Woah.. it has been a looooooog while.. time to catch up back on the bloggings.. haha
now that lil Eva is 17mths old.. there are just so much to update.. esp on how to survive this 1st year.. LOL...
And will share about my darkest moment - missed miscarriage.. and my experience at KKH for the evacuation of uterus..
Wednesday 29 October 2014
Saturday 26 April 2014
Review: BABYSPA - Swimming for lil babies
Anyone considering if you should bring your little ones to BabySpa for a swim? I would raise both hands and legs for a YES! If you can afford the $300+ (back then it was only $290 for 10 sessions and a $10 for membership but since January / February, the fees have been raised to over $300), I seriously encourage you to sign your baby up for a package.
Here is how it goes.
1. Babies as young as 1mth old would be able to join the swim. For Eva, I only decided to bring her there at 3mth old where I thought she would have a longer awake period sufficient for the swim. And from observation, well, most of those really young ones that I seen didnt quite enjoy the swim. I guess its because they are usually sleepy or hungry at that age and either of which will make them fuss and not enjoy the swim. So you need to 1st decide at what age do you want to bring baby along. Not to wait till they are too old either as they may start to be too conscious and refuse to get into the waters.
2. You can drop by at any of their outlets for a 1st time trial which will supposedly cost you around $38 with a free swim diapers. If you decide to sign up the package (10 sessions of swim plus 5 free swim diaper) after the trial, they will give you this 1st session free but the free swim diaper will be included in the 5 free diapers. Subsequently you can purchase swim diapers at $1.50 each from them or bring along your own. They also gave me a free photo shoot voucher which I can redeem at the photo studio.
3. Prepare your own towel (else you will be asked to purchase from them), new sets of clothes (for me, I let Eva wear back what she was wearing prior to the swim), normal diapers and swim diaper (as included in the package) and definitely milk! Lotions are available there as well but you might want to use your baby's regular ones so do bring along.
4. Set your timing right. Estimate when baby will nap and drink as you need to ensure that baby slept well and has the last feed at least 30min to 45min prior to the swim. You will get your turn as long as there is vacant spot.
5. Always bring along your member card as they will not allow swim if you dont produce the card.
*Point to note: there is an expiry period tag on to the various package. For eg. 10 sessions to be completed within 6months.
What to expect
If it is your first time
1. inform the staff that you would like to have a trial swim for your baby. Normally for first-timer, the staff is very prompt to attend to you.
2. you will enter the room which is warm so you do not need to worry about baby catching cold. Note: Plaza Singapura outlet has a very nice warm room while Serangoon nex is slightly cooler.
3. you will be asked to change baby into swim diapers. and wait for staff cue before removing baby's clothing as they need time to prepare the warm water for the swim.
4. first-time swimmers will be assigned to the individual tub pool and will be limited to 15-20min max for the babies to get used to it. By 3rd swim, baby can move on the the big pool.
5. Staff will help baby do a little warm-up exercise before putting on the neck float. The neck float may seem dangerous and umcomfortable but so far, Eva has no complaints about it!!
6. Get ready your camera as your baby takes the 1st dip into the pool.
7. After awhile, the staff will on the jacuzzi bubbles for your baby.
8. At the end of the swim, the staff will remove the swim diapers 1st. Baby will continue to swim for a lil while more before getting out of the tub.
9. you will dry and dress up your baby.
*I strongly suggest that you prepare milk (unless latching on) before baby gets out of the pool or while you are dressing baby, daddy should prepare as baby is very likely to be very hungry after the exercise! And likely to have a good nap and night sleep afterward.
After the 1st time, if you are on package, the above procedures apply except that you will only need to pass them your member card upon arrival.
_______________________________________________
I personally been to Plaza Singapura and Serangoon Nex for Eva's sessions - both outlets were convenient since one is near my MIL place while the other near my place.
Eva enjoyed all her swims where she moved from the individual pool to the big pool and from neck float to the seat float. I could also see the significance in improvement in her tummy time right after her 1st session of swim.
Of course I have to say, Eva loves water right from birth and that was what prompted me to bring her to BabySpa. And I never regretted the choice.
Here are some photos of Eva at swim:
Monday 17 March 2014
Review: NASAL ASPIRATOR (Pigeon Nose Cleaner Tube Type)
Nasal aspirators are like one of the most essential yet dont quite know if necessary or will work kind of baby item? Haha.. it is like always appearing in baby sections in various brands and we often read on forums about mummies asking for advice with regard to their babies noisy / congested breathing or runny nose with dripping mucus etc.
I always wanted to get a nasal aspirator before Eva was born as I felt that inevitably babies are going to get runny nose especially when Eva goes to infant care. I wanted to be so ready for it and I even wanted to get that pacifier medicine dispenser! Eventually hubby persuaded me not to get either. I convinced myself too because the bulb type of aspirator didnt look like it is going to work and I was thinking if Eva struggles, this is going to poke right in! So yeah, mind got off the aspirator.
I forgot how and forgot why but somehow one fine day I come across this Pigeon nose cleaner and was reading the instructions behind and was pretty impressed with the product! Like WAHH! that means I do not need to use my mouth to do it directly like how our mums would do! And I thought this makes more sense and suction to the cleaning than the bulb type which I dunno how many pumps I will take to clean out all the mucus. At the same time, I also dunno how many pumps I will take to clean out the insides of the bulb!
BUT this nose cleaner is different!
1. It can be taken apart and clean easily.
2. It comes with a case so I can bring it handy in her diaper bag.
3. The nozzle is rounded and big so I wont risk poking it right into her little nostrils
4. The long tube allows me to do it with a distance from her without needing to lean near her face. It also allows me to use it when hubby is carrying her.
5. There is backflow prevention feature so you wont need to worry about sucking the mucus right into your own mouth.
6. The bottle is transparent so I can see exactly how much mucus I have cleared and the color of the mucus (important to note as yellow/green mucus would imply infection and a need for the doctor!)
So far, I have used it about 2-3 rounds during her more serious bout of cold and runny nose. This time, I even resort to using it to suck out from side of her mouth the throat mucus (aka phlegm) which she managed to dislodge by coughing yet not knowing how to spit out.
I take note not to suck too hard as I do not know how the impact of the suction would feel to her and would it actually harm the membrane in her nose. I read that we should not over clean their nose else it will cause the insides to be sore causing more discomfort.
I will also normally stop when she starts to get irritated and struggles as this may cause the nozzle to hit her in her nostril causing pain and discomfort.
Basically I whip out this nose cleaner whenever she sneezes leaving some trails of mucus on the outside! Recent bout of cold was bad and her mucus were not so runny but more sticky. I couldnt like just suck them out at one go. In the end, I decided that I should use it to suck the sticky mucus out of the nose and clean it off with a tissue than to try sucking it into the bottle. You can get breathless with that and its really awful to have the sticky mucus dangling with the nozzle from her nose with her feeling umcomfortable and upset already with the congested nose.
So yes, pls use with extra care!
Refer below for more information of the item!
I always wanted to get a nasal aspirator before Eva was born as I felt that inevitably babies are going to get runny nose especially when Eva goes to infant care. I wanted to be so ready for it and I even wanted to get that pacifier medicine dispenser! Eventually hubby persuaded me not to get either. I convinced myself too because the bulb type of aspirator didnt look like it is going to work and I was thinking if Eva struggles, this is going to poke right in! So yeah, mind got off the aspirator.
I forgot how and forgot why but somehow one fine day I come across this Pigeon nose cleaner and was reading the instructions behind and was pretty impressed with the product! Like WAHH! that means I do not need to use my mouth to do it directly like how our mums would do! And I thought this makes more sense and suction to the cleaning than the bulb type which I dunno how many pumps I will take to clean out all the mucus. At the same time, I also dunno how many pumps I will take to clean out the insides of the bulb!
BUT this nose cleaner is different!
1. It can be taken apart and clean easily.
2. It comes with a case so I can bring it handy in her diaper bag.
3. The nozzle is rounded and big so I wont risk poking it right into her little nostrils
4. The long tube allows me to do it with a distance from her without needing to lean near her face. It also allows me to use it when hubby is carrying her.
5. There is backflow prevention feature so you wont need to worry about sucking the mucus right into your own mouth.
6. The bottle is transparent so I can see exactly how much mucus I have cleared and the color of the mucus (important to note as yellow/green mucus would imply infection and a need for the doctor!)
So far, I have used it about 2-3 rounds during her more serious bout of cold and runny nose. This time, I even resort to using it to suck out from side of her mouth the throat mucus (aka phlegm) which she managed to dislodge by coughing yet not knowing how to spit out.
I take note not to suck too hard as I do not know how the impact of the suction would feel to her and would it actually harm the membrane in her nose. I read that we should not over clean their nose else it will cause the insides to be sore causing more discomfort.
I will also normally stop when she starts to get irritated and struggles as this may cause the nozzle to hit her in her nostril causing pain and discomfort.
Basically I whip out this nose cleaner whenever she sneezes leaving some trails of mucus on the outside! Recent bout of cold was bad and her mucus were not so runny but more sticky. I couldnt like just suck them out at one go. In the end, I decided that I should use it to suck the sticky mucus out of the nose and clean it off with a tissue than to try sucking it into the bottle. You can get breathless with that and its really awful to have the sticky mucus dangling with the nozzle from her nose with her feeling umcomfortable and upset already with the congested nose.
So yes, pls use with extra care!
Refer below for more information of the item!
| Let baby's nose feel clean and refreshed | |
| |
Thursday 6 March 2014
Review: JAVALOCK REUSABLE WET WIPE COVER (MADE IN KOREA)
I am so happy to have found this reusable wet wipe cover!! I mean seriously I never thought that there would be / could be such a product and it actually works!! I had my younger days where I somehow got into the mood of buying wet wipes or we usually call them wet tissue which were especially useful when cleaning the tables at hawker centres / kopitiam, sometimes I use them to clean office tables / office phone / even my mobile phone. But as it was considered expensive given my ability back then, I didnt bear to use them too often - resulting in even more heart pain as they dry up after some time!!
This phenomenon followed through till motherhood where wet wipes - now more fondly referred to as baby wipes are now the top essential item to bring on outings.
Perhaps due to our good time scheduling, Eva don't really poop when we are outside, I think to date (now she is 10mth old) only 3 times??? And at home, frankly we used up the most only during the 1st month when she poop so often and kind of more wet. Later on, as she was mainly taking breastmilk, she only poop every other day. Following on, as she grows older, when she is able to support herself better and also partly due to some diaper rash, we decided to clean her by direct washing than using baby wipes.
So baby wipes usage significantly dropped which results in the next problem. i.e worry that it will dry up before I can finish using them!! And for convenience, I also left a pack at my mum's place and a pack at my MIL place and certainly a pack at infant care. So that means the primary pack at home can kind of last for awhile??
To prevent that from happen, I take extra care in ensuring that the original plastic seal is sealed back properly and immediately and ensuring that I do not touch it so that it will not be coated and hence loses it adhesiveness. I even got so into it that I will reprimand my mum / sister if I found the wipes not properly sealed, telling them do you know how expensive the wipes are??
Given it all, I didnt want to buy the original box case for the Pigeon wipes, thinking that is expensive and bulky - meaning I wont be able to bring it out if I wanted / needed to.
And as since Eva started on solids, I also bought another type of wipes that are of food grade i.e to say can be used to clean her hands / mouth and utensils without worrying she gets toxicated! And that is now more useful and essential when we are on the move! And being in the same packaging style, the worry for drying up is the same!!
And ta-dah! I found this product on The Little Ones in My Life! (www.tlo.com.sg)
You cannot imagine how excited I was to try this product though I was also a little skeptical about it like seriously does it work? What if it doesnt work?? and I may end up drying the wipes up faster than normal!! But you know it looks too nice to be missed and I thought at only less than $4.00, it is definitely worth a try!
And I did and went on to make my purchase via http://tlo.com.sg/shop/index.php/javalock-reuseable-wet-wipe-cover-made-in-korea.html and it reaches my mailbox promptly! I made my purchase during their CNY holidays hence it take slightly longer than usual but they were sweet enough to end their intended closure one day earlier to send out all their orders!
I bought 3 Pink ones so I cannot decide what color to buy and I would be fretting over which color to use for which pack. Haha so make things simple, just get PINK! (though I am so tempted to get transparent one which seems so cool!) And I told myself, whatever! just try it ! and I bravely peel off the original plastic seal and put on this cover.
It has been a month now and it worked wonderfully! It is easy to manage too as the cover can be opened / closed singlehandedly without much force as compared to having to peel open the plastic seal and pasting it back nicely!
I am so glad that I bought this product. See below for more product info!
JAVALOCK Reuseable Wet Wipe Cover (MADE IN KOREA)
*** ONLINE SPECIAL: 3 for $9.99 ***
Tired of dried up wet tissue packs?
Frustrated with flimsy plastic stickers on wet tissue packs?
THIS IS YOUR SOLUTION!
Simply peel off the sticker on your wet wipe pack entirely, then paste on the Reusesable Wet Wipe Cover!
REUSEABLE???
Yes! Simply peel off at an angle once the wet wipes have been used up and stick it on a new pack!
Dirty and no longer sticky??? Rinse with tap water, rub off the dirt with your fingers then allow it to air dry. It is now as good as new again!
Frustrated with flimsy plastic stickers on wet tissue packs?
THIS IS YOUR SOLUTION!
Simply peel off the sticker on your wet wipe pack entirely, then paste on the Reusesable Wet Wipe Cover!
REUSEABLE???
Yes! Simply peel off at an angle once the wet wipes have been used up and stick it on a new pack!
Dirty and no longer sticky??? Rinse with tap water, rub off the dirt with your fingers then allow it to air dry. It is now as good as new again!
MADE IN KOREA
Dimensions: 10.5cm by 7.5cm by 0.5cm
Dimensions: 10.5cm by 7.5cm by 0.5cm
I used it on the normal big pack of wipes, not the small 20 /30pc kind. And it fits perfectly. You need to peel off the original plastic seal before placing this over. Do ensure that the area is clean and dry to enhance the adhesiveness of the gel. The gel is like so small area!! But it holds like anything! Seriously! I was imagining it to come off if I accidentally hit it off. It did not come off even when I just hold the pack by this cover! But of course I didnt want to test its limit by forcing it. Haha it is still $3.33!
So mummies or ladies all alike, really, this will be the solution to your wipes (any kind!). I believe this will be useful too for those using make-up remover wipes! Initially I was pretty tempted to get Brittato reusable wipes cover (Mini) which fits the travel packs more beautifully but erm.. looking at the comparison (refer below), I think I am better off with Javalock!
Where to buy?
Javalock Reusable Wet Wipes Cover
1 for $3.90
3 for $3.33
5 for $3.20
10 for $3.00
Bittato - Reusable Wet Wipes Covers (MINI)
* 5.8cm by 8.5cm by 0.5cm
1 for $4.00
Comparison for the 2 brands below.
Wednesday 5 March 2014
Baby Matters: CRADLE CAP (Dentinox Cradle Cap Shampoo)
Eva was born pretty clean and with quite an amount of hair (much to my pleasure)! However, somehow as time pass, I noticed that she started to have cradle cap. (Aww... sad)
Other than not looking good, I was more worried if it would be itchy and I see that they start to build up and thicken on her head! It was difficult to remove especially in between that pile of hair. And she started having them on her eye brows!
So like most people / webbies advised, to use olive oil to apply and lightly scrub it off. My MIL bought Ginvera one and we tried. Maybe we soak it for too long? I apply it before her bath and after washing it off, the areas applied became reddish! I do not know if she was just being really sensitive or yeah, soak for too long.
And I decided that it wasnt a good method and I wanted to let her outgrow it while I pick on them everyday. It was so tempting to peel them off. Haha BUT PLS NOTE! you need to be really really careful lest you peel off not the super dried falling off ones and that will mean you are pulling on her skin and that can cause her pain and possible rash / infection.
Then one day, I found her with infection in her outer ear, brought her to polyclinic and I asked doctor about the cradle cap too.
Doc recommended us to get cradle cap shampoo from pharmacy and it should come off easily. And so I went to search for it at pharmacy and found Dentinox Cradle Cap Shampoo (S$9.84).
This is a cradle cap treatment shampoo that is effective yet gentle enough to be used as normal care shampoo after the cradle cap clear. I started to use and I found it indeed effective. I just lather on her head and massage a little more at the areas with thicken scabs, and I even put some lathered foam onto her eye brows before I clean it off with a bath handkerchief.
It did help to soften the scabs but it depends on how much rubbing you do in order to really get it off the skin. I didnt want to rub too hard on her head and Eva actually prefer to go into the water asap and kick than to let me clean her head. So I dont have much time to slowly massage it away.
What I did was more gross and dangerously unhygienic and not quite advisable YET perhaps often done by mummies / aunts??
As the shampoo soften the scabs and when it dries a little, the edges of the scab is actually not adhering to the skin, so yes I started peeling off from there. I did not succeed in removing all in this manner because I was careful in testing and checking to see if the part was indeed off the skin and not having any fresh 'wound' beneath.
Through this method, I managed to help remove much of the scabs before they thicken to a horrible stage!! Subsequently I did pass the shampoo to infant care for her teachers to use to wash her hair. And after couple more months, no more cradle caps. I guess she probably just outgrow that phase.
I think it was a good move that I shave her when she was 01 month old? Other than for tradition purpose, I thought it was good to remove the hair when she is younger so she has time to grow nice hair by the time she reaches 4 mths ready for infant care. And more so for the cradle cap to be removed! With that pile of hair, it was so difficult to even clean the hair, let alone the scalp!! So yes, with a nice shaven head, it was easier to see the affected areas and cleaning was easier as well.
Later, Eva shaved again around coming 5 months old as the hair growth was not even. Short and slow in areas where she sleep on so we decided to shave it again. And now Eva has a good head of hair!! (though I still see some sparse areas which are now more covered up by her longer hair).
Other than not looking good, I was more worried if it would be itchy and I see that they start to build up and thicken on her head! It was difficult to remove especially in between that pile of hair. And she started having them on her eye brows!
So like most people / webbies advised, to use olive oil to apply and lightly scrub it off. My MIL bought Ginvera one and we tried. Maybe we soak it for too long? I apply it before her bath and after washing it off, the areas applied became reddish! I do not know if she was just being really sensitive or yeah, soak for too long.
And I decided that it wasnt a good method and I wanted to let her outgrow it while I pick on them everyday. It was so tempting to peel them off. Haha BUT PLS NOTE! you need to be really really careful lest you peel off not the super dried falling off ones and that will mean you are pulling on her skin and that can cause her pain and possible rash / infection.
Then one day, I found her with infection in her outer ear, brought her to polyclinic and I asked doctor about the cradle cap too.
Doc recommended us to get cradle cap shampoo from pharmacy and it should come off easily. And so I went to search for it at pharmacy and found Dentinox Cradle Cap Shampoo (S$9.84).
This is a cradle cap treatment shampoo that is effective yet gentle enough to be used as normal care shampoo after the cradle cap clear. I started to use and I found it indeed effective. I just lather on her head and massage a little more at the areas with thicken scabs, and I even put some lathered foam onto her eye brows before I clean it off with a bath handkerchief.
It did help to soften the scabs but it depends on how much rubbing you do in order to really get it off the skin. I didnt want to rub too hard on her head and Eva actually prefer to go into the water asap and kick than to let me clean her head. So I dont have much time to slowly massage it away.
What I did was more gross and dangerously unhygienic and not quite advisable YET perhaps often done by mummies / aunts??
As the shampoo soften the scabs and when it dries a little, the edges of the scab is actually not adhering to the skin, so yes I started peeling off from there. I did not succeed in removing all in this manner because I was careful in testing and checking to see if the part was indeed off the skin and not having any fresh 'wound' beneath.
Through this method, I managed to help remove much of the scabs before they thicken to a horrible stage!! Subsequently I did pass the shampoo to infant care for her teachers to use to wash her hair. And after couple more months, no more cradle caps. I guess she probably just outgrow that phase.
I think it was a good move that I shave her when she was 01 month old? Other than for tradition purpose, I thought it was good to remove the hair when she is younger so she has time to grow nice hair by the time she reaches 4 mths ready for infant care. And more so for the cradle cap to be removed! With that pile of hair, it was so difficult to even clean the hair, let alone the scalp!! So yes, with a nice shaven head, it was easier to see the affected areas and cleaning was easier as well.
Later, Eva shaved again around coming 5 months old as the hair growth was not even. Short and slow in areas where she sleep on so we decided to shave it again. And now Eva has a good head of hair!! (though I still see some sparse areas which are now more covered up by her longer hair).
Monday 3 March 2014
Review: POSTNATAL MASSAGE - Babies N Bellies (Mdm Wati)
I signed up my postnatal massage package with Babies N Bellies at Babycare Festival 2013.
I found out about the package via the adv and info in Mother & Baby magazine. Speaking of which, I like Babycare Festival and how they actually give us an insights of the upcoming fair so that we can be prepared and totally ready for the shopping spree.
So I was attended to by this Malay lady - Aisah who explained about the package and how does the massage help. Well, actually I didnt needed the explanation on how good post natal massage is and how important it is! I have heard it all and it is actually on the top of my priority list! I can skip loads of baby or mummy stuffs except this!
Of course, it is not just about the slimming that I am after. I am more concerned about how they would be helping us to get the womb and all back into shape and position. Post partum leaves our insides all messed up and if not properly fixed back, I believe it would give us trouble in old age or perhaps leave us with a weak and unsuitable womb conditions for conceiving number 2!
So I was attended to by this Malay lady - Aisah who explained about the package and how does the massage help. Well, actually I didnt needed the explanation on how good post natal massage is and how important it is! I have heard it all and it is actually on the top of my priority list! I can skip loads of baby or mummy stuffs except this!
Of course, it is not just about the slimming that I am after. I am more concerned about how they would be helping us to get the womb and all back into shape and position. Post partum leaves our insides all messed up and if not properly fixed back, I believe it would give us trouble in old age or perhaps leave us with a weak and unsuitable womb conditions for conceiving number 2!
Before I come across the ad, my impression of such massage is that it is really ex!! And I even thought perhaps I should splurge on it but then again all the more I wish thats one thing I would like to have post partum esp to comfort woes of confinement.
So when i see that the package for 7 days is less than 500$.. i knew this is it!
And upon signing the package at the fair, they actually gave me freebies where I can choose 2! I chose huggies diapers (for sure) and the huge sarong cloth which can be used to lay over bed when they come do the massage. Its important as they use massage oil which will confirm be smeared all over bed when u lie and turn on the bed. I gave up on the beanie pillow since my mama was planning to make loads of it!!
Then they will advise you to call them for appointment arrangement once you deliver quoting your EDD and name as they file according to EDD.
I did mine about 1 week after Eva was born because I only called them to make appointment after I was discharged. The results were amazing and I did feel much better after the 7 days therapy. It was not exactly consecutive 7 days as the masseur does not work on Sunday so my last session skipped a day and completed on the following week.
Following the labour, I had a bad bad tailbone pain due to the prolonged pushing as doctor mentioned. It hurts when I sit too long. It hurts me more than the episiotomy wound! Imagine with that pain to handle dear Eva. I seriously dont know how I survive it all so well. Haha. But the pain was alleviated after she did the bengkung wrap!
Back to start. The masseur assigned was Mdm Wati who is a good 56 years old Malay lady who doesnt look age and has the best kind of figure - That slim flat tummy!!!
She arrived at my MIL place punctually and went on to prepare the bed with my big sarong cloth plus a mattress protector together with her stuffs while I settle Eva in living room for my MIL to help look after during the session. you will also neex to provide a big and small towel for covering your body during massage.
Naturally such massage would mean having to strip naked. And many of us would be shy. Frankly since giving birth, I felt like I am no longer private and my body is shared with Eva hence haha I become not so shy. But Mdm Wati also made it very professional. After u removed your clothings including bra (and I had my disposable panties on which is important due to lochia), she will hold up a small towel and follow your bust area as you shift into the massage position in attempt to block her own view of your boobs.
She started from the back and throughout the 7 days she often asked and checked to see if I had sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin she will change to using olive oil instead of the lemongrass oil. I used lemongrass for a few days followed by olive oil for a few then back to lemongrass because at some pt it did feel like my skin got alil sensitive and she immediately recommend to change olive oil.
The massage was pampering and did not hurt like I thought it would. It made me so relaxed that I dozed off easily.
i had the fan on lowest mode and oscillating but she didnt stop me so the light breeze made it all feel even better!!
At the end of each massage, she will end it off with applying the slimming herbs onto my tummy area, followed by the bengkung wrap which is actually wrapping with this white wrap that has unique knoting style. Utter impressed! That is then following by the long wrap around cloth where she helps you tie it tight tight around your waist!!
Caution! Request for light application of the herbs on 1st time! She applied good amounts for me and my skin felt so burning that I was so worried that my skin is scarred from it. Thank god no!!!
The results truly amazing as my MIL.was shocked too!! It halved the size after 1st session!! By end of the 7 days, my tummy pretty much back to shape and by Eva baby shower, i felt so good!!
There is no regrets on taking up this package!! It even have a free baby massage session so Eva had her 15min massage where Mdm Wati shared with me on rhe steps etc.
Confession! Now my tummy is back to looking 4mths preggie.. sad... but Mdm Wati did remind me to take note and watch ourselves so as not to waste the investment!!
New mothers tend to feel physically and mentally tired due to stress of delivery either thru normal delivery or C-section. Massage eases stresses that come from a new mother's rapid transition from a new mother's rapid transition from a pregnant body to the body after birth. Most mothers would experience back ache and soreness. It is also very important for the wind in the stomach to be removed using the correct massage technique. Not doing so could lead to the tummy looking permanently bloated. through post natal massage, the vital energy that is lost during labor is replenished
- Improves circulation throughout the body
- Reduce the post-partum swelling that many women experience.
- Proper stretching of tight, sore muscles, easing muscular tension.
- Reduce the appearance of stretch marks due to pregnancy.
- Pushes up the uterus and help uterus to shrink to original size (For normal delivery only)
- Hasten the reduction of fluid retention, wind and spasm
- Reduce cellulite and help to tone up the body
- Relaxation
- Reduces migraines and headaches
- Reduce post natal depression
JAMU Post-Natal Massage Can Be Done After:
Normal Delivery - 4-5 days after delivery
Caesarian Delivery - 3 weeks to 1 month still subjected to your gynae's approval and your readiness for the massage
Ligation - 1 months 2 weeks still subjected to your gynae's approval and your readiness for the massage
Miscarriage - 4 - 5 days after delivery
Premature Delivery - Same as Normal or C-section depending on the type of delivery
MASSAGE INCLUDES:
- A 1-hour customized full body massage (only lemongrass oil is used for its unique qualities to relieve wind and body ache)
- Use of a high quality Param and Tapel, applied on the midsection of the tummy followed by the bengkung which helps to push up the uterus, reduce water retention, spasm and tighten flabby belly.
Package comes with:
- Bengkong , Jamu or Slimming Gel (For Mum)
- Free Baby massage & Baby Telon Oil (For Baby) -Worth $15 for 10 mins massage (For 7 days package onwards)
- Blockducts and Breast engorgement sessions (upon request)
Baby Matters: Baby aint being naughty - YOUR CHILD'S BRAIN
Recently I have borrowed a book - Science of Parenting. Being all Science student through my sch days, this works well for my brain to understand. So I am going to share about my findings from this book and hope we can all gain some insights into why and what is causing all that emo emo of our kids!!
I am excited to share because it answers some of the qns my hubby pose to me for eg.. why is Eva screaming more often these days?? How should we handle? Should we scold her and let her understand?? Etc
First of all, we need to understand about how human brain is developed and this impacts us when we go into adulthood.
So the brain is made up of 3 regions.
The Rational Brain
This is the higher brain aka frontal lobes. This is where emotionally responsive parenting has a dramatically positive impact .
Its functions and capacitues include
-creativity n imagination
-problem solving
-reasoning and reflection
-self awareness
-kindness, empathy and concern
This is the higher brain aka frontal lobes. This is where emotionally responsive parenting has a dramatically positive impact .
Its functions and capacitues include
-creativity n imagination
-problem solving
-reasoning and reflection
-self awareness
-kindness, empathy and concern
The Mammalian brain
This is the lower brain aka emotional brain. This is where strong emotiond are triggered and needs to be managed well by rational brain
It activates
-rage
-fear
-separation distress
-caring n nurturing
-social bonding
-playfulness
-exploration urge
- lust in adults
This is the lower brain aka emotional brain. This is where strong emotiond are triggered and needs to be managed well by rational brain
It activates
-rage
-fear
-separation distress
-caring n nurturing
-social bonding
-playfulness
-exploration urge
- lust in adults
The Reptilian brain
This is the deepest n most ancient part. It activates instinctive behaviour related to survival.
It controls essential body functions including
-hunger
-digestion
-breathing
-circulation
-temperature
-movement, posture, balance
-territorial instincts
-fight or flight
This is the deepest n most ancient part. It activates instinctive behaviour related to survival.
It controls essential body functions including
-hunger
-digestion
-breathing
-circulation
-temperature
-movement, posture, balance
-territorial instincts
-fight or flight
Most of the infant brain is developed after birth but the higher brain is very unfinished. Therefore we need to understand the mammalian and reptilian part of their brain and recognise the signs.
Basically the emotional systems and primitive impulses in his lower brain will all easily overwhelm him at times. Hence the intense bursts of rage, distress, screaming and rolling around on floor in a desperate state. This is not being naughty; it's just a fact about immaturity of the human infant brain. Their higher brain is not developed enough yet to to be able to calm those massive feeling storms naturally.
The rage, fear and separation distress systems are already set up at birth to support a baby's survival.
This was something my hubby and I were discussing during Eva early days like how come they are able to display negative emotions when they are just born and wouldnt have seen us adults show such emotion before. He even commented that human are born with all the negative traits like bad temper and even jealousy. Haha I LoL but did agree. Was also wondering where they learn all that from?? Was it coming from our prenatal teachings (胎教)? So now we understand it is actually something so primitive! But I think I am close, I always saying that Eva is trying to communicate with us and telling us something but it's for us to decipher correctly.
As the book points out, it is important to understand this i.e infants are often overwhelmed by by triggering of these brain systems because there is so little higher brain brain functioning yet to help them to think, reason, and calm themselves down; when faced with a genuinely distressed, screaming baby or child. He needs your help to calm down.
When child is not given enough help with his intense lower brain feelings and primitive impulses, his brain may not develop the pathways to enable him to manage stressful situations effectively.
Brain scans show that many violent adults are still driven just like infants by their ancient rage/fear and defense/attack responses deep in mammalian and reptilian parts of the brain. Just like toddlers,such adults can regularly be overwhelmed by powerful feelings without capacity to calm themselves effectively. When a child is not helped enough with his intense feelings, the alarm systems in his lower brain can be overactive in later life.
So if you dont consistently comfort and calm a child who is experiencing an amygala alarm trigger in his brain, it can lead to enduring changes in his brain. This include serious disruptions to the fine chemical balances in his frontal lobes and to stress response systems in his body and his brain.
So what do we need to do??
Help your child with his or her big feelings
When you do that, a great no. Of cells in his higher brain start to form pathways connecting with those in lower brain. Over time, these networks will naturally start to control those primitive impulses of rage, fear, or distress in his lower brain enabling them to think rather than just discharging them in some primitive action.
- Take your child's distress seriously.
Recognize how he is experiencing an event even if it is very different from how you are experiencing it. Show that you have correctoy understood the nature of his distress by telling him in a language that he can understand.
Recognize how he is experiencing an event even if it is very different from how you are experiencing it. Show that you have correctoy understood the nature of his distress by telling him in a language that he can understand.
-Meet your child's feelings with the right voice and energy
Meet his feelings with an energized rather than a flat voice. Whether they are coming to you with delighted or furious emotions.
Meet his feelings with an energized rather than a flat voice. Whether they are coming to you with delighted or furious emotions.
-Be calm and offer clear boundaries.
A key factor in your ability to manage your child's intense arousal states is managing your own. Be there for your child's feelings rather than burdening him with yours for eg. I cant deal with this now. Cant you see how tired i am? Offer clear boundaries by saying "no" firmly yet calmly when appropriate. Trying to persuade or plead with your child will make him feel emotionally unsafe. He needs to feel you are an emotionally strong parent who is clearly in charge.
A key factor in your ability to manage your child's intense arousal states is managing your own. Be there for your child's feelings rather than burdening him with yours for eg. I cant deal with this now. Cant you see how tired i am? Offer clear boundaries by saying "no" firmly yet calmly when appropriate. Trying to persuade or plead with your child will make him feel emotionally unsafe. He needs to feel you are an emotionally strong parent who is clearly in charge.
-Use physical soothing.
Respond to your distressed child with calm physical soothing.
Respond to your distressed child with calm physical soothing.
This chapter totally freaked me out that I wanna read more about how to handle Eva so that I can help her become a strong independent lady.
Source: The Science of Parenting by Margot Sunderland
Disclaimer: Content includes quotes from book and Mummy Pris' inputs.
Sunday 2 March 2014
Mummy Matters: CONFINEMENT - Food and Drinks
Before Eva was born, we establish the agreement on bathing i.e the general rules of bathing in herbal water. Which turns out to be alright! (Read: http://and-so-mummy-says.blogspot.sg/2014/02/mummy-matters-confinement-bathing.html?m=1)
Another aspect of issue definitely is about the food and drinks which is another big dread!! I mean which new mummy needs to be controlled on food and drinks in addition to no bathing!!! I always thought these must be the source of all the postnatal blues...
But seeing my MIL putting in her every effort to make my confinement the best within my comfort zone, I guess one month is just fine...
But you have to be aware of your body conditions and constitution, avoid following the rules blindly. Your body cues are just as important. Check with your gynae when in doubt.
My body constitution is 虚热 prior to pregnancy and that means I cannot take too much tonic else will be too heaty, neither can I take very cooling stuffs like ling yang as it makes my body weak.
No oil, no sugar!
My MIL says cannot cook my food with the usual cooking oil nor sugar. I can only eat food cooked in sesame oil and rock sugar. But hehe she did allow me to take soy sauce. I dont know why or how it works but I know it does feel heaty to be eating all the sesame oil cooked food and definitely expensive. Oh and my MIL actually deep fried some pork chop (i.e pork fillet coated with dry bread crumbs) and fried fries in sesame oil. Nice. Its somewhat added flavour to the otherwise bland food. Either bland or gingery. Nice of her to brainstorm on a delicious menu.
My MIL says cannot cook my food with the usual cooking oil nor sugar. I can only eat food cooked in sesame oil and rock sugar. But hehe she did allow me to take soy sauce. I dont know why or how it works but I know it does feel heaty to be eating all the sesame oil cooked food and definitely expensive. Oh and my MIL actually deep fried some pork chop (i.e pork fillet coated with dry bread crumbs) and fried fries in sesame oil. Nice. Its somewhat added flavour to the otherwise bland food. Either bland or gingery. Nice of her to brainstorm on a delicious menu.
Ginger, Ginger, Ginger!
Number 1 ingredient for confinement food!! Which is absolutely NOT Suitable for me. Do you believe that I gotten through confinement without almost No ginger? My MIL did naturally want to add ginger into all my food and we did communicate beforehand that she will add big pieces to stir fry or steam with fish etc which I am fine. I just didnt want to chew on any ginger slices. Few days after back from hospital, she added ginger into the actually pretty nice red date longan tea which makes it one of the worst drink ever. And i think it made my stomach sick. Either its pure tiredness from lack of sleep and pain or its the ginger. My MIL concluded its the ginger as she noticed I started feeling sick after the ginger. Amd so she stopped adding. Eva also came down with jaundice after 3rd day and we had to bring her to polyclinic checks on wkly basis to monitor the level. Doc advised to stop all confinement foods (much to my joy!) as it is believed that ingredients used actually may cause jaundice in babies esp that I am breastfeeding. Needless to say, it was the best reason to avoid ginger.
Number 1 ingredient for confinement food!! Which is absolutely NOT Suitable for me. Do you believe that I gotten through confinement without almost No ginger? My MIL did naturally want to add ginger into all my food and we did communicate beforehand that she will add big pieces to stir fry or steam with fish etc which I am fine. I just didnt want to chew on any ginger slices. Few days after back from hospital, she added ginger into the actually pretty nice red date longan tea which makes it one of the worst drink ever. And i think it made my stomach sick. Either its pure tiredness from lack of sleep and pain or its the ginger. My MIL concluded its the ginger as she noticed I started feeling sick after the ginger. Amd so she stopped adding. Eva also came down with jaundice after 3rd day and we had to bring her to polyclinic checks on wkly basis to monitor the level. Doc advised to stop all confinement foods (much to my joy!) as it is believed that ingredients used actually may cause jaundice in babies esp that I am breastfeeding. Needless to say, it was the best reason to avoid ginger.
No Cold drinks or food
This is pretty obvious as body supposedly is now very cool (liang) so we gave to take warm food. This area I respect since generally we shouldnt be taking in so much cold stuffs. During that period which was the hottest months, it seems tempting to drink cold drinks and stuffs but somehow I enjoyed the hot red date longan tea and warm plain water. Of course I did enjoy room temperature water too when weather was real real hot. But I could feel some coldness running down throat to stomach!
Even fruits, you ought to take them out of fridge and let them return to room temperature before taking them. It is also believed that we shouldnt take oranges and similar citrus fruits else will have phlegm.
This is pretty obvious as body supposedly is now very cool (liang) so we gave to take warm food. This area I respect since generally we shouldnt be taking in so much cold stuffs. During that period which was the hottest months, it seems tempting to drink cold drinks and stuffs but somehow I enjoyed the hot red date longan tea and warm plain water. Of course I did enjoy room temperature water too when weather was real real hot. But I could feel some coldness running down throat to stomach!
Even fruits, you ought to take them out of fridge and let them return to room temperature before taking them. It is also believed that we shouldnt take oranges and similar citrus fruits else will have phlegm.
No plain water, Only red date longan tea!
OMG! This is one that I cannot accept. I am like a 水桶 (water pail) and I love plain water as much as my darling teh O. So I cannot drink teh O is bad enough and now telling me that I cannot drink plain water? Ok..so I was sweating like a pig everyday even when dressed in tee and shorts as weather is real hot and when dressing Eva up in closed room, I normally finished sweating like I just showered. I dont usually sweat that much and so yes after losing so much water, I just have got to replenish. Needed the fluid for milk production too right? So I did drink when MIL not noticing or when she is out to market. Hehe. I drink warm ones though.
It was said that one of her sis who didnt listen to her and drink loads of plain water, ends up with water swelled face. Haha but for me, it felt contrary. Maybe because I took it in small portions and didnt not gulp it down. And a confession! I did drink a cup of teh O occasionally during the last stage of the confinement. Haha =P
OMG! This is one that I cannot accept. I am like a 水桶 (water pail) and I love plain water as much as my darling teh O. So I cannot drink teh O is bad enough and now telling me that I cannot drink plain water? Ok..so I was sweating like a pig everyday even when dressed in tee and shorts as weather is real hot and when dressing Eva up in closed room, I normally finished sweating like I just showered. I dont usually sweat that much and so yes after losing so much water, I just have got to replenish. Needed the fluid for milk production too right? So I did drink when MIL not noticing or when she is out to market. Hehe. I drink warm ones though.
It was said that one of her sis who didnt listen to her and drink loads of plain water, ends up with water swelled face. Haha but for me, it felt contrary. Maybe because I took it in small portions and didnt not gulp it down. And a confession! I did drink a cup of teh O occasionally during the last stage of the confinement. Haha =P
DOM!
I was prepared to take DOM since its always part of the gifts. I thought just a shot is fine and I did take Yomeishu before at reduced dosage and I felt it did help. So on the 2nd day back from hospital after my bath, MIL poured a shot glass for me. I held my breath and gulp it down. Boy! It's spicy! I mean spicy as in you know when alcohol content is high. The next moment my face flushed and my head throbbed. My world spinned and my eyes swell. That night I had to take a nap early before my night shift with Eva. It was a bad bad horrible few hrs waiting for the effect to pass. I was worried that I may just hyperventilate. MIL got a real scare and decided not to let me have it anymore. Its once again also to my happiness. Hehe.
I was prepared to take DOM since its always part of the gifts. I thought just a shot is fine and I did take Yomeishu before at reduced dosage and I felt it did help. So on the 2nd day back from hospital after my bath, MIL poured a shot glass for me. I held my breath and gulp it down. Boy! It's spicy! I mean spicy as in you know when alcohol content is high. The next moment my face flushed and my head throbbed. My world spinned and my eyes swell. That night I had to take a nap early before my night shift with Eva. It was a bad bad horrible few hrs waiting for the effect to pass. I was worried that I may just hyperventilate. MIL got a real scare and decided not to let me have it anymore. Its once again also to my happiness. Hehe.
Fish & Green Papaya Soup!
I drank this famous soup twice! Okay it tasted alright but seriously drink it while its hot. Haha when its cooled. Omg! The fishy smell.. hmmm.. overpowering.. but when hot, it did taste like a light yet flavourful soup. I dont know if it did help me with the milk production but I guess its nutritious enough. MIL didnt continue giving to me as she finds that my milk was sufficient and she dint want me to engorge too much. Very sweet of her and I appreciate her thoughts!
I drank this famous soup twice! Okay it tasted alright but seriously drink it while its hot. Haha when its cooled. Omg! The fishy smell.. hmmm.. overpowering.. but when hot, it did taste like a light yet flavourful soup. I dont know if it did help me with the milk production but I guess its nutritious enough. MIL didnt continue giving to me as she finds that my milk was sufficient and she dint want me to engorge too much. Very sweet of her and I appreciate her thoughts!
Milk &Yoghurt!
I thought these were pretty good stuffs to take but couldnt as I cannot take cold stuffs and it really weird to me to take room temp milk or yoghurt. And I only take HL milk hence not taking any mummy milk which can be made warm. I only started Yakult after confinement.
I thought these were pretty good stuffs to take but couldnt as I cannot take cold stuffs and it really weird to me to take room temp milk or yoghurt. And I only take HL milk hence not taking any mummy milk which can be made warm. I only started Yakult after confinement.
Neutral food!
Somehow there are certain ingredients that we shouldnt be taking and not quite known to us. It includes certain kind of fish which means not all kind of fish ball or fishcake can be eaten. Certain type of noodles also cannot. Seems like only the older generation will know and even my MIL sometimes check with the hawkers who also helped their daughters or DIL with confinement.
Somehow there are certain ingredients that we shouldnt be taking and not quite known to us. It includes certain kind of fish which means not all kind of fish ball or fishcake can be eaten. Certain type of noodles also cannot. Seems like only the older generation will know and even my MIL sometimes check with the hawkers who also helped their daughters or DIL with confinement.
No Sap food eg Yam or Mango
This is what my mum told me to! It is said that taking such food will cause vaginal itch esp when we still have a recovering wound. That sounds scientific enough for me to accept haha though that means I had to miss out on the yam basket in Eva Baby shower buffet. MIL will only discharge me from confinement 40days after birth. So Eva had a early celebration to make it a weekend.
This is what my mum told me to! It is said that taking such food will cause vaginal itch esp when we still have a recovering wound. That sounds scientific enough for me to accept haha though that means I had to miss out on the yam basket in Eva Baby shower buffet. MIL will only discharge me from confinement 40days after birth. So Eva had a early celebration to make it a weekend.
I went through the 40days with some limitations and some no choice. But all in all, I survived! I really appreciate my MIL efforts and I also could feel the effects of it especially through the 1st 2 weeks. After 3rd week, I started to feel normal again and that is also when I started wanting to sneak food and drinks. Haha I even sneak cold Ribena into my thermal flask once!
And I want to emphasize that body cues are important! I asked TCM once who told me that it depends on individual body constitution on whether confinement food will have adverse effect anot but mostly would be fine with them as body will be cold after giving birth and regardless how much heaty food they eat, its fine. Well I am that special one!! I had ulcers after a few days!! Ulcers is when i am heaty so yeah I am not suitable for the full confinement menu. Thank goodness I didnt order those tingkat!
Above are just some of the stuffs I came across and I am definitely one lucky woman already. Comment below if you had ridiculous experience or great experience to share.
Cheers!
Thursday 27 February 2014
Review: NURSING BOTTLES (The First Year - Breastflow)
I think this must be one of the least appreciated amazing nursing bottle available! And it is available in Singapore - BabiesRus (City Square Mall) and Kiddy Palace. Actual price I cannot remember but it is definitely much more affordable than popular brands like Avent.
This is my 3rd batch of nursing bottles after Tommee Tippee (Read: http://and-so-mummy-says.blogspot.sg/2014/02/review-nursing-bottles-tommee-tippee.html) and Avent (will talk about it in another entry together with the breast pump).
In my previous post, I spoke about how hubby went to get Avent starter set after we realized Eva was having wind (which was actually due to the torn anti-colic valve). The Avent set did not work well because it was not suitable for Eva's mouth? The milk kept spitting out from the side of her mouth. During the time, I was also considering about Eva's impatience during latch-on which I believe was also due to nipple confusion. So I went to find to see if I could get something that is really close. I did not turn back to Tommee Tippee because of the trouble of the parts and Eva was older already, I thought I better find a more normal anti-colic bottle. Especially needed so as she will be attending infant care soon after.
And then I found The First Years - Breastflow (http://thefirstyears.com/breastflow)
Check out the 2-in-1 nipple which I was imagining how it works like our breast! I saw the video and read the description; I thought this could be the ultimate bottle for Eva! Especially so when I was latching on and bottle feeding, I hope Eva could take it both with ease.
Good:
The bottle comes with a storage cap which makes it useful when I want to store EBM. The bottle is wide neck and broad which makes it easier to clean the inside of the bottle. They have a special design of groove on bottom of the bottle to allow you to hold the bottle cap so you wont risk losing the cap or have it roll away especially when you are out and about. Now most importantly, the 2-in-1 nipple works!! Eva's wind in tummy issue was alleviated and no more spitting from sides of her mouth.
Not-so-good:
You will notice that the material quality and finishing do not look / feel as good as the popular brands. And it is made in China (BUT BPA free!) unlike Avent that is made in England.
The nipple is designed to work like the breast even to the point of letting down! Which means the baby has got to suck for the let down mimic effect before the milk will flow. This is of course to help baby transit between breast and bottle easily. BUT somehow no one seems to be able to do it. It takes awhile for my family to practise on how to feed her. If they cannot get it, I will have to take over to feed.
The 2-in-1 nipple was much easier to clean and put together than Tommee Tippee BUT it also take a little clear-minded to put it together. There is no catch to secure the 2 pieces together, you simply put them together by alignment of the groove and secure by closing the cap. So we had occasions of leakage / spillage when swirling the bottle when we did not assemble properly.
Despite the not-so-good, I actually did enjoy using the bottle to feed Eva and I personally think that she likes the bottle too! But then of course the time taken for the assembly and say if there is accidental spills etc, you will delay the time and she may be starting to wail.
One more thing is that it does not come with any training handles so if you intend to train baby to hold the bottle via handles, you wont be able to do so. But if you intend to let baby hold the bottle body itself, then it's definitely fine! For me, I was given a set of Pigeon magmag set which I thought would be good for me to try training Eva to hold her own bottle especially at infant care, I was worried that the teachers may not be able to be holding her bottle constantly for her. And surprisingly, she took the bottle well with grace. And yes, so I decided to change to Pigeon since it will be much easier for the teachers to handle.
Things to note:
You will notice that the teats may collapse inward as she drink and that is actually a sign that the bottle is working properly as it is to prevent air from going in. You will also notice that sometimes milk goes in between the 2 layers which is normal too. You can either let your baby continue sucking where the milk in between will eventually be finished as well OR you can press on the nudges to allow the milk to flow back into the bottle. If you do not intend to let baby finish that portion of milk, DO let the milk flow back first before opening the bottle, otherwise the milk will just spill out once you open the cap since the 2 layers of nipple are not sealed in.
All in all, Breastflow is a a good nursing bottle especially when you are still breastfeeding.
This is my 3rd batch of nursing bottles after Tommee Tippee (Read: http://and-so-mummy-says.blogspot.sg/2014/02/review-nursing-bottles-tommee-tippee.html) and Avent (will talk about it in another entry together with the breast pump).
In my previous post, I spoke about how hubby went to get Avent starter set after we realized Eva was having wind (which was actually due to the torn anti-colic valve). The Avent set did not work well because it was not suitable for Eva's mouth? The milk kept spitting out from the side of her mouth. During the time, I was also considering about Eva's impatience during latch-on which I believe was also due to nipple confusion. So I went to find to see if I could get something that is really close. I did not turn back to Tommee Tippee because of the trouble of the parts and Eva was older already, I thought I better find a more normal anti-colic bottle. Especially needed so as she will be attending infant care soon after.
And then I found The First Years - Breastflow (http://thefirstyears.com/breastflow)
Check out the 2-in-1 nipple which I was imagining how it works like our breast! I saw the video and read the description; I thought this could be the ultimate bottle for Eva! Especially so when I was latching on and bottle feeding, I hope Eva could take it both with ease.
Good:
The bottle comes with a storage cap which makes it useful when I want to store EBM. The bottle is wide neck and broad which makes it easier to clean the inside of the bottle. They have a special design of groove on bottom of the bottle to allow you to hold the bottle cap so you wont risk losing the cap or have it roll away especially when you are out and about. Now most importantly, the 2-in-1 nipple works!! Eva's wind in tummy issue was alleviated and no more spitting from sides of her mouth.
Not-so-good:
You will notice that the material quality and finishing do not look / feel as good as the popular brands. And it is made in China (BUT BPA free!) unlike Avent that is made in England.
The nipple is designed to work like the breast even to the point of letting down! Which means the baby has got to suck for the let down mimic effect before the milk will flow. This is of course to help baby transit between breast and bottle easily. BUT somehow no one seems to be able to do it. It takes awhile for my family to practise on how to feed her. If they cannot get it, I will have to take over to feed.
The 2-in-1 nipple was much easier to clean and put together than Tommee Tippee BUT it also take a little clear-minded to put it together. There is no catch to secure the 2 pieces together, you simply put them together by alignment of the groove and secure by closing the cap. So we had occasions of leakage / spillage when swirling the bottle when we did not assemble properly.
Despite the not-so-good, I actually did enjoy using the bottle to feed Eva and I personally think that she likes the bottle too! But then of course the time taken for the assembly and say if there is accidental spills etc, you will delay the time and she may be starting to wail.
One more thing is that it does not come with any training handles so if you intend to train baby to hold the bottle via handles, you wont be able to do so. But if you intend to let baby hold the bottle body itself, then it's definitely fine! For me, I was given a set of Pigeon magmag set which I thought would be good for me to try training Eva to hold her own bottle especially at infant care, I was worried that the teachers may not be able to be holding her bottle constantly for her. And surprisingly, she took the bottle well with grace. And yes, so I decided to change to Pigeon since it will be much easier for the teachers to handle.
Things to note:
You will notice that the teats may collapse inward as she drink and that is actually a sign that the bottle is working properly as it is to prevent air from going in. You will also notice that sometimes milk goes in between the 2 layers which is normal too. You can either let your baby continue sucking where the milk in between will eventually be finished as well OR you can press on the nudges to allow the milk to flow back into the bottle. If you do not intend to let baby finish that portion of milk, DO let the milk flow back first before opening the bottle, otherwise the milk will just spill out once you open the cap since the 2 layers of nipple are not sealed in.
All in all, Breastflow is a a good nursing bottle especially when you are still breastfeeding.
Wednesday 26 February 2014
Review: DIAPER CREAM (BEPANTHEN OINTMENT)
Diaper cream is one of the essential stuffs that we would prepare before our newborn arrives. Somehow it is an inevitable tool! And often I see parents / caregivers applying it during every diaper change. It seems so important. So I did my research and realise that the price range of diaper is so wide!! The lowest I have come across was Pureen @ $3.50 to Babygarnics @ $18.00! And I settled for the all-time-favourite pink Drapolene cream.
Initially, Eva survived well without much diaper rash and we did well with Drapolene cream. Then she was struck with bad eczema on her face and she was rubbing it pretty badly so I brought her to the GP. At the same time, noticed that she was having stubborn diaper rash. GP advised that it could be related to her eczema situation and personally recommend us to buy Desitin as his own kids are using.
So I bought Desitin and started using religiously for her in attempt to cure her diaper rash and prevent it from coming back. It did work and I also passed it to her infant care centre for their use on her.
After couple of months, a problem arise! I find that it was really a hassle and pain to clean the residue off!! It is practically impossible to thoroughly clean it off via Physiogel cleanser. Which means I will have to use at least Johnson Baby wash - which then again defeat the purpose of using mild cleanser in prevention of her eczema flare-up. Plus in attempt to clean off using baby wipes would also mean additional friction. And I really dont like the idea of her skin being constantly coated with zinc oxide.
So I started to ask around and a friend introduced Bepanthen Ointment to me!
I bought the 1st one from Watsons at $8.90 (and good news, I bought another 2 more at Babycare Festival 2014 last weekend at $6.50 each and free diaper clutch. hehe) All for 30g.
I like Bepanthen because it is not using zinc oxide which is what Desitin is using; and does not contain fragrance, preservatives, colors or antiseptics; which means it can be used on regular basis for Eva!
The texture is thick white ointment and I usually use dabbing method to coat around affected area (i.e labia). Usually upon application, the redness will fade off. And on next diaper change, the ointment is generally absorbed and can be cleaned away with gentle cleanser or even just water rinse.
However, the feedback from the IFC teacher is different. Generally she finds that Desitin is more effective when diaper rash is flared and felt that Bepanthen is not sufficient to clear the rash out.
So my recommendation is for long term regular maintenance, we ought to use Bepanthen! In case of bad flare-up, you might still want to stick to your regular zinc oxide ones which can really block out the urine and all which would be more effective especially if you are unable to change baby out of diapers on time or give diaper-less time to air. As for now, I am using Bepanthen for her labia because somehow it is the only area that is affected. Her butt and other parts are fine. Stubborn patch without any blisters and its flat to the skin so probably not fungal infection. Even Desitin doesnt help (to her teacher's shock) and even with diaper-less time and quick change of diapers and she doesnt even poo in her diapers as she poo direct in toilet bowl. Like GP says, could be eczema related. A little steroid cream may help to kill it off.
And! Do you know??
Bepanthen can also be used as nipple cream! Wow, if it can be used as nipple cream then it has got to be real good and gentle! =)
AND latest update! I had this sudden onset of blistering on my middle finger which I dont know how and why it came about. I googled and found that it could be Dyshidrotic eczema. I tried moisturising it with my usual hand cream and even Eva's body lotions but it all didnt work UNTIL I decided to apply Bepanthen on it! It got better overnight and within 2 days, the blisters were gone! How about that?!
Refer below for more information obtained from their website and brochure.
Initially, Eva survived well without much diaper rash and we did well with Drapolene cream. Then she was struck with bad eczema on her face and she was rubbing it pretty badly so I brought her to the GP. At the same time, noticed that she was having stubborn diaper rash. GP advised that it could be related to her eczema situation and personally recommend us to buy Desitin as his own kids are using.
So I bought Desitin and started using religiously for her in attempt to cure her diaper rash and prevent it from coming back. It did work and I also passed it to her infant care centre for their use on her.
After couple of months, a problem arise! I find that it was really a hassle and pain to clean the residue off!! It is practically impossible to thoroughly clean it off via Physiogel cleanser. Which means I will have to use at least Johnson Baby wash - which then again defeat the purpose of using mild cleanser in prevention of her eczema flare-up. Plus in attempt to clean off using baby wipes would also mean additional friction. And I really dont like the idea of her skin being constantly coated with zinc oxide.
So I started to ask around and a friend introduced Bepanthen Ointment to me!
I bought the 1st one from Watsons at $8.90 (and good news, I bought another 2 more at Babycare Festival 2014 last weekend at $6.50 each and free diaper clutch. hehe) All for 30g.
I like Bepanthen because it is not using zinc oxide which is what Desitin is using; and does not contain fragrance, preservatives, colors or antiseptics; which means it can be used on regular basis for Eva!
The texture is thick white ointment and I usually use dabbing method to coat around affected area (i.e labia). Usually upon application, the redness will fade off. And on next diaper change, the ointment is generally absorbed and can be cleaned away with gentle cleanser or even just water rinse.
However, the feedback from the IFC teacher is different. Generally she finds that Desitin is more effective when diaper rash is flared and felt that Bepanthen is not sufficient to clear the rash out.
So my recommendation is for long term regular maintenance, we ought to use Bepanthen! In case of bad flare-up, you might still want to stick to your regular zinc oxide ones which can really block out the urine and all which would be more effective especially if you are unable to change baby out of diapers on time or give diaper-less time to air. As for now, I am using Bepanthen for her labia because somehow it is the only area that is affected. Her butt and other parts are fine. Stubborn patch without any blisters and its flat to the skin so probably not fungal infection. Even Desitin doesnt help (to her teacher's shock) and even with diaper-less time and quick change of diapers and she doesnt even poo in her diapers as she poo direct in toilet bowl. Like GP says, could be eczema related. A little steroid cream may help to kill it off.
And! Do you know??
Bepanthen can also be used as nipple cream! Wow, if it can be used as nipple cream then it has got to be real good and gentle! =)
AND latest update! I had this sudden onset of blistering on my middle finger which I dont know how and why it came about. I googled and found that it could be Dyshidrotic eczema. I tried moisturising it with my usual hand cream and even Eva's body lotions but it all didnt work UNTIL I decided to apply Bepanthen on it! It got better overnight and within 2 days, the blisters were gone! How about that?!
Refer below for more information obtained from their website and brochure.
- Bepanthen is an ointment containing pro-vitamin B5. Pro-Vitamin B5 gently aids natural skin recovery, while keeping it soft smooth and moisturised.
Bepanthen forms a long lasting, breathable transparent layer, protecting even the most delicate skin from the causes of nappy rash. - Bepanthen does not contain perfumes, antiseptics or preservatives and is clinically proven to protect from the causes of nappy rash.
- Aids Natural Skin Recovery
Bepanthen ointment contains Pro Vitamin B5 which gently aids natural recovery of sensitive skin while keeping it soft, smooth and moisturised. Bepanthen also works by helping to seal in the skin's natural moisture, providing optimal conditions to allow gentle skin recovery without drying out your baby's delicate skin.
- Protects
Clinically proven, Bepanthen works by forming a long lasting, transparent layer, protecting even the most delicate skin from irritants and rubbing. The water-in-oil formulation keeps the skin healthy and hydrated, which is essential to maintain its natural protective barrier.
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