Virtual Insanity? Or my Virtual Laughter Therapy!

This is how we do it (taken during our wedding), with Ex-Corporate Slave at the background

One of the sure-ball cures to homesickness is laughter therapy.  Thank God hubby and I enjoy laughing out loud together.  There are a lot of comedic moments at work too and it’s fun laughing with my team.  But it is a huge treat if you do get some dose of laughter care of people whom you normally laugh with back home.

Let’s start with two of my favorite women in the world!  My mom and my best friend, the Ex-Corporate Slave. 

Where else will I get my laugh than from the woman who gave birth to me, right?  As in sometimes, when we’re talking on the phone and she laughs the person sitting next to me would hear it.  That’s how loud it can get! 

My best friend and I, as we would go walking around the village or hang out in the village park would really wake up the whole street because of our laughter.  We even got “kicked out” of a (noisy) Korean restaurant back in Manila because we’ve been laughing so hard (bah-humbug to that resto I must say!).

Aside from my favourite girls, when he’s in his comedic element, my brother, the Film Maker also cracks me up.  Even from miles away in down under Australia, struggling with his own bouts of homesickness (and growing up pains really), he can still put together words that just are plain funny (check out his personal blog and work blog specifically his profile).

He got that from my dad, the Grandpapi.  Who with his Facebook comment “hirits” crack me AND hubby up for just kidding my brother-in-law!  Craazy!  Thank God brother-in-law is a good sport! Haha!

Laughter is surely the best medicine – most especially for homesickness.

Mama La Vida Lanka Book Review: What To Expect Series

I started with this journey to motherhood even before we conceived.  I guess it is the researcher in me who wanted to get the facts straight and ready myself for this life-changing endeavour.  As they say, knowledge is power and I wanted to feel like I have the right information to prepare me for pregnancy, childbirth, parenthood and the like.  I guess I also learned from my experience transitioning to married life as a housewife where there are no such “manuals.”  I did my own research in the Interview with the Housewives Series where I learned a lot!  Now, I do not have to interview all those who became pregnant and are mothers because there is such a huge source of information out there!

One of the more ubiquitous references is the What to Expect Series.

I started with What to Expect Before You’re Expecting – yes there is such a thing!  It brought me back to my Health subject back in high school.  The book discusses how to get pregnant – the science of it all.  How to prepare yourself for pregnancy – the “vices” you should stop and the tests you need to take.  I felt it was actually more scientific than the other What to Expect books.  I guess it’s really the case when you’re Trying To Conceive (TTC) because the work is mostly done by you and your partner! Who else!  What I like about it is it has special sections for your male partner as well!  True, it is not the work of one and the baby-daddy-to-be’s should prepare as well.  However I didn’t get to finish the book because 1) it was too scientific for me (got bored after while) and 2) I conceived shortly after I started it!  Yay!

When it was confirmed that we are indeed pregnant, I moved on to What to Expect When You’re Expecting.  It is a true pregnancy reference guide.  I like the layout because it is divided into months (and gives you an indicator of the weeks that correspond to the months), what happens during that month – what you feel emotionally and physically, your baby’s growth and what to expect during your visits to the doctor.  It also discusses pertinent questions culled from research of the usual worries and concerns of moms in that particular month.  Very, very useful!  It also has special section for special concerns (read: pregnancy complications) – but if there are no indicators to say you have a complicated pregnancy, save yourself the worry and just skip this chapter altogether.  A special section for hubby is also available and it would be nice to lend him the book once you’re done.  I basically read the book one month ahead of each month that was being discussed.  After the 5^th or 6^th month, I decided to just finish reading the whole thing because I felt more comfortable with my pregnancy by that time.

During my first trimester I also read What to Eat When You’re Expecting which basically guides you with the right food to give you the right nutrition for pregnancy.  My relationship with food and eating is anything but regimented and the “nutritionist speak” is really alien to me and even intimidating.  More than help me, it was stressing me out!  Moreover I was reading it during the height of my morning sickness so I didn’t have any choice of what my tummy can take.  In any case, I took the book as a guide for what not to eat and used the no fail guide of go, grow, glow as a framework for nutritious eating during my pregnancy. 

Even if baby has not arrived yet, I have started reading What to Expect The First Year.  For one because it provides you a useful shopping guide for preparing for baby’s coming.  It was mainly applicable to the climate where the authors were from so I still had to check with my mom friends which are critical and which are just nice to haves.  Second, it has a good resource on breastfeeding (or formula feeding if that’s your choice) which also provided me with the basic practical information to get me ready.  Third, of course you have to read in advance about how baby will be like when she’s born right?  So the newborn chapter (where I am at now) is very useful to say what are the processes for testing baby, what are testing options, what are the newborn reflexes and the like.  I will probably use the same strategy I did with What to Expect When You’re Expecting with my reading plan – reading the chapter that talks about the month to come.  I always feel comfortable when I do some advanced reading!

Having my first pregnancy away from home, the What to Expect Series was a wonderful guide on exactly that – What to Expect!  In as much as it is a good reference, it SHOULD NOT replace your OB or your primary care giver of choice.  As a good friend said, better to exercise caution!  Moreover, it is a resource but at the end of the day, listen to yourself – you know your body (and later on your baby!) best.  We are all different (no two pregnancies – not even of the same woman are the same) and some things just cannot be generalized.  But you do have wisdom and a budding mother’s instinct – use it!

A BIG thanks to The Career Wife for lending me her What to Expect When You’re Expecting (incidentally given by mymommyology), What to Eat When You’re Expecting and What to Expect The First Year.

Discovering The Joys of Milk Tea

It's Tea Time!

I have always been a coffee drinker.  Ok that is quite the understatement.  I am a coffee addict.  Back in the Philippines, I drank 2-3 cups of Tall Cappuccino from Starbucks a day.  Variety comes when it’s Christmas and the Christmas Planner promo is in full swing.  Toffee Nut Latte.  What a joy!  And do you remember Gingerbread Latte way back when?  Starbucks Christmas drinks, I will definitely miss those this year!  But I digress.  The point is, it’s coffee or bust.

I do drink tea every now and then but always the “house tea” types when you go to Chinese or Japanese restos.  Some Iced Teas are great – I drool over the yummy Iced Tea at Pho Hoa.  But one thing that struck me as odd is mixing tea with milk.  It just doesn’t go well together!  Until I tasted Serenitea, but that’s different because it’s cold and it’s not really “tea” – “tea.” 

Sure goes well with High Tea!

But what is living in Sri Lanka without some appreciation for tea and the many ways that people enjoy it?  Last year, I was with J, my Filipina friend and she invited me to her home for some tea and cookies she baked.  She made me try plain black Dilmah tea with milk.  What do you know?  It’s pretty yummy!  I guess it’s just a matter of getting used to the taste.  But it was quite a revelation.  When I started working, we had a Lipton Tea and Coffee dispenser and I would frequent the machine not for the coffee but for the hot Milk Tea.  Never thought that would happen in a million years!  Haha!

When hubby and I went on our honeymoon trip to the heart of the tea country – we even experienced High Tea.  Really good quality tea (add some milk if you must) and a selection of snack goodies.

Hubby is ready!

Maybe it’s the Ceylon Tea – they say tea from Sri Lanka is one of the best in the world!  Or maybe just embracing new experiences.  Whatever it’s worth, I’ve discovered the joys of drinking milk tea La Vida Lanka!    

Mama La Vida Lanka, Obsessing About Parenting Part 2: What Resonates About Natural Parenting?

photo borrowed from naturalparentsnetwork.com

Choosing to be guided by Natural Parenting is not something that I picked out of a catalogue of parenting philosophies.  It may have not “found me” the way it did with other Natural Parents but somehow throughout my life, it has been there.

Attachment Parenting

I don’t think my parents were strict “attachment parents” but there was a lot of “responding with sensitivity and using nurturing touch” in our household.  There was a lot of kissing and hugging going around that’s why I also think one of my languages of love is physical touch.

Ecological Responsibility and Love of Nature

“Eco-friendliness” has always been in me (although I wouldn’t say I’m at the activist level).  I guess it’s because of my elementary and high school education (Miriam College has a strong environmental sensitivity – even having a “mini forest” in the campus), being once obsessed with Papemelroti (the all-recycled shop!) and even being an “environmental activist” of sorts once in my life – even joining a rally in high school against the French government for their nuclear testing back in circa 1995!  Remember that, Diplo Wife?

Holistic Health Practices

Did you know I was a pesco vegetarian in high school?  My mom’s a hippie of sorts… well actually it was my ninang (god bless her soul) who was more of those hippie-artist-alternative health type of person.  So we would go to a homeopathic doctor, said goodbye to meat (for quite some time ah!) and even went to a traditional Chinese doctor in Binondo!  So I see some sense in these alternative medicines/holistic health practices.

Natural Learning

This one is pretty new to me.  Our family is very academic – both my parents are/have been university professors.  But my psychology education and even coaching training resonate with “ask questions that develop thinking, give choices while guiding the children, to listen to instinctual cues, to honor emotions and desires, to allow development to take place in its own time, and to engender cooperation and harmony without manipulation.”

Healthy Eating and Living

As I said, I was a pesco-vegetarian so I have some appreciate for healthy eating even upto now.  I usually shy away from processed foods (ok fine except for Coke! Haha!).  But I’ve always been fond of sports (playing sports leisurely since I was a kid – obsessing with baseball, basketball and the like) and growing up loving running and yoga.

Parenting Philosophies

Two parenting philosophies (aside from attachment parenting) really spoke to hubby and I.  First, Consensual Living.  Which basically addresses our ideal of wanting our kids to grow up knowing how to think, decide and be responsible for the consequences of their decisions.  It is based on the principles of equality, trust and self-determination.  Communication and Conflict Resolution are key skills needed in Consensual Living.  It is so very “coaching” and “OD” that’s why it resonates well with me.  Second, Equal Parenting.  This was actually inspired by my husband.  The major reason why we are giving birth in Sri Lanka is because giving birth in the Philippines would entail months of being apart and hubby wouldn’t hear of it.  Even now, he takes care of baby and I fabulously – feeding us so well and just being a supportive partner.  We are a real team and I am forever thankful for God gifting me with such a husband.    

Political and Social Activism

Aligned with Equal Parenting, I really feel strongly about providing options for parents to be parents while excelling at work.  I worked in an organization that had really good work-life balance options especially for moms.  In the future, I would like to work for this advocacy.  ThirdPath and Family Forward Oregon are inspirations along this front. 

Family Safety and Health

I work with an organization that has Health and Safety embedded into its DNA.  It does make a difference with how you feel about going to work – you know that the organization is taking care of you and knows who you go home to.  It should be the same at home – or even start at home!

At the end of the day we are still at the start of the journey.  But I feel confident that hubby and I have a clear “battle plan” ahead.  It is a philosophy that both of us resonate with and we feel would help us be the best parents we want to be.  The journey ahead is challenging (again, some form of dying to self for a control freak like me – soon, no longer? I hope!) but it is a process and journey I would like to take just like these Natural Parents: babyfingers and theguavaliciouslife. 

Surely I will keep you posted on how we live being Natural Parents La Vida Lanka and beyond!

Mama La Vida Lanka, Obsessing About Parenting Part 1: What Is Natural Parenting?

borrowed from naturalparentsnetwork.com

For the longest time I’ve been grappling with what kind of parenting philosophy to guide us in raising our family.  I’ve seen a few articles that seem to verbalize what kind of parent I would like to be.  But it somehow did not satisfy me just yet.  Was I looking for a label?  Maybe.  So as I was researching about breastfeeding I chanced upon Natural Parenting and somehow what it stood for fit our ideals – both hubby and I.  Researching on this was what took over me this weekend (talk about obsessed!).

So what exactly is Natural Parenting (or NP for short)?  According to the Natural Parents Network, “’Natural parenting’ is based on a desire to live and parent responsively and consciously. While no two families who practice natural parenting may define it the same way, there are several principles that are widely agreed to be part of this lifestyle. These are ideals that natural parents tend to hold — even if we don’t always live up to all of them, we keep them in mind as goals.” 

I like that in as much as it is a philosophy, it is still very flexible.  It doesn’t force parents into a box.  Rather it provides a collection of principles for which parents uphold as ideals.  I also appreciate that the group recognizes that parenting is a process and that you can call yourself a natural parent even if you don’t “perfectly” practice all.

What then are the principles of Natural Parenting?  The Natural Parenting Network presents the following:

• Attachment/Responsive Parenting which includes preparing for pregnancy, birth and parenting; feeding with love and respect; responding with sensitivity; using nurturing touch; ensuring safe sleep; providing consistent and loving care; practice gentle/positive discipline; striving for balance in personal and family life.
• Ecological Responsibility and Love of Nature: Families strive to reduce their ecological footprint by living consciously and making Earth-friendly choices, such as by choosing organic when possible, using cloth diapers etc.
• Holistic Health Practices: Parents research medical choices and make educated decisions regarding all health care. Many families choose to use alternative or natural healthcare such as herbal remedies, chiropractic care, natural childbirth, and so on.
• Natural Learning: Families spend time together, and children learn through everyday activities. Parents try to facilitate learning without “teaching,” to help children ask questions that develop thinking, to develop consideration for others without shaming or training, to give choices while guiding the children, to listen to instinctual cues, to honor emotions and desires, to allow development to take place in its own time, and to engender cooperation and harmony without manipulation.

The Natural Parenting Network also provides additional principles:

• Healthy Eating and Living: Eating healthy foods, making regular time for physical movement and having a healthy body image. 

• Parenting Philosophies: Parents and parents-to-be research different parenting philosophies.

• Political and Social Activism: Families who parent against the grain often see issues in society they want to change and they work to make that happen.

• Family Safety and Health

At the end of the day, they say “Natural Parenting is making the choice to develop a deep bond with your children and family based on mutual respect. An attached child grows into a mature and interdependent individual who understands how to develop healthy, secure relationships with others.”

Now isn’t that wonderful?  At the end of the day I realized that in as much as I like putting concepts in “nice, little boxes” (cognitively economical that way!) it wasn’t the mere boxing in a particular parenting label that mattered.  What I was really looking for was a framework to move along in this new space called Parenting.  

Check out the second part of this series for why Natural Parenting resonated with me (and hubby!). 

Mama La Vida Lanka: Doctor # 2

photo borrowed from discoveryeducation.com

What do you do when your primary maternity caregiver (in most cases your OB-Gyne) leaves town at the start of your 7^th month for a 3-month training?  I panicked!  Wouldn’t you?  For one, it’s just that I’m so comfortable with her already and your full trust and confidence in your OB-Gyne is one of the keys to a happy and healthy pregnancy!  Second, in as much as she referred another practitioner, I’m already working with one of the best OB’s in the country!  Being in a foreign country, it’s really hard to find options that have been trusted by family and friends.  Moreover, I have this preference for women doctors (at least for an OB-Gyne) and in a country where male OB-Gyne’s have more prominence, it’s a challenge! 

But, my fear was short-lived.  At least I didn’t have to sleep with the nagging feeling of who is going to take care of me and my baby?  Who is going to deliver our little bundle of joy?

For one, my mom assured me that even midwives can deliver your baby.  And true enough, I mean even in other countries, midwives may be on “equal” prominence when it comes to maternal medicine. 

Second, our Birthing Class instructor, gave me good feedback on Doctor #1’s referral.  They have different styles of practice but Doctor #2 is good as well.  She was soooo lovely to help me on my query even if we have only met once and haven’t even started with our birthing classes then!

Third, this is what I love about working in an organization that has a Medical Marketing arm.  They have an insider’s information on the doctors and it’s best to check references with them.  They provided me with an awesome review and even positive reviews from Doctor #2’s other patients! 

Fourth, she is the aunt of my officemate.  What a small world right?

Fifth, I got more doctor recommendations but I decided to trust my Doctor #1’s recommendation and because they both deliver in the same hospital.

So off to Doctor #2 we went.  Hubby and I were very, very happy to have been recommended and be in the care of a lovely woman.  Indeed their practices were different.  But I immediately felt comfortable with Doctor # 2.  She is so motherly and emits such a positive vibe.  She’s also very practical in her view of things.  I was asking her about Birth Plans – and she said, well, in other countries (she has also practiced in the UK) that is the norm but in Sri Lanka, not really.  Instead she advised me to keep my mind open, before we give birth we will see the position of the baby and her condition and what not and we will do the needful.  Which is just right – even for a control freak like me.  Haha!  She also simplified my pre-natal vitamin list! Haha!  And most of all, she loves laughing.  For those who know me and my hubby, you know how hard and loud we can both laugh right?  Perfect fit!  But really it was amazing for me to see a doctor who still gets awed by the sight of baby kicking.  And relish in the beauty of life.

Doctor #2 is Dr. Kamanie Mayadunne and she channels at Lanka Hospitals.  You may contact her secretary Hinesha for schedule at 0115431146.

One Year La Vida Lanka!

Celebrating One Year In La Lanka! (ganda lang ng background eh noh?)

Close to midnight, exactly a year ago, I landed to live in Colombo, Sri Lanka.  A lot has definitely happened since then and I am thankful for the gifts living in Sri Lanka have given me.  Sri Lanka will always have a special place in my heart because this is where hubby and I started our marriage, the foreign country I’ve been living in for the longest time, where I experienced being a housewife, where I am experiencing working in a totally different culture, where I got pregnant, where I’m spending my very first pregnancy, and until the time we leave, the list goes on.  So below are 12 things (one for every month!) that captures my adventures and misadventures, learning and realizations while Livin’ La Vida Lanka:

#1: Living abroad requires a little (to a lot) of “dying to self.”  You have to be willing to “let go” of where you lived before (and to some extent, who you are) to embrace where you are now.  It was hard for me at first because I thought I could “pick up where I left off” only this time in a different country.  But no, I had to learn to be a housewife, which in as much as it was a “dream” for me (who doesn’t like the so-called fabulous life of an expat wife?), it was a difficult transition to make from working and earning and basically being her own person.  But it was what I needed to do and be at that time.  At the end of the day, it was a glorious couple of months and I welcome that kind of lifestyle again - given some application of a few learnings here and there and especially with baby around!  Haha! But really, it is a great opportunity to reinvent yourself. Check out the Interview With The Housewives Series for more of this!

#2:  Where there are no friends or family – you just have to “put yourself out there!”  Even if there are, living in a foreign land is a wonderful opportunity to make new friends!  I have met most of my friends from either school or work so I decided to make most of opportunities like that and enrolled in a Sinhala class!  I’ve also met a lot of wonderful people along the way even outside of Sinhala class and even outside of work!  People make the difference!  Yes, your friends back “home” or even your life-long friends from around the globe will not compare with new friendships you are still developing.  But be aware that making friends is a process and you have to work on it as well.

#3: Learning the local language disarms people.  It signals you are opening up yourself to them and they in turn open themselves to you.  But do not rely on your knowledge of the language unless you’ve mastered it!  Beware because many things can still be lost in translation and language will continue to be a frustrating barrier.  Ergo, patience is an important virtue.  Partly because of the language, partly because of the culture (e.g. they may seem disrespectful even when they are not), partly because you also don’t have it figured out.  Learning IS painful.  That’s why, again, patience is key.

#4: As my dad always says, expect the unexpected.  Apparently, managing your own household (moreover in a foreign country) is not a smooth ride. Before my mom or dad will take care of everything so that left me with the ability (in hindsight, more of luxury) to focus on work and my own life.  But now, I have to deal with things albeit not on my own (hubby and I are a team!) but still being responsible for things such as having broken appliances fixed, etc. is still such a hassle! 

#5: To deal with the unexpectedness of things such as the above, do not be afraid to ask.  Most probably what you needed to know, someone in your circle of friends (or hubby’s for that matter) would know the answer!  It’s as easy as that really.  What I’m grateful for are our drivers who have an awesome network to find out what we needed to know.  They are also a great resource for delegation!    

#6: Things can get expensive.  We haven’t even gone out of Asia and both Philippines and Sri Lanka are both developing countries.  But apparently what you’re used to at home may be more expensive here so you really have to develop your financial acumen to budget accordingly.  You may also choose to let go of comforts of home or if you absolutely can’t, be ready to be able to swallow its price.  What I realized that, you will really stand out (no matter how you feel at home or even try to blend in – hello we really look different, who was I kidding!) you would really be treated as a “foreigner” and get ripped off.  Our plumbing works has cost us 2.5 times more expensive than how much it would cost us in Manila!  Our maid is being paid almost thrice as more than hubby’s tenured and trusted maid.  Craaaazy!

#7: No one is immune to home sickness!  So know how to cook your comfort food or how to bring about what brings you comfort.  For hubby and I, it is food we grew up in.  Thank God for Kulinarya and Kabayan (a local Filipino restaurant).  Filipino food has literally saved me from packing up and going home.  You see, my homesickness was exacerbated by pregnancy cravings and hormones!  It was also nice to meet Pinoys in La Lanka!  At least my Filipino is not just exclusive to conversing with hubby! Hahaha!

#8: To combat homesickness, staying connected is not only possible, it is “free” and accessible!  Facebook and Skype have saved me from utter detachment from people I love – back home and even in other parts of the globe!  But social networking has also connected me with my local community!  Especially for my pregnancy-related questions, a local community of moms (or mums as they say it here!) on Facebook has made me feel like I am not alone.         

#9: I also had to re-learn the hard way that life is not all about work.  You see when you get assigned to a foreign country you’ll have the tendency to solely focus on work.  I mean, what else is there to do right?  Wrong!  Being in a new place is an opportunity to do things – old or new and get more involved in your passions and yes, they may be non-work-related.  In my time in Sri Lanka, I’ve re-discovered Yoga and the many wonders it has brought my life, my body and our baby.

#10: There are more similarities than you ever imagined between the Philippines and Sri Lanka.  For one, since the Portuguese colonized Sri Lanka way back, we actually have quite a few similar words (Portuguese and Spanish have similar words right?).  For example, Mesa (table) = Mese and Pusa (cat) = Pusa to name a few.  Another is about some old wives’ tales: our driver and maid were looking at some black ants outside our door.  I went to them and told them, in the Philippines, black ants are ok because they say they “bring” money.  What do you know, our maid told me it is the same in Sri Lanka!

#11: You don’t really need much to be happy.  You see, pleasures that we are used to in Manila such as watching a movie in a really nice movie house, abundance of malls and the like are not exactly present here.  So our life is pretty much “simplified” here.  But I realized that I really didn’t need these things to enjoy life.  Yeah I miss going to Eastwood or Rockwell here and there but I can survive without it!

#12: At the end of the day, being with hubby, wherever that may be, is all that matters.  And that is why we’re Livin’ La Vida Lanka.      

Mama La Vida Lanka: Preparing for Birth Begins

photo borrowed from inhabitots.com

As we start our third trimester, hubby (although only attending the latter part of class due to work commitments) and I attended our first Birthing Class!  This class is one of the few birthing classes in Sri Lanka – and I would suppose the most well-known one.  It is lead by Mrs. Mohanie Ahangama, a lovely Sri Lankan lady who worked as a midwife in the UK for 20 years, came back to Sri Lanka and have been holding birthing classes locally for the last 20 years.  The module consists of five two-hour sessions that deal with different aspects of birth such as stages of labor, coping with birth, breastfeeding, baby care and newborn/child psychology. This is usually done within 6-7 months of pregnancy.  Her classes’ cycle renew monthly. 

We basically discussed birth today.  I’ve read about the three-stage process – although I’m not an expert but at least I could follow the discussion more quickly than if I was clueless (Duh! Haha!).  But there was something different when birth is being explained “live” – with a doll of course and sans the bodily fluids (yakidoo!).  Or maybe because it was done by a woman so passionate about the discussion.  No matter the reason, I was struck with a realization.  The birthing process is really the ultimate expression of the power of a woman.  The stages of labor are long and intensely painful – I could just imagine right? – but it is the most beautiful thing to physically bring a life into the world.  When I started with my pregnancy, somehow I felt weak.  I had a bad case of morning sickness for one.  During the first few scans we were afraid I would have placenta previa but thankfully the placenta positioned itself correctly.  I couldn’t wear heels (fashion’s sign of a fierce woman I must say).  I feel tired all the time.  I walk slow.  I’m careful not to carry heavy stuff.  I have to watch my diet more carefully.  It’s as if I became this sort of person that could not push myself the way I did in the past to do things (like run long distances?), accomplish work and be a productive citizen.  Moreover something was happening inside me – it seems that motherhood is all that matters now.  Not to say it is a profession for the “weak” – but it just felt strange not to feel so strongly about work or anything else for that matter anymore (power woman is usually attached to those who succeed in their careers).  But today, I realized amidst all the seeming “fragility” of my pregnancy, it was all but preparing me for the most intense experience of my life.  Of my womanhood. Of my motherhood.  Birth.

The course is conducted at Pulse Beat Gym, Pre & Post Birth Center.  They may be contacted through (11) 2595932, (11) 4514866, pulsebeatgyms@sltnet.lk or www.pulsebeatonline.com.  Aside from Pre-Birth Course for those within 6-7 months of their pregnancy, the center also offers a Pre-Birth course for those 3-4 months pregnant which basically deals with introduction to parenting, exercises, relaxation and meditation, sonic massage and developing bonding relationships between parents and baby.