mellomouse* » Postnatal

Tanamera Postnatal Care Set, pt 1 – It’s Here!

mellomouse — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:40:18 +0000

Box of Goodies
Arrived just in time before CNY

What’s Inside?
11 items to rejuvenate new mothers

Tanamera Postnatal Care Set
West Msia: RM360, East Msia: RM370

Calming Herbal Blend Paste, Herbal Bath,
Body Soap, Lavendar Floral Water, VCO

Herbal Massage Oil,
Feminine Herbal Wash, Boreh Body Scrub

Abdominal Wrap,
Firming Herbal Blend Paste, Herbal Tea

More details on the goodies above soon!

You Might Also Be Interested:
Postnatal Massage Therapy, pt 2 – My Review.
Postnatal 06: Nursing Bra, pt 1.
Postnatal 07: Nursing Bra, pt 2.
Postnatal 04: Breastmilk Storage Bottles.
Postnatal 02: Breastfeeding, pt 1 – My Journey.

Breastfeeding, pt 3 – Weaning.

mellomouse — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 16:35:33 +0000

I didn’t expect to wean Nate. I had ideally planned to let him outgrow the need on his own naturally. If I wasn’t pregnant, I know I would still be breastfeeding.

I started by reducing 1 feed at a time — he was still having 3 — when I was 6 weeks pregnant. It was a good thing that I had begun cutting down because by week 8, I could barely get out of bed from extreme fatigue. Not to mention the excessive vomiting

During my 1st antenatal appointment on 23 August, Dr Tan also advised to stop breastfeeding. He cautioned that the hormone oxytocin stimulated by breastfeeding might trigger uterine contractions, possibly causing miscarriage. So by 2 Sept 2011, I stopped breastfeeding all together. Natey was 18mths and 4days when he had his last moo.

I am thankful that the transition was smooth. Natey never asked for my breast after that day we went cold turkey on him. With his nursing pillow out of sight — hubby hid it that night — it’s like he had totally forgotten. Looking back now, I do feel a bit sad to be forgotten so easily after all those months *sobs*

Do I miss breastfeeding? Although I appreciate the rest — growing a baby is tough job — I certainly missed those treasured time spent together with my firstborn.

We have come a long way. 18 months is definitely a milestone for us. Soon I’ll get to start a new one with LBT too. My sweetest consolation! Hopefully this time equipped with expriences aplenty, we will have a smooth beginning and a “pain-free” journey for Mommy *fingers crossed*

You Might Also Be Interested:
Postnatal 12: Breastfeeding, pt 2 – My Milestone.
Postnatal 02: Breastfeeding, pt 1 – My Journey.

Postnatal 12: Breastfeeding, pt 2 – My Milestone.

mellomouse — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:49:34 +0000

This is our 13th month! For half of that time, Natey was fully breastfed before he started his solids at 6mo. For 6 months, he survived on nothing — except that few weeks of supplement *boo* — but his Mommy’s milk *beams*

In the beginning 2 cells became one, he grew and fed within me for 38 weeks, then born into the world and continued to grow “outside” of me while still feeding through me. That’s really amazing, don’t you agree? *awed*

My journey was not easy. Once I had enough supply for Nate, I had too much and fed the sink. Scubby was more than happy to lick up any leftovers his Little Brother couldn’t finished *keke*

I was painfully engorged all the time. Buying the right bra was a lifesaver, and that lifesaver was Carriwell. Then investing in a good double pump was the next godsent. And not forgetting my Brest Friend is truly “the” Best Friend — till this very day!

Now that Natey is 1yo — I still experience engorgement — when does weaning begins? The Government recommends 3yo, and experts too. Friends already began weaning theirs before the first birthday. If you ask me, this is a matter of choice. Not to be conditioned or pressured into.

I am an idealist. And ideally, I quote: “Your baby will nurse until he outgrows the need. This is called natural, or baby-led weaning.”

Saying that, this is my choice: To stop breastfeeding naturally when Natey has had enough. With 3 solid meals a day and occasional snack, he rarely has the space for nursing. Or time to be nursed now that he is busy waddling around everywhere

So before he says enough, I will still be his personal Moo Bar when nap/sleep time beckons. Here’s to more months of breastfeeding goodness to us! *woot*

You Might Also Be Interested:
Postnatal 02: Breastfeeding, pt 1 – My Journey.
Breastfeeding, pt 3 – Weaning.
Postnatal 04: Breastmilk Storage Bottles.
Postnatal 01: Confinement, pt 1.
Postnatal 07: Nursing Bra, pt 2.

Postnatal 11: Aunty finally Visits.

mellomouse — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 17:09:47 +0000

Sixteen months. The Aunty has been on sabbatical since last June. I was really looking forward to her prolong absence at least after Natey turns One. But She has decided to retire from her long holiday and resume her monthly duties as usual. How responsible! *sulks*

What in the world am I talking about? If you haven’t already know, Aunty Visit or Yee Mah in Cantonese, means the time of the month is here. Or stay clear, The PMS Biatch is here *ha*

Breastfeeding and Period

Breastfeeding interrupts ovulation and causes irregular periods.

During the production of milk in the body, the pituitary gland secretes greater amounts of prolactin, a substance that suppresses the function of the ovary.

The First Period

The 1st period may not come until breastfeeding stops. This is nature’s way of protecting us from an immediate pregnancy while our baby is still in infancy.

Period that begins during breastfeeding are irregular. They could come and go every 3 weeks, 6 months or not at all.

It is common that the menstrual cycle to be of shorter or longer length than normal during breastfeeding days.

Fertile Even Without Periods

Ovulation happens even without periods. So beware

I am still breastfeeding exclusively. Planning to do so indefinitely, should God blesses me with His abundance. Or till Natey decides to wean himself. So that means irregular period till then *humph*

I really enjoyed the PMS free days. I’m going to miss it. With that freedom gone, it’s only obvious that The Biatch is Back!

You Might Also Be Interested:
Postnatal 02: Breastfeeding, pt 1 – My Journey.
Postnatal 12: Breastfeeding, pt 2 – My Milestone.
Postnatal 04: Breastmilk Storage Bottles.
Postnatal 01: Confinement, pt 1.
Postnatal 03: Hot Mama.

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.

Asian Parenting Today.

mellomouse — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:06:15 +0000

This book was 1st introduced to me by the writer herself, Jennifer during my confinement. I called her for a postnatal home visit — RM150 for 1.5hrs — to help me with my breastfeeding dilemma, and she was an enlightenment. Natey has been fully breastfed ever since!

Sadly, I didn’t really pay attention when she mentioned her book. Else I would have gotten this sooner and save another RM150 for Natey’s sleeping dilemma 2mths later. Not forgetting the headaches of disagreements on what should and shouldn’t be done.

Asian Parenting Today
Jennifer Hor, Ho Ai Ling & Jocelyn Oo

My verdict:

A definite gem for every 1st time Mommies & Daddies!

This book is so relevant — for Asian, especially Malaysians — and easy to read. The best time to begin would be weeks before delivery. Then everything would stay fresh in mind. Otherwise, a handy bedside bible!

What I like about this book is the FAQ right after each tiny topic. Some questions might seem ridiculous but they were some of our doubts exactly. And I bet, it could be yours too

I highly recommend buying this book — whether as a gift, or for yourself — as it would certainly be cheaper (RM39.90) than calling Jennifer for SOS when you can get everything in these pages!

Btw, if we knew about Jenlia Maternal Services during my pregnancy, we wouldn’t have signed up for Gleneagles’ Parentcraft and somehow feel cheated of our RM180 for 3 lousy sessions. Instead pay RM310 for 4 sessions at Jenlia, with Jennifer being one for the speakers.

Since I can’t turn back time, but you are on the crossroad of deciding for yours, why not check them out

You Might Also Be Interested:
Little Bean Sterilizer.
Parentcraft – 2 of 3.
Parentcraft – 3 of 3.
Postnatal 06: Nursing Bra, pt 1.
Gifts From Heaven, pt 3 – GHG2 vs GHG3.

BabyNatey 10: Tiny Feet Fetish.

mellomouse — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 16:13:53 +0000

Skinny, Wrinkly and Fragile
76mm 30mm

Tiny, Precious and Dear
80mm 35mm

Soft, Chubby & Yummy
90mm 45mm

A quarter of mine today
A half of his tomorrow

Happy 4 Months, my dearest Nathaniel
♥ Your MelloMommy ♥

You Might Also Be Interested:
BabyNatey 20: Feet Delicacy.
BabyNatey 04: Two Months!
BabyNatey 16: 151 days!
BabyNatey 05: Infant Baptism.
BabyNatey 14: 3rd July 2009.

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 07: Nursing Bra, pt 2.

mellomouse — Mon, 17 May 2010 03:33:44 +0000

True to its namesake
I am being Carri(ed)well since Friday

My Verdict:
2 words — God Sent! *breath with utter relief*

Since wearing my new Carriwell bra last Thursday night, I did not have to deal with the painful ordeal of engorgement caused by blocked ducts. I still experience pain from the fullness, but certainly not as agonising as before.

What I love about Carriwell is that the side panels can expand 2 cup sizes when the breast are full. This is definitely an intelligent and thoughtful invention!

I suspect that I am experiencing engorgement because my FM nursing bras become too tight when my breast are full. Hence plugging the ducts along the way and turning my breastfeeding joy into a nightmare.

I bought 2 pairs to try — a black (I was wearing when photo was taken) and a white — each for RM89.90 and I am now tempted to get a third. Shall wait for Mega Sale soon

If this design looks too boring for you, try the lace range going for RM129.90.

I would definitely recommend this bra to any expecting and nursing Mommies. The super comfortable material is simply to die for. No regrets!

Added 24/5/10, 12.42pm:
I really heart this bra. My life saver! The husband bought me another pair yesterday ♥

I recommend getting the white ones, as I find the black have lint problem

Added 27/11/11, 8.30pm:
After a year plus of wear and tear, I finally bought another 4 pairs today at the GBS Warehouse Sale. I vouched that Carriwell is still the best nursing bra in town.

These bras are now going at RM119.90 retail price. I got them 30% at the warehouse. These are my best Xmas gift

You Might Also Be Interested:
Postnatal 06: Nursing Bra, pt 1.
My Brest Friend, Nursing Pillow.
Postnatal Massage Therapy, pt 1 – The Research.
Postnatal Massage Therapy, pt 2 – My Review.
Postnatal 04: Breastmilk Storage Bottles.