Friday, November 07, 2014
Hot sausage lips
I received a phone call from Charlotte's school on Wednesday morning informing me that her teeth cut her lip from an accident in the school playground. I asked the teacher is it was serious. She told me the bleeding has stopped after they apply ice. Furthermore, Charlotte told teacher she was not in pain. From our phone conversation I gather that it was not very serious, thus I did not pick her up from school immediately.
However, when we fetched her from school that evening, I got a shocked to see this:
The cut is really bad. We brought her to see the doctor immediately and the doctor says the injury is on the surface thus it was not so bad. There are cases where kids teeth actually cut through the lip. Sound damm scary. I felt so bad for not picking her up from school when teacher called that morning. That evening I cut her food into small bite size so that it won't touch her wound on the lip. I asked her if the teachers help her with lunch and bathing she answer no. I ask her how she eat her lunch in school with this swollen lip, she answered, "use the other side". OMG. ... She is quite hardy... maybe also because we normally don't "yang o" her from falls and knocks since young. But it does pain our hearts to see her swollen lips. However, it is common for kids to get injured during play, the only way we can protect them is to train them and we told her to be careful during play and no more running so close to her friends in the playground. The accident happen when they were running in the playground and her friend stop out of the sudden and she jammed right into her friend. I would not teach her to "stop" running as it is part of growing up. I also do not wish to make her into the small flower who grow inside the green house.
However, when we fetched her from school that evening, I got a shocked to see this:
Friday, October 31, 2014
老爸的小情人 ~ Sweetheart of Daddy
Why I titled this blog the sweetheart of Daddy (this daddy refers to Nick)? Because in this case, the sweetheart is not me.
Charlotte got this small bedtime carebear from her school mate who got this carebear from Rivervale mall (those insert coin and get a plastic ball kind) and she told me she wants to get the care bear for another 2 girls in her class. I told her only if we go there.... my usual delay tatics.
Last week we went to Rivervale mall and she remembered about the care bear. Since I already promised her we will get 1 when we go there, I let her have 1 even though in my context its bloody expensive. It cost $2 for 1 turn. She got a bed time bear and she says she wants to give to Sue Ann.
We proceed to dinner. Right after dinner, the father wants to go out for a while. I answer "Not leaving me with a crying baby rite?!.. Clovy was fussing... Then after settling the bill, Nick try his luck again. I told him to go and I bring the kids to walk in Daiso.
My impression of him going out for a while is for smoke break, but he appear back within 5 min with another care bear ball... for his precious daughter. I was like.... "HUH".... he said since she wanted 2 then might as well do it once and for all. Because being the verystingy economical mother I will not spend $2 on a small carebear, let alone spend 2 x $2...hahhahah...
I was not upset of him spending money... but kinda remind me of what a boyfriend will do to surprise her girlfriend. In a typical setting, the girl will drop hint on a liking of an item... next, you will see the boyfriend sneak out for a while and return with the item, FULL of LOVE.
In the exact setting, but a father and daughter as the main casts.
Charlotte got this small bedtime carebear from her school mate who got this carebear from Rivervale mall (those insert coin and get a plastic ball kind) and she told me she wants to get the care bear for another 2 girls in her class. I told her only if we go there.... my usual delay tatics.
Last week we went to Rivervale mall and she remembered about the care bear. Since I already promised her we will get 1 when we go there, I let her have 1 even though in my context its bloody expensive. It cost $2 for 1 turn. She got a bed time bear and she says she wants to give to Sue Ann.
We proceed to dinner. Right after dinner, the father wants to go out for a while. I answer "Not leaving me with a crying baby rite?!.. Clovy was fussing... Then after settling the bill, Nick try his luck again. I told him to go and I bring the kids to walk in Daiso.
My impression of him going out for a while is for smoke break, but he appear back within 5 min with another care bear ball... for his precious daughter. I was like.... "HUH".... he said since she wanted 2 then might as well do it once and for all. Because being the very
I was not upset of him spending money... but kinda remind me of what a boyfriend will do to surprise her girlfriend. In a typical setting, the girl will drop hint on a liking of an item... next, you will see the boyfriend sneak out for a while and return with the item, FULL of LOVE.
In the exact setting, but a father and daughter as the main casts.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Bring home LOVE
What do we look forward to after a day of work?
A picture speak a thousand words.....
........Continuation.... after 老 Tan saw this picture over whatsapp....
老 Tan : How about 老 Tan?
Me: Lao Tan every week jiak good food until high cholesterol, its time to jiak cai only.
老 Tan :I like Cai (菜）
Me: Lao Cai ai mai? （老彩 in this case refer to old woman)
老 Tan :Ok. Lao Cai ke Hong （老彩/菜去风)
dot dot dot
........Continuation.... after 老 Tan saw this picture over whatsapp....
老 Tan : How about 老 Tan?
Me: Lao Tan every week jiak good food until high cholesterol, its time to jiak cai only.
老 Tan :I like Cai (菜）
Me: Lao Cai ai mai? （老彩 in this case refer to old woman)
老 Tan :Ok. Lao Cai ke Hong （老彩/菜去风)
dot dot dot
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Staycation fun @ Sentosa
As I went for company dnd the night before the staycation, the whole of Saturday morning was spend packing away. We arrived at Sentosa about 12 noon, collected the tickets and head for POLW straight away. We managed to get a indoor seat inside the restaurant with nice cooling aircon that lead to the open area (port belly). We ordered our lunch before the water play. Nick was on standby and so "heng"... he got a call. He has to work on his computer while I change and prep Charlotte for the water play. As Clovy was still not sleeping by then, I carry her out and watch Charlotte while she play. When Nick was done with his work, he join Charlotte while I make Clovy nap and enjoy my cup of Latte. The POLW exceeded my expectation. They have planned the seating area quite nicely where parents can have visibility of the kids playing at the water area. The picnic area looks nice as well. The air cushioned mattress are provided and I saw some people brought their own mat to lay on top. The area is near the water play area so parents can sit there to have a full view of the kids who are playing water. I am considering bringing Charlotte there again in Dec during her off school day.
We finished the water play with a nice Belgium waffle with ice cream!
The next morning, Charlotte was looking forward to dipping again! Hahahha... Right after breakfast.
Clovy had her 1st try in the pool the following day! Not sure if she likes it from her poker face expression. But she did not make any fuss. I am going to buy her a swimming ring soon. By the way, the swim suit she is wearing (4mth) was what Charlotte wore at her 6 month. Nick was working away while I brought the girls to the dip pool.
The room provide nespresso coffee. How can we missed out a cup of coffee before heading home! :)
Monday, October 13, 2014
Back to work, wedding anniversary, thermal bag, milk storage...
Yes... the word that every mother with newborn dread. I am back to work. So 2 weeks or rather a month before the actual day, my schedule is packed with catching up with friends, eat all I want, shop for new clothes, bag, etc.
I have picked a Wednesday to return to work and the Monday of the week is our wedding anniversary. Nothing fanciful, we went for a couple massage, a package that I finally finishing using it. The package was way way back even before we had Charlotte. By the way, the massage sucks big time. Initially wanted to go for a nice lunch, but we had some good food the weekend before as it was my fil birthday celebration. We ended up at fort road due to holland king holland again... so we had some kueh chup for lunch. Wedding anniversary need to not big bang celebration as long as quality time is being spend together. Moreover I was on maternity leave for a couple of months already and Nick has been on leave on and off during this period as well. We also went for good food on and off especially during Charlotte birthday period.
The following day was the 1 day before return to work. We went for a nice prata at prata place and this picture created an agony morning for a group chat in my whatapp. Hahahha... I send this photo to my ex col group and they are cursing and swearing.... complaining that I created a very disturbing morning for them :P
The biggest challenge I would have back to work is not about work...hahahha... but more of my commitment to breastfeeding. I did not think that I would still be pumping when I return to work... Since my supply is still there, I would supply till it dried up. I heard that most mother had their supply drop drastically upon returning to work. We shall see.
I did a secret setup in office. Why is it a secret set up? Because it is hidden under my desk. The portable fridge is a hand me down by my cousin. I got a portable steraliser from the pigeon sale. I did not intend to bring a steraliser but it was too cheap to resist buying. It is only $30. I can bring it for holiday. The fridge is not as cold as expected but good enough to chill the milk. So I will put in 2 frozen ice pack after the expressed milk has chilled.
My office did have a nursing room. I would try to pump during lunch time or right after a quick lunch. My supply for 1st day is good. But it dropped drastically on 2nd and 3rd day. I reckon it due to lesser intake of water in office. So the 2nd week I did my water parade all the time and I am not into dieting...hahahh...
As I cant be lunching in all the time. I will sometimes do hand expressed in the toilet just before lunch and 1 more hand expressed session in the late afternoon. Each hand expressed session take about 15 min. It is definitely much faster than a 45 min pump session in the noon time. However, the hand expressed will resulted in some bruise (you know where), and my hands will ache from it... I only do it when I am going out for long lunches.
Next thing I would like to share is on thermal bags... I am quite crazy over thermal bag. My eyes sparkle when I see thermal bags (sometimes free with other purchase). So far after my trial and error, I am sticking to 2 main thermal bag.
The pink bear logo has very thin layer and it is free from some goodie bag during charlotte time. The good thing is it can fit 4 bottles which is just nice to bring milk to Clovy school. Before I went back to work she only need 3 bottles in school (cos we send her to school later), so the diaso one is compact enough. But for both of the bags is very prone to condensation which will wet the other items in her diaper bag. My final choice is the carter colourland which is slightly bigger than the pink bear logo bag and thick enough so prevent condensation. I have been aiming this bag in Taobao but I did not get it as I wasn't sure of the quality. I saw the exact same bag at the mummy market fair and it is only $15. I grabbed it the minute I saw it!
I also wanted a compact thermal bag for me to bring milk back home from work. I look around for the type of thermal bag available. I am particular about the inner linning as I need it to be able to keep the milk really cold. Before I got the mini fridge from my cousin, I was thinking of storing a lot of frozen ice pack in the bag and put in the expressed milk. My office did have a fridge but I am not sure about the cleanliness and it is always packed. I read a lot of review on the type of thermal bag available. Initially, I wanted to get the fridge to go but I realize the size is not really compact and it is quite heavy. I went to source around in kiddy palace and found 2 bags that fit my criteria, the Munchkin Cool Wrap Bottle Bag and Vog insulted bag. Apparently, the Munchkin one I can get it cheaper via iherb. I tested the size of both bags with the medela milk bottle. Munchkin one is bigger and heavier. The Vog one is a singapore brand and much cheaper. The best thing is the inner layer. It is the same insulated layer like what we see from the bag that pizza hut delivery used.
I got the VOG bag in the end. It can fit in 2 bottles and still ample of space for the frozen ice pack. Before I got the VOG bag, I got a small Mag Mag thermal bag from Pigeon sales but the fabric peel and I was quite upset. Pigeon swapped some wet wipes in return. Actually the Vog bag can fit 4 bottles (2 stacking on top) and it is relatively cheap but I did not want to get 2 of the same as I am worried that I might mixed up the 2 and bring the milk to work instead of to Clovy school :P
I also have some other thermal bag which comes free... the simple one is from mamil which can fit in a bottle and a small thermal flask. I don't really use it to transport cold milk. Another one is my newly addition from Hagan-daz ice cream. I haven started using..hahahha
I have picked a Wednesday to return to work and the Monday of the week is our wedding anniversary. Nothing fanciful, we went for a couple massage, a package that I finally finishing using it. The package was way way back even before we had Charlotte. By the way, the massage sucks big time. Initially wanted to go for a nice lunch, but we had some good food the weekend before as it was my fil birthday celebration. We ended up at fort road due to holland king holland again... so we had some kueh chup for lunch. Wedding anniversary need to not big bang celebration as long as quality time is being spend together. Moreover I was on maternity leave for a couple of months already and Nick has been on leave on and off during this period as well. We also went for good food on and off especially during Charlotte birthday period.
The following day was the 1 day before return to work. We went for a nice prata at prata place and this picture created an agony morning for a group chat in my whatapp. Hahahha... I send this photo to my ex col group and they are cursing and swearing.... complaining that I created a very disturbing morning for them :P
The biggest challenge I would have back to work is not about work...hahahha... but more of my commitment to breastfeeding. I did not think that I would still be pumping when I return to work... Since my supply is still there, I would supply till it dried up. I heard that most mother had their supply drop drastically upon returning to work. We shall see.
I did a secret setup in office. Why is it a secret set up? Because it is hidden under my desk. The portable fridge is a hand me down by my cousin. I got a portable steraliser from the pigeon sale. I did not intend to bring a steraliser but it was too cheap to resist buying. It is only $30. I can bring it for holiday. The fridge is not as cold as expected but good enough to chill the milk. So I will put in 2 frozen ice pack after the expressed milk has chilled.
As I cant be lunching in all the time. I will sometimes do hand expressed in the toilet just before lunch and 1 more hand expressed session in the late afternoon. Each hand expressed session take about 15 min. It is definitely much faster than a 45 min pump session in the noon time. However, the hand expressed will resulted in some bruise (you know where), and my hands will ache from it... I only do it when I am going out for long lunches.
Next thing I would like to share is on thermal bags... I am quite crazy over thermal bag. My eyes sparkle when I see thermal bags (sometimes free with other purchase). So far after my trial and error, I am sticking to 2 main thermal bag.
The pink bear logo has very thin layer and it is free from some goodie bag during charlotte time. The good thing is it can fit 4 bottles which is just nice to bring milk to Clovy school. Before I went back to work she only need 3 bottles in school (cos we send her to school later), so the diaso one is compact enough. But for both of the bags is very prone to condensation which will wet the other items in her diaper bag. My final choice is the carter colourland which is slightly bigger than the pink bear logo bag and thick enough so prevent condensation. I have been aiming this bag in Taobao but I did not get it as I wasn't sure of the quality. I saw the exact same bag at the mummy market fair and it is only $15. I grabbed it the minute I saw it!
I also wanted a compact thermal bag for me to bring milk back home from work. I look around for the type of thermal bag available. I am particular about the inner linning as I need it to be able to keep the milk really cold. Before I got the mini fridge from my cousin, I was thinking of storing a lot of frozen ice pack in the bag and put in the expressed milk. My office did have a fridge but I am not sure about the cleanliness and it is always packed. I read a lot of review on the type of thermal bag available. Initially, I wanted to get the fridge to go but I realize the size is not really compact and it is quite heavy. I went to source around in kiddy palace and found 2 bags that fit my criteria, the Munchkin Cool Wrap Bottle Bag and Vog insulted bag. Apparently, the Munchkin one I can get it cheaper via iherb. I tested the size of both bags with the medela milk bottle. Munchkin one is bigger and heavier. The Vog one is a singapore brand and much cheaper. The best thing is the inner layer. It is the same insulated layer like what we see from the bag that pizza hut delivery used.
I got the VOG bag in the end. It can fit in 2 bottles and still ample of space for the frozen ice pack. Before I got the VOG bag, I got a small Mag Mag thermal bag from Pigeon sales but the fabric peel and I was quite upset. Pigeon swapped some wet wipes in return. Actually the Vog bag can fit 4 bottles (2 stacking on top) and it is relatively cheap but I did not want to get 2 of the same as I am worried that I might mixed up the 2 and bring the milk to work instead of to Clovy school :P
Monday, September 15, 2014
Maid verse infant care center
Before the confinement nanny went back, I got a maid in. She is from Indonesia and had a baby once but passed away when delivered. I took her despite she has zero experience with baby. She told me she help her siblings take care of baby. When she was at my place I even console her on her lost baby. I encourage her that after her contact end in 2 years, she can go back and try again and who knows the lost baby might come back to her.
She followed the confinement nanny for 3 days and my confinement nanny had full of complains about the maid. The maid does not speak English and she cannot understand the feeding schedule. I told her to write down all the feeding timing. She can't figure out am and pm. She can't figure out dates as well. I think I m very patient towards her... There was once I even invented a new method to teach her about feeding interval using 2 bottles to mimic baby tummy and feeding. The 1st week she was at home with me and baby during the day. 2nd week we start going to my mum place in the day as that would be the arrangement for her and baby when I return to work. Everyday she has to pack baby stuffs to my mum place and there are days she forget to pack milk. I wonder would she forget to eat her own meals.
Having trained her for 2 weeks I decided that she is really not cut to take care of baby. Considering that Clovy is a much easier baby than Charlotte... She can't really manage her feeding... Clovy is constantly crying when the maid feed her... Cos the maid doesn't know how to burp her. I do not know how is the maid going to manage it alone when I go back to work. I think Nick is constantly hearing my complain about the maid everyday. I spend so much effort to train her, forsaking the comfort of my own place to bring her and bb to my mum place early in the morning and teaching her how to take care of baby, yet nothing much goes into her brain. She is very stubborn and will take things in her own hands.
Initially, Nick is not keen for Clovy to go infant care as this would chalk up our expenses plus we might not need the maid which means housework for both of us. But after a few agony days with lots of blood boiling incidents, (I do not want to recall so I m not listing them) I convinced Nick that we really can't leave Clovy in the maid's care. He is supportive of my decision so I called up about 8 to 10 centers mostly Pcfs as the ntuc ones has long waiting list. I managed to find 3 centers near my mum place which has vacancy. I went to view the centers immediately. I dare not leave the baby alone with the maid for too long so using the interval during her feeding time, I walked to the 3 centers. After viewing, my ultimate choice is the one which a small area and they can only take in a max of 10 babies. Currently they have 5 and including Clovy, it will be 6. I ask around for advise on infant care and I decided that the smaller area IFC would be a better choice. I brought Nick to view the place the next day (Saturday) and place the deposit and enrollment on following Monday. Before placing the deposit, I asked around my mum place to see if there is any nanny. It happen that my mum Neighbour staying 1 level down is an experienced nanny. I went to look for her but she can't take in Clovy as she is currently taking care of 1 toddler.
As the center only take in baby every beginning of the month, they hope that Clovy can start in 1st Sept as they already have bb going to come in Oct. Clovy will only be 2.5 months old by 1st Sept. Nonetheless, I decided that it might be better to get her to kick start the routine fast. Whenever I tell people Clovy is in IFC, they will give me this horror look... But I rather she goes to IFC then in the hand of the maid which is so unpredictable. People start telling me how neglected the baby will be in the IFC... But I myself can't attend to here all the time when she was with me at home. I often left her crying and screaming when I need to attend to other matters.
I send the maid back to the agent by late of August. Initially I wanted to keep the maid for housework as my mum place need to clean up as well. But a lot of incidents that make my blood boil and I keep losing my temper. I am worried that one find day she will go crazy also. She really bo sim to work for us. By sending her back I lost about 1k. The insurance and misc about $500, her 2 weeks stay in the agent before she get a transfer will cost $210. The govt levy during the transfer another $120. It got me really upset and pissed. Now I am still waiting and considering if I want the replacement. If I do not take the replacement, I would lost the agent fee about 1k. Her prepaid salary about 2k I still do not know if I can get those back. Sian.... All in all, I might be paying 2.7k (1k misc, 1k agent fee and 700 for her 1 month salary) for her 1 month work with us! Bloody hell, it's even more expensive than the confinement nanny and yet useless. The issue about maid is when you get a good one, it will be helping hand. When you get a lousy one, you will have sleepless nights and training for your blood pressure. I am seriously considering not to have any maid.
When I had the maid, I stop the part time cleaning service for my mum place... Then now I get the part time cleaner to come back... She increased our fee.... I really feel like a walking carrot all thanks to the maid... My wallet is feeling very very painful.
She followed the confinement nanny for 3 days and my confinement nanny had full of complains about the maid. The maid does not speak English and she cannot understand the feeding schedule. I told her to write down all the feeding timing. She can't figure out am and pm. She can't figure out dates as well. I think I m very patient towards her... There was once I even invented a new method to teach her about feeding interval using 2 bottles to mimic baby tummy and feeding. The 1st week she was at home with me and baby during the day. 2nd week we start going to my mum place in the day as that would be the arrangement for her and baby when I return to work. Everyday she has to pack baby stuffs to my mum place and there are days she forget to pack milk. I wonder would she forget to eat her own meals.
Having trained her for 2 weeks I decided that she is really not cut to take care of baby. Considering that Clovy is a much easier baby than Charlotte... She can't really manage her feeding... Clovy is constantly crying when the maid feed her... Cos the maid doesn't know how to burp her. I do not know how is the maid going to manage it alone when I go back to work. I think Nick is constantly hearing my complain about the maid everyday. I spend so much effort to train her, forsaking the comfort of my own place to bring her and bb to my mum place early in the morning and teaching her how to take care of baby, yet nothing much goes into her brain. She is very stubborn and will take things in her own hands.
Initially, Nick is not keen for Clovy to go infant care as this would chalk up our expenses plus we might not need the maid which means housework for both of us. But after a few agony days with lots of blood boiling incidents, (I do not want to recall so I m not listing them) I convinced Nick that we really can't leave Clovy in the maid's care. He is supportive of my decision so I called up about 8 to 10 centers mostly Pcfs as the ntuc ones has long waiting list. I managed to find 3 centers near my mum place which has vacancy. I went to view the centers immediately. I dare not leave the baby alone with the maid for too long so using the interval during her feeding time, I walked to the 3 centers. After viewing, my ultimate choice is the one which a small area and they can only take in a max of 10 babies. Currently they have 5 and including Clovy, it will be 6. I ask around for advise on infant care and I decided that the smaller area IFC would be a better choice. I brought Nick to view the place the next day (Saturday) and place the deposit and enrollment on following Monday. Before placing the deposit, I asked around my mum place to see if there is any nanny. It happen that my mum Neighbour staying 1 level down is an experienced nanny. I went to look for her but she can't take in Clovy as she is currently taking care of 1 toddler.
As the center only take in baby every beginning of the month, they hope that Clovy can start in 1st Sept as they already have bb going to come in Oct. Clovy will only be 2.5 months old by 1st Sept. Nonetheless, I decided that it might be better to get her to kick start the routine fast. Whenever I tell people Clovy is in IFC, they will give me this horror look... But I rather she goes to IFC then in the hand of the maid which is so unpredictable. People start telling me how neglected the baby will be in the IFC... But I myself can't attend to here all the time when she was with me at home. I often left her crying and screaming when I need to attend to other matters.
I send the maid back to the agent by late of August. Initially I wanted to keep the maid for housework as my mum place need to clean up as well. But a lot of incidents that make my blood boil and I keep losing my temper. I am worried that one find day she will go crazy also. She really bo sim to work for us. By sending her back I lost about 1k. The insurance and misc about $500, her 2 weeks stay in the agent before she get a transfer will cost $210. The govt levy during the transfer another $120. It got me really upset and pissed. Now I am still waiting and considering if I want the replacement. If I do not take the replacement, I would lost the agent fee about 1k. Her prepaid salary about 2k I still do not know if I can get those back. Sian.... All in all, I might be paying 2.7k (1k misc, 1k agent fee and 700 for her 1 month salary) for her 1 month work with us! Bloody hell, it's even more expensive than the confinement nanny and yet useless. The issue about maid is when you get a good one, it will be helping hand. When you get a lousy one, you will have sleepless nights and training for your blood pressure. I am seriously considering not to have any maid.
When I had the maid, I stop the part time cleaning service for my mum place... Then now I get the part time cleaner to come back... She increased our fee.... I really feel like a walking carrot all thanks to the maid... My wallet is feeling very very painful.
Breast feeding journal ~ chicken feet phase
I am now into week 12 of pumping... Comparing with the first 4 to 6 weeks of breast feeding journey, now is the phase I personally call it the chicken feet phase! Now I m really good at controlling my pumping time. I am doing 3 pumps a day, the longest I have dragged is 10 hours. It was Charlotte birthday celebration so that day I was so afraid of blocked duct. Now that the breast are regulated, when it's hard it won't become rock hard, sorry for being so detail, but pumping mothers would understand what I mean. It's really not easy because I m practically watching out for timing and yield. The good thing is I can control the interval better, meaning I can drag or shorten the timing if the I am not able to pump at the stipulated timing.
Before you continue reading.... Warning as content might get a bit graphical... Descriptively.
My regular pump timing would be 5-6am, 1-2pm, 9-10pm. Averagely my yield is 130 to 150ml on left and 50 to 70 on right. I read online that it's normal for unbalance yield. Clovy is feeding 130ml per feed, so I am supplying her with close to 90% breast milk. I would say with Clovy it really bring me new experience on Breastfeeding. I did not breastfeed Charlotte due to low or no supply. Charlotte is also not a milk drinker.
With my new breast feeding experience, I also thought of more tips to warm up breast milk. My newly discovery.... Instead of warming it via the traditional way of hot water in the mug and change a couple of times.... I warm it via a thermal mug. I found a thermal mug at home which the cover is spoilt, then I slot my thermal flask (for bringing outdoor) and it fit perfectly. When we are outside, I just pour 1 round of hot water to warm the chilled milk.
My next research would be on thermal bag to transport the milk as I am going back to work real soon. Currently I am using the daiso small thermal bag to transport 3 bottles of chilled breast milk to Clovy school. I also put in the 2 small iced cooler which I bought from daiso. The minus point is condensation. It often wet her clothes which is in the same bag... If I carry it separately, I am worried that I might forget to bring out. I am now trying to find a thermal bag which has minimum condensation on the surface.
The part about Breastfeeding is diet is no no in the equation...I don't know if I am in self denial stage or what... I haven lose my Preggy weight.... I just tell myself "it's ok cos I am Breastfeeding" and I eat a lot.... Hahahah ah.... Recently I am crazily into granola. Every morning I do look forward to the pumping session the the wee hours... I will feed baby when she wake up... Sometimes 4 sometimes 5am... Then I will wash up and prep for pumping. A bowl of chilled fresh milk and granola is what I look forward to every morning. Hahahah I used to suffer from constipation when I consumed too much cereal like this... But now I do not have this problem. I guess the loads and lots of water in my diet count. Yes! I eat while pumping... In fact I m typing this blog as I pump. I do not have a hand free set. Basically, I set up a small pumping station in my room consist of very simple stuffs, 1 ikea children child with cushion (the plastic is ok but with a cushion, it's more comfortable), a mat on the floor (cos I do drip and spray when I hand pump towards the end), sometimes I hand expressed in the toilet, and a small side table for my pump, warm water with hankie for cleaning, cereal in milk or water, iPad and handphone! Conclusion? I can do nothing when I m pumping... What I did is use my thigh to support the bottles and the height is just nice when seated on the ikea children chair. I used to pump sitting upright on the bed, but very hard for me to access to my stuffs on the side table as any movement will cause the funnel to leak.
The part of food intake... I only avoid broccoli, other than that I eat anything, everything... From coffee to seafood to wine... Yes, I do take red wine... Quite often because there are so much wedding dinner going on. :p I take a lot of dairy products as well, ice cream and cheese are my favorite. I m not taking any supplement. Let things take it's natural course.....
Before you continue reading.... Warning as content might get a bit graphical... Descriptively.
My regular pump timing would be 5-6am, 1-2pm, 9-10pm. Averagely my yield is 130 to 150ml on left and 50 to 70 on right. I read online that it's normal for unbalance yield. Clovy is feeding 130ml per feed, so I am supplying her with close to 90% breast milk. I would say with Clovy it really bring me new experience on Breastfeeding. I did not breastfeed Charlotte due to low or no supply. Charlotte is also not a milk drinker.
With my new breast feeding experience, I also thought of more tips to warm up breast milk. My newly discovery.... Instead of warming it via the traditional way of hot water in the mug and change a couple of times.... I warm it via a thermal mug. I found a thermal mug at home which the cover is spoilt, then I slot my thermal flask (for bringing outdoor) and it fit perfectly. When we are outside, I just pour 1 round of hot water to warm the chilled milk.
My next research would be on thermal bag to transport the milk as I am going back to work real soon. Currently I am using the daiso small thermal bag to transport 3 bottles of chilled breast milk to Clovy school. I also put in the 2 small iced cooler which I bought from daiso. The minus point is condensation. It often wet her clothes which is in the same bag... If I carry it separately, I am worried that I might forget to bring out. I am now trying to find a thermal bag which has minimum condensation on the surface.
The part about Breastfeeding is diet is no no in the equation...I don't know if I am in self denial stage or what... I haven lose my Preggy weight.... I just tell myself "it's ok cos I am Breastfeeding" and I eat a lot.... Hahahah ah.... Recently I am crazily into granola. Every morning I do look forward to the pumping session the the wee hours... I will feed baby when she wake up... Sometimes 4 sometimes 5am... Then I will wash up and prep for pumping. A bowl of chilled fresh milk and granola is what I look forward to every morning. Hahahah I used to suffer from constipation when I consumed too much cereal like this... But now I do not have this problem. I guess the loads and lots of water in my diet count. Yes! I eat while pumping... In fact I m typing this blog as I pump. I do not have a hand free set. Basically, I set up a small pumping station in my room consist of very simple stuffs, 1 ikea children child with cushion (the plastic is ok but with a cushion, it's more comfortable), a mat on the floor (cos I do drip and spray when I hand pump towards the end), sometimes I hand expressed in the toilet, and a small side table for my pump, warm water with hankie for cleaning, cereal in milk or water, iPad and handphone! Conclusion? I can do nothing when I m pumping... What I did is use my thigh to support the bottles and the height is just nice when seated on the ikea children chair. I used to pump sitting upright on the bed, but very hard for me to access to my stuffs on the side table as any movement will cause the funnel to leak.
The part of food intake... I only avoid broccoli, other than that I eat anything, everything... From coffee to seafood to wine... Yes, I do take red wine... Quite often because there are so much wedding dinner going on. :p I take a lot of dairy products as well, ice cream and cheese are my favorite. I m not taking any supplement. Let things take it's natural course.....
Monday, September 01, 2014
Breast feeding journal ~ finale?
As I progress into week 6 onwards, things get better for the pumping. I manage to drag my pumping session from 3 hours to 4 hours (couple of days) and increase to 5 hours then 6 hours... By week 8 I am dragging about 7 to 8 hours... So I m pumping 3 times a day.... Getting all ready for a good routine for returning to work... My pump timing is now at 6 plus am, 2 pm, 10pm.... Each time I am able to yield about 200ml... Not equally from both sides... One side is more competent than the other... So with 3 pumps a day, I am still able to give bb breast milk for the day and supplement with formula at night...
There is a period time when I get lazy with pumping and try to latch her when pumping and feeding time collide. However after trying a few days I gave up... It's even more tiring... Because she din get to eat full and after the latching I still have to pump... (Normally this happen at night when I am so sleepy and lazy)... But the beauty about breast feeding is, when bb just had milk and after an hour or so still fussing and refuse to sleep (bedtime), just shove the "ready" supply and let her suckle... Sometimes it's a bad habit because she might refuse pacifier if this method is used too often... So there are times I got fed up with her suckle (she pull and nudge) I just put her back to her bed and let her cry and shove pacifier in her mouth... Let the daddy take over to pat her... The funny thing is bb is also quite smart... After a few cry... Knowing that nothing is going to happen... They will sleep.... (This only work when she is well fed, and dry diaper)
I have also some fozen breast milk during confiement time... I thawed a couple and try to feed bb... The 1st few bags are quite fishy. I gave them to her and she drank... But that period of time (it's just within a few days) she is suffering from colic... And I read in forum that some doctor actually suggested to stop giving thaw milk in the case of colic... I suspect the thawed milk might be too chilled (寒) for the body... So I stop.... After a couple of days, I thawed another few bags and tried to give... She seems ok with it.... Another few days I thawed another few bags... She cry and cry after a few feed... I start to wonder if it's the thawed milk issue or the fresh one taste of chili (I normally alternate betwwen fresh and thawed and it happen that day I ate some chili)... She was having a lot of wind... So no choice got to give anti coli med....
I decided not to thaw any more milk for the time being... Frankly speaking the taste of the thawed milk is very yucky... I tried to taste before giving bb... Every little taste I feel like puking.... Hahahah a.... Back to the colic issue, after observing bb for a few feeds... I notice the air could be caused by sucking of milk too fast... The breast milk is thinner and hence she makes a lot of "chuk chuk" sound during sucking and fuss after a few suck.. We got to make her burp really loud before she can continue to suck. With forumla, it's thicker and less "chuk chuk" sound.... Now that bb is reaching 2 months... Hopefully she can burp better and less "windy".
I am thinking thinking what to do with the frozen milk... I still have 10 over packets of them... I haven freeze anymore after the confiement since I started to drag my pumping interval. My supply is also not as much... In order to maintain the quality and quantity... I m taking oat regularly... Those quick cook oat with condense milk. Not very lasting for the appetite but good enough for quick fix lunch.
There is a period time when I get lazy with pumping and try to latch her when pumping and feeding time collide. However after trying a few days I gave up... It's even more tiring... Because she din get to eat full and after the latching I still have to pump... (Normally this happen at night when I am so sleepy and lazy)... But the beauty about breast feeding is, when bb just had milk and after an hour or so still fussing and refuse to sleep (bedtime), just shove the "ready" supply and let her suckle... Sometimes it's a bad habit because she might refuse pacifier if this method is used too often... So there are times I got fed up with her suckle (she pull and nudge) I just put her back to her bed and let her cry and shove pacifier in her mouth... Let the daddy take over to pat her... The funny thing is bb is also quite smart... After a few cry... Knowing that nothing is going to happen... They will sleep.... (This only work when she is well fed, and dry diaper)
I have also some fozen breast milk during confiement time... I thawed a couple and try to feed bb... The 1st few bags are quite fishy. I gave them to her and she drank... But that period of time (it's just within a few days) she is suffering from colic... And I read in forum that some doctor actually suggested to stop giving thaw milk in the case of colic... I suspect the thawed milk might be too chilled (寒) for the body... So I stop.... After a couple of days, I thawed another few bags and tried to give... She seems ok with it.... Another few days I thawed another few bags... She cry and cry after a few feed... I start to wonder if it's the thawed milk issue or the fresh one taste of chili (I normally alternate betwwen fresh and thawed and it happen that day I ate some chili)... She was having a lot of wind... So no choice got to give anti coli med....
I decided not to thaw any more milk for the time being... Frankly speaking the taste of the thawed milk is very yucky... I tried to taste before giving bb... Every little taste I feel like puking.... Hahahah a.... Back to the colic issue, after observing bb for a few feeds... I notice the air could be caused by sucking of milk too fast... The breast milk is thinner and hence she makes a lot of "chuk chuk" sound during sucking and fuss after a few suck.. We got to make her burp really loud before she can continue to suck. With forumla, it's thicker and less "chuk chuk" sound.... Now that bb is reaching 2 months... Hopefully she can burp better and less "windy".
I am thinking thinking what to do with the frozen milk... I still have 10 over packets of them... I haven freeze anymore after the confiement since I started to drag my pumping interval. My supply is also not as much... In order to maintain the quality and quantity... I m taking oat regularly... Those quick cook oat with condense milk. Not very lasting for the appetite but good enough for quick fix lunch.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
How much does it cost to give birth
I decided to keep a record of the rising cost in giving birth...
5 years back when I delivered Charlotte, the hospital bill cash upfront is about $3200. Today, same procedures, it cost $6800.
Based on 2014 rate,
Before week 12 every visit is ala carte, 2 visits cost : $400
A trip to Kk for drip due to dehydration : $200+
Other trips to GP and off the shelf medication for morning sickness : estimated $200
Prenatal package starting from week 12 : $1500
Oscar and detailed check estimated $500
Hospital bill based on natural with use of epidural
Cash top up : $6800
Baby jaundice check x2 times estimated $200
Post natal based on 2014 rate,
28 days confiement nanny :$2500, I extended her for 4 days so total $2858
Bathing herb $35, cooking herbs $300
Food purchase over confiement period : $700
Massage for 10 session post natal : $670
I did a couple of pre natal at $60 each session
We spend about $2000 on baby shower celebration, invited about 70 pax.
We got a maid in to take care of baby, the agent fee, plus insurance and misc : $1500
Baby items also cost quite a fair bit,
Breast pump 2nd hand $150
Components shield $31 + $28 (soft shield which is not useful)
Milk storage bottle in pack of 3 I bought 3 sets: $30 per set
Nuk teat and stuff :$30
Sterilizer : $60
Mattress : $40 (other bedding needs from hand me down from friends)
Other items like milk powder and diaper I did not count in as these are regular item.
It sound scary but just these item above... It's $18,000 plus plus ... Note... I did not include those amount taken from medisave... With that it is easily $20,000!
5 years back when I delivered Charlotte, the hospital bill cash upfront is about $3200. Today, same procedures, it cost $6800.
Based on 2014 rate,
Before week 12 every visit is ala carte, 2 visits cost : $400
A trip to Kk for drip due to dehydration : $200+
Other trips to GP and off the shelf medication for morning sickness : estimated $200
Prenatal package starting from week 12 : $1500
Oscar and detailed check estimated $500
Hospital bill based on natural with use of epidural
Cash top up : $6800
Baby jaundice check x2 times estimated $200
Post natal based on 2014 rate,
28 days confiement nanny :$2500, I extended her for 4 days so total $2858
Bathing herb $35, cooking herbs $300
Food purchase over confiement period : $700
Massage for 10 session post natal : $670
I did a couple of pre natal at $60 each session
We spend about $2000 on baby shower celebration, invited about 70 pax.
We got a maid in to take care of baby, the agent fee, plus insurance and misc : $1500
Baby items also cost quite a fair bit,
Breast pump 2nd hand $150
Components shield $31 + $28 (soft shield which is not useful)
Milk storage bottle in pack of 3 I bought 3 sets: $30 per set
Nuk teat and stuff :$30
Sterilizer : $60
Mattress : $40 (other bedding needs from hand me down from friends)
Other items like milk powder and diaper I did not count in as these are regular item.
It sound scary but just these item above... It's $18,000 plus plus ... Note... I did not include those amount taken from medisave... With that it is easily $20,000!
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Exclusive pumping Eping
Like what this article has epically mention ; (http://kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/pumping/exclusive-pumping/)
"Sadly, many (including health care providers) will tell mom that this is crazy idea, and “it’ll never work”; “you’ll run out of milk”; or will say “you simply will not be able to keep up”. Without the support and information she needs, a mom may simply give up. Those who don’t give up often are faced with other issues to overcome. They often feel like they are in a class by themselves, excluded from the usual groups of moms who typically form into “support groups” either for breastfeeding mothers, or for formula feeding mothers."
I have my own reason for being Eping. I find it easier to manage baby feeding pattern as I get to know how much baby is drinking. I wasn't aware of this term until I start researching on if my body is able to produce milk to cater to baby growing needs without direct latching. I ever saw a mummy post on forum that when baby latch, the mummy body is able to produce the right amount of nutrients to the baby growing need. So it got me wonder if my body is able to "tune" itself without the latch.
After googling, I did not really find the answer to my question. Nonetheless, I am glad to know I am not alone to stand by my choice on exclusive pumping instead of direct latching.
After googling, I did not really find the answer to my question. Nonetheless, I am glad to know I am not alone to stand by my choice on exclusive pumping instead of direct latching.
Battle just started... Breast feeding journal part 1
For this time... I got a confinement lady and I would say it's my best decision for confinement needs. The auntie supposed to come on the day we discharged but she had some knee issue and she requested to come 1 day later. I am ok with it. So 1st day after we reach home we just did some simple cooking for dinner. But night time taking care of baby is nightmare. Probably we lost touched or it's a different experience between Charlotte and Clovy. During Charlotte time, I do not have much milk supply. Day 2 in hospital I have requested for the nurse to formula feed Charlotte. Charlotte is also unable to latch well... Not sure if it's due to her impatient character or I do not have milk for her... So her feeding needs is mainly formula.
With Clovy, before she was born, I already notice some discharge and these are signs or pre-milk, colostrum. The day she arrived, she was able to latch on and on direct latch throughout our stay in the hospital. When we reached home, I have formula on standby based on our experience with Charlotte. The 1st night I tried latched on but she was still crying so we gave some formula. When the CL arrived she commented that Clovy is not full and dehydrated. She immediately gave her a bottle of formula. From the minute Clovy arrived, I did not manage to "sleep through" the night even with the CL. I still remembered with Charlotte, I managed to sleep 1 full night on day 2 of hospital stay. Clovy was due to latching at night so I didn't get undisturbed sleep. Now with the supply of milk, I didn't get undisturbed sleep as well even those I do not have to do night duty during confinement period.
My supply of milk is a battle for me... I woke up every 3 hours to pump. Clovy sleep with the CL at night and she is on formula at night as recommended by the CL so that Clovy can get more nutrients. I agreed to the arrangement as I do feel that my breast milk is very watery.
My breast feeding journey is a "roller coaster" ride. After 1 week my milk supply came and I was battling with blocked ducts. Chilled cabbage is my saviour. The CL made a lot of soup for me and she commented that milk supply will only increase with increase intake of liquid. After 2 week, I was down on fever due to a blocked duct. I could feel a ball like thingy... I get the massage lady to help clear... She use her "cow" strength and did not manage to remove it... I applied the first chilled cabbage. The cold compressed provides some release of heat. I also tried to get a lot of advise on breast feeding from my cousin who has a lot of supply of milk. The first experienced with blocked duct really made me very demoralized and wanted to stop breast feeding. I also tried direct latch to get Clovy to help "sucked" out the blockage. I was also on mummy chat group. There are many school of thoughts... There are mummies who are super pro Breastfeeding especially direct latch... So they just latch on demand which is damm tiring... Because I noticed from Clovy, she will suck and sleep half full... The minute you put her down, she starts to cry...never if she manage to sleep, it will just be a while. So I pump and let CL bottle fed her.
By the 3rd week, I am averagely pumping about 70ml but her demand is about 90ml. Since she is on mixed of breast milk and formula, I am not concern about supply...I am more worried about blocked duct. Whenever the milk is "coming", I could feel that it's like going to burst out... I also started freezing some breast milk from night pump. From the first experienced on blocked duct, I wanted to cut down my supply or stop Breastfeeding... So I tried to get some "advise" online... I tried to drag the interval. Guess what, I end up with blocked duct again! Luckily I managed to clear it and did not get fever from it.
Based on 2 blocked ducts incidents, I also learn that milk supply will established from week 6 to 8. It might be too early for me to to anything funny. So I begin religiously pumping. On the day we had Clovy's full month celebration, I brought the pump along to pump in the car even under the intense heat from the afternoon sun. That evening after the event, I was down with fever again! I do not understand why. That night I got some advised from friend to stop drinking fish soup. I told the CL I do not want any more fish soup. She says it's not the problem with the soup. She used a towel in hot water bath and massage for me. I was thinking it's going to hurt badly but I was surprised that this method actually provide some release! I did hot compressed to clear blocked duct earlier but I only do spot heat compressed which make that blocked duct spot even more painful. What the CL did was to apply to the whole area. Then the hot towel did help to open up the milk pores. When she saw that I m only using 1/3 of the pump strength, she says no wonder I got blocked duct... Because I most probably did not empty the milk every pump. I told her it's painful to use high pressure from the pump. I normally did not apply hot compressed before pump, so I would start from low speed to stimulate then higher speed later on... Something I read from google search as well.
But not all method work on all people. Now I found a more effective method from the CL advise. I will apply hot compressed to the whole area before pumping... This helps to open the milk pores... Then I can immediately use higher pressure pumping. With this method, I manage to cut down the machine pumping to 15 min instead of 30 min previously. The machine will pump about 15 min and I will noticed that the output becomes smaller. I will stop the pump and hand expressed to clear. I also did a check to ensure the milk has been emptied. The check is done by pushing from all angle to ensure no more output of milk. With this method, each yield is minimally 100ml.
I also realized that wearing clothes that is too tight does caused blocked ducts. Because there is 1 noon I slept in tighter top I got a blockage on the side that I slept on. Thus, I suspect the blocked duct from baby shower is due to tight top.
With breast feeding I also face the dilemma of both ftwm and sahm. When Charlotte arrived I got no CL no helper and took care of her myself till week 7 and I was down with fever... back then I got no milk so no bf... after the fever episode I faster got a helper in and train the helper to take care bb b4 I go back to work. Back then my conclusion is I cannot be a sahm.
5 years later today. I got a CL and glad I got her because I have milk supply so battling with engorgement and blocked duct... before CL go back, I was worried how how I can managed pumping and taking care of baby. I know a lot of mothers faced this issue and majority will do direct latch to minimize washing and stuff but I do not wish to be a human pacifier. I managed to get a helper to come 4 days before CL leave... now training her but she is very inexperienced and still need a lot of guidance. .. this got me very worried and at this moment I really dare not leave baby in her hand out of sight. I read those blog entry I did in the past from my past helper who take care of Charlotte. My ex helper had experienced with baby and was able to get into momentum very fast. This helper has zero experienced with baby, but I choose her because she match majority of my requirement, and she does have some experienced with her nephew and nieces... So weighing the pros and cons I decided to try her out. After 3 days of training, she still not really on the ball.... I start to questioned is it I m being impatient... I keep thinking maybe I will have to take care baby myself longer to wait till baby grow stronger and bigger to be safe in the maid's care.... the thought of sahm flash across my mind... But I m not sure how that would work out.... It will be terrible in financial wise.... Mentally wise I am not sure if I can manage facing baby 24 by 7.....feeling torn :(
Another factor I have to consider is Charlotte. I tried not to devote 100% of my time to baby. We have been prepping charlotte for the little one. Nonetheless she do show a bit of attitude problem after arrival of Clovy. Most of the time is attention seeking. She goes to cc in the day and when she is back in the evening time she will tend to get my attention to do this and that with her. I try to spend some of "these" quality time with her... during the time when I need to do something else, I kept her inform of where I m. For example, when I m going into the room... I will tell her I m going into the room... sometimes she follow and sit there to play her toys or ipad. I guess for their age they want to be involved and felt left out when not knowing what we are doing. I also felt her sense of insecurity especially with more stranger at home. It started with the CL staying in and I explained to her aunty is here to take care of baby and mummy for 1 month. Then the helper which I explained to her that kaka(sister) will take care of baby when mummy go back to work. There was once she asked me why our home got so many people.
Charlotte has also her sweet side... Before delivery of Clovy, I told her I would not be able to bath her after baby come out because I cannot touch water, reason being I will be in pain. And the first night in hospital she saw that I can't get down the bed, I explain my backside pain (easy explanation). Then the breast feeding journey, she saw my breast pain. There was once she wrote a small note, "because u pain pain, I love u". Yesterday, she say mummy u cannot touch water. I told her that is for 1 month only and it over. Now I can touch water. She asked your backside still pain? I say no... I am actually surprised that she remembered. I ever told her that when baby is out I would not be going to work for a while.... Yesterday out of the blue, she said, mummy u not working, you can take my money (piggy bank)... It was really sweet of her. She also drew this for me during my bf "roller coaster" stage.
From pregnancy till confinement, Charlotte has been spending a lot of time with her father as I can't help her with a lot of the daily chores. So after confinement, we managed to spend some time together. Last Friday evening after dinner, I wanted to buy some stuff from compasspoint. So I took the opportunity to go out as the CL is still with us to take care of baby. I brought Charlotte with me so we went buying mattress cover on promotion (ad hoc), some cosmetic which was what I wanted to get. And finally sharing a mr bean ice cream cone together before heading home.
There are also evil sides of Charlotte. During my last trimester with a big belly, I told her I can't twist my body to help her changed when she is lying down. She likes to lie down on her bed in the morning and expect me to pull her pj out for her... Back then I show her how I can't turn with my tummy and ask her to stand up to change out of her pj. After delivery, she lie on the bed again and I requested her to stand up. She said, now u got no tummy, why you cannot turn. I almost puke out flesh blood!
Side track.... My CL cook really nice food... I only took 2 photos as most of the time I would have gobbled up all the food before it turn cold :P
Photo with Auntie Mary, my CL. We brought her to a farewell dinner at House of Seafood.
With Clovy, before she was born, I already notice some discharge and these are signs or pre-milk, colostrum. The day she arrived, she was able to latch on and on direct latch throughout our stay in the hospital. When we reached home, I have formula on standby based on our experience with Charlotte. The 1st night I tried latched on but she was still crying so we gave some formula. When the CL arrived she commented that Clovy is not full and dehydrated. She immediately gave her a bottle of formula. From the minute Clovy arrived, I did not manage to "sleep through" the night even with the CL. I still remembered with Charlotte, I managed to sleep 1 full night on day 2 of hospital stay. Clovy was due to latching at night so I didn't get undisturbed sleep. Now with the supply of milk, I didn't get undisturbed sleep as well even those I do not have to do night duty during confinement period.
My supply of milk is a battle for me... I woke up every 3 hours to pump. Clovy sleep with the CL at night and she is on formula at night as recommended by the CL so that Clovy can get more nutrients. I agreed to the arrangement as I do feel that my breast milk is very watery.
My breast feeding journey is a "roller coaster" ride. After 1 week my milk supply came and I was battling with blocked ducts. Chilled cabbage is my saviour. The CL made a lot of soup for me and she commented that milk supply will only increase with increase intake of liquid. After 2 week, I was down on fever due to a blocked duct. I could feel a ball like thingy... I get the massage lady to help clear... She use her "cow" strength and did not manage to remove it... I applied the first chilled cabbage. The cold compressed provides some release of heat. I also tried to get a lot of advise on breast feeding from my cousin who has a lot of supply of milk. The first experienced with blocked duct really made me very demoralized and wanted to stop breast feeding. I also tried direct latch to get Clovy to help "sucked" out the blockage. I was also on mummy chat group. There are many school of thoughts... There are mummies who are super pro Breastfeeding especially direct latch... So they just latch on demand which is damm tiring... Because I noticed from Clovy, she will suck and sleep half full... The minute you put her down, she starts to cry...never if she manage to sleep, it will just be a while. So I pump and let CL bottle fed her.
By the 3rd week, I am averagely pumping about 70ml but her demand is about 90ml. Since she is on mixed of breast milk and formula, I am not concern about supply...I am more worried about blocked duct. Whenever the milk is "coming", I could feel that it's like going to burst out... I also started freezing some breast milk from night pump. From the first experienced on blocked duct, I wanted to cut down my supply or stop Breastfeeding... So I tried to get some "advise" online... I tried to drag the interval. Guess what, I end up with blocked duct again! Luckily I managed to clear it and did not get fever from it.
Based on 2 blocked ducts incidents, I also learn that milk supply will established from week 6 to 8. It might be too early for me to to anything funny. So I begin religiously pumping. On the day we had Clovy's full month celebration, I brought the pump along to pump in the car even under the intense heat from the afternoon sun. That evening after the event, I was down with fever again! I do not understand why. That night I got some advised from friend to stop drinking fish soup. I told the CL I do not want any more fish soup. She says it's not the problem with the soup. She used a towel in hot water bath and massage for me. I was thinking it's going to hurt badly but I was surprised that this method actually provide some release! I did hot compressed to clear blocked duct earlier but I only do spot heat compressed which make that blocked duct spot even more painful. What the CL did was to apply to the whole area. Then the hot towel did help to open up the milk pores. When she saw that I m only using 1/3 of the pump strength, she says no wonder I got blocked duct... Because I most probably did not empty the milk every pump. I told her it's painful to use high pressure from the pump. I normally did not apply hot compressed before pump, so I would start from low speed to stimulate then higher speed later on... Something I read from google search as well.
But not all method work on all people. Now I found a more effective method from the CL advise. I will apply hot compressed to the whole area before pumping... This helps to open the milk pores... Then I can immediately use higher pressure pumping. With this method, I manage to cut down the machine pumping to 15 min instead of 30 min previously. The machine will pump about 15 min and I will noticed that the output becomes smaller. I will stop the pump and hand expressed to clear. I also did a check to ensure the milk has been emptied. The check is done by pushing from all angle to ensure no more output of milk. With this method, each yield is minimally 100ml.
I also realized that wearing clothes that is too tight does caused blocked ducts. Because there is 1 noon I slept in tighter top I got a blockage on the side that I slept on. Thus, I suspect the blocked duct from baby shower is due to tight top.
With breast feeding I also face the dilemma of both ftwm and sahm. When Charlotte arrived I got no CL no helper and took care of her myself till week 7 and I was down with fever... back then I got no milk so no bf... after the fever episode I faster got a helper in and train the helper to take care bb b4 I go back to work. Back then my conclusion is I cannot be a sahm.
5 years later today. I got a CL and glad I got her because I have milk supply so battling with engorgement and blocked duct... before CL go back, I was worried how how I can managed pumping and taking care of baby. I know a lot of mothers faced this issue and majority will do direct latch to minimize washing and stuff but I do not wish to be a human pacifier. I managed to get a helper to come 4 days before CL leave... now training her but she is very inexperienced and still need a lot of guidance. .. this got me very worried and at this moment I really dare not leave baby in her hand out of sight. I read those blog entry I did in the past from my past helper who take care of Charlotte. My ex helper had experienced with baby and was able to get into momentum very fast. This helper has zero experienced with baby, but I choose her because she match majority of my requirement, and she does have some experienced with her nephew and nieces... So weighing the pros and cons I decided to try her out. After 3 days of training, she still not really on the ball.... I start to questioned is it I m being impatient... I keep thinking maybe I will have to take care baby myself longer to wait till baby grow stronger and bigger to be safe in the maid's care.... the thought of sahm flash across my mind... But I m not sure how that would work out.... It will be terrible in financial wise.... Mentally wise I am not sure if I can manage facing baby 24 by 7.....feeling torn :(
Another factor I have to consider is Charlotte. I tried not to devote 100% of my time to baby. We have been prepping charlotte for the little one. Nonetheless she do show a bit of attitude problem after arrival of Clovy. Most of the time is attention seeking. She goes to cc in the day and when she is back in the evening time she will tend to get my attention to do this and that with her. I try to spend some of "these" quality time with her... during the time when I need to do something else, I kept her inform of where I m. For example, when I m going into the room... I will tell her I m going into the room... sometimes she follow and sit there to play her toys or ipad. I guess for their age they want to be involved and felt left out when not knowing what we are doing. I also felt her sense of insecurity especially with more stranger at home. It started with the CL staying in and I explained to her aunty is here to take care of baby and mummy for 1 month. Then the helper which I explained to her that kaka(sister) will take care of baby when mummy go back to work. There was once she asked me why our home got so many people.
Charlotte has also her sweet side... Before delivery of Clovy, I told her I would not be able to bath her after baby come out because I cannot touch water, reason being I will be in pain. And the first night in hospital she saw that I can't get down the bed, I explain my backside pain (easy explanation). Then the breast feeding journey, she saw my breast pain. There was once she wrote a small note, "because u pain pain, I love u". Yesterday, she say mummy u cannot touch water. I told her that is for 1 month only and it over. Now I can touch water. She asked your backside still pain? I say no... I am actually surprised that she remembered. I ever told her that when baby is out I would not be going to work for a while.... Yesterday out of the blue, she said, mummy u not working, you can take my money (piggy bank)... It was really sweet of her. She also drew this for me during my bf "roller coaster" stage.
From pregnancy till confinement, Charlotte has been spending a lot of time with her father as I can't help her with a lot of the daily chores. So after confinement, we managed to spend some time together. Last Friday evening after dinner, I wanted to buy some stuff from compasspoint. So I took the opportunity to go out as the CL is still with us to take care of baby. I brought Charlotte with me so we went buying mattress cover on promotion (ad hoc), some cosmetic which was what I wanted to get. And finally sharing a mr bean ice cream cone together before heading home.
There are also evil sides of Charlotte. During my last trimester with a big belly, I told her I can't twist my body to help her changed when she is lying down. She likes to lie down on her bed in the morning and expect me to pull her pj out for her... Back then I show her how I can't turn with my tummy and ask her to stand up to change out of her pj. After delivery, she lie on the bed again and I requested her to stand up. She said, now u got no tummy, why you cannot turn. I almost puke out flesh blood!
Side track.... My CL cook really nice food... I only took 2 photos as most of the time I would have gobbled up all the food before it turn cold :P
Photo with Auntie Mary, my CL. We brought her to a farewell dinner at House of Seafood.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Welcome NJ II ~ Clovy Tan
On Monday16 June morning I was feeling funny and saw some discharge which I concluded it could be the mucus plug. I did not see any mucus plug when having Charlotte. I was deciding if I should go to work or call the hospital.... As my gynea would be in her compasspoint outlet on Monday, I decided to go to work and monitor.... Nothing happen on Monday...
In the middle of the night of Tuesday, 17 June, I experience some leaking.... Not a lot to be alarm kind... And some contraction which is happen over the past few nights too.... I try to sleep till morning and told Nick that I think I will not go to work and call up the hospital later... We send Charlotte to school and went for breakfast before I call the clinic in the hospital at 8.30am. I told my boss and colleague that I m not sure if it's a false sign....
The nurse check with my gynea and suggest I make my way to the hospital and head straight to the labour ward. I knew it's going to be today! At 10am, We arrived at raffles hospital and head to level 8 labour ward... Room 2 where Doc Watt name is on the signage... Doc Watt came in less than a min after we arrived. She jokingly made the remark... "U are anxious to delivery rite" I changed into the gown and getting ready for inspection.... Doc said I m 3 cm dilate... She broke the water bag and this time round I dun feel relieve and the gushing of water wasn't that strong also. She mentioned that it will depends on the speed of how the cervix open up... She will inject oxytocin later on. She suggested that I take the epidural immediately... But I wasn't having any contraction... She said it's going to hurt badly once the oxytocin is in.... So I agreed to the epidural immediately...
It was the same doc as 5 years back for the epidural... But the experience is damm bad... I was close to tear when he poke in the needle. 1 nurse was holding on to me to make sure I relax else the needle can't go in.... I dun remember the epidural being so painful 5 years back. Conclusion..... I had the epidural too late during Charlotte time... The contraction pain was much more than the epidural injection back then.
As the delivery ward is quite empty for the day I guess... The nurse keep coming in to check on me... Back then during Charlotte time... The labour wards are full and the nurses seldom come in.... This time is different. Nick went to drink kopi with Joey and Daniel who is also at the hospital for their checkup with Doc Watt... And I m glad I had my breakfast before admission.
At 12pm, Doc Watt came in and check on me... I am only 4cm... She asked the nurse to put in the cathera to drain the urine... She says the full bladder is blocking the baby from descending.... She expect the delivery to be in early noon...Earlier on the nurse did ask if I want to put... I says if can hold on I prefer later ...stupid choice.... Because after she drain the urine...at 1.30pm, after 1 hour 30 min... I was already 7 cm! On and off the nurse keep asking if I want to increase the epidural, I say no... as I do not want to be overdose by medication.... Somehow or rather, I do agree that by taking the epidural earlier did help lessen the suffering.... I could feel the contraction and it was all in the bearable range. The nurse explain that during Charlotte time it could be the late introduction of epidural which did not have enough time to act on my body and thus the painful contraction felt back then. This time round I was able to concentrate and "enjoy" every contraction. The poor hb did get any scolding this time... I was jokingly telling him that we can still hold a conversation this time round... He said he dare not speak because last round he keep talking and I was angrily telling him do not talk to me.... Hahahhaah...
At 2pm... The nurse came in to warm the baby bed... Woh... Nowadays the baby has warm bed waiting....I ask the nurse if I m at the peak of contraction .... She said it on the peak already.... The contractions are really manageable with the epidural... Then 2 midwives came in and ask me to push... We tried lying down, on the side and a new style which is like dog peeing... I ask the midwives if this is a new "position"... She said it has been a old style... Hahahha.... As I can feel the contraction, I knew it coming before the chart...hahahah... After half an hour, Doc Watt came in to check on me and said she will be back in 30 min... The midwives continue to help me to push... One of the midwife asked if I want to see my own pushing... I asked how? She said by mirror... I answered why not.... I was thinking this is going to be my last time giving birth as I do not think we would have number 3. The midwife said some people are scared to see... I told her, instead of watching you tube, I would prefer to see my own... I knew Nick dare not see... I told him not to see if he is uncomfortable. I know how scary it was as I have been scared by those you tubes... Hahahahha
She positioned a mirror just right "there" so that I get a good view... I know it sound gruesome but it's mother nature of how things work... When I pushed... I could catch a glimps of the hair! When I relax the opening close... I thought I have to push out the head myself... So with every contraction I try my might to push. I was also wondering how come the leg hold gadget has yet to be set up. After a while, the midwives walk out of the room leaving nick questioning why they just walked off? I just keep on pushing with every contraction. They returned shortly with Doc Watt... In the speed of light, Doc Watt changed into the "fish monger" outfit... The nurses transform the bed with the leg stand...Doc Watt asked if I am exhausted... I replied no as I was all ready to the finale! I saw Doc Watt taking the scissor and I knew it coming so I tried not to see... With 2 midwives one at each side pushing my tummy and Doc Watt was digging (I could feel).... Baby Clovy is out in 3 final pushes. Nick said 1 push the head out, another one the whole body just gush out. I could feel I use "cow strength" in the final pushes... It's just natural. Baby Clovy was put on my tummy and the miracle feeling was felt once again... It happen 5 years back and the feeling is the same... I guess with every child, the feeling is always awesome.
After a while, baby Clovy was handed back to the nurse and I saw her private when they put her in the warm bed... I told nick, it's a girl! We weren't sure throughout the Preggy because of mixed "signs"... Nonetheless, the name Clovy was given before she arrived... Hahahah... Doc Watt "finished" the final part... collected the cord blood as I made arrangement to donate to national cord blood bank. I wasn't show the placenta this time round.., so I asked Doc Watt if my placenta is ok.. She said no problem.
We get some bonding time with Baby Clovy before she was send to shower. :)
A drawing from Charlotte upon the arrival of her little sister.
In the middle of the night of Tuesday, 17 June, I experience some leaking.... Not a lot to be alarm kind... And some contraction which is happen over the past few nights too.... I try to sleep till morning and told Nick that I think I will not go to work and call up the hospital later... We send Charlotte to school and went for breakfast before I call the clinic in the hospital at 8.30am. I told my boss and colleague that I m not sure if it's a false sign....
The nurse check with my gynea and suggest I make my way to the hospital and head straight to the labour ward. I knew it's going to be today! At 10am, We arrived at raffles hospital and head to level 8 labour ward... Room 2 where Doc Watt name is on the signage... Doc Watt came in less than a min after we arrived. She jokingly made the remark... "U are anxious to delivery rite" I changed into the gown and getting ready for inspection.... Doc said I m 3 cm dilate... She broke the water bag and this time round I dun feel relieve and the gushing of water wasn't that strong also. She mentioned that it will depends on the speed of how the cervix open up... She will inject oxytocin later on. She suggested that I take the epidural immediately... But I wasn't having any contraction... She said it's going to hurt badly once the oxytocin is in.... So I agreed to the epidural immediately...
It was the same doc as 5 years back for the epidural... But the experience is damm bad... I was close to tear when he poke in the needle. 1 nurse was holding on to me to make sure I relax else the needle can't go in.... I dun remember the epidural being so painful 5 years back. Conclusion..... I had the epidural too late during Charlotte time... The contraction pain was much more than the epidural injection back then.
As the delivery ward is quite empty for the day I guess... The nurse keep coming in to check on me... Back then during Charlotte time... The labour wards are full and the nurses seldom come in.... This time is different. Nick went to drink kopi with Joey and Daniel who is also at the hospital for their checkup with Doc Watt... And I m glad I had my breakfast before admission.
At 12pm, Doc Watt came in and check on me... I am only 4cm... She asked the nurse to put in the cathera to drain the urine... She says the full bladder is blocking the baby from descending.... She expect the delivery to be in early noon...Earlier on the nurse did ask if I want to put... I says if can hold on I prefer later ...stupid choice.... Because after she drain the urine...at 1.30pm, after 1 hour 30 min... I was already 7 cm! On and off the nurse keep asking if I want to increase the epidural, I say no... as I do not want to be overdose by medication.... Somehow or rather, I do agree that by taking the epidural earlier did help lessen the suffering.... I could feel the contraction and it was all in the bearable range. The nurse explain that during Charlotte time it could be the late introduction of epidural which did not have enough time to act on my body and thus the painful contraction felt back then. This time round I was able to concentrate and "enjoy" every contraction. The poor hb did get any scolding this time... I was jokingly telling him that we can still hold a conversation this time round... He said he dare not speak because last round he keep talking and I was angrily telling him do not talk to me.... Hahahhaah...
At 2pm... The nurse came in to warm the baby bed... Woh... Nowadays the baby has warm bed waiting....I ask the nurse if I m at the peak of contraction .... She said it on the peak already.... The contractions are really manageable with the epidural... Then 2 midwives came in and ask me to push... We tried lying down, on the side and a new style which is like dog peeing... I ask the midwives if this is a new "position"... She said it has been a old style... Hahahha.... As I can feel the contraction, I knew it coming before the chart...hahahah... After half an hour, Doc Watt came in to check on me and said she will be back in 30 min... The midwives continue to help me to push... One of the midwife asked if I want to see my own pushing... I asked how? She said by mirror... I answered why not.... I was thinking this is going to be my last time giving birth as I do not think we would have number 3. The midwife said some people are scared to see... I told her, instead of watching you tube, I would prefer to see my own... I knew Nick dare not see... I told him not to see if he is uncomfortable. I know how scary it was as I have been scared by those you tubes... Hahahahha
She positioned a mirror just right "there" so that I get a good view... I know it sound gruesome but it's mother nature of how things work... When I pushed... I could catch a glimps of the hair! When I relax the opening close... I thought I have to push out the head myself... So with every contraction I try my might to push. I was also wondering how come the leg hold gadget has yet to be set up. After a while, the midwives walk out of the room leaving nick questioning why they just walked off? I just keep on pushing with every contraction. They returned shortly with Doc Watt... In the speed of light, Doc Watt changed into the "fish monger" outfit... The nurses transform the bed with the leg stand...Doc Watt asked if I am exhausted... I replied no as I was all ready to the finale! I saw Doc Watt taking the scissor and I knew it coming so I tried not to see... With 2 midwives one at each side pushing my tummy and Doc Watt was digging (I could feel).... Baby Clovy is out in 3 final pushes. Nick said 1 push the head out, another one the whole body just gush out. I could feel I use "cow strength" in the final pushes... It's just natural. Baby Clovy was put on my tummy and the miracle feeling was felt once again... It happen 5 years back and the feeling is the same... I guess with every child, the feeling is always awesome.
After a while, baby Clovy was handed back to the nurse and I saw her private when they put her in the warm bed... I told nick, it's a girl! We weren't sure throughout the Preggy because of mixed "signs"... Nonetheless, the name Clovy was given before she arrived... Hahahah... Doc Watt "finished" the final part... collected the cord blood as I made arrangement to donate to national cord blood bank. I wasn't show the placenta this time round.., so I asked Doc Watt if my placenta is ok.. She said no problem.
We get some bonding time with Baby Clovy before she was send to shower. :)
A drawing from Charlotte upon the arrival of her little sister.
Monday, June 16, 2014
Waiting Game
The waiting game has started and there are a few funny conversations that happen along the way....
I was suffering from swollen feet from week 37 +
upon seeing my swollen feet, the very "sweet" gal say... "mummy, u must 休息..." I reply " U dun make me do this and that I happy liao... Really is 说的比唱的好听“
The father who can't convince the baby to come out...
On Saturday, Nick talk to the baby in the tummy " You come out tomorrow ok, its father's day..."
On Sunday... no activation.... Nick says, "Still not out?"... my reply "Baby dun want to celebrate father's day with you...hahahhahah"
The girl who write date every day....
On 15 June, Charlotte said "Ai ya, today 15 June already, baby still dun want to come out!"
The girl who wants to be "大tan"...
We used to call Charlotte 小tan".... last evening she said, "I am 大tan ok..." then I asked, if you are 大tan, then your papa is 老tan ar?" She replied... "大老tan"!
The big sister who is getting impatient....
We have been talking to baby since week 36.... and Charlotte says the belly button is the "mic"
From being very sweet, gentle, persuasive... "baby come out already" to recently very impatient tone... "Baby faster come out!!!" hahahhahah
I was suffering from swollen feet from week 37 +
upon seeing my swollen feet, the very "sweet" gal say... "mummy, u must 休息..." I reply " U dun make me do this and that I happy liao... Really is 说的比唱的好听“
The father who can't convince the baby to come out...
On Saturday, Nick talk to the baby in the tummy " You come out tomorrow ok, its father's day..."
On Sunday... no activation.... Nick says, "Still not out?"... my reply "Baby dun want to celebrate father's day with you...hahahhahah"
The girl who write date every day....
On 15 June, Charlotte said "Ai ya, today 15 June already, baby still dun want to come out!"
The girl who wants to be "大tan"...
We used to call Charlotte 小tan".... last evening she said, "I am 大tan ok..." then I asked, if you are 大tan, then your papa is 老tan ar?" She replied... "大老tan"!
The big sister who is getting impatient....
We have been talking to baby since week 36.... and Charlotte says the belly button is the "mic"
From being very sweet, gentle, persuasive... "baby come out already" to recently very impatient tone... "Baby faster come out!!!" hahahhahah
Friday, June 13, 2014
We finally watch Frozen
Lately Charlotte is getting a bit crazy over frozen. Yes... she is a bit late into this...hahahha
She was in fact introduce to Frozen in her childcare. She told me her teacher played Frozen in school and I suspect its just a you tube clip and not the full movie. She was watching bits and pieces of you tube clip at home. One fine Sunday, we offer to play the full movie for her. So we sat down and watch the full movie with her. Hahahha
That's the start of Frozen craze..... Her favorite character is Else and OLAF..... she finds the snowman cute!
She was in fact introduce to Frozen in her childcare. She told me her teacher played Frozen in school and I suspect its just a you tube clip and not the full movie. She was watching bits and pieces of you tube clip at home. One fine Sunday, we offer to play the full movie for her. So we sat down and watch the full movie with her. Hahahha
That's the start of Frozen craze..... Her favorite character is Else and OLAF..... she finds the snowman cute!
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