mellomouse* » It Sucks

Diaper Rash, pt 2 – Be Gone!

mellomouse — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 04:24:11 +0000

Yup, be gone and good riddance! After almost a month — my fault entirely for not sooner *hangs head in shame* — I can finally say this. Thanks to Yen and MayYee for their sans baby wipes trick, the rashes cleared faster and our Earth a little less wasted *hugs*

I am still guilty for using disposable diapers twice daily. What I’m doing different now besides the hourly cloth diaper change is that, I’m washing Natey’s little bumbum with warm water instead.

I have to admit that kicking start this routine was a bit of a challenge — he’s not exactly 2.915kg anymore — and out-of-comfort-zone practice. I have been using nothing but baby wipes since newborn. And that’s a lot of baby wipes!

So what I do right before the need to change is: 1) I’ll prepare a small basin of warm water on the bathroom floor, 2) Get ready a lampin for drying, 3) Carry the Tiger to the bathroom, 4) Sit on a low stool and remove his CD and 5) Wash away with Natey on my lap. Then bundle his little bumbum with the lampin and off we go to the changing area aka our bed.

That’s 5 simple easy peasy steps, rite? Why didn’t I do this earlier. Imagine all the baby wipes we could’ve save! *Ringgit flying back in from the window*

Besides the sans baby wipes trick, I am also applying some Econazole cream twice daily after each bath. Today is Day 4, and all are almost out of sigth. What’s left is a very light scar from the month long rash. No more redness or puffiness! Before we can whip out the bubbly to celebrate, I’ll still need to continue applying for another 3 days to make sure the infection is completely treated *fingers crossed*

If your baby or toddler is having diaper rash, why not give the sans baby wipes trick a go. And if you are already doing that, over the counter corticosteroids or anti fungal medicines (please read this first) may help

You Might Also Be Interested:
Diaper Rash, pt 1 – Spotted.
BabyNatey 08: Milk Rash.
BabyNatey 36: Teeth Grinding.

Diaper Rash, pt 1 – Spotted.

mellomouse — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 16:28:37 +0000

Most babies and toddlers would have this some time (or not) in their diaper-clad life. Be it mild or severe, we hate it because we rather it be us than our Mini Me. Agree? But we don’t wear diapers! *ha*

For 3 weeks now, the rash on Natey’s thighs and perianal area has not gone away. Some days redder than others, it subsides a little, then Hello again. Thankfully he doesn’t seemed to be affected by them. Else I would have been a headless chicken by now.

What causes Diaper Rash?

Most commonly caused by the constant wetting and drying of the skin along with repetitive exposure to a variety of irritating substances.

Once the naturally dry barrier of a baby’s skin has been irritated it becomes red, warm, rough and can lead to a variety of infections.

Irritating Substances

Urine
Stool
Bacteria from Urine and Stool
Ammonia
Disposable Diapers
Detergents
Perfumes
Plastics and Dyes
Baby Wipes
Soaps
Creams

It happens more frequently during…

Teething – when baby is teething, their urine can become more alkaline and lead to more irritation and breakdown of skin.

New Foods – Introducing new foods often leads to rash. This can be from an allergy to the food, or an irritation from the food protein in the stool.

Too Wet – Babies who are left with wet or soiled diapers for any length of time are much more prone to rash.

Types of Diaper Rash: read here and Treatment: read here!

I am guilty of the twice daily Disposables Diapers– afternoon nap: Drypers, night: Mamypoko — and other times are all cloth diapering. And I change every hour too. But very guilty of using Baby Wipes to clean Natey’s little bumbum every time.

Before I go running headless to the Paed, we’ll try the Topical Anticandidal remedy. What I have is the Econazole cream prescribed by Dr Tan during my pregnancy. It helped me “survived” my rash, so it should Natey’s! *fingers crossed*

Cure or not, I’ll keep you posted in a few days *fingers crossed again*

You Might Also Be Interested:
Diaper Rash, pt 2 – Be Gone!
BabyNatey 08: Milk Rash.
BabyNatey 36: Teeth Grinding.

Skinz Infinite, Eye Revive Therapy.

mellomouse — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 15:46:37 +0000

After my Eumora scare last year, you’d think that I’ve learn my lesson and trust my body’s warning. The alleged Miracle Bar gave me twice facial rash that needed medical intervention. Why twice? I was silly to give it a 2nd chance *bah*

This time around I’m once again silly. Sillier because now is Three! The experience is much more scarier as well because I could loose my sight. OK maybe that’s a little exaggerated, but it certainly didn’t feel that way when I couldn’t keep my eyes opened *boo*

Renew and Rejuvenates
Unfortunately, it was the other way around

Some of you might recall me tweeting/FBing about a 3x eye infection I had. Well there it is above. That’s what caused it and the medications that I had to apply. Not forgetting the antibiotic I had to take while breastfeeding *sigh*

On 3 separate accounts — starting from April 26 — a small white bean grew in my outer and inner lower eyelid on both eyes. It was inflamed, itchy and felt like I got punched in the eye. I went to see the Doctor twice and the 1st one told me that I might need surgery. If that didn’t scare the sh*t of me, nothing would *shudder*

I’ve learnt my lesson. I promise! No more experimenting with over the counter skincare. No more 2nd chances or incredibly stupid 3rd time’s the charm. And of course, I should listen to the beloved husband *yaya*

So what should I use now? My dark circles and freckles can be seen from a mile away *pouts*

What would Charmaine Sheh says about this? *ha*

No Related Post

Toxic in Baby Products.

mellomouse — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 06:41:40 +0000

Did you know that most over the counter baby products are harmful? Just simply pick one ingredient from the label, Google it and you’ll be shocked to the revelation.

Ignorance is definitely bliss. But now that I know, how could I still continue using them on Natey?

A Wake-Up Story
by Healthy Child Healthy World

Stay informed to make the right choice

Top 10 Toxic Baby Products
Guide to Less Toxic Baby Care
Your Guide to Choosing Safe Products

You Might Also Be Interested:
Baby Wearing, pt 6 – Baby Carrier vs Baby Sling.
Angel Baby Bottom Balm.
BPA-Free Baby Bottles.
Cloth Diapers, pt 2 – Baby Nappies.
Baby Car Seat vs Stroller, pt 3.

Postnatal 09: Hair Loss.

mellomouse — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 06:40:40 +0000

Friends had warned me about the 3 months marker. At the beginning your skin goes Sahara — mine turned waxy, no kidding! — then your hair begins to drop like nobody’s business. It’s goodbye to luscious hair days and hello to omfg-hair-all-over-the-floor horror! *shrieks*

Hair Loss After Delivery

The most common period of hair loss occurs approximately 3 months after delivery.

The rise in hormones during pregnancy keeps you from losing your hair. After delivery, the hormones return to normal levels, which allows the hair to fall out and return to the normal cycle.

The normal hair loss that was delayed during pregnancy may fall out all at once.

Be it long or bob, my hair used to drop quite a lot before the pregnancy. After not seeing more than a few strains of dead hair — on the pillow, toilet floor, clothes and everywhere — for the past year, seeing them again now feels like a hair loss mayday

Therefore, I am officially statistic now. No point complaining right? I just hope I won’t go bare on the rooftop like some unfortunate Mommies out there *fingers crossed*

As noted before, this hair loss is temporary and hair loss returns to normal within 6 to 12 months.

Will I still have hair then? *faints*

You Might Also Be Interested:
Postnatal 03: Hot Mama.
Postnatal Massage Therapy, pt 1 – The Research.
Postnatal 01: Confinement, pt 1.
Postnatal 02: Breastfeeding, pt 1 – My Journey.
Postnatal 12: Breastfeeding, pt 2 – My Milestone.

Postnatal 08: Sick.

mellomouse — Fri, 28 May 2010 05:10:57 +0000

When you’re a Mommy — speaking for myself, and possibly you too — falling sick is the last thing you would want happening. Whether it is you or your baby, Sick is a Four letter word more alarming than any foul languages. It is simply a nightmare *shrieks*

On Wednesday, Sick came to visit. Thankfully it was for Me! *sigh of relief* I was aching all over and a head too heavy for my neck to support. I couldn’t even carry Natey without worrying that I’ll drop him. In a nutshell, I was falling apart. It was the worst kind of experience *sobs*

Sparingly, I had 7 Panadol Solubles. If you are wondering, it is Yes to both doubts: 1) Panadol is safe for babies and 2) It is safe to breastfeed during fever as our milk have the antibodies to keep baby protected. Doubts aside, I’m still a pack of weak jelly…

I’m thankful to have my Mother staying nearby and comes to help me during the day. By just cooking for us is already 1 big chore off the list. And Natey enjoys cooing up a storm with his beloved Popo! I wouldn’t know what to do if without her help. So a big Thank You to my beloved Mama *hugs*

Finally today I feel a little bit stronger. I’ve missed bubble time with my son for the past 2 days. Hopefully by tomorrow, I am well and strong to “play water” with Natey again

You Might Also Be Interested:
Postnatal 05: Engorgement & Blocked Milk Ducts.
Postnatal 01: Confinement, pt 1.
Postnatal 03: Hot Mama.
Postnatal 06: Nursing Bra, pt 1.
Postnatal 12: Breastfeeding, pt 2 – My Milestone.

Postnatal 05: Engorgement & Blocked Milk Ducts.

mellomouse — Sun, 09 May 2010 09:21:38 +0000

In the beginning I was worried that I didn’t produce enough. So now my body is giving me what I wanted by overflowing the *ahem* Twins and at the same time punishing me for doubting its efficiency by blocking the passage way (-__-||)

What is Engorgement?

Engorgement is due to milk excessively filling the breast together with blood and fluid retention in the same area.

Usually the breast feels full, hard, tight, tender, painful, hot to the touch and a fever may develop.

What are Plugged Ducts ?

This is a problem that occurs when the baby does not empty the breast completely on each feeding, the milk remaining in the duct hardens and blocks the duct eventually plugging it.

10 steps for treating Blocked Duct

Instead of feeling grateful for Natey’s river of white goodness, I am beyond tears by the cruel pain they are causing me day in day out.

At this point, even Lactaline is not helping but my good ole Harmony is. When will this torment ends? *bite lips in agony*

A not so Happy Mother’s Day to me

Added 10/5/10, 12.21am:
I forgot where I read this from but it helps:

Pressure Massage Technique
Use the heel of your palm to apply pressure where the swelling is. Then massage each breast at a time by firmly pushing towards the areola. That would force the remaining milk inside the blocked ducts to ooze out.

I just spent almost 30mins doing that to both sides and I do feel some relieve.

Although this might not be a permanent cure, but at least it helps reduce the swelling. And you have to do it daily and whenever!

Added 17/5/10, 4.13pm
I tried a new bra by Carriwell and it has reduced the blocked ducts significantly. I would say almost non existence!

If you are also having this problem, you could try this bra out. Most of the time, the culprit of blocked ducts could be our bra getting too tight when our breast becomes full.

You Might Also Be Interested:
Postnatal 02: Breastfeeding, pt 1 – My Journey.
Postnatal 06: Nursing Bra, pt 1.
Postnatal 07: Nursing Bra, pt 2.
Postnatal 08: Sick.
Postnatal 12: Breastfeeding, pt 2 – My Milestone.

Postnatal 03: Hot Mama.

mellomouse — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 05:46:06 +0000

Oh how I wished! If only I was referring to physically looking hot, Hot. And not physically sweaty yucky hot, Hot (-__-||)

I’ve been complaining and whining that “I am Hot” way back in December. Back then, it made sense because I was growing my little man and he emitted heat through me. Then there was the confinement period.

So what is causing the crazy hot spells I’m STILL having now? The craziest of all crazy is the immediate heatwave that I would feel the moment Nathaniel latches on. It’s like he switched on an imaginary heater and we’re both boiled in my sweats *ugh*

I wonder how long would this feverish attack last. It’s a good thing that I can bath now — even if it’s hot water on a hot day *humph*

You Might Also Be Interested:
Postnatal 09: Hair Loss.
Postnatal 01: Confinement, pt 1.
Postnatal 02: Breastfeeding, pt 1 – My Journey.
Postnatal 08: Sick.
Postnatal 12: Breastfeeding, pt 2 – My Milestone.

Pregnancy & Soya Beans.

mellomouse — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:10:36 +0000

A chilled glass of Soya Bean Milk is simply heavenly on a warm day, or whenever. Don’t you agree? That’s exactly what I’ve been having almost daily for the past 2 months. Whenever possible, we would buy a large bottle and that could last us for a day or 2.

This is not uncommon among us Asians to include soy into our daily staple. Often Expecting Mothers would go out of their way to consume more because we were told that soy will give our babies fair and beautiful complexion. I did it simply because I enjoy the drink

So you could imagine my shock when I found out last night that all this health talk is really just pure garbage. Soy is probably one of the most misconceived myth that it is some sort of miracle food that prevents and cures diseases. Soya Bean is not a Health Food!

My immediate reaction was: OMG, what have I done!?! And you would too after reading what I have excerpted below. Especially if you are expecting a baby boy!

BBC NEWS Reported in 2004

The humble soya bean may play a role in the problem of male infertility, a team of researchers in Belfast has found.

If boys eat a lot of soya when they are growing up, it can damage their reproductive capability. The key time for that is when a male foetus is developing and in the early toddler years and up to puberty.

Too much soya affects the development of the male’s reproductive tract. It increases the structural abnormalities like undescended testes and testicular cancer.

Continue Reading

The Truth About Soy
Another interesting Article

There’s still a half bottle of Soya Bean Milk in the fridge. After that is finished, I don’t think I’ll be drinking anymore until after LBJ is born or longer.

Even though I am making an informed choice now to not drink it, there are still a multitude of food products in the market that I would not be able to escape from, that are made from soy

2 weekends ago, we stocked up a carton of Soya Bean Milk to serve our guest during CNY. Will you drink it if/when you visit us after reading this post?

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy Updates 38: Fat Mama!
Pregnancy Updates 40: Cinderella No More.
Pregnancy Updates 09: Morning Sickness gone Nocturnal.
Pregnancy Updates 35: Water Retention.
Pregnancy Updates 13: PUPPP Pregnancy Rash.

Pregnancy Updates 40: Cinderella No More.

mellomouse — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:53:55 +0000

These may not be Glass Slippers
But they could well be since I can’t fit them no more

The swelling almost always goes down a little during morning time. They are at worst in the evening due to the burden of carrying me — 16kg of excess baggage — the whole day long, and also because of water retention.

But since yesterday morning, the swelling didn’t go anywhere and now I do feel like walking on puffy buns. They hurt a little, and my toes can’t curled as they used too

Besides my feet, both of my hands are swelled up too. I know I’ve whined about this 2 weeks ago, but as they are getting worst, I am getting worried as well. Simply because a sudden increase of swelling is a sign of something very serious! *yikes*

As I am typing this, I’m downing gulps and gulps of water. Hopefully by keeping myself extra hydrated would help my body to retain less water so my hands and feet could look more human again *fingers crossed*

You Might Also Be Interested:
Pregnancy Updates 35: Water Retention.
Pregnancy Updates 38: Fat Mama!
Pregnancy Updates 13: PUPPP Pregnancy Rash.
Pregnancy Updates 25: I am Hot!
Pregnancy Updates 01: Morning Sickness.