How to Send Frozen Breastmilk from Singapore to the Philippines

Background: I'm an OFW mommy who is based in Singapore.  I went back to work 2 months after I gave birth to my daughter.  She stayed with me in Singapore for 2 months but she had to go back to the Philippines because she was just on a Tourist Visa and could not stay permanently (so sad...) I exclusively breastfed her for 4 months and I wanted to continue feeding her with my milk even when we were miles apart. I managed to do this by sending my frozen BM to the Philippines. 

Sharing with you some tips so you can do it as well :) Yes Mommy, it’s possible 😊

My supportive hubby :)

Find a "Courier"

I am referring to someone who is flying back to the Philippines and who will help you bring those  frozen BM as part of their check-in luggage.  Unfortunately, there isn't any courier service (or if there is one, lemme know) which can help you ship your BM from Singapore to Pinas.  So your only option is to bring them back yourself if you are going back for a vacation (or dahil sobrang namiss mo ung anak mo - huhuhu.  Or you can ask favor from friends or co-workers or churchmates.  Practically anyone who is kind enough to help you. Ask around or post a message sa FB  and ask who will be flying back.  

Your cooler bag (I will share options below) will be checked-in as part of the luggage allowance. Usually, 1 medium-size styro box or cooler bag with BM PLUS ice gels weight around 15-20KG.  When I'm just asking a friend to bring them home and she has no checked-in luggage, I will ask her to add and I will just pay her. Minsan naman, konti lang dala nung tao at me extra luggage allowance so wala nakong babayaran hehe. Hug and kiss ko na lang sila. 

Check the Airline Policy

Not all airlines allow passengers to carry frozen breast milk. If you are asking someone else to bring it back for you, ask them which airline they are taking.   Or if you are flying back yourself, find out the airline's regulations even before booking.  It is better to email or message them as some policies are not stated clearly and could be misinterpreted. You can print out their reply and bring it with you in case there is confusion or dispute when you check-in. Note: Sometimes, counter personnel are not sure about the policies.  

I've sent BM through these airlines:

• Philippine Airlines (PAL) 
• Singapore Airlines (SIA)  (The best to, daming nakapaskil na "Fragile" stickers sa package mo!)
• Jestar (Their website states that frozen items are not allowed but I've flown with them several times already and they've always allowed the BM package nman).

I've never sent frozen BM through CebuPacific. And never will. Alam niyo na siguro kung bakit.

Calculate and Plan Your Travel Time

By this I mean that you need to know how long your frozen goodies will be out of the freezer.  How long is the flight? It should be a direct flight xempre.  How long will it take to commute from your HDB to Changi Airport? How long is the check-in process. Sa Pinas, are you just staying in Manila? Or will you still travel all the way to Cavite? Dadaan ka ba ng EDSA? Naku! 

Our house is located in Pasig and it usually takes me a total of 8 hours. And so far, the BM packs have always stayed frozen.

• 30 mins from our house to Changi Airport
• 2 hours check-in and waiting time 
• 3.5 hours - Flight from Singapore to Pinas
• 1 hour to clear Phillipine Immigration and  collect our luggages
• 1 hour from NAIA to our house

There was one time that I sent them through a family friend and he reached Manila around 5PM. He got stuck in a really bad traffic jam and he managed to reach home only after 2 hours. Kastress!  I kept thinking what will I do if tunaw na lahat! Thank God that the BM were still frozen except for some melting around the sides.

Note: I usually take the early morning flight (around 2am) so that I could avoid the notorious Manila traffic - both on the road and at the airport.  You know nman Pinas, airport pa lang traffic na!  Taking early morning flights also helps me avoid the hot weather.  Kasi xempre, ayaw natin mainitan ang frozen BM natin. 

Additional Note (from a friend who travelled from Manila to Bicol pa): Don't put the cooler in the hood where it's hot. Put it inside the car instead and make sure there's no direct sunlight. 

Styro Box Versus Coleman Versus Cooler 

Option 1: Styro Box

They are cheap. But. But let me earn you that if you use them, you better pray over your package that it will stay intact until it reaches your home.

Styrofoam Box from a shop in Ubi. 

External Dimensions: 36.5 cm x 48 cm x 32.5 cm

Option 2: Coleman Cooler 

I personally have not used a coleman ice box because I find them pricey and bulky and heavy. But if you already have one, you can go ahead and use it. But Option 3 is what I have been using and for me, it is the best cooler bag!

Option 3: Quechua Cooler Bag 

This is what I have been using aside from the styro box and for me, it is the best cooler bag!  It is actually called a "CAMPING/HIKER CAMPING ICE BOX" and the description boasts that it can preserve items for 11 hours. Pero never ko pa naman natry. Well, a friend of mine did - she used this to bring some BM from SG to Manila to Bicol - and it lasted more than 11 hours! 

What I like about it is that it a soft bag (kahit ilang beses siya tumumbling sa conveyor belt ok lang). And it can be deflated after use. So when I need to bring it back with me from Pinas to Singapore (which is always the case), I will just deflate it and put it inside my luggage. 

Quechua Compact Cool Bag from Decathlon.

Tips on Packing

Pre-pack the frozen BM in large ziplocks. You can put about 8 bags in each ziplock. By packing it this way, it is easier for you to transfer them from the bag to your freezer when you reach home.  You can do this the night before your flight and just quickly transfer them into your cooler bag before leaving for the airport. Don’t bring them out of the freezer too early.

  

You can also put some ice gels.  Take note that airlines do not allow dry ice.  Put the ice gel along the sides or at the bottom and top.  You can also line the box with a towel or newspapers.  Alam mo yung mga nagtitinda ng ice-candy? Ayun, parang ganun.

Ice gels for S$2 each from Daiso.

Additional Tip from a friend of mine (Thanks Elie!).  If you have super thin packs (around 1-2 ounces) - put them in the middle coz they tend to defrost faster than the fatter packs.  

Seal the package with a packing or electrical tape. This makes sure that no one could open your package and attempt to steal a bag or two of your liquid gold.

During  the check-in, tell the counter staff that that your cooler bag is Fragile (and super precious and that it's very important for your baby's well-being haha). They will ask you what's inside your bag so you just calmly reply that it is frozen breast milk.  The staff will then put "fragile" stickers on it.

After checking-in, pray that it will reach the destination safe and still frozen. Good luck Momma :)  I'm sure your little one will be happy to receive those  frozen goodies.

How My Husband Supported Me During Pregnancy

Although husbands are not the ones carrying the baby in their tummies, they could have their fair share of "being pregnant" by supporting their wives during that period. This does not only make the pregnancy journey less difficult for their wives but it is also an opportunity for the hubbies to show their love to the woman who will be the mother of their kids. 

Here are the many ways that Dennis supported me:

He did most (if NOT ALL) of the household chores while I laid in bed or slept the entire day. He did the laundry, ironing of clothes, cleaning of our room, buying groceries, even cooking and doing the dishes.

He learned how to cook. Before I got pregnant, the only dish he could cook was adobo (which he cooks really well).  But in those 9 months he has learned how to prepare different Filipino dishes such as arroz caldo, ginataang hipon, tokwa't baboy and pochero. Thanks to lutongpinoy tutorials on youtube. 

He prepared milk for me. Every single night. Even during those demanding days when he arrived super late because of overtime or Worship Team rehearsals, he still prepared it for me. 

He accompanied me whenever I went swimming. He would leave work on time so we could make it early to the swimming complex. He would patiently wait for about an hour while I tried to do 10 laps.

He put oil on my tummy every night. Regardless of whatever he was doing - playing PC games or watching netflix, he would stop to do this. If he didn't do this I would have always forgotten to do it myself. And while he was putting some Bio Oil on my tummy, he talked to the baby at the same time.

He always massaged my chubby and tired legs and feet when I got home from work. And whenever I had leg cramps while sleeping. 

My love language is acts of service so with these gestures, my husband surely deposited tons to my love tank. The best way a husband can love his children is to love his wife. And surely, Selah felt soooo loved inside my tummy.

(The attached photos are part of our maternity shoot, lovingly captured by my friend Rebella Franco. HMU done by my church-mate Mayette Celocia.  Taken at Bishan Park in Singapore.)

My Natural Childbirth Story

Dennis and I wanted to go for natural birth, no interventions unless really necessary. We decided that aside from aiming for normal delivery, we wanted for me to skip the epidural and experience the labor pains. And I'm glad that through all our preparations and with God's grace, we were able to achieve just that. 

Tuesday

I went to see my OB, Doc Chris. He did an Internal Exam and Selah's was already nicely positioned, with her head downwards.  But my cervix was still closed. I was then 38 weeks and 4 days.  I've always told myself that I wanted Selah to come out when she's ready. But there I was, almost 39 weeks and no sign that she was ready.  I didn't want to induce the baby. In fact, I refused to take meds to soften my cervix and opted to walk and exercise instead. Nevertheless, Doc Chris discussed my options should Selah continue to enjoy staying inside mummy's tummy even after I hit 40 weeks.

At 38 weeks. 
during one of my "exercise sessions" in Robinson's Galeria.

Wednesday (Start of Early Labor): 

I went through my usual routine. I woke up late, watched some Korean shows, and checked out some videos on childbirth. Night time was different though as I experienced mild abdominal pains - my tummy would get stiff around the mid-area. This was coupled with some discomfort around my lower back. It was something I've never felt before. And it didn't go away even when I switched positions. As a first-timer, I wasn't too sure what they were.   "Are these the so-called contractions," I kept asking myself. 

Thursday 

I messaged Doc Chris early morning and he confirmed that they were contractions. He asked me to see him at his clinic so he could check if my cervix has dilated and ensure that it wasn't just false alarm. I needed confirmation so I could ask Dennis to fly back to the Philippines. (He was still in Singapore since I wasn't actually due until the following Saturday.)

My OB, Doc Chris :) 
I'm glad that I found an OB who was very supportive of my desire for natural childbirth.

So together with my mom, I went to his clinic in Tricity Medical Center (same hospital where I was going to deliver). I did not bring my hospital bag yet as the pain was very much bearable still. In fact, I opted to take a jeepney as the hospital was just nearby, about 30mins from our house. 

Doc Chris did an IE and confirmed that I was already 2cm dilated. My contractions were about 30-60 seconds long with 6 minutes intervals. He  He predicted that I would deliver that night or early morning the following day. "Better ask your hubby to book his flight now," he advised me.  Wow!!! I hope hubby makes it on time. 

He asked how painful the contractions were and I could sense a little doubt when I told him that it was manageable haha! I didn't want to be admitted yet and he was ok for me to go home first. He reviewed the admission instructions he has given me.  He confirmed if I really didn't want an epidural but assured me that there would be an anesthesiologist on standby. I confidently told him that it would be the last option. We'll go as planned. He also reminded me of the signs I should look out for - breaking of water bag, bloody show, very intense and more frequent pain. 

Last bumpie before my delivery.

So my mom and I did go back home, took a jeepney again and walked from our stop to our house. We dropped by my in-laws house to update them. They couldn't believe I was about to deliver as I was too relaxed. Haha! 

When I got home, I asked hubby to book a flight immediately.  He managed to get a flight for 12:55am, the following day. It was just around 3pm and he was so excited he couldn't focus at work. I told Selah to wait for her dad. Few more hours baby girl 😊

Excited? Yes. Anxious? No.
Here's hubby playing keyboards in a prayer meeting before his flight. 

But as time passed, I could feel Selah's excitement as my contractions were escalating and the intervals were getting shorter, coming every 5 mins. But again, still manageable. I used the breathing techniques that I have learned through youtube - breathing through the diaphragm, making your tummy bigger when you inhale (10 counts) then emptying your tummy of air as you exhale (another 10 counts).  I sometimes stood up and swayed my hips side to side, another technique I saw online. I didn't get to attend any birth classes but thanks for the many helpful information available online.

Instead of just lying in bed, I did several things to distract myself. I double-checked my hospital bag (a small luggage actually) and made sure I have packed all the essentials - baby clothes, swaddles, mittens and booties, nappies, wet tissues, my own clothes, and bottles of Gatorade (to keep me hydrated and energized during labor which I was expecting to be long and grueling but I was really really hoping it won't drag on).  I also read books on baby's first year. I even washed the dishes.  I also watched videos of worship songs on youtube which helped me relax and reminded me that God was with me and would help me through that experience. Every time I felt the contractions, I read the positive birth affirmation prayer that a churchmate sent me through Denis (thanks Angela :)). While doing all that, I kept track of the duration and interval of my contractions.  

I saw the first "bloody show" when I went to pee around 9 in the evening. I told my mom and she got obviously more tense and excited than me. I think all mommies are like that. Thinking we were leaving very soon, she immediately prepared - put on some make-up and got her own hospital bag ready. I could still bear the pain and since my water bag was still intact, I wanted to let my labor progress at the comfort of our own house. I did't want to be admitted early as I've read that just lying on the hospital bed could cause your labor to drag on. Nevertheless, I took my dinner - a hearty one, and then I took a warm bath so that I would be ready to leave anytime. Then I tried to rest and sleep in between the contractions. 

Dennis boarded the plane around 12:30am Friday morning. I negotiated with Selah to wait for him.  The hospital didn't allow husbands to be inside the labor and delivery room so I wanted to at least see him before I get admitted. 

Friday, 2 AM (Start of Active Labor):

I noticed that the pain changed into something that felt like I was going to poop. I would have the urge to go but nothing would come out when I went to the toilet. I then knew that I was on the next stage of labor. I woke my mom up to get ready.  I started to prepare as well. I changed and put on some make-up, occasionally stopping whenever the contractions struck. 

Gotta prepare for that post-delivery photo.

3 AM:

We left the house - me, my mom, my sis and my father-in-law. I was still ok, I could talk and I wasn't limping in pain. When we reached the hospital, I was the one who approached the nurse on duty and casually told him "Kuya, manganganak na po ako" (Bro, I''m about to deliver), using a tone that didn't sound panicking at all. I almost sounded as if I was just buying some pandesal haha. The nurse seemed doubtful as he asked me questions to confirm my condition. Except for my big tummy, there weren't much proof that my baby was on the way.

A nurse did an initial IE and I was already 6cm dilated! Wow! Doc Chris arrived shortly, He was all smiles that baby was coming out as he predicted.  He checked how I was doing and how painful the contractions were.  I gave him my usual answer - still manageable. He was surprised that I was doing very well although I was 6cm already. He gained confidence that I was indeed not going to need any epidural. 

4 AM: 

I was ushered into the labor room. I initially wanted to take the stairs to the second floor where it was but I was told that it was SOP for me to take the wheelchair. Ok. I wanted to walk some more so that the baby would descend faster. My mom and sister waited outside while my father-in-law rushed to the airport to fetch Dencio. He was supposed to land by 4:30 am. I hoped there was no delay and no traffic jam. 

There were several nurses in the labor room and I was their only patient, Yay! So they were so accommodating and their focused was just all on me. I had to lie down on the bed  because they hooked me up to fetal and contraction monitors.  No IV was administered yet as I had requested through my OB. I hate IVs, they are so uncomfortable and I didn't want to drag it along if I wanted to walk around later on should the labor not progress immediately.    As the nurses looked after me, they occasionally commented that my threshold of pain seemed high. "You're sure you're not taking any epidural ma'am," they sometimes asked whenever they noticed me holding unto the bed rail and breathing deeply, obviously trying to manage another contraction. "No, I'm ok," I would reply with a fake smile.

The contraction were then longer and striking every 2-3mins. I continued to do deep breathing. Occasionally, I sat up and just swayed my hips side to side. I distracted myself by reading also but I only finished a page and I could hardly understand what I was reading. I tried to relax and sleep in between the contractions.  I kept thinking that  every contraction was a sign that Selah was on her way out to say hello. We can do this Selah, we'll go all-natural baby!  

Doc Chris did another IE and I was already 7cm dilated. Yay! 

6 AM: 

Dennis finally arrived at the hospital and luckily he was allowed inside the labor room. I was so happy and relieved to see him. "Wow, you managed to put on some eye-shadow ah," was his first remark haha.

"I trust you! I know you are strong. And I am confident that you can do this!" He has always mentioned those encouraging words to me ever since we made up our mind that we'll go natural. I felt so empowered hearing those words from him again. We prayed together, asked God to sustain me and reminded ourselves that God designed my body to give birth. We talked to Selah, asked her to cooperate and quickly come out and not to give mommy a hard time.  

So happy that I got to spend some of my labor time with my supportive hubby. 

6:30 AM (Transition Stage to PUSHING)

We did another IE and I was already 10cm dilated! Wow, I progressed very fast. My fear that it will drag for hours and hours didn't happen.  I think seeing my hubby got the baby excited to come out.  

However, my water bag was still intact. Doc Chris mentioned that it might take another 2 hours. And at that moment I was starting to entertain the thought of asking for epidural already.  Good thing that whenever my contractions came, he would just coach me to relax and breathe. At the same time, he suggested sedation. I agreed  so I could sleep and the pain would be more bearable. But while he was still there, I felt a sudden gush of water. There goes my water bag! No need to wait for another 2 hours. He immediately gave instructions to the nurses  to transfer me to the delivery room.  We quickly practiced how to push - Inhale... Exhale... Inhale... Hold, then Push using your lower back/butt as if you were pooping. Yes, like pooping haha!  At the background, my hubby was not tense at all. He even gave me a grin and a re-assuring thumbs up.

Source: http://www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk

While they were transferring me to the delivery room, I could feel Selah's head descending.  It was as if a bowling ball was coming out of me! OMG, baby girl this is it!!! You are finally coming out.  Lord, help me!

At that point, I was no longer quiet and still, I started moaning and shouting. I was restless on the delivery bed, turning from side to side.  There were 2  doctors - my OB and my pedia - plus 6 nurses.  (I didn't know that there would that many persons watching- I mean assisting -  me in that incredible event.) Nevertheless, I was totally unashamed of all the moaning and shouting that I was doing hahaha. 

Just few mins and everyone was ready for the main event! I started pushing as Doc Chris coached me. He kept reminding me to use my lower back to push. and he would give me affirmations "Very good, you're doing great" each time. At one point I think I heard him say "Cge, i-tae mo lang".  Oh ok, hahaha! After maybe 4 times of pushing, Selah's head was crowning.  I gave a really hard and super long push and shouted so loud that Dennis could hear me from outside the delivery room. And there, the super big POOP, I mean, Selah was out! Hahaha!  

It was only 7:02 in the morning, only 3 hours since I was admitted. That was fast! Super! Sa sobrang bilis at dali, di ako pinawis at di pa burado ung kilay at eye-shadow ko!

This was taken right after I delivered.  You can tell that I was doing real fine!

But actually I was really groggy and super thirsty. 

Selah was then placed on my chest to latch. Her eyes were open and she seemed happy to meet mommy at last!  "Very good baby girl, thank you for cooperating. We did it!" Giving birth is a team effort between mom and baby and I was amazed that we were in perfect harmony and she cooperated with me the whole time. Dennis was then called into the delivery room.  "Good job mahal ko, ang galing galing mo!"  (Good job my love, you did very well!). We then took some photos and he also took a video of Selah being cleaned up and checked. He was grinning and was so happy! 

Doc Shawi Jalac was my sister's classmate in high school.

And she's the pedia of most of their classmates babies hehe. 

With Doc Chris and Doc Shawi :)

As I was being cleaned up and stitched (for my episiotomy), I still couldn't believe that I was able to go through one of the most painful experiences a woman could go through. And I did it without anesthesia! It gave me a sense of achievement as it showed me the possibility of doing almost-impossible things through God. Philippians 4:13 says "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength".   I was encouraged me that no matter what difficulty motherhood will throw at me, I would be able to endure it as well. More challenging things are coming - hello sleepless nights and non-stop breastfeeding!