Introducing Solid Food

Caedy is now 7 mo +. I enjoy preparing solid food for her. One of the main reasons is Baby Bullet set. It's this cute blender set that comes with date-dial cups to store the food, blend blade, milling blade, and easy pop batch tray to make food cubes. 

So far I've tried apple puree, pear puree, carrot puree, avocado puree, sweet potato puree and homemade pearled barley cereal... Except apple & avocado (which will turn brown if you keep in the fridge), I usually prepare 3 days food and store the food into the cute little cups. The good thing about these cups is it has date-dial system, just twist the date dial to the preparation date and store in the fridge. Easy peasy lemon squeezy... No more "oh man.. when did I prepare the food again?" U know... post-pregnancy brain.

For apple, pear, carrot and sweet potato puree, what I did was: steam the fruit / vege until it's soft, usually it takes about 20-30mins, cool them, and then blend it using baby bullet blender. And voila... you've got your healthy puree!

As for avocado, when it's ripe, scoop the meat out with spoon, add a little bit of water and blend into smooth texture. Mix with breastmilk. And... it's done. Yum yummm and healthy!

Whereas for barley, cook the barley until it's soft, then cool it and put inside the blender and blend until smooth. Alternatively, you can use the miller to make the barley into powder. then simmer in boiling water...

I'll start cooking porridge when Caedy is 9months.

I think all mommies are very excited when their baby is almost 6mo. For more info about baby's first food, do refer to http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/. One of the best websites that gives info about baby's food.

I usually fed Caedy solid 30-60mins after she drank her milk. i started with only 2-3 teaspoons of solid once a day, then slowly add another meal then slowly add the portion. Now she's eating about 2-3 tablespoons twice a day. And yeap she's growing healthy and happy!

 7mo & she has started pulling herself up! I'm definitely happy with her developmental milestones! Yippie!

No Wheezing - Breastfeeding

Caedy is now 5 mo 2 wks. She could hardly sleep for the last 2 nights, her nose was blocked, her cough was phlegmy ... Doc checked her, he said other than lotsa mucus in the nose, there is no problem at all. Her lung is strong and clear. 

I still remember Keira's lung constantly had wheezing sound since she was a little infant, she outgrew it when she was almost 3yo. Now I'm even more convinced that breastfeeding really benefits Caedy. If I could turn back time, I'd breastfeed Keira no matter how hard it was. Well, if only.

I have to say the first 2 years of raising Keira wasn't easy at all, we brought her to doctor very frequently. Even until now, her immune system is still quite weak. I know breastfeeding can be quite tough, but it's tougher to see our baby is weak & easily fall sick.

Keira when she was 2yo+

 Feb 2011, suspected pneumonia. lotsa wheezing sound in her lung.

Let me say again, the key to successful breastfeeding is support and persistence. 
You can do it, for the sake of your little one :)

xoxo

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

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.

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)

Confinement Period #1 vs #2

In the previous confinement period, I didn't do well. So, this time round, I've made better preparation. Hopefully, even if I have postpartum blue again, I can cope better.

First of all, I have engaged a confinement lady, who will help to care for Caedy, do the laundry, cook for me & family and do basic house chores. (#1 confinement, I didn't have one, I constantly worried that my mom would be too tired & I was so stressed out when the house wasn't as clean as I wanted.)

I accept the fact that if I want my mom to come and help to look after Keira, there are things that I have to agree with her, i.e. do not walk up and down the stairs the first few days, do not wash hair daily (gonna try Comfy Care dry shampoo for the first time), and so on. I'll try to compromise on things that won't harm me and the baby and just take things easily. (#1 confinement: I pulled a long face many times because I just couldn't agree with my mom & I constantly "judged" the way she did things.)

I have bought Amway's "Post Natal Tropical Herbs".  I think it's very convenient, in terms of preparation and consumption. I still remember, my mom bought a full set of pre-packed herbs and she had to boil it for hours and I had to drink bowlssss of soup & herbal drinks daily, I was sweaty & bloated all the time. So this time round, just normal soup with meals + the Amway products. Oh ya, the post natal set also comes with the herbal bath, massage oil, herbal tea, etc... I read some good reviews about the products.

Now that I've settled my own part and my mom's part, I really pray that Keira will adapt to the new addition well and the confinement lady will be cooperative with how I want things to be done. I only have less than a month to put Keira back to her routine (back to school & daycare, sleep early, sleep on her own bed bla bla bla...), so wish me luck!

I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

Second Pregnancy w Caedy Tay

I had been telling many people that I enjoyed my first pregnancy so much; no complication, no morning sickness... basically it was great!


But this time round, it's TOTALLY different. I had morning sickness & pelvic pain (it's like the lower parts of my body were going to fall apart and I could hardly walk/move) for the first 4 months, heartburn & constipation during the second trimester, but thankfully my third trimester hasn't been too tough, just restless nights & the frequent midnight visit to the loo (you know this!). Have I mentioned that I kissed goodbye to glowing skin? I have red rough patches on my chin & cheek. But this happened during my first pregnancy too.


Oh btw, it has nothing to do with the babies' gender. They are both girls but yet the pregnancies were almost completely different.


My first pregnancy was smooth but the confinement period was gloomy. I had postpartum blue for the first 2 weeks. So this time round, I prepared myself well. I have engaged a confinement lady, I have planned what I am going and not going to do. And most importantly, not to sweat the small stuff & get plenty of rest whenever I can. (I'll write in another blog what I'll do different with my confinement period this time round.)


If you are pregnant for the first time, my advice is that you get good rest, it does good to you. (you are prone to be moody if you don't have enough rest). Eat healthily & exercise (walk, swim or yoga) cos it helps with labor & delivery. 


If this is not your first pregnancy, you know that you can't be so flexible anymore. You have to look after your other kid(s). You can't sleep whenever you want. So tell your partner what you expect him to help. Support one another.Take advantage of the time you spend w your kids, i.e. when you read stories for them, you are also reading it to the baby in the womb.


Again, don't sweat the small stuff. :)