MedelaMoms Launches "Seeing Doubles": A Support Group for Moms with Multiples

Earlier this month, a special support group for moms (and dads too!) was launched at Medela House in New Manila, Quezon City. "Seeing Doubles," a support group for couples with ‘multiples,’ i.e. twins or more, was officially launched on the morning of February 8, 2014.

The group and, as a result, the launch was borne out of MedelaMoms Maricel Cua and Beng Feliciano’s genuine desire to support moms in their breastfeeding journey. These hardworking ladies (who are breastfeeding moms themselves!) always have other mommies’ best interests in mind, especially when it comes to making sure they are able to give their children the best nutrition, i.e. breastmilk.

This is why their ‘motto’ is: "One with you in breastfeeding." (I can certainly attest to this, because they were very helpful after our youngest baby was born, especially when we weren’t able to have the best start in breastfeeding.)

Caption: (L to R) MedelaMoms Beng Feliciano and Maricel Cua

The launch started off with an inspiring, informative and empowering group discussion among the different moms gathered -- a mixture of mothers expecting their ‘multiple blessings’ and mothers who had more experience raising multiples.

‘Multiples mommies’ Michaela Tatad-King, Anna Escay-Cortez, Nathalie Velasco Tan, Rose Sese and Liaa Patag each shared how they ‘survived’ the early days of breastfeeding and caring for their children, and gave practical pointers for the pregnant moms gathered.

Everyone was particularly touched by Rose’s tear-jerking experience of having gone through multiple miscarriages, and admired her strength and determination to breastfeed her surviving children.

Caption: Expecting and ‘more experienced’ moms having a group discussion about raising multiples

After the group discussion, a video of MedelaMom Beng Feliciano, who has twins herself, was supposed to be shown. In the video -- which I was able to view before the launch -- Beng shares tips for mommies expecting multiples and also shares encouraging words with them. However, there were some technical difficulties so the video wouldn’t play.

Nonetheless, it was obvious from the looks on the moms’ faces that the words of wisdom shared by the other ‘multiples mommies’ were very useful and timely. It’s always nice to receive parenting advice from someone who has "been there, done that," as I’m sure all the parents out there would know.

Caption: Attendees to the “Seeing Doubles” Launch pose with MedelaMom Maricel and the ‘multiples mommies’ who shared their experiences and tips

The launch ended with a fashion show by SweetPea, a cocktail/formal nursingwear company, with celebrity mom Amanda Jacob joining other mommy models on the modified ‘runway.’ Walnut Melbourne Philippines also showcased a few pieces of their kids’ shoewear collection during the show.

Caption: The mommy models at the “Seeing Doubles” Launch pose with Amanda Jacob and the SweetPea Nursingwear team

Afterwards, Amanda Jacob gamely signed copies of Project Mom, the book she co-authored with Bianca Araneta-Elizalde. Amanda is a proud breastfeeding mother herself, and is known to promote breastfeeding and healthy living in general.

Caption: Amanda Jacob talks with one of the moms who bought her book, Project Mom

The moms present at the launch were also able to sample delicious prenatal and lactation goodies from Mommy Treats and everyone — moms, dads and kids alike — enjoyed the yummy candies provided by Sweet Nest Candy Buffet by Jaz Distrito. They also enjoyed having their pictures taken at the photo booth provided by iFlick Inc. Some lucky attendees also got to take home raffle prizes sponsored by ETL Filway, Mommy Treats and Walnut Melbourne Philippines. Everyone went home happy with giveaways from Pascual Laboratories, Sweet Nest Candy Buffet and Walnut Melbourne Philippines.

All in all, the “Seeing Doubles” launch was a successful event that helped ease the minds of the pregnant mothers present. It also helped strengthen their commitment to care for, nurture and nourish their children. Yes, raising kids — especially more than one at the same time — is truly challenging, but with groups like the one that MedelaMoms launched, the journey can most definitely be easier and smoother.  

Are you or is anyone you know raising multiples? What challenges did you face? How did you get over them? Come share about it in the comments! Or send me a tweet @tinasrodriguez.