Braxon Hicks Contraction

I think I just realised that I got my braxon hicks (again). I felt some tightening of my stomach for a few seconds (hmm, maybe 12 seconds) and then back to normal again. It's not painful but can feel the pressure. I suppose it's a sign that the body is getting ready. If it's not increasing in intensity and seems to be appearing randomly, it's nothing to worry about.

I didn't know that this is braxon hicks. I thought it's just widening/ stretching of the uterus or that baby is doing her stretching inside. Coz I get that stretchy feeling in my earlier trimester too, just that this time round, is stronger and longer duration.

Braxton Hicks contractions don't grow consistently longer, stronger, and closer together. If they are not lasting for 60 seconds and about 5 minutes apart, it's considered as false labour.

I've learnt about false labour in antenatal class just that they didn't name it "Braxton Hicks" in the notes.

I can also feel clearly that baby is using toes and/or fingers to feel her surroundings inside my tummy. It's really cute. I can't seem to describe the feeling in writing. Some mummies say they are practicing finer motor skills already. I guess baby also has lesser space to move around now that she has grown bigger.

My iphone3 doesn't have the video function and unable to capture these moments. (and ipad forever occupied by Hubby) I'll set aside a time to see if I can record it next week.

Crying Baby: Swaddling and Baby White Noise

I did some research and reading on the topic and thought i'll jot down here, in case I forget next time.

What to do when baby cries:

1. check if baby is hungry

2. check if diaper is soiled and needs to be changed

3. burp the baby

4. check ventilation of room and baby's clothing; if too hot or cold

5. check if baby is bored/needs attention (try talking, playing, singing)

6. swaddle baby and plays the white noise CD / mozart music

7. carry and cuddle baby

8. check if baby needs a bath, followed by massage

9. check if baby is not feeling well (fever/cold)

10. at the last resort, give pacifier

Thanks to a friend in SMH facebook who shared about this link - http://www.happiestbaby.com

I learnt something new about swaddling - that it keeps baby stay calmer and sleep longer when wrapped with the arms down at the sides. It's recommended to swaddle baby during the sleep period only (nighttime or nap time). Snug swaddling also reduces a baby’s mobility and may help keep babies from wiggling into a dangerous situation. It's okay to swaddle baby until they are 5-6 months old.

I also learnt about baby's first white noise. These are sounds that helps to calm crying or fussy babies, ease colic or sooth baby to sleep through the night.

More about baby white noise - http://www.babywhitenoise.com/babywhitenoise_faq.html

I was quite enthusiastic. I called up Borders Wheelock Place and check if they carry The Happiest Baby book/dvd/cd. If they have, I'm going to buy tonight after work. Unfortunately, this book is out of stock and they are not sure whether they'll be ordering and if so, when it will be in stock.

So within minutes, I login to my Vpost and placed an order with Amazon.com! I'll also buy the swaddle blanket later at Spring Maternity. (organic Swaddleme $58, normal ones $30+)

30 weeks

I'm into my 30th week. Can feel baby strong punches and kicks now.

I requested for DHA pills from Doc Poon because baby's brain is developing this week. According to Baby Center.com, Baby's head is getting bigger to accommodate the growing brain – which is busy developing billions of neurons. Every day, about 200 milligrams of calcium is deposited in your baby's skeleton, which is now hardening. With this rapid growth, it's no surprise that your baby's nutritional needs reach their peak during this trimester.

That's why I have to be diligent in eating my calcium and DHA (NeuroGain PB Vegicaps $42) pills from now.

Doc Poon said that baby's head is downwards now but may shift later on. Weight is 1.3 kg and limbs are growing well. Right now, I can't seem to understand the ultrascan image and have to ask which part of baby is he scanning. He mentioned that baby's head is slightly big. Then Hubby said big head is good, means cleverer.

Doctor also said that I have to do a vaginal swab test 2 weeks later. He didn't make it optional for me but asked me to go for it. This test is outside of the package, which means I have to fork out extra cash. I am not sure how much (for now). I will do it on a Saturday since am not taking anymore annual leave.

Because of this test, my scheduled appointment has to be pushed back further and it means in July, I only get to see my baby once. I was rather upset but Hubby says it's okay as long as baby is doing fine. I still feel abit bo-hua. This is the second time they pushed back the appointments, which will delay the days I get to see my baby scans, which also means I get to see my baby lesser. I am quite angry with myself for not checking thoroughly what the package consists of and just signed with them.

The $700 package doesn't include ad-hoc appointments made with the doctor. There are a few occasions that I had spotting and I had to pay full fee when I see doctor (as if I didn't sign any package). It also excludes detailed scan pricing, all the supplements and additional tests eg OSCARS (I didn't go for OSCARS or Triple Test with Doc Poon, I did Triple Test with Doc Chen).

Which means to say the package only includes about 7 or 8 visits at the clinic (consultation fee) - calculated to be $88 each time just for consultation fees and probably short waiting time (less than 1 hour wait).

Anyway, I have nothing against Doc Poon. He is gentle and caring. It's just that I find other gynae's package more attractive and they are flexible in giving HL and generous in giving MCs for mommies to rest at home.

Faye Wong's music

I have been listening to Faye Wong's songs the whole of yesterday night and this morning. I think baby is feeling sian? Hehe. Can't help it. Faye's coming to Singapore in October 2011. And I've bought the ticket through the fan club in May. I bought the 3rd most expensive ticket ($380). The VIP seats costs about $580 (really crazy right?). And also Kenneth came back from Hong Kong recently, he got me a Faye's Concert DVD, which was never sold in Singapore and almost sold out in HK. I've also been to Blue Max, Sembawang Music, HMV, Popular etc but I couldn't even find any of Faye's CD. So lately I have been listening (non-stop) to my collection of Faye's songs.

And then after listening to her songs, I want to go KTV very badly. LOL.

This is a preview of 王菲巡迴演唱會2011. 

Organic red raspberry tea

My organic red raspberry tea leaves are here. I ordered from Babydust.

I'm quite surprised that the packaging of the tea leaves is like that. I mean, who knows what's really inside hor? But I do trust Babydustshop la, as I've previously ordered from them before. And the seller is quite sincere and prompt in replying emails, so it's fine.

I ordered the 100g pack and she even packed in a sealable transparent bag for me. Very thoughtful of her. Though it's sealed, the fragrance of the tea leaves still permeates through the envelope. Really nice aroma.

It's mentioned in the website to only consume during the later stages of pregnancy. I intend to drink it when I reach 31st week and only in the morning coz I don't know whether it's decaf. Don't wish to get sleepless nights :p

More reads on raspberry tea here.

Dreamt about my grandpa

Last night I dreamt about my late grandpa. We were back at our 23A terrace house. Grandpa was lying on the ground in his room. I walked in and called out to him but he didn't respond. I don't know why I went to take a photo of him lying on the floor and then called my sister in. Together, we both held him up and manage to let him sit on a chair. His eyes were opened and looking at one direction. My sister and I were not scared but rather, we were worried, wondering what's wrong with him. Then grandpa turned to me and said in Mandarin “现在有孩子了, 你要照顾好自己”. He said it very clearly to me and I woke up from my dream immediately.

Dear 啊公
谢谢你的关心，我会的。
等宝宝大一点，我会带她来给你看。你也要照顾好自己哦。

Suddenly I realized that I don’t even have a photo of my grandpa. We didn’t even take any pictures with him during Chinese New Year all these years (though we did take with my grandma). I really regretted this. Rest in peace grandpa. I still think of you occasionally and often have dreams that we were living together in the 23A house.

Moving stuff to Kerrisdale

Thanks to Looying who passed me some maternity clothes, breastfeeding and childbirth reading materials, baby high chair, play gym, baby rocker amongst other small items. We drove to her place one weekend :) Her hubby and her are so warm and they shared with us their experiences.

Hubby has bought the Toyogo drawers and also fixed up the Quinny Buzz stroller. We are slowly (in batches) shifting things to Kerrisdale. I have also asked the maid to wash all the baby stuff and sorted them nicely. Everything seems to be in place. I just need to pack the hospital bag in July.

Hubby also helped me cut my toenails yesterday coz I couldn't reach my toes already and it's abit straining for me to bend over. My backache is terrible still and I think it will only get worse until I deliver. Thank goodness Hubby never fails to give me gentle massage to soothe the aches. I also did some stretching to ease the muscle tension.

Bottomless pit stomach, terrible backache and leg cramps

As I'm into my third trimester, I notice I am easily hungry (even more so compared to my second trimester). I can eat a plate of Cai Fan from Mirana (chicken, egg and green vegetables) and 30 mins later, I feel hungry again. It's not like mouth itchy and want to munch some biscuits. I can really have a bun.

Yesterday after a packet of Xing Hwa bee hoon for dinner, I was hungry 45 mins later. I have to control abit otherwise I will really become a big elephant.

I noticed that my backache worsens too. I experience such a dull pain every night when I turn to the other side or whenever I wake up to go to the toilet. It's also harder to fall asleep whenever I wake up. Usually, I wake up at 4 am and only managed to sleep at 5.30 am (but that's when my FIL's alarm clock rings!) only to wake up again at 7.30 am if Hubby's alarm doesn't ring at 7 am for his jogging session. Really shag mann.

Nowadays, I also find it difficult to go shopping for too long. Just a mere 30 minutes walking, the back pain will start to creep in, resulting in my frequent stretching at escalators. When Hubby helps me massage my back, it soothes a little but the ache will come back again T_T

Last night I experienced my first leg cramps. Two cramps in a night. Very pain! But I have to ouch softly because I didn't want to wake Hubby up from his sweet dreams. He has been very nice, enduring the cold temperature at night. He wraps himself every night like a cocoon while I don't even need the blanket at all (and still thinks it's abit warm).

This morning Hubby told me that he'd be giving me $500 for my (and I suppose baby's) monthly expenses when I'm at SAHM next year. It's very nice of him to offer, but let's see how things go. There are alot of unknowns eg, we don't even know whether we will be getting a car or balloting for a new flat yet.

Things to buy for mama

1. maternity bras - done
2. nursing pads - done
3. nursing wear - done
4. open front button pyjamas - done
5. nipple cream - done
6. disposable panties - done
7. long sanitary pads - done
8. radiation blanket from Kiddy Palace - done
9. dry confinement hair powder (for 5 days) - done
10. Warming Shampoo for Confinement $19.90 (by Kalis Chay)
11. Healing Herbal Pericare Wash $23.30
12. Lemongrass Confinement Shower Gel $35 (by Ai-lin Lee)
13. Pure Ginger Cream $13
14. Hand sanitizing gel (coz cannot wash hand) -  done
15. Facial wet wipes (coz cannot wash face) - done
16. stretchmark oil/cream - done
    
    These are the links that I bought from :
    http://www.motherhoodwecare.com/pregnancyconfinement.html
    http://www.littledreamers.com.sg/catalog.html

In fact, I have too many bottles of oil (this are excluding the creams!)

Things to buy for baby

1. Steriliser - done
2. Warmer -done: pass down from Joanna
3. Baby Bottles - done: I 've got 3 and medela cup feeder too.
4. Bottle teats - done
5. Breast Pads - I've got both disposable and washable
   
6. Breast Milk Storage - I've got disposable cups instead
7. Standby milk powder for 0-6 months infant- done
8. Cloth Diapers - done
9. Normal Diapers- done: Huggies newborn and Huggies S size
10. Liners for Diapers- done
11. Waterproof mat - done
12. Alcohol swaps - done
13. Sterilising tablets - done
14. Gripe water
15. Ru Yi Oil - done
16. Baby bathtub - done and also free one from hospital
17. Baby Towel - done
18. Baby Wipes - done
19. Small Face towel - done
20. Square Cotton Pads - done
    
21. Receiving blanket - done
22. Baby Powder - done
23. Baby powder holder - done
24. Baby Oil - done
25. Baby Lotion - done
26. Diaper Cream - done
27. Baby Detergent - done
28. Baby Softener - done
29. Pacifier (optional) - done
30. Baby Bathgel - done
31. Baby Towels - done
32. Nursing Cover - done: gift from Shufen
33. Baby Sling (cloth) - done
34. Baby Carrier - done
35. Baby Stroller - done
36. Baby Cot - done: passdown from Joanna
37. Baby Cot Quilt Set - done
38. Taggies - done
39. Breastfeeding pillow - done
40. Breastpump - done
41. New Breastpump parts - done
42. Baby clothes - done
43. Baby mittons - done
44. Infant Car Seat - done $199 from Maxi Cosi Dori
45. Baby rocker - done: passdown from Looying
46. Toyogo drawer - done (5 tier drawer with wheels $49.95)
47. Swaddleme blanket - done
48. Braun ThermoScan 5 - done from spree 
49. Osh Kosh and Carter's baby clothes - done

4th and 5th antenatal class

Hubby is always tired/sleepy during antenatal class. Last week we were 20 minutes early so we sat outside the class while he took a short nap to recharge.

After the class, there was a tour around Mount Alvernia hospital. We went to the delivery suite, the 2 bedder room, the single deluxe and and super deluxe. We also saw newborn babies in the nursery.

..

5th antenatal class is solely on breastfeeding. I learnt alot from Joelynn's class. She is very interesting and I can't help laughing at some of the things she say but Hubby has on two occasions fall asleep in her class -_-

Anyway, Joelynn told us that it's not recommended to pass down breast pumps to other moms or buy second-hand breast pumps, because 99% of all the (different brands) breast pumps are open system, meaning, the milk flows two directions (into the system and out). And there is a risk of contamination even though we sterilise diligently all the parts all the time before every feed. Only the ones in the hospital that are rented out to mommies are close systems breast pumps, meaning the milk pumps outwards in one direction and not back to the system.

If you have already bought a second hand pump, it's okay to purchase the parts, change them and sterilise before using.

We also had a hands-on session with a dummy baby. How to do cradle hold, football hold and lying position. Thankfully, I bought my Brest friend breastfeeding pillow as I have rather clumsy hands and it'd be my first time handling a newborn baby, so I don't need to be too bothered about what kind of hold. Just place baby on pillow and bring baby near to my breast to suckle. Easy. LOL

27 weeks and 4D Scan

Yesterday was my scheduled appointment at Doc Poon's clinic.

Through the ultrasound scan, I noticed that baby has shifted her position. Her head is now on my left tummy and legs on my right. She is also 'higher' up and centralised in position near to my belly button. Doc Poon said that my baby has long legs and it's safe to assume that baby is a girl. He told me he's 80% sure it's a princess now. Baby weighs close to 1 kg. I've put on a total of 10 kg to date.

Btw I also wanted to add that I have been and still getting hiccups everyday from conception until now. I get these unexplained hiccups a few times throughout the day. In my 27th week, my baby will be having hiccups too. So both of us are having hiccups together. Hehe.

4D scan at Radlink

Hubby took half day off for his annual body checkup and also to accompany me for the 4D scan. He is enjoying his beef steak at Takashimaya without me. How evil!

I bribed baby with Mr Bean's Bandung Pearly drink about an hour before the scan. Hope that she'll kick and punch to the sweetness of the drink and don't cover her face later.

Baby didn't cover her face indeed. But we can only see her side view and not the front view. We can see her eyes, nose, mouth, cheeks and chin. She opened her eyes and was playing with her toes. Hubby said that she has a sharp nose like me. Baby was playing near the placenta and at times she was burying her face there.

We took a 10 minutes break, walked around the clinic, Hubby talked to baby and ask her to turn and I did some bending. But still, Baby wouldn't face the front.

Though we didn't successfully take any videos and photos from Radlink, Hubby discreetly shot a short video of the scan. The radiologist also confirmed baby's gender. It's a girl definitely.

We are told to reschedule another date but I think I don't want to waste another annual leave for the 4D scan. I am already contented with what I saw. Healthy and active baby :)  We didn't pay for anything so that was like a free view of my baby.

We went back home and watched the video and extracted some photos from it.

Those who like to find out more about Radlink can click on the link here.