize the stress that comes with the exciting experience. Sharing with you this news from Dr. Jesus C. Delgado Memorial Hospital and what their First Time Mom Unit has to offer to all moms and moms-to-be after the jump!

Dr. Jesus C. Delgado Memorial Hospital First Time Mom Unit

Cute Ways to Announce Your Pregnancy

     Have you found out that you’re expecting a bundle of joy soon? Congratulations! Now that you and your partner know you’ve got a little one on the way, you’re probably considering exactly how you want to spread the wonderful news to your family and friends. If you’d like to do so in a more creative way and really shock them with an amazing surprise, try one of these clever tactics. 

Cute Ways to Announce Your Pregnancy

His and Hers Gifts

     If your parents are being inducted to the world of grandparent-hood, you can do your reveal in a very special way that will leave no room for debate. You can buy personalized gifts for the grandparents-to-be to unwrap. Maybe it’s a mug that says “I love my Grandpa” for your dad, or a personalized glass keepsake box with a message about becoming a grandmother for your mom. Whatever you choose, you’ll have them initiated into their new roles in no time with a customized present like this. 

A Family Photoshoot

     If you already have children, plan a photoshoot to celebrate this momentous occasion. Line up your kids on chairs according to age. At the end of the line, put an empty chair. If you’ve discovered the baby’s sex, choose a corresponding blue or pink balloon, tie a weight to the string and place it on the chair. This subtle but creative reveal idea is sure to be a hit and serve as a wonderful memento for this special time throughout your life.

Only Child Expiration Date

     If this will be your second child, let your firstborn be in on the fun. You can make a shirt for your little guy or gal with a hilarious expiration date that will get the message across to your family and friends in no time. On the shirt, have “Only Child: Expiration Date (Your due date)” printed through a company like CafePress. You can present the info in multiple ways. If you’re headed to dinner with your family, have your son or daughter wear the shirt and see how long it takes people to notice the message on its front. If you’re looking for a way to do this announcement on Facebook or some other form of social media, take some photos with your soon-to-be big brother or sister and post it—wait for the likes and comments to start rolling in. 

How Big is Baby?

     You’ve likely encountered charts that help you visualize the size of your baby as your pregnancy proceeds. Four weeks, your baby is the side of a poppy seed, at eight weeks, a raspberry. Many couples wait to tell family and friends after they’ve reached the third month, and if that’s the case for you, your baby is the size of an actual plum at 12 weeks. Whatever the applicable fruit, buy as many as the loved ones you’re announcing to on this occasion. Wrap up each in a box, and when your family members or friends open them, let them try and work through this sweet riddle on their own. Once they get it, prepare for hugs.

You’re On Candid Camera

     This is one hilarious way to get everyone’s reaction to your awesome news and also surprise them in a shocking way. Get the family together for a photo and instead of the proverbial “Say Cheese!” insert the pregnancy announcement of your choice. You could go with “Everyone say [your name] is pregnant!” They’ll parrot back without realizing, and the stares and screams you’ll get will be caught on camera for a lifetime of hilarity. 

A Coupon for What?!

     One fun and inexpensive way to announce your pregnancy is to offer a coupon. Print out a coupon template from Couponler.com and write the message of your choice on its front. I’m partial to “Redeemable for one baby” with your due date written underneath it. Such an easy way to present it, but definitely a shocker for anyone who receives it. 

A Baby-Themed Dinner

     You can really trick folks with this one and test their observation skills. Plan your dinner around baby foods. No, I’m not talking jars of pureed peas here. Think more along the lines of baby corn, baby artichokes, baby back ribs, etc. If you want to make it a bit more obvious, serve it on small cutlery, or for a real kicker serve cocktails in a baby bottle. You’re bound to get some questions, and your reveal answer will be half the fun.