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)

Final Week of Pregnancy

So baby will most probably come this week. Had second CTG this morning, the result showed 2 contractions but I didn't feel it. Doc did an internal exam, Caedy's position is already very low (but no dilation yet) and the way Doc told me was so convincing, "she's like here already u know..." (touching her thigh). Funny.

Keith and mom will be here on Wed, the confinement lady has been informed. So now we'll all just wait. I'd say this has not been an easy pregnancy for me, but it's all worth it. Can't wait to see Caedy.

Helpful Apps for Mommies

Whether you are using iPhone, iPad or Android phones, you just have to be thankful. As my due date is approaching, I was trying to recall what was going on in my first pregnancy, from labor to delivery to doctor's follow up to going back home...

When I was home the first month, I got frustrated so easily because I couldn't remember what was Keira's last activity. When was the last feed, when did I last change her diaper, because everything happened so frequently. You know, being a first time mom, I was a paranoia (Boo!). So I wrote down her daily schedules on a piece of paper everyday.

Last night, I searched if there's any android apps that help to tabulate newborn's activities. To my surprise, there are many of them. So I downloaded "Baby Care" that can record down all activities like feeding, changing, sleeping, etc... 

Another one is "Breastfeeding Tabulator". You can even remember which side of the breast you last fed the baby. Woohoo!

There's one more app "Time Flies" which I didn't install. It basically record down your past activity, any activities. Things like the last time you change your bedsheet, wash your car, buy groceries, wash toilet, etc... So if you are as forgetful as me, I think it can be useful. 

THANKS TO ALL THESE APPS AND THEY ARE ALL FREE!

This Week or Next?

So 2 weeks ago Doc said I will give birth end of this month... been anticipating. Excited & nervous, this time round not so much about the labor and delivery, but the after birth. The need to take care of my 2 kids (a.k.a sleepless nights and busy mornings).

Other than the uncomfortable feeling of being unable to bend and do certain things, oh and a lil bit of backache, everything else is good. It's been busy at home... mainly because I can't stop cleaning the house, you know, the nesting instinct thingy, had been cleaning up the bedrooms, wet kitchen, dry kitchen, and so on.

Will have my prenatal check up tomorrow, probably the last time before giving birth. Can't wait to hear from the Doc.

Now time to sleep! :)

Dry Shampoo

Did some research on dry shampoo today. I definitely need one during my confinement period. Going to pharmacy to find this brand "Klorane".

Apparently, not many brands are available in Malaysia, the most popular among the mommies is "Comfy Care", but the review is not as good. 

Will write some review on Klorane if I manage to get one. :)

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. :)