mellomouse* » Preparations

Pregnancy Goodness: Birth Ball, pt 2 – During Labour.

mellomouse — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:20:49 +0000

I bought this gym ball during my last pregnancy. I was already in my final stretch at 36 weeks — Natey was born 2 weeks later — so I didn’t really get to fully utilised it. This time around, I started exercising on the ball as soon as my morning sickness was at bay.

Reebok Core Ball
RRP: RM65 (in 2010)

If you haven’t already know, the gym ball has many benefits especially for expecting mommies. Sadly, I didn’t thoroughly research previously and missed out on just how useful the ball is for pain management during labour

We packed the ball, took it to the hospital but left it in the car. I was simply too overwhelmed with pain that I didn’t consider or remember to use it. Being strapped onto the EFM (Electronic Fetal Monitor) didn’t help either as I was restricted to the bed to move anywhere. I vowed that when LBT is ready to debut, I shall be prepared this time! *fingers crossed*

I’m now compiling a series of videos that teaches us how to use of the birth ball during labour. I’ll be saving them into the husband’s and my phone as a reference to watch on D-day. I am really looking forward to our gentle birthing this time!

Prenatal Yoga
Exercises and Positions

Positions during Labour
With the help of a Partner

Pain Relief
With the help of a Partner

I will be adding to the list above when I find new videos. Till then, I hope you will find these helpful for you too.

Happy ball-ing!

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy Goodness: Birth Ball, pt 1 – Research.
Pregnancy Goodness: Exercise.
Pregnancy Goodness: Sardines.
Pregnancy Goodness: Edamame.
Pregnancy Goodness: Fruits & Vegetables.

Gifts From Heaven, pt 3 – GHG2 vs GHG3.

mellomouse — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:24:23 +0000

This is an updated review of my previous verdicts in Part 1 and Part 2 of both designs. I hope this would further help you to decide which is the better investment

When I first started using G2, I really loved the design and raved about it to friends. After adding G3 to the collection and having hands on experience of both, I am not too happy of G2 anymore. And the photos below explains it all.

New Verdicts: GHG2 GHG3

As you can see from both photos above, the tummy area for G2 is rather messy with the extra shell sticking out in a curly wave.

It only has 1 set of button on both flap — unlike Autumnz that has 2 — so once I secure the CD onto Natey, the ends sticks out at his hip. He has gotten rather irritated whenever I put G2 on him because of the bulk on the front (I’m using 2 inserts now because GFH’s inserts are too thin and causes leakage) and the sides jutting out at his hip. We always catch him pulling up his tee to push his CD down.

I love G3 because even after putting 2 inserts in, it still looks neat and comfy as compared to G2.

Below is an example of Autumnz shell with 2 GFH’s inserts and still looking neat — because it has 2 sets of buttons on each flap to keep the sides in place — without the ends jutting out like G2 does

This is my personal experience with G2, so I’m not concluding that everyone to have the same as ours. But this is a good point to keep in mind while shopping for CDs as there are so many brands to choose from. It is a long term investment, so let’s be informed together

Happy Cloth Diapering!

You Might Also Be Interested:
Gifts From Heaven, pt 1 – GHG2.
Gifts From Heaven, pt 2 – GHG3.
Cloth Diapers, pt 6 – Journey thus Far, Recap.
Cloth Diapers, pt 3 – Finally!
Cloth Diapers, pt 4 – Velcro vs Snap Buttons.

Cloth Diapers, pt 6 – Journey thus Far, Recap.

mellomouse — Tue, 24 May 2011 16:07:05 +0000

We first started with Velcro
4 Plain Colours & 1 Printed Safari White

Then added Buttons to the fun
Velcro vs Snap Buttons

After much deliberations
Velcro were up for sale

So out goes Velcro
And in comes Snap Buttons!

Our Favourite Season Rules
Twinkles, Dreamy Dots, MooMoo Cow & Safari White

Then New Year came
Bunny bearing Gifts from Heaven

More heavenly gifts, please
It’s time to expand the bottomwear

From Autumn straight to Heaven
In 10mths our stash grew from 5 to 14

That’s 13 Snap Buttons & 1 Velcro

You Might Also Be Interested:
Cloth Diapers, pt 3 – Finally!
Cloth Diapers, pt 5 – Snap Buttons!
Cloth Diapers, pt 4 – Velcro vs Snap Buttons.
Cloth Diapers, pt 1 – The Research.
Cloth Diapers, pt 2 – Baby Nappies.

Gifts From Heaven, pt 2 – GHG3.

mellomouse — Mon, 23 May 2011 16:58:20 +0000

Three months has passed and I am happy to announce that I am a loyal returning customer of the brand. This time around, I’ve decided to try out their other pocket CD design with snap buttons fastening at the sides.

I bought 3 colours of their available 5 — opted out Apple Green and Pink — and also added another GHG2 (Pic#2). So now I have 3 GHG2 and 3 GHG3, equals 6 different colours and designs for Natey’s little bumbum *yay*

GHG3 One Size Washable CD
With 2 Microfiber Inserts, RM35.00

GHG3 vs GHG2
Equal length with a slightly smaller cutting

GHG3 vs GHG2
Only 2 rows of 4 snap buttons

Autumnz vs GHG2/GHG3
No inner flap within pocket to keep insert neatly inside

Label sewn to Fleece
Used up 2 inches of pocket space for insert

Label sewn to Fleece
Insert becomes longer than the shell

My Verdict:

I’ve included more comparison photos above and they pretty much shows all (if not most) of the differences of G3 to G2 and Autumnz.

The first time I saw the colourful buttons on G3, I must admit that I didn’t like it at all. But after putting it on Natey, I noticed how the colours could be a helpful guide while buttoning. And I really liked how G3 has a neater fit than G2, by crossing the 2 side snaps (Pic#2 below).

Side Fastening Design
Double buttoned for a snug fitted finish

Side Fastening Design
Snap it tight any way you like for the neater finish

I still need a lot of practice putting G3 on as the fastening direction is different. I am so used to buttoning from the sides to the front — like how you put on a disposable diaper — it is challenging to button from the front to the sides. Am I making any sense?

Last note of comparison, although both Autumnz and GFH’s insert are 3 layer microfibers, the latter is not as thick and absorbent. I mix up all my inserts and shells when use, but I can tell the difference from their thickness. For the first time since using CD, we had a leakage problem and it wasn’t even soaking wet. Good thing Natey was seated on the plastic chair.

In a nutshell, I like G3 best as it is more fitted with the buttoning options. Fastening from the sides does give a neater look. As for sizing (Read Part 1), CD from Gifts From Heaven is definitely a good value for money investment *thumbs up*

Won’t you grab some for yourself too? Psst… GFH is having a promo right now!

Our Gifts From Heaven
G2: Pink, Black, Cyan & G3: Blue, Dark Green, Red

You Might Also Be Interested:
Gifts From Heaven, pt 3 – GHG2 vs GHG3.
Gifts From Heaven, pt 1 – GHG2.
Cloth Diapers, pt 6 – Journey thus Far, Recap.
Cloth Diapers, pt 4 – Velcro vs Snap Buttons.
Cloth Diapers, pt 5 – Snap Buttons!

Gifts From Heaven, pt 1 – GHG2.

mellomouse — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:50:18 +0000

8/7/2011: I’ve included an updated review of GHG2 in Part 3.

I invested on our first Cloth Diapers last June — bought 5, then 2, sold 5 and bought 4 more – and since then hasn’t stock up any new, or tried any other brands. I am that loyal

As Natey is fast outgrowing his Autumnz — fits 3-18kg but he’s only 9kg — I began my hunt for a new alternative when Gifts From Heaven was recommended. And here they are just before CNY! But are they as claimed to be?

GHG2 One Size Washable CD
With 2 Microfiber Inserts, RM35.00

Gifts From Heaven vs Autumnz
Generous in Sizing almost 4 inches longer

Double Buttoned Hipster
Extra security for a snug fitted finish!

My Verdict:

As you can see from Pic#2, GH is very generous in length compared to Autumnz. GHG2 fits 3-15kg, Autumnz 18kg.

Although weight is just a buying guideline, 3kg is a big difference. With the additional 8cm in lenght, Natey is wearing GH at the middle button. Whereas Autumnz is fully extended and getting a bit small. This definitely means more value for money as GH can be worn longer.

What I like most about GHG2 is the double snap buttons at the hip (Pic#3). It gives a “neater” and secure fitting compared to the single button design. Do remember this factor when you decide on buying yours — whatever the brand may be

Another very important note, Natey’s behind looked less bulky too. If your baby is cloth diapering, you will know what I mean. The shell plus insert adds volume to the lower body. Wearing Autumnz made Natey’s little bumbum looked Fatty bumbum *LOL*

So are they gifts from heaven? I’ll leave that for you to decide. For RM35, I am happy to recommend this brand to you. If they had more colours, I wouldn’t mind getting another 2 pairs from them

You Might Also Be Interested:
Gifts From Heaven, pt 3 – GHG2 vs GHG3.
Gifts From Heaven, pt 2 – GHG3.
Cloth Diapers, pt 6 – Journey thus Far, Recap.
Cloth Diapers, pt 3 – Finally!
Cloth Diapers, pt 4 – Velcro vs Snap Buttons.

Little Bean Sterilizer.

mellomouse — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 06:17:06 +0000

Little Bean Sterilizer & Baby Warmer
NP: RM199.90, Sale Price: RM179.90

My Verdict:

If you remember back in Oct 2009, when I prepared my 1st Nursery Checklist, I actually slashed this off after reading the thread in MsiaBrides. Most of the Mommies agreed that a sterilizer kit is a waste of money. Well, I beg to differ.

My Dad bought this after the 3rd week into my confinement. After seeing the headless chicken (us) running about — especially when Natey cries his little lungs out — he went out and got this for us.

What we have is the Little Bean’s Combo Pack. It comes with a sterilizer and a baby warmer. Both are certainly indispensable at the early days of 1st time Mother/Parenthood! Manual sterilizing of boiling, pouring and soaking can be a bit tedious — Every 2 hours ya. Or boiling too hot a water to over warm your EBM.

The sterilizer can keep all your bottles and whatnot sterilized for 3hours. It is pretty spacious inside, so you can plop all your other baby utensils inside when you begin solid feeding. My Lactaline breastpump goes right in everytime too!

The baby warmer is very handy as well. It has 3 markers of: 40˚ (EBM/Formula warm up), 70˚ (solid food warm up) and 100˚. Newborn babies take their time when feeding, so to keep the feed from getting cold — especially if you’re bottle feeding in an aircon room — just put it right back into the warmer

If a friend is offering you a gift, this would definitely be a good one to ask for. Else, it’s a good investment too from your own wallet *winks*

You Might Also Be Interested:
Cloth Diapers, pt 4 – Velcro vs Snap Buttons.
My Brest Friend, Nursing Pillow.
Gifts From Heaven, pt 1 – GHG2.
Gifts From Heaven, pt 2 – GHG3.
Cloth Diapers, pt 6 – Journey thus Far, Recap.

My Brest Friend, Nursing Pillow.

mellomouse — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 15:43:40 +0000

If there’s 1 other necessity besides my Lactaline that I can’t live without these days, that would definitely be my nursing pillow. So YES to its namesake — It is My Breast Brest Best Friend. Both Natey’s and mine!

MBF in Pink Gingham
NP: RM188, Sale Price: RM169.20

My Verdict:
I am totally dependent on this comfy heaven. Not a day has gone by the past 7 months that I don’t rely on it. I even packed it for our short 2D1N trip away on Monday. Can you imagine the suitcase? *hehe*

If you are planning to breastfeed your newborn, I highly recommend MBF. It may be a little pricey — double of Bumble Bee’s — but I promise, the investment is totally worth it!

You will never have to worry about support and positioning. Especially between the “graveyard” shifts of breastfeeding during the early months, where you’ll be most likely a zombie. No kidding!

Natey has been using this since he was a few hours newborn. Although a little bit oversize now — feet dangling overboard — this pillow is still the most comfortable. He definitely prefers this over any other alternatives.

With his weight almost tripled, it’s also easier to balance him on MBF rather than just using my arms. Or finding the right pillows. Breastfeeding outside is a pain

So cheers to MBF. May it also be your best friend too ♥

MBF: Features & Benefits
#1 Choice of Lactation Consultants

Psst… Don’t forget to pack it in your Hospital Bag!

You Might Also Be Interested:
Postnatal 06: Nursing Bra, pt 1.
Postnatal 07: Nursing Bra, pt 2.
Little Bean Sterilizer.
Cloth Diapers, pt 3 – Finally!
Gifts From Heaven, pt 3 – GHG2 vs GHG3.

Cloth Diapers, pt 5 – Snap Buttons!

mellomouse — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:09:57 +0000

We first started with Velcro
4 Plain Colours & 1 Printed Safari White

Then added Buttons to the fun
Velcro vs Snap Buttons

After much deliberations
Velcro were up for sale

So out goes Velcro
And in comes Snap Buttons!

I bought the 4 new PCD — Twinkle Red, Blue & Lime — last Friday to replace the 4 preloved that were sold off on Thursday. So now we’re back to 8 *phew* It was pretty stressful to only have 4 to use, after packing up the velcro aside to sell.

Autumnz doesn’t have much choice for PUL material with snap buttons. I didn’t want to get Minky again as they are too bulky and warm. I like Daisy but that’s too girly. So instead I had to settle with the same design. Out of the 3 colours above, Natey looks best in Blue

Why did I buy Autumnz again? They are within budget, and doesn’t need to break piggy for it. Else it would definitely be a big pinch to sell off the velcro after only using for 3 weeks and replacing them with new ones. There’s still a lost though, but better than chucking them aside *sigh*

Anyway, I am very happy with the Twinkle snap buttons. So that’s all that really matters

It’s raining Autumn!
Natey’s Pocket Cloth Diaper Stash

In a more organised order
Twinkles, MooMoo Cow, Dreamy Dots & Safari White

You Might Also Be Interested:
Cloth Diapers, pt 4 – Velcro vs Snap Buttons.
Cloth Diapers, pt 3 – Finally!
Cloth Diapers, pt 6 – Journey thus Far, Recap.
Cloth Diapers, pt 1 – The Research.
Cloth Diapers, pt 2 – Baby Nappies.

Asian Parenting Today.

mellomouse — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:06:15 +0000

This book was 1st introduced to me by the writer herself, Jennifer during my confinement. I called her for a postnatal home visit — RM150 for 1.5hrs — to help me with my breastfeeding dilemma, and she was an enlightenment. Natey has been fully breastfed ever since!

Sadly, I didn’t really pay attention when she mentioned her book. Else I would have gotten this sooner and save another RM150 for Natey’s sleeping dilemma 2mths later. Not forgetting the headaches of disagreements on what should and shouldn’t be done.

Asian Parenting Today
Jennifer Hor, Ho Ai Ling & Jocelyn Oo

My verdict:

A definite gem for every 1st time Mommies & Daddies!

This book is so relevant — for Asian, especially Malaysians — and easy to read. The best time to begin would be weeks before delivery. Then everything would stay fresh in mind. Otherwise, a handy bedside bible!

What I like about this book is the FAQ right after each tiny topic. Some questions might seem ridiculous but they were some of our doubts exactly. And I bet, it could be yours too

I highly recommend buying this book — whether as a gift, or for yourself — as it would certainly be cheaper (RM39.90) than calling Jennifer for SOS when you can get everything in these pages!

Btw, if we knew about Jenlia Maternal Services during my pregnancy, we wouldn’t have signed up for Gleneagles’ Parentcraft and somehow feel cheated of our RM180 for 3 lousy sessions. Instead pay RM310 for 4 sessions at Jenlia, with Jennifer being one for the speakers.

Since I can’t turn back time, but you are on the crossroad of deciding for yours, why not check them out

You Might Also Be Interested:
Little Bean Sterilizer.
Parentcraft – 2 of 3.
Parentcraft – 3 of 3.
Postnatal 06: Nursing Bra, pt 1.
Gifts From Heaven, pt 3 – GHG2 vs GHG3.

Cloth Diapers, pt 4 – Velcro vs Snap Buttons.

mellomouse — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:35:46 +0000

My verdict:
(+) Easy to put on, adjust and remove
(+) Better fitting
(-) If not fastened securely, diaper may fall out while carrying baby
(-) Baby can easily remove by pulling
(-) Velcro’s hard corners would leave red marks/blisters when pressed continuously against baby’s delicate skin — especially the inside tabs

My verdict:
(+) More secure fastenings
(+) Not so easily removed by baby’s curious itchy hands
(-) Challenging to put on the 1st few times — it’s easy peasy once you remember which snap goes with which
(-) May not be so suitable if you have a fussy impatient baby

I personally prefer the snap buttons. Although it appears more challenging with all those buttons, it is actually quite fun snapping and unsnapping them. Call me crazy but I like the sound it makes

As you can see in Part 3, I started off with 5 Velcro PCD. I decided on Velcro because it is easier to put on, adjust and remove. But after using for a day or two, I noticed the red marks on Natey’s thighs.

I tried readjusting the part where the velcro touches his skin. I even trimmed the sharp edges into round smoother edge. They still poke! This could be Autumnz’s design drawback and does not apply to all brands. Remember to check this important element before you purchase because all velcro have hard edges.

If not for this main concern, I’m pretty happy using velcro. This was the reason why I bought the 2 snap buttons PCD. Now that I have my verdict, I’ll definitely go with the buttons.

Natey could be fussy or not during nappy change. If he is, I’ll just use the Velcros

Added 28/7/10, 12.15am
After much deliberations, I finally decided to sell off the velcro diapers.

Now I can be worry free pocket diapering Natey. No more red marks/blisters on his chunky thighs and tummy!

Hooray for Snap Buttons!

You Might Also Be Interested:
Cloth Diapers, pt 5 – Snap Buttons!
Cloth Diapers, pt 3 – Finally!
Cloth Diapers, pt 6 – Journey thus Far, Recap.
Cloth Diapers, pt 1 – The Research.
Cloth Diapers, pt 2 – Baby Nappies.