Newborn Essentials - Your Buying Checklist

For the first-timer parents, buying stuffs for your baby can be really fun. I remember when I first shopped for my first born, I bought a cute little mitten & bootie. It was a very simple pair of mitten & bootie in stunning white color. What makes my heart really jump in excitement is that when I think of my babys' cute tiny hands and feet wearing them. Ahh.. how adorable it would be!

...if this product worth buying, is this product useful or does your newborn need this product...

With so many innovative baby products in the market, shopping for your newborn can be quite a headache. You may ask if this product worth buying, is this product useful or does your newborn need this product? My ex-colleague asked me, what are the essential items a newborn need. Her question makes me realized that my experience may be able to help other first-timer parents. You can use the below list as a guide when buying stuffs for your newborn. So what do you really need for your newborn?

1. Baby clothes
Your newborn skin is very delicate, bear this in mind when you buy baby clothes. Look for soft cotton, feel the material for yourself. You will need at least :
● 2 pcs newborn hat/ beanie.
● 4 - 8 pcs all-in-one pyjamas. (Night time)
All-in-one pyjamas is a suit with the hands and feets covered up. I found that this kind of pjs are very convenient. When you do not need to cover the hands, you can simply flip the end of sleeve.
● 4 - 8 pcs short sleeve onesies. (Day time)
Onesies are one piece bodysuit with wide head openings and snaps under crotch. Personally, I preferred onesies from the regular shirt. Because onesies snaps at the croth, it prevents the shirt from hiking up and revealing your newborn's belly.
Let your newborn (from 5th - 7th days onwards) wear short sleeve during the day to avoid getting heat rash.
● 4 - 8 pcs swaddle cloth. You may also use cloth diapers or receiving blankets but it might not be able to hold your newborn tight enough (depending on baby size).
While your newborn is trying to adapt to the new world, swaddling is an effective way to make him/her feels secure. It works like magic! Once swaddled, the crying stops. It is also a good way to avoid your newborn scaring him/herself with him/her own startle reflex.
(Video: How To Swaddle A Newborn)
● 1 - 2 pcs rompers/ outfit for outing
You do not need to buy a lot of outing outfits for your newborn. It is better to stay home for the first two months, or AT LEAST the entire first month. Let your newborn build up his/her immune system stronger first.
● 4 - 8 pairs mittens (For the first month)
You may banish mitten wearing after a month but make sure to trim your newborns' fingernails regularly to avoid scratching him/herself.
● 4 - 8 pairs booties/ socks
● 8 - 10 pcs soft handkerchiefs
Keep 2 pcs for bathing and the rest for daily use.
● 4 - 8 pcs diaper cloths
Diaper cloth comes in very handy as burp cloth. You can also use it as a base to prevent your newborn from getting your sweats while you are carrying him/her in your arms. Just put the diaper cloth on your hand, the inner part where you fold your arms before resting your newborn's neck on it.

Note : I shop mostly at MOTHERCARE for my babies' clothes. Love their colors, designs and materials! They have 3in1 pyjamas pack and 5in1 onesies pack which are really adorable.
Join MOTHERCARE VIP Club and you can enjoy additional 10% discount on top of their existing promo on Member's Day. (click HERE for more info)


2. Baby Nappies
Your newborn will need to be changed as many as 8 - 12 times a day. If you are planning to stock up diapers, please consider the below :
● Sensitivity to certain type of material
You will need to try the diaper on your newborn first to know if it suits him/her a not. If your newborn get rashes, then switch to other brand.
● Different brands has different sizing on newborn
Do not buy too many 'Newborn' size diapers at one time. Your baby will outgrown it very fast. Based on experiences, PET PET's newborn size can only fit up to 2 weeks. After that, will need to change to 'S' size. But Mamypoko's newborn size is bigger. It can fit up to the 6th week.
● Diapers vs Cloth Diapers
Since newborn need to be changed frequently, diaper is the most ideal option. For my first born, I bought two dozens of cloth diapers but ended up not using them. (Instead I used them as burp cloths.) You do not need to be worried about insufficient air flow around your newborn bum bum. Nowaday, diapers are very 'high tech'. They have certain technology to ensure that there are sufficient air flow.
● Cotton Wool And Wet Tissues/ Wipes
For the first 2 weeks, you may use cotton wool with warm water to clean your newborn during nappy change. After that, you can use wet tissues/ wipes which is more convenient. Just be sure to look for paraben and alcohol free.
● Nappy Rash Ointment
My trusted nappy rash care would be Bepanthen. It has effectively

healed and prevented rashes for both my babies. I've also used it on mild milk rashes. It worked equally effective - rashes were gone the next day.
(Photo Source: Rakuten.com.my)
Other brand that you can consider is Soducrem. It is also effective in treating nappy rash but what I don't really like about it is that it will leave patches of white residue on the skin which are quite hard to remove, unless scrubbing it with a wash cloth during bath. (This is my personal review on Soducrem after using it for 2 weeks.)


3. Baby Bathing
Depending on the weather and humidity, you may want to bathe your newborn daily. Some says newborn do not need to be bathe daily, it really depends. You can opt for sponge bath for the first two weeks, as long as you wash the diaper area thoroughly during diaper changes.
(Video: How to Give Your Newborn A Sponge Bath)
● A bath tub with anti slip mat
Bath tub is a good investment. Your baby can use it for as long as he/ she can fit in it. Mine was until 15 months old. After that she just uses the shower to bathe.
● A small round pail
For cleaning diaper area and/or for sponge bath.
● 2 - 3 pcs bath towels
Besides looking cute, hooded towel comes in quite handy. You can purchase it if you come across any cute design that you like. But of course, the regular bath towel is also suffice to do the job.
● Mild Head to Toe Shampoo
I love using Head to Toe shampoo. That way, I can just grab a bottle for bathing time, instead of two. Your newborn skin is very

delicate, it is recommended to use only mild shampoo. Buds Organic is a good brand for my babies (as well as my nieces). They have an Infant Care range which is specially formulated for newborn babies. You can try Infant Head to Toe Cleanser.
● Massage Cream/ Oil
Infant massage is one of the great way to bond with your newborn. It is believed to promote better sleeping and relieve colic. You can use massage cream or massage oil, but I find that using cream will be better. For this, I am using Buds Organic Infant Cream.
(Photo Source: Buds Organic Infant Care)
(Video: How To Massage A Newborn)


4. Baby Feeding
Your newborn feed very, very frequently. This is because his/ her tummy is very small. Breast milk or formula is the only food your newborn needs. *You do not need to feed your newborn with water (until your baby is 6 months old). Your newborn will get all the necessary hydration from breast milk or formula.

BREASTFEEDING
READ MORE...(+/-)

Breast milk is the ideal food for your newborn because it is specifically tailored to your baby according to his/ her needs. It contains antibodies to help your newborn fight off viruses and bacteria.

Colostrum - the “premilk” that comes in after you deliver, is chock-full of antibodies to protect your newborn baby.

The hormone oxytocin, released during breastfeeding, acts to return the uterus to its regular size more quickly and can reduce postpartum bleeding. And that is why when breastfeeding during the first few days after delivered, mother will have cramps/ contraction. I had some painful contractions when breastfeeding on the first few days, but I told myself, "What pain is this compared to my labour pain? Just feed on!"

Mother will need to have a strong determination and perseverance to breastfeed her baby:-

- Breastmilk easily digested: Because of frequent needs in feeding, mother may think that she is not producing enough milk, hence baby is always hungry. This is not true! Your newborn can only take very little milk at one feed because his/ her tummy is still very small (See below picture on Newborn Tummy Size).
As mother continue to breastfeed, her body will produce more and more milk. The sucking/ latching will stimulate milk production - sending signal to her body to produce more milk. Sometimes, your newborn cries because he/ she just need to be comforted and only will feel secure at mother's breast.

- Negative inputs: Peoples around her may give her negative inputs, she needs to ignore them.

- Breast milk only kicks in few days later: For first-timer mother, her milk may not come until few days later, she may think that "I don't have milk". This is not true! Keep pressing on! Mother can try to do pumping and skin-to-skin contact with your newborn to stimulate the milk production. It is best to consult a lactation consultant.

- Sleep deprivation: Her newborn may need to be fed every hour and she will only gets 3 - 4 hours sleep in total per day. Don't worry, it will pass. Mother can try side latching especially for midnight feeds.
(Video: Side Lying Breastfeeding)

The above are only few scenarios that a mother might faces. There are still a lot of factors that can/ might dampen the mother's spirit to breastfeed. Daddy will need to FULLY support mother on this and give her more encouragements. It is best if both, the mother and daddy attend breastfeeding classes or equip themselves with more breastfeeding knowledge before welcoming their newborn.

(Read up on Golden Hour, Correct Latch, Breastfeeding Positions, Signs That Your Newborn Is Having Enough Milk, Hunger Cues, Milk Booster & Milk Killer Foods, Engorgement & Treatment, Blocked Ducts, Inverted Nipple, Power Pumping, etc...)

(Photo Source: https://blog.honest.com)

(*Source: Article: Baby Center - Should I give my newborn water or sugar water?
Article: 20 Breastfeeding Benefits for Mom and Baby
Article: Baby Center - How breastfeeding benefits you and your baby)

For the first month, you do not need to worry about expressing your milk out yet(unless you are having engorgement). You just need to focus on establishing a good breastfeeding rhythm with your newborn. Direct latching while having skin-to-skin contact with your newborn and feeding on demand are great way to kick start your breastfeeding journey.

You will need at least :
● 2 sets washable breast pads (Home use)
Milk leakage is very unpredictable. Some mothers will leak at the early weeks of breastfeeding, some will never leak and some might leak for many months. You will never know if you're leaking a not until the time comes. It is better to be prepared than having discomfort from your shirt all wet later.
(I bought mine at One Baby World @ RM10.30 (promo) for 2 sets. No regrets buying them!)

● 2pcs sleep bras (Home use)
Since you will not be going out on your first month, there is no need to buy a nursing bra just yet. Sleep bras will do and they are super comfy!
(Photo Source: One Baby World)
● Nursing pillow
Nursing pillow is a must have for breastfeeding mom! It supported the baby and mother during breastfeeding so that they are comfortable. Nursing pillow comes in various designs and colours. The most common ones are - the horseshoe shaped (as per right pic) and the rectangle shaped or round shaped which wraps entirely around you. I have only used the horseshoe shaped pillow before (because back then this type is the only nursing pillow I saw in the market.) One setback that I encountered when using it is that my baby tend to slide away and fall in between me and the pillow. I thought "Why don't they put a strap so that I can securely strap it around my waist?".
And now, there are so many types of nursing pillows 'with strap or wrap around waist'. How wonderful!

But a mommy whom has been using this type of nursing pillow said that the strapping is quite troublesome. Yes, it has solved the problem of baby rolling away but it is not as convenient as the horseshoe shaped pillow where you can just take it or put it (back) in without having to secure anything.
(Photo Source: ToyRUs/ BabiesRUs)

LATER BUY (DL)
READ MORE...(+/-)

When you are ready to go out with your newborn, you will need :
● 2 - 3pcs nursing bras
Nursing bra has an inner circular opening to facilitate access for feeding and uses clips for easy single-handed access.
● 1 - 2pcs nursing wraps
Nursing wrap is very useful especially when you are dining outside and you need to feed your newborn. When not in use, nursing wrap can be styled as a pretty scarf.
● Disposable breast pads
Using disposable breast pads than those washable ones would be better when you need to go out. It is a lot slimmer.

However, if you are unable to breastfeed directly/ direct latch (DL), (Examples: your newborn not latching well, his/ her suckle is weak - unable to stimulate milk production, your newborn has jaundice - need to be hospitalized, inverted nipple, etc...) then you will need to express out your milk. You will need :

● A Reliable Breast Pump
A good breast pump is a breastfeeding mom's best friend! Find the one that suits you and be willing to invest in a good one. You will thank yourself later. An electric double pump would be most recommended. You can try to look up for these brands: Medela Freestyle, Spectra M1,Lacte Duet
(Photo Source: Medela Freestyle)
● Storage bottles (BPA FREE)
If your expressed breast milk (EBM) is going to be consumed within the next few days, you can store it in the bottle in the fridge. You may also store in bottles if you are going to put it in freezer.
● Storage bags (BPA free and pre-sterilized)
If you wanted to store your milk more than few days, you can store them in the storage bag and keep them laid down in the freezer. Storage bags enable you to store more milk because it does not take up much space in your freezer. Remember to look for Double Zip Lock bags to avoid spillage. Every drop is precious!

● Milk bottles
For breastfed babies, they can be quite fussy about milk bottles and totally rejecting bottle feed if they don't like the teat. Tommy Tippee Closer To Nature Bottle is one of the good brands that mimic the natural flex and feel of a mother's breast. Its soft silicone teat is really super flexible and soft. Even I thought it feels like my breast.
Features you need to look for when buying milk bottles - BPA Free and Anti-Colic.
Once your newborn has settled down with a specific brand, then you can buy in numerous. You may buy 2 bottles 150ml/ 5oz and 2 bottles 260ml/ 9oz.
(Photo Source: Babydash.com.my)

● Sterilizer
In the olden days, my mother would put the bottles submerged with water in a stainless steel pot and bring them to a boil. When the water has boiled, she would close the lid and off the flame. The bottles are kept inside the pot until needed.
Now, in our modern days, you just need to push a button. The sterilizer can keep bottles sterilized for up to 24 hours if the lid is unopened. My trusted brand would Philips Avent 4in1 Sterilizer. You may also buy 3in1 as the extra feature in the latest version is the dishwasher basket which is useless to me. I bought the latest version simply because I preferred the grey color than blue.
(Photo Source: Philips.com.my)

(Article: Breast milk storage: Do's and Don'ts,
Article: Breastmilk Storage & Handling)

LATER BUY (BOTTLE-FED)
READ MORE...(+/-)

When you are ready to go out with your newborn, you will need:
● A cooler bag
A compact cooler bag to store your breast milk.
● 1 - 2 ice packs
To keep your breast milk cool.
(Photo Source: Pupsik)
● A thermal flask
To store hot water used for warming your breast milk.
● A insulated mug
Warm your breast milk by pouring hot water in the mug and put your bottle in it.

OTHER BREASTFEEDING ACCESSORIES
READ MORE...(+/-)

● Nipple Shield
Nipple shield is a soft silicone nipple that is worn over the mother’s nipple during a feeding. You will only need nipple shield if your newborn is not latching well, sore nipples, etc. It should be used under the guidance of a lactation consultant.

● Milk Collector/ Milk Saver
Milk collector is worn inside a bra and it collects excess milk when your milk is leaking. You may also wear it during feeding or pumping.
(Photo Source: Pupsik)

● Thermo Gel Pads
These gel pads will help to ease your discomfort from engorgement, blocked ducts in the most convenient way.
Warm therapy stimulate milk production. By doing a warm therapy on engorged breast before pumping, it will soothe the discomfort, making it easier to pump.
Cold therapy reduce swelling and inflammation, producing a healing effects.
You may also use home remedy. For warm therapy, take a warm shower or a towel soaked with warm water. For cold therapy, you may use cabbage and chill it in refrigerator.

● Freemie Cups
Freemie enable you to pump hands free. And you can pump with your shirt on too. It's really convenient if you want to multitask. Freemie cups is compatible with most pumps. Check out the listing HERE.
(Photo Source: Amazon)

FORMULA-FED
READ MORE...(+/-)

"For mothers who are unable to breastfeed or who decide not to, infant formula is a healthy alternative. Formula provides babies with the nutrients they need to grow and thrive."
- source: http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/feeding/breast_bottle_feeding.html

Things that you need :

● Milk Bottles
Features you need to look for when buying milk bottles are BPA Free and Anti-Colic. I love PHILIPS AVENT Newborn Starter Kit. It has 2 x 260ml/9oz Bottles 1m+; 2 x 125ml/4oz Bottles 0m+; 1 bottle brush and 1 soother. While I was googling for the starter kit photo, I've stumbled across a super cool deal - Philips Avents 4 In 1 Electric Sterilizer And New Born Starter Set FREE Hanging Mobile Toy @ RM551.76 ONLY (NP: RM689.70). Click HERE for more details.
(Photo Source: GEMFIVE)
● Sterilizer
(pls refer to BREASTFEEDING: BOTTLE-FED: Sterilizer)

● Hot Water Dispenser/ Thermo Pot
You will need to have access to hot water anytime of the day for making milk or warming milk. It would not be ideal to only boiling the water when you needed it. Your baby would be crying at his/ her top lung. A thermo pot would be the perfect appliance to do the job - that is to keep the water hot all day.
(Photo Source: Best Reviews)

5. Baby Bedding
This is my favorite part! I love decorating my baby's cot although they ended up not using it. (My daugther co-sleep with us, while my son at the moment is sleeping in a bassinet.) A nicely decorated cot gives me a sense of accomplishment and reminds me that my baby will be joining us very soon.

Notes:
● Pillow is not recommended for baby below 1 year old.
● Avoid too much blankets/ bedding in the cot to avoid suffocation.
● Place your baby to sleep at the foot of the cot to prevent baby moving under the covers.

● A cot
If you are having doubt about getting a white color cot in fear of discoloration, don't worry. Ours is a white wooden cot and it is still looking as stunning as it was when we bought it 4-5 years ago. To clean, just use a slightly damp cloth followed by a dry cloth to wipe at least once semi-annually.

You may want to look for a cot that can convert into a toddler bed later. This will be easier and cost efficient for you because your baby will only be sleeping in a cot until maybe 18 months old. (But I think most of the cots now are designed for both usages, just ask to be sure)
(Photo Source: The White Company)
● A mattress for cot and waterproof mattress protector
A firm mattress will supports your baby growing bones and reduce the risks of SIDS. In terms of durability and comfort, I personally

think that latex mattress is the best. And to protect your mattress, you can buy a waterproof mattress protector.
● A mosquito net stand and netting
Beside adding design to your already good looking crib, a mosquito net protect your newborn against mosquitos and other insects.
(Photo Source: EUCAliptosnon)
● 2 - 3 pcs bedsheets and blankets
By having extra bedsheets and blankets, you do not have to worry about your newborn wetting the said items. You can just have it replaced immediately.
● A bassinet (For Daytime sleeping)

A bassinet with a removable basket is a good buy. You can place your newborn to sleep on the bassinet during daytime and remove the basket to take along to your in-law house or use during *travelling.
(Photo Source: BabiesRUs)
Note: *to be used in hotel and not in a car.


6. Baby Grooming & Safety

● Baby Nail Scissors
Depending on your baby, you may need to start trimming his/ her nails (hand & Feet) at 2 weeks old. A nail scissors is perfect for this job. It is easy to use and I really think that it is safer than the nail clipper. Just got to pull the skin underneath the nail to the back when cutting the nails and you'll be fine.
(Photo Source: Sweetcouch)

● Ear Thermometer
This is definitely a must have item in your list! When you are unsure whether your newborn is having fewer or it is just you feeling hot, just pop this in his/ her ears and check to be sure. I bought this Braun thermometer 3 years ago and it is still working good. But bear in mind that taking temperature from the ears may not be the best accurate. For most accurate temperature taking, you may want to buy a rectal thermometer.
(Photo Source: Which?)

● Infant Car Seat
When you bring your newborn back home from the hospital, you will need an infant car seat. Most of the infant car seat comes in set with a stroller. It is a 2in1 usage. You can attach the car seat to the stroller and push it around or you can detach the car seat to be carried around or/and install in the car.


7. Baby Medication

● Yu Yee Oil
As practiced by my family, we use Yu Yee oil on babies when they have winds or bloated stomach. Yu Yee Oil is a herbal medicated ointment use traditionally to relief winds and bloated stomach in babies. To use, pour a few drops onto your palms and rub your palms together to warm up the oil. Stroke your baby's stomach, circling his/ her belly button in a circular motion.
If your baby is colicky, apply on the back and feet as well. Do not pour the oil directly on the skin. Use the same method as for stomach. After applying Yu Yee Oil, make sure not to expose the area to winds.
(Photo Source: Watsons)

● Sterimar Baby Nasal Spray
Sterimar is a mommy's life saver, I would say! It was introduced to me by my daughter's pediatrician when she got stuffy nose at few days old. Being a first time mom at that time, I was really helpless when my daughter has blocked nose or congested nose. Sterimar works like a 'Magic Solution'. Whenever my baby got stuffy nose, I just need spray this seawater solution into her nasal. The seawater solution will loosen up the mucus and within minute, it will come out itself.
(Photo Source: Rakuten)

● Dentinox Infant Colic Drops
My younger daughter was a very very colicky baby. We had tried almost all colic drops available at pharmacy. Of course, we did some goggling on the colic drops first before trying it on our darling daughter. The colic drops that seems to work best on her is this Dentinox.
(Photo Source: Rakuten)
(Article: Colic - How To Cope?)

● Vicks Baby Balsam
Vicks help to soothe and relax your baby. I've been using it for my babies since birth. However, the description on the box said it is suitable for babies from 3 months to 5 years. So, if you wanted to use this on your newborn, do consult your baby pediatrician first.
(Photo Source: Watsons)


8. Optional

● 1 - 2 pcs babywearing wraps
Babywearing can benefit both the mommy (& daddy) and baby. Read more about it HERE.

● 2 - 3 pcs infant binder
It is believed that tummy binder keeps the baby's tummy warm and prevent colic. I'm not sure about this, but I used it for my babies on their first month because I don't want my newborn babies' belly button to be exposed to winds.
(Photo Source: City Baby)

● Cot bumpers
Although the safety of the cot bumpers is questionable as it can trap heat in the cot, I have used it to protect baby from knocking directly onto the hard surface of the cot frame. What I do is that I covered 3 sides of the cot, leaving one side uncovered. I've grown up seeing cot bumpers in the cot and all my cousins and nieces are growing healthily. I am not saying that nothing happen then you can consider it is safe. Just use it wisely and at your own risk. Remember to tie the bumpers to the frame so that your baby will not be able to move it around and cause suffocation.
In another article from Baby Centre, it is stated not use cot bumpers. There's no evidence that they prevent injuries. However research has shown that they may cause overheating, strangulation or suffocation.

That's about it! If you have any question/s about this list, please leave me a comment at below. I will be glad to reply you. Otherwise, have fun shopping!



Disclaimer: All the photos in this post are taken randomly from the said source for reference ONLY.

First Commenter...(+/-)

.....

Our Beautiful Prince Miguel J. Soo

Hello everyone! You must be wondering why I have been so quiet for the past weeks. Don't worry, I am fine. In fact, I am more than fine. I have just delivered a beautiful baby boy on 21st July. Now I am resting at home and like every chinese woman who just gave birth, am going through my confinement period. There are alot of rules and restrictions to follow during this one-month confinement ~ all for the purpose of restoring back my health and nourishing my body. I've been really busy with my new baby and at the same time giving my attention to my 29 months old daughter. But that doesn't stop me from blogging. :D

...our beautiful prince Miguel Jean Soo, Soo Xung Zheng... on 21st July 2015, weighted at 2.3kg and 44cm in length...

Please allow me to introduce our beautiful prince to you guys ~ Miguel Jean Soo, Soo Xung Zheng. Well, he is one anxious baby whom can't wait to come out and play with his big sister Julie. Born at 37 weeks, on 21st July 2015 at 5.19pm, he weighted at 2.3kg and 44cm in length.

THE LABOUR

I had to say this time, the labour was much more painful and tiring than the time when I delivered his big sister Julie. The labour started on 20th July, in the wee hours around 2 something. I noticed that I had bloody discharge when I went to the loo. Having going through what I've gone through in my first pregnancy, I trembled when I see any blood coming out. Immediately I called up my gynae, Dr. Leong WY. Yes, it was 2 something in the morning but he still picks up calls. (He is an attentive gynae. That's why I've been seeing him for all my pregnancies). I told him about the bloody show and he asked me to let him know if it appears again in larger amount. Contractions followed after that. Not wanting to raise any false alarm, I calmed myself down and waited patiently - timing my contractions and observing the discharge. After having two more bloody discharge and my contraction was 5 mins apart, I told my hubby that I might be in real labour. The next thing I did was taking shower while my hubby called my gynae again. Dr. Leong WY asked us to go to the labour ward. And so, we went. It was 6 something morning then.

Upon reaching Tropicana Medical Centre, we went straight to A&E counter. After explaining my situation, I was then wheeled to the labour ward and there I was being monitored using CTG scan whereby two devices were strapped onto my belly. One to monitor my baby's heart rate and the other is to record my contractions. The contractions were consistent and getting more intense with each contractions. Not long after that, my gynae, Dr. Leong, came into the room to check on me. He said I had bloody show but I've not dilated yet. So we shall monitor for 24 hours first. I was like, "Huh! Not dilated yet! But on second thought, it is good also because my baby is only 37 weeks. Let him stay and grow in my tummy for a week more or so first."

Around 15 mins after Dr. Leong left, a nurse came in to check on the CTG graph. She said, smiling "Wow, you have quite a numbers of contractions in such a short time. Maybe you will deliver today". She paused for a moment, looking at me. I think I must have given her a 'shocking' look, she then continues, "Don't worry! We shall continue monitoring you and your baby. Now you just rest on the bed." I exchanged looks with my hubby, whom was with me all the time in the room. We were both in dilemma - unsure of how to feel. Of course we are excited to see our baby boy but at the same time we thought it would be better if he stay in my tummy for a week more or so.

Time passes by, soon it was noon. And the contractions has started to calm down. It wasn't as intense and as frequent, not like in the morning. However, there were still bloody show, bit by bit. The contractions stayed the same for the whole day. It was really stressful as I was lying on the bed the whole time and only come down for the loo. Blessedly, I can watch astro 'Wah Lai Toi' on TV.

At around 7 something evening, Dr. Leong came in to check on me. The nurse updated him about my condition for the day and then Dr. Leong check if I've dilated anot. Again, I still have not dilated. We discussed with Dr. Leong on the next step if by morning I still show no sign of active labour. We then decided to go for induced labour if there is no changes on my current condition. Dr. Leong is very understanding and he knows my condition/ past experiences very well. He respected our decision. It was a really hard decision to made and we have all the fears and worries to support our decision. All we wanted is a smooth delivery and a healthy baby.

Though we have made the decision, we still hoped that I will dilate on my own. And true enough, I have dilated 4cm by the next early morning, followed by more intense contractions. It was really tiring and stressful to wait for the dilation and baby's crowning, not to mention painful as well. I am not sure by what time, maybe 12 noon, Dr. Leong came in to check on me and said I've dilated 5cm. He advised to give me on IV drip to fasten the process. And we agreed to it. The rest of the details were quite blurry as I was really in a lot of pain. Like my previous delivery, I did not take epidural.

The pain gets intensified during the last 2 hours. It was so painful that I cried. (Yes, I cried, like a child.) The nurse whom was in charge of me was very friendly and professional. She told me not to cry because it will used up my energy. She asked me to inhale the gas instead which I did. I've inhaled a lot of the gas but it doesn't help much. At last I had to dump the mask aside because I couldn't concentrate. If I could rate the pain from 1 to 10, the pain was 1,000,000. And the feeling is like you need to poo so badly. Not only that it was painful, I had to endure the pain for 2 hours.

During Julie's, the pain only intensified to 1,000,000 when the water broke, and 20 minutes later I gave birth to Julie. I only needed to push 5 times and Julie was out. But for Miguel, I had to push so hard, and I think I gave a good, hard, long 10 pushes to get Miguel out. It was such a great relief to see my beautiful baby boy when Dr. Leong placed him on my chest. I think it is a common practice for the gynae to immediately put the baby after he/she was out on the mother for bonding. While I bonded with my baby, Dr. Leong cleared up the rest ~ take out the placenta and etc. Words cannot describe how happy I was when I saw my baby boy. The joy after much pain and it's all worth it.

A short note for our baby Miguel...

Dear Miguel,
If you are reading this, it means that you are a big boy now. Mummy hope that you are living well and do remember to be happy and grateful all the time. Always know that Mummy & Daddy loves you very much. You can come to us for anything, ok!

And please be good to your sister Julie. Do not fight with each others, instead love, care and tolerate with each others! We love both of you to the moon and back!


Love always,
Mummy & Daddy

THANK YOU NOTE
Before I end this post, I would like to take this opportunity to thank God for a smooth delivery and a healthy beautiful baby boy.

"Thank you, Heavenly Father for blessing us with a beautiful baby boy!"

A heartfelt thanks to Dr.Leong WY for taking care of me and my baby with cares from the beginning of my pregnancy till I gave birth. And a special thanks to thank all the nurses at Labour Ward of TMC for making sure that I had the most comfortable stay and attending so attentively to my needs, especially to the nurse whom was with me during my last hours before delivery. She saw my pain and she was trying her best to lessen my pain.

"Thank you, Dr. Leong and ALL the Nurses whom was on duty during my stay! You guys are AWESOME"

Note : The above story is based on my real labour experiences. This article is only for sharing and is protected by COPYSCAPE. Thank you.

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Milton of It's Me! Bluedreamer!

Jaundice In Newborn Babies

Julie was down with jaundice on the 5th day after birth. We only noticed that she had developed yellowish skin on that morning we wanted to bring her to her paediatrician, Dr. Pria in Tropicana Medical Centre. After checking her nose blocked and the thrush that Julie had, doctor took her blood test. For newborn babies, blood test is taken from the sole of their tiny foot. We waited for approx 45 minutes for the blood test result. And when the result was out, it was found out that Julie's bilirubin index was 298. For normal babies, the index should read between 100-200. Doctor told us that her reading is very high and need to be under phototherapy with two lights. She was admitted to hospital right away.

...blood contains an excess of bilirubin. Bilirubin is a byproduct of the normal breakdown of old red blood cells...

Jaundice has become a very common state in the newborn babies these days. Usually you will only notice the yellowish tinge in your newborn baby a few days after birth. Both my nieces had jaundice too. So now, what causes jaundice? Jaundice develops in a healthy newborn babies when the blood contains an excess of bilirubin. Bilirubin is a byproduct of the normal breakdown of old red blood cells. Normally, bilirubin passes through the liver and is excreted through the intestines as bile or as we known ~ poo poo. Because of newborn babies immature livers, they are slow to process these bilirubin, hence the excess of blirubin in their blood.

Me feeding our little princess in the nursery ward.
After the first night under the phototherapy with two lights, Julie's bilirubin index dropped a tremendously 100 reading. Even tho' with the reading at 193, doctor said Julie still need to be under the treatment, but this time with only one light. On the third morning, Julie's bilirubin index dropped to a safe 143 reading and was discharged on that day. The hospital bill was around RM820, meaning around RM400 per night (incls doc consultation, blood test, nursery charges).

During these two days, my hubby and I were back and forth to the hospital to see Julie. Tho' it's only 2 days, it seems like forever. When we had to leave her alone in the hospital on the first day, our heart were so heavy. But we have no choice. The longer she is under the treatment, the faster she will be healed. Thank goodness it was only 2 days!


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Being A Parent

It's day 15th now since our Princess Julie came to our life. I've never thought that i would be feeling what i felt now. Maybe this is what they call ~ postpartum depression. I've been really stressed out taking care of my newborn baby. At times, i would feel depressed for nothing and cry all of the sudden.

Julie is having nose blocked, thrush and wind in the stomach. All these has causes her discomfort and pain. We brought her to her paediatrician, Dr. Pria whom has given her a gel for her thrush and a solution for her nose blocked. Even tho' her thrush has been healed, but her nose blocked is still a problem. Sometimes, my baby would breath so hard as if she is taking all her might just to grasp some air. Seeing her in this condition makes my heart cried. Poor my baby!

And now, Julie has wind/gas in her stomach. I read in the internet that these wind/gas would cause her pain. That's why she's been crying for nothing. It's not nothing, it's because she's in pain. My auntie (Kam Mo) suggested that i give her 'Bo Ying Compound' from Eu Yan Sang. It's very good for babies ~ known for its ancient formula for restlessness at night, poor appetite, cold, cough, Phlegm, vomiting of milk, excessive air in the stomach and diarrhoea. We tried on her yesterday night and it seems to worked, Julie was sleeping better.


'Bo Ying Compound' @ RM38/ box of 6 tubes. Each tube weighs 330mg. For newborn, 110mg compound whenever nessesary.
We, as her parents, will give her our best. Hopefully she will be able to get well soon. Just be patience ya, our dear baby!

UPDATE (13 NOV 2015) : Bo Ying Compound only seems to worked on the first use. After that, it doesn't make any differences when we give it her so we stopped using it, with only half the bottle used. Instead we use Dentinox Infant Colic Drops.

And look what Blogthings says about me. Apparently, I am only 60% ready to be a parent. I guessed Blogthings is right. But I am trying my level best to be the best mom to my sweet princess.

You Are 60% Ready to Be a Parent

You are mostly ready to be a parent, though you could be better prepared. If you had a kid tomorrow, things might be difficult at first - but you could pull through. You don't have to be an ideal parent, but if your life was in better order, it would help. Make yourself a plan of how you'll raise and pay for a kid. You'll feel better if you have all your ducks in a row. If you're already a parent, you're probably doing a good job. Even if things aren't perfect, you're making the best of it.

Are You Ready to Be a Parent?

Blogthings: We'll Tell You The Truth... Someone Has To!

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