I think... I will just be a Regular Mum in the future. Not up-sized.
Up-sized as in "Super Mum" - one who can juggle high-level of management work in office, and come home to juggle diapers, milk bottles, tantrums throwing kids (more than 1 kid), cooking, and household chores. And not someone who can drive her own kids to and fro (have been very out of touch in driving. Confidence level real low). Someone who has super duper abilities to cope with all sorts of stress in life, without crumbling down emotionally, mentally & physically.
I am just a regular 9-to-5 working woman, forsee myself not climbing up the corporate ladder, and not earning big bucks. Haiz. How to provide my kids with those good and expensive extra circular classes leh? Like piano, ballet, enrichment classes. Can't earn enuf to even treat my own family to holidays, or going for good meals..
I am just a regular and normal woman, who's not really strong & independent, mostly dependent on hubby.
I am just a regular person, who do not have good knowledge/IQ/EQ....whatever you can name.
So, I think, I guess... I might just be a Regular Mum(?)
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Caregiver: Which one to choose?
After managing to resolve the hiring of confinement nanny issue after compromising, we're now facing another important issue - Caregiver.
Initial scenario:
As my mother-in-law will still be working in the afternoons, she can't possibly help to take care of my baby full-time. My father-in-law is also working part-time in the morning, and will also be busy taking care of my niece, Dawn. My mother is both working and taking care of my ailing grandmother, so I can't leave my baby with her too.
So we've decided to look for a babysitter. As we do not have a recommended babysitter, we have to rely on nanny agencies. I can't say I will be 100% reassured to put my baby with a babysitter who is not recommended by own circle of friends/colleagues/relatives, but do we have a choice? I can't possibly stop working and be SAHM.
Recent Happenings:
My friend happens to have a friend whose mother is a babysitter, who's living at the block next to ours (surprise surprise) and she's currently taking care of a Jap boy who's learning-to- walk-age. I am very excited when I knew about this and asked my friend to help me ask if her friend's mother is keen to take up this assignment.
Was really hoping the babysitter will agree to take care another kid. It turned out that she was contemplating to take in another assignment, but have to check with the Jap mother to see if she's comfortable to allow her.
In the end, she finds it reluctant to speak with the Jap mother, so hoping that we put her as "last option". Anyway we got to know that the Jap mother paid her above the market rate, so it will be quite an expensive option to us as well.
Other than the babysitter option, there's another proposal of idea from my in-laws. They were suggesting that I can actually hire a maid at their place, so that the maid can take care of the baby while my in-laws can supervise her. My sis-in-law actually volunteered to co-share the costs of hiring the maid.
With the 2 above options placed in front of me, I had a lot of questions, doubts, advantages, and disadvantages flashing through my mind. I was really unsure which to choose due to the following reasons:
Shall start going to apply for one when we are both more free next month.. Hope we will get a good and reliable maid in time. May Baby Yam be blessed
Initial scenario:
As my mother-in-law will still be working in the afternoons, she can't possibly help to take care of my baby full-time. My father-in-law is also working part-time in the morning, and will also be busy taking care of my niece, Dawn. My mother is both working and taking care of my ailing grandmother, so I can't leave my baby with her too.
So we've decided to look for a babysitter. As we do not have a recommended babysitter, we have to rely on nanny agencies. I can't say I will be 100% reassured to put my baby with a babysitter who is not recommended by own circle of friends/colleagues/relatives, but do we have a choice? I can't possibly stop working and be SAHM.
Recent Happenings:
My friend happens to have a friend whose mother is a babysitter, who's living at the block next to ours (surprise surprise) and she's currently taking care of a Jap boy who's learning-to- walk-age. I am very excited when I knew about this and asked my friend to help me ask if her friend's mother is keen to take up this assignment.
Was really hoping the babysitter will agree to take care another kid. It turned out that she was contemplating to take in another assignment, but have to check with the Jap mother to see if she's comfortable to allow her.
In the end, she finds it reluctant to speak with the Jap mother, so hoping that we put her as "last option". Anyway we got to know that the Jap mother paid her above the market rate, so it will be quite an expensive option to us as well.
Other than the babysitter option, there's another proposal of idea from my in-laws. They were suggesting that I can actually hire a maid at their place, so that the maid can take care of the baby while my in-laws can supervise her. My sis-in-law actually volunteered to co-share the costs of hiring the maid.
With the 2 above options placed in front of me, I had a lot of questions, doubts, advantages, and disadvantages flashing through my mind. I was really unsure which to choose due to the following reasons:
- I never like to hire a maid as I like to have our own family's privacy and space. So I do not like to have another person staying with us. Even when we go out, I also like to handle our own kids ourselves, and not throw to the maid to handle.
- I've heard many cases whereby the maid is so difficult to be taught (slow, unable to understand and remember instructions) and the maid mishandling the baby due to different cultural practices. (I'm not a very patient person if she keeps getting everything wrong all the time)
- We've to teach the maid from scratch, despite her having experience or not, as we want to make sure she's able to meet our expectations of hygiene standard. In comparison, I do not need to teach the babysitter what to do as she would already know how. Except that I am not sure if her hygiene standards can meet ours too.
- On the good side, hiring a maid is relatively cheaper, and she can help to do housework at my in-law's place, and my in-laws can foster closer grandparents-and-grandchild kinship when they spend more time together.
Shall start going to apply for one when we are both more free next month.. Hope we will get a good and reliable maid in time. May Baby Yam be blessed
Antenatal Lesson 5 & 6: Feeding & Doctor's Talk
| Lesson 5 | |||||||||||||
| Feeding |
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| Lesson 6 | |||||||||||||
| (Doctor’s Talk)* |
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Finally finally we've reached the last 2 lessons of the antenatal class. Has been both enriching & tiring to attend the classes every weekend. Most importantly we have to remember & apply what have been taught to us after 2-3 months down the road.
There is really so much to learn especially the cleanliness and sterilisation of the equipments for the baby's use. Other than both of us learning and doing it correctly, we hope our future caregiver will also adhere to the same standards as what we expected.
At the doctor's talk, the speaker who happens to by my gynae, talked to us about "Labour". I am more aware of how to detect when contractions set in, what to do before admission to hospital, and what to expect after the baby is born.
The 2nd speaker who is a psychiatrist, talked to us about how to cope from being "2" to "3", and how to look out for symptoms for Maternity Blues, and Depression (these 2 are actually different). So I have told my hubby (who can't attend the doctor's talk with me) about all these so he can observe and see if any of these symptoms appear after pregnancy (I hope not!)
Sunday, April 19, 2009
A tai-tai Sunday
I spent a tai-tai Sunday today...
Was chauffeured to Tanglin Mall for my yoga class in the morning...
After a relaxing yoga class, I took a cab to Sheraton Towers to meet my sisters for weekend hi-tea buffet.
How tai-tai isn't it?
We spent a total of close to 4 hours (buffet starts from 12noon - 4pm) at the buffet!! Can you imagine how much I have ate? Well, in the end, I suffered.. Got a bad stomachache
argh.
Review of the weekend hi-tea buffet: We went there because of the credit card '1 dine-free-for-every-4-diners' promotion. Each person pays $29 instead of usual price $32.80. I was a little disappointed cuz I was expecting to see an array of nice sandwiches but I din get to see much choices or anything nice at all. I also thought there will be some dim-sum as per their website, but there isn't any too. Hmm.. 2 disappointments liao. As I can't eat those cold meat, fresh seafood, and sashimi, so I am missing quite a bit from the buffet. I would think it would be a more worthy buffet IF I din have that 2 disappointments. Oh,some of the cooked food aren't really hot and steaming. So, it can be better if its hotter. Well, I quite like their thick mushroom soup, chichken wings, spicy drumsticks & some of their cake desserts thou. Overall their service is quite prompt and polite. We'd an enjoyable time chatting, and admiring the waterfall scenery, but had to suffer some pretty hot rays that shone through the glass window. In the end, we asked to change a table as it was getting too hot and glaring.
My verdict: 3/5 (Room for improvement)
Was chauffeured to Tanglin Mall for my yoga class in the morning...
After a relaxing yoga class, I took a cab to Sheraton Towers to meet my sisters for weekend hi-tea buffet.
How tai-tai isn't it?
We spent a total of close to 4 hours (buffet starts from 12noon - 4pm) at the buffet!! Can you imagine how much I have ate? Well, in the end, I suffered.. Got a bad stomachache
argh.Review of the weekend hi-tea buffet: We went there because of the credit card '1 dine-free-for-every-4-diners' promotion. Each person pays $29 instead of usual price $32.80. I was a little disappointed cuz I was expecting to see an array of nice sandwiches but I din get to see much choices or anything nice at all. I also thought there will be some dim-sum as per their website, but there isn't any too. Hmm.. 2 disappointments liao. As I can't eat those cold meat, fresh seafood, and sashimi, so I am missing quite a bit from the buffet. I would think it would be a more worthy buffet IF I din have that 2 disappointments. Oh,some of the cooked food aren't really hot and steaming. So, it can be better if its hotter. Well, I quite like their thick mushroom soup, chichken wings, spicy drumsticks & some of their cake desserts thou. Overall their service is quite prompt and polite. We'd an enjoyable time chatting, and admiring the waterfall scenery, but had to suffer some pretty hot rays that shone through the glass window. In the end, we asked to change a table as it was getting too hot and glaring.
My verdict: 3/5 (Room for improvement)
Friday, April 17, 2009
Dunstan Baby Language
My boss lent me a DVD called the "Dunstan Baby Language" (Website: http://www.dunstanbaby.com). It teaches us - the adults - how to decipher the baby's cries and by knowing what each type of crying sounds means, what solution you should use to soothe the baby.
The main 5 crying sounds are:
1) Neh: Baby is hungry (Listen for the "n" sound)
2) Owh: Baby is tired (Note the oval-shaped mouth)
3) Eh: Baby is saying "Burp me!" (Listen for the "eh" sound)
4) Eairh: Baby is having some wind pain in lower tummy (Listen for the more urgent "r" sound)
5) Heh: Baby is uncomfortable (Listen for the breathy "h" sound)
I find it so cute and endearing when they show examples of how the babies make those sounds. As I watched, I was half-laughing-and-tearing cuz I was feelin' very emotional inside... I also duno why I reacted that way. Is this called "maternal instincts"? Hubby was shaking his head and muttering "xiao!" beneath his breath when he saw me reacting that way. Oh those ang moh babies are soooooooooo cute...
I hope I will be able to apply all the above techniques when my own baby arrives, and not be a flustered and lost-control mom!
The main 5 crying sounds are:
1) Neh: Baby is hungry (Listen for the "n" sound)
2) Owh: Baby is tired (Note the oval-shaped mouth)
3) Eh: Baby is saying "Burp me!" (Listen for the "eh" sound)
4) Eairh: Baby is having some wind pain in lower tummy (Listen for the more urgent "r" sound)
5) Heh: Baby is uncomfortable (Listen for the breathy "h" sound)
I find it so cute and endearing when they show examples of how the babies make those sounds. As I watched, I was half-laughing-and-tearing cuz I was feelin' very emotional inside... I also duno why I reacted that way. Is this called "maternal instincts"? Hubby was shaking his head and muttering "xiao!" beneath his breath when he saw me reacting that way. Oh those ang moh babies are soooooooooo cute...
I hope I will be able to apply all the above techniques when my own baby arrives, and not be a flustered and lost-control mom!
Weight Conscious?
Hmm... I am wondering... Is my baby girl already "weight conscious" even when she's not out into this world yet? Since she has been considered "slim" every time we did the checkup at the gynae clinic...
Recently have been more and more bothered about MY weight and MY growth, cuz my tummy seems to be getting bigger (than ever) and some people commented that I look BIG for this stage. But hey, I am going to be in my 3rd tri next month liao leh... How small can I remain? But some others say my tummy not very big leh.. So confusing comments. It doesn't help the situation much when you have a tall and slim pregnant boss in office, so the comparison of the tummy growth is inevitable. Her tummy, at 5th month, is still barely visible while mine is already so protuding. (Despite that her tummy being not obvious, her baby boy's growth is very good - Already at 470g at 5th month, whereas my baby girl weighs 490g at her 6th month)
Actually I don't mind that I have a big tummy cuz it makes me look more maternal, and I quite like my new protuding tummy. Except that I am not sure if my baby is also growing well, together with my growing tummy...
I just hope my baby will grow well and healthy, and reach a healthy mark on the scale next time we go for the scan.
Recently have been more and more bothered about MY weight and MY growth, cuz my tummy seems to be getting bigger (than ever) and some people commented that I look BIG for this stage. But hey, I am going to be in my 3rd tri next month liao leh... How small can I remain? But some others say my tummy not very big leh.. So confusing comments. It doesn't help the situation much when you have a tall and slim pregnant boss in office, so the comparison of the tummy growth is inevitable. Her tummy, at 5th month, is still barely visible while mine is already so protuding. (Despite that her tummy being not obvious, her baby boy's growth is very good - Already at 470g at 5th month, whereas my baby girl weighs 490g at her 6th month
)Actually I don't mind that I have a big tummy cuz it makes me look more maternal, and I quite like my new protuding tummy. Except that I am not sure if my baby is also growing well, together with my growing tummy...
I just hope my baby will grow well and healthy, and reach a healthy mark on the scale next time we go for the scan.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Puppetry Politics
He - is just like the hand behind the puppets, controlling the whole big stage without even revealing himself to the audience.
He - can live in exile, away from his home country but his beloved people still listen to him.
He - alone, can oppose/ cause damage to a country's government.
This is just like puppetry politics (a term I came up myself). I can't stand why the people are so foolish, fancy listening to someone who had betrayed himself, betrayed the country yet refusing to heed the government's advice to shake hands in peace.
Must they cause the once-popular-tourist destination to go down to zero ground, and that they have no more viable livelihood when nobody visits their country, and nobody buys their goods, and nobody patronises their stalls? Must they see themselves going to waste just like that? Just by listening to a cowardly puppet master who refuses to face up to his acts by being an escapist?
He - can live in exile, away from his home country but his beloved people still listen to him.
He - alone, can oppose/ cause damage to a country's government.
This is just like puppetry politics (a term I came up myself). I can't stand why the people are so foolish, fancy listening to someone who had betrayed himself, betrayed the country yet refusing to heed the government's advice to shake hands in peace.
Must they cause the once-popular-tourist destination to go down to zero ground, and that they have no more viable livelihood when nobody visits their country, and nobody buys their goods, and nobody patronises their stalls? Must they see themselves going to waste just like that? Just by listening to a cowardly puppet master who refuses to face up to his acts by being an escapist?
Monday, April 13, 2009
My off-day @ Home, after the long weekend...
Have to clear leave by end June so decided to take the Monday off, after the long weekend on Good Friday. It's a right choice cuz I got to do my favourites - bloggin' and scrapbookin' and nappin' and catching up on recorded TV serials @ home...
Since I will be slackin' at home today, have to make plans for my 3 meals so that in order not to step out of the house at all.
Dear says its yucky cuz he dun like such soggy noodles (let alone spinach noodles!!) and he dun like Yong Tau Foo soup..haha.. But I think this is a nutritious and easily-prepared meal.
It's nice! Do try it if you are a fan of cheesecake with high-sided biscuit crust at the bottom... Yummy!
Yah la...so practically the whole day I am eating lah.. haha...
Since I will be slackin' at home today, have to make plans for my 3 meals so that in order not to step out of the house at all.
Prepared my own lunch - Spinach noodles with Yong Tau Foo soup
Dear says its yucky cuz he dun like such soggy noodles (let alone spinach noodles!!) and he dun like Yong Tau Foo soup..haha.. But I think this is a nutritious and easily-prepared meal.Also prepared a simple homecooked dinner for the 3 of us - Husband, Me & Baby.
- Pan-fried omelette with chopped long beans
- Soup: Pork Ribs, tofu, tomatoes, sweet corn & carrots
Then followed by a Sara Lee Strawberry Cheese Cake dessert!
It's nice! Do try it if you are a fan of cheesecake with high-sided biscuit crust at the bottom... Yummy!Yah la...so practically the whole day I am eating lah.. haha...
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Antenatal Lesson 4: Practical Hands-on Baby Care
Sunday 12 April 2009:
Finally we've reached the lesson whereby we can learn practical tips on taking care of the baby. Thou the books I've gotten from TMC already have all these, but nothing beats being OJT (On-Job-Training) right?
Every couple will have a baby doll for practice while Mrs Wong go through with us the correct procedures of cleaning the baby, bathing the baby, drying the baby, swaddling the baby. Both of us are very serious and carry the baby as if its a real baby. Instinctively I will carry the baby in a careful way, thou not very familiar with keep changing hands la. But the more I carry, I more I yearn to carry our own baby in my own hands.. The more I yearn the day when I can see my dearest baby in front of our eyes, being cuddled and loved by us... I am so happy to see that Dear is very careful in handling the baby, taking the initiative to stand up and see how Mrs Wong is doing if he can't see that well when sitting down. The fathers somehow get more practice than the mothers leh, wonder why? Is it because Mrs Wong wants the fathers to get more hands-on with taking care of the baby? I would say I am assured that my hubby will definitely be a hands-on and dedicated daddy..
The only problem I have is learning how to fold the cloth diapers and wrapping the baby's with a tight yet not suffocating diaper. But I never give up despite I am having problems getting it correct. I stayed back and learned from Mrs Wong personally till I get it right. Although we are going to use disposable diapers, but it never hurts to learn it well now.
We also got to learn how to massage the baby and I definitely looking forward to massaging our baby and making her comfortable...hee.. Cuz I myself love the pampering session of massaging
The day before, we went to IKEA to get a new sofa bed mattress to replace the current old one we have. So that me and the confinement lady will sleep on that sofa bed in the same room with the baby. We also went through the furniture items for the nursery room. All noted down liao, and will be going next round to complete the purchase as we were rushing for a movie on that night. So excited when I visualise how our baby's nursery room will look like... Can't wait for Dear to start working on it in June!
Come to think of it, I am going to be in my 3rd trimester next month, and very soon I will be counting down to our baby's birth in July... Time really flies isn't it? I can say, I really enjoy my 2nd trimester of the pregnancy and hope this will carry on to my 3rd trimester and even be so happy after giving birth.
| Lesson 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Practical Hands-on Baby Care |
|
Finally we've reached the lesson whereby we can learn practical tips on taking care of the baby. Thou the books I've gotten from TMC already have all these, but nothing beats being OJT (On-Job-Training) right?
Every couple will have a baby doll for practice while Mrs Wong go through with us the correct procedures of cleaning the baby, bathing the baby, drying the baby, swaddling the baby. Both of us are very serious and carry the baby as if its a real baby. Instinctively I will carry the baby in a careful way, thou not very familiar with keep changing hands la. But the more I carry, I more I yearn to carry our own baby in my own hands.. The more I yearn the day when I can see my dearest baby in front of our eyes, being cuddled and loved by us... I am so happy to see that Dear is very careful in handling the baby, taking the initiative to stand up and see how Mrs Wong is doing if he can't see that well when sitting down. The fathers somehow get more practice than the mothers leh, wonder why? Is it because Mrs Wong wants the fathers to get more hands-on with taking care of the baby? I would say I am assured that my hubby will definitely be a hands-on and dedicated daddy..
The only problem I have is learning how to fold the cloth diapers and wrapping the baby's with a tight yet not suffocating diaper. But I never give up despite I am having problems getting it correct. I stayed back and learned from Mrs Wong personally till I get it right. Although we are going to use disposable diapers, but it never hurts to learn it well now.
We also got to learn how to massage the baby and I definitely looking forward to massaging our baby and making her comfortable...hee.. Cuz I myself love the pampering session of massaging
The day before, we went to IKEA to get a new sofa bed mattress to replace the current old one we have. So that me and the confinement lady will sleep on that sofa bed in the same room with the baby. We also went through the furniture items for the nursery room. All noted down liao, and will be going next round to complete the purchase as we were rushing for a movie on that night. So excited when I visualise how our baby's nursery room will look like... Can't wait for Dear to start working on it in June!
Come to think of it, I am going to be in my 3rd trimester next month, and very soon I will be counting down to our baby's birth in July... Time really flies isn't it? I can say, I really enjoy my 2nd trimester of the pregnancy and hope this will carry on to my 3rd trimester and even be so happy after giving birth.
Sentosa Outing on Good Friday 2009
Dear's colleagues organised an outdoor outing @ the Sentosa on the Good Friday holiday. The suggested activities are frisbee-ing, volleyballing & picnic-ing. Being pregnant, of cuz I can't do the first 2 activities, but I can definitely do picnic-ing! haha... Pigging in fact It wasn't much of a picnic cuz we dun have a nice picnic mat. We just brought some foods, tibits & drinks on our own & make it a picnic (without the mat!)
I like the Cabana style, and even the beds under the umbrella, thou they are all quite dirty. Need to put a towel before lying down on them. Anyway, we are supposed to have minimum purchase of $200 if we use the cabana, but they are somehow flexible. In the end all of us only ordered a drink that costs around $5-$6.
After their sweltering games, the guys decided to cool down with drinks in the cabana and some card games.
Everyone has to take shelter in a big porch, and the guys started psp-ing while I stare into blank space lor..
It wasn't much of a picnic cuz we dun have a nice picnic mat. We just brought some foods, tibits & drinks on our own & make it a picnic (without the mat!)Out J.Co donuts contribution to the picnic
Us on the way to Sentosa...
Just Us...
The Group Pics
The guys getting active & sweaty under the scorching sun (with the threatening of the dark gloomy clouds appearing...)
While tai-tai Mama Yam sat under this sheltered Cabana @ Cafe Del Mar.. hee...
Cafe Del Mar
I like the Cabana style, and even the beds under the umbrella, thou they are all quite dirty. Need to put a towel before lying down on them. Anyway, we are supposed to have minimum purchase of $200 if we use the cabana, but they are somehow flexible. In the end all of us only ordered a drink that costs around $5-$6. After their sweltering games, the guys decided to cool down with drinks in the cabana and some card games.
Oh no.. It's pouring cats & dogs...
Everyone has to take shelter in a big porch, and the guys started psp-ing while I stare into blank space lor..
Teck San took a picture of Baby Yam while we waiting for the rain to stop...
Had a great holiday spent in Sentosa, cuz I can rest and relax by the beach with a book and drink in hand. Dear also had fun with the guys, complete with a good sweat! That's the kind of holiday I like and look forward to nowadays... Except the rain is quite dampening mood la.. The whole day outside is quite tiring for me too..Wednesday, April 8, 2009
An Endearing Moment for Papa, Mama & Baby Yam
Yesterday night was an endearing moment for Papa, Mama & Baby Yam.
Baby Yam is now kicking/punching harder each day, and finally Papa Yam has felt her movements (vibrations on the tummy) for the first time!!!
When he first felt it, he looked at me intently and I nodded my head, signaling that "yes it is her." He was so thrilled and kept laughing and laughing cuz its so funny to be feeling it for the first time. I was also both happy and touched, that I kept laughing and tearing at the same time... He then managed to feel for the next few times. That was the endearing moment between the 3 of us.
I was more fortunate than Papa Yam. I actually witnessed my tummy moved up and down in a swift when she moves. Its so cute! I will even stare at my tummy for the next 5 minutes, hoping to catch that special move again... I tried to get Papa Yam to stare at my tummy, wishing that he will get to witness with me too, but Baby Yam has been cheeky, purposely not moving lor. That Papa Yam also impatient one. After few seconds, then he decided to stop staring liao.. Never mind la, Mama Yam shall embrace that special moment with her baby herself...
Baby Yam is now kicking/punching harder each day, and finally Papa Yam has felt her movements (vibrations on the tummy) for the first time!!!
When he first felt it, he looked at me intently and I nodded my head, signaling that "yes it is her." He was so thrilled and kept laughing and laughing cuz its so funny to be feeling it for the first time. I was also both happy and touched, that I kept laughing and tearing at the same time... He then managed to feel for the next few times. That was the endearing moment between the 3 of us.I was more fortunate than Papa Yam. I actually witnessed my tummy moved up and down in a swift when she moves. Its so cute! I will even stare at my tummy for the next 5 minutes, hoping to catch that special move again... I tried to get Papa Yam to stare at my tummy, wishing that he will get to witness with me too, but Baby Yam has been cheeky, purposely not moving lor. That Papa Yam also impatient one. After few seconds, then he decided to stop staring liao.. Never mind la, Mama Yam shall embrace that special moment with her baby herself...
Monday, April 6, 2009
Baby's Movements in Pregnancy
Currently at 24 weeks of pregnancy...I am feeling more of the baby's movements every now and then. Chanced upon this article that can help me keep track of baby's movements as I progress to the next few stages.
When will I feel my baby's first movements?
Feeling those first, tiny sensations inside are a key landmark of your pregnancy. And when those movements become vigorous kicks, you know everything is going well.
If this is your first pregnancy, you may not even notice your baby moving around immediately because you won't be familiar with the sensation -- which many women describe as a gentle fluttering motion.
For a first pregnancy you will probably be aware of something at around 18 to 20 weeks. For subsequent pregnancies, when you know the tell-tale signs, first movements can usually be felt earlier, usually around 15 to 18 weeks or even as early as 12 weeks.
After the initial vague stirrings, which some women describe as similar to the flapping of butterfly wings, your baby's movements become stronger and more regular. As your baby grows, these sensations change so that you start to feel thumping or kicking movements which become stronger as your pregnancy progresses.
Your baby won't be kicking and moving constantly because, like you, there will be times he just wants rest and sleep although not for more than about 40 minutes at a time. It might feel like longer because you won't feel every movement. The following is a guide as to what you might expect as your baby grows.
From 20 to 24 weeks
As the weeks go by, your baby's activity will gradually increase. From now onwards, over the next ten weeks, your baby will be having a very busy period, with lots of kicking and somersaults.
From 24 to 28 weeks
Your baby may start to get hiccups, which will explain the jerking movement that you might feel occasionally. The amniotic sac now contains up to 750ml (26floz) of fluid which allows your baby to move around freely. Although he has been able to hear for some time, you may notice him jump at sudden noises from around this period.
At 29 weeks
Your baby will begin to make smaller, more definite movements, as it becomes more cramped inside your uterus.
At 32 weeks
Your baby's movements will reach a peak of activity and from now on, you will notice an increase in the frequency and type of movements as your baby gets bigger and stronger.
From around 36 weeks
Your baby could take up his final, usually head-down, position, particularly if this is your first pregnancy, as the firm muscles of your uterus and abdomen will help to keep him in place. The main movements you are likely to feel now are jabs from his arms and legs, and possibly painful kicks to your ribs.
If this is not your first pregnancy, your abdominal muscles are likely to be weaker, so your baby might keep changing his position and could even do so right up to your due date.
From 36 to 40 weeks
Your baby will be getting larger and roll-over movements will become less frequent. If he was sucking his thumb and 'loses' it, you may feel quick, darting movements as your baby's head turns from side-to-side while he tries to find it again.
During the last two weeks of your pregnancy, the movements are likely to slow down and your baby's growth rate will decline slightly. This is all completely normal and nothing to worry about.
Movements and position in late pregnancy
In the last few weeks, your baby should be nestled in the cup of your pelvis, ready for the birth. (If he's not, we have more advice on how to get your baby into the optimum position for birth). Your baby's head can feel like a melon pressing down on your pelvic floor, making you sit down with care.
You may notice that as your baby's head drops lower into your pelvis there is a feeling of 'lightening', or less pressure, under your ribcage.
By this stage of your pregnancy, you may feel fewer big body movements, and, instead, you may notice an insistent kicking underneath your ribs on one side or the other, depending on how your baby is positioned. If your abdominal wall is thin you may even be able to hold your baby's foot.
There will be times when your baby is sleeping and other times when you'll notice lots of activity, which is often in the evenings or when you're lying in bed trying to get to sleep!
How many kicks should I feel each day?
While you are busy you will probably be less aware of the movements your baby is making. It's more likely you'll start to notice them when you sit down and relax.
Studies of fetal activity show that every baby has his or her own individual pattern of waking and sleeping inside the uterus -- there is no 'set' amount of kicks to expect -- but by late pregnancy you will probably have become tuned into your baby's pattern of movements.
I haven't felt my baby kick today, should I be worried?
If you are concentrating on something else, you may not have noticed your baby's movements. If you want some reassurance, here are some ways to encourage your baby to move:
• Lie down on your side (with support under your bump) and stay still
• Put your feet up and relax
• Play music to your stomach.
Not so long ago, women were advised to monitor their baby's movement with a fetal kick chart, where you kept a record of the times of the movements until you had noted ten kicks, hopefully by roughly the same time each day. But these charts are used less and less now as they were easy to forget about and the kick patterns didn't always match up, which caused unnecessary concern among women.
Experts advise for you to get used to your baby's pattern during waking hours and if you feel there is a change in that pattern, inform your obstetrician straight away. If you are concerned your doctor can check you out and reassure you.
From: www.Babycentre.com
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Antenatal Lesson 3: Labour
Saturday 4 April 09:
The first thing that welcomed us in today's lesson is a video on labour. Its the real thing!!!! There are the different types of labour being shown - natural birth with use of entonox, natural birth with epidural, induced birth with epidural, C-section, water birth.
The whole video is very 震撼人心... I can feel the pain that the women are going through, I can feel the relief and happiness when the baby is finally out and put in the mother's arms... I can't control my tears and it just keep flowing out. I know it sounds silly to be tearing in a class of more than 20 people!! Maybe I feel touched, shocked, fearful for the pain yet this is a very amazing and 伟大task for the mother. In comparison, hubby felt 恶心 and dun feel good watching it.. He's really quite terrified of the whole labour thingy and this really makes him all the more not to join me in the labour room. Of cuz I dun allow that! hee...
In comparison of the natural birth vs C-section, I think C-section is more painful & 恶心 when you can see your whole belly flipped up. And furthermore it's more satisfying to go thru the contractions and giving birth to the baby in the most natural way how God created for it to happen. Nobody teaches the baby how to be delivered out from the womb, yet miraculously, the baby just know what to do! Isn't that amazing? Isn't life amazing?
After watching the video, I am more bent-on giving birth naturally if circumstances allow. I just hope my mind can empower my body, and increase my pain threshold, and keep telling myself "I can do it"...
I am really grateful for hubby to accompany me throughout the lesson, especially he has difficulty sitting through the whole lesson on the floor, cross-legged, due to his previous injury. Also, he has been so tired-out at work and have been working till wee hours for the past few nights. Can see him yawning away when the lesson focuses on the mother...
Finally next lesson will be on how to take care of the baby...It's finally reaching to the stage where we need to learn badly, as a couple.
| Lesson 3 | |||||||||||||||||
| Labour |
|
The first thing that welcomed us in today's lesson is a video on labour. Its the real thing!!!! There are the different types of labour being shown - natural birth with use of entonox, natural birth with epidural, induced birth with epidural, C-section, water birth.
The whole video is very 震撼人心... I can feel the pain that the women are going through, I can feel the relief and happiness when the baby is finally out and put in the mother's arms... I can't control my tears and it just keep flowing out. I know it sounds silly to be tearing in a class of more than 20 people!! Maybe I feel touched, shocked, fearful for the pain yet this is a very amazing and 伟大task for the mother. In comparison, hubby felt 恶心 and dun feel good watching it.. He's really quite terrified of the whole labour thingy and this really makes him all the more not to join me in the labour room. Of cuz I dun allow that! hee...
In comparison of the natural birth vs C-section, I think C-section is more painful & 恶心 when you can see your whole belly flipped up. And furthermore it's more satisfying to go thru the contractions and giving birth to the baby in the most natural way how God created for it to happen. Nobody teaches the baby how to be delivered out from the womb, yet miraculously, the baby just know what to do! Isn't that amazing? Isn't life amazing?
After watching the video, I am more bent-on giving birth naturally if circumstances allow. I just hope my mind can empower my body, and increase my pain threshold, and keep telling myself "I can do it"...
I am really grateful for hubby to accompany me throughout the lesson, especially he has difficulty sitting through the whole lesson on the floor, cross-legged, due to his previous injury. Also, he has been so tired-out at work and have been working till wee hours for the past few nights. Can see him yawning away when the lesson focuses on the mother...
Finally next lesson will be on how to take care of the baby...It's finally reaching to the stage where we need to learn badly, as a couple.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Baby's 3D/4D scan Poll
Should we go for the 3D/4D scan?
Estimated cost: $200+
When to take a 3D/4D scan: 28 - 32 weeks of pregnancy
Pros: To be able to see our baby's look for the 1st time!
Cons: The cost. The money can be used for something else
Yes, you should cuz its your 1st baby!
No need la, save that money.. You can see the baby when she's born in few months' time.
Duno. Up to both of you lor.
Estimated cost: $200+
When to take a 3D/4D scan: 28 - 32 weeks of pregnancy
Pros: To be able to see our baby's look for the 1st time!
Cons: The cost. The money can be used for something else
Yes, you should cuz its your 1st baby!
1
No need la, save that money.. You can see the baby when she's born in few months' time.
5
Duno. Up to both of you lor.
1
Babymoon
After our conceptionmoon last year, we are going to have a Babymoon this time! This will be our last luxury vacation before bibs, feeding schedules and spills... haha..
As both time & finances are abit tight, our Babymoon is going to be within the little red dot, on an island - Yah, its the Sentosa lor. We have booked the Treasure Resort for the Labour Day weekend for our long weekend getaway, with the promotion shown in picture below. Quite a good rate we managed to get, thou at a cost cuz the resort is currently undergoing renovation with an extension of resort wing, so not sure if the noise during the day time will disturb us or not.
I am really lookin' forward to his Babymoon and have a real R&R trip. Most importantly I wan to buy a new set of bikini and parade my tummy while swimming! wahaha... Tis is the only time I am actually proud of my tummy cuz I used to hide my tummy. hee...
As both time & finances are abit tight, our Babymoon is going to be within the little red dot, on an island - Yah, its the Sentosa lor. We have booked the Treasure Resort for the Labour Day weekend for our long weekend getaway, with the promotion shown in picture below. Quite a good rate we managed to get, thou at a cost cuz the resort is currently undergoing renovation with an extension of resort wing, so not sure if the noise during the day time will disturb us or not.
I am really lookin' forward to his Babymoon and have a real R&R trip. Most importantly I wan to buy a new set of bikini and parade my tummy while swimming! wahaha... Tis is the only time I am actually proud of my tummy cuz I used to hide my tummy. hee...
23 weeks: Kicking Month!
Throughout this month, I've started to feel Baby Yam's kicks/punches more prominent. From clueless to unsure to certainty. She will be more active during the day when I am working, and seldom disturb me when I am sleeping..Hope her sleeping pattern can continue in this way even after she has been brought to this world.
Baby Yam was seen to be sitting upright today, with her legs crossed. She was also sleeping when the gynae was doing the scan, but also gave a few hand stretches occasionally. Heard her beating heartbeat going at 150bpm.
She is now weighing at 490g, considered at normal range but still slightly slimmer. Estimated average weight at 23rd week should be 500-600g. Gynae encouraged me to still eat more, especially foods like rice, beef, milk and durian (high protein) whereby baby can absorb better. Fast food like french fries only add weight to the mother more than benefiting the baby..Well..point taken
Now mummy's turn to update her own weight - I've gained about 4.4kg since the last scan. A bit more than the required increase, but can still continue to eat since baby needs more fattening up.
My EDD has been pushed to a much later date - 31 July 09.
Very happy to see Baby Yam today... Next visit shall be in another month's time again - before Dear's 30th Birthday! Hope she will give Dear a good kick to celebrate his birthday! hee...
Baby Yam was seen to be sitting upright today, with her legs crossed. She was also sleeping when the gynae was doing the scan, but also gave a few hand stretches occasionally.
Heard her beating heartbeat going at 150bpm.She is now weighing at 490g, considered at normal range but still slightly slimmer. Estimated average weight at 23rd week should be 500-600g. Gynae encouraged me to still eat more, especially foods like rice, beef, milk and durian (high protein) whereby baby can absorb better. Fast food like french fries only add weight to the mother more than benefiting the baby..Well..point taken
Now mummy's turn to update her own weight - I've gained about 4.4kg since the last scan. A bit more than the required increase, but can still continue to eat since baby needs more fattening up.
My EDD has been pushed to a much later date - 31 July 09.
Very happy to see Baby Yam today... Next visit shall be in another month's time again - before Dear's 30th Birthday! Hope she will give Dear a good kick to celebrate his birthday! hee...
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Simple Contentment in Life
I find simple contentment in life, in all these many simple things in life...
Listenin' to an old familiar song on the radio.
Admirin' the evening skies after leaving work.
Breathin' the air from the natural trees and vegetation.
Findin' a hobby that I like.
Feelin' the baby living inside me.
Havin' hubby sayang my head when I am not feelin' well.
Enjoyin' the work that I am doing.
Talkin' everything under the sun with my loved ones.
Havin' a nice homecooked meal.
Watchin' a great movie
Havin' a great laugh
Listenin' to an old familiar song on the radio.
Admirin' the evening skies after leaving work.
Breathin' the air from the natural trees and vegetation.
Findin' a hobby that I like.
Feelin' the baby living inside me.
Havin' hubby sayang my head when I am not feelin' well.
Enjoyin' the work that I am doing.
Talkin' everything under the sun with my loved ones.
Havin' a nice homecooked meal.
Watchin' a great movie
Havin' a great laugh
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
The Scrapbookin' Craze continues in us...
After our scrapbooking class last week, we continue to have that craze inside us and date each other for some "scrapbooking shoppin'!"
Our purchases
Probably shall start on my pregnancy photos and baby's scan for now, then when there are baby's photos I will proceed with an album for HER...
We both can't wait to start our hobby this weekend!!!
Our purchases
After walking through the Made with Love shop, we made a mental note of the prices and decided to pop over to Spotlight for a comparison. Of cuz Spotlight's stuffs can't be comparable to the atas and wide-variety shop, we decided to get some simple kits from Spotlight to start with... So we've got ourselves a Super Value scrapbookin' kit each that contains 3 pieces of patterned paper, alphabets, and other embellishments for only $5.95!! I know this kit can't bring me far, but think its a good start after our class. Also got myself some cardstock paper and cute stickers for baby's theme!
Probably shall start on my pregnancy photos and baby's scan for now, then when there are baby's photos I will proceed with an album for HER...
We both can't wait to start our hobby this weekend!!!
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