All ears for the Tomatis method

“All ears for the Tomatis method”

Sun.Star Davao, Oct. 29, 2011

Although she is a dentist by training and profession, Dr. Gina Diaz-Cembrano felt that being a preschool teacher will enable her to touch the lives of her young students and their families. In the process, she also hoped to understand her own kids better and become a more effective mother.

So, when her contract as a health center dentist expired in 2001, she gladly accepted the invitation of her friend who owned a well-known Davao preschool to work as a kindergarten teacher.

"After graduation, I tried teaching college students. However, teaching children is entirely new, unfamiliar but fun. The first year was like groping in the dark, but I really took it as a challenge”, recounts Gina, who is married to fellow dentist Dr. Eric Cembrano. She and Eric are blessed with three wonderful children, Dia, Matthew and Jose III.

Slowly, Gina started to discover that she possessed other gifts and talents that she wasn’t previously aware of. “I then felt that I still have more to give in this field. Teaching was like swimming carefree”, she enthuses.

What made the experience more challenging was that Gina was at the same time enrolled in a 2-year Community Health Masteral Program under a scholarship grant.

Eventually, Gina became so passionate with her field that she decided to finish 3 more units in teaching so as to qualify for the Licensure Exam for Teachers (LET). She passed the LET with flying colors in 2010.

Dealing with learning disabilities

“While I was teaching preschool, I noticed that children with conditions and learning disabilities are increasing in number every year. I found it alarming and was quite disturbed by it. I was thinking how I will assist the kids and their respective families”, Gina says.

It was also during this time that Gina’s son was diagnosed to have Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD).

“When my son was diagnosed to have ADHD, a particular medicine was prescribed to him to improve his focus and attention. However, when he refused to take the meds, I chose his position and promised to study as much as I can about the disorder”, Gina recalls.

At first, Gina tried to seek the help of a therapist but when she and her son were made to wait for a vacant slot just for an appointment, the frustrated mom was extremely disappointed and had enough.

“I ultimately decided that I will be the one personally to help my son. I even thought of putting a therapy center in the future to serve other families going through the same predicament”, Gina shares.

Gina’s U.S.-based friend suggested that she consider the Tomatis method. In another occasion, a relative from Manila also mentioned that her child who had learning disabilities was enrolled in the Tomatis method and has shown remarkable improvements.

Curious, Gina started searching the internet and found the Tomatis Philippines website. She e-mailed the owners and was referred to the person who trained them, a French psychologist and registered and certified Tomatis consultant Francoise Nicoloff.

“And, the rest is history”, Gina smiles warmly.

Last week, Gina opened the I Listen Enhancement Center for Maximum Learning, a center which provides the Tomatis effect, the first of its kind in Davao City.

Good learners are good listeners

The Tomatis method is guided by the principle that “good learners are good listeners". It was discovered by French doctor Alfred A. Tomatis, an Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) specialist.

Dr. Tomatis pioneered the study of auditory processing and language development, laying the groundwork for a new multi disciplinary science called Audio Psycho Phonology (APP). 

His work explains why the way we listen has a profound impact on almost all aspects of our being.

Gina explains that the Tomatis method is “an auditory stimulation program that is based on the interrelationship between the ear and the voice, between listening and communication. It was designed to re-awaken the ear’s natural ability to listen and ultimately stimulate the brain’s desire to communicate”. It is non-invasive, drug-free and involves no tutoring or teaching.

“The Tomatis method re-trains the listening system by using electronically modified music and language to re-educate, stimulate and improve the way in which we process auditory information”, Gina describes.

The training is provided through a highly developed technical sound system known as the Electronic Ear. Using pre-determined frequencies, it stretches and relaxes the ear muscles by fluctuating sounds between canals, where low frequencies and high frequencies are amplified. This process over time strengthens the ear muscles and improves the ability to listen.

This auditory stimulation program is applied in more than 400 private centers, schools and institutions that each year welcomes and helps more than 50,000 children, teenagers and adults in all continents.

All ears for the Tomatis method

Gina points out that “globally, among the most observed common problems or challenges in our societies are the inability to handle emotions that are affected by our listening and communication skills, memory and attention; and how the brain processes the information”.

In Davao City, she observes that we are confronted with the same problem which affects directly or indirectly our relationships with our families, performance at school and workplaces.

Gina proudly reveals that the “Tomatis method has been successful in addressing the needs of children diagnosed with ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome, autism, dyslexia, speech delays/speech problems, motor skill and other sensory integration problems”.

"Tomatis works well in conjunction with occupational therapy, sensory integration, speech therapy and all natural therapies. They are all complementary", she adds.

In addition, even school children with no diagnosed disorder but need improved focus, attention and listening skill can likewise benefit from an available standard program dubbed as ‘Brain Gain with No Pain’.

The Tomatis method also claims to have helped adults fight depression, learn foreign languages faster, develop better communication skills, and improve both creativity and on-the-job performance.

In fact, many musicians, singers and actors found the program helpful in fine-tuning their artistic skills. These clients include the opera singer Maria Callas, French actor Gerard Depardieu, and musician Sting.

The 60-hour program is split into two phases: Phase 1 (2 hours/day for 15 days) followed by rest for one month and a half; Phase 2 (2 hours/session) with Pre and Post Assessment and Daily Monitoring for Improvement/Observations.

“The results obtained with the Tomatis method are long-lasting, even permanent, and consequently, it is often not necessary to extend the sessions beyond the initial course though sometimes, for certain problematic cases, extending the program will be advised”, Gina concludes.

Thanks to the love and dedication of this dentist turned teacher, our children’s ears can not only hear but most importantly, experience “well-tuned listening”, bringing significant and improved changes in their lives.

The I Listen Enhancement Center for Maximum Learning is located at 3^rd Floor FTC Tower, Mt. Apo St., Davao City with telephone number 3015082.

As an introductory offer, the I Listen Enhancement Center for Maximum Learning will be giving special discounts depending on the number of enrollees per family.

For more information, log on to www.tomatis.com.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.

Best breast forward

"Best breast forward"

Sun.Star Davao, July 9, 2011

"Breast milk is one of the most precious gifts a mother can give to her child. Even though how hard it may be at times, I think it is our obligation to try”, imparts Dr. Maria Carmen Dina Carriedo-Obach, a pediatric dentist and mother to Mateo Gabriel (age 5) and Maria Ana Isabela (age 3).

Although her nipples are inverted which made it difficult for her to breastfeed her children directly, that was not a cause for her to give up on breastfeeding. With the help of a good quality breast pump, her portable DVD player, proper time management and her determination, she would express milk every 2–3 hours without fail morning until night.

“Since my milk was more than enough, I was even able to donate my breast milk to a local government hospital. For me providing breast milk to my children and even to other kids is one of the most rewarding parts of motherhood”, Dr. Obach proudly reveals.

On the other hand, for government employee Marie Antoniette ‘Monet’ Ermac Alcantara-Andulana, initially, her view on breastfeeding was primarily a mode of augmenting their family’s income.

“When I found out I was pregnant with my second child, I was totally elated but at the same time worried. My husband and I are simple folks, whose income is just sufficient for a family of three. Though it was a joyous blessing, an additional member of the family would necessarily equate to additional financial burden, and the cost of baby formula was always a concern”.

As Monet browsed through the different sites in the internet to educate herself on the benefits of breastfeeding, she came to realize its importance. So, she started to search for an effective and cost-efficient breast pump that she can bring to her workplace.

Pump it up!

The busy working mom set her criteria for her breast pump search. Above all, she wanted one that was affordable; second, very effective; and lastly, portable.

“I searched every department store here in Davao, but could not find one which, most importantly, fit criteria number 1. I surfed the internet by typing in the famous brands there were, but still criteria number 1 was not met”, she laments.

Then, Monet came across a Facebook (FB) page where a community of moms, soon-to-be moms, and even dads from all over gathered and connected, BabyMama, by Mi'Ann Reyes-Oblea.

Monet instantly loved the Philippine-based BabyMama FB page because it was full of rich information on breastfeeding. It provided her will all the tips and tricks for her breastfeeding journey. And, as a first time breastfeeding mom, she needed lots of them.

After days of “stalking” the BabyMama FB page, she learned that Michelle was selling breast pumps.

“Not just any pump but a hospital-grade pump at that! And, the most important thing is it fit criteria number 1!”, she says excitedly.

Best breast forward

“I was ecstatic when I saw the Unimom Forte. Well, never mind portability. I am more than willing to lug around this sweetie around, despite its toaster-like exterior. What caught my eye more than its appearance is the fact that it costs only P7,000.00 as compared to the leading brands which ranges from P18,000.00 to a whopping P60,000.00”, narrates Monet.

“When I tried it, I was more than contented with its efficiency, especially so, when after several days of using it, my milk supply increased. I believe that the increase was brought about by the fact that the boob is emptied more often now as compared before with the use of my manual pump. The suction is so powerful, that I am done pumping in less than half the time I used to. And, despite its powerful suction, I was amazed that it was not painful at all”, she describes.

Like Monet, Sun.Star Davao columnist and businesswoman Dorothy Bangayan-Lee, was amazed when she tried the Unimom Forte breast pump for the first time.

Although she already owned two top of the line breast pumps which she uses at work and the other one at home, she had heard so many positive reviews about Unimom Forte that she got intrigued and tried the pump herself.

“I was surprised that my milk output was comfortable and produced the same amount as I usually would with my high-end pumps”, she discloses.

High quality baby love

Dorothy believed in Unimom Forte so much that she and her sister-in-law Keryl Lee applied as distributors for Davao and other nearby Mindanao areas.

“The main reason we decided to do this is that we realized that there are limited choices of pumps available in Davao. It would be great if we can offer an effective yet affordable alternative in the city”, she explains.

“The really cheap hundred peso pumps we see in department stores or drug stores are not effective and might even mislead some moms into thinking they don’t have breast milk. While others might find the expensive ones out of their budget range and give up breastfeeding altogether!”, Dorothy relates.

Aside from the best selling and hospital grade Unimom Forte (P7,500.00), Dorothy and Keryl are also distributing other high quality and affordable breast pumps in Davao.

Ameda Purely Yours (P8,800.00) is a lightweight and portable model which has a closed system design that doesn’t allow milk to enter the tubing or pump motor protecting the pump from molds, viruses and bacteria. On the other hand, Spectra 3 (P4,900.00) is a BPA-free silent and powerful breast pump which has been a bestseller in the UK and Korea for the past 6 years.

Meanwhile, the Unimom Mezzo (P1,800.00) is a manual breast pump that is compact and discreet. It is claimed to be as effective and comfortable as brand name breast pumps at 1/3 of the cost.

Breastfeeding journey

“From the moment my second child was born, I knew that I would breastfeed him. I knew that I would or should provide him the best there is. Now, my view on breastfeeding was no longer confined on the fact that it is cost-efficient, but rather on the fact that it is the most primal thing that every mother could provide her children, the benefits of which far outweigh the most expensive brands of milk. It is most natural and basic, that nothing could compare to it”, Monet reflects.

“From all the stories I've read and from all the information I've gathered, I came up with one simple conclusion: Breastfeeding can only be successful if you want it to be so. Will it, and you are good to go!”, she declares.

On the other hand, Dorothy shares that when she gave birth in 2009, she received a lot of support and information about breastfeeding aside from the wide variety of breastfeeding paraphernalia (pumps, accessories, breastmilk bags, nursing clothes, nursing pillows, etc.) which definitely made the journey of breastfeeding easier for her.

“I am lucky that my child was able to take milk from both breast and bottle without fuss so it was convenient for me. Presently, I am still nursing my 19-month old child. I am so grateful to those moms who helped me by providing information and support and would also like to assist others in achieving breastfeeding success, too”, Dorothy intimates.

Dorothy reflects that breastfeeding is definitely a rewarding and self fulfilling experience. She hopes that through the availability of the breastfeeding products in Mindanao, she can make moms more comfortable in their breastfeeding journey, too.

This breastfeeding mom is definitely helping other mothers put their “best breasts forward”!

To know more about breastfeeding, breastfeeding talks are held at Brokenshire Women’s Center every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. You can also contact Mommy Sense, a breastfeeding support group by mothers for mothers through their Facebook community page.

Information details on BabyMama's Unimom and Ameda products and breast milk bags: https://www.babymama.ph or https://www.facebook.com/babymama.ph.

The Unimom and Ameda Davao Distributor Office is at Lee Business Corner, Juan Luna corner Juan dela Cruz St., D.C. Contact numbers: 09325623630 (Sun) and 2869487 (landline). For product inquiries or breastfeeding tips, call or text 09239813373 (Sun)/09178520278 (Globe).

Other stores: The Oak & Acorn (Davao), Plaza del Carmen, Loyola Street, D.C.; The Pod (Davao), Plaza del Carmen, Loyola St., Bo. Obrero, D.C.; and Baby Spice, 2^nd Floor, Gaisano Mall of Davao.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.

Mommies go, grow, and glow at The Pod

“Mommies go, grow and glow at The Pod”

Sun.Star Davao, Feb. 12, 2011

So many wonderful things have happened to super mom Alexandria Morris-Hao since I featured her and her homeschooling brood in 2006.

For one, her husband Bion and their three beautiful daughters Amber (13), Ashley (10) and Allegra (6) finally welcomed a much-awaited adorable baby boy, Nicholas, to their young family.

On the other hand, the breastfeeding support group which she co-founded, Mommysense, has continued to successfully organize breastfeeding awareness projects in the city such as “Portraits of Love, Celebrating the Mother-Child Bonds of Breastfeeding" Photo Exhibit and “The Gifts of Breastfeeding-A Mommy Meet and Skills Seminar” gathering nearly five hundred participants at the SM City Davao’s Event Center.

Aside from actively homeschooling her children, the Filipino-British mom still manages to teach Childbirth Preparation Classes and do valuable volunteer work at the Brokenshire Women Center (BWC) where she strongly advocates breastfeeding.

The Pod

Recently, the Ateneo De Davao University Business Administration graduate opened her very own special place “where mommies can go, grow and glow” aptly named The Pod.

“The Pod is a classroom for Childbirth Preparation Class, Prenatal Yoga and Mommy Talks. Brokenshire has been most generous in allowing me to use their former OB conference room where they allowed me to conduct classes. I just have to submit my schedule ahead of time and pay the fee. There are many other things to do. Sometimes moms with new babies would call and they wouldn’t want to meet in the hospital so it’s really time to have my space”, the ever bubbly Alex explains.

Less than a week after The Pod opened, Alex immediately had her first family visitor--a new mom and dad with their newborn baby. “We first met in BWC before their baby was born. They came for a breastfeeding inquiry and we just sat down and talked. The new mom tried to latch the baby. I felt really happy about this”, Alex excitedly reveals.

Preparing for childbirth

Fourteen years ago, the idea of going through birth alone was not just for Alex. “Luckily, my OBGYN Dr. Darleen Estuart gave me the number of Gamay Dacanay, a childbirth preparation educator. My husband Bion and I attended her class and after our positive experience, we passionately told everybody else how it turned out to be amazing for us, including the breastfeeding part”, Alex reminisces.

Bion and Alex had different motives when they attended Dacanay’s class. “For me, it was so Bion can be with me during the labor. But, I didn’t see myself teaching. It was only after I had my third child, that I felt I would like to teach. The first person I shared this was with my husband and then my OBGYN. This is definitely a topic I feel strongly for”, the busy mom declares.

Alex acknowledges that having to deal with the pain associated with labor is often one of the biggest fears of pregnant women. “Through childbirth preparation classes, you learn how to become more attuned to your pain and contractions. This aids you to better move and position your body in such a way as to be more beneficial to the natural labor process”.

She clarifies that “attending the class and trying to do it naturally does not mean you may not avail of pain medication in case you find yourself wanting or needing it when you are in labor”.

Prenatal yoga

When Alex started teaching Transition Childbirth Preparation Class, she happened to see some courses on prenatal yoga. “They so go together!”, Alex observes.

Prenatal yoga is a great way to strengthen muscles, tone the body and learn important breathing techniques all of which are useful during childbirth.

Last December 2010, Alex attended the Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training Course by Dr. Jean Byrne in Singapore. Dr. Byrne, an Australian, is an authorized Ashtanga teacher (AYRI Mysore) and a senior member of the Yoga Teachers Association of Australia who specializes in teaching Pregnancy Yoga, Yoga for Active Birth and Post-Natal Yoga. During the training, Alex also met Ginny Phang, a Singapore-based doula. These encounters cemented Alex’s resolve to bring home and introduce the course to mommies here in Davao City.

At The Pod, pregnant moms can join the Prenatal Yoga class during their second trimester of pregnancy while couples can enroll in Childbirth Preparation Class around their 24^th week. The Pod also has a library where books can be borrowed out for 15 days.

Birthing coach

What is Alex’s advice for husbands who can’t imagine themselves being with their wives at the delivery room?

“Unless you try, you will never know!”, Alex smiles. “Attending Childbirth Preparation Class is a fun learning experience”, she assures.

Aside from dads, moms-to-be can invite their own moms or mother-in-law; sister; sister-in-law or friend to act as a birthing coach during the class and delivery.

“Just keep in mind that the person you bring in class should be the person you want to be with in labor and let your birth attendant/OBGYN/midwife know. We can only bring one or two support people with us in labor. Not all hospitals allow moms to have support people with them” Alex says.

Having known Alex since her college days, I cannot help but feel a sense of pride and awe at how she exudes passion for motherhood, inspiring and teaching fellow moms on, as she puts it, “active mommyness”. She believes that The Pod can “build a community one mother at a time”. And, I have no doubt that ‘Mommy Coach’ Alex can achieve this---and so much more!

The Pod is located at Plaza del Carmen, Loyola St., Bo. Obrero, D.C. Tel. numbers: 3003023 and 3022737.

The Pod’s Transition Childbirth Preparation Class has the following schedules: Batch 3: Feb. 19 and 26 (4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.); Batch 4: March 12, 19, 26, April 2 and 9 (1:30-3:30 p.m.); Batch 5: April 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 (4:30 to 6:30 p.m.).Registration is from Mondays to Saturdays (1:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.). Class size: maximum of 6 couples per schedule.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.