SM Cares mounts pregnancy care talk, serenade for expecting moms

 Flanked by pregnant moms are (5th from left) Berna Velasco, program director for SM Cares Program on Women and Breastfeeding Mothers; medical nutrition physician Dr. Mariana Sioson; Dr. Bianca Katrina Villanueva from the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynegological Society, and; celebrity mom and event host Suzi Entrata-Abrera. Expecting mothers from the ranks of the Philippine National Police also attended the event.

Expecting mothers were treated to an afternoon of informative discussion on pregnancy and good health as well as an hour-long serenade of soothing music at SM Cares’ “Mama’s Lullaby, A Musical Event for Expecting Mothers”.

Held at the Event Center of SM Megamall, pregnant mothers from different walks of life attended the event which aims to promote good health and well-being of mothers and their unborn child through safe pregnancy and delivery.  SM Cares organized the event in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number three (Good Health and Well-being) to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, and to support the women in its community.

“Today we celebrate your pregnancy because this is, by far, the most wonderful experience a woman can have. That is why we at SM Cares came up with this event – to show our support to all moms out there, and to let you know that we are with you every step of the way,” said Berna Velasco, program director for SM Cares Program on Women and Breastfeeding.

Celebrity host and mom Suzi Entrata-Abrera, who hosted the event, was joined by guest speakers Dr. Bianca Katrina Villanueva from the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, and medical nutrition physician Dr. Mariana Sioson. Tips on ensuring intellectual and emotional development of the baby as well as proper pregnancy care were discussed by Dr. Villanueva, while Dr. Sioson talked about breastfeeding and food that will boost nutrition for both mother and baby.

Mommies were also given the opportunity to consult and be enlightened with a vast array of questions, uncertainties, and reservations most first-time mothers have. “As a general rule, when in doubt, don’t do it. It’s always better to listen to your OB-GYN to better understand what your body really needs,” said Dr. Villanueva when asked about unorthodox practices during pregnancy.

“There’s a wide range of misconceptions – like in food consumption. Most women believe that they are eating for two people -- even in the first trimester – taking in as much food as they can, when in fact they should only be eating for one,” Dr. Marianna Sioson added.

The highlight of the event was the symphony performance of String Fusion that serenaded the mommies and their babies with soothing music, as it is believed that music has a potential positive impact on the baby’s mental and emotional development.   Also in attendance were some of our country’s gallant moms-in-uniform—PNP police officers who are expecting moms as well.

SM Cares is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Its advocacies include Environment Sustainability, Programs on Persons with Disabilities, Children and Youth, Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Senior Citizens, and Overseas Filipino Workers (SM Global Pinoy).

As a responsible integrated property developer, SM ensures that its CSR programs serve as a catalyst for positive change in the communities that it supports. To know more about SM Cares, you may visit www.smacares.com.ph, www. Facebook.com/OfficialSMCares or email smcares@smsupermalls.com.