TRAVELLING WITH INFANT, WHAT TO PACK?

When it comes to travelling with newborn or infant, you won't want to forget to bring the important stuff. So what to pack in the luggage? Here's the list to help you get started:

(It depends on how many days you are away from home, in this list, let's make it 5 days 4 nights)

1. CLOTHING
i. Clothes for daytime - 6 sets (4 sets for the next 4 days and 2 extra sets, if you are using cloth diaper, you might need to bring more).
ii. Pyjamas - 6 sets (same as above)

2. DIAPERS (depends on the age & how frequent you change the diapers daily.) Usually, I just pack enough for 2 days, and I'll buy the rest when I reach the destination.

3. TOWEL

4. BABY HEAD TO TOE CLEANSER

5. NAPKIN / HANDKERCHIEF / BIBS

6. BABY OIL (if you do baby massage)

7. MOSQUITO REPELLENT (optional)

8. SOCKS (6 pairs)

9. HAT (optional)

10. SHOES (optional)

11. BLANKET

12. BABY SLING/ CARRIER (optional)

13. TOYS (2-3 toys)

14. STROLLER (prefer a light one)

15. LIQUID CLEANSER & BOTTLE BRUSH (to wash the bottles)

16. WET TISSUES

17. BOTTLES (at least 2 bottles)

18. PACIFIER (if using one)

19. BABY  LOTION (if going to cold weather country)

20. SUN BLOCK FOR BABIES (if going outdoor often)

21. DIAPER BAG

22. MEDICINE (don't forget this if your baby is prescribed any meds by her doc)

23. MILK POWDER (bring extra, unless you are sure you can buy the same brand in the destination).

24. THERMOS FLASK

25. NAPPY RASH CREAM

26. NAIL CLIPPER (infants' nails grow very fast) - make sure you check this into the luggage, instead of hand-carrying it.

If you are breastfeeding, you gotta pack more stuff:
1. BREASTPUMP (esp if you know you won't be able to direct-feed when you are not in the hotel room)
2. STORAGE BAGS/BOTTLES to keep the expressed milk in the fridge
3. COOLER BAG
4. ICE PACKS
5. BOTTLE WARMER (optional)
6. DISPOSABLE PADS
7. NURSING COVER
8. EXPRESSED BREASTMILK (if needed - but make sure it remains chilled in the cooler bag)

Probably you need to imagine how your days are gonna be like, what activities you're gonna have (i.e. if you're going to swim, then you need to add swimsuit, and so on).

Hope this list helps~

HAPPY TRAVELLING

A Lil Update

It's been pretty long since I last blogged. I think once you lose the momentum, it's hard to gain it back. 

So, let me share a little about what's happening in the family lately. 

Keira is turning 4 next week. How time flies. It's weird, cos she has finished the whole year of school, holiday has started and next year, she's moving on to class level 5, but she's just about to celebrate her 4th birthday Haha... Anyway, this time round, she wants a little mermaid birthday cake. It's gonna be a small party, she picked the guests, of course mostly are her own friends (and their parents). If I start inviting my friends, then the list will go on and on (just like last year), so I've decided to only invite those she mentioned. So if you're not invited, please don't take it personally, I really feel like inviting all our close friends, but the place we booked is pretty small and we've decided to let it be "her" party.

Caedy is now 3months and 2 weeks. Let's just say, she knows what she wants. And she wants to be carried most of the time *duuhhh*. My breastfeeding journey has been amazing, so far so good, even though there are times that I have zero supply in the fridge, but I did manage to replenish them. *yeehahh!*

Keith and I have been planning on our 2013 holiday. That time, Caedy will be 8 or 9 months, so I might need to start introducing formula to her then. I feel kinda sentimental thinking about it. I think it happens to most breastfeeding moms. There's this emo moment when we want to wean the baby. We'll see how. 

to all mommies, remember to cherish the present moment, don't sweat the small stuff, observe your children, be quick to embrace and ... enjoy mothering. 

Online Shopping

I bought most of Caedy's stuff online, cos I was in Singapore during most of the pregnancy and Keith wasn't in KL after I gave birth. So online shopping made it all easy and possible.

So these are the websites I purchased from (you need to check and compare):

1. http://www.fabulousmom.com - most of their stuffs are cheaper than other shops. I bought most of my breastfeeding accessories there, including breastpump and its accessories, nursing bras, nursing tea, nursing pads, baby carrier, etc...

2. littlewhiz.com - bought my net bouncer, bottle warmer, etc... and it seems like their baby cots are cheaper than others... 

3. QQbabyshop.com - bought most of Caedy's apparel and Keira's pyjamas here... All the rompers are so cute!!!

4. www.mybbstore.com - hmmm... bought a drying rack cum organizer... it was an impulsive buy :P

5. Summerglitz.com.my and mammahouse.com - maternity wear

6. www.momsbestgifts.com - bought some baby leggings here

I can't remember if I buy anything anywhere else... of course there are many more other online stores like: onebabyworld.com, kasihkusayangku.com, etc... but I can't remember anymore =.="

Happy shopping momsies............(.or dadsies????? hmm.. whatever....... :P)

Breasting Feeding Journey Pt 2 - FTWM

So I'm officially a full time working mom (FTWM). It's not too hard for me cos I send my kids to the daycare downstairs =D But I have to say, staying at home is so much more convenient when it comes to BFing. Btw, just FYI, the way I breastfeed is left right, right left. That means I'll let Caedy latch on the same side as the previous feed, reason is I want her to empty the (.) if I don't pump out so that she gets the hindmilk, if you don't understand what i'm saying pls let me know, I'll explain in more details. 

OK back to the topic, pumping is not so convenient... When I'm not with Caedy, I have to pump and let her drink from the bottle, that means I have to wash and sterilize the bottle + the pump. Not to mention I have to bring the pump (the super bulky heavy pump) to the office and bring it home on every Friday and bring it back to office on Tues. Oh in case you don't know, I'm using Spectra Dew 300. 

I've not been diligent in pumping. Yeah sad to say. But, amazingly whenever I pump, I can get about 7-10oz of BM. Caedy is only drinking 3oz per feed. So that's like 2-3 feeds already. *wink* not too bad huh?

So what's the secret of having enough supply? (thanks for asking...) 

These are the things I've tried:

1. Fenugreek pills - hhmmm.. it doesn't really work for me and it kinda made Caedy's tummy gassy. But fenugreek is also good for general health, so no harm trying. Diff moms have diff reaction though, it works for some of the mommies I know.

2. Sacred Tea for Nursing Mom - bought it at RM84.90 from fabulousmom.com (PWP - purchase with purchase). Original price is RM99.90. OK, I have to say this is a heaven-sent. It works miracle. Not only it increases the supply, it also makes the BM creamier. (basically thicker la, more fats...) but again diff moms react differently.

It tastes herbal-ish, not too bad...

**Btw this tea contains fenugreek + fennel + other stuff. When fenugreek is mixed with fennel, it doesn't make baby gassy.

3. Papaya soup. I don't know if it worked (everyone is talking about it when it comes to BF), I just drank once =D that's also because Auntie Linda boiled the soup for me. It tasted very sweet and nice, so I just drank it. Yang penting enak...!! =D

4. Milo / Horlicks - yummmyy..... it's just so nice that I can't resist. Some moms testified that their supply increased after drinking them. So, no harm trying too. 

5. Instant Red Dates Tea - I simply like the taste. But I always got ulcers after drinking. Too heaty I guess? It doesn't work for me btw.

Some friends said eating fatty fried chicken boosts their supply (aka McD ayam goreng & Chicken McDeluxe), cos of the fats and proteins in the chicken. But I didn't try la, I'm dying to lose weight, I better have self control kan? 

I've also known friends that do not take any supplement whatsoever, just be as natural as possible. The more you feed, the more the supply you have - that's the key (but remember to increase your calcium intake).

So I'll say, whatever works for you.

Next round I'll do a review of diapers. So far, I've used Mamypoko, Huggies, Diapex Easy, Diapex Premium (gonna try for the 1st time today), PetPet, Drypers and gonna try BabyLove soon too. Stay tuned :)

Bonus Caedy's pic =D

My List of Important Things

So, after 2 months, these are the things that I consider "important" and they have made my life better (apart from those basic stuff):

1. The big net bouncer

2. MobyWrap (the sling)

3. Bottle warmer

4. Gina Yong's "Got Breast Milk?"

5. Bath Stand

The Breastfeeding Journey Continues...

Caedy is 2mo today. I thank God how I have pulled through and am still breastfeeding her exclusively.

Even tho breastfeeding her has been an amazing journey (I love the intimacy we have when I'm nursing her), but I, too, have moments of weakness. There are times I feel like giving up, especially when I'm physically tired. But thinking of the health benefits of breastfeeding (and btw, the book "Brain Rules for Kids" says that one of the brain boosters for kids is to breastfeed for a year), I chose not to give up.

There are many websites and groups that support breastfeeding and you can find useful info to keep you keeping on:
1. FB group - The Breastfeeding Advocates Network
2. kellymom.com
3. breastfeeding.com
4. mother-2-mother.com

I believe there are many more, but I often refer to no.1 and no.2.

She has been growing healthily, at 2mo, she's now 5.1kg and at night she'll sleep for 3-4.5 hours, sometimes less, before waking up to drink again.

Love my chitty chatty darling daughter :)

TO CARRY OR NOT TO CARRY

There's this term called CIO, stands for crying it out, that is popular among parents. Basically it's like a training for the baby to sleep on her own; cry it out then sleep. Moms and dads won't carry the baby to sleep.

Caedy has been quite cranky and demand to be carried at around 7-11pm, oh btw I have to walk around while carrying her. That's also the time I need to settle Keira (dinner, shower, change, homework, play, story time, etc). So I'm trying this CIO method for the first time last night.

I let Caedy cry for about 15-20mins. She didn't stop at all, I talked to her and pat her, but no carrying. She continued crying, so I checked her diaper. At the end she managed to sleep before 10pm. She then woke up at around 1am, fed her and then she slept on her own. But at 3am, she woke up screaming. Tummy had gas!! I suspected it was due to excessive crying. So I carried her for a while, walked around while giving pressure on her tummy, rubbed some oil, and there was an explosive gas + poo after that... Phew... then nursed her and she slept back...

It wasn't as smooth as I wanted. It was tough actually. But for long time advantage for everyone... I think I just have to do it. I can't wait til she's older so that she can at least show me different expression. I need to see her smile back at me, to assure me that she's a happy baby. But for now, I think I just gotta bear with it...

So here's for all mommies n daddies that have gone thru or going thru or will go thru this phase! It's all gonna pass soon, so just cherish this moment :)

Journey of Mothering Two

It's been few nights... Got Keira ready for bed at 9pm but she refused to sleep until 11++pm. That's also the time when Caedy got cranky and wanted me to carry. And in between those 2+ hours, Keira would want to go toilet for like 10x, I'm not kidding. I got angry with her almost every night. Never failed to threaten her that I'd take out cane if she didn't stop whining, I'd beat if she couldn't stop talking/singing/screaming/playing... last night I told myself that "OK... I'm not gonna scold her tonight!". But I think you can guess exactly what I did... I scolded her, yet again.

After the both of them slept, which was around 12am, I was doing my devotion with this wonderful book by Dr James Dobson. I cried so badly. I knew parenting requires sacrifice and patience, but I was so disappointed at myself. Then I think of the time, probably few years down the road, when the kids grow up, when the house is quiet... I'll miss their screaming, their cheeky, playful, annoying and unending demands... I fast forwarded my life to the time where they will leave for college somewhere else, what would I want to change (in my parenting) if I were to live this moment all over again... I told myself I'd stop scolding and yelling at Keira for petty little things, the small things that so easily got on my nerves. I'd carry Caedy when she was crying because she hadn't mastered the self-soothing skill. I'd interpret the situations from their perspectives.

I said sorry to God, I said sorry to them while they were sleeping, I said sorry to myself for failing...
I'll try again tonight. Try to be a better mom.

The Confession of a Guilty Mom

So I proudly posted a blog on breastfeeding last week. Happy with the fact I managed to pump out 12.5oz before baby's full moon.

Now guess what? I've overslept for 3 days now!!! The worse was last night; pumped at about 10.45pm and guess when was the next pumping session?? 6.30am!!!!!!!! I was basically sleeping with 2 rocks on my (.)(.) and they didn't wake me up. So yeah, milk supply decreased. Gotta buck up! :(

---
Confinement lady is leaving this Saturday. *sad* Yeah I wish she can stay here at least until baby is older. So this weekend onward, no more good night sleep!! wish me luck!

Breastfeeding 101

Feeding. Pumping. Feeding. Pumping. Feeding. Pumping. The list goes on...
Well, that's the only way to increase the breast milk supply.

Wanna share my breastfeeding experience with new mommies. Today marks day 20 of my confinement period. Things have been going well so far. I was able to pump 12.5oz at 4am today.

If you plan to breastfeed, first of all, I think you need to join a facebook group "The Breastfeeding Advocates Network", all the mommies are super helpful there. Also, check out their docs file, they are so generous in posting helpful tips & knowledge about breastfeeding. I have been much benefited from that page.

Finding a support group is perhaps the most important thing, esp when you have no experience. Your mom might not be the best supporter (at least not in my case), cos all she wants is that the baby has enough milk so that he/she can sleep more & mommy can rest too. And seeing the new mommy struggle in breastfeeding & having engorgement, sore nipples, blisters, cracked nipples (you name it...), your well-meaning mom might "strongly" suggest formula.

Secondly, breastfeed and pump as often as possible, even when your breasts feel empty. Caedy wanted to latch on every 30-60mins during her first week. It was normal. I think for the first 3-4 weeks, forget about the clock, forget about schedule... Just feed whenever the baby is showing the sign of hunger.

Thirdly, try to pump out the remaining milk. After each/ alternate feed, I will usually pump out both sides (i think unless your breasts are very empty already).. it's to send a signal to the brain that it's time to reproduce. Btw, if you have sore or cracked nipples, apply your own breast milk on your (.)(.). It's amazing how fast it heals.

OK honestly, sometimes I get very lazy too. I rarely wake up every 3 hour at night to pump (even after I set the alarm). I usually let the boobs wake me up :P It's just impossible to sleep w the engorged (.)(.).

Fourthly, drink plenty of liquid & eat well...

Lastly, invest in a good breastpump. I used Avent electric single pump previously, the good thing about this pump is the suction. it's very comfortable yet able to pump effectively. But it's very noisy and it's a single pump, very time consuming. The price is about RM600+. I've just changed to Spectra Dew 300. The good thing: I bought dual pump, save time and it's quiet. I can peacefully pump at night without waking the kids. It's very efficient but the suction is not as comfortable, quite rigid, but so far I love it... very easy cleaning too. Price RM390.40 (from fabulousmom.com)

Other than that, I also take Fenugreek, calcium supplement (Abbott) & Neurogain (DHA is very very important). Check out the TBAN group page, they have a list of things that can boost & lower your milk supply.

I think your determination and perseverance in breastfeeding are the best gifts for your little one. If you bump into my blog and need to find someone to support, feel free to email me juli_leejj@yahoo.com. It's my privilege to help mommies w this matter.

First Week Postpartum

Today marks day 8.

First 4 days were very tiring because baby needed to nurse every hour or less. Sore nipples, sleepless nights and moodiness were not a good combo. But after frequent nursing, I started to have more breastmilk and was able to pump out and let the confinement lady fed her at night while I slept. 

Another challenge was the jealous sister. Oh my. Keira wanted me to sleep with her every night and she would wake up during midnight and cried cos I wasn't next to her. Prior to the sister's arrival, we had been together all the time. The transition was hard,  I felt so bad. But she just had to overcome it. Things are slowly getting better now. Thank God!

Now about my confinement lady, Auntie Susan. She has been great. The only thing that I disliked was she kept asking me to mix formula and breastmilk. You know the first 4 days, when you were tired and discouraged and feeling blue bla bla bla... and she kept telling the baby "aiyo mommy no nenen ah... dont want to mix formula ah." Oh my goodness!  But the moment I had more than enough to pump, she was amazing. Her cooking is nice, she is not calculative, and is very knowledgeable. The way she handles newborn is good too. She helps to clean up and cook for other family members. I highly recommend her to moms to be, just that you have to be very persistent and determined to exclusively breastfeed, else you'll be shaken the first few days. 

So far, baby has been a good girl. Other than the need of frequent nursing, I haven't had any problem handling her *touch wood*. I'm praying that things won't get too hard for me especially cos Keith won't be around. 

Meanwhile, I'll just try to enjoy this resting period. Pray for us!

Labor & Delivery

I waved goodbye to my pregnancy last week on Jul 28. I was semi-induced due to some factors:
1. I already passed week 39 which made induction much safer.
2. Baby's position is very low.
3. Keith can only stay for about 2 weeks starting on Wed Jul 25, so Doc said its good to maximize his stay with the new baby.

After much thought, I'm glad that I agreed to induce. I definitely need Keith to be around. I did have postpartum blue (which I already expected) and his presence and support are much needed.

So Caedy was born 2.97kg at 2.55pm. All healthy and gorgeous *wink*. The labor and delivery were precious. I was induced with prostaglandins at about 9am (remember to make sure that the hospital is NOT using "Cytotec" to induce). Contractions had already started at 8.30am but was very mild and I wasn't dilated at all. So after induction, the contractions got stronger and more frequent. At 1.30pm, Doc came to rupture the membrane. Nurse told me that I'd be able to give birth at around 5-6pm. At around 2.30pm (I didn't really check the time), I was in much pain (it was amazing how our body can endure such pain!!!), I think I started pushing around 2.45pm? And Caedy was out after about 4 pushes. It was a very fast delivery. The moment baby was out, the pain was all gone. It was worth a try LOL.

Breastfeeding took place immediately and the experience was priceless.

FYI, delivery at SDMC - normal delivery (no epidural) + semi-induction + 1 night stay = less than RM4,000.

Hospital Bag for Labor & Delivery

I started to pack my hospital bag when I was 37weeks. 
So here are the things I'm gonna bring:

[  ] - Phone charger 
[  ] - Sanitary pads
[  ] - Disposable underwear
[  ] - Nursing bra
[  ] - Nursing pads
[  ] - Clothes to wear home
[  ] - Socks (Wear comfortable shoes)
[  ] - Nursing wipes
[  ] - Handkerchief
[  ] - Snacks
[  ] - Toiletries - body soap, lotion, powder, moisturizer, comb, hair band
[  ] - Dry shampoo
[  ] - Toothpaste & toothbrush
[  ] - Spectacle
[  ] - Baby's wear home clothes, socks and mittens
[  ] - Baby hat
[  ] - Receiving blanket - to wrap baby home
[  ] - Breastfeeding book
[  ] - Pre-admission forms

Baby Shopping List

My complete baby shopping list (brand new + second hand):
Feeding:
1. Bottles - 4x 8oz and 1x 4oz
2. Sterilizer (alternatively, some ppl use boiled waters)
3. Pacifier (optional)
4. Bibs (optional)
5. Teats (teat size 1)

Cleaning:
1. Brush (for bottle & teats)
2. Liquid cleanser 
3. Citric Acid (to rid the sterilizer of lime scale    )
4. Detergent for babies (do not use softener)

To wear:
1. L/S and S/S onesies - about 6-8 of them (both Keira & Caedy outgrew the newborn size in a matter of days, so don't buy too many of them.)
2. Mittens (second hand is usually too loose, if possible, buy new ones although baby just needs them for 6-8 weeks)
3. Socks (I prefer normal socks for newborn, they are not too loose)
4. Diapers
5. Hat
6. Blanket
7. Swaddler
8. Receiving blankets
9. Shoes (this is unnecessary actually, until they start walking)
10. Baby sling (optional)

Shower & Baby care:
1. Top to toe cleanser - Buds
2. Rash Cream - Pureen (drapolene is good enough too)
3. Ru Yi Oil (for baby's tummy if she is having gas in the tummy)
4. Washclothes
5. Alcohol Swabs
6. Nail Clipper
7. Wet tissues
8. Cottons
9. Massage Oil - Aromababy (bought in Aus)
10. Precious Newborn Travel Set - Buds 
11. Thermometer
12. Baby bath tub
13. Bath Stand
14. Towels

Travel:
1. Stroller (P3)
2. Car Seat
3. Diaper Bag
4. Changing mat (if the diaper bag doesn't come with it)

Nursery:
1. Cot (preferably a size 24” x 52” that can be converted into a toddler bed)
2. Changing Table (optional but highly recommended to prevent backache)
3. Mattress
4. Mattress Protector
5. Cot Bumper (optional: it is to cushion the baby from getting their limbs stuck in between the ‘bars’ but it increases risk of suffocation)
6. Blanket

Others:
1. High Chair
2. Walker (optional)
3. Playpen (optional)
4. Large net bouncer (optional but I find it very useful)

Breastfeeding:
Side Note - if you plan to breastfeed, the most important thing is to get support from your family or friends. Without them, I have to say it's very tough. There are many breastfeeding support groups nowadays, so do not hesitate to find help.
1. Nursing pads
2. Nursing bras
3. Breastpump
4. Milk storage bottles/plastic bags
5. Awesome Mom Cooler bag + Ice Packs (convenient for working moms or those who travel a lot).
6. Bottle warmer - don't have to buy expensive ones... cheaper brands like Autumnz works well too
7. Nursing cover
8. Nursing Pillow (optional)