Showing posts with label Pregnancy. Show all posts

How to regain your pre-pregnancy weight

3 out of 4 mothers gained weight after a year of giving birth.

There are several factors contributing to weight gain but the main thing is a lifestyle change. During pregnancy, we are used to having several snacks as we get hungry often. We can't work out much so we are used to these few months of sedentary lifestyle and higher consumption. Not just that, with a baby coming along and having to breastfeed, it's not easy to find time to keep fit. Coupled with stress and lack of sleep, no wonder mothers are gaining weight after pregnancy!

Well, we do really need to change that if you care about your figure and looks.

It's not just for superficial reasons. You also feel good and confident if you are in control of your weight. You can even go back to wearing your pre-pregnancy clothes and that is definitely a morale booster. Your partner will be very happy too.
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Do you really need baby or maternity insurance?

From my parenting talk with DBS NAV, this was the question that was asked several times and I don't think I had enough time for an elaborate answer. I thought it through and feel it would benefit more people if I explain why I did not buy maternity insurance here.

I am going to use PRUfirst gift as an example so that I can explain in details, not that I recommend Prudential over other insurance companies but because I have a close Prudential friend to clarify all the information.
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Women cannot afford to be lazy

Some say each pregnancy made a woman aged by 10 years and that's very true. The lack of  rest, high stress and pain endured followed by our physical body changes means we need to put in more effort to look normal. Especially if you look at mothers during confinement, you would have guessed I am my husband's mother, particularly infuriating when he has such a baby face.

That is why we women cannot afford to be lazy.
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Private vs Government hospitals for delivery

Most people are confused over going to private or government gynaecologists and hospitals for delivery and I hope this post will clear all your confusion. It is just nice that my friend happens to go through the subsidized route so I can take a look at her bill.

The shocking thing is the difference in price.
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My 2 bedder experience at Mount Alvernia Hospital

This time round, I decided to stay at 2 bedders in Mount Alvernia because my husband will not be staying with me overnight. That was the main reason why I took up a 1 bedder ward. Now. he has to take care of my toddler daughter so I am all alone in the hospital. To have someone's company seems acceptable to me and I can save some money in the meantime.
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My second labour pains and delivery story

As your pregnancy approaches week 37 and above, your tummy is getting exponentially bigger and heavier. Getting out of bed is tougher still, and the pressure pressing on the pelvic serves to remind you on the big baby bump.

It's the waiting game.

I kept telling myself the longer it is, the better it is for my baby, as her body will be more developed. I need to remind myself that this physical torture is only temporary. 9 months out of my whole life is nothing, let alone another few more weeks. However, the sleepless nights and constant strain on my back and body is quite a torture.

My first labour was induced as my gynaecologist was going overseas but not my second time round. This time I waited it out, when baby is ready she will come out.
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Losing Weight with PostNatal Massage (PNSG) Singapore

Post natal massage is a therapeutic time for me and I was really looking forward to it. For my second pregnancy, I tried out PNSG (Postnatal Massage Singapore) to see if the massage through an agency is really better than those freelance ones.
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All you need to know about confinement nannies - With PEM Confinement Nanny Agency

Cannot talk and laugh ah!

PEM confinement review
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Beware of formula milk companies

I used to buy Nestle Nan Optipro formula milk before I realised how expensive it is when I did my comparison of formula milk prices. Due to freebies and discounts, I signed up with Nestle Baby Club and also Similac Baby Club.
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The ultimate comparison of coconut drinks in Singapore

I love doing comparisons although it takes so much work and time. That is because it helps me make a clear cut decision and I can always come back to update and refer to it. I know these reviews such as comparison of Integrated Shield Plans, diapers and formula milk prices have also benefited many others, which is why I will try to update the figures from time to time.

Anyway coconut water is considered a new food trend in Singapore. Many of you would have noticed the multitude of brands of coconut drinks which suddenly crowded a whole section of supermarket. The increased coverage of coconut drinks vs sports drink has made many started drinking this low calories juice, including me.
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My second pregnancy: 5 things I did differently

During my first pregnancy, everything was done religiously and obediently. I followed doctor's instructions carefully and read up on baby stuff every week. I was also more cautious and anxious about what I should do and prepare.

For the second time round, everyone is more relaxed, including my family. They did not keep asking me about my well-being or keep buying tonics for me to consume. My mum did not ask me at regular intervals whether I was wearing proper shoes as she was scared of me falling down. I guess this is normal for subsequent pregnancies as you are not a first-time newbie handling pregnancy anymore, everyone knows you can definitely handle it now.
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Incontinence after pregnancy - Kegel exercises required

Pregnancy is a tedious process but what's even more difficult is the recovery process after which. More often than not, our body has handled some irreversible damages and we are unable to remain youthful, such as the elasticity of the skin and the size of the hips.

One other thing I noticed that inconvenienced me greatly is incontinence.

Probably require adult diapers as well
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To shave or not: The big question before delivery

I have had many friends asking me this question, which I have never thought would even be a concern in their mind with so many other more pressing baby issues. Most of them felt embarrassed to be 'hairy' down there and would go for a shave or even a Brazilian wax before delivery, or even before a gynaecologist meeting.
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5 things to prepare before your second baby's arrival

During the second pregnancy, I was more or less used to the state of pregnancy, the discomfort of having a big belly, the morning sickness and all. They say subsequent pregnancies are unlike first pregnancy, time seems to fly past. I agree, I don't monitor my baby's growth as closely anymore and are more nonchalant about my growing belly. Many baby items can be re-used and it was great on saving money, I actually did not buy any maternity clothes too.

However there are still many things to be done. Top on the list is telling your first born about the incoming arrival of the second child. He or she may not know what is happening yet, but it's good to get them used to the concept of a sibling. Moreover, you will need to transit her to toddler things so that your newborn can use those baby stuff.
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What's worse than morning sickness

It's a period of darkness, of no end in sight.

It is also the time when most woman will want to be a man in their next life.

Morning sickness happens to 80% of the pregnant mothers and it is definitely the wrong term, it doesn't happen only in the morning. It is for the whole dreadful day! Although some studies say that the nausea and vomiting might actually show high probability of a healthy pregnancy, seeing my friends who did not have to go through this dark phase made me jealous like crazy.
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Can you be the woman while I be the man?

In our next life, can you be the woman while I be the man?

That's what I like to say to my husband. Why? No menstruate cramps, morning sickness, delivery pains, confinement headaches and breastfeeding woes. All the physical torture of women that is not the least bit shared with men.

Freaky Friday anyone?
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Sharing session with SimplyJesMe on 5th May (Postponed)

I am honoured to have my own sharing session to meet and greet my readers. You can register them at this link - Unconditional Parenting Made Easy.

I have no idea who thought of this title because parenting is never easy. Yet it's the tough and challenging times that create the most unforgettable memories. Me? I have no secret recipe, I just try my very best and I think that's enough.
Yep, completely informal session!
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SnackFirst! Nuts, Seeds, Crackers, Cookies, Chips and Biscuits with Free Delivery


I got a pack of chips, nuts and biscuits from SnackFirst.com to try. They are a new site dedicated to offering (slightly more healthful) snack options with free delivery. The site was started by Jes who during her pregnancy couldn't find healthy snacks in good variety at our retail stores.

SnackFirst does offer dried fruit and seeds, granola, quinoa, flax and chia seeds. But I am betting the more popular items will be the more "sinful" choices.

Here are some of the items we tried; I'm showing you the covers so you can see the ingredients listed as well:

Oishi Japanese Nuts 日本豆混合 200g/1kg 
S$13.90 - S$39.00
These are like the ones you see in the Japanese goods aisle but these are halal-certified! Taste-wise, they seem less salty than the commercial variety. In fact, all their snacks seem less salty than normal ones.



Satay Sunkissed Cashew 沙爹腰豆 200g/1kg 
S$12.90 - S$35.00
OMG...why did no one think of this earlier? The garlicky satay coating often used for broad beans is magical on cashew nuts! The crunch is incredible and this is highly addictive.



BBQ Brown eyes Almonds 烧烤味杏仁 200g/1kg
S$13.90 - S$37.00
I love BBQ smoked nuts but these are not as strong-flavoured or savoury as the ones I normally get.

For people who like traditional snacks, they have cookies, old school biscuits, keropok and crackers.

Curry Tapioca Chips 咖哩木薯片 150g 
S$6.90
These have a rather homemade quality to them. The thickness of the slices vary but they are all super crunchy and evenly dusted with a savoury curry powder. They are not terribly spicy, so even kids can take them.


There were also little samples. I love the Rose Bandung Wafers 玫瑰味薄饼
S$6.90 - S$42.00 (now on sale for S$5.90 - S$42.00); they smell so good and are so delicate!

The Fragrant Durian Biscuits 榴莲饼 180g/5kg (S$6.90 - S$50.00) didn't impress as much because the flavours seemed too artificial. People who don't like durian might actually take to this.

The Juicy Apricot 杏脯肉干 200g/1kg (S$7.90 - S$21.00) from Turkey are some of the softest I've tried. Sometimes you find dried apricots that are too dry and eating them can be a bit of a chewy chore. These were perfect.

On the whole, SnackFirst items do seem to taste a little more healthy (less salty) and the site carries an interesting variety of flavours for nuts and mixes. I find the pricing is a little on the high side compared to local suppliers and shops, but you do have delivery  built in.

*This post first appeared on Catherine's blog at Camemberu.com
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PCF Infant Care to PlayGroup/Toddler

Previously, I debated whether to go with infant care or a nanny. I decided on infant care and sought out a centre that I found the most comfortable with my own set of criteria.  That was when my daughter was 4 months old but you can actually start infant care from 2 months old onward.

I realised not much information is shared online to give new parents and idea of the schedule and activities. Thus, I thought to write this so that more people can know more about what to expect from Infant Care. Do take note that my daughter is in PCF Sparkletots and different branches have different systems. The principals and teachers ultimately form the culture which is why if you don't feel so happy in one branch, you may want to give another branch/centres a try.
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Cross road

The early morning quiet yet bustling activities at the airport.
The wait to board the plane.
The idleness on the plane and hoping for time to speed up.
The waiting for luggage and careful sighting of your own.
The arriving to a new country and hoping on a taxi to an unexplored place.

I enjoy it all.
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