Smart Parenting Convention 2018

Parenting is one of the toughest jobs in the world, but no doubt the most rewarding. For moms and dads, whether first-timers or not, who have a lot of questions or worries, Smart Parenting always has them covered.

Smart Parenting, a credible source for parenting and pregnancy information, recently held its annual "Smart Parenting Convention" on July 21, Saturday, at SM Megamall. The event is co-presented by Nivea Baby, with major sponsors Toys R Us, Ford, Insular Life, and minor sponsor Bambini Baby Cologne.

"Although you can find anything on the Internet these days, Smart Parenting moms and dads still flock to the website and its events, ready to listen, learn and ask questions. And each time we conclude one workshop, we get messages asking when is the next one," said Leah Nemil San Jose,  Editor in Chief, Smart Parenting.

"So we decided to "supersize" our baby showers and workshops into the Smart Parenting Convention. We invited experts to hold talks for every stage of the parenting journey - from pregnancy, baby care to family life - in one venue."

During the event, guests were able to shop from different concessionaires offering the latest product and services in the market, learn and participate in block talks conducted by our partner doctors, doulas, financial and parenting experts and enjoy the different games, raffles, entertainment and booth activities.

There were three blocks divided into topics to help moms settle further in their role, whether she's preparing for a baby, juggling a career and a toddler, or raising a preschooler.

PREGNANCY  BLOCK: Create Your Birth Plan (Lamaze and Birthing Methods) was conducted by Doula Ros Padua, a certified doula who acquired her birth doula training in Bali, Indonesia under the tutelage of 2011 CNN Hero of the Year, midwife Ibu Robin Lim, US-based midwife Katherine Bramhall, and author-director of Orgasmic Birth, Debra Pascali-Bonaro. She is a member and Certified Birth Doula of DONA International (Doulas of North America), the top doula association in the world with high standards of quality of care and ethical practices. Doula Ros is also one of only two Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educators (LCCE) trained and authorized to teach principles of Lamaze International in the Philippines.

With her was Doula Noella Polack - Birth and Postpartum Doula, Breastfeeding Counselor at Pinay Doulas Collective who gave light on the topic of How to Start Your Newborn on the Best Nutrition (Breastfeeding 101).

BABY BLOCK: Bringing Baby Home (Newborn Care 101) was discussed by Dr. Florence Irena Atutubo-Baylas, Doctor of Medicine, who graduated from the University of Santo Tomas. She is also a Diplomate of the Philippine Pediatric Society, as well as a member of the Community Pediatrics Society of the Philippines. Doc Ina, as known online, has always been a Smart Parenting expert contributor.

Dr. Florence Irena discussed the care we need to give to our newborn baby. She explained the Newborn Care Basics such as Carrying a baby, Feeding the baby, Burping the baby, Bathing the baby, Sunbathing the baby, Calming the baby. She said that shaking your baby to calm is very dangerous because it can cause permanent damage to your baby's brain. Shaken Baby Syndrome caused by vigorous shaking of an infant by the shoulder, arms or legs. A single episode can results on whiplash-induced bleeding and may lead to permanent neurological damage.

Pediatrician Dermatologist, Ms. Gisella Adasa - Head of Pediatric Dermatology Uni Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and Registered Midwife, Ms. Charo Pascual, who's currently a part of the National Board of Trustees at Private Practicing Midwives Alliance of the Philippines (PPMAP) and an active member of Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines (IMAP) shared tips on How to Love Your Baby's Skin (Bathing Techniques and Skin Care with Nivea)

TODDLER AND FAMILY BLOCK: How to Keep Your Family Safe (Road Safety with Ford) was discussed by Ms. Margo Delfinado, Assistant Vice President for Dealer and Consumer Experience. And lastly, Ms. Cristine Tan, RCF, LUTCf, AChFP, a consistent Million Dollar Qualifier, an international organization compromising of the top 4% in the Financial Advisory Practitioners, shared her knowledge on Secure Your Child's Future (Money Saving Strategies with Insular Life).

Smart Parenting is the credible parenting resource backed by experts and a community of involved parents. It aims to help Filipino moms and dads to raise bright, happy and healthy kids. Visit Smart Parenting's website at https://smartparenting.com.ph and follow them on Facebook at https://facebook.com/smartparenting.ph, on Instagram @smartparenting, and on Twitter @_smartparenting.