mellomouse* » Health

BabyNatey 08: Milk Rash.

mellomouse — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:21:05 +0000

Some 3 weeks ago, Natey’s super smooth baby cheeks were spotted with a multitude of “colourless” bumps. Then overnight they became inflamed and multiplied 10 folds because of his constant rubbing whenever he is sleepy.

So 2 Tuesdays ago, I sent out an SOS via Twitter & FB and these were the successful remedies recommended:

1) Medicine — Say No to drugs please!

2) Hazeline Snow — My Mom used it on us and it worked. But why am I skeptical?

3) Vaseline — Mandy used it on Megan and it worked

4) Aloe Vera Gel — Joanne used it on herself and it worked, though not for milk rash lah

5) Baby’s own Pee — Felicia used it on her 2 princesses and it worked. No kidding!

6) Elomet — That’s a drug. So I’m saying No thanks

Out of the 6 above, I only tried Option 2 and 3. Thank you to the rest for sharing their remedies.

Do you have a remedy that works too but not listed in those 6? If you don’t mind sharing, drop a comment below and my reviews are as follows

Vaseline, 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly

My Verdict:
I used this on Natey first because the bumps were so near his mouth. I reckon it would be safer if accidentally consumed.

Within 2 days, the redness subsided. I continued applying whenever it dried off for a week. The redness didn’t return but the bumps were just as many

After seeing no improvement I moved on to the next remedy, but not Hazeline Snow the brand per se. It is the original product itself by The House of Kwong Sang Hong Ltd.

Living Rose Cream by Two Girls, Est 1898

My Verdict:
I applied this on Natey last Thursday. On the very next day — like a miracle wonder — 80% of the bumps were gone! And his smooth baby face was visible again *alleluia*

I must admit I was a bit more than doubtful, but how can I when the product has more than a century of testimonies. All I can say is, it works for Natey and I am grateful! *phew*

I’m not sure if this is sold in Malaysia since my sister bought it in Hong Kong. And if Living Rose is better than Hazeline Snow. Once we’ve tried it, I’ll let you know

As of now, Natey is all clear and back to his baby smooth cheeky self!

Added 11/6/10, 1.06pm
I wonder if I jinxed the recovery because the red bumps are back — spread across Natey’s cheeks, forehead, neck and back

Surely those can’t be milk rash? But heat rash…

Postnatal 01: Confinement.

mellomouse — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 16:28:56 +0000

I have faithfully observed all — 90% at least — the confinement practices for a month. I have no idea what the other 10% are since even my Mother is at lost. We had to constantly call my Grand Aunty for directions *LOL*

What is Postnatal Confinement?

Traditional confinement practices stem from the belief that your body is considered ‘out of balance’ as you enter a ‘cold stage’ due to the loss of blood and energy from the birth.

The confinement period focuses on re-energising your body with the ‘warmth’ that has been lost.

I am usually very good at following rules and restrictions. My biggest complain the whole month was my increasing body heat. I definitely felt 10x hotter than during my pregnancy. So not being able to shower and wash my hair was a big torture.

Throughout the 30 days — I reckon it’s not the end yet — I sweated buckets due to the furnace in my body albeit in the air conditioned bedroom. Every night I wake up boiling and I’m not joking! Literally felt like fire on my skin.

I did not wash my hair for 12 days. I failed the 20 days rule and the husband was already calling me Smelly Wifey by Day 8! *sobs*

In total I “washed” my hair 4x — by pouring steaming hot water over my head, which I later sweat profusely again because of the heat and blow drying.

I’m so glad that the 30 days has come to an end. That means I can finally have a “real” bath, even though I still have to use the boiled Herbal Bath and Old Ginger. I would still need to take special care not to catch cold/wind because the body has not fully recovered 100%.

Besides all these whiny complains, I enjoyed all the confinement dishes my Mother cooked. Am now an avid fan of Ginger, and still 10kg from the pregnancy to shed

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

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?

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!

Cord Blood Stem Cells.

mellomouse — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:01:13 +0000

If you are currently an expecting mother too, then you would know how it feels like to be a prey to many salespeople that target our hormones as a successful business closure. No kidding!

Among many are those from the private Cord Blood Banking companies that use “Emotional Marketing” to brainwash us into swiping our credit cards *twilight theme*

What are Stem Cells?

Stem cells are cells with the potential to develop into many different types of cells in the body. They serve as a repair system for the body.

They can be found in umbilical cord from babies, bone marrow and peripheral blood from adults.

Cord Blood Stem Cells

Umbilical cord blood could supply the same kinds of blood-forming (hematopoietic) stem cells as a bone marrow donor.

These cells are capable of developing into the three types of mature blood cells present in our blood — Red Blood Cells, White Blood Cells and Platelets.

The collection of Cord Blood is non-invasive and can only be collected once in a lifetime.

We were previously approached by Stemlife’s Consultant during our 1st appointment with Dr Tan. As we waited for our turn, I thought it wouldn’t do any harm to just listen. But of course it did! Because we finally decided yesterday to sign up with that Lady when we go for our antenatal check up next Tuesday.

Thank God for the Internet! *phew*

Is It Right For Me?

The American Academy of Pediatrics doesn’t recommend cord blood banking for families who don’t have a history of disease. That’s because research has not yet determined the likelihood — 1 in 2,700 or lower — that a child would ever need his or her own stem cells.

Other doctors and researchers support saving umbilical cord blood as a source of blood-forming stem cells in every delivery – mainly because of the promise that stem-cell research holds for the future.

However, it is unknown how long cord blood can be successfully stored!

Continue Reading

If you wished to find out more — not from their “Consultants” of course! — I have here a list of great insights contributed by the Mommies at MsiaBrides. After reading it, you might just think otherwise

I hope this post got to you in time. Just as these articles did me and the husband last night! At the end of the day, it is still your decision. At least now, it would be an Informed Decision!

Find Out More

Reviews from The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Advice from Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, UK
Medical Experts Warn Against Commercial Cord Blood Banking
FAQ on Private Cord Blood Banking
FAQ on Cord Blood Banking
Survey: Few Physicians Support Private Cord Blood Banking
Is it worth banking your baby’s cord blood?
Plea to women banking cord blood
10 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Use StemLife

Added 2/2/10, 7.03pm
We asked for Dr Tan’s opinion on this and he also doesn’t buy into the idea because currently cord blood can only cure Leukemia.

As usual, his advice is and I quote: If you have the extra money to dump in, go ahead! *LOL*

Scubby at Gasing Veterinary Hospital, 2.

mellomouse — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 05:58:12 +0000

It was a long day for Scubby last Saturday. We took him for a groom at noon and right after, we headed straight to Gasing Veterinary Hospital for his annual vaccination.

Unlike those taken during puppyhood, Dr Wong recommended an additional vaccine called PneumoDog on top of the 8+1 vaccination. So like a brave warrior, Scubby took 2 jabs — one on each thigh — and did not cry like cry like a baby *beams*

Scubby sniffed a new Furless Poodle Friend
While we waited for our turn in line

Expressionless and Fearless
Scubby is all set and ready for his needles!

And soon after in the Car
Poor Little Scubby is oblivious to the World *aww*

For more photos and videos of the day’s outing, check out Scubby’s Fan page on Facebook. You won’t be disappointed

And if you’re not a fan yet, Scubby asked: Why Not? *pleading eyes*

Pregnancy Goodness: Fruits & Vegetables.

mellomouse — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 04:30:33 +0000

Before you shake your head with disapproval after reading my last foodie post, I assure you that I’m eating as healthily as I possibly can *cross my heart*

Let’s look at what occupies 90% of our fridge these days

Apple

Rich with Fiber and Vitamin C

Health Benefits: Unique support for heart health, cancer protection and protect us against asthma by strengthening our lungs.

Cantaloupe/Rock Melon

Rich with Vitamin C, A, B3, B6, Potassium, Folate and Fiber

Health Benefits: Concentrated with Beta-Carotene & Vitamin C, promotes lung health and protects our eyes.

Plum

Rich in Vitamin C, A, B2, Fiber and Potassium

Health Benefits: Significant amount of Antioxidant to protect us from Phenols, increase better absorption of Iron and protect us against macular degeneration.

Grapes

Rich in Manganese, Vitamin C, B1, B6 and Potassium

Health Benefits: Decrease the risk of heart disease, helps keep the heart muscles flexible and healthy, lower cholesterol, lower coronary heart disease in women, promotes lung health, lower risk of Alzheimer’s Disease, act as an anti-aging agent, an effective anti-microbial agent, protect against food borne illness and maintain optimal health.

Pears

Rich in Fiber, Vitamin C, K and Copper

Health Benefits: Protection against Free Radicals, promotes cardiovascular & colon health, protect against postmenopausal breast cancer and protects us against macular degeneration.

Jackfruit

Rich in Vitamin A, B, C, Riboflavin, Niacin, Potassium, Fat, Carbohydrates and Protein

Health Benefits: An excellent energy food, prevent & treat tension, prevents obesity, reduce constipation, cures ulcers & indigestion, lower blood pressure, fight cancer, remedy for skin diseases, asthma and diarrhea.

Guava

Rich in Vitamin A, B, Calcium, Nicotinic Acid, Phosphorus, Potassium, Iron, Folic Acid and Fiber

Health Benefits: Prolonged menstruation, reduce high blood pressure, strengthens the heart, reduce acidosis, asthma, Catarrh, curb obesity and Scurvy.

Watermelon

Rich with Vitamin C, A, B1, B6, Potassium and Magnesium

Health Benefits: Concentrated with powerful Antioxidants, Carotenoid & Lycopene, prevent prostate cancer, energy production, protect against macular degeneration, prevents erectile dysfunction, lower blood pressure and improve insulin sensitivity.

Tomatoes

Rich in Vitamin C, A, K, B1, B2, B3, B6, E, Molydenum, Potassium, Manganese, Fiber, Chromium, Folate, Copper, Magnesium, Iron, Phosphorus, Tryptophan and Protein

Health Benefits: Antioxidant benefits, promotes colon health, fights prostate cancer, promotes pancreatic health, reduce heart disease risk, improve cholesterol profiles, reduces blood clotting tendencies, act as anti-inflammatory agent, maintains bone health, fight against colon cancer, diabetes & migraines and maintains optimal health.

Carrot

Rich in Vitamin A, K, C, B1, B3, B6, Fiber, Potassium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Phosphorus, Magnesium and Folate

Health Benefits: Rich with Carotenoids, prevents Heart Disease, improve vision, maintain optimal health, regulates blood sugar level, promotes colon health and lung health.

Japanese Cucumber

Rich in Vitamin C, A, Molybdenum, Potassium, Manganese, Folate, Fiber, Tryptophan and Magnesium

Health Benefits: Promotes radiant complexion and helps reduce high blood pressure by cooling us down.

Celery

Rich in Vitamin K, C, B6, B1, B2, A, Potassium, Folate, Fiber, Molybdenum, Manganese, Calcium, Magnesium, Tryptophan, Phosphorus and Iron

Health Benefits: Supports a strong immune system, reducing high blood pressure, cholesterol lowering benefits, improve diuretic activity and promotes optimal health.

Everyday I eat 3-4 portions of fruits — mixture of either — and munch on carrot sticks or celery sticks whenever I need to snack.

Since we began buying so many fruits during the weekend, the husband has become my personal fruit washer/slicer *hehe* He will wash everything and arrange them neatly into containers, so his pregnant wife can conveniently eat them anytime ♥

If you open our fridge today, you’ll surely find a mini orchard within

Pregnancy Goodness: Exercise.

mellomouse — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 07:14:41 +0000

My initial ideal exercise regime for this pregnancy was walking on the treadmill. But that never happened because of my morning sickness and also for the fear of Downy *ugh* Then now with my bigger frame and swollen feet, walking is definitely out of the picture.

So about a month ago, I started on these simple exercises and they do make a good workout *2 thumbs up*

Don’t underestimate these “supposedly” less intense exercise as they do break out some sweats! Especially with a heavy load in front, even moving about slowly on the floor could be a challenge.

Stretching Exercises

Stretching can help maintain muscle tone and keep you flexible with little if any impact on your joints. It is a great way to loosen tight muscles.

Strengthening Exercises

Muscles in your lower back, lower abdomen, and around the vagina come under great strain during pregnancy. When you strengthen these muscles early in your pregnancy, you can help reduce back pain and other problems later on.

Swimming or simply walking inside the pool is also a great workout for expecting mothers. I’ve yet to try it myself because the husband has been so busy to accompany me. Hopefully after Christmas, we could have a dip in the Saltwater Pool downstairs.

This lady in the video (Heidi) can really suck in that belly! Don’t worry, what she’s doing doesn’t squash or harm her baby. It is actually a very good exercise for both Mommy and Baby in preparation for labour.

Transverse Abdominus Exercise

This is an excellent exercise that helps women with core support during pregnancy, prepares them for pushing during birth, and aids in recovery postpartum.

To make sure my posture is correct when bending down on all fours, I’ve placed a mirror in LBJ’s nursery where I do my exercises now. As yet, I still could not breathe in as deep as Heidi does. How does she do it?

Anyhow, a real big Kudos to her!

Pregnancy Goodness: Sardines.

mellomouse — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:10:22 +0000

I’ve never been much of a fish fan simply because of its smell. Unless of course, presented with a plateful of Salmon Sashimi! So it does come as quite of a surprise to see myself eating Sardine sandwiches for the past 4 days in a row.

Sardine spread topped with crispy lettuces sandwiched between 2 slices of wholemeal toast, and on the side: Honey Cherry Tomatoes, Japanese Cucumber, Carrot & Celery sticks and a red Apple *divine*

What’s missing in that delectable menu above is my steaming hot cup of Nescafe… I Miss Coffee! *pouts*

Health Food in a Can
The trusted brand since 1892

Ranked among the top 150 healthiest foods on Earth.

Rich with Vitamin B12, B3, D, Tryptophan, Selenium, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Protein, Phosphorus, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc, Copper, Manganese and Lycopene.

100g of Sardines provide us with more than 2000mg of Omega 3 Fatty Acids — protecting us from various heart diseases.

Power packed with bone-building Calcium (2x more than Milk!) and is incredibly concentrated with Vitamin D — an essential role in the absorption of Calcium.

A can of sardines provide between 50-75% of our daily needs of Selenium — a mineral with powerful antioxidant activity that reduces the risk of cancer.

Sardines are one of the few foods rich in Phosphorus — maximizes the kidney’s ability to excrete waste properly.

And the list goes on and on…