[Personal] Pregnancy Journal #5 ~ The Arrival of Baby Rena

This post will be the last post for my Pregnancy Journal. It has been a wonderful 9 months and my baby girl has decided to see the world today which also coincide with April Fools' Day, so that makes her a April Fools' Baby.

Actually, a few of my friends have already predicted that baby would come out on 1st April because they say the real labour day is usually one week earlier of the EDD the hospital gave. Way back during the early stages of my pregnancy last year, bestie Lis already did a calculation of my EDD to be 1st April based on my last menses. Yesterday, as I was chatting with Ivy about my symptoms of having some brown discharge, she too mentioned that labour should be tomorrow, which is today. She asked me to download the contraction mobile app to record my contractions duration. After downloading the app, I went on the night as per normal to finish up all the pending work on hand that needs to be submitted before going to bed.

It's as if my baby knows that I'm ready as I've settled most of the important tasks. I started to feel the contractions early in the morning at around 6.30 am. The contractions feels like strong menses cramp with tightening of muscles in the lower part of my tummy that won't go away. There's also a feeling that I need to poo and it's just so uncomfortable no words can really describe. I was sweating profusely and complaining while trying to bear with it at the same time. Timed the contractions and it was about 10 to 15 minutes apart. Went back to sleep as I don't want it to be a false alarm. Hubby was at a loss, and asked if I want to go hospital or want any breakfast or not but I just told him to wait a while.

One hour later, I called up NUH delivery suite hotline. The nurse asked the few standard questions like how far is the contractions duration? Any bleeding? Waterbag burst? In the end, she advice me to wait until my contraction is 5 minutes apart before I go down to the hospital otherwise they might have to ask me to go back home if it is a false alarm. Tried to go back to sleep again but was tossing and turning in bed instead.

At around 9.30 am, I couldn't stand the on and off contractions feeling anymore. Woke hubby up and told him I had to go to the hospital now otherwise I scare that I may not be able to walk later if the contractions is 5 minutes apart. Straight away I booked an Uber down to NUH. At this point, my waterbag has not burst yet. Was only feeling the contractions. Luckily, I have packed my hospital bag before hand and only need to put in a few other important belongings.

Reached NUH at around 10 am, when the contraction starts, it was so bad I could barely walk. Thankfully again, there's room in the delivery suite, got admitted and was put on belt which is connected to the foetal monitor to monitor the baby's heart rate and oxygen level. The doctor and nurses is able to monitor all these from the outside and they came in to check on me every now and then. Because I was on subsidize, I do not have a fixed doctor. Happened to get a male doctor that day.

At 10.43 am, Bestie Lis whatsapp me "Apr fool's baby? Hope not. xP" to which I replied, "think so" and tried to keep myself occupied by chatting with her. At about 11.20 am, the doctor did a check and I was 4 cm dilated. Was feeling more and more uncomfortable and stressful. Was informed of the different pain relieve options - Entonox most commonly known as laughing gas, pethidine or epidural. I was hesitating with the epidural option in my heart.

The nurse came in again to put on the drip as well as to draw three tubes of blood from me, the standard procedure as I'm donating my baby's cord blood to the Singapore Cord Blood Bank. She mentioned about epidural again as they need to get a certified anaesthetist to do the injection and it also will not be effective if the dilation is too big already. After a brief discussion with my hubby, I decided to just go for the epidural.

The anaesthetist came with a nurse to carry out the epidural procedure. Signed a form of indemnity or whatever that is which I can't be bothered to read anymore. The nurse applied cold numb to the whole of my back. After which the anaesthetist have to find the correct place in my spinal cord that is close to the nerve to inject in a small tube or something like that. Dosage was set to the maximum of 10 and I was numb way down from my tummy to my toes.

Epidural side-effect kicks in shortly. Some people experience vomiting, headache and mine was shivering. My whole upper body was shivering badly as if I'm on drugs. Tried to watch TV but couldn't concentrate. Fall asleep instead. Can't remember what time, the doctor came in and burst my water bag for me.

The nurse came in on and off as baby was inactive inside due to the effect of the epidural. At about 3 pm, I was 6 cm dilated baby was still drowsy and oxygen level was low. I was given an oxygen mask to put on.

At 3.32 pm, received a Whatsapp from Jessie to meet up for Tim Sum before I deliver. Replied her that I was in labor ward already and chatted a while with her. Somehow, whenever I am met with something, she will happened to be the first few to know. After a while, doctor came to check again and I was informed that I'm already 10 cm dilated. Pushing would start one hour later as they are still monitoring the baby's condition. Hubby went for his late breakfast cum lunch and I faster whatsapp him to inform. Don't want to be alone during the critical period. Haven't eaten anything since morning too.

At 3.40 pm, the nurse reduce the epidural dosage to 4 so that I can start feeling some contractions. Blood pressure and temperature was taken and I had a low grade fever of 37.8 degree which the nurse say is due to epidural.

At around 4 pm, the team of doctor, mid-wife and nurses arrived in my ward. The mid-wife taught me the technique to push and estimated the pushing to be about 1 hour. Mid-wife is able to tell when the contraction is coming and I just had to listen to her signal as I still can't feel anything below. Hubby's duty is to support my neck and lift me up to position when I push. The technique to push is the inhale deeply, hold the breath and push while they count to ten. After my first push, the mid-wife exclaimed that she can already see a twenty cent coin size of my baby's head. Was motivated to push harder upon hearing this. With every push, they can see more of the baby's head. Tried to increase the counting to 15 but I was out of breath at 10 and felt like chocking. Doctor had to cut down there to allow baby's head to pass through. The whole pushing process took about 30 minutes and at last, we heard our baby's first cry!

As I held my baby in my arms for skin-to-skin contact, I got so emotional that I broke down and cry too. Super can't believe that I actually gave birth to this small little baby weighing at just 2.56 kg upon delivery. All is not over yet, as I still have to push out the placenta. Push and push and finally the placenta was out but a scrap of the placenta was still inside. The doctor tried to remove it but couldn't. In the end, they have to get another doctor and she have to use her finger to remove it. The doctor then proceed to stitch up my wound. Goodness, hubby say the whole process is so bloody and gruesome but I couldn't feel anything. The epidural when removed can still last for about 1 to 2 hours.

Because of the epidural, I had a smooth and easy labour. No wonder the anaesthetists calls it the "Happy-dural". Not trying to promote using it but I think if you want a stress free labour, this is one option to choose. I'm really grateful and thankful to the NUH team whom helped me deliver my baby safely. I was warded to the 6 bedded ward at about 7 pm and this is my labour story.


XOXO

[PERSONAL] Shopping on Qoo10 and Taka Baby Fair

With less than a month to go, I had been doing some last minute shopping as well as packing up for the arrival of my precious baby Rena. This post is just to share some of the essential items I bought online on Qoo10 as well as during the Taka Baby Fair.

MATERNITY UNDERWEAR - QOO10

The seller is really nice to pack my order nicely in a zip-lock bag with a return policy card and the material is soft and comfortable. Most importantly, it's a one size that fits all stages of pregnancy. Thumbs up for this. Bought them at 3 for $8 excluding shipping fee. Will buy them again.

Comfortable and nice packaging

WWW.QOO10.SG

So far, this seller has received quite a lot of positive feedbacks too. For those interested in this item, do check out Happy Maternity at: http://www.qoo10.sg/gmkt.inc/Goods/goods.aspx?goodscode=420854204&sAffiliate=Q101704881 

SPECTRA S9+ PLUS DOUBLE PORTABLE ELECTRIC BREAST PUMP - QOO10

I did some research and finally found this which has the lowest price on Qoo10. The only downside is that since it's couriered over from Korea, all the wordings are in Korean and there's no local warranty. The other point is that the flange size of 28mm is too big for Asian so might have to buy spare parts. Didn't know all these until bestie Lis told me. Do you know there's so many different types of breast pump, you can choose either manual/electric, single/double/hands-free and so many different brands. For me, since I think I would be going out a lot so I choose a portable one which is easier to bring around.

With its sleek design and powerful double electric breast pump, the Spectra S9+ is build for convenience with inbuilt rechargeable battery. The design is much smaller compared to hospital grade breast pump so it's not suitable for heavy use. Due to the close system, this breast pump can be used by multiple women safely and hygienically. Expressing from both breasts together also means saving valuable time especially during work or on-the-go. Sterilize all the parts other than the tubing and membrane. Bought this at $104.90 + Shipping of $9.90.

SHORT CLIP ON WHAT'S INSIDE THE BOX AND HOW TO ASSEMBLE THE SPECTRA S9+ PLUS

Fast delivery and item in working condition

WWW.QOO10.SG

 For those interested to get the Spectra S9+ Plus Double Portable Electric Breast Pump, do check out on Qoo10: http://www.qoo10.sg/gmkt.inc/Goods/goods.aspx?goodscode=420029763&sAffiliate=Q101704881

PHILIPS AVENT BUNDLE SET - TAKA BABY FAIR

Lis informed me of this Taka Baby Fair and I planned to go there alone to buy the Sterilizer. So glad to bump into her and her family there too and they gladly accompanied me to shop. If not I would be so lost as usual and this is quite heavy even to bring to the counter. Thanks Jason for helping me to carry. Luckily, there's free shipping available too, so I don't have to carry all these home by myself and I ended up buying a lot of other things too. Bought this Philips Avent bundle set for $149 (after a $30 further discount) and it consist of the following items.

I think it's quite a good deal as I really need the sterilizer and the warmer. Was told that breast milk cannot be heat up using boiling water, thus would need a warmer to do the job.

BABY MATTRESS - TAKA BABY FAIR

Bought this baby mattress at $26.90 to put on top of the play pen as I'm not so sure if baby like to sleep on the plastic type of material of the play pen. Didn't get the measurement and just bought on impulse, luckily it fits.

PIGEON DETERGENT AND LIQUID CLEANSER - TAKA BABY FAIR

 Was told that baby's skin is very sensitive thus cannot even wash their laundry together with the adults laundry and must use special type of detergent. Same goes for washing their accessories. New-age babies, the old folks would definitely say why need to be so particular? Last time babies also like that survive one what? Well, for the sake of my baby, I think this type of money have to be spent.

Even after I bought all these, there's still seems to be so much items on my shopping list. Gosh. Hope I can get everything ready in time.

XOXO

[Personal] Pregnancy Journal #3 ~ A Letter to Baby Rena

Dear Rena,

Today you are 32 weeks and 3 days old in my womb. did the last trimester scan and you were already in the head down, face down position, which is good. Counting down to the estimated due date, in less than 2 months time, you will soon be in our arms instead of being surrounded by the amniotic fluid. You will be able to see this colourful and beautiful world and get to experience new things everyday. While you will be learning a lot of things, Mummy and Daddy are learning with you too as it's our first time stepping into parenthood. You don't come to us with an instruction manual and it's a learning process we have to go through.

Sometimes, it's still hard to believe that I'm gonna be a mummy soon and you're my daughter and how we will be in each other's live forever. I think about you everyday, it's a special bonding between us. I enjoyed talking and singing to you, feeling your little movements and the occasional jabs in my ribs even though I have no idea what you look like.

I hope I can be a good mother to you, be there for you through the happy and tough times ahead. I promise to love you and to inspire you but I can't promise to pave out a life that is smooth cause one day you will experience heartbreaks, grief and many other emotions, That's just life.   

I hope for you, my daughter, that you will be happy with a beautiful and kind heart to bless others with. To have passion in the things you do and care for, to love boldly and choose love wisely because you are worth it. To be a strong woman and don't let any setback sets you down. 

So keep growing and we'll meet in a few weeks times!   

Love you,

Mummy

I KNEW I LOVE YOU BEFORE I MET YOU

XOXO

[PREGNANCY] Thomson Confinement Food Tasting Session

I registered for the Thomson Confinement Food Tasting session held at Thomson Parentcraft Centre (Opposite Thomson Medical Centre) and attended with my mum and hubby.

The session started with a presentation on the importance of Post-Natal Recovery as well as the difference phases of Post-Natal Recovery. Basically, there's 3 different phases for post-natal recovery for mummies to take note of and each phases is targeted at different healing objectives thus different set of confinement food will be prepared.

PHASE 1 - UTERUS RECOVERY

PHASE 2 - DIGESTIVE WELLNESS & BREASTFEEDING

PHASE 3 - VITALITY BOOSTER

This is their 28 days menu for both lunch and dinner. I really love how there is hardly any repetition of the dishes. Not only that, one can be rest assured of the quality of the food as the menu is developed by their in-house team of experts in nutrition. They now have non-pork menu too.

Dishes for the first half of confinement period will be more mild so that the body can better absorb them and to prevent discomfort and water retention. Dishes for the second half will tend to be more of tonic to recover the energy and regain vitality. Like what most people told me, confinement period is the most important period for a woman. Whether your body become stronger or weaker will depends a lot on how you recover your body.

This is their food tasting size. Just a small sample size for the mummies to try out the flavours. I find the food suitable for my taste buds and the flavours is not too strong.

For lunch, the food will be packed in a set of 4 containers and 1 thermos in a thermal carriers like this so that the food will arrived warm and also there is no need to wish the utensils, just swap the bag. Microwavable containers will be used for the last delivery.

Lunch delivery time will be between 11.00am to 2.00pm and Dinner will be between 4.30pm to 7.30pm.

It was really an informative talk and for those who signed up, they can get this nice suitcase full of confinement essentials as well. I didn't signed up on the spot as still undecided as to whether I should get the packages but I'm really sold for the convenience that if I get this, at least I do not have to worry and think of what to eat everyday and do not have to wash the dishes. This is really a time to pamper myself and also to devote time for caring the baby.

My only concern now is my mother-in-law who is quite keen to cook and wanted me to save on this cost. I really loves her cooking, but at the same time, I'm worried that she will be too tired to cook and bring the food over daily. Good thing is most places do take in last minute orders (advance notice of 2 days for TMC) so I guess I still have some time to consider. Meanwhile, I will also source around others confinement food providers as well.

 This confinement food tasting session is held every month and the next one is on the 11th Feb 2017. Duration is about an hour for the talk including the sampling of food, after which would be free and easy time for signing up of the packages on the spot (discount applies if you sign there) as well as checking out other booths which might also be present there. For my visit, it was the cryoviva booth.

I do encourage mummies to go for it as during the talk, the doctors will also answer some questions like what can or cannot be done during confinement period, etc.

To register and for more information, do visit their official website


http://www.thomsonmedical.com/thomson-confinement-food-tasting-sessions/


XOXO

[Personal] Pregnancy Journal #2 ~ Joys and Woes

Not everyday of this pregnancy journey is easy and smooth-sailing but everyday brings me closer to you! 

I thought it's about time to post an update of my pregnancy journey. This week marks the 28th weeks or 7 months of my pregnancy to be exact.

Glowing Mummy and Growing Baby

Some friends compliment to say that I have the pregnancy glow shining when they saw me. With that boost, I went ahead to join the Supermom - Beautiful Baby Bump Contest 2017. For those mummies-to-be, submission and voting ends 31st January 2017. My submission was this self-taken, casual and fun shot. To vote for me, please click on this link.

Judging from the photos that were submitted, I don't think my chance of getting the top prize is high but I do hope that I can win the Mini Titles for mini prizes and a chance to model for SuperMom's Fashion Show.



I didn't went to the countless Baby Fairs at Expo as it was kind of too far from my house, thus this SuperMom Baby Fair at MBS happening on 17th - 19th February is a fair I look forward to. There's also a $5 voucher for every $50 spend. Signup at this link and key in my code "SMAJAS5". More deals are as follows:

1. The minimum spending for the $5 code is $50, and every $50 spent entitles you to a FREE Goodie Bag worth $188 (1st 300 spenders, so it pays to be early)
2. The vouchers are can be used together with the $50 SuperMom Vouchers that they are selling so that's discount on top of discount.
3. With the launch of their Staybuys items, you can get $5 off instantly from the price they state (as long as the Staybuy item is above $50 and doesn't state that voucher can't be used)



Throwback to 31st December 2016, when a big part of my joy begins as I felt my baby stirring actively inside. This is such an amazing feeling and I think Baby Rena is excited about counting down to year 2017 as well.



Hubby was not with me during the countdown as he needs to tend to the Lan Shop at JuzGaming but my baby's playful kicks reminds me that I am not alone.

Now, here's a top view of my baby bump. It's getting bigger and bigger and at times I do get kind of paranoid and worried about people accidentally bumping into it or will the umbilical cord get tied up inside? Can't help but have all these thoughts sometimes.

Every mummies-to-be will definitely have their own pregnancy stories to share as every women will encounter different symptoms, some women are just very lucky when it comes to being pregnant with no symptoms at all and the journey is a breeze for them. For me, in this second trimester, I've started experiencing the following:

- Pee leakage when sneezing and frequent urination
- Leg cramps mostly when I try to change my sleeping position at night
- Heartburn, I hate this as I can feel my stomach acid going back to my esophagus

But all these cannot be more alarming compared to the sight of blood and that is what happened to me few days back.

Monitoring the baby's heartbeat at NUH

This is what happened. Few days back, I was attending a course and during lunch break when I went to the toilet, I saw blood on my tissue when wiping. Panicked and worried, I really didn't know what to do. Luckily my superiors were with me so they sent me to NUH and I was admitted to the A&E. At that point of time, I felt a very tight cramps in my lower belly and I can't really walk. I have to admit in on a wheelchair. The doctors and nurses there kept asking if it was contraction pains but it wasn't. When I'm sitting or lying down, I don't feel the pain, but I can't stand nor walk. They sent me to the labour ward to monitor the baby's heartbeat and also did some scan. Hearing the baby's heart beat is the most assuring and relieving part at that point of time.

I stayed in NUH for 3 days and 2 nights and the consolation was that I have all my meals prepared and delivered to me. They did blood test and urine test and the result they got was glucose in my urine. They have no explanation to the blood I sighted and the tight cramps I felt and I was told that was normal. I later googled online and the closest explanation I found was that I'm suffering from the Round Ligament Pain. Some friends also told me I 'Dong Tai Qi'. In any case, even up till the day I was discharge, I have difficulties walking. I have to use a wheelchair to get to the taxi stand.

Due to the finding of glucose in urine, I was asked to do my OGTT test earlier instead of during the usual check-up. I'm so glad to do it here while I'm warded. Fasting is required to do this test. Early in the morning at 6am, the nurse drew one tube of blood. After that, I have to finished drinking this bottle of orange flavoured glucose within 15 minutes. Went back to sleep for 2 hours before another nurse came to draw another tube of blood. Can't imagine if I have to do this during my routine check-up.

 
All these make me realised how noble a mum is. Deep in my heart I really salute those mummies-to-be who have to work full time outside carrying a big stomach. For me, my only wish is for my baby to be healthy and for a smooth, natural delivery. Jia You, to all mummies!


XOXO

[Personal] Pregnancy Journal #1 ~ FAQs

Some of you may have already learnt about my pregnancy news. It took me a while to pen this post because the process was really overwhelming and I'm waiting for everything to be more stable. I'm now in my second trimester (5 months) and I have also begin to feel so much better and back to the active me without the "morning sickness" (in my case is night sickness) and the emotional ups and downs. I'm really excited and is therefore ready to share this piece of happy news and I've decided to do it in the style of a Frequently Asked Questions post which are the questions I get from my friends most of the time.

When did I first discovered I'm pregnant?

On National Day, 9th August 2016. I've missed my period for about a week and finally decided to buy a home pregnancy test kit to check. I even bought the box with two test kits inside just to be sure but the result on the first was so obvious, it couldn't go wrong. So now I'm selling the unopened one on Carousell.

What's my thoughts when I saw the positive result? 

I was more shocked than surprised as this news came too fast and sudden. I just hold the pregnancy test kit in my hand for a very long time and tears flow out my eyes. Husband is the opposite of me, he was really happy about the news and can't wait to tell his family members.

What's my first trimester like? 

Horrible and terrible! First was the sore breasts that was so uncomfortable. Next, I started to lost appetite and the nightmare of vomiting every night came. I dreaded lunch time and dinner time. I badly wanted to eat but I felt so nausea after eating. Ended up, I lost about 5kg of weight and everyone commented I slim down so much.  I avoided going to food tasting events, avoided meeting friends and was really, really down. Once, I literally just broke down at home, lying on the sofa and shouted. Husband came out from his gaming room and I started to cry real bad until husband had to carry me from the living room to the bedroom. I just felt so unfair that here I am suffering and he's still enjoying life as per normal, eating my share of food and playing games as usual. It's really is a foodie woes to not be able to enjoy food normally. I also experience slight bleeding and I was really terrified thinking that something bad has happened to the fetus, luckily after some research, I found out that light spotting is normal.

Who was the first to find out that I'm pregnant?

Beside myself and my husband, the first we informed are our parents. After that, at my previous work place, it was one of my closer colleague-friend and she even accompanied and waited with me at the Polyclinic. Really appreciate that. My bff from Poly was also very supportive. Surprisingly, I didn't broke the news to the both of them at all. They just say that I don't act like myself and guess that. Easier for me as back then, I really didn't know how to break the news to anybody.

 What's my biggest decision after learning that I'm pregnant?

To quit my office job. I've been there for like 8 to 9 years but prior to that I've changed boss once and that makes me easier to leave without the feeling of so much attachment to the place. I still miss the place, miss the food, miss the funny times with colleagues and friends but leaving there is the best decision I've made in the year so far. After some calculation, I think I can still go without a full time job for a while with my savings. Currently, I just want to focus on my part time job, doing my blog, doing some housework, doing things I like and more family and friends time and just being very happy and contented. I never want to miss any milestones of my baby.

What kind of Mummy I am?

I think I'm a kiasu mummy. I've already went to quite a few baby seminars, joined some mummy clubs and gotten and keeping a lot of goodies from the different vendors. Even before the gender was known, I've already bought some baby stuff. Oh, I also let my baby listen to Classical music on YouTube which is said to be good for brain development. Haha.

Do I prefer a boy or a girl?

This is the most common question I get. If baby is a boy, I think I can have lesser worries about his safety but with a baby girl, I can doll her up very pretty every day and she can share my clothes and stuff with me.

Have we thought of a name for the baby?

Yes, we did so long time ago. If the baby is a boy, he would be called Jayden Lee, but subsequently I went to search on Google and found out that Jayden Lee is a popular female porn star so we changed it to Jaden Lee. (Both our name combined, Jasmine + Ryden) If the baby is a girl, she would be called Rena Lee. Rena is a name that just suddenly appear in my dreams and I like the meaning of this name.

Source: http://www.sheknows.com/baby-names/name/rena

Greek Meaning:

The name Rena is a Greek baby name. In Greek the meaning of the name Rena is:Peaceful.

Hebrew Meaning:

The name Rena is a Hebrew baby name. In Hebrew the meaning of the name Rena is:Joyous song.

Tell me more about the baby and situation now?

Baby is confirmed to be a baby girl and her official hashtag would be #ChewyRenaLee. My baby bump is now more obvious and the other day, an Indian lady gave up her non-priority seat in the MRT which I'm really grateful for. I can now feel slight kicks that are actually ticklish for now. The expected delivery date is early April 2017 and she's an Aries Girl. My Appetite is back to normal but I still don't have the cravings to eat two servings or more. The food I craved for are more toward sour or spicy food and noodles.

I'm also really blessed and thankful to have supportive family and friends. My husband who supported me greatly. My mum who would without fail accompanied me to every check-up I had at NUH. Every Saturday, my mother-in-law will come and help out with the household chores. My bff Lis, who just turned into a mummy this year offered and shared with me so many tips and stories that others might not even share. She also passed me some necessity for pregnancy like the stretch mark cream that I'm diligently using now. My blogger friends, Jessie was so happy for me and her mum even bought me clothes suitable for pregnancy. Meryl was happy for me and wanted to buy things for the baby already too. Not forgetting husband's sis who already bought things for baby in Australia and also his friend Tabby who wanted to be baby's Godma and the many well-wishes and kind thoughts from other friends. Really, really appreciate.



I'm beginning to enjoy the process of pregnancy and I pray for a smooth delivery of a happy, healthy baby next year. More updates to come soon, I promise.


XOXO