Practice makes perfect, especially in taking care of a newborn baby that is so soft and so delicate that it’s imperative to handle it with care. But every experience is not quite the same as the previous ones. Take it from Precious Lara Quigaman, who is giving birth to her and husband Marco Alcaraz’s third child sometime end of September or early October. It’s another boy, revealed the couple during a maternity shoot and baby shower last July 21 sponsored by brand Aprica. The older, Noah, is turning seven years old in November and the second, Tobias, two in September.
Lara and Marco talked to Funfare.
Since it’s the third time, kabisado mo na ba ang mga dapat gawin like sa pagpapalit ng diaper or heating the feeding bottles?
Lara: It’s the third time and yet up to now I can count on my fingers how many times ako nagpalit ng diaper at naghugas ng puwet.
Marco: Ako nagpapalit ng diaper pag wiwi.
How do you support Lara?
Marco: During her pregnancy, I let her eat everything she wants.
Lara: Ayan, tuloy, I developed gestational diabetes.
Marco: Usually, I don’t make her get angry, hindi pinapa-init ang ulo niya. I pamper her. After the pregnancy, I make her feel that even though she’s gaining a little weight, in my eyes, sexy pa rin siya.
Lara, how is this pregnancy compared to the first two?
Lara: In a way, it’s better because I had time to rest. With the first two pregnancies, I was working until I gave birth to Tobias; I was then in the cast of the Kapamilya series Bagani. I stopped in August and gave birth Sept. 17. I have no choice. I stay home and maybe that’s why nagkaroon ako ng gestational diabetes. Well, borderline pa lang. Always resting, kain nang marami. In a way, it’s easier. I can sleep when I want to.
Also now, I saw the importance or how helpful ang online shopping. When I was heavy with Tobias, I could go to the mall, tingin-tingin, window-shopping. Obviously now, that’s not possible. It’s not safe to go out. Sobrang dali for mommies din to go online and get what the baby needs. I know what to look for online.
Are you more picky now?
Lara: Maybe lesser. In a way, I already know what worked for my two boys. So, I know what the third boy needs.
Craving anything special?
Lara: During my first pregnancies, when I craved for siomai kayang-kaya kong utusan si Marco lumabas kahit madaling araw. Now medyo masaya siya because we are on lockdown and he cannot go out. I have no choice.
What precautions/safety measures are you taking?
Lara: Well, hindi talaga ako lumalabas. The first time I saw my doctor was only three weeks ago because we were on home quarantine since March. Recently lang ako sumama kay Marco sa grocery. We were careful. We stayed away from other people. Kumpleto ng gear, naka-mask, naka-face shield. Maya’t maya nag-a-alcohol. Pagdating sa bahay, ligo agad, disinfect agad. Ang difference also is that this time is Marco won’t be allowed in the OR. Kahit recovery room, bawal.
Is it a planned pregnancy?
Lara: Not quite. We really wanted one more but not too soon, not too early. Tobias is only turning two years old. We were hoping mga three years old man lang siya. With Noah kasi, matagal bago nasundan kahit ‘di kami nag-iingat. Now, nagbibilang-bilang kami.”
Will the third boy be using stuff from Tobias?
Lara: Well, Tobias is still using them. I am not the sentimental type, so pag may humihingi sa akin na bagong panganak, I give them those that Tobias has outgrown.
Are you going to try for a girl next time?
Lara: Ayaw na ni Marco, pinapa-ligate na niya ako pero na-convince ko naman siya na hindi ako magpapa-ligate. Sabi ko, ikaw na lang.
By the way, are you going to deliver the natural way or by Caesarian section?
Lara: I’m not brave enough to try normal delivery. Caesarian ako ulit dahil hindi rin maganda ‘yung experience ko sa first pregnancy. I’d rather not risk going to labor and then hihiwain lang din ako.
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