mellomouse* » Health

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.

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.

BabyNatey 36: Teeth Grinding.

mellomouse — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 14:27:52 +0000

Recently Natey has started this very bad habit of grinding his teeth while awake. He now has 1.5 upper (Bugs Bunny style!) and 2 lower front teeth.

Although it reads that teeth grinding amongst babies are fine — they will drop off anyway — but the sound is disturbing; like running your fingernails on a white board! *shudders*

“In general, grinding the baby teeth is not a problem. It is often a sign of teething, very likely for a 12 month old. When he starts losing his baby teeth, the grinding should stop — if it even lasts that long.”

Ask Dr.Sears

I tried telling him No whenever I hear him grind. I give him the teether hoping it’ll help divert his attention. But obviously grinding is much more fun *ouch*

Is your baby grinding his/her teeth? Do you have any tricks up your sleeves to share with me? *bat lashes*

You Might Also Be Interested:
BabyNatey 47: Brushing Teeth.
BabyNatey 33: Playskool Walk & Ride.
BabyNatey 34: Daily Routine.
BabyNatey 41: Milestone #2.
BabyNatey 38: One!

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.

BabyNatey 17: 167days later.

mellomouse — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 16:48:23 +0000

Friday morning we finally completed the last of Natey’s many vaccinations to keep him safe for the 1st year and thereafter of his tiny life. Hopefully we won’t need to see Dr Adrian anytime soon!

As usual I took a little keepsake of him being weighed and measured like a piece of yummy meat. He can barely fit on the Seca baby scale now. Next year, he’ll be standing

5 months & 2 weeks
7.44kg 63cm

Completed Vaccinations
BCG
Hepatitis B 3/3
Polio & DA/TA + HLB 3/3
Rotavirus 2/2
Pneumococal 3/4

126 days ago Natey was such a small twiggy little Tiger. It does break my heart a little seeing how skinny he used to be at the beginning. All of my girlfriends’ babies were already packing the pounds by 1 month

But looking at the chunkier him above, I’m all smiles. As it goes to show how wonderfully amazing Mommy’s breastmilk can do! ♥

1 month, 1 week & 4 days
4.2kg 52cm

You Might Also Be Interested:
BabyNatey 08: Milk Rash.
BabyNatey 16: 151 days!
BabyNatey 10: Tiny Feet Fetish.
BabyNatey 18: My 1st Home.
BabyNatey 24: Says Papa!

Postnatal 10: Confinement, pt 2 – Post Confinement.

mellomouse — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 07:04:45 +0000

It is now 4 months after my confinement. It is the perfect time now to share since I had plenty of time to experience the aftermath.

So this is my testimony — and maybe yours — that observing a little restriction for 1 month isn’t so much a jail sentence, especially when the after effect goes a long way after that. Backache is not a joke *sulks*

Superstitious aside, here are a few things we should all pay special care about after delivery. Take heed, Mommies to be

#1 Backbone
Try to limit bending over. The best scenario is bending countless time in a day to put/pick up baby from the cot. So baby should sleep besides Mommy on the bed — just imagine 12am, 2am, 4am, 6am breastfeeding — and Daddy on the floor

#2 Hands
Let your Confinement Lady, MIL, Mother or Hubby to do the dirty jobs to limit the need of washing hands — except nature calls lah! Always have cool boiled water for whatever washing needed ready.

#3 Feet
Wear socks and/or house slippers everywhere! Your entire body rest on your soles. So take good care of them.

#4 Hair
If you really must, wash only with hot boiled water — heater is not boiled — and blow dry immediately.

#5 Heavy Objects
You should only be carrying your baby ♥

#6 Air condition vs Fan
Stay clear of direct wind draft, so choose air conditioning. Believe me when I say this, you will be HOT! So cool temperature is better than strong wind

#7 Electric Kettle
Buy one and connect it right outside your bathroom. You won’t believe how many times you’ll be boiling water in a day. For 1 whole month! Remember to get big tongs to store the boiled water.

#8 Diet
Everything hot, hot and hot. Not spicy hot, but Gingery Hot! And lots of Red Dates Water or soups only. Not plain water.

#9 Rest
Try, try and try. When baby sleep, so must we! I know I didn’t rest much. So you must because I’m enduring the consequences of not trying hard enough.

#10 Crying
Why would you be? Culprits are crazy surging hormones, stress and unsupportive family members! I cried almost everyday. So don’t if you can *hugs*

I hope I didn’t leave too much out, but these should be almost all the important things to care about. Early journey into Motherhood is no easy peasy, so brace yourself for the challenges ahead.

After 3 months, everything will be worth it! Why 3 months? You will know when that time comes

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

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…

You Might Also Be Interested:
Rafferty’s Garden Banana Milk Rusks.
Diaper Rash, pt 2 – Be Gone!
Diaper Rash, pt 1 – Spotted.
BabyNatey 12: Bumbo, pt 2 – It’s Mine!
BabyNatey 48: Childproofing.

Postnatal 01: Confinement, pt 1.

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

You Might Also Be Interested:
Postnatal 10: Confinement, pt 2 – Post Confinement.
Postnatal 02: Breastfeeding, pt 1 – My Journey.
Postnatal 12: Breastfeeding, pt 2 – My Milestone.
Postnatal Massage Therapy, pt 1 – The Research.
Postnatal Massage Therapy, pt 2 – My Review.