How Max Collins and Pancho Magno prepared for home water birth
No one was prepared for a pandemic to strike when everyone welcomed the year 2020. Much less, expectant parents whose excitement to welcome their bundle of joy soon turned into fear and uncertainty, just like Kapuso celebrity couple Max Collins and Pancho Magno.
Max Collins and Pancho Magno with their first born, Skye Anakin | Source: magnopancho (IG)
In a recent episode of 'Bright Side,' Max and Pancho shared their experience of welcoming their first born, Skye Anakin, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Max revealed that the original plan was to give birth in the hospital, as how most mothers do pre-pandemic.
Apparently, they had to think of a plan B when the COVID-19 pandemic began.
“Prior to COVID, yung plano namin is manganak talaga sa hospital. Nung nag-start 'yung pandemic kasi kinabahan kami na pumunta sa hospital or magpa-check up sa hospital.
“So, we tried to find other options. So ayon na. Naisip namin baka naman pwede at home.”
The couple's decision to undergo water birth at home was born out of thorough research and Pancho's knowledge and experience as a registered nurse.
However, Pancho confessed that even with all the information they had, it was still a nerve-racking experience.
“I admit na medyo as a nurse talagang ang dami kasing cases dati na parang lahat na pinag-aralan ko…wala eh. 'Pag anak mo or asawa mo, parang iba yung anxiety mo, kinakabahan ako.”
Thankfully, on July 7, Max successfully delivered Baby Skye Anakin via water birth at home and both have remained in good health since.
Tips for expectant mothers
For pregnant moms who are planning to undergo water birth as well, Max advises that you exercise regularly, research and practice proper breathing techniques and labor positions.
Plus, Max also emphasized that preparing yourself mentally is important.
“It's a mental game talaga, I think, (yung) dealing with the pain without medication.
“You always have to tell yourself na this too shall pass, you know. Even if masakit siya ngayon, mawawala rin yung pain.
“You really have to prepare yourself for anything to happen.”
Pancho also added that the love and support of loved ones are of great help to mothers who are about to give birth amid the pandemic.
“Siguro isa ring important is yung support system ng family mo eh.”
And finally, Max encouraged expectant moms to remain optimistic and get rid of all the negative thoughts.
“It's really preparing yourself for the blessing that will come. So, dapat 'wag tayong matakot and always look at the bright side.”
Watch Max and Pancho's full interview and other birthing stories amid the pandemic in this episode of 'Bright Side.'
For more inspiring stories to brighten up your day, watch 'Bright Side' every Tuesday, 8:30 pm., after 24-Oras on GMA News TV.
And for more lifestyle content, head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.
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