mellomouse* » Gleneagles Intan

Hospital Bag, pt 3 – Real Necessities.

mellomouse — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 05:06:54 +0000

Let’s revisit this post — because you asked — and make a little adjustment. I’ve never packed a hospital bag before, so the one I did was a bit overboard. Can I blame it on the checklist I followed? *bleh*

Honestly what went into the bag for “during labour” was unused and useless. Maybe because I delivered an hour after I was admitted, so I didn’t get to use most of what was in it. But you might need them

For Mommy

During Labour
__ Admission Letter for Delivery
__ My Birth Plan
__ Socks (Mello says: Bring extra pairs for after delivery)
__ Johnson’s Baby Oil Lite for back massage
__ Crackers & Juice
__ Birth Ball
__ Yoga Mat
__ Hot Water Bottle
__ Johnson’s Mother & Baby Book

After Delivery
__ Medela Harmony Breastpump (Mello says: Gentler to use your hands to massage)
__ My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow (Mello says: You must have this. It’s a life saver!)
__ Nursing Bras (Mello says: Wear sleep bras — comfy and easy to “open”)
__ Lip Balm
__ Shawl
__ Disposable Undies (Mello says: Get the “hospital type” at their pharmacy, extremely comfy and stretchable — 3x the price too!)
__ Disposable Breast Pads — (Mello says: Sorry to disappoint, but no flow yet at this point to stain)
__ Lansinoh Nipple Cream
__ Comfort Pillow from home (Mello says: You’ll want this because hospital pillow sucks)
__ Going Home Outfit: Nursing Top & Yoga Pants
__ Toiletries: Facial Wash & Towel, Comb, Toothbrush and Toothpaste
(+) Keepsake Book: Cute Baby Boy (Mello says: If you got this, remember to bring along to get the nurses for your baby’s newborn footprint!)

For Daddy

__ A change of Clothes
__ Camera, Extra Battery & Charger
__ Phone Charger
__ Toothbrush
__ Laptop
(+) Sleepware

For Little Benjac Junior

__ Going Home Outfit: Newborn Short Sleeved Vest & Bodysuit
__ Receiving Blanket
__ Booties & Mittens
__ Hat
__ Hankies

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 — 10 floors plus 3 — took like forever! We reached Gleneagles a little before 2pm — thankfully no traffic! — and that’s when the no-words-can-describe pain climaxed. 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.

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 ♥

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…

Pregnancy Updates 42: Little Benjac is 2.9kg!

mellomouse — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 06:45:44 +0000

Before I begin this post. . .

Our humble family would like to wish everyone a
♥ Roaring Chinese New Year this Valentine’s Day! ♥

xoxo
Benjac, LBJ & Scubby

Looks like I won’t be delivering today just yet since I am still here. And that leaves me wondering whether it is a good or bad thing, given my previous paranoia if I do.

A little on the heavy side for 36 weeks
Our Little Benjac Junior is now LOA in utero! *phew*

After waiting for “the usual” hour for our turn on Friday, Dr Tan was suddenly whisked away for a delivery. So our 3.30pm became 5.30pm, again. Note of Advice: Anyone who wishes to see a reputable ObGyn has to be prepared to wait, because it seems like the “whole world” is their patients *hint to impatient Fathers-to-be*

I am a happy camper now since knowing the exact position LBJ is in. He is lying on my left with his head down slightly facing to the back. That explains the kicking on my right all this while! And I thought he was on my right *duh* Turn a little bit to the right and he’ll be fully Anterior!

Somehow by the measurement of his tiny bones and skull, LBJ is now expected 5 days later than his current EDD at 3 March 2010. And he’s supposedly on the heavier side now too, which left me worrying should he gain much more before delivery. I don’t want to be cut opened! *panic*

The longer LBJ stays inside me, the bigger he might become and the harder it would be for me to push him out to this world. He gained 563 grams since the last check-up 12 days ago. By 40th week, he could possibly weigh 4.35kg! *faints*

I think I’m going to start praying for an early arrival now. Please keep me in yours too! *bows*

Hospital Bag, pt 2 – All Set!

mellomouse — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:32:10 +0000

For Mommy

During Labour
(√) Admission Letter for Delivery
(√) My Birth Plan
(√) Socks
(√) Lip Balm
(√) Shawl
(√) Disposable Undies
(√) Johnson’s Baby Oil Lite for back massage
__ Crackers & Juice
(√) Relaxation Materials: Birth Ball, Yoga Mat, Hot Water Bottle, Johnson’s Mother & Baby Book & my Comfort Pillow ♥

After Delivery
(√) Medela Harmony Breastpump
(√) My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow
(√) Nursing Bras: Sleeping & 2nd day Discharge
(√) Disposable Breast Pads
__ Lansinoh Nipple Cream
(√) Going Home Outfit: Nursing Top & Yoga Pants
__ Toiletries: Facial Wash & Towel, Comb, Toothbrush and Toothpaste

For Daddy

__ A change of Clothes
__ Camera, Extra Battery & Charger
(√) Phone Charger
__ Toothbrush
__ Laptop

For Little Benjac Junior

(√) Going Home Outfit: Newborn Short Sleeved Vest & Bodysuit
(√) Receiving Blanket
(√) Booties & Mittens
(√) Hat
(√) Hankies

The remaining few unchecked items will be dumped into the bag on the day itself. Hopefully I don’t forget anything. But even if I do, it’s just a few minutes drive away!

My Birth Plan, pt 2 – Approved!

mellomouse — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:51:34 +0000

2 February 2010

Attn To:
Labour Delivery Unit
Gleneagles Intan Medical Centre
Kuala Lumpur

Dear Midwives & Nurses

Below is my “ideal” birthing scenario, but I am aware that in the event of a life-threatening emergency, I will be relying on your professional judgment and skills to see us through.

#1 – Labour

Birth Companion
My husband

Pain Management/Pain Relief
Walking, Stretching Exercise, Breathing Techniques, Birthing Ball
Gas and Air only

Hydration/Food
Drinking fluids rather than having an IV
Light nibbling on biscuit or bread to prevent gastritis
Water or juice for hydration

Monitoring
Intermittent EFM if baby and I are doing well

#2 – Delivery

Delivery Position
Preferably on hands and knees
Otherwise remaining upright on the bed

Perineal Tear/Episiotomy
Allow natural tearing before episiotomy

Cutting the Umbilical Cord
My husband

Placenta Delivery
Syntometrine Injection

#3 – After Delivery

Hold baby and begin breastfeeding immediately
All newborn procedures done in my presence or in my husband’s presence
Vaccinations — BCG (on the arm) and Hepatitis B1

#4 – Infant Care

Breastfeeding only — no bottles or pacifiers

#5 – If C-section is needed

To breastfeed as soon as possible

Thank you

Sincerely,
Mellomouse

Approved by,
Dr Tan Lay Seng

Pregnancy Updates 37: Little Benjac is 2.4kg!

mellomouse — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:12:05 +0000

Just like our 1st antenatal check-up months ago, today we waited a good 2 hours for Dr Tan because he had 2 deliveries back to back earlier at noon. The poor man didn’t get to have his lunch — until it was 4pm — after he had cleared all his morning appointments. Then immediately he began the afternoon queue, with us being at number 6 that was supposed to be at 2.45pm.

Dr Tan’s usual greeting when we enter his room is always: “How’s everything?” But today it was a little different: “Why are you not delivering yet?” he greeted in a jester manner while looking at my records. Then added that LBJ “would” be greeting us on the 1st day of CNY aka Valentine’s Day. Remember this post? That’s less than 2 weeks from now! *sweats*

Not too big, Not too small & in a Good Position
♥ Here’s LBJ facing us in the ultrasound ♥

Once again, I wondered if I am readied. I am actually fearful today. Only last night I dreamed that my water broke and my knees went weak. My 2nd respond was asking for the date — if not mistaken, someone told me that it was February 27th. What happened after that, I cannot remember

Dr Tan has approved my Birth Plan! A copy has been submitted to the Labour Room, and one for me to bring along in my Hospital Bag just in case. I’ve checked with one of the midwives, and she said it is ok to bring along a laptop into the Delivery Suite. Insane as it may appears, I hope blogging would be a good distraction for the pain *denial?*

Starting from tomorrow, I shall begin the Fetal Movement Charting to keep track of LBJ’s wellbeing. Although I feel him moving a lot now — and hiccups immensely — I should not take it for granted. I need to keep a record of 10 movements any time between 12 hours and everything is fine. Even a 9 is not!

So Little Benjac, here’s your Golden Ticket to kick Mommy more ok

Pregnancy Goodness: Birth Ball.

mellomouse — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 06:48:06 +0000

The Birth Ball is the same as the Gym Ball. It was originally developed for physical therapy in treating orthopedic and neurological disorders. Since introduced years ago, it has become a favourite complement for everyday exercise.

Why use a Birth Ball?

It is a wonderful comfort tool for pregnancy and labour. It can be used for support, relaxation and exercise before and after delivery.

By simply sitting and rotating the hips on the birth ball during 1st Stage Labour, can help relax and encourage the dilatation of the cervix.

Benefits of a Birth Ball

Using the ball throughout pregnancy will stimulate postural reflexes and keep the deep supportive muscles of the spine in good working order.

These balls are great for relieving discomfort during pregnancy. It provides a firm, yet soft place to sit. It also forces good posture, allowing for decreased straining of your muscles.

The ball provides perineal support without a lot of pressure and helps keep the fetus aligned in the pelvis.

The sitting position assumed on the ball, similar to a squat, opens the pelvis, helping to speed up labor. Gently moving on the ball greatly reduces the pain of contractions.

How to use the Birth Ball?

You can sway side to side or in a circle. This movement is easy to do in labor. It also helps stretch your body and move the baby into a good position for birth by using movement, gravity and upright positioning.

You can also lean over the ball in labour. This allows your doula or husband to rub your back. If you make a swaying motion you can help stretch out your lower back or upper back with the movement.

I’ve tried sitting on the ball before and it is pretty comfortable despite without a backrest. I agree that it would be easier rolling up and off the ball than getting up from a chair, especially now that my baby bump has grown enormous!

I’ll need to check with the Labour Department at Gleneagles if they provide Birthing Balls in their Delivery Suites. If not, I am definitely adding this into my Hospital Bag Checklist so I won’t forget to bring it along on D-Day

Now that we all know the benefits, all we have to do is go shopping for the ball! I found it on ebay going for RM59 + RM8 Shipping. Is that a good bargain?

Added 31/1/10, 3.58pm
Got it! For RM65 at Fitness Concept by Reebok called Core Ball in grey colour. I bought the 55cm, but if you are taller than 5′ 5″, then you should get the 65cm, or 75cm if 6 feet.

The husband has just finished pumping it manually with the included hand held pump. And I’m now sitting comfortably on it

Added 2/2/2010, 7.32pm
Gleneagles doesn’t provide the Birth Ball. So I’ll be packing my own into my Hospital Bag!

Pregnancy Updates 33: Little Benjac is 2.1kg!

mellomouse — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 07:33:08 +0000

How time flies! Yesterday was already our 6th antenatal check-up with Dr Tan Lay Seng at Gleneagles. I always enjoy our appointments with him, even though we need to wait an hour or sometimes more just to see him each time

Dr Tan always has a smiley face on. But yesterday he was in a particularly good mood too. We got to enjoy that good mood of his by seeing LBJ a little while longer on the ultrasound. And we caught LBJ on screen sucking his thumb! Here’s a good side profile of our Little Prince ♥

Weighing 2148 grams at 33 Weeks 6 Days
Can you spot all his tiny features?

If only the thought of recording it on DVD crossed my mind then — I was totally lost in time! — else we would have had it immortalised! Now all I can rely on is my memory of that heartwarming experience of seeing LBJ moving his lips up and down sucking his tiny thumb *moved to tears*

I’ve discussed my birth plan with Dr Tan and he has given the green light for all that’s on my draft. After speaking with him about some of my concerns, he has given me more assurance to change what I’ve previously decided on — though not the Epidural part *bleh*

I’ll be preparing the finalised copy soon, so look up for Part 2 of My Birth Plan

Parentcraft – 3 of 3.

mellomouse — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 04:29:41 +0000

We had our 3rd and final Parentcraft session last Saturday. It started right on the dot at 2pm even though only half of the couples were present. By 2.30pm — 15 minutes before the 1st part was finished — all the late couples finally filled the room *Malaysia Boleh!*

#1 — Common Problems in Infants (45 minutes)
by Dato Dr Iean Hamzah, Pediatrician

He spoke really quick, but was quite thorough. Somehow I don’t feel that he is a very people person by the way he presented — lacking warmth.

I wonder how he is like with children…

#2 — A video on Epidural (20 minutes)
The video looked like it was filmed back in the 1980s — judging by the video quality, hairstyles and what the people wore *LOL*

Hasn’t medical technology improved since then for a newer video?

#3 — Bathing Baby (10 minutes)
Ms Yap, the Labour Room Manager gave a quick demonstration on how to bath a newborn. It looked easy bathing a Doll, but a newborn baby is so fragile.

Would I dare? I’ll most likely let MIL bath LBJ the 1st week or two

#4 — Tour of the Nursery & Labour Room (15 minutes)
The nursery is very big, but unfortunately we only got to see 3 babies — 1 was under the ultraviolet light (bililight) — because the rest was all away being breast fed at that time.

The Labour Suites are comfortably spacious with a long sofa for the husband, an attached bathroom and all required medical equipment inside. We won’t need to leave the room unless an emergency C-Sec is required.

I was happy to learn from Ms Yap, that they do accommodate delivery on all fours! But it still depends on the ObGyn. So hopefully Dr Tan would be ok with it — shall find out tomorrow! *fingers crossed*

#5 — Pain Management (40 minutes)
by Dr Chua Kok Seng, Anesthetist

Dr Chua was very detailed and a friendly man. But I’m still not convinced about using an Epidural despite him assuring that there are no long term side effects.

The husband said I am stubborn. But honestly, I want to be able to do this sans pain killers. Millions of women had done it, why can’t I? *pray for strength*

Btw, if you’re wondering how much it cost? It is RM800 on top of your normal delivery charges.

So there you go. All 3 parts — 1/3, 2/3 and 3/3 — of Parentcraft at Gleneagles Intan Medial Centre, Kuala Lumpur.

I’ve given my 2 cents, purely on my own experience. Now it’s up to you to decide if you’d want to sign up too