Exclusive: Mariel admits mixed emotions about giving birth in US, but it’s “for the best”

Abhorred by that vinegar “stench” emanatingfrom a plateful of carabao chicharon on the side table, Mariel Rodriguez-Padillacalled our attention.

“Anong amoy yun?” she quipped like yournormal expectant mother. “Nakaka-dampen ng mood.”

And of course, how can’t she miss thatalarm from her smartphone reminding her to take her routine meds? She excusedherself for a moment, retreated rather arduously (a movement she jokinglyrefers to as the penguin walk) to a room in her sprawling, majestic, bright,and pleasant abode she shares with husband Robin Padilla in Paranaque City.

After about two minutes, she came back togreet us and apologized, “Sorry, talagang to the dot kailangan kong inuminito.”

As she settled on her comfy living roomchair, she again pleaded for understanding, “Naku, sorry, it’s setting in,”referring to some drowsiness she feels after ingesting those meds. “But, noworries, I’m okay.”

Gleefuldisposition

Mariel’s gleeful disposition, bubbly charmand lively demeanor was spared. And even as she goes through not-so-comfortableepisodes in expecting that ultimate bundle of joy on the way, a girl whom sheand Robin will name Maria Isabella, we all noticed she has not changed at all.Except that she has been too serious, strict and passionate about her pre-natalcare.

Above all, she has expressed excitement inthis anticipation, as she happily feels those kicks, bumps and stomps from herangel in her tummy. Finally, she says, this has become so real.

“I’m so grateful. I can’t believe it. Alammo sometimes, I still pray to God and tell him thank you for this,” Mariel saidin an exclusive interview with PUSH. “I can’t believe this is finally happeningto me, this is finally happening to us. We are blessed with this baby. I’mreally grateful beyond words.”

Her pregnancy journey she said was “noteasy.” “I’ve had miscarriages. I’ve had letdowns. I’ve had spottings. I washospitalized. I do injections. I monitor my blood sugar. It’s not easy. But, Iknow it’s going to be worth it.”

Mariel will depart for Delaware on Friday,September 23 to spend the final two months of her pregnancy and give birth toMaria Isabelle.

Difficultdecision

Mariel said she and Robin made thedifficult decision of having the delivery in the US.

“He believes the baby deserves 100%attention. He believes that we owe it to the baby. We’ve gone this far. Here,there are so many distractions. When we’re there, it’s just going to be us.”

However, Mariel said her biggest fear wasthat Robin may not be able to join her because of his difficulty in securing aUS visa due to his previous illegal firearms conviction.

“This is the heaviest for me, I’m not sureif Robin can join me. Medyo nalulungkot at naiiiyak na malapit na ako umalis.You know, excited ka pero nalulungkot ka?”

Another fear was that Mariel will have anew doctor after having spent nearly 14 years under the care of her “securityblanket,” renowned OB-Gyne specialist Dr. Eileen Manalo. “I’m experiencingseparation anxiety… I’ve been so comfortable with my doctor, Dr. Eileen Manalo.She’s amazing. She has helped me out in everything I’ve been through.”

Since Dr. Manalo knows her difficultjourney best, including her adverse pregnancy outcomes such as PolycysticOvarian Syndrome and gestational diabetes, Mariel says her fears are “normal.”But as she and Robin believe, having her baby delivered in the US is still thebest option.

100%attention

“I feel that it would be the best to givemy baby 100% attention. Like I always say, I’ve been waiting for this. The babydeserves everything. The best that we can give, which is our time, our fulldevotion to the baby. So that’s what we want to give.”

Arrangements are being made by Mariel’srelatives in Delaware, who she says will help her in taking care of her baby.And, they won’t be in a hurry returning to Manila, as she would give the babyample time to be fit and ready for the trip back home.

Upon their return, Mariel pleads: “Nopictures of my baby, please.” And none even on her Instagram, she vows. Shewould want to cherish their privacy at the utmost in her precious first monthsof motherhood.

“I’ll be a hands-on mother…I’m excited andI’m happy for my baby. When she grows up, I want her to know mommy dideverything for her.”