mellomouse* » Mother To Be

Pregnancy Goodness: Virgin Coconut Oil.

mellomouse — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:33:41 +0000

Does the thought of drinking oil makes you go yuck? That’s exactly how I feel — even if I’m not pregnant — on any given day. But after researching on its uber goodness, how could I refuse? Especially when it is the healthiest oil in the world! *wahh*

I finally bought a bottle of organic VCO and took my 1st teaspoon on Wednesday after lunch. To my surprise, it is fragrant and very sweet smelling. Although tasteless, it still felt like oil in my mouth nonetheless. It’s gonna take me a while to get used to swallowing this. I increased to 1tsb yesterday. The recommended daily intake for adult is 3tsb *gulp*

Organic Cold Pressed VCO
500ml for RM33.90

How is it made?

The coconut oil is extracted from well matured and fresh coconut meat by mechanical or natural means.

To maintaine the oil’s essential properties — as present in their original state — VCO is obtained without using heat, or undergoes chemical refining, bleaching and deodorizing.

VCO is colorless, sediment free with natural fresh coconut scent and free from rancid odors or tastes.

Pregnancy Goodness

Prevents high level of blood sugar – ie onset of pregnancy gestational diabetes

Keeps the skin healthy from acne breakouts, skin itchiness, dryness and prevent stretch marks

Strengthens our immune system as we are more prone to infections and diseases

Promotes lactation with a higher amount of Lauric Acid – the same disease fighting fatty acid found in breastmilk that protects infants from viral and bacterial infections

Increases the immune system of newborns

Aid in the brain and bone development of newborns

Read more

Prenatal & Postnatal Care

Use for perineal care to avoid tearing and episiotomy during labour

Fades stretch marks and avoid cracked nipples during breastfeeding

Helps to loose excess weight gained during pregnancy

Other Health Benefits

Balancing metabolism
Weight loss
Heart health
Creating hormones
Boosts the immune system
Increase energy
Anti-bacterial
Anti-viral
Anti-fungal

Are you going Wow yet after reading the goodness above? Yuck or not, I will diligently drink it everyday from now onwards. I’ve also introduced a teaspoon to Natey yesterday and he has no complain *phew*

Let’s stay healthy together – Mommy, Baby and everyone else. Bottoms up!

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy Goodness: Coconut Water.
Pregnancy Goodness: Edamame.
Pregnancy Goodness: Fruits & Vegetables.
Pregnancy Goodness: Sardines.
Pregnancy Goodness: Sunflower Seeds.

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.

BabyPlus, pt 1 – Educating LBT.

mellomouse — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 06:55:41 +0000

This thingamajig was handed down to us from a good friend. Thank you, Mayyee! She swears by it since all her sisters used it for their pregnancies and herself for both babies. So here it is now with me, after many testimonials

What is it?

The BabyPlus curriculum is a series of 16 naturally derived sounds that resemble a mother’s heartbeat.

The rhythm of the sounds increases incrementally as the pregnancy progresses.

The BabyPlus sonic pattern introduces your child to a sequential learning process, built upon the natural rhythms of their own environment.

What are the Benefits?

BabyPlus parents report babies at birth and infancy:
#More readily nurse
#Display an increased ability to self-soothe
#Are more interactive & responsive
#Are more relaxed & alert at birth

And later in life demonstrate:
#Earlier developmental milestones
#Enhanced intellectual abilities
#Longer attention spans
#Improved school readiness
#Greater creativity & independence

I started using this on 2 Dec 2011. In the beginning, LBT did protest with tiny kicks when it was turned on. I would worry that it might be too loud or disturbing, but she’ll soon quiet down after a minute or two. I wonder if she’s asleep listening to the repetitive drumbeats. Now almost a month later, I could feel her humming — or I’d like to think she is swaying and enjoying her Mommy’s makeshift heartbeat ♥

The instruction says to use this 2x a day for 1 hour each time, at the same time. When you have a cheeky hyper toddler running about, it is a priceless luxury to find some quiet time alone*. So in order to pinch an hour twice daily, I had to cheat a little *guilty*

What I do is use the BabyPlus an hour before I get out of bed, and an hour during Natey’s nap time while I steal one for myself. This way I won’t miss the daily routine between me and my girl. Does that sound bad? I hope LBT won’t mind Mommy cheating on our bonding time this way

Whether this miracle worker works for us or not — as did for many, worldwide since 1989 — I’ll revisit this post next May for a Part 2. Fingers crossed for a good report!

*Psst… If you’re wondering how I find time to blog but claimed none for myself? Well I do it here and there on my forbidden fruit — even in the loo

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pureen Hypo Allergenic Detergent.
Little Bean Sterilizer.
BabyNatey 47: Brushing Teeth.
BabyNatey 48: Childproofing.
Lindam Easy Fit Plus Baby Gate.

Dunstan Baby Language, pt 1 – Research.

mellomouse — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:34:47 +0000

I nearly overlooked this gem — the Youtube below — while browsing through my Facebook’s news feed yesterday. It’s a good thing that I left it opened in another window, else I wouldn’t have remembered to watch it earlier. And if it wasn’t for that little bit of fate, I wouldn’t be able to share this with you today

What Is It?

All newborn babies produce 5 distinct “pre-cry” sounds that signal their 5 most important needs. By listening for these subtle cries, you are able to prevent the crying from even starting.

Dunstan Baby Language System will teach you to identify exactly what sounds to listen for, so you know precisely what your newborn needs.

Find Out More!

What are the Benefits?

Correctly identify and address the basic needs of your baby.

Your infant will cry less, settle more easily, and have more uninterrupted sleep.

Experience an increase in satisfaction, self-esteem, and ability to care for your baby.

Feel less stress as your child becomes happier and more content.

And as your baby sleeps, so can you!

Now watch this
Even Oprah says It’s Amazing!

This truly sounds Amazing to me too! I wish I can try this out immediately and be wow-ed by it as well. I wouldn’t know if this will work for us and LBT, but if you have a newborn, please do give it a go and share with me ok. Do it after you had your 4 hour nap

I really look forward to sharing my own testimony of this system next May 2012. Will definitely keep everyone posted! Till then, I hope you will benefit from it first *yay*

You Might Also Be Interested:
Baby Sign Language, pt 2 – Signing Time!
Baby Wearing, pt 1 – The Research.
Baby Sign Language, pt 1 – Book.
Baby Wearing, pt 6 – Baby Carrier vs Baby Sling.
Lindam Easy Fit Plus Baby Gate.

Pregnancy Goodness: Edamame.

mellomouse — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 07:00:43 +0000

These little green gems in a pod are my latest craving. If you don’t know what they are, edamame are often seen served on a plate going around the conveyor belt in sushi bars — from RM1.99 for a handful — and are actually fresh green soya beans.

Edamame is known for being one of the power food for expecting mommies. They are a rich source for Carbohydrates, Protein, Dietary Fiber, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and micronutrients, particularly Folic Acid, Manganese and Vitamin K. That’s not all! Just look at the long list of nutritional goodness below *whoa*

I bought mine frozen in a bag of 500g for RM9.90 at Shojikiya in The Gardens, Mid Valley. They are quick to prepare and oh so delicious to munch on anytime of the day. All you need is a pot of boiling water, toss them in for 1 minute, drain, sprinkle some salt and enjoy! Easy Pea-sy

Why am I snacking on soy? If you’ve been following me since my previous pregnancy, you may remember a post I did on Pregnancy & Soya Beans. It was an alarming revelation for me then because I was expecting a boy and I immediately swore off soy after that. But now that I am having LBT, I guess this wouldn’t be a big concern *phew*

So here’s to soy goodness. Nothing like indulging on a snack that’s satisfying for me and good for my darling girl

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy Goodness: Fruits & Vegetables.
Pregnancy Goodness: Virgin Coconut Oil.
Pregnancy Goodness: Sardines.
Pregnancy Goodness: Sunflower Seeds.
Pregnancy Goodness: Coconut Water.

Pureen Warehouse Stock Clearance April 2010.

mellomouse — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 07:55:06 +0000

A note to all: If you are planning to go, make sure you are there when it opens. Though it says 10.00am, the actual time is 8.30am!

At least that was what happened last year. And trust me, you want to be early rather than on time. The kiasu crowd will canned you into real Sardines *faints*

I’m wondering whether it would be wise to go this year. I’ve seen Mommies with their babies in tow, but I definitely won’t do that. Perhaps Natey can wait in the car with Daddy… *hmm*

Hubby, what do you think?

Added 24/4/10, 6.59pm

Yup, we went indeed and once again we got Sardined!

We reached at 9am. The gate was shut with the 1st batch of people already inside and a large crowd waiting outside. I wonder what time those arrived *hmm*

By 9.20am the gate opened and I nearly got stampeded — Don’t joke with kiasu Malaysians ok

Everything is organised exactly like last year and same goes for the prices. So if you’ve been there once, you’ll know where everything are the next time around

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pureen Warehouse Stock Clearance 2009

Postnatal 00: My Birth Story.

mellomouse — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:44:43 +0000

It was it!

My story began at approximately 4.07am on 23 February 2010. Being a 1st time Mommy, I was unsure and so I endured — almost turning this story and LBJ into a home delivery *gasps*

I recorded all the contraction time in my mobile as an unsent SMS. It was too early in the morning to wake the husband, so I laid patiently awake in pain until he was up and told him to take the day off. He even managed to go for a morning swim *pat on the back*

By noon the contractions were 7-8 minutes apart. Yet I was still unsure if it was the real deal because I swallowed all the pain as they came. The husband made a call to Dr Tan’s clinic and the Labour Dept asked us to come right in. But I was still adamant to stay put till I was 5 minutes apart. I must have been crazy! I didn’t want to go all the way there and come right back.

At 12.15pm, I staggered into the bathroom and took my last “real” shower. Finally half an hour later, I surrendered *sobs*

The normal 5 minutes lift ride and walk down to the basement carpark took like forever! We reached Gleneagles a little before 2pm and that’s when the no-words-can-describe pain climaxed. My water broke and had the bloody show all at once. I was already 7cm dilated!

As indicated in my Birth Plan, I only wanted Gas & Air and that’s exactly what I had. Was it any help? It doesn’t do anything for the pain and I was almost knocked out every time it took effect. It would have been better not taking.

I remembered Dr Tan came in twice. The 1st was to check on me, and the 2nd about 45 minutes later when I was ready to deliver. With 2 big pushes, LBJ was heard crying so loud! His Apgar Score was 9¹ 10⁵. After the husband cut LBJ’s umbilical cord, he was taken for a quick clean before passing to me.

I am a Mother!
♥ Filled with awe & thanksgiving ♥

3 Generations in a Flash: GrandMama, MelloMom & LBJ

LBJ stared at me with the biggest pair of eyes as he cried his little heart out. A head full of fine black hairs and neatly-tugged-to-the-side ears — not like Mommy’s Mickey ears — he was the most handsome baby to a Mother’s eyes! Immediately I fell in love with God’s Gift to us.

At that very moment, I was never more sure that the name Nathaniel was meant for LBJ than anything else in the whole wide world ♥

You Might Also Be Interested:
My Birth Plan, pt 1 – The Draft.
My Birth Plan, pt 2 – Approved!
Postnatal Massage Therapy, pt 1 – The Research.
Pregnancy Updates 20: Little Benjac is 642g!
Giving Birth On All Fours, pt 1 – The Research.

Pregnancy Updates 45: Is This It?

mellomouse — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 01:37:54 +0000

At approximately 4.07am this morning, I was shot awake with a bad cramp in my belly. I’ve not been able to go back to sleep because the pain returns every 10 minutes or so. It is now 9.34am *yawn*

Could this be the real deal or a false alarm?

The contractions are similar to that of a very bad period pain like what experienced Mommies and books described it. They last about 1 to 1.5 minutes each time. Since it started 5 hours ago, the cramp has gotten more and more intense.

I know it’s going to take a long while before we can decide if this is it. Unless my water breaks — no it doesn’t happen like in the movies — or if there’s bleeding, we’ll have to wait until the contractions are 5 minutes apart before we make a move to Gleneagles.

We actually have an appointment with Dr Tan today anytime after 3pm. But it looks like I might not be seeing him in his room, but in the Delivery Suite instead *fingers crossed*

Am I scared? Out of my wits! (-__-||)

To be continued…

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy Updates 29: Little Benjac is 1.6kg!
Pregnancy Updates 33: Little Benjac is 2.1kg!
Pregnancy Updates 37: Little Benjac is 2.4kg!
Pregnancy Updates 42: Little Benjac is 2.9kg!
Pregnancy Updates 13: PUPPP Pregnancy Rash.

Pregnancy Updates 44: Headache.

mellomouse — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 06:01:24 +0000

Last night I gave the husband and myself a fright after an unexpected headache appeared out of nowhere just before sleeping time. We were happily exploring ~~like kampung kids~~ the mobile internet features on our identical Sony Ericsson when the sudden pain surprised me.

Remembering what the staff at Dr Tan’s clinic told us — headache could mean high BP — we went down to my parents to measure my blood pressure. Thankfully it was normal! *phew*

Causes of Headaches During Pregnancy

Headaches are common during pregnancy, especially during the 1st & 3rd trimesters.

In the first few months of pregnancy, they may be caused by normal changes in your hormone levels and an increase in blood volume and circulation.

During the 2nd & 3rd trimesters, headaches may also be caused by a serious condition called pre-eclampsia — high blood pressure during pregnancy.

I just noticed that I am still feeling a bit heavy headed now. My eyes are feeling especially heavy too, which I suspect is because I lack proper sleep. Nature has been calling me at every hour during the night and that has left me feeling more tired than ever — the body’s way of training for the days soon to come!

Somehow it is easier to sleep in the day than night. So I’m going back to bed in awhile, now that I’ve fed both myself and LBJ *waves*

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy Updates 13: PUPPP Pregnancy Rash.
Pregnancy Updates 25: I am Hot!
Pregnancy Updates 45: Is This It?
Pregnancy Updates 01: Morning Sickness.
Pregnancy Updates 05: Drown in my own Spit.

Pregnancy Updates 43: Blood Pressure.

mellomouse — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:33:52 +0000

During our last antenatal appointment, my BP somehow shot a bit higher than normal with a reading of 130/80. I’m still wondering how it got so high since I was seated the whole time waiting for our turn *puzzled*

Blood Pressure during Pregnancy

By the 6th month of pregnancy, you will have produced an extra two and a half pints of blood, which your heart has to pump around your body. All this extra activity may make you feel warmer than usual.

The pregnancy hormone progesterone relaxes the walls of blood vessels, which is why your BP often falls around the middle of pregnancy – especially during the first 32 weeks of pregnancy.

Your BP will return to normal in the last few weeks of pregnancy.

I have no idea what were all my previous readings because it never dawned on me to ask. We trust Dr Tan completely *an ignorant’s excuse*

By looking at the chart above, 130/80 does seem high. Should I be alarmed? Dr Tan did not mention anything when he took the reading, so I guess we shouldn’t be too worked out. It was his reception that cautioned us while we were paying. That’s how we knew about the higher pressure…

On Monday, my reading was better at 105/90. I’ll just have to be careful not to be over stressed – like how heavy LBJ would become! – and I will be alright