Nursing a fever

I have several queries on how I manage the children’s fever without seeing the doctor. In fact, my daughter has only seen the doc once in her 2.5 years even though she is attending childcare (both are). In the last 2 months, both my kids had fever ranging from 38 to 39.8 degrees.  Thankfully under my care, they don’t need to see a doctor. Of course, I am not saying that we will never need to see one. If your motherly instinct tells you that it is more than a normal fever, then by all means, seek medical help. But for me, I don’t jump and run to the doctor at the very instance. This is just my personal sharing on how I manage a fever.

Before I begin, there are some things for your information. I get the helper to brew chrysanthemum tea or barley water or luohan guo tea on a daily basis. And they take ChildlifeDHA and Vitamin C daily as well. Currently, they are also taking a jelly enzyme that I bought from Isetan Singapore. They are eating one strip every alternate day as it is quite costly. 12 boxes for $150. I think there are only 6 or 8 strips in one box. Previously, they had been eating LactoGG (a probiotic brand, available at Unity Pharmacy) but I have stopped it too because it’s too expensive to maintain. I only offer one pill a day if they are sick. My kids chew on the pill and have no issues swallowing.

Btw if you are a first time ordering in iherb, you can use my code SIH921 for discount upon checkout.

 

 

Things that you need on a fever night.

·         Cooling mat for child to lie down on

·         Small towel

·         Some 2 to 3 tablespoon of sea salt

·         Essential oil (peppermint, lavender, lemon)

·         A small pail of tap water

·         Lots of love and patience

·         Belladonna (homeopathy medicine)

·         Diffuse peppermint oil in aircon room

·         Air con temperature 25 – 26 degrees

·         Sleeveless attire

·         No pants, just panties

·         No blanket

You can get the cooling gel mat from Guardians or Unity Pharmacy. I bought mine from Q10. This is not the small fever patch on the forehead. It is for the whole body. See picture.

 

Btw, any brand of essential oil is fine, in my opinion. I don’t necc always and only stick to Young Living or Doterra. I am not a distributor of either.  I think those sold on iherb works okay too.

I have been using homeopathy medicine for many years on my kids. I read up on it, done research and attended workshops on homeopathy by pharmacist. Of course, every child is different and what works for me might not work for you. I am not a doctor, so please use this at your own risk. I did my fair share of homework and studies and as a mom, I decided to offer alternative medicine to them. But that’s just me. I am not saying anyone has to follow. You can get Belladonna from seeing a Homeo doctor. I got mine fr iherb.

Steps:

1. Get child to lie down on cooling gel mat.
2. Drop 2 to 3 drops of lavender oil on the pile of sea salt.
3. Add tap water (add 1 ice cube if you prefer).
4. Mix well and dip your small towel inside.
5. Wring the towel and place it on the child’s forehead, neck, armpit area and groin area. I place it on a 15-20 mins interval and change the locations mentioned.
6. Apply 2 drops of lemon oil on your palm then rub them and smear on your kid’s soles (feet). Massage for 1 minute and then apply 2 drops of lavender oil using the same method. Sometimes, I proceed with a drop of Thieves essential oil. If there is no Thieves, I use Oregano. Do this every hourly for 3 times. I usually start at 9 pm and end off at midnight (so that I can catch some rest).
7. Administer 2-3 pellets of Belladonna (see prescription on bottle) at 9 pm and then another dose at 12 midnight.
8. Fever usually peaks in the middle of the night, between 2 to 4 am. So sleep closely to the child and be aware of any movements or no movements. Is she is shivering? Is she too still? Conscious or unconscious? I check on my child, I touch her forehead and I see if she is just sleeping soundly?
9. I usually offer her water (in water bottle with straw) at night if her fever is too high. If she doesn’t want to sit up and drink, I use a syringe and let it glide into the sides of her mouth. And if I am up at 4 am, I repeat the essential oil application sequence, lemon, lavender, thieves.
10. The diffuser works very hard too. Non-stop diffusing until day light. I use peppermint, but sometimes I use Raven if she is coughing too. Otherwise, I put Myrrh if her cough is phlegmy.

That would be about 1-2 hours of sleep for me and usually within a day or two, I see improvements. For any fever that persists over 3 nights, then I will see a doctor. There is exception too.

There is once Gracel had a fever from school. Teacher said that she is bitten by an insect. That very evening, I took her to the hospital even though her fever is only 38 degrees. Thankfully I did because it was an infection of the blood and any delay would have cost her her life.

That’s why I say, trust your maternal instinct. It is God-given and very important.

May all the children be free from fever and illness.

 

骨莫裂，筋道发炎

"骨莫裂，筋道发炎 ，三只手指无力"

Saw acupuncturist, tui na shi fu and worn wrist guard. Doesn't help and the pain got more and more intense. It got worse few days ago after baby gave me her flying kick when I change her diaper.


Seen a chinese bone specialist shi fu. I was warned not to move my wrist for at least 3 days for the bone tissue to recover. Today, my mom helped me and the next 2 days hubby will help me. I cannot even carry baby for a second. This is how serious it is.

And of course Papa will have to wake up for night feeds (Friday, Saturday and Sunday - and Monday is a public holiday; full day for him to rest). He just commented that he "will die". One full day to recuperate he still will die -_-||   If so, I would have been dead 3 months ago.

This shifu even knows that I keep looking down. He asked me not to look down so much cos my neck is starting to give me problems too. Of course la, feed baby milk every 3 hours - look down. Latch baby - look down. Pump milk - look down at hp. Change diaper - look down.

It's challenging showering on my own cos I cannot wash the right side of my body and can't reach my back. Oh, and I managed to hold my pump bottle with the injured hand. I still manage to pump. In fact I think I can pump on time since now hubby is helping to take care of baby. LOL.

My left hand

I know I need to seek urgent treatment when:

1. I am being woken by several times by the sharp pain from my left hand.
2. I cannot hold a cotton bud to clean my ear with my left hand.
3. I cannot shampoo my hair with my left hand.
4. I grit my teeth and endure the pain each time I put on/take off my bra.
5. I can't hold my pump bottle with my left hand after 5 mins.
6. My right hand is showing symptoms of what my left hand experienced months ago.

And it doesn't help when:
a) I am the sole caregiver for baby. My condition has worsened after her various kicks and punches.
b) I need to handwash baby's laundry all by myself.
c) I need to do simple housework at home.
d) I need to wash seemingly endless bottles and teats after pumping and feeding.
e) FIL can't take baby's crying.
f) The maid calls it a day and shuts herself in her room at 8.15 pm everyday

The pain is so intense that each time I froze for a good 4-5 minutes when it strikes.

Last night at 8.30 pm, when I was busy washing baby's clothes, I left her in the playpen. She cries for me. So I put her on the rocker and continue with the laundry. She still cries for me to carry. I went to carry baby and I broke down with her.

I didn't ask the maid to take care of baby. She has never changed a single diaper or showered baby at all. At the most is help me carry when I need to take a bath or go to the toilet. But she still decides to leave, so previously what she claims ("If I need to take care of mil and baby, I don't want.") doesn't stand.

I broke down feeling that my life is so much tougher than the maid. She sleeps and rests longer hours than me and still complains that she is tired and has too much to do. *appalled*

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.

GNC Prenatal Formula

I 'm running out of Blackmores Conceive Well. I had intended to buy a second box but my company recently gave me Taka vouchers as a wedding gift. So, I spent it at the GNC in Taka shopping center. I bought the prenatal formula for myself and mega men supplement for Hubby.


There's quite a difference between GNC and Blackmores pills as I go through the ingredients. Hope it's a better change :)



GNC Prenatal Formula

Ingredients and Amount Per Serving               
Vitamin A (100% as beta-Carotene)        4500.00 IU    
Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid)                 120.00 mg            
Vitamin D (as Cholecalciferol)                400.00 IU            
Vitamin E (as natural d-alpha Tocopheryl Succinate)        30.00 IU          
Thiamin (Vitamin B-1)(as Thiamin Hydrochloride)        1.40 mg          
Riboflavin (Vitamin B-2)                          1.60 mg            
Niacin (as Niacinamide)                           18.00 mg           
Vitamin B-6 (as Pyridoxine Hydrochloride)        10.00 mg            
Folic Acid                                                  1000.00 mcg          
Vitamin B12 (as Cyanocobalamin)         8.00 mcg            
Biotin                                                         35.00 mcg      
Pantothenic Acid (as Calcium d-Pantothenate)        7.00 mg          
Calcium (as Calcium Carbonate)           600.00 mg      
Iron (as Ferrous Fumarate)                    18.00 mg          
Iodine (as Potassium Iodide)                290.00 mcg          
Magnesium (as Magnesium Oxide)     200.00 mg          
Zinc (as Zinc Oxide)                               15.00 mg          
Selenium (as Selenium Yeast)              70.00 mcg          
Copper (as Copper Gluconate)            1.30 mg            
Manganese (as Manganese Sulfate)   2.60 mg            
Chromium (as Chromium Yeast)          45.00 mcg            
Molybdenum (as Sodium Molybdate)   50.00 mg            
Boron (as Boron Citrate)                   150.00 mcg           
Choline (as Choline Bitartrate)        550.00 mcg      




Blackmores Conceive Well Gold

Active ingredients per tablet
Iodine (as potassium iodide 197 µg)      150 µg
Folic acid                                                    500 µg
Cupric sulphate anhydrous (Copper 1.3 mg)     3.3 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)                           1.5 mg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine nitrate)                 1.5 mg
Manganese sulphate monohydrate (Manganese 5 mg)      15.4 mg
Zinc sulphate monohydrate (Zinc 15mg)         41.6 mg
Nicotinamide                                                        20 mg
Ferrous fumarate (Iron 24 mg)                           75.4 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine hydrochloride)           50 mg
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)                        50 µg
Magnesium oxide – heavy (Magnesium 200 mg)      350 mg
Ascorbic acid                                                     200 mg
Calcium ascorbate dihydrate (Total vitamin C 500 mg)     363 mg
Selenomethionine (Selenium 65 mcg)             161.5 mcg
Biotin                                                                   100 µg
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid from calcium pantothenate 5 mg)     4.6 mg

Active ingredients per capsule
Fish oil – natural (tuna oil)
containing omega-3 marine triglycerides approx 160 mg as:
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)                                                      125 mg
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) 30 mg                                            500mg
Natural vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopheryl acetate 147 mg)            200 IU
Ubidecarenone (Coenzyme Q10)                                                60 mg
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol 10 mcg)                                           400 IU  
Betacarotene (from Dunaliella salina extract equiv. to fresh cell 37.5 mg)     1.5 mg

Vitamins

I have been eating CENTRUM (vitamin for general health) for the past few months and also let  Dear eat Pcynogenol (anti-oxidant) from Nature Farm too. Vitamins really do not come cheap but I think it's good to build on good health so that our children will benefit and inherit the good genes.

about SG$50+

Another important reason why I chose CENTRUM is because it has a high folic acid content of 400mcg. Quoting from babycenter.com, ...the recommended daily intake of folic acid  for all women of childbearing age is at least 400 micrograms (mcg), or 0.4 milligrams (mg). Taking folic acid for at least one month before conception reduces the risk of neural-tube defects, such as spina bifida, by up to 70 percent.

Wynn Wright SG$140+ fr Nature Farm

I am eating this honey for complexion. This is one of their best sellers. Only Nature Farm carries (not GNC). Platinum Silk is a unique, one-of-its-kind formula that combines the goodness of Royal Jelly, Avocado seed extracts, Silk amino acids and Pearl powder in a base of pure, fresh and organic wild honey from the pollution-free Australian outbacks. More about Wynn Wright at this link here.

SG$46 from Watsons

I have bought Blackmores Conceive Well from Watsons after hearing raves about it in the forum discussion. The expiry date is Dec 2011. So I decided to buy and keep. I heard that this is often out of stock.

I will be visiting Chen Mei Er sinseh tomorrow to regulate my menses and to strengthen my womb. Will be kiasu and gonna tell her that I am preparing to get pregnant.Why am I so kiasu? Well, I've heard from forums that if you tell her that you are not married yet, she will take her time / choose to lengthen the treatment time. And if you tell her that you are married and have been trying for a baby for quite some time, she will refer you to do a scan at (i think she get referral fees) Gleneagles Hospital.

I have also stopped all cold drinks since two months ago esp during that time of the month. Even if I yearn to have something cooling, I will take little sips and I never ever drink more than 3 sips.

烏雞白鳳丸

When I came back from Shen Zhen, I bought 5 boxes of 烏雞白鳳丸 to regulate my menses. My menses is still about 45 days. Each box costs $6 whereas in Singapore it is $25.

Wuji Baifeng Wan (simplified Chinese: 乌鸡白凤丸; traditional Chinese: 烏雞白鳳丸) is a blackish-brown pill used in Traditional Chinese medicine to "replenish qi and blood , regulate menstruation and arrest excessive leukorrhea.

For more information on Bai Feng Wan click here - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wuji_Baifeng_Wan

Concentrated 官燕

When dissolved in water, birds' nests have a gelatinous texture. My mom claims that this texture is good for skin and contains collagen.

I want to have radiant and good skin before my wedding so I bought concentrated 官燕 from Fu Hua Chinese Hall. One box of 6 bottles costs $150 (before 10% discount). We wanted to check out the Roselle flower to make tea but she ended up spending $1550 there.

Anyway, the concentrated 官燕 has 3 boxes for $386 promotion. I thought if it's good then I will re-purchase from them later. Each consumption is a spoonful every day. This saves me time and effort from brewing the bird nests. If I can, I will eat bird nest everyday when I am pregnant.



Bird's Nest from a Clinical Experimental Point of View
According to a recent medical research reported by Hong Kong Chinese University, the cell division enzymeand hormone of bird's nest can promote reproduction and rebirth of human cells. The Glycoprotein content directly stimulates cell growth in human’s immune system.  As a result, body metabolism is enhanced and functional effects are greatly improved.

Bird's Nest from Traditional and Modern Chinese Medication's Point of View.
(Chinese Medication Dictionary)  Bird's Nest is used as restorative and remedial food since the Ching dynasty as recorded in (Major Herbs Guidebook) and (Major Herbs Digest). Previous clinical researches have concluded that bird's nest has a (sweet and calm) character. Bird's nest contributed medical benefits to lung, stomach and kidney neural system.

Bird's Nest from a Nutrition Point of View
The main nutrition contents of bird's nest are carbohydrate (30%) and protein (5%) although its protein content can be compare to that of milk or eggs. Bird’s nest also contains plenty of calcium and phosphorus, as well as some iron and iodine.


More information here - http://www.naturalnest.com/content/view/15/6/lang,en/

Treatment at JR Natural

The way to JR Natural is the lift beside Burger King Clarke Quay MRT. I didn't intercom to let them know that I am here and the lift wouldn't go up to the 7th floor. So I called them and one staff kindly came down to fetch me.

The place is neat, simple and clean. Their treatment rooms are separated into male and female areas. There are no doors but curtains to separate the beds.

I was asked to change into a set of pyjamas (need not remove my undergarments) and lay on the bed. The therapist came and started applying a herb serum on my tummy. She started to massage with her gloves on for 5-6 minutes.

As she massaged, she explained to me about the treatment and shared some knowledge about traditional chinese medicine, chinese therapies etc. She is from China and she has been in this line for 10 years. She seemed to have alot of knowledge in this area. Endless chatting about the topic.

After the massage, she did the point treatment for me. I'm not exactly sure how to describe. These points carry air waves and when in contact with the skin, it creates a vibration. She placed some on my tummy and arms for a few minutes. And then my feet and my back area.

When I did the back area, I was faced down. I felt more and more tired every minute. I actually dozed off when I was doing the back area, despite her chatting all the way before that. I rarely doze off during spa and body massage. I don't know why this is one of the rare occasions that I really fell soundly asleep.

After the treatment, I was given a bowl of white lotus dessert and honey tea drink.

She recommended a package of 10 sessions for $1400 with 2 boxes of Lotus pads. If I signed that day, I will get 10% discount. It's really expensive. I told her that I have to think about it.

She didn't really push further. I was tempted for a moment but I couldn't because I still have not pay off my credit card instalments.

NaturalPad - Snow Lotus (2)

30 Aug -  is my first day of using naturalpad. When I first opened the pad, it contained a herbal smell. I've been wearing it for 4 hours already. It feels a little cooling down there. As I'm sitting on my chair and typing now, I can smell a little herb smell (like I am placing a liang teh beside me).

1 Sept - second pad used. Starting to like the herbal smell. Kinda like the 膏药布 smell too. Same cool effect down under.

5 Sept - third pad used. I had it on after my shower at 10 pm until the next morning. Didn't feel any sensation. I kinda prefer to wear it to work in the mornings.

8 Sept - fourth pad used. Somehow the cooling sensation subsided but the herbal smell is still there. I consulted the sinseh yesterday evening. She asked me to be cautious about fungus. 10 years ago, there is such a product in the market and users had fungus around their vagina. These products were not approved by the health authorities. The sinseh's advice is that I do not buy these pads. The next day, I did a check and found that it's said to be patented in the US since its launch. (google search)

15 Sept - fifth pad used. I used it after bathing in the evening and had it on throughout the night.

16 Sept - sixth pad used. I used it in the morning before I go to work. I'm using both consecutively  days to boost results and see if there's any difference. There is really more discharge today. I remembered the therapist told me that the more discharge, the more detox my body will be. I suppose this is good then. 

NaturalPad - Snow Lotus (1)

Just now, during lunch time, I saw this roadshow at Raffles Place Exchange.

Naturalpad Snow Lotus is a product for gynaecological detoxification. It resists bacteria and detoxifies. This product helps to maintain good female reproduction health. If you use it frequently, it can prevent women's problem, regulate internal secretion, improve facial complexion and delay the onset of ageing.

I got their brochure and was totally mesmerised by this. But I had to re-consider because the price is not cheap. Their shop is at 6 Eu Tong Sen Street #07-17 Clarke Quay MRT. They also have a website. I'm really keen to check it out.

Ermm... well.... I gave in to temptation. I bought it.

One box of 10 pads costs $100. One pad will last for 8-12 hours and the recommended usage is two pads a day. Oh gosh, of course I am not going to follow their recommendation. I'm going to use every alternate day. There is a promotion going on, so I am entitled to one therapy treatment at their shop with a purchase of $100.

The lady who served me really cared about me. She said that I look frail and weak. I should "tiao" my body well first before I decide to get pregnant. She also touched my arm and hand and told me that my body temperature is very cold (not warm enough).

My mom also said that I look good on the exterior but the interior all faulty. I must really take care of my health and body.

Cervical Cancer Vaccination

I have blogged about POCC on my other blog few weeks ago.

A very kind cotter mailed me a voucher from Healthway. It's $299 for 3 jabs. First jab to be done in month 1, second jab in month 2 and last jab in month 4. I saved a total of $150. Thanks irene :)

I did my first jab on 11 July 2010 at Toa Payoh's branch. Second jab on 9 August 2010 and last jab will be in January 2011.